Naringin Administration Is Associated with Reduced Reproductive Toxicity Following Subchronic Low-Dose Chlorpyrifos Exposure in Rats.

BACKGROUND

Male infertility is increasingly associated with environmental and occupational exposure to organophosphate pesticides, particularly chlorpyrifos (CPF). Chlorpyrifos persists in food, water, and the environment, resulting in chronic low-dose exposure. Although the toxic effects of high-dose exposure are well documented, the reproductive consequences of subchronic low-dose exposure remain unclear.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate whether intraperitoneal administration of naringin attenuates CPF-induced reproductive toxicity in adult male rats by assessing sperm parameters, serum reproductive hormones, oxidative stress markers, and testicular histopathology.

METHODS

Adult male rats were assigned to six groups (n = 5 per group): Control, naringin control (200 mg/kg), CPF (8 mg/kg), and CPF plus naringin (50, 100, or 200 mg/kg). Sperm count, motility, and morphology; serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone levels; testicular malondialdehyde, reactive oxygen species, glutathione, and superoxide dismutase levels; and histopathological changes were assessed.

RESULTS

Chlorpyrifos exposure was associated with impaired sperm count, motility, and morphology; reduced reproductive hormone levels; increased oxidative stress; and testicular histological damage. Naringin pretreatment was associated with dose-dependent improvements in sperm parameters, partial restoration of hormonal balance, improvement in oxidative stress markers, and preservation of testicular histology, with more pronounced effects at 100 and 200 mg/kg.

CONCLUSIONS

Naringin administration was associated with attenuation of CPF-induced reproductive alterations and improved oxidative stress markers and hormonal parameters. These findings support further investigation of naringin for pesticide-induced male reproductive dysfunction; however, validation in humans is required. The limited range of naringin doses and the absence of molecular investigations highlight the need for further studies to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and translational relevance to human reproductive health.