Gender-related differences in sensitivity to diazinon in gonads of adult rats and the protective effect of vitamin E

Abstract

Objectives: Diazinon (DZN) is an organophosphate pesticide which is known to induce oxidative stress in the target tissues such as the reproductive system. The aim of present study was to compare and evaluate the effects of DZN on Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Glutathione (GSH) levels in testis and ovary of rats and to assess the protective role of vitamin E. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 60 adult Wistar rats including 30 male and 30 female rats. Each of male and female groups included 30 rats and were divided into 5 groups: control (without any intervention), sham group (received only pure olive oil daily), treatment group 1 (received DZN+olive oil daily, 60 mg/kg), treatment group 2 (received DZN, 60 mg/kg + vitamin E, 200 mg/kg daily) and treatment group 3 (received vitamin E daily, 200 mg/kg). MDA and GSH levels were determined in gonads. Results: In both genders, due to administration of DZN, we found  significant  reduction in GSH content  and  increase in MDA level. The use of vitamin E plus DZN increased GSH content while decreased MDA level of ovary and testis compared with DZN treated rats. Gonad of female rats compared with male rats showed more increase in MDA level and further decline in GSH content in treatment groups 1 and 2. Conclusion: Oxidative stress contributes to DZN-induced sexual organ toxicity. Our results concluded that vitamin E may have a protective role in this toxicity. Female rats are likely more vulnerable to oxidative stress and its damages.