Phytotherapeutic aspects of gonadoprotection In the toxic influence of herbicides

Abstract

Relevance. In industrialized countries, there has been a concerning rise in uro-andrological issues among men, leading to a decline in fertility and overall health. This is a pressing medical and social issue. The causes are multifaceted, with toxicants being one contributing factor among many. The aim of this study is to investigate the use of the phytotherapeutic complex as a gonadoprotector against the toxic effects of the herbicide clopyralid. Materials and methods. The experiment was conducted on male Vistar rats, the toxicant was exposed for 56 days, which is due to the duration of spermatogenesis at a dose of 150 mg/kg of body weight, which was 0.33 LD50 (LD50 – 5000 mg/kg/day), in clinical groups, α- tocopherol acetate (10 mg/kg/day), or a phytotherapeutic complex in a therapeutic dosage. Diene conjugates, spontaneous hemolysis of erythrocytes, activity of blood antioxidant enzymes were determined in blood plasma and testicular tissues: superoxide dismutase; catalase and ceruloplasmin, thiobarbituric acid-reactants in blood and testicular tissues. When assessing the quantitative and functional state of sperm, the total number, pathological forms of spermatozoa, and the kinesisgram were studied. The morphological state of the spermatogenic epithelium was studied. Results. The data obtained indicate a significant toxic effect of herbicides, specifically clopyralid, on the functional capacity of the testes. This effect is due to the induction of VRPO lipids in the blood and tissues, which results in a decrease in the spermatogenesis index, a violation of the stages of sperm maturation, and ultimately, a significant reduction in the motility of spermatozoa. Additionally, there is an increase in the number of pathological forms of spermatozoa, which leads to a decrease in male fertility. The attempt to neutralise the toxic effect of herbicides with α-tocopherol acetate was partially successful. This is evidenced by the increase in the body’s antioxidant defences. However, the influence on the state of the spermatogenic epithelium was clearly insufficient. The division of germ cells increased, but the quality of sperm did not change significantly. The data obtained demonstrate the potent antioxidant abilities of α-tocopherol acetate. However, it has shown to have an insufficient positive effect on the tissues of the germinal epithelium. The phytotherapeutic complex was used in conjunction with a herbicide (clopyralid) to increase antioxidant protection in the blood and testicular tissues. Additionally, it normalized the state of the spermatogenic epithelium, improved the quantitative and qualitative indicators of sperm, and restored sperm motility. Conclusions. The study showed that the phytotherapeutic complex had a more significant protective effect on the testicles’ morphology and sperm’s functional readiness. Therefore, it is recommended to use the phytotherapeutic complex as a gonadoprotector to counteract the chronic toxic effects of herbicides.