Protective effect of rutin on mercuric chloride-induced reproductive damage in male rats

This study investigated the effects of rutin against reproductive damage caused by toxic mercury in male rats. Thirty-five Sprague Dawley rats were used. Control group was injected with saline for 7 days. The rutin-100 group received 100 mg/kg/b.w. rutin for 7 days. Mercuric chloride (HgCl2) group received 1.23 mg/kg/b.w. of HgCl2 for 7 days. Mercury chloride + rutin-50 group received 50 mg/kg/b.w. rutin and HgCl2 1.23 mg/kg/b.w. for 7 days. HgCl2 + rutin-100 group received 100 mg/kg/b.w. rutin and HgCl2 1.23 mg/kg/b.w. for 7 days. It was detected that HgCl2 treatment increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expressions, necrosis and degeneration of spermatogonium, dead and abnormal sperm percentages; tubular walls thinning; and decreased antioxidant enzyme activities and sperm motility. It was determined that rutin application reduced testicular damage caused by HgCl2. In conclusion, rutin administration may treat HgCl2 toxicity in testes.