Testicular dysfunction and antioxidative defense system of Swiss mice after chromic acid exposure

Chromic acid (CrO3), a hexavalent compound of chromium (Cr) that is widely used in different industries, has been associated with reproductive abnormalities in male Swiss mice. The mechanism of male reproductive toxicity is not clear. Metal-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) may impair spermatogenesis or alter sperm morphology. Therefore, in the present study we investigated the induction of oxidative stress in the testes of mice over time (5th–8th weeks) after a single intraperitoneal dose (1 mg/kg body weight) of CrO3. Exposed animals showed significantly decreased sperm counts and markedly increased rates of sperm abnormality. Oxidative stress was measured in terms of malondialdehyde content, the activities of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase, and non-enzymatic antioxidants such as ascorbic acid. The significant changes in exposed groups relative to controls suggest that CrO3 exposure suppressed antioxidant enzymes and ascorbic acid with a concomitant increase in the level of lipid peroxidation and H2O2 to adversely affect testicular function.