AMELIORATIVE ROLE OF SELENIUM AND ZINC AGAINST REPRODUCTIVE TOXICITY DUE TO EXPOSURE TO A MIXTURE OF HEAVY METALS LEAD, CADMIUM AND ARSENIC IN MALE ALBINO RATS

Introduction: Reproductive organs are the major target of heavy metal toxicity; oxidative stress plays a vital role in induction of such toxicity. Toxicity due to chronic exposure to a low dose mixture of three heavy metal lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) and ameliorative potentials of two antioxidant micronutrients selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) were evaluated in male albino rats. Materials and Methods: The animals were divided into four equal groups: i) control, ii) metal mixture, iii) mixture plus Se and iv) mixture plus Zn treated groups; all animals received respective treatment for ninety consecutive days. Body weight, relative organ weights, haematological and serum biochemical parameters, sperm characteristics, Steroidogenic enzymes, serum testosterone level, oxidative stress parameter sand testicular histology were evaluated. Results: There were significant alterations in body weight, relative organ weight, hematological and serum biochemical parameters in mixture treated groups indicative of systemic toxicity. There was marked decline in male sexual parameters; changes in oxidative stress parameters revealed associated oxidative stress. Supplementation with both Se and Zn along with metal mixture showed significant improvement in all the parameters. Conclusion: The study revealed that chronic exposure to a low dose mixture of three heavy metals Pb, Cd & As induced toxicity to the biological systems in male rats due to excess generation of free radicals and impairment of anti-oxidant defense mechanism. Supplementation with micronutrients Se and Zn could ameliorate the deleterious effects of exposure to such mixture.