Quercetin and Omega-3 fatty acid averts the deleterious effects of Cadmium on NO, NOS, anti-oxidants and MDA levels in rats

Cadmium is a ubiquitous heavy metal and a toxic pollutant in the biosphere which has been implicated as one of the factors responsible for infertility. Infertility in animals is one of the most widespread problems with 48.5 million of the world population being infertile. This study aimed to investigate the effects of omega-3 and/or quercetin on cadmium- induced alterations in nitric oxide (NO), nitric oxide synthase (NOS), and anti-oxidants levels. 42 Wistar rats were assigned into 7 groups of 6 rats each and fed for 8 weeks with normal rat feed and drinking water. The treatment groups took either of cadmium chloride, omega-3 fatty acid and/or quercetin. The sham control groups 1 and 2 took olive oil (0/1mL/kg body wt. o.p) and DMSO (1mL/kg body wt. o.p) respectively. Serum was collected for measurement of the biochemical assay. Results obtained showed no significant differences were observed in all the parameters assayed between the sham control groups and the normal control. The LD50 for cadmium was 3.90mg/kg bw. Concentrations of NO, NOS reduced significantly in Cd groups compared with control, omega-3 and/or quercetin groups. SOD, CAT, GPx reduced significantly (p<0.05) while MDA increased significantly in Cd groups compared with control, omega-3 and/or quercetin groups. In conclusion, administration of quercetin or omega-3 ameliorates the adverse effects of Cd on NO, NOS, antioxidants (SOD, CAT, GPx), and MDA levels. A combination of both quercetin and omega-3 produced a better ameliorating effect than when given singly. Keywords: Cadmium, Omega-3, quercetin, NO, NOS, anti-oxidants, MDA, rats