Potential Mitigation of Spirotetramat-Induced Reproductive Toxicity by Tribulus terrestris in Domestic Pigeons ( Columba livia domestica )

Tribulus terrestris is traditionally used to treat various diseases. The current research aimed to study the protective effects of methanolic extract of Tribulus terrestris (TT) against Spirotetramat (SPT) induced reproductive toxicity in adult male domestic pigeons ( Columba livia domestica ). For ten consecutive weeks and under an artificial photoperiod (19L: 5D), thirty male pigeons weighing approximately 309,20 +/- 14,41g were divided equally into six groups as follows: CT served as the control, SPT group orally given with 15 mg/kg BW/day, TT100 and TT50 groups orally administrated with 100 and 50 mg/kg BW/ day of TT respectively, and SPT+ TT100 and SPT + TT50 groups . Testicular volume and body weight were measured each two weeks. Whereas histopathological profile and luteinizing hormone (LH), folliclestimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone (T), total cholesterol (TC), LDL-C, HDL-C, and triglyceride (TG) were evaluated at week 10. The obtained data reveal that under a long photoperiod of 19L:5D, sexual activity lasted only 06 weeks in the control and TT groups, with a significant increase in testicular volume followed by spontaneous gonadal regression up to week 10. But testicular weights were superior in TT pigeons compared to the control during all experiments. However, the administration of SPT has suppressed gonadal growth and delayed photo -refractoriness. Sex hormones levels revealed a significant increase in LH and FSH levels in all groups compared to controls. However, a significant depletion in testosterone levels. Nevertheless, there was a substantial increase in TC, HDL-C, and LDL-C levels. Furthermore, co -administration of TT with SPT restored the lowered testicular volume, relative testicular weight, and T level but decreased the TC, HDL-C, and LDL-C levels. Finally, the histopathological investigation revealed degenerative changes in testes and gonad damage in the SPT group. However, TT reduced the damage induced by SPT. In conclusion, TT could be beneficial in preventing SPT reproductive toxicity and improving sex hormone synthesis.