Adiantum capillus-veneris Linn protects female reproductive system against carbendazim toxicity in rats: immunohistochemical, histopathological, and pathophysiological studies

This experimental study is done to clarify the protective role of the Adiantum capillus-veneris linn plant extracts (ACVL) in Sprague-Dawley female rat reproductive organs that are intoxicated by carbendazim pesticide (CBZ). This aim is achieved by the immunohistochemical detection of the inflammatory marker NF-ҡB-P65. This aim is achieved by the immunohistochemical detection of the inflammatory marker NF-ҡB-P65 and also, description of the histopathological and pathophysiological changes. Thirty-two rats were divided into four groups (n = 8) and were daily treated orally for 4 weeks. The first group as a control, the second group was treated with ACVL plant extract 200 mg/kg b.w., the third group was treated with CBZ 25 mg/kg b.w., and the fourth group was treated with CBZ 25 mg + ACVL plant extract 200 mg/kg b.w. The pathophysiological results showed that in the third group, the ovarian tissue malondialdehyde content was elevated, but the fourth group exhibited it at a normal level. Reductions in the ovarian tissue content of glutathione, superoxide dismutase activity, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, and also serum FSH, LH, and estradiol hormones were observed in the third group, while, in the fourth group, all these items recorded normal level. The histopathological findings in the third group exhibited severe congestion and hemorrhage in the ovaries, oviducts, myometrium, gastric submucosa, splenic white pulps, and brain subarachnoid spaces. The fourth group showed protection from the congestion and hemorrhage, and no histopathological changes occurred. The immunohistochemical results in the third group revealed strong positive immunoreaction against the NF-ҡB-P65 antigen in the uterus and stomach. Ovaries, spleen, and brain showed moderate positive immunoreaction. The fourth group disclosed negative immunoreaction for the NF-ҡB-P65 antigen. In conclusion, CBZ toxicity induced histopathological changes in female rat reproductive organs. CBZ induced changes in the enzymatic activities measured in ovarian and brain tissue homogenates. CBZ causes an elevation in NF-ҡB P65 as an inflammatory marker, especially in the uterus and stomach. The ACVL plant extract acts as a protective factor to prevent the CBZ toxicity and also has an anti-inflammatory effect by decreasing the synthesis of NF-ҡB-P65.