The Protective Effect of Quercetin on the Reproductive System of Balb/c Mice Exposed to Fipronil
Subject Areas : Developmental biology of plants and animals , development and differentiation in microorganisms
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Keywords: Reproduction, Fipronil, Mice, Quercetin. ,
Abstract :
Fipronil, a widely used phenylpyrazole insecticide in agriculture and veterinary medicine, poses environmental and human health risks. Quercetin, a plant-derived antioxidant, has shown potential in neutralizing the toxicity of various chemicals, including insecticides. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of quercetin on the reproductive system of mice exposed to fipronil. Thirty-two healthy male Balb/c mice (25±3 grams) were randomly divided into four groups of eight: the Fipronil group (4.5 mg/kg fipronil), Quercetin group (50 mg/kg quercetin), Fipronil + Quercetin group (4.5 mg/kg fipronil + 50 mg/kg quercetin), and a Control group (distilled water). All treatments were administered via gavage for 28 days. The fipronil group showed significant reductions in testis weight, seminiferous tubule epithelial thickness, spermiogenesis index, FRAP, TTM, FSH, LH, and testosterone levels compared to the control group. Conversely, the tubular differentiation index, tubule diameter, sperm count, MDA, and NO levels increased in the fipronil-treated group. Co-administration of quercetin with fipronil restored these parameters to near-normal levels. Fipronil negatively affects morphometric parameters and reproductive function in male mice. However, quercetin co-administration provides protective effects, reducing the reproductive toxicity induced by fipronil.
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