Biochemical Changes of Mancozeb-Induced AlteBiochemical Changes of Mancozeb-Induced Alternations in Testes and Thyroid gland of Male Ratsrnations in Testes and Thyroid gland of Male Rats
Mancozeb manganese ethylene bis dithiocarbamate polymeric complex – with zinc salts is a very important protective non-systemic fungicide, classified as an ethylene bis dithio-carbamate fungicide. Mancozeb used for controlling fungal diseases for a wide variety of crops because of its broad-spectrum as fungicidal effects and high compatibility with agrochemicals. The objective of this study was to investigate the results of the fungicide mancozeb at different doses on some biochemical parameters, reproductive performance, and histological changes in testes and thyroid gland. The low amount equals 1/7 of LD50 manczeb-d1, and the high amount equals 1/3.5 of LD50 mancozeb-d1. Amounts of mancozeb (mancozeb-d1 and mancozeb-d2) adjusted according to the rat’s body weights. The results showed that mancozeb decreased plasma testosterone level, sperm count, viability, motility, and significantly (P<0.05) increased abnormal sperms, altered acrosome, and abnormal DNA. Treatment of rats with manczeb-d1 and mancozeb-d2 significantly (P<0.05) decreased T3. Also, T4 significantly (P<0.05) fell in the group treated with mancozeb-d2. Treatment of rats with mancozeb-d1, and mancozeb-d2 significantly (P<0.05) increased TSH. Furthermore, the histological study showed that exposure to mancozeb reduced the number of mature spermatozoa, necrosis, and basal vacuoles observed in some tubules. Also, mancozeb reduces colloid in most follicles resulting in desquamation of the follicular epithelium into the lumen of the thyroid follicles. In conclusion, despite mancozeb exhibiting low acute toxicity, it has been shown to cause detrimental effects on reproduction, thyroid gland, and its secretion. For this reason, it is necessary to be careful when using mancozeb in agricultural areas and should take precautions.
