Protective effect of grape seed extract against cadmium-induced testicular dysfunction.

Cadmium (Cd) is the most prevalent toxic metal present in livestock feed; therefore, the present study aimed to examine the ameliorative effects of grape seed extract (GSE) on cadmium chloride (CdCl2)‑induced testicular dysfunction of Wistar rats. Male adult Wistar rats (40 rats; n=10/group) were divided into four equal groups. Group one was used as a control, and was given ad libitum access to food and water. Groups 2‑4 were treated with CdCl2 [5 mg/kg body weight (BW)], GSE (400 mg/kg BW, orally), and GSE plus CdCl2, respectively. Blood and testicular tissues were collected and assayed for biochemical and histopathological changes, respectively. Testicular genes were expressed using semi‑quantitative RT‑PCR analysis. The results of the present study demonstrated that there was a decrease in serum testosterone levels following CdCl2 toxicity, which were normalized after GSE co-administration. Furthermore, CdCl2 significantly increased the serum levels of malondialdehyde, and decreased levels of antioxidants. At the histopathological level, the testes of the CdCl2 group exhibited congestion, edema in the interstitial blood vessels, irregular arrangement of the epithelial lining of the seminiferous tubules, and degeneration and sloughing of the spermatogenic cells, which accumulated in the center of the seminiferous tubules. Such pathological alterations were ameliorated following treatment with GSE in the CdCl2 plus GSE group. The immunohistochemical expression of B‑cell lymphoma 2‑associated X protein was high in the CdCl2 group, and low in the control and GSE groups. Co‑treatment with GSE and CdCl2 exhibited ameliorative effects on the immunoreactivity of B‑cell lymphoma 2‑associated X protein. CdCl2 toxicity induced a significant downregulation in the mRNA expression levels of cytochrome P450 cholesterol side‑chain cleavage enzyme, cytochrome P450 17A1, 3β‑hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β‑HSD), 17β‑HSD, androgen receptor, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, and follicle‑stimulating hormone receptor. GSE administration exhibited a stimulatory effect on steroidogenesis‑associated enzymes, and co‑treatment with GSE and CdCl2 normalized and upregulated the mRNA expression levels of these examined genes. This study concluded that GSE has beneficial protective effects against the deleterious effects of CdCl2 on the testis.

Introduction

Cadmium (Cd) is the most widespread environmental pollutant, which exerts diverse toxic effects in various tissues and organs of humans and animals (1). The human population is exposed to Cd toxicity through food, water and the air (2). The main sources of Cd include agricultural and industrial pollution (3). Cd toxicity is dependent on its biological characteristics, and it is defined as non-biodegradable with an extensive biological half-life, particularly below the earth (4).

It has previously been reported that exposure to low doses of Cd [1–2 mg/kg body weight (BW)] predominantly affects the testes, and no other organs (5). The mechanism underlying Cd toxicity to the testes remains unclear. One theory hypothesized that Cd toxicity induced failure in the circulatory system due to vascular damage, particularly in the testes, which may result in the inability to utilize zinc (6). Cd may therefore replace zinc in the bloodstream of the testes. Zinc, manganese and selenium are important for testicular function and fertility, whereas Cd, cobalt and mercury are very toxic, and impair testicular function and reduce fertility (7).

It is well-known that Cd toxicity induces oxidative stress via the production of free radicals, which are harmful to cells. Free radicals may damage protein, lipid, enzymes and DNA, and therefore must be neutralized by antioxidants before entering cells (8). Antioxidants serve as potent scavengers for free radicals and prevent the occurrence of disease (9). Recently, the use of natural products and flavonoids, including curcumin and cinnamon, for the treatment of diabetes and toxicity has been widely reported due to their protective effects (10,11). Such findings suggest that identifying herbal medicines for the protection of antioxidants, and the treatment of toxicity and human disease is required. Among such natural products recently identified is the grape seed extract (GSE).

