The potential role of ascorbic acid in attenuating infertility induced by emamectin benzoate via suppressing oxidative stress and ameliorating sperm count in male rats

Pesticides are chemical compounds with toxicological properties. Emamectin benzoate (EMB) is a macrolytic lactone belonging to the avermectin class, produced naturally by the actinomycetes Streptomyces avermitilis. Ascorbic acid (AA) is used in many therapeutic areas, in particular for its antioxidant properties. The objective of this study is to evaluate the potential role of ascorbic acid (AA) against the reproductive toxicity induced by emamectin benzoate (EMB). In this experimental study, 24 adult male rats were used. The animals were divided into 4 groups (n = 6). Control group (C) treated with distilled water, an EMB group received 20 mg EMB/kg body weight (bw) by gavage, AA group received ascorbic acid intraperitoneally (200 mg/kg bw) and an EMB + AA group received 20 mg EMB/kg bw and ascorbic acid intraperitoneally (200 mg/kg bw). The duration of the treatment was 15 days. Our results showed that the administration of EMB increased (MDA, proteins carbonyl), decreased antioxidant (SOD, CAT, GSH). Microscopic analysis revealed histological damage in the EMB group, which were represented by alteration of normal architecture, inflammatory cell infiltration, multifocal vacuolation of Sertoli cell cytoplasm, congested blood vessels, a large area of low spermatozoa density in epididymal lumen and increased collagen fibers in the muscle layer, which implicated fibrosis. However, co-treatment with ascorbic acid reduced EMB-related testis, epididymis toxicity, corrected the imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants, ameliorated sperm production, moderated amount of collagen fiber. We note that treatment with ascorbic acid (AA) only did not result in any significant change compared to controls. In conclusion, ascorbic acid has beneficial effects by attenuating the toxicity of Emamectin benzoate.