Vanadium Induced ROS and Associated Testicular Toxicity in Male Wister Rats

The toxic effect of sodium metavanadate on testicular functions of male albino Wistar rats was examined. The testis of each rat was used for assay of antioxidants, such as, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, glutathione-S-transferase and reduced glutathione (GSH). Lipid peroxidation (LPO) was also estimated in testis. In vivo results indicated an imbalance between the generation of reactive oxygen species and oxygen system protectors in the testis of vanadium treated rats. This was reflected in decreased antioxidant enzymes activities, such as, SOD, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, Glutahione-S-transferase and Glutathione reductase along with depressed GSH level. Unlike other antioxidant enzymes, the testicular γ-Glutamyl transpeptidase activity was elevated after vanadium exposure as part of the adaptation of cells to oxidative stress. Moreover, there was a marked elevation in lipid peroxidation level that may indirectly lead to an increase in oxidative stress, causing ROS-induced damages to macromolecules, such as, DNA, proteins and key enzymes involved in testicular functions. Therefore, increase in free radical formation relative to loss of antioxidant defense system during vanadium exposure may be implicated in vanadium-induced testicular toxicity, a proven threat to the reproductive health of individuals occupationally or therapeutically exposed to this pollutant.