Iprodione and chlorpyrifos induce testicular damage, oxidative stress, apoptosis and suppression of steroidogenic‐ and spermatogenic‐related genes in immature male albino rats

Abstract

The fungicide iprodione (IPR) and the insecticide chlorpyrifos (CPF) are concurrently applied for early disease control in fruits and other crops. However, there are no available data about the impacts of their co‐exposure. Additionally, IPR and CPF are known as endocrine disruptors that can cause reproductive toxicity. The outcomes of their co‐exposure on the development of male reproductive organs are still unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the risk of exposure to these pesticides, particularly on the postnatal development of the male albino rat reproductive system from postnatal days 23–60. The results revealed that a single IPR or CPF exposure has harmful consequences on the reproductive development and function manifested by reduced testicular weight, serious changes in sperm characteristics, reproductive hormone level imbalance, testicular enzymes, oxidative stress and apoptosis‐related enzymes, which correlated with transcription levels of steroidogenic‐ and spermatogenic‐related genes. Histopathologically, both compounds caused severe damage in the testis and accessory glands architecture. Notably, co‐exposure to IPR and CPF in rats caused more serious damage, indicative of an additive effect than individual exposure, so concurrent exposure should be avoided as it is more hazardous, especially on male fertility.

Olive Leaf Extract Attenuates Chlorpyrifos-Induced Neuro- and Reproductive Toxicity in Male Albino Rats

“…CPF-treated animals exhibit an oxidant/antioxidant imbalance in testis tissues, as evidenced by elevated MDA levels and decreased GSH, SOD, and TAC. The authors of [ 50 ] reported similar results. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) adversely affect the genetic content of spermatozoa and, thus, impair sperm survival and function.…”

Palliative Effect of Resveratrol against Nanosized Iron Oxide-Induced Oxidative Stress and Steroidogenesis-Related Genes Dysregulation in Testicular Tissue of Adult Male Rats

“…The process of sperm production is known to be controlled by the three leading male fertility hormones: TES, FSH, and LH [75]. Our data revealed that Fe 2 O 3 -NPs exposure markedly decreased the male sexual hormones, including TES, FSH, and LH levels in the male rats.…”

Combined exposures to bisphenols, polychlorinated dioxins, paracetamol, and phthalates as drivers of deteriorating semen quality

“…In the studies we retrieved, chlorpyrifos was administered at only one dose level; studies that permit a dose-response analysis could not be located. Babazadeh and Najafi (2017) observed declines in semen quality in rats that received 37 mg/kg/d, Alaa-Eldin, et al (2017) and Hassan et al, (2021) saw similar effects at 6.5 mg/kg/d. The lowest reported dose for declines in semen quality was 3 mg/kg/d, given to adult rats over 20 weeks (Li et al, 2019).…”