Bromelain from Ananas comosus stem attenuates oxidative toxicity and testicular dysfunction caused by aluminum in rats

Abstract BACKGROUND Aluminum (Al) has been reported to induce testicular injury via oxidative stress. Ananas comosus stem is an inexpensive byproduct waste rich in bromelain which is a group of sulfur-containing enzymes known for its biological activities and medicinal applications. So, the current investigation aims to evaluate the efficacy of bromelain in counteracting oxidative injury and testicular dysfunction stimulated by aluminum in rats. METHODS Male adult Wistar rats were divided into four groups. The first group used as control, however, the second and third groups were received bromelain (250 mg/kg) and AlCl3 (34 mg/Kg, 1/25 LD50), and the fourth group supplemented with bromelain one hour before AlCl3 intoxication, respectively. Bromelain was administered daily while AlCl3 was given every other day by oral gavages for one month. RESULTS Al intoxicated animals revealed an elevation in lipid peroxidation (TBARS and H2O2) level and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity. However, reduced glutathione (GSH) and protein contents, antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx, GR, GST), phosphatases (ALP, AcP) and aminotransferases (AST, ALT) activities were significantly reduced. Additionally, considerable amendments in hormonal levels (testosterone, luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormone) and sperm characteristics were spotted. Further, histological variations in the testes section were detected and this supports the biochemical observations. Otherwise, rats supplemented with bromelain alone diminished TBARS and H2O2 and augmented mostly other parameters. Furthermore, supplementation with bromelain before Al intoxication in rats exhibited worthy betterment in oxidative stress markers, hormones, and sperm quality compared to Al treated group. CONCLUSION In conclusion, bromelain had a powerful protective role against Al-induced testicular dysfunction so, it represents a novel approach in metal toxicity processing.