Use of Parabens (Methyl and Butyl) during the Gestation Period: Mitochondrial Bioenergetics of the Testes and Antioxidant Capacity Alterations in Testes and Other Vital Organs of the F1 Generation

Abstract

Since the mid-1920s, parabens have been widely used as antimicrobial preservatives in processed foods and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetic products. Paraben use continues to generate considerable controversy, both in the general population and in the scientific community itself. The primary purpose of our study was to determine whether parabens (methyl and butyl at concentrations of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight by subcutaneous injection) during pregnancy of adult female Wistar rats can have an impact on the F1 generation. As far as we know, we are the first to demonstrate that using parabens during pregnancy has negative repercussions on the mitochondrial bioenergetics and antioxidant activity of testicular germ cells in the F1 generation. Our study showed that there was a 48.7 and 59.8% decrease in the respiratory control index with 100 and 200 mg/kg of butylparaben, respectively. Cytochrome c oxidase activity was significantly inhibited (45 and 51%) in both groups. In addition, 200 mg/kg butylparaben promoted a marked decrease in citrate synthase activity, indicating that mitochondrial content decreased in the germ cells, especially spermatocytes and spermatids. Mitochondrial ROS production increased in groups exposed to parabens in a concentration-dependent manner, especially the butyl one (102 and 130%). The groups exposed to butylparaben showed an increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, while glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) decreased. With methylparaben, only differences in SOD and GR were observed; for the latter, this only occurred with the highest concentration. The glutathione (GSH)/glutathione disulfide (GSSG) ratio did not undergo any significant change. However, there was a considerable increase in hydroperoxide content in animals exposed to butylparaben, with 100 and 200 mg/kg resulting in 98.6 and 188% increase, respectively. Furthermore, several other organs also showed alterations in antioxidant capacity due to paraben use. In summary, our study demonstrates that paraben use during pregnancy will cause severe changes in the mitochondrial bioenergetics and antioxidant capacity of testicular germ cells and the antioxidant capacity of several other F1 generation organs.

Parabens Permeation through Biological Membranes: A Comparative Study Using Franz Cell Diffusion System and Biomimetic Liquid Chromatography

“…Parabens (PBs) are a group of C-4 esterified molecules of hydroxybenzoic acid (pHBA) with a broad antimicrobial and antifungal spectrum, commonly used since the 1920s [1] as preservatives in foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products (PCPs) to increase their shelf life [2,3]. PBs having a higher value of n-octanol-water partition coefficient (log P ranging from 1.96 to 3.57) show low water solubility, making the shorter-chained PBs better suited for their application.…”

The adverse role of endocrine disrupting chemicals in the reproductive system

“…In various in vitro and in vivo studies, parabens have been associated with weak estrogenic and anti-androgenic actions ( 331 ). One study demonstrated that paraben use during pregnancy results in significant changes in the mitochondrial bioenergetics and antioxidant capacity of testicular germ cells, as well as the antioxidant capacity of several F1 generation organs, contributing to the understanding of male infertility in future generations ( 332 ). Parabens, especially butyl, can affect the enzymatic antioxidant system in rat testes, leading to a decrease in cellular antioxidant capacity, which may be related to male infertility ( 333 ).…”

Rapid Screening of Butyl Paraben Additive in Toner Sample by Molecularly Imprinted Photonic Crystal

“…As the antimicrobial additive, it can be found in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, as well as food products [1][2][3]. In consideration of the estrogenic effects caused by parabens, the application of parabens has aroused the increasing concerns on the latent hazards to health and environment [4,5]. It has been demonstrated that the chronic exposure to BP can cause breast cancer and breast tumors, as well as the impairment of the sperm quality and fecundity [6][7][8][9][10].…”