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Abstract
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Exposure to cadmium chloride (Cd) is linked to reproductive disorders. Curcumin (CUR), a traditional medicinal compound, has
been considered for its therapeutic properties. The present study evaluated the antioxidant effects of CUR and liposomal CUR on
Cd-induced testicular toxicity. Mice were exposed to Cd (2.5 mg/kg as a single intraperitoneal dose), Cd +CUR at 50, 100, and
200 mg/kg, and Cd+liposomal CUR (15 mg/kg) orally for 7 days. At the end of the treatment period, histological studies, sperm
parameters, oxidative stress parameters, and blood–testis barrier (BTB) integrity were performed. Cd-induced histopathological
deleterious changes in the testis and epididymis tissues increased BTB permeability. It caused a significant decrease in sperm count
and viability (p<0:001), as well as an increase in sperm abnormality (p<0:001) and a reduction in the antioxidant activity of
superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) (p<0:001), and increased lipid peroxidation (LPO; p<0:001) compared to the
control group. Co-treatment of CUR with Cd dose-dependently and significantly attenuated Cd’s destructive effects on sperm and
oxidative stress parameters at 50 mg/kg (p<0:01) and 100, 200 mg/kg (p<0:001). Although the liposomal form of CUR showed
protective effects against some Cd-induced changes, such as sperm viability and count (p<0:001), it did not significantly improve
LPO and GSH levels. The results indicated that native CUR prevented Cd-induced reproductive toxicity in male mice by
suppressing oxidative injury, and there was no superior effect of liposomal CUR over native CUR
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