Effects of ethanol extract of Bersama engleriana leaves on oxidative stress and reproductive parameters in male Guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) exposed to cypermethrin

Abstract

Pesticides are used to improve agricultural yields; meanwhile they have detrimental effects on human and animal reproduction. This study aimed at evaluating the protective effects of ethanol extract of Bersama engleriana leaves against cypermethrin-induced oxidative stress and reproductive toxicity. Fifty male guinea pigs were divided into 5 groups (G1, G2, G3, G4 and G5) of 10 animals each. During 90 days, animals of G1 were given distilled water orally, while other groups received 137.50 mg/kg body weight (bw) of cypermethrin. In addition, G3, G4 and G5 received respectively 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg bw of ethanol extract of Bersama engleriana leaves. The testicular concentration of malondialdehyde, the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase decreased significantly (P<0.05) in guinea pigs exposed to cypermethrin and ethanol extract of B. engleriana leaves compared with those exposed to cypermethrin only (G2), while the reverse effect was observed concerning the activity of peroxidases. The time of reaction of male guinea pig in the presence of females and the percentage of abnormal spermatozoa decreased significantly (P<0.05) in animals treated with the insecticide and the ethanol extract of B. engleriana leaves with respect to G2 animals. The weight of testes, the serum level of testosterone, the sperm count, mobility and the percentage of spermatozoa with normal plasma membrane increased significantly (P<0.05) in guinea pigs treated with ethanol extract of B. engleriana leaves compared with those submitted to cypermethrin only. The histological sections of testes in animals exposed to cypermethrin and ethanol extract of B. engleriana leaves showed a normal structure compared with those exposed to cypermethrin only, of which sections of testes revealed the presence of immature germinal cells in the seminiferous tubules lumen. Hence, ethanol extract of B. engleriana leaves prevent the induction of oxidative stress and reproductive parameters impairment by cypermethrin in male guinea pig.

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Keywords: Bersama engleriana, cypermethin, natural antioxidants, reproductive toxicity, sperm characteristics