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In recent years, the impact of various environmental toxicants on male reproductive function has received considerable attention, partly fuelled by the reports of falling sperm count and rising reproductive disorders in human population. Environmental toxicants disturb the pro-oxidant/ anti-oxidant balance of the testis resulting in impairment of testicular function. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) and associated oxidative stress has grown up to the point of molecular mechanism responsible for male infertility. Therefore, there is a greater need to look into the reason behind the vulnerability of male reproductive system to ROS. Under physiological conditions, the testicular spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis are associated with production of ROS that makes them more susceptible to oxidative stress. In addition, exposure to toxicants aggravates the production of ROS to greater extent. ROS are involved in regulation of testicular functions within critical levels. The present review outlines the source of ROS, its role in testis and summarizes recent studies on ROSmediated effects of environmental toxicants on testicular function. Testicular spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis are a source of ROS and also a target for their disruptive actions. The role of environmental toxicants in changing testicular ROS levels merits further investigation.

Piperine, an alkaloid present in the fruits of commonly used spice pepper, is known to impair reproductive functions. In the present study, piperine was administered to adult male rats at the dose levels of 1, 10, and 100 mg/kg body weight for 30 days to evaluate its effects on the testis. A significant decrease in the activities of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase in the testis was observed at 10 and 100 mg of piperine administration when compared with the controls. A dose-dependent increase in lipid peroxidation and hydrogen peroxide generation was also observed. Sialic acid levels in the testis were also found to be decreased when piperine was administered at 10 and 100 mg dose levels. Immunofluorescence studies demonstrated a dose-dependent increase in caspase 3 and Fas protein in testicular germ cells after piperine treatment. These observations indicate that piperine induces oxidative stress and thereby triggers apoptosis in the testis, contributing to hampered reproductive functions.