The antagonism of aluminum against fluoride-induced oxidative stress and c-Fos overexpression in rat testes

AbstractSodium fluoride (NaF) has been found to interfere with the reproductive system of animals. However, the cellular mechanisms underlying the reproductive toxicity of fluoride are unclear. The present study aims to define a possible mechanism of NaF-induced reproductive toxicity with respect to mineral, oxidative stress and c-Fos expression and the role of aluminum (Al) in intervening the toxic effect of NaF on rat testes. Fifty-six male Wistar rats were treated with normal saline, 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 mg NaF/kg body weight (bw)/day, and each NaF concentration plus Al ion (0.1 mg Al3+/kg bw/day). After 90 days, no significant changes in the contents of Fe and Cu were observed in any of the NaF-treated groups compared with those of the control group. There were, however, significant decreases in the contents of Ca in the 1.0 mg NaF group, Zn in all NaF-treated groups and Mg in the 3.0 mg NaF group. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the 1.0 mg NaF group and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the 2.0 mg NaF ...