GSE is one of the most powerful antioxidants, which contains high levels of bioflavonoids, vitamin C and vitamin E (12). GSE protects cells from damage by regulating cell oxidative damage (13), reducing organ injury, improving the balance between oxidants and antioxidants, and reducing the release of inflammatory mediators (14,15). In addition, GSE has been reported to exert anticarcinogenic effects (16). It is well-known that the organs most affected by Cd are the testes, and the present study aimed to determine the beneficial effects of GSE on human health. Therefore, the present study was designed to examine the possible ameliorative and protective effects of GSE against chronic Cd-induced testicular dysfunction.

Materials and methods

Materials

CdCl2, diethyl ether, ethidium bromide and agarose were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich (St. Louis, MO, USA). GSE was purchased from GNC (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia). The adult male Wistar rats (age, 3 months; weight, 250–280 g) were obtained from King Fahd Center for Scientific Research, King Abdulaziz University (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia). Kits for the detection of catalase, glutathione reductase (GSH-R), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were purchased from Bio-Diagnostic (Giza, Egypt). The DNA ladder (100 bp) was purchased from Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. (Waltham, MA, USA). QIAzol reagent and oligo dT primers were obtained from Qiagen, Inc. (Valencia, CA, USA).

Animal treatments and experimental design

All procedures for animal handling and treatments were approved by the Ethical Committee Office of the Scientific Deanship of Taif University (Taif, Saudi Arabia). A total of 40 male adult Wistar rats (n=10/group; age, 3 months; weight, 250–280 g) were used in the present study. For acclimation, the rats were handled manually for 2 weeks prior to the experiment. The rats were maintained under a light/dark cycle (12–12 h) and received ad libitum access to food and water. The healthy male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=10/group) as follows: Control group, which received a balanced diet; Cd chloride (CdCl2) group, which orally received 5 mg CdCl2/kg BW/day dissolved in water, based on a previous study (17); GSE group, which orally received GSE (400 mg/kg BW/day) dissolved in water (18); and the protective group, which orally received a mixture of GSE and CdCl2 dissolved in water as described for each individual group. All treatments were administered for 3 consecutive months. At the end of the experiment, the rats were sacrificed by inhalation of diethyl ether. Blood samples were collected for the extraction of serum by centrifugation for 10 min at 4,000 × g, and testicular tissues were collected for RNA extraction and immunohistochemistry.

Serum testosterone assays

Alterations in the serum levels of testosterone were measured using a commercial kit (Testosterone ELISA kit; cat. no. ab108666; Abcam, Tokyo, Japan) that was purchased from CliniLab (Cairo, Egypt). All kit procedures were followed as stated in the manufacturer's protocol.

Serum antioxidant levels

Serum levels of catalase, GSH-R, GSH-Px and MDA were measured spectrophotometrically using specific commercial kits. The assays were conducted according to the manufacturer's protocols.

Testicular histopathology and immunohistochemistry

Sections (4 µM) were cut using a microtome from the left and right testes of the rats, and were processed for general histological staining using hematoxylin and eosin stain (Sigma-Aldrich), based on previously stated protocols (19). The sections were deparaffinized in xylene, and were dehydrated in various ascending concentrations of ethanol. Endogenous peroxidase activity was blocked with 3% hydrogen peroxide for 15 min. After heating for 20 min in 0.01 mol/l citrate buffer using a microwave pressure cooker, the sections were allowed to cool to room temperature. Blocking of non-specific binding was conducted using normal horse serum (Sigma-Aldrich) for 20 min at room temperature. Subsequently, the testicular sections were incubated with the following primary antibodies for 30 min: Anti-B-cell lymphoma 2-associated X protein (Bax; sc-493; mouse monoclonal; clone no. 2D2; Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.) and anti-Ki-67 (sc-7846; Dako, Glostrup, Denmark) at dilutions of 1:1,000 for each antibody. Subsequently, the immunoperoxidase technique [avidin-biotin complex (ABC) kit; Lab Vision Corporation, Fremont, CA, USA) was used to stain the testicular sections, and the binding sites were detected with ABC chromogen. For rinsing between each step, phosphate-buffered saline was used. Finally, all sections were counterstained with hematoxylin and eosin stain and images were viewed microscopically (Wolfe-S90982; Carolina Biological Supply Co., Burlington, NC, USA) and images captures using a Canon Power-Shot SX500 IS digital camera (Canon, Inc., Tokyo, Japan) (20).

