P-17: Effects of Garlic (Allium Sativum L), Vitamin E and Cystein on LH and Testosterone Hormone Level Related with Lead Toxicity in The Male Rat

Background: Lead (Pb) is one of the ubiquitous nonessential haevy metals in the environment. There are evidences, which show that lead toxicity has many undesired effects, including neurological, behavioral, immunological, renal, hepatic, male reproductive, dysfunctions. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of aqueous garlic extracts, vitamin E and N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) on LH and Testosterone Hormone level in male rat. Materials and Methods: 25 Male rats were divided into five groups of five rats each. Animals within different treatment groups were maintained on their respective diets for 35 days as follows: group 1, rats served as control (C) and received water ad libitum; group 2, received lead acetate by gavage (1000 ppm); group 3 treated with A. sativum extract (400 mg/kg, by gavage) plus lead acetate(1000 ppm); group 4, treated orally with vitamin E (300 mg of α tocopherol/kg of chow )plus lead acetate(1000 ppm); group5 treated orally N-acetyl cysteine (800 ppm)plus lead acetate (1000 ppm). Results: No significant changes in testosterone levels were observed in rats after lead administration. However, there was a decrease in Serum levels of this hormone in the lead-exposed group. On the other hand, a significant (p<0.05) increase was observed in LH level in the rats exposed to lead plus NAC in comparison with lead plus aqueous garlic extract group. Conclusion: Lead caused to decrease in the serum level of testosterone due to both direct effect on testis and suppression of luteinizing hormone secretion. Coadministration with garlic extract, vitamin E and NAC to lead exposed caused to reduction of lead effect and improvement of reproduction in male rats.