Effect of Bisphenol a on Corpus Epididymis and Chromosomal Pattern of Adult Rats

Abstract

Introduction: The epididymis is a male accessory organ essential for male fertility. The biochemical and physiological consequences of genotoxicity which are of most concern are the effects on the reproductive health. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. It is present in food and drink packages. It is considered an endocrine disrupting factor due to is estrogenic properties. Aim of the Work:The study aimed to demonstrate the possible changes in the corpus epididymis structure and chromosomal pattern following administration of BPA. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six adult male albino rats were used; and divided into three groups: Group Ι (control); each rat received 1mL corn oil once daily. Group ΙІ (BPA treated); each rat was given BPA in corn oil in a dose of 50 mg/kg orally once daily for 8 weeks. Group ΙΙІ (follow-up); the rats of this group were given the same dose for the same duration as group ΙІ then held for another 4 weeks without BPA administration. At the end of experimental period, blood was collected for serum testosterone assessment. Histological and immunohistochemical investigations were done on epididymis; and the femoral bone was used for cytogenetic studies. Results: Light microscopic examination of corpus epididymis in treated group revealed wide intercellular and intertubular spaces with inflammatory infiltration and blood vessels congestion. The tubules were empty or filled with cellular debris. The epithelial lining showed vaculation, darkly stained nuclei and stratification. The abnormal sperm forms and both the structural and numerical chromosomal aberrations were significantly increased. These parameters were improved in follow-up group but not reached the levels of control one. Conclusion: BPA administration could induce histopathological changes in corpus epididymis associated with genotoxic effects. These changes were partially reversible after stoppage of administration.

Bisphenol A enhances apoptosis, fibrosis, and biochemical fluctuations in the liver of adult male rats with possible regression after recovery

“…BPA accumulation in the environment and subsequent exposure resulted from its great capability to leak from plastic materials to water, low volatility, and high lipophilicity (Cousins et al, 2002). Several recent studies have described the potential toxic effects of BPA on the endocrine system (Goldinger et al, 2015; Usman & Ahmad, 2016), neuroendocrine development (Qiu et al, 2016), reproductive system (Desdoits‐Lethimonier et al, 2017; Hegazy et al, 2017), liver (Hassan et al, 2012), and liver functions (Zhang et al, 2018). The maximum tolerable daily intake of BPA has been reduced from 50 to 4 μg kg −1 day −1 by the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) since 2015 (Legeay & Faure, 2017).…”

“…Furthermore, cadmium administration increased the mRNA levels and protein expression levels of Bax in chicken liver (Xu et al, 2017). Additionally, BPA increased the immunohistochemical expression of Bax in all cell layers of ductus epididymis in rats (Hegazy et al, 2017). In support of these findings, we observed a significant reduction in the level of Bax and TGFβ1 expression, both immunohistochemically and by quantification of mRNA expression after 4 weeks of recovery.…”

“…This supported the spontaneous structural improvement in the hepatocytes after 4 weeks of recovery. These sparks generate a great debate about the precise mechanisms of BPA‐induced hepatocyte toxicity and the mechanisms of reversibility, especially because Hegazy et al (2017) declared that the BPA effects on the epididymis were also reversible.…”

“…Group ΙІ (the corn oil group) included rats that were administered with 1 ml of corn oil. Group ΙΙІ (bisphenol) included rats that were dosed with BPA of 50 mg/kg body weight (Hegazy et al, 2017; Mohamed & Arafa, 2013). All the previous treatments were given orally via gavage for 8 weeks as a single freshly prepared daily dose.…”

Hazards of Bisphenol A on the Thyroid Gland of Adult Male Albino Rats and Possibility of Recovery after its Withdrawal

“…The lowest dose of BPA studied for reported effects and risk assessment purposes was 50mg/kg/day [14] . Many studies were done for demonstration of testicular and epididymis changes by BPA administration (50mg/kg/day) using oral gavage for 8 weeks [15][16] .…”