Hesperidin Attenuates Deltamethrin-Induced Testicular Damage by Modulating Apoptosis-Associated Signaling and Profibrotic Gene Expression: Biochemical, Molecular, and Histological Evidence

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effect of hesperidin (HSP) at two different doses on deltamethrin (DLM)-induced testicular damage. The study comprised four groups of Wistar Albino rats (n = 8 per group): Control, DLM, DLM + HSP 100 mg/kg, and DLM + HSP 300 mg/kg. At the end of the study, oxidative stress markers and CRP were measured in serum samples. Testicular tissues were assessed histopathologically. Expression of Bcl-2, Bax, and Nrf-2 were determined by immunofluorescence staining. RT-qPCR assessed tissue collagen (COL1A1, COL3A1) and apoptotic () expressions. HSP at both doses lowered the DLM-induced increase in total oxidant status, oxidative stress index (total oxidant status/total antioxidant capacity), and CRP levels. Nrf-2 was increased by a high dose of HSP (300 mg/kg). Whereas HSP normalized other apoptotic parameters at both doses, it partially normalized Bax expression in immunofluorescence and Bcl-2 expression in RT-qPCR only at 300 mg/kg. HSP reduced the increased fibrosis in DLM exposure, as revealed by the expressions of COL1A1 and COL3A1 at both doses. HSP partially ameliorated DLM-associated histological alterations, including Johnsen’s score, tubule diameter, and thickness of the tunica albuginea. HSP may exert protective effects against DLM-induced testicular injury by modulating systemic oxidative status, apoptosis-associated signaling, and profibrotic gene expression.