Analysis of gene expression

Total RNA was extracted from testicular samples using QIAzol reagent as previously described (10,11). Integrity of the RNA was visualized using 1.5% denatured agarose gel electrophoresis, followed by ethidium bromide staining. Total RNA (2 µg) in a total volume of 11 µl, together with 0.5 ng oligo dT primers and sterilized diethylpyrocarbonate (DEPC) water, was used to synthesize cDNA. Briefly, the mixture was incubated in a T100™ Thermal Cycler (Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., Hercules, CA, USA) at 70°C for 10 min for denaturation. Subsequently, 2 µl 10X reverse transcription (RT)-buffer, 100 U Moloney Murine Leukemia Virus Reverse Transcriptase (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.), 1 µl 10 mM dNTPs and 5 µl DEPC water was added (total volume, 20 µl). This mixture was then incubated in the thermal cycler at 37°C for 1 h, and at 70°C for 10 min in order to induce inactivation of the enzyme. For RT-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis, specific primers were used (Table I), which were designed using Oligo-4 software and were synthesized by Macrogen, Inc. (Seoul, South Korea). In a total volume of 25 µl [1 µl synthesized cDNA, 1 µl each primer (10 pM), 12.5 µl PCR master mix (Promega Corporation, Madison, WI, USA) and 9.5 µl sterilized deionized water], PCR was conducted. The PCR cycling conditions were set as follows: Initial denaturation for 1 cycle at 95°C for 4 min, followed by 27 cycles (each consisting of denaturation at 94°C for 1 min, annealing as stated in Table I for each gene, and extension at 72°C for 1 min) with a final extension step at 72°C for 7 min. G3PDH was used as an internal control. PCR products were separated by 1.5% agarose gel electrophoresis for 30 min (Bio Basic Inc., Markham, ON, Canada) and were stained with ethidium bromide in Tris-borate-EDTA buffer. The gels were visualized under ultraviolet light and subsequently photographed using an InGenius version 3.0 gel documentation system (Syngene, Cambridge, UK). The band intensities were densitometrically quantified and calculated using ImageJ software version 1.47 (http://imagej.en.softonic.com/).

Table I

PCR conditions and primer sequence of the indicated genes.

Gene	Product size (bp)	Annealing temp. (°C)	Direction	Sequence (5′-3′)
GST	575	55	Sense	GCTGGAGTGGAGTTTGAAGAA
			Antisense	GTCCTGACCACGTCAACATAG
SOD	410	55	Sense	AGGATTAACTGAAGGCGAGCAT
			Antisense	TCTACAGTTAGCAGGCCAGCAG
P450scc	688	55	Sense	CGCTCAGTGCTGGTCAAAA
			Antisense	TCTGGTAGACGGCGTCGAT
P450c17	302	55	Sense	GACCAAGGGAAAGGCGT
			Antisense	GCATCCACGATACCCTC
3β-HSD	547	55	Sense	CCGCAAGTATCATGACAGA
			Antisense	CCGCAAGTATCATGACAGA
17β-HSD	653	55	Sense	TTCTGCAAGGCTTTACCAGG
			Antisense	ACAAACTCATCGGCGGTCTT
AR	570	55	Sense	TTACGAAGTGGGCATGATGA
			Antisense	ATCTTGTCCAGGACTCGGTG
FSHR	490	55	Sense	GAGTCATCCCGAAAGGATCA
			Antisense	TAAAATGACTGGCCCAGAGG
StAR	389	58	Sense	TTGGGCATACTCAACAACCA
			Antisense	ATGACACCGCTTTGCTCAG
G3PDH	309	52	Sense	AGATCCACAACGGATACATT
			Antisense	TCCCTCAAGATTGTCAGCAA

GST, glutathione S-transferase; SOD, superoxide dismutase; P450scc, cytochrome P450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme; P450c17, cytochrome P450 17A1; 3β-HSD, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase; 17β-HSD, 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase; AR, androegen receptor; FSHR, follicle-stimulating hormone receptor; StAR, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein; G3PDH, glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase.

