The effect of residual acetamiprid and dichlorvos in greenhouse cucumber on liver function and testicular germ cells on laboratory mice

Background: Pesticides are widely used around the world, especially in underdeveloped and developing countries. However, the effect of residual amounts of these compounds on the physiological processes of the body has always been discussed. Materials and methods: In this experimental study, 27cucumber plants were sprayed with a concentration equal to twofold recommended dose (acetamiprid (50 g/l) and dichlorvos (4 ml/l)). After 24 hours, the residual amount was obtained and to evaluate the effect of these residues, 20 mice were divided into 4 groups. The control group and groups 1, 2 and 3 that received dichlorvos,  acetamiprid, and combination of two pesticides respectively in drinking water. Results: The residual pesticide in cucumber was obtained for acetamiprid 1.5 mg/kg and for dichlorvos 0.5 mg/kg. Their effect indicated a significant decrease in body weight and blood albumin levels (p<0.01) and an increase in liver enzymes (aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase) and had changes in the number of testicular germ cells (p<0.05). Conclusion: Liver disorders and reduced reproductive potential in male mice can be attributed to the addition of pesticides to their drinking water. Monitoring programs to evaluate the presence of residual pesticides in food should be done continuously and special attention should be paid to the management of consumption of these pesticides.