INSIGHT INTO FLUORIDE-INDUCED TESTICULAR DAMAGE IN THE GOLDEN HAMSTER, MESOCRICETUS AURATUS.

The aim of the present study was to observe the effects of sodium fluoride (NaF) on the testicular steroidogenic, metabolic, and antioxidant status of the golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus). For the study, 15 adult male golden hamsters were selected and divided into three experimental groups (n=5/group): Group I: control (vehicle treated), Group II: low dose (15 mg NaF kg bw-1 day-1), Group III: high dose (30 mg NaF kg bw-1 day-1). Treatment was given orally for a duration of 6 weeks. The results of the study revealed diverse prominent histoarchitectural damage in the testes with a reduced expression of steroidogenic markers (StAR, P450scc, 17ß-HSD, and AR) along with a reduced testosterone hormonal level in the fluoride-treated animals. Furthermore, the fluoride treatment compromised the testicular metabolic (GLUT-1, glucose, and LDH) and antioxidant (Nrf-2, HO-I) parameters that enhanced apoptosis (Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and caspase-3) and suppressed proliferation (PCNA). Therefore, the present experimental study provides a deeper insight into fluoride-induced male infertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]