Exploring the protective role of <i>Heracleum persicum</i> L. extract in testicular toxicity induced by mercuric chloride: insights into hormonal modulation and cell survival pathways

The study investigated the effects of <i>Heracleum persicum</i> L. extract (HPE) on oxidative damage caused by mercuric chloride (HgCl₂) in rat testes. Sixty male Wistar rats were divided into six groups: a sham group, a HgCl₂ group, three groups receiving HgCl₂ with HPE at doses of 250, 500, and 750 mg/kg, and a control group treated with 750 mg/kg HPE alone over 50 days. HgCl₂ was administered intraperitoneally for the first 10 days, followed by HPE gavage for 40 days. On day 51, hormone levels (testosterone, FSH, LH), nitric oxide levels, antioxidant enzyme activity, and pro-inflammatory cytokines were measured. Testicular tissue was analyzed for thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, ferric reducing capacity, thiol levels, and stereological indicators of seminiferous tubules. The study also examined the p53/Cas-3/Bax/Bcl-2 apoptotic pathway. LC-ESI/MS and SEM-EDS analysis detected 25 substances and 14 mineral elements. HgCl₂ exposure significantly reduced LH, T, and FSH levels, while HPE improved these hormones, especially at higher doses. Inflammatory cytokines were elevated due to HgCl₂, but HPE reduced (<i>P</i> < 0.05) these levels and enhanced (<i>P</i> < 0.05) antioxidant enzyme activity, indicating protective effects against oxidative stress. Testicular analysis showed significant (<i>P</i> < 0.05) damage from HgCl₂, but HPE preserved tissue integrity and improved parameters. Weight measurements indicated that HgCl₂ reduced (<i>P</i> < 0.05) body and reproductive weights, while HPE restored these weights. HPE also counteracted apoptotic changes, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent against HgCl₂-induced damage.