Chronic exposure to potentially toxic elements (PTEs) such as cadmium (Cd) leads to male reproductive toxicity through the generation of oxidative stress. Spirulina Arthrospira maxima (AM) is a cyanobacterium that has been consumed since ancient times for its high nutritional value, and in recent years for its antiviral, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, anticancer, and antioxidant effects, among others. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of AM against the damage to reproductive health induced by Cd. A total of 48 10-week-old sexually experienced male Wistar rats were distributed in five groups (n = 8): control; vehicle (tween-water); cadmium chloride (CdCl₂) 5 mg/kg; and three doses of AM (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) + CdCl₂ 5 mg/kg. All treatments were orally administered once a day for 36 consecutive days. At the end, sexual behavior was evaluated, and semen, testicle, and blood samples were obtained to analyze sperm quality, enzymatic activity, and testosterone levels, respectively. Rats exposed to Cd showed a decrease in sexual behavior, as well as in the quality of reproductive health, and an increase in oxidative stress; while rats exposed simultaneously to AM + Cd showed an improvement in all this parameters. Based on our results, we believe that the mechanism by which AM exerts its effect could be attributed to the presence of phycobiliproteins. These compounds are responsible for exerting an antioxidant effect and chelating effect on elements such as Cd.

Background/Objectives: In recent years the global incidence of cancer during pregnancy is rising, occurring in 1 out of every 1000 pregnancies. In this regard, the most used chemotherapy drugs to treat cancer are alkylating agents such as cyclophosphamide (Cp). Despite its great efficacy, has been associated with the production of oxidative stress and DNA damage, leading to embryotoxicity, genotoxicity, and teratogenicity in the developing conceptus. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the protective role of phycobiliproteins (PBP) derived from Arthrospira maxima (spirulina) in reducing Cp-induced embryotoxicity and genotoxicity in pregnant CD1 mice. Methods: Pregnant CD1 mice were divided into five groups: control, Cp 20 mg/kg, and three doses of PBP (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) + Cp co-treatment. PBP were administered orally from day 6 to 10.5 dpc, followed by a single intraperitoneal dose of Cp on 10.5 dpc. Embryos were collected at 12.5 dpc to assess morphological development and vascular alterations, while maternal DNA damage was evaluated using micronucleus assays and antioxidant enzyme activity in maternal plasma. Results: PBP exhibited a dose-dependent protective effect against Cp-induced damage. The 200 mg/kg PBP dose significantly reduced developmental abnormalities, micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes, and oxidative stress, (as evidenced by increased SOD and GPx activity). Conclusions: Phycobiliproteins from Arthrospira maxima (spirulina) effectively reduced Cp-induced morphological and vascular alterations in embryos and genotoxicity in pregnant mice. These findings highlight their potential as a complementary therapy to mitigate teratogenic risks during chemotherapy. Further research is needed to optimize dosing and explore clinical applications.

Spirulina (Arthrospira maxima) is a filamentous cyanobacterium used since ancient times by the Aztec civilization and the first inhabitants of Central Africa, valued not only for its high nutrient content, but also for its important pharmacological potential, highlighting effects such as antitumor, anti-inflammatory, immunostimulant, antiviral, hypolipidemic, antigenotoxic, among others. In addition, it has been used as a nutritional supplement because it is enriched with proteins, carbohydrates and lipids [ 1, 2]. These pharmacological effects have been attributed to its antioxidant activity, due to the content of certain phycobiliproteins such as C-phycocyanin, phycoerythrin and allophycocyanin, which reduce oxidative stress [ 3].