Statistical analysis

The data are presented as the mean ± standard error of the mean. Experiments were repeated 3 times. One-way analysis of variance and Fisher post-hoc descriptive test were used to analyze the data using SPSS software version 11.5 for Windows (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). P<0.05 were considered to indicate a statistically significant difference.

Results

Protective effects of GSE on CdCl2-induced alterations in the serum levels of testosterone

Serum testosterone levels were 0.52±0.2 ng/ml in the control rats. Treatment with CdCl2 significantly decreased the testosterone levels (0.07±0.02 ng/ml). Notably, GSE increased testosterone levels (3.4±0.39 ng/ml). Co-treatment with GSE and CdCl2 exhibited a protective effect, and the testosterone levels were significantly increased in this group, compared with the CdCl2-treated rats (P<0.05; 3.6±0.42 ng/ml).

Protective effects of GSE on CdCl2-induced alterations in the serum and mRNA expression levels of antioxidants and MDA

Treatment with CdCl2 for 3 months resulted in a significant decrease in the levels of catalase, GSH-R and GSH-Px (P<0.05; Table II). In addition, CDCl2 significantly increased the levels of MDA. Co-treatment with GSE and CdCl2 inhibited and normalized these alterations. Treatment with GSE alone exhibited good antioxidant activity (Table II). Consistent with the alterations to serum levels, treatment with CdCl2 significantly downregulated the mRNA expression levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione S-transferase (GST), the expression of which was normalized following co-treatment with GSE and CdCl2 (P<0.05; Fig. 1A and B).

Table II

Serum alterations in antioxidant and MDA levels following CdCl2 administration for 3 months in Wistar rats.

Factor	Control	CdCl2	GSE	GSE+CdCl2
Catalase (U/g protein)	31.2±2.7	16.8±2.6a	35.6±2.1a	27.1±1.9b
GSH-R (U/g protein)	75.1±6.4	26.2±4.4a	78.8±10.1a	42.9±4.5b
GSH-Px (U/g protein)	77.7±7.7	31.2±12.2a	58±4.7a	41±4.9b
MDA (nmol/g protein)	27.2±3.3	85.6±7.8a	35.5±5.2a	55.1±8.3b

Data are presented as the mean ± standard error of the mean for 5 rats per each treatment group.

P<0.05 vs. the control group;

P<0.05 vs. the CdCl2 group. CdCl2, cadmium chloride; GSH-R, glutathione reductase; GSH-Px, glutathione peroxidase; MDA, malondialdehyde.

Figure 1

(A) Alterations in glutathione S-transferase (GST) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) expression in the testes of rats treated with cadmium chloride (CdCl2) and grape seed extract (GSE). Experimental groups were administered water as a control (CNT), CdCl2 (Cd), GSE, or CdCl2 plus GSE (Cd+GSE). (B) Densitometric analysis of genes from 5 rats per treatment group. Data are presented as the mean ± standard error of the mean. *P<0.05 vs. the control group; #P<0.05 vs. the Cd group. $P<0.05 vs. the GSE group. G3PDH, glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase.

