Quinoa mitigates chlorfenapyr-induced testicular toxicity in rats

Abstract EN

Chlorfenapyr (Chf), belongs to a new chemical class calledhalogenated pyrroles, used extensively in Egypt.

Negative effects of pesticides on the male reproductive system have been shown broadly.

In recent years, the use of medicinal herbs in reducing pesticide toxicity has increased worldwide; one of these herbals is Quinoa seeds (QS), contains high amount of protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Our study evaluated the effects of QS on testicular toxicity in rats exposed to Chf.

Twenty rats were divided into four groups; group (I) as control was fed on basal diet only, group (II) QS at 30% from the basal diet, group (III) 180 mg/kg b.

w/day of Chf, was fed on basal diet only and group (IV) Chf at 180 mg/kg b.

w/day plus QS at 30% from the basal diet, the experimental period was four weeks.

Rats were sacrificed and blood serum, sperm, and sexual organs samples were collected for biochemical and histomorphological studies.

Results revealed that Chf treated animals showed sagging testicles with increased the testis relative weights.

This effect was associated with a decline in count, motility, and viability of sperms, and increased sperm abnormality, and a decrease in sex hormones level (P<0.05).

On the other hand, QS showed improvement in almost all estimated parameters and mitigated all the toxic effects of Chf, which was confirmed with the histological examination of the testis.

So, we can encourage QS consumption as a clue for the toxicity and infertility problems revealed as a result of chlorfenapyr exposure.