Effect of Subacute oral Mancozeb exposure and its detrimental impact on male reproductive health in Wistar rats

Abstract

Mancozeb is a commonly used fungicide in agriculture, and its impact on reproductive health remains a subject of concern due to its widespread use. In the pursuit of understanding the potential hazards associated with pesticide exposure, the present study was undertaken to investigate the deleterious effects of subacute oral exposure to Mancozeb on the reproductive system of male Wistar rats. To assess the effects, a comprehensive evaluation was conducted, encompassing various reproductive parameters. A total of 12 healthy Wistar rats were procured and divided into two groups: Group I (Control) and Group II (Treatment), each consisting of six animals. In Group II, Mancozeb was orally administered at a dose of 500 mg.kg-1 body weight for 28 consecutive days, while the control group provided with adlib feed and water without any treatment. Repeated exposure to Mancozeb resulted in alteration in various reproductive health parameters. The exposure produced mild to moderate signs of toxicity and a significant (p<0.05) increase in the absolute organ weight of the testes as well as epididymis. Reproductive parameters were notably affected, with a decrease in the count of live sperm and total sperm, along with an increase in the count of dead and abnormal sperm due to Mancozeb exposure. From the present study, it can be concluded that mancozeb fungicide produced a pronounced toxicological insult to the reproductive health of exposed animals.