Ameliorative Potential of Cerastes vipera Venom Extract Against α-Chlorohydrin-Induced Testicular Dysfunction in Rats Through Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Mechanisms

Alpha-chlorohydrin (ACH) is a potent reproductive toxicant that induces testicular damage through oxidative stress and inflammation. In this study, we explored the potential protective effects of Cerastes vipera venom extract (CVE) against ACH-mediated testicular toxicity in male rats. Forty adult male albino rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, CVE-treated, ACH-treated, and ACH + CVE-treated groups. Testicular toxicity was induced by ACH (70 mg/kg), while CVE was administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 0.978 mg/kg for six weeks. Reproductive hormones, inflammatory cytokines, sperm characteristics, liver and kidney function markers, oxidative stress biomarkers, and histopathological alterations were evaluated. ACH administration resulted in significant (P < 0.05) reductions in serum testosterone, FSH, and LH, accompanied by elevated prolactin, TNF-α, and IL-1β levels. Moreover, ACH significantly decreased sperm count and motility while increasing non-motile sperm percentages. Testicular oxidative stress was evident by increased MDA and NO levels, together with reduced GSH, SOD, and CAT activities. Histopathological examination revealed severe degeneration of seminiferous tubules and impaired spermatogenesis. Treatment with CVE significantly ameliorated these alterations by restoring reproductive hormones, improving sperm quality, reducing inflammatory cytokines, enhancing antioxidant defenses, and preserving testicular histoarchitecture. In addition, CVE markedly improved hepatic and renal function markers. Collectively, these findings indicate that CVE protects against ACH-induced testicular toxicity through the modulation of oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways and may serve as a promising therapeutic candidate for the management of male reproductive disorders.