Protective Role of Gallic Acid in Restoring miR34c-5p Expression in Testicular Tissue of Cadmium-Induced Reproductive Damage in Adult Male Mice

Abstract

Cadmium, a known environmental toxin, is associated with significant reproductive damage, including the dysregulation of key 
genetic pathways. This study investigated the protective role of gallic acid in mitigating cadmium-induced testicular damage by 
regulating miR-34c-5p gene expression. Eighteen healthy male Balb/c mice were divided into six groups: Group 1 (control) 
received normal saline, Groups 2 and 3 were treated with gallic acid (50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg, respectively), Group 4 received 
cadmium (3 mg/kg), Group 5 was administered cadmium (3 mg/kg) with gallic acid (50 mg/kg), and Group 6 received cadmium 
(3 mg/kg) with gallic acid (100 mg/kg). Treatments were administered intraperitoneally over five weeks, with cadmium given 
weekly and gallic acid twice weekly. Results revealed a significant reduction in miR-34c-5p expression in cadmium-exposed mice 
compared to the control group (p < 0.0001). Gallic acid alone (50 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg) did not significantly alter miR-34c-5p 
expression compared to the control (p > 0.05). However, co-administration of gallic acid (50 mg/kg) with cadmium significantly 
increased miR-34c-5p expression (p < 0.05), although levels remained lower than in the control group (p < 0.01). Similarly, 
cadmium-treated mice receiving gallic acid (100 mg/kg) showed an increase in miR-34c-5p expression, but this was not statistically 
significant (p > 0.05). In conclusion, gallic acid demonstrates a dose-dependent protective effect against cadmium-induced 
suppression of miR-34c-5p expression in testicular tissue. These findings highlight the potential of gallic acid as a therapeutic agent 
in mitigating cadmium-associated reproductive toxicity.