Protective Effect of Syringic Acid Against Cadmium-Induced Testicular Toxicity in Mice

This study examined the effects of syringic acid (SA) against testicular toxicity induced by cadmium (CAD). In the study, once daily for 7 days, the control and CAD groups were administered sterile distilled water, while the CAD + SA and SA groups were administered 25 mg/kg SA. Additionally, on the first day of the study, saline solution was administered intraperitoneally to the control and SA groups, and 1.5 mg/kg CdCl₂ was administered intraperitoneally to the CAD and CAD + SA groups. In blood, serum aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) enzyme activity, testosterone, creatine, and urea levels were evaluated. Spermatological parameters, including sperm motility, sperm viability, sperm concentration, and abnormal sperm, were evaluated. Histopathological examination and immunohistochemical analysis (inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclin D1, cannabinoid receptor1 (CB1)) were performed on testicular tissue. The testosterone value of the CAD group was significantly lower compared to the control and SA groups (p < 0.0083). In the CAD + SA group, sperm motility, sperm vitality, and sperm concentration were significantly increased compared to the CAD group. In contrast, the percentages of abnormal sperm (head and tail) were significantly decreased in the CAD + SA group compared to the CAD group (p < 0.0083). The rate of iNOS positivity in the SA and CAD + SA groups was similar to those in the control group. However, iNOS positivity was significantly higher in the testicles of the CAD group compared to the remaining groups (p < 0.0083). In conclusion, SA can be used as a preventative agent against testicular toxicity caused by CAD.