The impact of simultaneous intoxication with agrochemicals on the antioxidant defense system in rat

It is known that the presence of pesticides may alter the reproductive performance of animals. We studied the effect of chronic pesticide exposure in rats injected i.p. for 5 weeks with doses between 1/50 and 1/250 LD50 of dimethoate, glyphosate and zineb, either alone or in combination. All tested agrochemicals increased the oxidative stress status in the plasma, liver, and testes, and also modified hormonal parameters involved in reproductive function. The increase in oxidative stress and damage biomarker levels, as well as the alteration of the antioxidant defence system decreased testosterone, FSH and LH levels in the plasma of pesticide-treated rats. These effects were more pronounced when pesticides were administered in combination, and should be considered indicative of involuntary exposure to residual agrochemicals.