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Diacerein Downregulates NLRP3/Caspase-1/IL-1β and IL-6/STAT3 Pathways of Inflammation and Apoptosis in a Rat Model of Cadmium Testicular Toxicity

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Abstract

The potential gonadal protective effect of diacerein (DCN) and its underlying mechanisms were studied in a rat model of cadmium-induced testicular toxicity. The rats received DCN (50 mg/kg/day, p.o.) for 10 days and one injection of CdCl2 (2 mg/kg, i.p.) on day 9. Cadmium significantly declined serum testosterone and significantly raised interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, interleukin-18, tumor necrosis factor-α, caspase-1, phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (pSTAT3), nuclear factor-κB p65, Bax, and caspase-3 in rat testes. DCN significantly ameliorated the changes in the biochemical measurements observed with CdCl2 insult. Additionally, DCN preserved the normal testicular architecture, maintained spermatogenesis, and lowered the expression of NOD-like receptor family protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in testes of rats that received CdCl2. It was concluded that DCN significantly protected the gonads of male rats exposed to cadmium toxicity through modulation of NLRP3/caspase-1/IL-1β and IL-6/STAT3 pathways of inflammation and apoptosis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, El-Minia, 61519, Egypt

    Amr A. Fouad & Asmaa M. Abdel-Aziz

  2. Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, El-Minia, Egypt

    Azza A. H. Hamouda

Authors
  1. Amr A. Fouad
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  2. Asmaa M. Abdel-Aziz
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  3. Azza A. H. Hamouda
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Correspondence to Amr A. Fouad.

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The research was approved by the Research Ethics Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University (approval number 143:12019). The international guidelines of use and care of laboratory animals were followed.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Fouad, A.A., Abdel-Aziz, A.M. & Hamouda, A.A.H. Diacerein Downregulates NLRP3/Caspase-1/IL-1β and IL-6/STAT3 Pathways of Inflammation and Apoptosis in a Rat Model of Cadmium Testicular Toxicity. Biol Trace Elem Res 195, 499–505 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-019-01865-6

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