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Modulatory Effects of Sesame Seed Oil on Permethrin-Induced Testicular Dysfunctions in Rats
Abubakar Lekan Imam1, Rukayat Jaji-Sulaimon2, Mubarak Muhammed Yunusa2
1Department of Anatomy Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences University of Ilorin.
Summary
Sesame seed oil (SSO) mitigates testicular damage and reproductive issues caused by permethrin (PM) exposure in rats. SSO protects against oxidative stress, improves sperm quality, and restores testicular histoarchitecture, offering a potential therapeutic strategy.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Reproductive Biology
- Natural Product Research
Background:
- Permethrin (PM), a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide, poses risks of toxicity with excessive exposure.
- Male reproductive health can be compromised by environmental toxins, necessitating protective strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protective effects of sesame seed oil (SSO) against permethrin-induced testicular toxicity in adult Wistar rats.
- To evaluate the impact of SSO on testicular histology and key male reproductive parameters following permethrin exposure.
Main Methods:
- Adult male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control, permethrin-only, sesame seed oil-only, and combined permethrin and SSO treatment.
- Animals received daily oral treatments for four weeks.
- Testicular histology, antioxidant enzyme activity (glutathione, superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde), hormone levels (testosterone, FSH, LH), and sperm parameters (count, motility, morphology, viability) were assessed.
Main Results:
- Permethrin exposure significantly reduced body weight, testicular weight, and semen parameters.
- Permethrin induced hormonal imbalances (reduced testosterone, elevated FSH and LH) and disrupted endogenous antioxidant levels.
- Histopathological examination revealed degenerative changes in testicular tissue due to permethrin.
- Sesame seed oil administration counteracted permethrin's adverse effects, improving antioxidant status, normalizing hormone levels, enhancing sperm quality, and preserving testicular histoarchitecture.
Conclusions:
- Sesame seed oil demonstrates significant protective effects against permethrin-induced testicular damage and reproductive dysfunction in male rats.
- SSO ameliorates oxidative stress, improves testicular histology, and enhances male reproductive parameters, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent.