Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 20, 2025
Establishment of Rat Models Mimicking Gender-affirming Hormone Therapies
Published on: January 10, 2025
Testosterone recuperates deteriorated male fertility in cypermethrin intoxicated rats
Vasudha Katragadda1, Meghapriya Adem1, Reshma Anjum Mohammad1
1Department of Biotechnology, Sri Padmavati Mahila Visvavidyalayam (Women's University), Tirupati, AP 517 502 India.
Abstract:
The present study investigates the protective effects of testosterone against reproductive toxicity induced by cypermethrin (50 mg/kg body weight) in rats. Significant reduction in the testicular and accessory sex organ weights were observed in cypermethrin-treated rats over controls. Cypermethrin intoxication significantly reduced testicular daily sperm count, epididymal sperm count, sperm motility, sperm viability and HOS-tail coiled sperm accompanied by significant reduction in the activity levels of testicular steroidogenic enzymes such as 3β- and 17β- hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases in rats as compared to controls. Further, qPCR studies indicated that the mRNA expression levels of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) significantly decreased in cypermethrin-treated rats over controls. Molecular docking analysis indicated that the binding affinity of cypermethrin (- 11.2 kcal/mol) towards StAR protein was greater as compared to its natural ligand, cholesterol (- 8.2 kcal/mol) suggesting improper cholesterol channeling across the testis. Significant reduction in the circulatory levels of testosterone was also recorded in cypermethrin-exposed rats. An increase in pre- and post-implantation loss was observed in rats cohabited with cypermethrin-treated rats. On the other hand, testosterone (4.16 mg/kg body weight) treatment ameliorated cypermethrin-induced reprotoxic effects in rats. To conclude, cypermethrin-induced deterioration of suppressed reproductive performance in male rats could be linked to its antiandrogenic effects and on the other hand, testosterone-mediated protection of male reproductive health in cypermethrin-treated rats at least in part occurs via restoration of testosterone biosynthesis, spermatogenesis and sperm maturation events.
Insights
Testosterone protects male rats from cypermethrin-induced reproductive toxicity by restoring testosterone biosynthesis and sperm production. This study highlights testosterone
Area of Science:
- Environmental Toxicology
- Reproductive Toxicology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Cypermethrin is a widely used insecticide with potential reprotoxic effects.
- Understanding the mechanisms of cypermethrin-induced reproductive toxicity is crucial for risk assessment.
- Testosterone plays a vital role in male reproductive health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protective role of testosterone against cypermethrin-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of cypermethrin's adverse effects on male reproduction.
Main Methods:
- Rats were treated with cypermethrin (50 mg/kg) and/or testosterone (4.16 mg/kg).
- Evaluated organ weights, sperm parameters (count, motility, viability), steroidogenic enzyme activities, and StAR mRNA expression.
- Molecular docking was used to assess cypermethrin's binding affinity to the StAR protein.
Main Results:
- Cypermethrin significantly reduced testicular weight, sperm count, motility, viability, and steroidogenic enzyme activities.
- Cypermethrin decreased StAR mRNA expression and circulatory testosterone levels, with higher binding affinity to StAR than cholesterol.
- Testosterone treatment ameliorated cypermethrin-induced reproductive impairments and restored reproductive parameters.
Conclusions:
- Cypermethrin induces male reproductive toxicity, potentially through antiandrogenic effects and impaired steroidogenesis.
- Testosterone administration mitigates cypermethrin's reprotoxic effects by restoring testosterone biosynthesis and spermatogenesis.
- Testosterone holds potential as a therapeutic agent against cypermethrin-induced reproductive damage.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Infertility in Males
01:26Testosterone: Functions and Regulation
01:41Spermatogenesis