A biochemical approach to evaluate the ameliorative effects of Adiantum capillus-veneris L. against furan induced toxicity in adult male Sprague Dawley rats.

Abstract

Furan (C4H4O) is a highly volatile organic heterocyclic molecule that has been classified as a probable human carcinogen. Recently, it has been discovered in many heat treated foods such as baby foods, sauces, vegetables, soups, and is known to induce oxidative stress in animals. A remarkable number of modern drugs have been developed and isolated from plant sources that are known to be effective against chemicals that act as endocrine disruptors. Because of the therapeutic and nutritional value of Adiantum capillus-veneris L., it has been used as herbal medicine. Therefore, the goal of the current study was to determine ameliorative effects of Adiantum capillus- veneris L. against furan induced toxicity in adult Sprague Dawley male rats. To conduct a present study, adult male Sprague Dawley rats were separated into 4 groups (n=5); Group I was given orally with 0.9% normal saline, while Group II was orally administrated with 40mg/kg of furan, Group 3 was orally administered with 250mg/kg methanolic leaf extract of Adiantum capillus-veneris L., and Group 4 was orally administrated with furan and ACV for 28 consecutive days, respectively. On the 29th day, animals were weighed, and decapitated; and tissues (testis and epididymis) and blood sample were collected for sperm parameters and biochemical analysis. Plasma was separated and stored at -20˚C for biochemical and hormonal analysis. The present study showed a remarkable decrease (p<0.001) in daily sperm production and percentage of viability and motility of sperm in furan group in comparison to control group. Analysis of lipid profile indicated an increase (p<0.001) in levels of cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides, and a decrease in levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in the furan administered group. The findings of hormonal analysis depicted a reduction (p<0.001) in testosterone levels, while increase (p<0.001) in cortisol concentrations were evident in furan-treated groups. For all the studied parameters, Adiantum capillus-veneris L. showed ameliorative effects than that of furan. Conclusively, plant Adiantum capillus-veneris L. ameliorate toxic effect of furan on reproductive system and protect the testes. Therefore, it is suggested that due to the protective effect of plant Adiantum capillus-veneris L. in male rats, it can be used to restore the toxic actions mediated by endocrine disruptors.