Environmental Pollution and the Reproductive System: Beneficial Effect of Treadmill Running and Curcumin Supplementation

Document Type : Original Article

Abstract

Introduction: The effect of environmental lead (Pb) on the male reproductive system has been a major area 
of concern for several years. The current study was carried out to evaluate the protective effect of 
curcumin(CCM) and moderate treadmill running on the reproductive system during exposed to lead acetate 
(Pb).
Material and Methods: 50 male Wistar rats were divided into five groups (10 rats/group): 1)sham-operated, 
2)Pb, 3)exercise + Pb, 4)CCM + Pb, and 5)exercise + CCM + Pb. The 2 to 5 groups were exposed to lead 
acetate (20 mg/kg). In addition, the 4 and 5 groups received CCM solution (30mg/kg), while the 1 group 
received ethyl oleate, intra-peritoneally. The rats in the training groups performed treadmill running consisting 
of 15 to 22 m/min for 25 to 64 min, 5 times a week for 8 weeks. Motility and morphological profile of sperm, 
the testis and epididymal MDA and the reproductive hormone were assessed by standards methods.
Results: there are no significant differences were found between reproductive hormones concentration in all 
groups. However, Compared with other groups, mean values of testis and epididymis lipid peroxidation was 
higher in Pb group but not significant. Moreover, lead administration was corrupted motility and morphology 
of sperm in Pb group, but intervention of moderate treadmill running and CCM supplement have an 
ameliorating effect on this parameters.
Discussion and Conclusions: The results of this study shows that regular moderate treadmill running and 
using curcumin supplement are suitable guideline to inhibit the negative effects of Environmental pollution on 
reproductive system.

Keywords

• Air pollution
• Reproductive Parameters
• Endurance Training
• Antioxidants

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