Exposure to iron ore attenuates the reproductive potential of adult male Wistar rats

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of administration of iron ore on semen parameters and testosterone level. Materials and Methods: A total of 20 adult Wistar rat were used for this study and separated into four groups of five rats each. Group A served as control, Group B treated with 1.5 mg/kg iron ore, Group C treated with 3 mg/kg iron ore, Group D treated with 4.5 mg/kg iron ore. After 28 days of treatment, the animals were anesthetized and sacrificed while seminal fluid and blood samples were collected for semen analysis and testosterone assay. ANOVA was used to compare means and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Iron ore caused a dose-dependent significant (P < 0.05) decrease in the sperm count, sperm motility, percentage sperm with normal morphology, and testosterone level. Conclusion: Therefore, it was concluded that iron ore could affect male fertility by reducing semen quality and testosterone level.