Article 2025 · 1 citations

Molecular Changes Associated with Inflammation and Reproduction in Cadmium-Induced Testicular Toxicity: Mitigating Effect of <i>Lactobacillus plantarum</i>

Kizir, Duygu, Toraman, Emine, Karaman, Melike

Abstract

Cadmium (Cd) is a dangerous heavy metal that causes toxicity in humans and animals. Various protective agents are being investigated to ameliorate the toxic effect of Cd. Lactic acid bacteria are promising as a protective agent because of their ability to remove heavy metals from contaminated products. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum on biomarkers associated with reproduction and inflammation in the testes of rats exposed to Cd. For the application, rats were randomly divided into four groups: Control group, Cd group, L. plantarum group, and combined group (Cd + L. plantarum). At the end of 21 days of oral administration, testicular tissues of the rats were removed and mRNA expression levels of genes associated with reproduction (Dazl, Amh, and Ddx4) and inflammation (Tnf-alpha, Il-6, Cox-2, Inos, Foxo1, Foxo3, and Nfkb) were determined. On the other hand, the amounts of NOS2/iNOS, 8-ohdg, and Tnf alpha were analyzed in the tissues. The mtDNA copy number was also investigated. Cd caused an increase in the expression level of inflammation-related genes, except Nfkb, and a decrease in the expression level of reproduction-related genes. It also increased the levels of TNF-alpha, iNOS, and 8-OHdG biomarkers and mtDNA copy number. However, L. plantarum treatment did not cause a significant change in these parameters. Moreover, L. plantarum exposure in combination with Cd attenuated the observed Cd-mediated molecular changes in testicular tissue. In conclusion, the findings suggest that L. plantarum administration may be beneficial against Cd-induced testicular toxicity and may be considered as a biological agent in the development of protective strategies against environmental pollutants with further studies.

Keywords

Heavy metal Lactobacillus plantarum Testicular toxicity DNA COPY NUMBER BACTERIA PCR

WoS Categories

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Endocrinology & Metabolism

Sustainable Development Goals

Good Health and Well-being

Citation

Journal: BIOLOGICAL TRACE ELEMENT RESEARCH
Year: 2025
Volume: 203
Issue: 11
Pages: 5768-5775
ISSN: 0163-4984
eISSN: 1559-0720
DOI: 10.1007/s12011-025-04601-5
WoS UID: WOS:001459497300001

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