N ‐acetyl cysteine co‐treatment abates perfluorooctanoic acid‐induced reproductive toxicity in male rats

Abstract

Perfluorooctanoic acid is a synthetic perfluoroalkyl—persistent in the environment and toxic to humans. N‐acetylcysteine is a pro‐drug of both amino acid l‐cysteine and glutathione—a non‐enzymatic antioxidant. N‐acetylcysteine serves as an antidote for paracetamol poisoning and alleviates cellular oxidative and inflammatory stressors. We investigated N‐acetylcysteine role against reproductive toxicity in male Wistar rats (weight: 140–220 g; 10 weeks old) posed by perfluorooctanoic acid exposure. Randomised rat cohorts were dosed both with perfluorooctanoic acid (5 mg/kg; p.o) or co‐dosed with N‐acetylcysteine (25 and 50 mg/kg p.o) for 28 days. Sperm physiognomies, biomarkers of testicular function and reproductive hormones, oxidative stress and inflammation were evaluated. Co‐treatment with N‐acetylcysteine significantly (p < .05) reversed perfluorooctanoic acid‐mediated decreases in reproductive enzyme activities, and adverse effect on testosterone, luteinising and follicle‐stimulating hormone concentrations. N‐acetylcysteine treatment alone, improved sperm motility, count and viability, and reduced total sperm abnormalities. Co‐treatment with N‐acetylcysteine mitigated perfluorooctanoic acid‐induced alterations in sperm function parameters. N‐acetylcysteine abated (p < .05) perfluorooctanoic acid‐induced oxidative stress in experimental rats testes and epididymis, and generally improved antioxidant enzyme activities and cellular thiol levels. Furthermore, N‐acetylcysteine suppressed inflammatory responses and remedied perfluorooctanoic acid‐mediated histological injuries in rat. Cooperatively, N‐acetylcysteine enhanced reproductive function in perfluorooctanoic acid dosed rats, by lessening oxidative and nitrative stressors and mitigated inflammatory responses in the examined organ.

Decrease in reproductive dysfunction using aflatoxin B1 exposure: a treatment with 3‐indolepropionic acid in albino Wistar rat

“…Epididymal sperm number (ESN) was assessed in the treated—AFB1 and 3‐IPA—and control experimental rats following the previously reported procedure of the WHO manual (Owumi, Akamolafe, et al., 2021; WHO, 2010). The spermatozoa—spermatozoa in normal saline—obtained from the right caudal epididymis was briefly filtered through a nylon mesh.…”

N-Acetylcysteine Reverses Monocrotophos Exposure-Induced Hepatic Oxidative Damage via Mitigating Apoptosis, Inflammation and Structural Changes in Rats

“…It is a potent neurostimulator and is widely recognized for its effectiveness against neurodegenerative disorders [ 31 , 32 ] and psychiatric disorders [ 33 , 34 ]. Along with its organ-specific therapeutics applications, NAC is effective against metal toxicity [ 35 , 36 , 37 ], pesticide-induced hepato-renal toxicity, neurotoxicity and reproductive toxicity [ 38 , 39 , 40 ] and other health conditions, including infectious diseases [ 41 ], infertility [ 42 , 43 , 44 ] and hepatic diseases [ 45 ]. Many studies have evaluated the effects of some antioxidants against MCP toxicity in aquatic animals.…”

Perfluorooctanoic acid inhibits androgen biosynthesis in rat immature Leydig cells

“…Several organophosphate pesticides have been reported to have suppressive effects on androgen synthesis. [44][45][46][47] The present study was performed to clarify the effects of the long-chain perfluorinated agent PFOA on the androgen biosynthesis and metabolism in ILCs. PFOA is used in a wide variety of industrial and commercial applications and poses a significant environmental risk, 48 and the harmfulness associated with PFOA in mammals has been extensively documented.…”

“…Several organophosphate pesticides have been reported to have suppressive effects on androgen synthesis 44–47 . The present study was performed to clarify the effects of the long‐chain perfluorinated agent PFOA on the androgen biosynthesis and metabolism in ILCs.…”