Evaluation of di-n-butyl phthalate reproductive toxicity in pregnant rats and their offspring and assessment of vitamin E administration in reducing toxicity.

Phthalates are environmental contaminants mostly used as plasticizers and additives in different products. Having endocrine-disrupting properties, phthalates are known as potential reproductive toxicants. The present study was conducted to evaluate the reproductive toxicity of di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) in pregnant rats and their offspring and also to assess the ability of vitamin E in the elimination or reducing reproductive toxicity of DBP. Sixty-six pregnant Wistar rats were exposed to 100, 500 or 1,000 mg kg-1 per day DBP or 500 mg kg-1 per day DBP along with 100 mg kg-1 per day vitamin E during gestation. After delivery, they were divided into two groups. In one group gavage was finished after litter while in the other DBP administration was continued till weaning. The results showed that DBP affected many aspects of reproductive performance in pregnant rats and their offspring. It could be suggested that vitamin E could ameliorate the adverse effects of DBP, especially in male pups.

Melissa of cinalis and Vitamin E as the Potential Therapeutic Candidates for Reproductive Toxicity Caused by Anti-cancer Drug, Cisplatin, in Male Rats.

BACKGROUND: High doses of Cisplatin (CP) can disrupt the normal functioning of various tissues such as ovaries and testis. In almost all the patients, spermiotoxicity of CP causes temporary or permanent azoospermia. OBJECTIVE: In this study, the defensive effect of Melissa of cinalis and vitamin E against testicular injuries caused by CP in male rats was evaluated. METHOD: Thirty six male rats were distributed into 6 groups. Group 1 was used as the negative control. In group 2, a single dose of CP (10 mg/kg) was administered on the first day. In groups 3 and 4, a single dose of CP (10 mg/kg) was administered on the first day and then treated with Melissa of cinalis at 1000 mg/kg/day and vitamin E at 100 mg/kg/day for 7 consecutive days, respectively. Groups 5 and 6 were treated with Melissa of cinalis and vitamin E for 7 consecutive days, respectively. After euthanasia, serum levels of testosterone, Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH) were evaluated. Testes were removed and weighed. Spermatic analysis was done on the tail of the epididymis. Tissue lipid peroxidation and activity of antioxidant enzymes in testes were evaluated as well. RESULTS: The results showed that Melissa of cinalis and vitamin E increased serum levels of testosterone, LH and FSH, weight of testes and sperm motility, count and vitality and decreased sperm cell abnormalities in rats given CP. CONCLUSION: Our results are useful in designing a medication of Melissa of cinalis that can protect the testes against CP-induced testicular damage and infertility in cancerous male patients.