¬¬¬Lycopene Protects Testes and Epididymal Sperm in BPA Exposed Adult Sprague-Dawley Rats

Abstract

Bisphenol A (BPA) is ubiquitous and persistent environmental contaminant.  Previous studies proved that BPA disrupt hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis and oxidative balance. Numerous studies have clearly been reported that oxidative stress leads to male infertility by affecting testes and spermatozoa. On the other hand, lycopene has beneficial role on testes and spermatozoa by reducing the oxidative stress. Therefore, this study was conducted to delineate the protective role of lycopene by acting against BPA induced infertility and oxidative imbalance. Hence, the animal was divided into 4 groups with 6 animals in each group. Group I (vehicle control), II (BPA exposed), III (BPA exposure+Lycopene treatment) and IV (Lycopene treatment) and treated with suitable drugs for 30 days. After 30 days, the animals were dislocated, collected blood, testes and cauda epididymis. Hormones (LH, FSH, and Testosterone) levels were assayed in blood sample, antioxidants (SOD, CAT, GPx,GR activities and vitamin C, vitamin E,  levels) status, oxidative stress parameters (LPO and H₂O₂) were analyzed in testes and Sperm count and motility were analyzed by using cauda epididymal sperm. In the present study, hormone levels, antioxidants, sperm count and motility were significantly reduced in BPA exposed rats where as oxidative stress parameters were elevated. In conclusion, BPA-induced oxidative stress and hormonal alteration lead to male infertility. Because of antioxidant potential of lycopene, ameliorates the changes which are induced by BPA.