Protective effects of sinapic acid against acetamiprid-induced oxidative testicular injury: a histological and biochemical investigation

Acetamiprid (ACP) overdose has been demonstrated to occasion testicular damage by means of an augmentation in oxidative stress and inflammation. Sinapic acid (SNPA) is a phenolic acid that is found in many natural products. Whilst its antioxidant activity has been shown in experiments, it is not clear if it can protect against ACP toxicity. This study was conducted with the objective of ascertaining the protective effect of SNPA against testicular damage caused by ACP, a neonicotinoid insecticide that is frequently used in pest control. ACP was administered orally at a dose of 20 mg/kg for a period of 14 days in order to induce testicular toxicity in mice. The testicular protective efficacy of SNPA was evaluated by means of 14-day oral administration at two different doses (10 and 20 mg/kg). The levels of serum reproductive hormones and testicular oxidative stress, antioxidant system, inflammatory and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) biomarkers were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Histopathological changes were investigated using hematoxylin–eosin staining, and the levels of apoptosis was determined TUNEL assay. The results demonstrated that SNPA could alleviate sperm parameters, serum testosterone and inhibin B levels, and histopathological findings in ACP-poisoned mice. Furthermore, SNPA treatment resulted in the abolition of ACP-induced nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) inhibition, leading to a substantial reduction in testicular lipid peroxidation levels, ERS, inflammation, TUNEL( +) cell numbers and apoptosis. This study's findings provided initial evidence that SNPA has a protective effect against testicular toxicity induced by ACP. Furthermore, the results highlight the modulation of Nrf2 and high mobility group box 1/nuclear factor kappa-B signalling as potential underlying molecular mechanisms. Nevertheless, the hypothesis that SNPA may be a safe adjuvant in the prevention of clinical ACP toxicity should be addressed in more comprehensive studies.