Protective effects of GSE on CdCl2-induced alterations in the testicular histopathology of Wistar rats

As shown in Fig. 2, the testes consist of numerous seminiferous tubules (STs), which are lined with spermatogenic cells. Interstitial connective tissue and Leydig cells are located between the STs (Fig. 2A). The STs of the GSE group were characterized by highly active spermatocytes and spermatozoa (Fig. 2B). However, the testes of the CdCl2 group exhibited congestion and edema in the interstitial blood vessels (Fig. 2C). The STs of the CdCl2 group were characterized by irregular arrangement of the epithelial lining, degeneration and sloughing of spermatogenic cells, and central accumulation in the STs (Fig. 2D). The testes of the protective group (GSE+CdCl2) exhibited improved histological ST structure; however, low levels of edema and congestion persisted in the interstitial tissue (Fig. 2E).

Figure 2

Photomicrographs of the testes. (A) In the control group, numerous seminiferous tubules (st), spermatogonia (sg), spermatocytes (sc) and spermatozoa (z) were detected. Interstitial connective tissue and Leydig cells (L) were observed [hematoxylin & eosin (H&E); magnification, ×10). (B) In the grape seed extract (GSE) group activated spermatocytes and spermatozoa (z) were detected (H&E; magnification, ×40). (C) In the cadmium chloride (CdCl2) group, edema (o) and sloughing of spermatogonia (s) were detected (H&E; magnification, ×40). (D) Accumulation of the sloughed cells was detected in the center of the seminiferous tubules (arrow) (H&E; magnification, ×40). (E) In the co-treated group (GSE and CdCl2), the seminiferous tubules were characterized by congestion (C) and slight edema (o) (H&E; magnification, ×10).

Protective effects of GSE on CdCl2-induced alterations in the expression of Bax and Ki-67 in the testes of Wistar rats

The testes of the control group exhibited positive Bax immunostaining of a few spermatogenic cells (Fig. 3A), whereas Bax expression was decreased in the spermatogenic cells of the GSE group (Fig. 3B). Immunostaining of the ST cells of the CdCl2 group was strongly positive (Fig. 3C), whereas co-treatment with GSE induced a marked decrease in Bax immunoreactivity in ST cells (Fig. 3D).

Figure 3

Photomicrograph of the immunoreactivity of B-cell lymphoma 2-associated X protein (Bax) in rat testes. (A) Few Bax-positive cells were immunostained in the control group (arrows; magnification, ×40). (B) Weak Bax immunostaining was detected in the grape seed extract (GSE) group (arrows; magnification, ×40). (C) Strong Bax immunostaining was detected in the cadmium chloride (CdCl2) group (arrows; magnification, ×40). (D) Few Bax-positive cells were immunostained in the co-treated group (GSE and CdCl2) (arrows; magnification, ×10).

Ki-67 expression was upregulated in the ST cells of the control rats. Immunostaining was localized to the spermatogonia and spermatocytes (Fig. 4A). In addition, Ki-67 expression was activated in the ST cells of the GSE group (Fig. 4B). Conversely, immunostaining of Ki-67 was weak in the ST cells of the CdCl2 group (Fig. 4C). Co-treatment with GSE and CdCl2 led to an improvement in Ki-67 expression in ST cells; however, the staining was not as strong as reported in the control rats (Fig. 4D).

Figure 4

Photomicrograph of the immunoreactivity of Ki-67 in the rat testes. (A) Strong Ki-67-positive immunostaining was detected in the spermatogenic cells of the control group (arrows; magnification, ×40). (B) Ki-67-positive immunostaining was detected in the grape seed extract (GSE) group (arrows; magnification, ×40). (C) Ki-67 immunostaining was very weak in the cadmium chloride (CdCl2) group (arrows; magnification, ×40). (D) Ki-67-positive immunostaining was detected following co-treatment with GSE and CdCl2 (arrows; magnification, ×10).

Protective effects of GSE on CdCl2-induced alterations in the expression levels of steroidogenesis-associated genes in the testes of Wistar rats

The expression levels of steroidogenesis-associated genes were downregulated following treatment with CdCl2 for 3 months (Fig. 5). There was a significant downregulation in the mRNA expression levels of cytochrome P450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc), cytochrome P450 17A1 (P450c17), 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD), 17β-HSD, androgen receptor (AR), steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) in the CdCl2 group (P<0.05; Fig. 5A and B). Notably, GSE exhibited a stimulatory effect on the expression of steroidogenesis-associated enzymes. Co-treatment with CdCl2 and GSE normalized and significantly upregulated the mRNA expression levels of steroidogenesis-associated genes, which were decreased in the CdCl2 group, as determined by densitometric analysis (P<0.05; Fig. 5C and D).

