Effects of Cadmium Exposure on Female Reproductive Health and the Protective Role of Ziziphus spina-christi in Rats

Background: Long-term exposure to cadmium, a lasting environmental pollutant, has been associated with numerous negative health effects, particularly significant reproductive toxicity. This study examines the effects of cadmium on female reproductive health and to investigate the potential protective benefits of Ziziphus spina-christi, a medicinal plant with wide reports on its antioxidant properties, in reducing these impacts in rats. Methods: The study was conducted using in-vivo model, sixteen female rats were assigned to four groups: Control, cadmium exposed group, Ziziphus spina-christi treated group and cadmium exposed treated with Ziziphus spina-christi. All treatments were conducted for 21 days. Histopathological assessments of ovarian tissues were carried out, along with measurements of organ weights and serum hormone levels (LH, FSH and estrogen) using ELISA kits. Statistical analyses were conducted with GraphPad Prism. Result: Exposure of Cadmium in female rats significantly reduced ovarian, oviduct and uterus weights, indicating detrimental effects on reproductive organs. Histological analysis revealed degeneration, atrophy, increased fibrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration in tissues exposed to cadmium. In contrast, treatment with Ziziphus spina-christi maintained normal tissue structure and organ weights. The treatment of Cadmium exposed group with Ziziphus spina-christi displayed intermediate characteristics, indicating some protective effect. Hormonal analysis showed significant decreases in LH, FSH and estrogen levels due to cadmium exposure, while Ziziphus spina-christi treatment raised these hormone levels, suggesting a protective role against hormone disruption. These findings underscore the severe effects of cadmium on female reproductive health and highlight the potential of Ziziphus spina-christi as a therapeutic agent against cadmium-induced reproductive toxicity, warranting further investigation into its mechanisms and effectiveness.