Attenuating effects of vitamin C on lead (Pb)-induced toxicological and endocrine responses in male Wistar rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the attenuating effect of vitamin C (VC) on lead (Pb)-induced toxicity in male Wistar rats. Twenty-four mature male rats were divided into 4 groups consisting of 6 animals using a completely randomized design. Rats were treated orally with either 60 mg/kg body weight (BW) Pb acetate or 100 mg/kg BW VC singly or combination. Controls group received water (vehicle control). After 65 days exposure, testes and epididymis of the animals were measured for testicular weight, epididymal weight and sperm estimations, while blood and liver samples were collected for liver function, hormonal assays, and oxidative stress responses including transcript expression using real-time PCR. Lead initiated significant increases in expression and activities of antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD,) glutathione peroxidase (Gpx) and levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO). Liver function enzyme activities for alkaline phosphatase (ALP,) aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALP) were also elevated in Pb exposed rats. In contrast, a significant decrease was noted in reproductive hormones testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), sperm variables including motility, viability and counts, as well as testes and epididymis weights following Pb treatment. However, the oxidative stress responses and liver function enzymes were reduced in the combined Pb and VC exposure group, while reproductive hormones and sperm profile increased significantly compared to Pb alone. Data indicate that VC exerts an attenuating effect. Our findings showed the attenuating potential of VC on Pb-induced toxicity of male rats.