Veterinary Research Forum

Sweet apricot kernels alleviate ovarian toxicity induced by dietary exposure to a trifloxystrobin-thiacloprid mixture: insights into oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic pathways modulation in female rats

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Kahina Yahia 1
Souheyla Benbia 1, 2
Karim Benhenia 3
Messaoud Hachemi 1, 2
Massinissa Yahia 1, 4
Dounia Djellal 2
Latifa Khattabi 3
Mohamed Kebieche 2

1 Laboratory of Biotechnology of Bioactive Molecules and Cellular Pathophysiology, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, University of Batna 2, Batna, Algeria

2 Department of Biology of Living Organisms, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, University of Batna 2, Batna, Algeria

3 Animal Biotechnology Laboratory, Division of Biotechnology and Health, Biotechnology Research Center, Constantine, Algeria

4 Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Khenchela Abbes Laghrour, Khenchela, Algeria

https://doi.org/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 anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. This study aimed to assess the protective effect of SAK against ovarian toxicity induced by sub-chronic dietary exposure to a pesticide mixture, consisting of trifloxystrobin and thiacloprid, in female rats. Thirty-two female Wistar rats were randomly assigned into four groups of eight. Samples in 0.50 mL were given by oral gavage for 100 consecutive days. The control group received distilled water, SAK group included untreated rats received SAK extract (50.00 mg kg-1), Mix group received trifloxystrobin (0.30 mg kg-1) + thiacloprid (0.20 mg kg-1), and SAK + Mix group included Mix treated rats supplemented with SAK extract (50.00 mg kg-1). Ovarian tissue samples were collected at the end of experiment for biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical analyses. Pesticide mixture induced ovarian toxicity, characterized by a significant decrease in serum estradiol levels, ovarian total anti-oxidant capacity, ovarian follicle counts, Bcl-2 immuno-staining, and ovarian superoxide dismutase and catalase activities. In addition, ovarian malondialdehyde levels, serum interleukin-6 concentrations, and p53 immuno-staining were increased significantly. The co-administration of SAK extract significantly attenuated malondialdehyde, restored total anti-oxidant capacity levels, and modulated inflammation, estrogen levels, apoptosis-related proteins expression, and catalase and superoxide dismutase enzymes activities. Overall, these results suggest that SAK may protect against pesticide-induced ovarian toxicity through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic mechanisms.

Keywords

Dietary exposure
Ovarian toxicity
Sweet apricot kernel
Thiacloprid
Trifloxystrobin
Subjects
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Veterinary Research Forum
Volume 17, Issue 10
October 2026
Pages 699-707

  • Receive Date 18 November 2025
  • Revise Date 26 January 2026
  • Accept Date 25 April 2026

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