Protective effect of Scincus scincus extract on testicular histomorphometry and spermatogenic activity in cadmium- intoxicated rats

Abstract

The study aimed at evaluating the protective effects of sandfish extract against cadmium (Cd)-induced testicular toxicity in male albino rats. Twenty-nine rats were divided into five groups: Control (n=5), Extract (n=5), Cadmium (n=6), Cd + Extract (n=7), and Cd + Medicine (n=6). The experiment lasted 56 days. Cd exposure did not impact body weight, but it was significantly harmful for testicular biometry, spermatogenesis efficiency, and antioxidant parameters. Sandfish extract had no significant impact on body weight or relative testicular weight. However, it showed improved tubular and intertubular compartments compared to Cd-exposed groups. Cd + Ext and Cd + Medicine partially restored several parameters but didn't match Control or Extract groups, highlighting sandfish extract's potential protective effects against Cd-induced reproductive toxicity.