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Effects of beta-cypermethrin on male rat reproductive system
1The School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical College, 84 West Huai-hai Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, China.
Abstract:
To study adverse effects and underlying mechanisms of beta-cypermethrin (β-cyp) on male reproductive system, the 15-day intact male adult Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats assay was used as an in vivo test. Male adult SD rats were treated by oral gavage with 0, 15 and 30mgβ-cyp/kgBW for 15 days. After 15-day treatments, the testes, epididymis and seminal vesicles were excised and weighed, respectively. One testis was used for testicular sperm head counts, and the other was for immunohistochemistry test to characterize the expression of androgen receptors (ARs). There were substantial decreases of both sperm head counts and daily sperm production after β-cyp exposure. The expression of AR decreased significantly in rats treated with 15 and 30mgβ-cyp/kgBW, and the gray scale pixel values in the three groups (0, 15 and 30mgβ-cyp/kgBW) were 113.79±13.58, 96.09±5.95 and 77.27±5.44, respectively. These findings suggested β-cyp has significant adverse effects on the reproductive system. Reducing the expression of AR is a potential mechanism of decreased sperm production caused by β-cyp.
Insights
Beta-cypermethrin (β-cyp) exposure significantly harms male rat reproductive systems, reducing sperm counts. This pesticide may decrease sperm production by lowering androgen receptor (AR) expression.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Reproductive Biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Pesticide exposure is a growing concern for male reproductive health.
- Beta-cypermethrin (β-cyp) is a widely used insecticide with potential endocrine-disrupting properties.
- Understanding the specific mechanisms of β-cyp toxicity is crucial for risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the adverse effects of β-cyp on the male reproductive system in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms, particularly the role of androgen receptor (AR) expression.
Main Methods:
- An in vivo study using adult male SD rats exposed to 0, 15, or 30 mg β-cyp/kg BW via oral gavage for 15 days.
- Assessment of reproductive organ weights (testes, epididymis, seminal vesicles).
- Evaluation of testicular sperm head counts, daily sperm production, and AR expression using immunohistochemistry.
Main Results:
- β-cyp exposure led to significant decreases in sperm head counts and daily sperm production.
- A dose-dependent reduction in AR expression was observed in the testes of β-cyp treated rats.
- Gray scale pixel values for AR expression were significantly lower in the 15 and 30 mg/kg BW groups compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- β-cyp exerts significant adverse effects on the male reproductive system.
- Reduced androgen receptor (AR) expression is a potential mechanism contributing to β-cyp-induced decrease in sperm production.
- These findings highlight the reproductive toxicity of β-cyp and its impact on the androgen signaling pathway.
