Duration-dependent effects of high dose of phthalate exposure on semen quality in adult male rats.

Abstract

ObjectiveTo determine the length of exposure to high doses of phthalate that might affect sperm quality in adult male Wistar rats.MethodsForty-two (42) adult male Wistar rats (weighing 150-200 g) were randomly assigned into six groups (n=7): Group A received 0.5 mL of distilled water - placebo - and served as controls; groups B, C, D, E and F received Phthalate (750 mg/kgbw) for 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 weeks, respectively. The data obtained from the study was expressed as Mean ± SEM with a p-value <0.05 considered significant. The data was analyzed with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey’s post-hoc test using GraphPad Prism, version 8.ResultsThe results showed a statistically significant (p<0.05) decrease in testicular weight in the rats exposed to 750 mg/kg of phthalate for 3, 5, 7 and 9 weeks when compared with the controls. Sperm count, motility and viability were also significantly (p<0.05) reduced, while sperm cells with abnormal morphology had increased counts in the groups exposed for 3, 5, 7 and 9 weeks when compared with controls. Serum zinc and magnesium were also significantly reduced (p<0.05) in the subjects treated for 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 weeks when compared with controls.ConclusionsThe dosage of phthalate adopted in this study was deleterious to testicular function when rats were exposed to it for as short a period as three weeks.