Reproductive subacute toxicity of the herbicide Clodinafop Propargyl in rabbits male

• Samia Rebahi Mohamed Cherif Messadia University of Souk-Ahras, Laboratory of Science and Techniques for Living. B.P, Route de Annaba, Algeria. https://orcid.org/0009-0002-8074-8117
• Abdelouaheb Alouani Mohamed Cherif Messadia University of Souk-Ahras, Faculty of Sciences and Life. B.P, Route de Annaba, Algeria. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6198-6684
• Mohamed Nadir Meguini Mohamed Cherif Messadia University of Souk-Ahras, Institute of Veterinary and Agronomic Sciences, Department of Veterinary Sciences. B.P, Route de Annaba, Algeria. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7274-5840
• Tarek Khenenou Mohamed Cherif Messadia University of Souk-Ahras, Institute of Veterinary and Agronomic Sciences, Department of Veterinary Sciences. B.P, Route de Annaba, Algeria. https://orcid.org/0009-0000-0821-6779
• Hafiza Aidoudi Mohamed Cherif Messadia University of Souk-Ahras, Laboratory of Science and Techniques for Living. B.P, Route de Annaba, Algeria. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2712-126X
• Djalel Eddine Rahmoun Mohamed Cherif Messadia University of Souk-Ahras, Institute of Veterinary and Agronomic Sciences, Department of Veterinary Sciences. B.P, Route de Annaba, Algeria. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6723-4491

DOI: https://doi.org/10.52973/rcfcv-e362841

Keywords: Testicular toxicity, clodinafop-propargyl, morphometry, histopathology, rabbits, reproduction, fibrosis, herbicide exposure

Abstract

Several studies have evaluated the reproductive toxicity of herbicides. However, data on the reproductive effects of clodinafop-propargyl remain limited. Therefore, the present study aims to assess the reproductive toxicity of clodinafop-propargyl by evaluating the testicular Subacute toxicity in adult male rabbits using morphometric histological and hormonal parameters. Rabbits aged 5 to 6 months were randomly divided into four groups: three experimental groups (G1, G2, G3) administered increasing doses of Clodinafop Propargyl, and a control group receiving distilled water over four weeks period. Serum hormone levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analysis, revealing a significant, dose-dependent decline in plasma testosterone levels. Mean testosterone levels were 11.14 ± 0.93 nmol·L–1 in the control group, compared to 7.66 ± 0.67 nmol·L–1 in G1, 5.75 ± 0.81 nmol·L–1 in G2, and 0.95 ± 0.72 nmol·L–1 in G3 (P<0.05). Testicular weights also decreased significantly: 9.97 ± 0.88 g in controls, 9.10 ± 4.73 g in G1, 7.83 ± 0.61 g in G2, and 1.03 ± 0.71 g in G3 (P<0.05. Histological assessment of testicular and epididymal tissues was conducted using Hematoxylin and Eosin and Azan’s trichrome stains. The result included degeneration of seminiferous tubules, epithelial disorganization, germ cell depletion especially Leydig cells, and increased interstitial collagen deposition, consistent with testicular fibrosis. The highest dose group (G3) showed marked reduction in spermatogenesis and spermatozoa counts in the lumen of seminiferous tubules. These findings indicate that exposure to Clodinafop Propargyl induces dose-dependent structural and functional damage to the testes, with potential implications for male reproductive health and fertility.

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