| Abstrakt: |
Occupational and environmental exposure to pesticides, that induce oxidative damage may impair male fertility. The present study aims to compare the toxic effects of a chemical insecticide (Imidacloprid) against two bio-pesticides (Azadirachtin) and aqueous garlic extract on male fertility and oxidative stress parameters in Wistar male rats. Animals were divided into 7 groups, the G1 served as the control group. G2, G3, G4, and G5 were orally fed Aza- dirachtin and Imidocloropid at 1/30 and 1/15 LD50, respectively. G6 and G7 were treated with 1/30 and 1/15 LD50 garlic aqueous extract for 6 weeks. The results showed a decrease in absolute testis mass in Imidocloropid and Azadirachtin-treated groups, and a significant decrease in testosterone level in Imidacloprid-treated groups compared to the control group. Sperm concentration, motility, viability, velocity, amplitude of lateral head displacement, and beat cross frequency were all significantly lower in Imidacloprid treated groups. In addition, as compared to the control group, these pesticides caused an increase in oxidative stress parameters such as MDA levels and a substantial decrease in GSH and GPx levels. Thus, we suggested that the bio-insecticide Azadirachtin was not strictly safe, and the aqueous garlic extract was less toxic than the two insecticides regarding its negative effects on male reproductive and oxidative stress parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
