| Abstrakt: |
Objective: Bisphenol A (BPA) is widely used as a plasticizer, and its potential toxicity has been a public concern due to its mimicking effects of estrogen. However, in utero and lactational exposure to BPA during the critical stage of development of the male reproductive system and its effect on the adult offspring's testicular functions remain unclear. In the current study, we sought to investigate the impact of in utero and lactational exposure to BPA on the testicular functions of adult rats. Methods: Adult female Wistar rats were administered BPA orally at 50 mg/ kg body weight daily from gestational day one until weaning the pups. Results: In utero and lactational exposure to BPA alters testicular architecture, as evidenced by the disintegration of the basement membrane of the seminiferous tubules and reduced number of spermatogenic cells, increased noncellular space in the interstitial tubules. The activity of steroidogenic enzymes such as 3β- and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases decreased significantly in the BPA group. Superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase decreased significantly. At the same time, oxidized phospholipids, lipid peroxidation, and hydroxyl radicals in the testis of the BPA group increased significantly, suggesting that BPA exposure during early development is enough to induce oxidative stress in adults. Further, the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling showed apoptotic cells localized in the seminiferous tubules. The caudal epididymal sperm count, motility, and viability decreased while sperm abnormalities increased in rats exposed to BPA. Conclusion: The present study highlights the detrimental effects of BPA on the male reproductive system, underscoring the potential risks associated with BPA exposure during critical stages of development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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