The effects of Coenzyme Q10, Fullerene C60, ?-Lipoic Acid on reproductive system of pubertal male rats exposed to Bisphenol A

Abstract

Bisphenol A is widely recognized as a significant toxic environmental contaminant globally, primarily due to its extensive industrial and commercial applications. The current study aimed to evaluate the potential of Coenzyme Q10, Carbon-60 fullerene and alpha-Lipoic Acid, which are known for their significant antioxidant capacity, to reduce the reproductive toxic effects induced by Bisphenol A in male rats. A total of sixty prepubertal male Sprague Dawley rats were assigned to eight experimental groups. The substances were applied by oral gavage at dose-adjusted levels, dissolved in olive oil and/or water, once per day for a duration of seven weeks. The rats were decapitated 24 hours subsequent to the final application thereafter blood and testicular tissues were taken for analysis. The exposure of Bisphenol A resulted in significant elevation in serum and testicular malondialdehyde level and significant reduction in the level of antioxidant enzymes. Epididymal sperm concentration and motility were considerably lower in the Bisphenol A-exposed group against the control group. Marked histopathological changes were evident in the testicular tissue, characterized by degeneration and a notable decrease in germinal cell. It was determined that administration of Coenzyme Q10 and alpha-Lipoic Acid significantly prevented Bisphenol A-induced oxidative stress and associated complications such as testicular dysfunction and the decreased epididymal sperm quality. In conclusion, Bisphenol A negatively affected the reproductive system biochemically, histologically and reproductively in male rats; Coenzyme Q10, Carbon-60 fullerene, and alpha-Lipoic Acid alleviated these negative effects.