Selenium and Vitamin E restore redox balance, gut microbiota and reproductive function against cadmium-induced toxicity in male rabbits.

This study evaluated the protective effect of selenium (Se) and vitamin E (VE) against cadmium (Cd) induced testicular and microbiota alterations in male rabbits. Sixty male rabbits were assigned to four groups: control, cadmium group (T1) and two co-treatment groups receiving cadmium plus selenium and vitamin E (T2 and T3). The results revealed that selenium and vitamin E substantially (P < 0.05) restored organ and body weight along with hematological parameters against cadmium intoxication in contrast to control group. Selenium and vitamin E mitigated (P < 0.05) cadmium-induced toxicity by elevating testosterone level and antioxidants (SOD, CAT, POD and TAC), suppressing ROS production and lowering MDA as compared to control group. Further, selenium and vitamin E significantly (P < 0.05) reduced lipid peroxidation, restored fatty acid composition, improved sperm quality, preserved cellular integrity and protected testicular function by counteracting cadmium-induced toxicity compare to control group. Moreover, cadmium altered gut microbial composition significantly (P < 0.05) by reducing beneficial taxa (Firmicutes, Bacteroides and Lactobacillus) and increasing pro-inflammatory pathogens (Proteobacteria). Selenium and vitamin E fully restored microbial metabolic pathways critical for gut health compared to control group. Overall, the results underscore the synergetic potential of selenium and vitamin E for antioxidant-microbiota modulation to counter cadmium induced reproductive toxicity, offering valuable insights for toxicology interventions and reproductive health.