Protective role of antioxidant vitamins [C and E] on DI-2-ethylhexyl phthalate induced testicular toxicity in rats. histological and ultrastructural studies

ABSTRACT

Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate [DEHP] is one of the most common synthetic environmental pollutants to which nearly everyone is exposed. It is used as a plasticizer that imparts flexibility, durability and softness to rigid polyvinyl chloride products. The aim of the present work was to study histologically the effects of DEHP on the testis and the role of antioxidant vitamins in prevention of such effects. The present study was carried out on 55 adult male albino rats. The animals were divided into three main groups. Group I served as control group. Group II, received oral daily dose of] gm/kg b.w. of DEHP for 4 weeks. Group III was further subdivided into three subgroups; IIIa, IIIb, IIIc. They received the same dose of DEHP for the same period simultaneously with vitamin C [100 mg/kg b.w.], vitamin E [20 mg/kg b.w.] and vitamin C and E respectively. At the end of the experiments, specimens were taken from the testes of all animals and were subjected to histological and ultrastructural studies Animals of group Ii revealed moderate degenerative changes in most of the somniferous tubules of the testis. Few tubules showed severe atrophy of the germinal epithelium. These tubules appeared lined only with spermatogonia and Sertoli cells. There was a decrease in the number of spermatozoa. Electron microscopic examination revealed considerable vacuolation of the cytoplasm of Sertoli cells. They exhibited dilatation of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum and bizzar shaped dense mitochondria. Degenerative changes were also seen in Leydig cells. Simultaneous administration of antioxidant vitamins with DEHP [group Hi] ameliorated the toxic effects of DEHP on the somniferous tubules of rats. This protective effect was more evident in animals that received both vitamins C and E together with DEHP. The use of vitamin E provided better protection than vitamin C. Conclusion: It could be concluded that DEHP has an injurious effect on the testis of the exposed animals. This effect could be prevented by regular use of antioxidant vitamins