ABSTRACT
The study aimed at investigating the protective role of CoQ10 against Cd-induced reprotoxicity in male rats. Wistar rats were exposed to a daily dose of Cd (30 mg/kg bwt; Cd group), Cd+CoQ10 (30 mg/kg bwt + 10 mg CoQ10; Cd-Q10 group) and distilled water (healthy animal control) for 15 days. Semen analysis revealed a significant reduction in sperm concentration, motility, progressive motility, and DNA integrity in both Cd- and Cd-Q10 groups indicating Cd-induced testicular lipid per oxidation (LPO) (p<0.05). However, simultaneous co-administration of CoQ10 along with Cd (Cd-Q10 group) was able to improve sperm motility and LPO compared to Cd group (p<0.05). Sperm concentration, progressive motility, vitality, and DNA integrity also showed an improving trend although the differences between Cd- and Cd-Q10 groups were statistically not significant. Findings suggest potentiality of CoQ10 in providing moderate protection against reprotoxicity of high dose of Cd by improving sperm motility and reducing oxidative stress.
