Impact of Common Pesticides on Sperm Parameters in Wistar Rats: An Analysis of Dichlorvos, Bifenthrin, Terpenoid, Turpentine, and Kerosene Exposure

Abstract

Background: Globally, pesticide usage has increased significantly in agriculture and public health, raising concerns about potential adverse health outcomes, particularly in developing countries. Objectives: This study investigated the effects of exposure to dichlorvos, bifenthrin, terpenoid, turpentine, kerosene, and their combination on sperm parameters in male Wistar rats. We hypothesized that these chemical combinations could exacerbate adverse reproductive outcomes. Methods: Fifty-four male Wistar rats were randomized into six groups, each with three sub-groups (n = 9). Randomization was achieved using a computer-generated sequence, and allocation concealment was maintained to minimize bias. Groups were exposed to 25%, 50%, and 75% of the LD50 doses of each pesticide via inhalation for 4 hours at three-day intervals over 28 days. Exposure occurred in a specially designed chamber, ensuring uniform pesticide distribution. Sperm motility, viability, morphology, and count were assessed using established laboratory protocols. Recovery was evaluated after a post-exposure period, including withdrawn rats (n = 54) and controls (n = 3). Results: Pesticide exposure significantly reduced sperm motility across all groups compared to controls (P < 0.0001), with the greatest decline observed in the DD Force (75%: 6.82 ± 1.45, P < 0.0001) and combined pesticide groups (25%: 12.34 ± 2.16, P = 0.003). Kerosene showed minimal reductions during recovery (22.33 ± 1.45, P = 0.032). Sperm viability was markedly lower in DD Force (75%: 7.01 ± 1.16, P < 0.0001) and combined pesticide groups (25%: 27.67 ± 6.81, P = 0.008). Abnormal sperm morphology increased significantly in Sniper-exposed rats (50%: 15.13 ± 0.20, P = 0.001) compared to controls (9.47 ± 0.94). Sperm counts were significantly reduced in Sniper (25%: 11.89 ± 1.29, P < 0.0001) and combined pesticide groups (2.56 ± 1.32, P < 0.0001), with reductions persisting during recovery relative to controls (133.30 ± 7.46, P = 0.001). Conclusions: Pesticide exposure significantly impairs sperm parameters in Wistar rats, including motility, viability, and count, and increases abnormal morphology. These effects are likely mediated by oxidative stress, endocrine disruption, and cellular damage induced by pesticide components. The findings underscore the reproductive risks associated with pesticide exposure and highlight the need for regulatory measures and public health interventions to mitigate these effects. This study emphasizes the importance of understanding the mechanistic pathways to develop strategies for reducing pesticide-related reproductive toxicity.