Ameliorative effect of avocado oil against lufenuron induced testicular damage and infertility in male rats

Abstract

Lufenuron is a benzoylurea pesticide that causes significant histological and histochemical damage in mammals. Avocado is a common food in the human diet that contains antioxidant and antitumor properties. In male rats, avocado oil's protection against lufenuron-induced reproductive deterioration, oxidative stress, and DNA damages was investigated. Twenty-eight mature male rats were selected and distributed into four groups: Group 1, control group were administered distilled water orally; Group 2 received 4 ml/kg avocado; Group 3 was given lufenuron (1.6 mg/kg), and Group 4 was given avocado oil/lufenuron. The findings show that lufenuron treatment reduces reproductive hormone levels, sperm count, motility, viability and causes negative histopathological changes in testicular tissue, such as decreased epithelial height and increased luminal diameter degenerated spermatogenesis. Furthermore, lufenuron reduced the content of antioxidant enzymes while increasing the level of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide and corresponding DNA damage. Results showed that lufenuron is associated with testicular function impairment, which leads to infertility. Treatment with avocado oil improved reproductive hormone secretions, enzymatic activity, histological and DNA damage parameters in testis tissues, reducing the negative effects of lufenuron, proving that it may have a therapeutic role against lufenuron-mediated testicular toxicity.

The adverse role of endocrine disrupting chemicals in the reproductive system

“…Widely used globally, carbamates have been found to disrupt various signaling pathways, such as those mediated by acetylcholine or kisspeptin, compromising steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis ( 304 ). The benzoylurea pesticide Lufenuron has been associated with significant histological and histochemical damage in mammals, resulting in impaired testicular function and subsequent infertility ( 305 ). Additionally, dimethoate (DM), a prominent organophosphate insecticide used for pest control in vegetables, fruits, and agricultural crops, has been found to have detrimental effects on sperm morphology, fertility, and embryos, posing potential health risks to humans and non-target organisms due to its persistence in soils and crops ( 306 ).…”