# Effects of edible bird’s nest and EDTA on cadmium toxicity exposed rats’ embryo production, quality, and pre- and post-embryo transfer pregnancy rates

## TL;DR

This study shows that edible bird's nest (EBN) can protect against cadmium toxicity in rats, improving embryo quality and pregnancy rates more effectively than EDTA.

## Contribution

The study provides empirical evidence that EBN at 120 mg/kg is more effective than EDTA in mitigating cadmium-induced reproductive toxicity in rats.

## Key findings

- EBN at 120 mg/kg BW improved blastocyst production and quality compared to cadmium-exposed groups.
- Higher pregnancy rates in recipients correlated with better blastocyst scores from EBN-treated donors.
- EBN outperformed both lower-dose EBN and EDTA in protecting against cadmium toxicity effects on reproduction.

## Abstract

The current study aimed to investigate the prophylactic potential of EBN compared to EDTA in mitigating Cd's toxic effects on pregnancy rates and embryonic development in rats.

Ninety-eight female rats (Sprague Dawley) were divided into donor and recipient groups, with donors further divided into seven subgroups, including negative control, Cd-exposed, EBN-treated, and EDTA-treated groups. Embryos from donors were transferred to recipient rats, with EBN and Cd administered for 4 weeks and EDTA given only in the last 5 days for the donor group.

Results showed significant differences in pregnancy rates and blastocyst quality. EBN at 120 mg/kg BW led to higher blastocyst production and better quality compared to Cd-exposed groups. The highest pregnancy rates in recipient groups correlated with the highest blastocyst scores from donors.

EBN at 120 mg/kg demonstrated significant protection against Cd toxicity and its effect on pregnancy rates, embryo production, quality, and pre- and post-embryo transfer, surpassing the effects of both 90 mg/kg EBN and EDTA. This study provides empirical evidence in support of the conventional belief in the positive impact of EBN on female reproduction.