Oxidative damage of the male reproductive system induced by paraquat

Abstract

The effects of paraquat (PQ) on the male reproductive system are unclear. In this study, male rats were divided into four groups (0, 0.5, 2, and 8 mg/kg) and treated with PQ by oral gavage for 8 weeks. At the end of the experiment, a significant decline in sperm count, motility, and viability and an increase in teratospermia were observed in the PQ-treated group (P < 0.05). Further investigation found that PQ resulted in enhanced lipid peroxidation and more apoptosis in the testis tissues, and apoptosis was likely to be associated with activation of the mitochondrial pathway. In summary, our study demonstrated oxidative damage due to PQ on the male reproductive system.

Melatonin Ameliorates Diquat-Induced Testicular Toxicity via Reducing Oxidative Stress, Inhibiting Apoptosis, and Maintaining the Integrity of Blood-Testis Barrier in Mice

“…Moreover, exposure to diquat corrodes the skin and gastrointestinal tract [ 26 ] and damages the kidneys, liver, heart, and central nervous system [ 25 ]. Meanwhile, paraquat, another dipyridyl herbicide, can induce deleterious changes in mammalian testis [ 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 ]. However, diquat is reportedly less potent in male reproductive impairment.…”

An Adverse Outcome Pathway Network for Chemically Induced Oxidative Stress Leading to (Non)genotoxic Carcinogenesis

“…Direct mechanisms include mitochondrial and extramitochondrial production of oxygen radicals, whereas impact on the antioxidant defense system is considered an indirect mechanism . Notably, chemical induction of oxidative stress is not restricted to carcinogens nor carcinogenesis. − …”

Curative effects of tectochrysin on paraquat-instigated testicular toxicity in rats: A biochemical and histopathological based study

“…Various exogenous chemicals may affect sperm production and maturation in testes [ 13 ]. PQ suppresses the endogenous anti-oxidant enzymes and generates free radicals [ 14 ]. These free radicals stimulate the ROS production in the testicular tissues, which eventually prompts oxidative stress (OS) that can impair the Leydig and Sertoli cells [ 15 , 16 ].…”

“…Moreover, PQ exposure instigates sperm mitochondrial damage that eventually reduces the formation of ATP necessary for sperm motility [ 17 ]. Previous literature has reported that PQ intoxication loweres hormonal levels (FSH, LH and testosterone) and anti-oxidant activities [ 14 , 18 , 19 ].…”