Ameliorative Effects of Berberine Against Acetamiprid-Induced Toxicity in the Testes of Rats: A Computational and Histological Insight

Background: Acetamiprid (ACMP) exposure mediates a variety of pathological complications, including testicular toxicity. Berberine (BBR) is a plant-derived alkaloid with potential pharmacological properties. This study sought to evaluate the ameliorative effects of BBR against ACMP-induced testicular toxicity. Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control, BBR-treated, ACMP-exposed, and BBR+ACMP co-treated, and were administered with BBR (150 mg/kg b.wt) and ACMP (21.7 mg/kg b.wt) for 21 days. Biochemical and FTIR analyses, RT-PCR, computational analyses, and histopathological examination were conducted to assess alterations in lipid and protein profiles, as well as apoptotic and structural changes. Results: ACMP exposure was associated with oxidative injury, functional alterations (stretching of -OH, -CH2, -NH, C=O, C-N, -COO-, -PO2−), and compositional changes in proteins and lipids. Pre-treatment of BBR (2 h prior) was associated with attenuation of the functional and compositional alterations in proteins and lipids in co-treated rats. RT-PCR and computational analysis showed increased Bax and caspase-3 and decreased Bcl-2 mRNA expression, suggesting a potential modulation of ACMP-induced apoptosis by BBR. Histological examination showed that pre-treatment with BBR prevented ACMP-induced structural alterations, including cellular disorganization and alteration in seminiferous tubules. Conclusions: The study suggested that the BBR may exert ameliorative effects against ACMP-induced testicular toxicity by modulating lipid and protein changes and the anti-apoptotic pathway. Thus, BBR could be used as a potential ameliorative agent against oxidative stress. However, more mechanistic studies are needed for broader biological relevance and validity.