Oxidative And Hormonal Disruptions Underlie Bisphenol A - Induced Testicular Toxicity In Male Rabbits

Abstract

The presence of endocrine-disrupting compounds,<br> such as bisphenol A (BPA), in the environment can cause serious<br> health problems. However, there are controversial opinions. This<br> study investigated the reproductive, metabolic, oxidative and<br> immunologic-disrupting effects of bisphenol A in male rabbits.<br> Rabbits were divided into five groups. The first four rabbit groups<br> were administered oral BPA (1, 10, 50, or 100 mg/kg/day) for ten<br> weeks. The fifth group was administered corn oil as the vehicle. BPA<br> significantly decreased serum testosterone, estradiol and the free<br> androgen index (FAI) and significantly increased sex hormone<br> binding globulin (SHBG) compared with the placebo group. The<br> higher doses of BPA showed a significant decrease in follicular<br> stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). A<br> significant increase in blood glucose levels was identified in the BPA<br> groups. The non-significant difference in insulin levels is a novel<br> finding. The cumulative testicular toxicity of BPA was clearly<br> demonstrated by the dose-dependent decrease in absolute testes<br> weight, primary measures of semen quality and a significant increase<br> in testicular malonaldehyde (MDA). Moreover, BPA significantly<br> decreased total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and significantly<br> increased immunoglobulin G (IgG) at the highest concentration. Our<br> results suggest that BPA, especially at higher doses, is associated<br> with many adverse effects on metabolism, oxidative stress, immunity,<br> sperm quality and markers of androgenic action.