Oxidative effects of aluminum on testes and erythrocytes in rats

Aluminum (Al) has been proposed as an environmental factor contributing to free radical-mediated cytotoxicity and reproductive toxicity. The main goal of this study is to evaluate the effect of Al on oxidative stress status in rat testes and erythrocyte. 40 male Wistar rats were divided into two equal groups as experimental and control groups. Aluminum chloride solution (AlCl3) was orally administered (75 mg/kg/day) to the experimental group daily using a special canule for 30 days. After administration, the rats were sacrificed and the testes were taken out and blood was depleted. Al concentrations in tissue samples and erythrocytes were analyzed. The activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) as well as the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in the samples. The results indicated that Al remarkably accumulated in testes and erythrocytes. In the experimental group, antioxidant enzyme activities, such as SOD and GPx, significantly decreased in testes and erythrocytes samples while MDA levels were higher than control group (p < 0.001). In the current study, it is concluded that subchronic exposure to Al has destructive effect on testes and erythrocytes due to oxidative stress in rats