Effects of Brazil nut extract(Bertholletia excelsa)in the spermatogenesis and other reproductive parametres of cadimiun-exposed male Wistar rats: an acute assay.

• Grant number: 12/15172-9
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): January 01, 2013
• Effective date (End): December 31, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Morphology - Cytology and Cell Biology
• Principal Investigator: Odair Aguiar Junior
• Grantee: Juliana Parusia Schonhaus
• Home Institution: Instituto de Saúde e Sociedade (ISS). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus Baixada Santista. Santos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The spermatogenesis, as wel as the remaining male reproductive parameters, have been altered under a series of endogenous and/or exogenous conditions, leading to a decrease in male fertility over the last five decades.A series of substances, artificially introduced in the environment, are endocrine disruptors which may affect the male reproductive system. Cadmium is a metal found in relevant concentrations as a soil contaminant,in agricultural products, tobacco (including the cigarette) and in industry is a byproduct of zinc, lead, and copper refining. The main target of cadmium are the testis, even in minimal concentrations. In this organ it causes massive alterations in the seminiferous epithelium and insterstitium, disrupting the spermatogenesis and hormonal production, leading to infertility.A lot of studies have been shown that besides an direct action, cadmium triggers oxidative reactions which amplify its effects. Many researches have been looking for antoxidant substances which may protect the organism against the cadmium-induced damages.In the present work a food will be tested as a protective: a Brazilian nut extract, which presents a richness in selenium and other antioxidant substances. In a shor-term assay (7 days), rats will be inject with cadmium and treated with the extract. Our aim are to characterize the responses to the extract, checking reproductive parameters and the levels of antioxidant markers, looking for evidences of a protective action.