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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.
Abstract:
Permethrin (PM) is a synthetic type 1 pyrethroid insecticide, and excessive exposure can cause a wide range of toxicity. This study evaluated the activities of sesame seed oil (SSO) on the testicular histology and male reproductive parameters in permethrin-induced toxicity in adult Wistar rats. Forty (40) adult male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into four (4) groups of 10 animals each. Group A received 0.5 ml of normal saline; Group B was given feed mixed with 1,000 mg/kg of 0.6% permethrin; Group C received 5 ml/kg of sesame seed oil, and Group D received feed mixed with 1,000 mg/kg of 0.6% permethrin and 5 ml/kg of sesame seed oil. All treatment was done daily for 4 weeks using an oral cannula. The animals were anesthetized and transcardially perfused with normal saline and 10% buffered formalin. The testis was processed for tissue histology, superoxide dismutase, glutathione, malondialdehyde, testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone were assayed. Furthermore, sperm count, motility, morphology, and viability were evaluated using the caudal epididymis. The result showed reduced body weight and testicular weight in the permethrin (PM) group. There was a reduction in the level of semen parameters due to permethrin exposure. There was also a reduction in the level of testosterone, coupled with a high level of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone in the PM group. Permethrin disrupts endogenous antioxidants, and there were degenerative changes in the testicular histoarchitecture in the PM group. The sesame seed oil protected against oxidative damage in male Wistar rats. It regulated the hormonal profiles and improved the caudal epididymal sperm quality as well as improved testicular histoarchitectural integrity. This study showed that sesame seed oil improved testicular histoarchitecture and enhanced reproductive parameters in permethrin-induced testicular damage. Key words: Permethrin, Sesame seed oil, Glutathione, Testosterone, histoarchitecture.
Insights
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.