Effect of aflatoxins on testicular steroidogenesis and amelioration by vitamin E

The potential of aflatoxin to affect testicular steroidogenesis and its amelioration by vitamin E was assessed in the present investigation. Oral administration of aflatoxin (25 and 50 mug/animal/day) for 4-5 days to adult mice caused. as compared with control, a dose-dependent significant rise in cholesterol content. However, the activities of 3beta- and 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases and serum testosterone levels were significantly reduced in aflatoxin-treated mice as compared with the controls. Pretreatment with vitamin E (2 mg/animal/day, orally) significantly ameliorated aflatoxin-induced changes as compared with aflatoxin treatment alone, The present investigation clearly indicates that vitamin E ameliorates aflatoxin-induced changes in steroidogenesis. (C) 2002 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.