Omega-3 fatty acids modulate acetamiprid and emamectin benzoate-induced testicular toxicity in rats by modulating Nrf2/NFkB pathway and apoptotic signaling

Pesticides are well-known harmful substances that cause oxidative stress and testicular dysfunction in both humans and animals, whereas omega-3 fatty acids (ω3FAs) have been demonstrated to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, the primary focus of this investigation was the protective role of (ω3FAs) and their related molecular mechanism in testicular dysfunction induced by acetamiprid plus emamectin benzoate in rats. Rats were divided into four groups: control, omega-3 fatty acids (ω3FA; 300 mg/kg BW), insecticide mixture (Insec Mix; Acetamiprid (30 mg/kg BW) and emamectin benzoate (9 mg/kg BW)), and ω3FA + Insec Mix, respectively. ω3FA was taken orally an hour before insecticide treatment for three weeks daily. The results demonstrated that lipid peroxidation markers and lactate dehydrogenase activity were significantly elevated in rats intoxicated with pesticides; however, enzymatic antioxidants, aminotransferases, phosphatases, and reduced glutathione decreased. Furthermore, notable changes in testicular Bax, Cas-3, Bcl-2, P53, IL-1β, TNF-α, NFkB, Nrf2, hormones, sperm quality, testis structure, and Ki-67 protein expression were detected. Otherwise, ω3FA pre-treatment before insecticide intoxication substantially recovered most of the molecular and biochemical indicators and improved testicular cellular structure. Conclusively, ω3FA was highly effective in mitigating testicular toxicity conferred by acetamiprid and emamectin benzoate insecticides.