Vitamin E improves oxidative stress, apoptosis, and steroidogenesis impairment in glyphosate-induced mice

Abstract

Background Glyphosate (Gly) is a nonselective pesticide with high potential to toxic effects on the reproductive system. Recent studies suggest that Vitamin E can indeed have a positive impact on the reproductive system, while Gly, a nonselective pesticide, has been linked to significant risks of toxicity on reproductive health. It’s crucial to be mindful of the potential impacts of such substances on the reproductive system. Methods Seventy female mice were categorized into seven groups.: (1) control, (2) olive oil (as Vit E solvent), (3) Vit E, (4) L-Gly, (5) H-Gly, (6) L-Gly + Vit E, and (7) H-Gly + Vit E. Various factors related to oxidative stress, antioxidant activity, steroid hormones, and mRNA expression levels of genes involved in apoptosis and steroidogenesis were assessed. Results After treatment with both doses of Gly, the malondialdehyde level significantly increased in comparison to the control group. Conversely, the activity of catalase and the levels of glutathione, estrogen, and progesterone decreased. Treatment of mice with both doses of Gly resulted in increased mRNA levels of Bax, caspase-3, and caspase-9 genes, as well as a decreased mRNA level of the Bcl-2 gene and factors involved in steroidogenesis (StAR and 3-β-HSD) comparison to the control group. Conclusion These results offer that vitamin E could help improve some of the adverse effects of Gly in the ovaries of female mice.