Figure 5

Semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis of the alterations in the expression of steriodogenesis-associated genes in the testes of rats treated with cadmium chloride (CdCl2) and grape seed extract (GSE) for 3 months. (A) mRNA expression levels of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), cytochrome P450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc), cytochrome P450 17A1 (P450c17) and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR). (B) mRNA expression levels of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD), 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD) and androgen receptor (AR). (C and D) Densitometric analysis of gene expression levels. Experimental groups were administered water as a control (CNT), CdCl2 (Cd), GSE, or CdCl2 plus GSE (Cd+GSE). Densitometric analysis was carried out for 5 rats per treatment group. Data are presented as the mean ± standard error of the mean. *P<0.05 vs. the control group; #P<0.05 vs. the Cd and control groups; $P<0.05 vs. the Cd group. G3PDH, glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase.

Discussion

The present study demonstrated that CdCl2 toxicity induced serious alterations in the testes, which were protected against by co-administration of GSE. CdCl2 administration induced significant decreases in the serum levels of testosterone and antioxidants, increased the expression of an apoptosis-associated biomarker in the testes, and downregulated the mRNA expression levels of steroidogenesis-associated enzymes in the rat testes. Furthermore, GSE ameliorated all alterations induced by CdCl2 toxicity. It is well-known that Cd is considered one of the most toxic elements, and has a toxicity grade of seven (21). Humans are exposed to Cd toxicity by either inhalation or ingestion; skin absorption of Cd is relatively insignificant (22,23). Cd is reported to be contained in industrial emissions, cigarette smoke and agricultural fertilizers (23). One method of Cd toxicity occurs through Cd-containing pigments, which are included in utensils and electrode materials contained within nickel-Cd batteries. Another method occurs through handling of contaminated food and water, and by smoking (24). During exposure to Cd, it may accumulate in the liver, kidneys, reproductive organs, and other tissues (25,26).

Cd accumulation may occur in the testes, where it induces testicular oxidative stress by two mechanisms: By reacting with the sulfhydryl groups of various proteins or by glutathione depletion (27), as confirmed in the findings of the present study (Table II and Fig. 1). Oxidative stress may induce cell proliferation via alterations in the DNA repair mechanism (28). The results of the present study confirmed that GSE exerts potential effects against oxidative stress, and may inhibit the production of free radicals, as described in a previous study (29). Treatment with Cd decreased antioxidant levels and increased MDA levels. It has previously been reported that Cd acts through overproduction of ROS and enhanced lipid peroxidation (30).

Cd toxicity alters testicular function and reduces fertility by lowering sperm count and motility (31). In addition, Cd toxicity may cause the formation of multinucleated giant cells. Giant cell formation is caused by additional DNA replication of the primary spermatocytes that fail to undergo meiosis (32). In addition, chronic Cd toxicity leads to impairment of the H2O2 removal system, which leads to inhibition of steroidogenesis in the Leydig cells due to an accumulation of H2O2 (33).

It has been demonstrated that low doses of CdCl2 induces alterations in testicular tissues, represented by mild interstitial fibrosis, while high doses of CdCl2 result in edema, degeneration, calcification of the tunica albuginea and hypertrophy of interstitial cells (34). The present study used the optimal dose of CdCl2 to induce toxicity without lethal effects. The results demonstrated that congestion and edema were present in the interstitial blood vessels, and sloughing of the spermatogenic cells resulted in central accumulation in the STs. These findings are consistent with those reported in other studies (31,35,36). The reported histopathological changes are mainly caused by disturbances in vascular permeability as a result of Cd toxicity (37).

