Comparative Evaluation of Levamisole and Broccoli in Mitigating Testicular Oxidative Stress and Apoptotic Alterations Caused by Cadmium and Lead Exposure in Rats

Considering the significance of heavy metals in infertility and their reduction through natural and synthetic compounds, a comparative study of broccoli and levamisole in cadmium and lead poisoning was conducted. Male Wistar rats (48 in total) were divided into 8 groups. Control, cadmium, lead, levamisole, and broccoli were administered individually to groups 1-5, while groups 6-8 received combinations. Various measurements were taken, including final weight, testicular weight, and the GSI coefficient. Sperm parameters, spermatogenesis cell count, oxidative stress biomarkers, and apoptosis indices were assessed using ELISA kits and methods in testicular tissue. The results indicated that the GSI coefficient was lowest in group 2 and highest in group 4, showing a significant difference (P