The effects of coenzyme Q10, fullerene C60 and α-Lipoic Acid on reproductive system, epidydimal sperm quality and antioxidant status of pubertal male rats exposed to bisphenol a

Environmental toxic substances cause deterioration of testicular functions especially by disrupting the prooxidant/antioxidant balance of the testis. Bisphenol A (BPA) is among the leading toxic environmental pollutants worldwide due to its widespread use. The major cause of BPA-induced reproductive toxicity is directly related to oxidative stress. The present study was conducted to evaluate whether Coenzyme Q10 (CEQ10), hydrated C60 fullerene (C60HyFn) and alpha lipoic acid (ALA) which are known to be powerful antioxidants, eliminate adverse effects on reproduction induced by BPA in male rats. Sixty prepubertal Sprague Dawley male rats were divided into eight groups: (1) control group (n=7), (2) BPA-treated group (n=8), (3) CEQ10-treated group (n=7), (4) FUL-treated group (n=7), (5) ALA-treated group (n=7), (6) BPA + CEQ10-treated group (n=8), (7) BPA + FUL-treated group (n=8) and (8) BPA + ALA-treated group (n=8). They were orally administered at adjusted doses by mixing them in olive oil and/or water once a day for 7 weeks. The administration of BPA resulted in significant elevation in serum and testicular malondialdehyde (MDA) level and significant reduction in the level of antioxidant enzymes. In addition to this in BPA-treated group, reproductive organ weights, epididymal spermatozoon concentration and motility were significantly lesser than those of control group. Additionally, it was observed that marked histopathological changes including degeneration and reduction in germinal cells in the testes of BPA treated group. The levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO) were significantly decreased in BPA groups treated with antioxidants compared to alone BPA-treated group. However, improvement in epididymal spermatozoon characteristics and testicular tissue was better in CEQ10 + BPA- and ALA + BPA- treated groups than in FUL + BPA-treated group. In conclusion, it was determined that administration of CEQ10 and ALA significantly prevented BPA-induced oxidative stress and associated complications such as testicular dysfunction and the decreased epididymal spermatozoon quality. However, further studies are needed in order to evaluate the effectiveness of FUL in preventing the adverse effects of BPA on the reproductive system.