Induction of apoptosis, oxidative stress, hormonal, and histological alterations in the reproductive system of thiamethoxam-exposed female rats

The present study aimed to investigate the oral toxic effects of 1/10 LD(50) and 1/5 LD(50) of thiamethoxam (TMX), a neonicotinoid insecticide, on the reproductive system of female Wistar rats. Thirty female rats were divided into three groups and supplied orally with either; saline solution, 1/10 LD(50) of TMX (156 mg/kg) or 1/5 LD(50) of TMX (312 mg/kg). The daily administration was extended for 30 days. Investigating the parameters of oxidative stress, hormonal levels, histopathological alterations, and the apoptotic markers (P53, BAX, BCL-2, and caspase-3) was performed in the uterus and ovary of rats. Results showed significant changes in the body weight gain, and relative weight of the left and right ovaries and uterus. Moreover, luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (ED), and progesterone (PG) serum levels were not significantly altered following TMX oral administration. The level of follicle-stimulating hormone in the TMX-exposed group (156 mg/kg) was significantly increased; however, a significant decrease was observed in TMX-exposed animals (312 mg/kg). TMX induced significant oxidative stress in exposed groups by reducing the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and catalase (CAT), and elevating malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Following hematoxylin and eosin staining, the microscopic examination revealed deteriorated luteal cells with vacuolation in the corpus luteum, a follicle containing a degenerated oocyte and degeneration/necrosis of the circular muscle layer with a high rate of apoptotic cells in TMX-exposed animals. TMX induced transcriptional alterations in apoptosis-related genes shifting towards the activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Collectively, results suggest the toxic effect of the TMX on the reproductive health of female Wistar rats.