Pyriproxyfen Induces Reproductive Toxicity via Hormonal Disruption, Testicular Damage, and Altered Biochemical Parameters in Adult Male Sprague Dawley Rats

Pyriproxyfen is an aromatic, nonterpenoid, pyridine-based hormone that acts as a juvenile regulator that mimics the equilibrium of natural juvenile hormones by blocking the development of insects into adulthood. However, it acts as an endocrine-disrupting chemical and causes reproductive toxicity in mammals. Hence, the current study aimed to explore the harmful consequences induced by pyriproxyfen in the male Sprague Dawley rats. Twenty adult male rats were exposed to chronic doses of pyriproxyfen (62, 124, and 186 mg/kg) for 28 days. In the rats, the BMI and the blood glucose level decreased significantly after being treated with both low and high doses of pyriproxyfen. The biochemical analysis shows increased levels of antioxidant activities and metabolic biomarkers including superoxide dismutase (SOD), reactive oxygen species (ROS), catalase (CAT), total protein content, cholesterol, LDH, and triglycerides in the rats exposed to both low and high doses of pyriproxyfen. Overall cortisol concentrations differed significantly among the experimental groups, with higher mean concentrations observed in PPF-treated groups. Sperm motility and viability were reduced following PPF exposure, while DSP showed significant reductions at the higher doses. Histopathological examination revealed disruption of seminiferous tubular architecture, increased luminal space, reduced epithelial organization, clumping of spermatozoa, and degenerative changes in the testicular tissue.