Short term chronic toxicity of tributyltin on the testes of adult albino rats and the possible protective role of omega-3

Abstract

The declining rate of male fertility is a growing concern. Tributyltin (TBT) is a well-known endocrine disruptor (ED), that induces imposex in female gastropods and is widely used in various industrial applications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxic effects of TBT on the testes of adult albino rats and the possible role of omega-3. Forty two adult male albino rats were divided into five groups; control group (Group I) and four experimental groups: omega-3 treated group, TBT treated group, TBT & omega-3 treated group and follow up group. At the end of the study, the rats were subjected to biochemical, histological, immunohistochemical staining for Ki-67 and seminal examinations. Our results clarfied that TBT induced a significant decrease in testosterone, FSH, LH and serum glutathione peroxidase levels and a significant increase in the serum Malondialdehyde as compared to the control group. Tributyltin induced disorganization and shrinkage of seminiferous tubules, apoptosis, cellular damage and marked reduction in the germinal epithelium. A significant decrease in the cell proliferation and arrested spermatogenesis were also detected. Seminal analysis of TBT group showed a significant affection of all parameters as compared to other groups. Omega-3 ameliorated all of these hazardous effects. Follow up group still showed toxic effects. In conclusion, TBT has a toxic effect on the testis. Increased testicular oxidative stress, cellular damage and arrest of spermatogenesis with attenuation in antioxidant defenses are all contributing factors. Omega-3 can protect against TBT induced reproductive toxicity.

Omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and its metabolite 12‐HEPE rescue busulfan disrupted spermatogenesis via target to GPR120

“… 31 Therefore, depleting endogenous germ cells via a single injection of busulfan has become the most commonly used technique for establishing animal models of disrupted spermatogenesis. 32 Many in vivo studies have suggested that omega‐3 can alleviate testicular damage caused by environmental pollutants or metabolic disorders by alleviating oxidative stress, 33 reducing apoptosis, 34 repairing the blood‐testis barrier, 35 and protecting against DNA damage. 36 Notably, our results showed that omega‐3 could restore spermatogenesis by increasing the thickness of the spermatogenic tubule epithelium, alleviating spermatogenic cell apoptosis, and increasing the number of sperm in the caudal epididymis (Figure 2 ).…”

Omega 3 fatty acid improves sexual and erectile function in BPF-treated rats by upregulating NO/cGMP signaling and steroidogenic enzymes activities

“…The three major O3FAs are docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). These three are required for a variety of functions, including growth, reproduction, vision, and the development of the brain 11 . While the data reporting the beneficial effect of O3FA on male sexual performance is lacking, it has been shown to have vasodilatory effect in different vascular beds 12 , and by extension, could cause vasodilation of smooth muscle of corpora cavernosa which can improve male sexual function via NO/cGMP signaling.…”