Effect of fenugreek seed extract on carbofuran-inhibited spermatogenesis and induced apoptosis in albino rats

Carbofuran is a broad spectrum carbamate pesticide used against different pests. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) is used as a medicinal plant and showed many therapeutic effects. The present work studied the effect of aqueous extract of fenugreek seeds on carbofuran induced testicular toxicity in albino rats. Treating rats with carbofuranfor 6 weeks induced significant decrease in testis weights, diameters and germinal epithelial heights of the seminiferous tubules. Histological results revealed intertubular hemorrhage, degeneration of the interstitial tissue and reduction of spermatogenic cells. Expression of caspase-3 and bax increased in the vgerm cells. Biochemical results showed decrease of testosterone and LH in sera of the treated animalsCoadministration of carbofuran with fenugreek seeds extracts ameliorates the histopathological alterations caused by carbofuran in testes of albino rats. Moreover, it caused decrease of apoptosis as indicated by decrease of expression of caspase-3 and bax, and increased testosterone and LH. It is concluded that the effect of fenugreek against testicular toxicity of carbofuran may be due to the antioxidant activity of its constituents (e.g. flavonoids and polyphenols).