Investigation of the effects of pomegranate juice against toxicity in the testes in lead-administered rats

Abstract

Lead (Pb) is a heavy metal that can damage various organs, tissues, and systems. Antioxidants are used to prevent or reduce the negative effects of heavy metals. Pomegranate juice (PJ) is one the antioxidants that alleviate the harmful effects of heavy metals. In this study, 28 Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups. These groups were determined as control (C), lead acetate (LA) (50 mL/ kg per rat), PJ (1 mL), and LA + PJ. It was observed that the malondialdehyde level of the LA+PJ decreased compared to the LA. The glutathione level of the LA decreased compared to other groups. LA + PJ had higher glutathione S-transferase enzyme activity than C and lower than LA. Carboxylesterase activity increased in the LA + PJ compared C and LA. Pb level in the LA + PJ was higher than C and lower than LA. Also, Mn levels increased LA+PJ compared to LA. Testosterone decreased LA but increased in PJ and LA+PJ compared to LA. LA and PJ had similar histological structures to and PJ. It was determined that PJ had a curative effect against Pb toxicity in testicular tissue.