Selenium Ameliorates Paraquat-Induced Oxidative Stress and Reproductive Damage Through Restoration of Antioxidant...

Paraquat (PQ), a widely used non-selective herbicide, poses serious environmental and health risks due to its strong oxidative potential. Although its toxic impacts on the liver, kidneys, and lungs are well documented, limited information exists regarding its reproductive toxicity in males. This study investigated the protective role of selenium (Se) against PQ-induced testicular oxidative stress and reproductive dysfunction in male albino rats. Forty-eight adult rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, Se (0.5 mg/kg), PQ (2 mg/kg), and PQ + Se (2 + 0.5 mg/kg), administered orally for 8 weeks. Biochemical assays revealed that PQ exposure significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the activities of antioxidant enzymes, including catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GSR), while increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in testicular tissues. PQ exposure also led to a significant decline in sperm count, motility, and viability, along with a reduction in testicular weight. Co-administration of selenium markedly restored antioxidant enzyme levels and reduced oxidative damage, improving sperm quality and testicular integrity compared with the PQ group. Although partial stress effects persisted, selenium supplementation significantly alleviated PQ-induced reproductive impairments. These findings suggest that selenium exerts strong antioxidant protection by maintaining redox balance and preserving sperm function, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent against herbicide-induced male reproductive toxicity.