Allethrin toxicity causes reproductive dysfunction in male rats

Abstract

Pyrethroids are widely used for domestic and agricultural purposes and their use is increasing, especially in developing countries. Uncontrolled use of these insecticides resulted in their entry into the food chain thereby causing toxicity to different organ systems. Allethrin is one of the widely used pyrethroids, but its toxicological effects are underreported when compared to other pyrethroids. Further, its effects on the male reproductive tract remain uncharacterized. In this study, its toxicity on the male reproductive tract was evaluated by administering 25-150 mg/kg body weight allethrin to adult rats for 60 days. The mRNA expression of factors that are important in spermatogenesis (Scf, c-Kit, Hsf2, Ovol1, Brdt, Kdm3A, Ybx-2, and Grth) and steroidogenesis (StAR, 3β-HSD, 17β-HSD) was significantly downregulated. Decreased levels of testosterone, reduced sperm count and daily sperm production was also observed due to allethrin toxicity. However, sperm quality parameters assessed by computer-assisted sperm analyzer were not affected. Spermatozoa obtained from allethrin-treated rats failed to undergo acrosome reaction. Results of this study indicate that allethrin affects spermatogenesis and sperm function, thus lending further support to the growing evidence of its toxicity.

In vivo effects of black tea on the male rat reproductive system and functions of the kidney and liver

“…The improved semen parameters suggest the beneficial effect of black tea on fertility and may be linked to the antioxidant property of the plant, although our study showed no difference in the FRAP level. Curvilinear velocity (VCL) and beat cross frequency (BCF) are regarded as indicators of sperm viability and vigour parameters (Madhubabu & Yenugu, 2017), while straight‐line velocity (VSL) is an indicator for sperm progression, and straightness (STR) and linearity (LIN), on the other hand, describe their patterns of swimming (Duty et al, 2004; Madhubabu & Yenugu, 2017). In a nutshell, VCL, VAP, VSL and LIN directly measure sperm motion (Horimoto, Isobe, Isogai, & Tachibana, 2000; Madhubabu & Yenugu, 2017).…”

“…Curvilinear velocity (VCL) and beat cross frequency (BCF) are regarded as indicators of sperm viability and vigour parameters (Madhubabu & Yenugu, 2017), while straight-line velocity (VSL) is an indicator for sperm progression, and straightness (STR) and linearity (LIN), on the other hand, describe their patterns of swimming (Duty et al, 2004;Madhubabu & Yenugu, 2017). In a nutshell, VCL, VAP, VSL and LIN directly measure sperm motion (Horimoto, Isobe, Isogai, & Tachibana, 2000;Madhubabu & Yenugu, 2017). Even though a significant increase was observed in the percentage of total sperm motility, our study showed that intake of black tea had no substantial effect on these sperm motion parameters, although Furthermore, the onset of acrosome reaction is also associated with the fertilising capacity of the spermatozoa.…”

Biochemical Role of Pyrethroids on Male Fertility and Seminal Profile of Rat

“…Moreover, Ekaluo et al, (2013) revealed that DLM is capable of disrupting spermatogenesis/ spermiogenesis, even though it is not usually considered a reproductive toxin. In addition, Madhubabu and Allethrin, (2017) reported that pyrthroids toxicity affects reproduction by acting at a molecular level to affect spermatogenesis, androgen production, sperm production, and function.…”

Non-target toxicity of novel insecticides

“…Another study also showed that the blood-brain barrier of infant rats was more permeable to deltamethrin than that of older rats (173). Allethrin, one of the first pyrethroids, decreased spermatogenesis and sperm function in male rats by downregulating the mRNA expression of factors important for testosterone levels, sperm count, and sperm function (174).…”