This study aimed at investigating the protective role of CoQ10
against cadmium (Cd)-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats.
Adult male Wistar rats were exposed to an acute dose of Cd
(25 mg/kg bwt; Cd group), Cd+CoQ10 (25 mg/kg bwt Cd+10 mg
CoQ10; Cd-Q10 group) and distilled water (control) in vivo for
15 consecutive days and semen quality was assessed.
A significant reduction was noted in sperm concentration,
progressive motility, morphology and DNA integrity in both Cdand Cd-Q10 groups in comparison to control indicating
Cd-induced testicular lipid per oxidation (LPO) and decline in
indigenous antioxidant defense system as measured by total
antioxidant capacity (TAC) (p<0.05). However, simultaneous
co-administration of CoQ10 along with Cd (Cd-Q10 group) was
able to improve sperm concentration, motility, progressive
motility, morphology, DNA integrity, and testicular TAC as well as
lower LPO compared to Cd group (p<0.05). Results indicate that
used dose of CoQ10 is capable of moderately ameliorating
reproductive toxicity of Cd by improving semen quality and
reducing testicular oxidative stress.