Effects of Wheat Sprout Extract on the Quality of Sperm in Rats Exposed to Lead

In recent years, the effects of lead have been shown on the male reproductive system and sperm fertility parameters. To treat of human problems and the pains, medicinal plants have been considered. The wheat sprout contains high amount of vitamins, minerals and phytoestrogens compounds. This study investigated the wheat sprout effects on sperm quality in rats exposed to lead. For this purpose, 30 healthy adult male Wistar rats (220 ±20 g) were divided randomly into six groups: G1 (Control group) received 1 ml/kg/day normal saline, G2 received 20 mg/kg/day lead acetate (intraperitoneally), G3 and G4 received 100 mg/kg/day and 200 mg/kg/day wheat sprout extract (orally) respectively, G5 and G6 received 100 mg/kg/day and 200 mg/kg/day wheat sprout extract (orally) respectively along with 20 mg/kg/day lead acetate (intraperitoneally). After 35 days, the rats were sacrificed using chloroform and sperm samples were taken from the caudal of the epididymis. Sperm total count, motility, viability, nuclear maturity, and DNA damage as the sperm quality parameters were determined. For statistical analysis, data were analyzed using SPSS 18 software. The results showed that sperm count, motility and viability were decreased and percentage of immature sperms was increased significantly following administration of the lead (P