<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the influence of an extract of
Genista tinctoria L. herba (GT) or methylparaben (MP) on histopathological changes and 2
biomarkers of
oxidative stress in
rats subchronicly exposed to bisphenol A (BPA).</p><p><b>
METHODS</b>
Adult female Wistar rats were orally exposed for 90 d to BPA (50 mg/kg), BPA+GT (35 mg
isoflavones/kg) or BPA+MP (250 mg/kg).
Plasma and
tissue samples were taken from
liver,
kidney,
thyroid,
uterus,
ovary, and
mammary gland after 30, 60, and 90 d of exposure respectively.
Lipid peroxidation and in vivo
hydroxyl radical production were evaluated by histological
analysis along with
malondialdehyde and 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic
acid detection.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The severity of histopathological changes in
liver and
kidneys was lower after GT
treatment than after BPA or BPA+MP
treatment. A minimal
thyroid receptor antagonist effect was only observed after BPA+MP
treatment. The abnormal folliculogenesis increased in a
time-dependent manner, and the number of
corpus luteum decreased. No significant histological alterations were found in the
uterus. The
mammary gland displayed specific
estrogen stimulation changes at all periods. Both MP and GT revealed
antioxidant properties reducing
lipid peroxidation and BPA-induced
hydroxyl radical generation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>GT L. extract ameliorates the
toxic effects of BPA and is proved to have
antioxidant potential and antitoxic effect. MP has
antioxidant properties, but has either no effect or exacerbates the BPA-induced histopathological changes.</p>