Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
1Laboratory of Biotechnology of Bioactive Molecules and Cellular Pathophysiology (LBMBPC), Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, University of Batna 2, Batna, Algeria.
2
Laboratory of Biotechnology of Bioactive Molecules and Cellular Pathophysiology (LBMBPC), Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, University of Batna 2, Batna, Algeria.
3
Animal Biotechnology Laboratory, Division of Biotechnology and Health, Biotechnology Research Center (CRBt), Constantine, Algeria
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Departement of Biology of Living Organisms, faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, University of Batna 2, Batna (05110)
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Universtity of khenchela Abbes Laghrour, Department of molecular and cellular biology, 40004, Khenchela, Algeria
10.30466/vrf.2026.2078249.4994
Abstract
Continuous exposure to pesticides may affect ovarian function and folliculogenesis by altered oxidative statute, steroidogenesis and oocyte quality . Sweet apricot kernels (SAK) have been traditionally used as phytotherapeutic agents known for their broad pharmacological potential, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. This study aimed to assess the protective effect of SAK against ovarian toxicity induced by subchronic dietary exposure to a pesticide mixture (Mix) consisting of trifloxystrobin (TFS) and thiacloprid (THI) in female rats. Thirty-two female Wistar rats were randomly assigned into four groups of 8. Samples in 0.5 ml were given by oral gavage for 100 consecutive days. The control group received distilled water, SAK group including untreated rats received SAK extract (50 mg/kg bw), Mix group received TFS (0.30 mg/kg) + THI (0.20 mg/kg) and SAK + Mix group including mix treated rats supplemented with SAK extract (50 mg/kg bw) . Ovarian tissue samples were collected at the end of experiment for biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical analysis. Pesticide mixture induced ovarian toxicity, characterized by a significant decrease in serum estradiol levels, ovarian total antioxidant capacity (TAC), ovarian follicle counts, Bcl-2 immunostaining, ovarian superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities. In addition, ovarian malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentrations, and p53 immunostaining were increased significantly. The co-administration of SAK extract significantly attenuated MDA, restored TAC levels, and modulated inflammation, Estrogen levels, apoptosis-related protein expression, CAT and SOD enzyme activities.
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