Protective effects of selenium on malathion-induced testicular toxicity in mice

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible protective effect of the antioxidant sodium selenite (0.1 mg/kg/day) via gavage once a day for 30 days for the first time in a model of malathion (27 mg/kg/day) via gavage once a day for 30 days induced testicular toxicity in mice. Results of this study revealed that concomitant administration of selenium has prevented the decrease in mean final and relative body weight as well as testicular and relative testicular weight as compared to malathion group. Concomitant selenium administration has also decreased malondialdehyde contents and increased serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, acetylcholinesterase and testicular levels and activities of glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase and improved the testicular histopathological features as compared to malathion group.