The Ameliorative Effects of Broccoli Extract on Lead-Induced Reproductive Toxicity and DNA Damage in Pre-Pubertal Rats

The Ameliorative Effects of Broccoli Extract on Lead-Induced Reproductive Toxicity and DNA Damage in Pre-Pubertal Rats Nithya Venugopal Radhika Jayaraman Murali Punniakotti Pratheepa Sivasankari Natarajan Veena Raja

Lead toxicity poses significant risks to reproductive health, primarily through oxidative stress and endocrine disruption. This study evaluates the protective effects of ethanolic broccoli extract against lead-induced reproductive toxicity in prepubertal male Wistar rats. The study involved five groups: Control, Lead Acetate (LA), Lead Acetate + Broccoli extract (LA + Broc), Lead Acetate + Vitamin E (LA + Vit E) and Broccoli extract (Broc). Results revealed statistically significant differences across all parameters (p < 0.05). The lead group exhibited severe reductions in testis weight, antioxidant enzyme levels (GPX, SOD, GSH, CAT), oxidative stress parameter (LPO), reproductive hormone levels (testosterone, FSH, LH) and sperm quality, along with elevated lipid peroxidation (LPO) and DNA damage. Histopathological analysis revealed extensive degeneration of seminiferous tubules and reduced cellular proliferation (Ki67-positive cells). Conversely, the Broc group demonstrated substantial protective effects including normalization of testis weight, enhancement of antioxidant defenses, restoration of hormone levels and improved sperm parameters. Broccoli extract also mitigated histopathological alterations and significantly reduced DNA tail length, a marker of genotoxicity. The LA + Broc and LA + Vit E groups exhibited partial recovery, with broccoli extract showing superior efficacy over vitamin E, likely due to its bioactive compounds such as sulforaphane. Histomorphometric improvements in seminiferous tubule diameter, luminal diameter and epithelial thickness further underscored the protective role of broccoli extract. These findings highlight the potential of broccoli extract as a natural therapeutic agent for mitigating lead-induced reproductive toxicity, offering insights into its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Further studies are warranted to explore their applicability in the clinical settings.
04 30 2025 20 30 10.25303/296rjce020030 https://worldresearchersassociations.com/Archives/RJCE/Vol(29)2025/June%202025/The%20Ameliorative%20Effects%20of%20Broccoli%20Extract.aspx