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Protective role of caffeic acid on lambda cyhalothrin-induced changes in sperm characteristics and testicular
Fatma Ben Abdallah1, Hamadi Fetoui, Nassira Zribi
1Laboratory of Histology, Embryology, and Reproductive Biology, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia. fatma_isbs@yahoo.fr
Abstract:
The synthetic pyrethroids are expected to cause deleterious effects on most of the organs and especially on the male reproductive system. The current study was performed to assess the adverse effect of lambda cyhalothrin (LC) on reproductive organs and fertility in male rats and to evaluate the protective role of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) in alleviating the detrimental effect of LC on male fertility. A total of 48 male rats were divided into 4 groups (12 rats each): control group received distilled water ad libitum and 1 ml of vehicle solution given intraperitoneally (i.p.); CAPE-treated group received a single i.p. dose of CAPE (10 μmol kg⁻¹ day⁻¹); LC-treated group received 668 ppm of LC through drinking water; and CAPE + LC-treated group received an i.p. injection of CAPE (10 μmol kg⁻¹ day⁻¹) 12 h before the LC administration. The experiment was conducted for 10 consecutive weeks. LC caused a significant increase in testicular malondialdehyde, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S-transferase activities, and sperm abnormalities and a significant reduction in testicular glutathione concentration, sperm count, sperm motility, and a live sperm percentage. Conversely, treatment with CAPE improved the reduction in the sperm characteristics, LC-induced oxidative damage of testes and the testicular histopathological alterations. Results indicate that LC exerts significant harmful effects on the male reproductive system and that CAPE reduced the deleterious effects of LC on male fertility.
Insights
Lambda cyhalothrin (LC) exposure significantly harms male rat fertility and reproductive organs. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) treatment effectively mitigated these adverse effects, protecting male fertility.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Reproductive Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Synthetic pyrethroids, like lambda cyhalothrin (LC), are widely used insecticides with potential adverse effects on mammalian organs.
- The male reproductive system is particularly vulnerable to environmental toxins, necessitating research into protective agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the detrimental effects of lambda cyhalothrin (LC) on male rat reproductive organs and fertility.
- To evaluate the protective efficacy of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) against LC-induced reproductive toxicity.
Main Methods:
- Male rats were exposed to LC (668 ppm in drinking water) for 10 weeks.
- One group received concurrent treatment with CAPE (10 μmol kg⁻¹ day⁻¹), administered 12 hours prior to LC exposure.
- Reproductive parameters, sperm characteristics, oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde, glutathione), and testicular histology were assessed.
Main Results:
- LC exposure significantly increased oxidative stress markers and sperm abnormalities while decreasing sperm count, motility, and viability.
- LC induced significant testicular histopathological alterations.
- CAPE treatment ameliorated LC-induced reductions in sperm quality and testicular oxidative damage, improving histopathological findings.
Conclusions:
- Lambda cyhalothrin exerts significant toxicity on the male reproductive system, leading to impaired fertility.
- Caffeic acid phenethyl ester demonstrates a protective role against lambda cyhalothrin-induced reproductive damage in male rats.
