RESUMO
Bisphenol A (BPA), a phenyl ring containing synthetic xenoestrogen, is widely used in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastics, epoxy resins and as a non-polymer additive to other plastics. Food is considered as the main source of exposure to BPA as it leaches out from food containers as well as surface coatings. It causes toxicity in the liver, kidney, brain, and other organs by initiating the process of lipid peroxidation. The present investigation was an attempt to evaluate the effect of BPA on steroidogenesis and its amelioration by quercetin. Inbred Swiss strain male albino mice were orally administered with 80, 120 and 240 mg per kg body weight per day of BPA for 45 days. The results revealed that BPA causes significant (p < 0.05) and dose-dependent changes in the body weight and biochemical parameters like protein, cholesterol and lipid contents as well as activities of 3ß-and 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases in the testis of mice. It was also found to significantly reduce the testosterone level in serum. Oral administration of quercetin (30, 60 and 90 mg per kg body weight per day) along with a high dose of BPA (240 mg per kg body weight per day) for 45 days caused significant amelioration in the body weight and steroidogenesis as compared to the BPA alone treated group. The effect was dose-dependent. This amelioration in BPA-induced toxicity might be due to the antioxidative properties of quercetin. The reduction in the function of enzymes was confirmed by in silico bindings. BPA and quercetin show competitive binding with steroidogenic enzymes as well as binding with each other. This could be a possible mechanism to reduce the toxic effect of BPA which has been supported by molecular dynamics simulations for molecular level recognition with structural insights.
RESUMO
Bisphenol A is widely used as a material for the production of epoxy resins and polycarbonate plastics. It contaminates various food stuffs by getting leached out from their container lining. Limited information is available on its effects on the male reproductive system. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the extent to which bisphenol A can affect the reproductive system by measuring biochemical and histological changes in the epididymis. Inbred Swiss strain male albino mice were orally administered 80, 120 and 240 mg/kg body weight/day of BPA for 45 days. After completion of treatment, the animals were sacrificed; cauda epididymis was isolated, weighed, used for biochemical and histopathological studies. The results revealed that BPA administered for 45 days caused significant (p<0.05) and dose-dependent reduction in epididymis weight. There was significant (p<0.05) increase in lipid peroxidation and the acid phosphatase activity. Dose dependent reduction in protein, sialic acid contents, as well as the activity of enzymatic antioxidants and mitochondrial enzymes was recorded compared to vehicle treated group. The effect was dose-dependent. Histopathological alteration was observed. This study concludes that BPA causes toxicity in epididymis of mice by generating free radicals, which may be a possible reason for reduction in sperm parameters.
