Abstract

Background: This study investigated the activities of zinc (Zn) supplement on redox status of animal model of doxorubicin-induced testicular oxidative stress; in order to ascertain whether Zn supplement could be beneficial on altered testicular redox status mediated by doxorubicin (a known anticancer drug). Methods: Single dose of doxorubicin (10mg/kg b.wt. i.p.) was used to induce testicular oxidative stress on DOX group as well as DOX+Zn group; DOX group was left untreated, while DOX+Zn was treated with Zn (10mg/kg b.wt. p.o.) daily for 14days after induction of testicular oxidative stress. Results were compared with control and Zn-only group as well as between DOX group and DOX+Zn group. Statistical significance was considered at P<0.05. Results: Doxorubicin (DOX) induced testicular oxidative stress by increasing lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde; MDA) and decreasing glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) when compared to control, P<0.05. Zn treatment decreased testicular MDA and improved testicular GPx, CAT, SOD and TAC; when Zn-only group is compared to control as well as comparison between DOX group and DOX+Zn group at P<0.05. Conclusion: Zinc supplement alleviates redox alterations mediated by doxorubicininduced testicular oxidative stress by improving testicular GPx, CAT, SOD, TAC and decreasing testicular MDA; forming basis for inclusion of Zn supplement as a combatant of doxorubicin-induced testicular oxidative stress

Keywords

doxorubicin, zinc supplement, redox status, oxidative stress, testis, reproductive system