Reproductive Parameters and Oxidative Stress Marker Impacts Associated with Oral and Inhalation Exposure to Chlorview

Aim: Factory workers, pesticide applicators and farmers are the most susceptible group to reproductive problems due to continuous exposure to pesticides. Farmers now increasingly deploy pesticides in their agronomic practices. This research aimed to assess the impact on reproductive markers and stress markers of acute exposure to chlorview, an organophosphate pesticide, through oral and inhalation routes using animal model.

Study Design: A total of 64 male wistar rats were used for the experiment. The animals were divided into two groups for oral (36 rats) and inhalation (28 rats) routes of exposure. Acute toxicity studies and the median lethal dose were carried out using a modified method.

Methodology: Standard methods were used to determine oxidative stress markers of lipid peroxides, catalase activity and glutathione peroxidase activity. Immunoassay test kit was used to determine the reproductive toxicity studies.

Results: The results from the 24 hour acute toxicity studies revealed that oral exposure to pesticide gave a median lethal dose (LD50) of 155 mg/kg b.w. while inhalation exposure gave a median lethal concentration (LC50) of 1414 mg/kg b.w. for 60 min. Oxidative stress markers [glutathione (GSH), Malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)] show that the pesticide induced appreciable oxidative imbalance in the system. In oral exposure, there was a significant (p<0.05) increase in the activity when compared to control. The reproductive marker toxicity studies revealed that oral exposure to pesticide led to a significant (p<0.05) increase in the Cholesterol (which has a correlation with estradiol) and a significantly (p<0.05) decreased in testosterone and sperm count when compared to control. This research concludes that exposure to pesticides can pose a reasonable risk to reproductive and stress markers through oral and inhalation routes of exposure which affect many biochemical processes.