ABSTRACT
Background: Malathion is an organophosphorus pesticide that commonly used in many agricultural and non-agricultural processes. Previous studies have reported the effects of melatonin on the reproductive system. Cerium dioxide nanoparticles [CeNPs] due to their antioxidative properties are promising to impact on the development of male infertility
Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of CeNPs on oxidative stress and sperm parameters after malathion exposure of male rats
Materials and Methods: 36 adult male Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups [n=6/each]: Control, CeNPs -treated control [15 and 30 mg/kg/day], malathion [100 mg/ kg/day], and CeNPs -treated malathion groups [15 and 30 mg/ kg/day]. At the end of the study [4 wk], the sperm counts, motility, and viability in the testis of rats were measured, also lipid peroxidation, total antioxidant capacity, and total thiol groups in homogenate testis were investigated
Results: Malathion significantly reduced sperm count, viability, and motility than the control rats [p<0.001]. Co-treatment of malathion with CeNPs 30 mg/kg had a protective effect on sperm counts [p=0.03], motility [p=0.01], and viability [p<0.001] compare to malathion group. Also, the results showed that malathion reduced testis total anti-oxidant capacity, the total thiol group, and increased testis malondialdehyde than the control rats [p<0.001]. CeNPs 30 mg/kg are increased total antioxidant capacity [p<0.001] and total thiol group [p=0.03] compared to malathion group. CeNPs at both doses [15 and 30 mg/kg] improved malondialdehyde than the malathion group [p<0.001 and p=0.01 respectively]
Conclusion: CeNPs 30 mg/kg administered considerably restored testicular changes induced by malathion. The improvement of oxidative stress by CeNPs may be associated with increased sperm counts, motility and viability in the testis