The effect of the acetamiprid pesticide on rats: The role of curcumin to reduce these effects

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether curcumin could protect male Wistar rats against acetamiprid-induced testicular damage, endocrine disruption, and oxidative stress. Methods: For three weeks, male Albino Wistar rats were divided into four experimental groups at random (n = 10 per group) and given the following oral treatment once a day: Group II (Curcumin) received 100 mg/kg BW of curcumin dissolved in maize oil; Group III (Acetamiprid) received 156 mg/kg BW of acetamiprid; and Group IV (Curcumin + Acetamiprid) received 100 mg/kg BW of curcumin followed by 156 mg/kg BW of acetamiprid. Biochemical indicators of oxidative stress, antioxidant enzyme activities, serum reproductive hormones, and epididymal sperm characteristics were all thoroughly assessed at the conclusion of the trial. Results: Acetamiprid exposure induced severe testicular oxidative damage and reproductive dysfunction, marked by elevated TBARS and H₂O₂ levels, depleted antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx, GR, GST), and hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis disruption that lowered testosterone while raising LH and FSH. Co-administration of curcumin significantly mitigated these toxic effects by scavenging free radicals, restoring endogenous antioxidant defenses, and normalizing reproductive hormone levels and sperm quality. Conclusion: Curcumin mitigates acetamiprid-induced testicular toxicity by leveraging its antioxidant capacity to scavenge free radicals, maintain membrane fluidity, and preserve cellular homeostasis.