AMELIORATING THE TOXIC EFFECTS OF CYPERMETHRIN BY SESAME OIL IN MALE RABBITS

Abstract

This study intended to evaluate the beneficial protective effects of sesame oil (SO) on cypermethrin (CYP)-induced sub chronic toxicity in rabbits. Male rabbits were divided into 4 groups: I: control; II: Cypermethrin (CYP, 48 mg/kg body weight, bw); III: CYP (48 mg/kg bw)+SO (1 ml/kg bw); and IV: SO (1 ml/kg bw). All treatments were orally administered three times per week for 9 weeks. CYP induced toxic effects on liver and kidney as revealed by a significant increase in serum liver enzyme activities with a significant decrease in total protein and albumin in addition to a significant increase in creatinine and uric acid levels. The effect of CYP on male fertility was demonstrated by a significant decrease in testis and epididymis weights, epididymis sperm counts, sperm motility with a significant increase in sperm abnormalities. Besides, a significant decrease in testosterone levels along with a significant increase in prolactin levels. CYP induced oxidative stress distinguished by a significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in addition to a significant decrease in reduced glutathione (GSH) contents and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Also, CYP produced a significant increase in sperm DNA damage. Co-treatment of SO with CYP improved all alterations induced by CYP. In conclusion SO has beneficial protective effects as it tends to dampen CYP sub chronic toxicity in male rabbit. Key words: sesame oil; cypermethrin; oxidative stress; male fertility; rabbit