Efficacy of vitamin E and vitamin C against silica induced toxicity on male reproductive organs of albino rats

Abstract

Silica is one of the most documented workplace contaminants. Long-term occupational exposure to silica is associated with an increased risk in respiratory diseases such as silicosis, tuberculosis, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer. The present study was carried out to observe the alteration in testosterone level & histopathological changes in the testis and epididymis after silica exposure, and to show whether therapeutic agents (Vitamin E + Vitamin C) used in study may provide recovery against exposure to silica. For investigations, silica was administered in albino rats as silicon dioxide at a dose of 40 mg/Kg for 28 days (IP) to produce toxic effects. Recovery pattern was evaluated by Vitamin E + vitamin C (50 mg/kg, ip + 100 mg/kg, po, for 5 days after silica administration. The study showed alterations in the various blood parameters after intraperitonealintoxication of silicon dioxide. Testosterone was significantly decreased in experimental rats after 28 days of silica intoxication. Therapeutic agents i.e. vitamin E and vitamin C recouped the values to normal control and recoupment was also observed in histology of testis and epididymis.