چکیده (انگلیسی):

Objectives: To explore the possible link between reproductive abnormalities among men
and exposure of toxic chemicals in the environment.
Methods: The study investigated the sperm functions and the antioxidant defence system
of rats exposed to leachate obtained from Elewi Odo municipal battery recycling site
(EOMABRSL) via oral route.
Results: EOMABRSL had significant effects on both absolute and relative testicular
weight. Formation of sperm abnormalities was observed following EOMABRSL exposure.
Antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase and catalase were significantly
altered in the testes resulting into increased lipid peroxidation. Reduced glutathione
(GSH) levels were found to be significantly (P < 0.05) depleted relative to the control
group. Considerable necrosis of leydig cells and loss of germ cells in the seminiferous
tubules with the clumping of interstitial space were seen in EOMABRSL-treated rats. The
mechanism of toxicity is linked to individual, synergistic, antagonistic, competitive or
collective interaction of the metals with normal testicular biochemical processes.
Conclusion: The study concluded that possible mechanisms by which EOMABRSL at
the investigated doses elicits spermatotoxicity could be linked to the testicular oxidative
stress and damage to germinal epithelial cells by mixed-metal exposure. However, this
may suggest possible reproductive health hazards in subjects with environmental or industrial
exposure.