Physiological and histopathological studies on bisphenol-a compound as xenoestrogen in male albino rats

ABSTRACT

Xenoestrogens are compounds like estrogens in effect but not in structure which are mimicking the action of endogenous estrogen and activate estrogen receptor. Xenoestrogens are chemically distinct industrial products potentially able to disrupt the endocrine system by mimicking the action of endogenous steroid hormones. Among such compounds, the ubiquitous environmental contaminants bisphenol-A [BPA] may promote adverse effects in humans triggering estrogenic signals in target tissues. Bisphenol- A is widely used in food and drinks packaging. The present study is carrying out to evaluate the effect of bisphenol-A on sexual hormonal pattern in male albino rats. 64 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats [100-120 g] were divided to four groups [16 rats/group].Group [1] control group without any treatment. Group[2] positive control group was injected subcutaneously [s.c] with sesame oil daily. Group [3] received BPA daily with low dose [10 mg/kg/day s.c]. Group [4] received BPA daily with high dose [30 mg/kg/day s.c]. The experiment durated 30 days, half rats of each group were sacrificed after 15 days of treatment and the other half of groups after 30 days. The blood was collected, serum was separated and used for estimation of [hormonal levels, prolactin, gonadotrophin and testosterone] and some biochemical parameters [liver enzymes, kidney function, protein and lipid profile]. Testis, liver and kidney were taken for the histopathological examination. Biochemical results showed significant elevation in prolactin and FSH levels and significant reduction in LH and testosterone levels in all groups compared to the control group. Increased serum enzymes [ASAT, ALATand ALP] levels with increased concentration of urea and creatinine were detected in all the treated groups compared to the control group. Decline in protein profile and elevation in the concentration of lipid profile, while HDL was decreased in all the treated groups. Histopathological results showed dystrophic changes in the form of congestion in the blood vessels of the testis, liver and kidney of rats with thickening of walls of the blood vessels especially in the testis. In liver, focal inflammatory areas, with dilated and congested central and portal veins were found. Vacuolar degenerative changes in hepatocytes were seen. In the kidney, mild nephritis, sclerotic changes in glomerular tuft, hyaline casts in the lumen of epithelial cells which lining convoluted tubule were noticed. From the previous results we concluded that bisphenol-A has dangerous effects on the testis, liver and kidney tissues. Also it disrupted sexual hormonal pattern and affect biochemical and lipid parameters. So, we recommended minimizing the utililizing of these compound to protect people from its hazardous effects