Impact of Heavy Metals in Food Products from Crude Oil Polluted Area of Nigeria in Testicular Functions of Wistar Rats

Aims: The present study aim at investigating the effect of crude oil contaminated food products on the reproductive function of male rats.

Study Design: Randomized controlled experiment.

Place and Duration of Study: Molecular Drug Metabolism and Toxicology Unit, Department of Biochemistry, University of Ibadan between January and April, 2013.

Methodology: Male rats were given food products from crude oil contaminated area (Imiringi-Bayelsa) and non crude oil contaminated area (Ibadan-Oyo) for 90 days. Commercial rat chow was given to the control group. Serum Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Leutenizing Hormone (LH), Testosterone, levels of heavy metals, Antioxidant status, Sperm parameters, and histology of testes were evaluated.

Results: There was a decrease in Levels of FSH, LH and Testosterone by 58%, 66% and 82% respectively in testes and epididymis of rats exposed to crude oil contaminated feed when compared with control and non crude oil contaminated feed. Metal concentration in testes and epididymis showed the following arrangement: Pb>Ni>Cd, there was a concomitant increase in antioxidant enzymes, accompanied by increase in the levels of hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxidation in Wistar rats that received food products from crude oil contaminated area, compared with control group and non crude oil contaminated area. Sperm parameters and histology of testes from all groups showed no observable difference.

Conclusion: Crude oil contaminated food products could induce oxidative stress in testes and epididymis of rats which may be as a result of metal accumulation, and this could alter normal spermatogenesis within the testicular micro environment at a longer period of exposure.