Effects of Bisphenol-A (BPA) and black seed oil on body weight, lipid profile and serum glucose in male and female mice

Abstract

Background: Bisphenol-A [BPA, 2, 2-bis (hydroxyphenyl) propane] is widely used in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastic, water bottles, feeders , baby bottles, epoxy resins and inside coating in metallic food cans. Black seed oil (BSO) (Nigella sativa) commonly known as black cumin, reported to be beneficial in function of various systems in the body. The study was carried out to investigate the effect of BPA and BSO on body weight, lipid profile and serum glucose in male and female mice. Methods : A total of thirty (15 male and 15 female) Swiss Albino mice (Mus musculus), aged 25-28 days with an average body weight of 27.4±1g were randomly divided into 3 groups consisting 5 mice in each for each sex. Group A served as vehicle control. Group B was administered BPA @ 50 mg/kg bw daily, while group C received both BPA @ 50 mg/kg/day and BSO @ 1ml/kg/day respectively. Results: Data revealed that BPA treated mice showed slight increase in body weight gain while BSO controlled the weight gain in BPA treated mice. Cholesterol and LDL values were significantly (p<0.01) increased and Triglycerides value was significantly (p<0.01) decreased in BPA-treated mice without significant alterations in HDL value. BPA & BSO treated female mice showed significant (p<0.01) decreased in cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL values. BPA reduced the blood glucose level and addition of BSO had synergistic effects of glucose utilization. Conclusions: It can be concluded that BPA is one of the potential risk factors for hyperlipidemia and obesity. These harmful effects could be alleviated by the ingestion of black seed oil.