Omega-3 Fatty Acids as a Novel Antioxidant Strategy Against Cadmium-induced Testicular Dysfunction: A Proteomic Approach

<i>Background: </i>Cadmium-induced reproductive toxicity significantly threatens male fertility, primarily through oxidative stress and alterations in testicular proteins. <i>Objective: </i>This study investigates omega-3 fatty acids as a potential therapeutic strategy to counteract cadmium-induced testicular damage. Methods Adult male Wistar rats were exposed to cadmium chloride, followed by oral omega-3 fatty acid supplementation. Testicular tissues were analyzed for oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde, MDA), antioxidant enzyme activities (Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), gluthanione peroxidase (GPx), and key reproductive proteins (acrosin, clusterin, osteopontin, annexin-A2, kallikrein-1) using) enzyme linked immunoassay (ELISA and spectrophotometry. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tools. <i>Results: </i>Omega-3 supplementation significantly (p < 0.05) reduced MDA levels, restored antioxidant enzyme activities, and preserved testicular protein integrity. Proteomic analysis revealed modulation of proteins involved in oxidative stress response, apoptosis, and spermatogenesis.<i> Conclusion: </i>These findings suggest that omega-3 fatty acids may serve as a promising therapeutic agent for mitigating cadmium-induced reproductive toxicity and preserving male fertility. Incorporating omega-3 into dietary interventions may offer an effective strategy against heavy metal-induced testicular damage.