Environmental Toxicology, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
Acetamiprid (ACP) is a neonicotinoid pesticide that is extensively utilized for the management of insect populations, but its toxic effects on the male reproductive system have become a source of concern. Chrysin (CHR) is a natural flavone found in many plants and bee products, including honey and propolis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of CHR on ACP-induced testicular injury in male Balb/c mice. ACP (20 mg/kg) and CHR applications (10 and 20 mg/kg, respectively) were conducted via intragastric route for a period of 14 days. The administration of CHR treatments resulted in a substantial improvement in oxidative stress and inflammation levels, achieved by the elimination of ACP's inhibition of the Nrf2 pathway. CHR treatments significantly reversed the ACP-induced depletion in serum testosterone and inhibin B levels. Specifically, the treatment of CHR at a dose of 20 mg/kg resulted in a substantial improvement in degenerative testicular findings induced by ACP, as indicated by a significant reduction in TUNEL (+) cell count. Furthermore, the provision of CHR treatments resulted in the cessation of the decline in sperm count and viability that had been induced by ACP, whilst concomitantly leading to a substantial reduction in the number of spermatozoa that exhibited severe abnormalities. These results suggest that CHR may have a protective effect against ACP-induced testicular damage; however, the results require further corroboration through the implementation of more comprehensive studies.