Protective role of date fruit extract against chlorpyrifos-induced reproductive toxicity in albino male rats

Abstract

Introduction: Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is a broad-spectrum organophosphorus insecticide; it causes adverse effects on the male reproductive system. The present study aimed to investigate the protective role of date fruit extract (DFE) on CPF-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats. Materials and Methods: Male rats were treated with CPF (orally with 6 mg/kg bw) or DFE alone (orally with 1000 mg/kg bw) or in combination for 45 days.Body weights, sperm parameters, lipid peroxidation, and levels of antioxidant enzymes were determined. Results: A significant decrease in the weights of testes and epididymis was observed in CPF-treated rats when compared with control rats. Treatment with CPF significantly decreased daily sperm count, epididymal sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm viability. A significant increase in the levels of lipid peroxidation with decreased activity levels of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) was observed in the testis of CPF-treated rats when compared to control rats, suggesting the CPF-induced oxidative stress in the testes of rats. No changes were observed after administration of DFE alone, whereas coadministration of CPF and DFE showed a significant improvement in body weights and weights of decreased reproductive organs and sperm parameters. Moreover, treatment of DFE to CPF significantly decreased lipid peroxidation with increased antioxidant enzyme levels in the testis compared with CPF-alone-treated rats. Conclusion: The results of the present study concluded that DFE administration protects the CPF-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats.