Exposure to 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid induces oxidative stress and apoptosis in mouse testis

•Oral administration of 2,4-D induced testicular apoptosis in mice.•2,4-D induced testicular apoptosis was correlated with oxidative stress in mouse testis.•Serum testosterone levels were decreased in mice by 2,4-D administration.

The herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is used worldwide. It has been associated with a variety of toxicities in rodents. In this study, male mice were orally administered 2,4-D at 50, 100 or 200 mg/kg/day to investigate testicular toxicity and the possible mechanisms of action. Exposure to 2,4-D at high concentrations (100 and 200 mg/kg/day) for 14 consecutive days caused spermatogenic disruption and seminiferous epithelial destruction. Furthermore, 2,4-D administration (100 and 200 mg/kg/day) increased the formation of the lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde and decreased activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase in the testis. Moreover, 2,4-D exposure up-regulated the expression of p53 and Bax protein and down-regulated the expression of Bcl-2 protein in the testis. These results demonstrate that oxidative stress and apoptosis may be involved in testicular toxicity induced by high concentrations of 2,4-D in mice.

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