Protective effect of theaflavins on cadmium-induced testicular toxicity in male rats

Male Sprague–Dawley rats were treated with cadmium (Cd) (0.4 mg/kg body weight, s.c., once a day) and three concentrations of theaflavins (50, 100 or 200 mg/kg body weight, orally, once a day) for five weeks to evaluate the protective role of theaflavins on Cd-induced testicular toxicity. After five weeks, serum sex hormone levels, sperm characteristics, DNA damage, oxidant-antioxidant status, Cd content in several organs were measured. The results showed that a low dose of Cd caused testicular toxicity, which was represented by decreased serum testosterone levels, induction of DNA damage, increased malondialdehyde (MDA) content, Cd accumulation in several organs. Administration of theaflavins led to a dose-dependent alleviation Cd-induced damage in testis, including enhanced serum testosterone levels, improved sperm characteristics and abrogation of DNA damage. Theaflavins may also reduce the production of Cd-induced MDA content, decrease Cd concentration in liver, testis and blood, increase Cd content in urine and feces. These findings suggest the use of theaflavins as a potential therapeutic agent for Cd-induced testicular toxicity.