HomeIngredientPotential protective effect of quercetin on the male reproductive system against exposure of Wistar rats to crude oil vapor: Genetic, biochemical, and histopathological evidence

Potential protective effect of quercetin on the male reproductive system against exposure of Wistar rats to crude oil vapor: Genetic, biochemical, and histopathological evidence

August 20, 2022

Reprod Toxicol. 2022 Aug 4:S0890-6238(22)00116-2. doi: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2022.08.001. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Toxic compounds in crude oil vapor (COV), including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), are associated with adverse effects on reproduction in living organisms. Quercetin (QT) is the most plentiful flavonoid in vegetables and fruits, with antioxidant activities. This study aimed to evaluate the protective role of QT on testicular toxicity induced by COV. Twenty-four adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=6) including control, quercetin (QT) (50mg/kg), crude oil vapors (COV), and COV + QT. The inhalation method was used to expose the rats to crude oil vapors for 5hours daily, and QT was administered orally. After 30 days, the rats were euthanized, then, the testes were removed for gonadosomatic index (GSI), sperm parameters, H&E staining, the activity of the antioxidant enzymes, and apoptotic gene expression assessments. The COV statistically significantly (P<0.05) reduced GSI, sperm count, motility, viability, and sperm normal morphology, histological indexes, and antioxidant enzyme activities than control. Also, COV statistically significantly (P<0.05) increased the expression of caspase-3, p-53, and Bax genes and decreased Bcl-2 gene expression. Co-administration of QT + COV caused a statistically significant (P<0.05) decrease in Bax gene expression and increased antioxidant enzyme activities, Bcl-2 gene expression, and reproductive parameters than the COV group. Based on the results of this study, it appears that crude oil vapor causes side effects on male reproduction. Yet, quercetin has the potential to reduce the side effects of crude oil vapor on the male reproductive system.

PMID:35934184 | DOI:10.1016/j.reprotox.2022.08.001

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About The Author

Patrick Blanchard MD

Meet Dr. Blanchard Dr. Blanchard’s medical practice is an embodiment of Integrative health which brings conventional and complementary approaches together in a coordinated way. Conveniently located in sunny Florida and over the internet with ValiseMD’s secure HIPPA compliant telXmed servers. Since 1994, patients with a wide range of challenging medical problems have achieved optimum health using the best of natural medicine, judiciously combined with high-tech innovations. Breakthroughs are often achieved even after patients have consulted mainstream specialists and holistic practitioners. Dr. Blanchard is founder and CEO of ValiseMD, Inc. He is board certified in Family Medicine since 1994 and awarded Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians in 2001. He received the ‘Teacher of the Year’ award from the University of Kansas School of Medicine at completion of his residency in Family Medicine. He completed a fellowship at Wake Forest University in the field of vascular neurosonology. He holds a medical patent in the field of Gastroenterology. He holds an unrestricted license to practice medicine and surgery in Florida. He started his medical career as a Emergency Medical Technician, then as a Paramedic and later a Medical Doctor.