Original Articles
Ouldali O, Sadi N, Ait Hamadou
Abstract
Lead is a ubiquitous heavy metal and its toxicity remains an important public health issue, especially infertility, is causing oxidative burst in the exposed individuals leading to testes damage. In previous work, we reported that ingestion of pectin extract from date (Phoenix Dactylifera) may decrease the toxic effects of this metal. Then, we evaluated the potential detoxifying effect of pectin after oral exposure of male rats to Pb. To achieve our goal, the young rats received 350mg/Kg of lead acetate by gavage for 30 days of lead acetate, the treatment with pectin of date at 3%started after one month of intoxication. This study was designed to associated reproductive disorder (Sperm Quality) and biochemical parameters were analyzed in the testes: alkaline phosphatase, lipid peroxidation and Catalase. Administration of pectin after intoxication with lead acetate ameliorated in the weight of both the testes. Moreover, pectin improved sperm viability and decrease of sperm abnormalities in rats treated compared with the intoxicated rats. Therefore, pectin provided a significant protection to thiobarbituric acid reactive substances level in testes, while cause a decrease in catalase and phosphatase alkaline levels. The results show that pectin has beneficial effects which could be able to antagonize lead toxicity.