Potential reproductive health effects and oxidative stress associated with exposure to potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7) and magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) in male mice

Objective: To investigate the potential harmful effects of potassium dichromate and magnesium sulphate causing oxidative stress and reproductive toxicity in adult male mice model. Methods: The experimental work was conducted on sixty male mice (Mus musculus) divided into three groups. Mice in group B and C received potassium dichromate and magnesium sulphate of 5.0 and 500 mg/ Kg body weight/ml respectively, for sixty days. The blood sample was analyzed to assess oxidative stress and cellular damage. Results: Results showed high malondialdehyde (MDA) and low levels of antioxidant enzymes [catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)] in both potassium dichromate and magnesium sulphate administrated groups as compared to control group. Reduced number of sperm count and excessive destruction of testicular follicles, including destruction of spermatids, leydig cells and sertoli cells, were also seen in both groups. Conclusion: We concluded from present study that potassium dichromate and magnesium sulphate causes oxidative stress by generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and causing DNA damage in testicular cells leading to adverse reproductive abnormalities.