Jojoba Oil Protects against Chlorpyrifos-Induced Testicular Toxicity by Modulating Notch1/Jagged1-Inflammatory Axis and Oxidative Stress.

Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is a widely used insecticide that can induce excessive reactive oxygen species, leading to oxidative stress, inflammation, and hormonal disruption. These harmful effects interfere with spermatogenesis and can ultimately damage testicular cells. In this study, we examined whether jojoba oil could protect the testes from CPF toxicity and the possible underlying mechanisms. Twenty-eight adult male rats were divided into four groups: Control, Jojoba, CPF, and CPF+ Jojoba. The CPF was administered orally at 30 mg/kg, twice weekly, for 3 months, while jojoba oil (2.5%) was given mixed with the diet. Reproductive function was assessed by measuring testicular weights, sperm characteristics, and serum concentrations of sex hormones (testosterone, FSH, and LH). The levels of oxidative stress biomarkers (MDA, SOD, and CAT) as well as expression of genes related to inflammation and apoptosis, including Notch1, Jagged1, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β, and caspase-3, were also measured in the testicular tissues. Additionally, histopathological examination was performed to assess structural alterations. The results showed that CPF exposure significantly decreased testicular weights, sex hormone levels, and sperm characteristics (viability, motility, and morphology), while enhancing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptotic processes. Jojoba oil co-treatment significantly mitigated these effects by elevating sex hormone levels, improving sperm characteristics, boosting antioxidant enzyme activity, and downregulating the expression of inflammatory and apoptotic genes. Histopathological analysis showed that jojoba oil nearly normalized the testicular structure in rats exposed to CPF. In conclusion, Jojoba oil effectively protected against CPF-induced testicular degeneration by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, restoring biochemical and morphometric parameters.