Effects of the apricot diets containing sulfur dioxide at different concentrations on rat testicles

Due to its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, sulfur dioxide (SO₂) is widely used in foods and beverages to prevent the growth of microorganisms and to preserve the color and flavor of fruits. However, the amount of SO₂ used in fruit preservation should be limited due to its possible adverse effects on human health. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of different SO₂ concentrations in apricot diets on rat testes. Animals were randomly divided into six groups. The control group was fed a standard diet, and the other groups were fed apricot diet pellets prepared with (w/w) 10% dried apricots containing SO₂ at different concentrations (1500 ppm, 2000 ppm, 2500 ppm, 3000 ppm, and 3500 ppm/kg) for 24 weeks. After sacrification, testicles were evaluated biochemically, histopathologically, and immunohistopathologically. Our results showed that an apricot diet containing 1500 ppm and 2000 ppm SO₂ did not cause significant changes in testis. However, it was determined that tissue testosterone levels decreased as the amount of SO₂ (2500 ppm and above) increased. Apricot diet containing 3500 ppm SO₂ caused a significant increase in spermatogenic cell apoptosis, oxidative damage, and histopathological changes. In addition, a decrease in the expression of connexin-43, vimentin, and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) was observed in the same group. In summary, the results show that sulfurization of apricot at high concentrations such as 3500 ppm may lead to male fertility problems in the long term through mechanisms such as oxidative stress, spermatogenic cell apoptosis, and inhibition of steroidogenesis.