L-carnitine Ameliorates Disturbed Testicular Parameters and Sex Hormone Level in Movento-Exposed Mice: Mitigation of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation

Abstract

Background: Spirotetramat (Movento) is one of the most widely used pesticides in agriculture. Prolonged exposure to Movento may adversely affect male fertility by inducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Conversely, L-carnitine (LC), a potent antioxidative and anti-inflammatory compound, has been shown to mitigate cellular damage. This study evaluates the protective effect of LC against Movento-induced testicular injury in male mice.

Methods: Thirty-two male mice (9–10 weeks old and weighing 25–35 g) were divided into four groups: Control (Con), received saline (Movento vehicle) via gavage for 35 days. Movento (M), received Movento (1000 mg/kg) every 48 h for 35 days via gavage. LC + Movento (LC + M), treated with LC (200 mg/kg) after Movento administration (same as M group). LC-only (LC), received LC (200 mg/kg) for 35 days via gavage. After treatment, mice were euthanized, and testicular histology, sperm parameters, inflammatory cytokines, and sex hormone levels were assessed.

Results: Movento exposure significantly increased sperm abnormalities, reduced sex hormone levels, and disrupted seminiferous tubule morphology compared to controls. However, LC consumption could partially improve the diminished sex hormone levels, sperm quality, and testicular structure, likely due to its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties.

Conclusion: LC ameliorates Movento-induced testicular damage by attenuating oxidative stress and inflammation.