Co-administered chitosan and ivy leaf extract reduce deltamethrin-induced testicular toxicity

Deltamethrin, a synthetic pesticide, is toxic to both mammalian and nonmammalian animal species. Despite its widespread use in agriculture, food safety, and disease vector control, it poses a threat to a variety of organisms. The current study was designed to investigate the potential protective effects of chitosan, ivy leaf extract, or both on testicular toxicity when coadministered with the pesticide deltamethrin. Forty-eight rats were divided into eight groups of six each. All the animals were subjected to intragastric incubation for 90 days and received either saline (the control) or one of the following substances: the polysaccharide chitosan, ivy leaf extract, a combination of these two substances, deltamethrin alone, or a combination of deltamethrin with chitosan and ivy leaf extract. After the rats were euthanized, blood was drawn for biochemical assessment, and the testes were dissected for histological and immunohistochemical assessment. This study revealed that deltamethrin toxicity in rats resulted in reduced body weight, decreased sex hormones, increased oxidative activity, and decreased antioxidant defenses. Histopathological analysis revealed abnormal seminiferous tubules and damaged spermatogenic cells. The coadministration of chitosan and ivy leaf extract with deltamethrin reversed these effects by increasing body weight, reducing oxidative stress, and preventing histologic damage.