In vivo analysis of Bisphenol A induced dose-dependent adverse effects in cauda epididymis of mice

Abstract

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.

Keywords: biochemical study; bisphenol A; cauda epididymis; in vivotoxicity.

Figure 1

Percentages of lipid peroxidation and acid phosphatase activity in experimental groups.

Figure 2

Percentages of enzymatic activities in experimental groups.

Figure 3

Percentages of total contents in experimental groups.

Figure 4

T.S. of cauda epididymis of untreated control mice (group I-II) showing normal tubules with pseudostratified epithelium lined by stereocilia and containing dense sperm bundles in the lumen of the tubules (H & E staining, 400×).

Figure 5

T.S. of cauda epididymis of BPA-HD-treated mice (group III-V) showing degenerated epithelium with decrease in stereocilia, reduction in sperm density and wider space between tubules as per increases the exposure of BPA (H & E staining, 400×).