Evaluation of the beneficial impact of pomegranate seed extract against the testicular toxicity induced by mercuric chloride in male rats

Mercury (Hg) is among the most hazardous heavy metals that adversely affect testicular tissue. Mercuric chloride (HgCl₂) is one of the most poisonous types of mercury. This study attempted to examine the potential ameliorative impact of pomegranate seed extract (PSE) against HgCl₂-induced testicular toxicity in adult rats. This study utilized a total of 40 male albino rats. Rats have been divided into four groups (10 per group): control, PSE, HgCl₂, and HgCl₂ plus PSE. PSE was provided at a dosage of 40 mg/kg bw, whilst HgCl₂ was given at a dosage of 1 mg/kg bw via gastric gavage. The dosage in the PSE and HgCl₂ groups was given for 28 consecutive days, blood samples were collected, and the animals were dissected to obtain the testes and epididymis. The findings revealed that HgCl₂ disrupted sexual hormones, by elevated serum FSH and testosterone levels and reduced LH levels. Additionally, rats given HgCl₂ exhibited significant impairment of sperm parameters (reduced sperm count and motility, along with heightened abnormalities) and elevated testicular oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Treatment of HgCl₂-exposed rats with PSE demonstrated a significant restoration of male sexual hormones and sperm parameters to baseline levels. PSE effectively reduced testicular oxidative stress induced by HgCl₂, as seen by a significant reduction in testicular MDA levels, along with enhanced activities of SOD and CAT, and increased GSH content. Similarly, PSE modulated the testicular inflammation and histological characteristics generated by HgCl₂, as evidenced by reduced levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, along with the inhibition of COX-2 expression. The additional beneficial effect of PSE was demonstrated by the lowering of testicular apoptosis via decreased Bax expression.