Protective Effects of flaxseed &zincagainst lead induced reproductive toxicity in male mice

Abstract

The toxic effect of drugs and environmental chemicals on the human reproductive system has become a major health concern. Lead is recognized as the most dangerous of the toxic metals and a major threat to the biological systems of both human and animals. In this study we detect the effect of two types of antioxidants: flaxseed and zinc, on the toxicity of low dose of lead acetate on reproductive organs of male mice, this study was conduct.Two groups of mature male mice,exposed to low dose of lead, were administered either zinc sulphate (0. 5mg/kg body weight/day) or flaxseed oil (2.5% of total daily food intake), for 6 weeks. The results showed that lead caused a significant reduction in the total body weight, testicular weights & adverse effects on sperm parameters , while the concomitant administration of antioxidants caused elevation in these weights with significant improvement in sperm quality as compared to the only lead treated group. It is concluded that lead, like all other heavy metals, could induce oxidative stress and the concomitant administration of antioxidants (zinc or flaxseed) can ameliorate the toxic effect of leadon reproduction .