The possible protective effect of Omega 3 fatty acids against Bisphenol A induced disruption of pituitary-testicular axis in albino rat. Biohemical, Histological and Immunohistochemical study

Abstract

Background: Infertility is a major health problem affecting human life. Multiple factors contribute to male infertility. The most important one is exposure to environmental contaminants (e.g. Bisphenol A (BPA)). Aim of the work: To study the possible protective effect of Omega 3 against BPA induced changes in the pituitary testicular axis in rats. Material and method: 30 adult male albino rats were used in the study. They were divided equally into 3 groups 10 animals each. Group I served as control. Group II received BPA in a dose 1.2 mg/kg orally 6 days a week. Group III received Omega 3 in a dose 0.4 g/kg subcutaneously in addition to BPA of the same previous dose and duration. At the time of sacrifice, all rats were anesthetized with ether.Blood samples were collected for estimation of testosterone, LH, FSH and prolactin. The testes and pituitary were dissected out and processed for histological and immunohistochemical study for Caspase 3, PCNA and prolactin. The number of Caspase 3 and PCNA positive cells were counted and statistically analyzed. Results: Marked decrease in serum LH, testosterone with marked increase in serum prolactin was observed in BPA treated group. Spermatogenic cells were disorganized and degenerated. Spermatids had fragmented pyknotic nuclei. A significant increase in the rate of apoptosis and a significant decrease in the rate of proliferation of germ cells were detected on BPA exposure compared to the control. Examination of pars distalis revealed degenerative changes in acidophils and basophils in group II animals with decreased intensity of reactive mammotrophs. These changes were ameliorated in group III by administration of Omega 3 fatty acids. Conclusion: Omega 3 may protect against BPA hazardous effects through pituitary testicular axis pathway.

Cross Sectional Study on Exposure to BPA and Phthalates and Semen Parameters in Men Attending a Fertility Center

“…To use as a model for human testicular dysgenesis syndrome, pregnant rats were exposed to DnBP and a suppression of intratesticular testosterone, a focal aggregation of Leyding cells and ectopic Sertoli cells were obtained [27]. Also, the possible molecular mechanism of MnBP was investigated in vitro and even at low dose, an increased Sertoli cells proliferation emerged [28].Among other chemicals, evidence from previous studies showed that also bisphenol A (BPA), a precursor to important plastics like polycarbonates and epoxy resins, could interact with the endocrine system [29,30] and semen quality as well [31,32] even if the present evidence is controversial.According to Lassen et al [33] the association between BPA levels and reproductive hormones would support an anti-androgenic effect with deleterious consequences on motile spermatozoa (−6.7%, confidence interval-CI −11.76/1.63 95%), data confirmed also by Radwan et al [34].BPA induced, in in vivo studies, testicular dysfunction and alteration of Sertoli cell viability [35], testicular apoptosis in male rats [36]; after BPA exposure spermatogenic cells were disorganized and degenerated, spermatids had fragmented pyknotic nuclei and a significant decrease in the rate of proliferation of germ cells was present [37].In an epidemiological survey on 215 young health adults, the urinary BPA levels were significantly and inversely associated with sperm concentration and total sperm count [38]. In recent surveys [39,40] sperm concentration, morphology and motility were negatively associated with BPA urinary levels.…”

“…BPA induced, in in vivo studies, testicular dysfunction and alteration of Sertoli cell viability [35], testicular apoptosis in male rats [36]; after BPA exposure spermatogenic cells were disorganized and degenerated, spermatids had fragmented pyknotic nuclei and a significant decrease in the rate of proliferation of germ cells was present [37].…”

Short term chronic toxicity of tributyltin on the testes of adult albino rats and the possible protective role of omega-3

“…Soliman et al 56 and Mahmoud et al 35 reported that administration of omega-3 resulted in marked improvement in testicular architecture as seminiferous tubules were more or less similar to those of control with regular basement membrane and healthy looking spermatogenic lineages.…”

“…Under the effect of the hypothalamic gonadotropin releasing hormone ( GnRH ) , the hypothalamus controls androgen biosynthesis by stimulating LH and FSH release from the pituitary, LH in turn stimulates leydig cells to secrete testosterone while FSH binds to sertoli cells and stimulate male germ cells to develop into mature sperms in a process called spermatogenesis Leydig cells are the testosterone producing cells which is required for optimal sperm production. 35…”

“…Previous studies have documented the antioxidant, anti-apoptotic of omega 2 fatty acids and proved that omega-3 produced a highly significant decrease in the percentage of oxidative damage and cell death. 35,42,46,50,56,76…”