Cadmium-induced Up-regulation of Nitric Oxide Synthase Activity in Rats' Testes: Ameliorative Effect of PurXcel
Aribo E. O. *
Department of Physiology, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria.
Nwangwa J. N.
Department of Physiology, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria.
Udokang N. E.
Department of Physiology, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Cadmium is a common environmental pollutant and induces testicular dysfunction via mechanisms which include oxidative stress linked with inflammation. PurXcel is a polyherbal remedy said to be rich in antioxidants. The action of Cadmium on nitric oxide homeostasis and possible effect of the polyherbal on any functional aberration from this are not known and hence this study.
Methods: Twenty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into control, Cadmium-only, PurXcel-only and Cadmium+PurXcel groups of five rats each. Duration of daily administration was 28 days after which animals were sacrificed and their testes dissected out for determination of necessary parameters.
Results: The results showed a significant increase (p≤0.05) in the testicular activity of Nitric Oxide synthase in the Cadmium-only group compared with the control but which was significantly lower in the PurXcel-only and Cadmium+PurXcel groups than in the Cadmium-only group(p≤0.05). The concentration of testicular nitric oxide was significantly increased in the Cadmium-only group compared with the control (p≤0.05) but significantly lower in the Cadmium+PurXcel and PurXcel-only groups than in the Cadmium-only group (p≤0.05). The levels were significantly higher in the Cadmium+PurXcel than in the PurXcel-only groups (p≤0.05).
Conclusion: In conclusion, PurXcel administration ameliorates Cadmium-induced up-regulation of Nitric Oxide Synthase activity and the resultant increase in the concentration of nitric oxide in rats testes. Therefore, dysregulation of Nitric Oxide homeostasis may play an important role in Cadmium-induced cytotoxicity.
Keywords: Cadmium, PurXcel, up-regulation, nitric oxide synthase, nitric oxide