Cabbage (Brassica oleracea) mitigates lead (II) acetate‐induced testicular dysfunction in Wistar rats via up‐regulation of Bcl‐2 protein expression, pituitary–testicular hormonal axis and down‐regulation of oxido‐inflammatory reactions

Oxido‐inflammatory stress has been involved in lead‐induced testicular dysfunction and plants rich in anti‐oxidants has been reported to be beneficial in combating heavy metal poisonings in animal studies. However, cabbage juice protective effect on lead‐induced testicular dysfunction was investigated in this study. Twenty male Wistar rats were selected into four (n = 5) groups and given distilled water (1 ml/100 g body weight), lead acetate (25 mg/kg body weight), cabbage juice (1 ml/100 g body weight), and lead acetate with cabbage juice, respectively. All treatments were administered orally for 28 days. Sperm count, motility, viability, testosterone, luteinising hormone and follicle‐stimulating hormone, testicular Bcl‐2 expression, and enzymatic anti‐oxidant capabilities were considerably (p