Hormonal Protective Potential of Moringa oleifera Against Potassium Dichromate (Cr VI)-Induced Endocrine Disruption and Oxidative Stress in Male Rabbits

Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] is a well-documented environmental toxicant known to disrupt endocrine function and induce oxidative stress. This study investigated the protective role of Moringa oleifera (MO) against Cr(VI)-induced hormonal dysregulation and oxidative damage in male rabbits. Animals were divided into four groups: control, MO-treated, Cr(VI)-exposed, and MO+Cr(VI)-treated. Serum hormonal profiles and oxidative stress markers were analyzed. Results showed that Cr(VI) exposure significantly decreased testosterone (0.993 ng/ml), triiodothyronine (T3, 1.396 ng/dl), and thyroxine (T4, 2.934 µg/dl) levels (p<0.05), while elevating follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH, 0.869 mIU/ml) and luteinizing hormone (LH, 0.866 mIU/ml). Conversely, MO treatment markedly enhanced testosterone (2.764 ng/ml), T3 (2.023 ng/dl), and T4 (3.563 µg/dl) levels, while reducing LH (0.562 mIU/ml). Co-administration of MO with Cr(VI) restored testosterone (1.55 ng/ml), T3 (1.568 ng/dl), and T4 (3.236 µg/dl) levels close to control values, with partial normalization of FSH and LH. Oxidative stress analysis revealed that Cr(VI) significantly elevated thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) in plasma (3.113 nmol/gT) and testes (27.3 nmol/gT), compared to controls (2.673 and 14.7 nmol/gT, respectively). MO administration lowered TBARS in plasma (2.462 nmol/gT) and testes (10.5 nmol/gT), while MO+Cr(VI) treatment markedly reduced lipid peroxidation relative to Cr(VI) alone. In conclusion, Moringa oleifera demonstrated a significant protective effect against Cr(VI)-induced endocrine disruption and oxidative stress by enhancing testosterone and thyroid hormone levels, modulating gonadotropins, and reducing lipid peroxidation. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of MO as a natural antioxidant and hormonal regulator in mitigating heavy metal-induced reproductive toxicity.