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Protective Effects of Sesame Seed Oil Nanoemulsion Against Cypermethrin-Induced Testicular Toxicity Through
Ekramy M Elmorsy1, Mazen M Ghaith2, Ayman R Baiuomy3
1Center for Health Research, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia.
Abstract:
Cypermethrin (CYP) is a widely used insecticide. This study investigated the protective effects of sesame seed oil nanoemulsion (SEONE) against CYP-induced testicular toxicity in 60 rats. Parameters investigated included body and reproductive organ weights, semen quality, oxidative stress markers (catalase, superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione, malondialdehyde, reactive oxygen species, reproductive hormones, and expression of apoptotic and antiapoptotic genes [p53, Bax, caspase-3, caspase-9, Bcl-2]), along with structural evaluation of testes. Compared to controls, CYP reduced body weight (-12%) and reproductive organ weights (-18% to -22%), decreased sperm count (5.62 ± 0.74 × 106) and motility (49.32% ± 2.89%), while increasing abnormal sperm (18.22% ± 1.24%). CYP administration induced oxidative damage, indicated by decreased activities of catalase (-46%) and superoxide dismutase (-55%), reduced levels of reduced glutathione (37.3% ± 2.1%), and elevated malondialdehyde (61.7% ± 23.6%), ROS (64.2% ± 3.2%), and hydrogen peroxide (145.3% ± 3.4%). Testosterone, luteinizing, and follicle-stimulating hormones levels were significantly decreased (-52% to -62%) in the CYP-treated group. These alterations were accompanied by significant upregulation of apoptotic genes p53, Bax, caspase-3, and caspase-9 and marked downregulation of the antiapoptotic gene Bcl-2. SEONE provided markedly better protection against CYP-induced testicular damage than unprocessed SEO (p < 0.05). Its administration resulted in higher body and reproductive organ weights, improved semen parameters, and restored testicular histology and ultrastructure, producing outcomes that closely resembled those of the control group. The superior performance of SEONE is likely linked to its improved physicochemical properties and multifaceted antioxidant and antiapoptotic protective actions. In conclusion, SEONE effectively mitigates CYP-induced testicular toxicity in rats, supporting its potential as a protective intervention against pesticide-induced reproductive damage.
Insights
Sesame seed oil nanoemulsion (SEONE) effectively protected rats from cypermethrin (CYP) induced testicular toxicity. SEONE improved semen quality, reduced oxidative stress, and restored reproductive hormone levels, demonstrating its protective potential against pesticide damage.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Reproductive Biology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Cypermethrin (CYP) is a widely used insecticide with known reproductive toxicity.
- Oxidative stress and apoptosis play key roles in pesticide-induced testicular damage.
- Nanoemulsions offer enhanced delivery and bioavailability of active compounds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protective effects of sesame seed oil nanoemulsion (SEONE) against cypermethrin (CYP)-induced testicular toxicity in rats.
- To evaluate the impact of SEONE on oxidative stress markers, reproductive hormones, gene expression, and testicular histology following CYP exposure.
- To compare the efficacy of SEONE with unprocessed sesame seed oil (SEO).
Main Methods:
- Rats were divided into groups and treated with CYP, SEONE, or both.
- Evaluated parameters included body and organ weights, semen quality, oxidative stress biomarkers (catalase, SOD, GSH, MDA, ROS), reproductive hormone levels (testosterone, LH, FSH), and gene expression (p53, Bax, caspase-3, caspase-9, Bcl-2).
- Testicular histology and ultrastructure were assessed.
Main Results:
- CYP exposure significantly reduced body weight, reproductive organ weights, sperm count, and motility, while increasing abnormal sperm and oxidative stress markers.
- CYP treatment decreased levels of testosterone, LH, and FSH, and altered the expression of apoptotic and antiapoptotic genes.
- SEONE administration significantly ameliorated CYP-induced testicular damage, restoring physiological parameters and histological integrity, with superior effects compared to unprocessed SEO.
Conclusions:
- Sesame seed oil nanoemulsion (SEONE) effectively mitigates cypermethrin-induced testicular toxicity in rats.
- SEONE demonstrates potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties, protecting testicular function and structure.
- SEONE holds promise as a protective agent against pesticide-induced reproductive damage.
