Impact of Sub-Chronic Exposure to Kalach on male reproductive system and sperm function: In Silico Modelling and In Vivo Study in Rats.

IF 3.3 4区医学 Q2 REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY

Reproductive toxicology Pub Date : 2025-02-06 DOI:10.1016/j.reprotox.2025.108853

Marwa Ben Amor, Latifa Hamdaoui, Salima Daoud, Mariem Ammar, Nour Louati, Aida Elleuch, Riadh Badraoui, Lobna Ben Mahmoud, Ikram Ben Amor, Afifa Sellami, Tarek Rebai

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Kalach 360 SL (KL), a glyphosate-based herbicide, is among the most widely used herbicides in Tunisia. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of sub-chronic exposure to KL on the male reproductive system and sperm parameters in adult rats after one and two cycles of spermatogenesis. 15 rats were randomly divided into three groups: a control group (G1) and two experimental groups (G2 and G3), exposed to KL at a dose of 102.2mg/kg each day for 48 days. Treated groups G2 and G3 were sacrificed at day 48 and at day 96, respectively. We measured serum levels of testosterone and oestradiol, oxidative stress markers in testis, epididymal sperm parameters, sperm mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), as well as testicular histopathology and morphometry as diagnostic markers of reproductive dysfunction. Additionally, we complemented the in vivo study with in silico modelling. Kl impaired sperm parameters, altered MMP, promoted oxidative stress, and affected testicular morphology, leading to reduced seminiferous epithelium height and delayed spermatogenesis arrest. KL caused significant declines in serum testosterone levels after 48 days (G2 group), supporting the herbicide's anti-androgenic activity. Notably, following cessation of exposure, testosterone levels increased and sperm concentration returned to normal by day 96 (G3 group). The computational approach revealed that glyphosate binds to the androgen receptor (2Q7K and 3QKM) with good affinities and strong molecular interactions, corroborating the in vivo results. We conclude that KL may interfere with spermatogenesis, impair male fertility, and function as a potential endocrine disruptor with anti-androgenic activity.

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来源期刊

Reproductive toxicology 生物-毒理学

CiteScore

6.50

自引率

3.00%

发文量

131

审稿时长

45 days

期刊介绍： Drawing from a large number of disciplines, Reproductive Toxicology publishes timely, original research on the influence of chemical and physical agents on reproduction. Written by and for obstetricians, pediatricians, embryologists, teratologists, geneticists, toxicologists, andrologists, and others interested in detecting potential reproductive hazards, the journal is a forum for communication among researchers and practitioners. Articles focus on the application of in vitro, animal and clinical research to the practice of clinical medicine. All aspects of reproduction are within the scope of Reproductive Toxicology, including the formation and maturation of male and female gametes, sexual function, the events surrounding the fusion of gametes and the development of the fertilized ovum, nourishment and transport of the conceptus within the genital tract, implantation, embryogenesis, intrauterine growth, placentation and placental function, parturition, lactation and neonatal survival. Adverse reproductive effects in males will be considered as significant as adverse effects occurring in females. To provide a balanced presentation of approaches, equal emphasis will be given to clinical and animal or in vitro work. Typical end points that will be studied by contributors include infertility, sexual dysfunction, spontaneous abortion, malformations, abnormal histogenesis, stillbirth, intrauterine growth retardation, prematurity, behavioral abnormalities, and perinatal mortality.