Effect ofOcimum basilicumextract on cadmium-induced testicular histomorphometric and immunohistochemical alterations in albino rats
Open Access
- 1 January 2013
- journal article
- Published by Korean Association of Anatomists in Anatomy & Cell Biology
- Vol. 46 (2), 122-130
- https://doi.org/10.5115/acb.2013.46.2.122
Abstract
The present study examined the efficacy of Ocimum basilicum (basil) extract, a natural herb, with antioxidant properties, against testicular toxicity induced by cadmium (Cd), which is one of the most important toxic heavy metals. The intoxicated rats showed significant alterations in the testicular tissue including decreased seminiferous epithelium height and changes in the arrangement of spermatogenic layers. Hypospermatogensis with cytoplasmic vacuolization and pyknotic nuclei were observed. Intertubular hemorrahage and absence of spermatozoa were noted. Decreased cell proliferation was reflected by a decrease in Ki-67 expression, whereas the increase in apoptotic rate was associated with a decrease in the Bcl/Bax ratio. Concomitant treatment with aqueous basil extract led to an improvement in histological, morphometrical and immunohistochemical changes induced by Cd. The beneficial effects of basil extract could be attributed to its antioxidant properties.Keywords
This publication has 43 references indexed in Scilit:
- Testicular toxicity and sperm quality following cadmium exposure in rats: Ameliorative potentials of Allium cepaJournal of Human Reproductive Sciences, 2012
- Cadmium suppresses the proliferation of piglet Sertoli cells and causes their DNA damage, cell apoptosis and aberrant ultrastructureReproductive Biology and Endocrinology, 2010
- Lithium protects against toxic effects of cadmium in the rat testesJournal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, 2010
- Testis response to low doses of cadmium in Wistar ratsInternational Journal of Experimental Pathology, 2010
- Protective effect of manganese in cadmium-induced hepatic oxidative damage, changes in cadmium distribution and trace elements level in miceInterdisciplinary Toxicology, 2010
- Current status of cadmium as an environmental health problemToxicology and Applied Pharmacology, 2009
- Oxidative damage to proteins and DNA in rats exposed to cadmium and/or ethanolChemico-Biological Interactions, 2009
- The Main Chemical Composition and in vitro Antifungal Activity of the Essential Oils of Ocimum basilicum Linn. var. pilosum (Willd.) BenthMolecules, 2009
- Oxidative Stress: A Common Factor in Testicular DysfunctionJournal of Andrology, 2008
- The Death Domain Superfamily in Intracellular Signaling of Apoptosis and InflammationAnnual Review of Immunology, 2007