N-acetylcysteine (NAC), as a nutritional supplement, is a greatly applied antioxidant in vivo and in vitro. NAC is a precursor of L-cysteine that results in glutathione elevation biosynthesis. The therapeutic potential of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has been investigated as a bioprotective agent against oxidative stress and ischemic injury. Also, it is used as a treatment for certain mental and physical illnesses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective and attenuating apoptosis effect of NAC on imidaclopride (IMI) induced testicular damage in rats. Forty male albino rats were classified randomly into four equal groups. Group1 (control). Group2 (IMI): rats received IMI orally day after day over a period of 8 weeks at a dose level of 21.2 mg/kg b.w (1/20 LD50). Group3 (NAC): rats received NAC (200 mg/kg body weight) orally for 8 weeks. Group 4 (NAC+IMI): rats received NAC (200 mg/kg body weight) orally for 4 days before and along with the administration of (IMI) over a period of 8 weeks. At the end of the experiment testes were isolated for the determination of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), reduced Glutathione (GSH) and comet assay. Also, for histopathological examination.The obtained results showed a significant increase in testicular tissue MDA, and DNA damage detected by comet assay in imidaclopride intoxicated rats. However, Testicular SOD activity, catalase, and GSH concentration were markedly decreased. Histopathological alteration caused by IMI toxicity were presented by slightly thickened tunica albuginea with less congestion of sub-capsular blood vessels, mild degeneration of the germinal epithelium of some seminiferous tubules with mild interstitial edema.NAC protection to IMI induced testicular damage in rats caused a significant improvement of all previous parameters and attenuate the histopathological changes. These results suggested that, NAC treatment exerts a protective effect on testicular damage by improving of oxidative stress markers and DNA damage detected by comet assay in rats through free radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory activities as well as regenerating endogenous antioxidant defense system mechanisms. |
