Protective role of epigallocatechin-3-gallate on arsenic induced testicular toxicity in Swiss albino mice

Arsenic, often referred to as the king of poisons is carcinogenic in humans and animals. It affects multiorgan systems including reproduction. The present study was undertaken to explore the protective role of green tea compound, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on arsenic induced testicular toxicity in Swiss albino mice. Thirty two adult male mice were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 8). Group I served as control without test chemical. The group II received arsenic (200 ppm) through drinking water, group III received only EGCG (20 mg/kg b. wt., intraperitoneally, alternate days) and group IV was administered arsenic + EGCG for 40 days. Factorial experimental design was employed to assess the treatment effect. The EGCG restored arsenic induced decrements in epididymal sperm concentration, kinematic attributes (total motility, rapid, progressive motile, fast progressive, VSL, VAP, VCL, BCF, LIN, WOB, STR and Type A), structutal membrane integrity, functional membrane integrity and mitochondrial membrane potential. As evidenced by the histoarchitectural studies, the EGCG reversed the deleterious effects of arsenic on testicular malondialdehyde (p < 0.05) levels, reduced glutathione, antioxidative enzymes and spermatogenesis. Overall, the results suggest that EGCG reduces the testicular oxidative stress induced by arsenic poisoning and thereby protect the reproductive system.