Effect of Quail Egg on Cadmium-induced Toxicity in Rats

Abstract

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic environmental and occupational contaminant that affects most body systems. Quail egg consumption has been reported to remove toxins and heavy metals from the body but there is dearth of information on its effect on cadmium toxicity. This study investigated the protective effect of quail egg on haematological profile, spermatogenic parameters, renal anti-oxidant and inflammatory markers in cadmium toxic male Wistar rats. Cadmium toxicity was induced with a daily dose of Cd (0.5mg/kg) for 7days. Twenty-five male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: Group 1(control), Group 2-cadmium untreated (CUT), Group 3-Quail egg pre-treated + cadmium (QEPC), Group 4-Quail egg and cadmium co-treated (QECT), Group 5-cadmium + Quail egg post-treated (CQEP). Experimental groups were treated orally with quail egg (5ml/kg bw) for 14 days before or after cadmium induction. Blood through retro-orbital puncture from each rat was analysed for hematological indices. Caudal epididymis and kidneys were analysed for spermatogenic parameters, renal myeloperoxidase (MPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, and nitric oxide (NO). Oral administration of quail egg significantly increased (p<0.05) PCV, Hb, RBC, NO, SOD, sperm motility, viability and count with a decrease (p<0.05) in WBC and MPO compared to control while CUT showed significant increase (p<0.05) in WBC, MPO and a significant decrease in PCV, Hb, RBC, NO, SOD, sperm motility, viability and count when compared to all Quail egg treated groups. Treatment with quail egg reversed the toxic effects of cadmium on haematological profile, Spermatogenic parameters, renal antioxidants and inflammation possibly via an anti-oxidative mechanism.