Vol. 9, Issue 11 (2020)

Author(s):
S Pavithra, SP Preetha, M Thangapandiyan and A Karthikeyan

Abstract:
5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a widely used anticancer drug known to induce testicular toxicity. Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in causing infertility due to decreased sperm motility, viability, and sperm abnormalities. The present study was designed to evaluate the antioxidant properties of the Fractionated Pectin Powder (FPP) capped nano Zinc oxide (nZnO) in 5- Fluorouracil induced testicular toxicity in rats. Experimental rats were divided into four groups (ݑ› = 10) which received normal saline (Group I), 5-FU @ 20gm/kg b.wt (Group II), FPP capped nZnO @ 40mg/kg b.wt (Group III), 5-FU @20gm/kg b.wt and FPP capped nZnO @ 40mg/kg b.wt (Group IV). All treatments were given orally up to 14 days. On the 15th day of sacrifice tissues of testis and epididymis were collected and subjected to antioxidant assays. In Group II both testis and epididymis showed a significant (P< 0.01) decrease in the activities of antioxidants (SOD, CAT, GSH, and GPX) with an increase in lipid peroxidation (LPO). On treatment with FPP capped nZnO (Group IV) showed a significant (P< 0.01) increase in the activities of CAT, GSH, and GPX and a decrease in the activity of LPO. Treatment with FPP capped nZnO considerably restored the collapsed antioxidant status. This study highlights the protective role of FPP-capped nZnO against 5-FU induced oxidative stress to the testicular and epididymal cells.