الفهرس 
Introduction and aim of the workOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
 |  | from | 80 |  |  |
| | | from | 80 | | |
Abstract
Several reports are indicating that the quality and quantity of human spermatozoa are facing a serious decline. It leads some scientists and environmentalists to believe that the human species is approaching a fertility crisis. Several factors are claimed to be causes of the decline in male fertility potentials as heavy metals and various chemical agents that are widely used in agriculture and industry. These effects can result in not only a reduction in sperm concentration but also alterations in sexual behavior, mood disorders and the presence of genital cancers. The knowledge in male gonadal toxicity, therefore, is very useful to understand the impact of environment on the male reproductive system. It will lead us to protective strategies to avoid the adverse effects of environmental factors on the male fertility.
The present investigation aimed to study the good effect of natural antioxidants like vitamin C and selenium nanoparticles on the toxic effect of lead acetate on testes of rats.
This study was carried on (40) adult male albino rats. One week after acclimatization, the rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, ten rats each:
group I (control group): rats in this group were orally administered distilled water by stomach tube daily for 8 successive weeks.
group II (lead acetate treated group): rats in this group were orally administered lead acetate dissolved in distilled water at a dose of 20 mg /kg body weight by stomach tube daily for 8 successive weeks.
group III (lead acetate & vitamin C treated group): rats in this group were orally administered the same previous dose of lead acetate in addition to vitamin C at a dose of (20 mg/ kg body weight) by stomach tube daily for 8 successive weeks.
(53)
Summary
group IV (lead acetate & selenium nanoparticle treated group): rats in this group were orally administered the same previous dose of lead acetate in addition to
Selenium nanoparticles (21nm) at a dose of 0.1 mg /kg b.w in 2 ml saline for 8 successive weeks.
At the end of the experiment (8weeks), blood and testicular tissue samples were collected for biochemical determination of serum testosterone level, testicular tissue homogenate level of (GSH, SOD, CAT, MDA) and testicular tissue relative expression of BAX and Bcl-2. In addition, semen samples were examined for determination of sperm count and viability %. Histopathological examination of testes was also done.
Results were recorded in (3) tables and (14) figures. Data was statically analyzed
As the following:
Lead acetate administration to rats for 8 weeks resulted in a significant increase testicular MDA and a significant decrease in GSH and CAT concentrations. In addition, Sperm count, sperm viability % and serum testosterone concentration were all significantly decreased. Relative gene expression of testicular tissue BAX was significantly increased while Bcl2 was significantly decreased. Histopathological examination augmented our biochemical results.
The use of vitamin C and nano selenium particles succeeded in improving the previous measurements because of their powerful antioxidant and antiapoptotic effects.
Conclusion:
Using vitamin C and selenium nanoparticles for a sufficient period decreased toxicity by lead acetate improved testicular parameters increased antioxidant activity and decreased apoptosis induced by lead acetate.