Bax is a proapoptotic marker, which is increased in the early stages of intoxication and disease. Conversely, Ki-67 expression is a marker for cell proliferation. High expression of Ki-67 has been reported in cells during G2 and early M stages of cell growth (38,39). The results of the present study confirmed that Bax markers were increased in the spermatogenic cells of the CdCl2-treated group, while Ki67 was decreased. The expression of Bax and Ki67 is a mechanism of the body that acts against the degenerative effects caused by CdCl2 in the testes; the administration of GSE counteracted these effects. These findings were supported by the results of previous studies (38,40). Cd has been shown to exert biological effects on the Sertoli cells of piglets, resulting in DNA damage and the appearance of apoptotic cells (41). Apoptosis of the germ cells of the testes can be induced by intrinsic and extrinsic pathways (42). Bax expression has been detected in Leydig cells, indicating that Bax, a promotor of cell death, is often positively regulated by the tumour-suppressor gene p53 (43).

Androgenesis in the testes involves multi-critical steps that start with the synthesis of cholesterol, followed by its transport within the steroidogenic testicular tissues and its metabolism to form steroid biosynthesis. Steroidogenic cells (SCs) acquire cholesterol either by de novo synthesis or from the high density lipoproteins (HDL) or low density lipoproteins (LDL) that circulate in the blood (44). Scavenger receptor class B member 1 (SRB-1) is a specific receptor for lipoproteins and is located on the surface of SCs. SRB-1 aids LDL and HDL uptake by SCs (44). The increased production of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) allows the synthesis of cholesterol by activating the enzymes of cholesterol biosynthesis, including cholesterol ester hydrolase. Furthermore, LH and FSH production regulates the uptake of cholesterol esters by SCs through the enhancement of the expression of HDL and LDL receptors, which recognize SRB-1 (45). The present study detected a marked decrease in the serum levels of testosterone, possibly due to Cd-induced decreased synthesis and availability of cholesterol for steroidogenesis. Consequently, decreases in cholesterol biosynthesis result in downregulation of steroid biosynthesis (46).

Following cholesterol biosynthesis, StAR transports it to the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM) (47). The results of the present study detected a decrease in the mRNA expression levels of StAR in the testicular tissues of Cd-treated rats. This decrease may be due to a decrease in serum levels of LH, since LH is responsible for steroidogenesis through StAR activation in SCs (45,48). In agreement with these findings, previous studies have confirmed the role of StAR expression and activity in steroidogenesis (45,48). In the IMM, pregnenolone is produced by the action of cholesterol on P450scc, which is a major enzyme that regulates steroidogenesis (49).

The present study detected a significant reduction in the levels of the P450scc enzyme in Cd-treated rats, which may result from a decrease in availability of cholesterol in the IMM due to a reduction in FSH receptor, which regulates P450scc levels (46). Therefore, a significant decrease in the expression of P450scc is another factor that may contribute to an attenuation in steroidogenesis. In addition, it has been reported that a decrease in StAR activity is associated with a decrease in steroidogenesis (49). Notably, GSE counteracted the Cd-induced inhibitory effects.

CdCl2 administration downregulates the expression of 3β-HSD and 17β-HSD enzymes, and serves a critical role in steroidogenesis. A direct effect of endocrine disruptors on enzyme levels has also been reported in previous studies (50,51). Steroidogenic enzymes and steroidogenesis can be disrupted at various levels; however, StAR is the enzyme most affected by up- or downregulation of steroidogenesis and its related enzymes (52). Furthermore, the expression levels of AR were downregulated in the rats treated with Cd. The decreased serum levels of testosterone may be explained by this downregulation in AR expression. In conclusion, GSE ameliorated Cd-induced alterations in antioxidants, histopathology, immunoreactivity of an apoptotic marker, and mRNA expression of steroidogenesis-associated genes. Future in vitro studies are required in order to outline the direct beneficial effect of GSE on lyedig cell function, and its availability for treatment of testicular dysfunction during CdCl2 toxicity.