Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial chemical widely used to make polycarbonate plastics for packaging and epoxy resins. This study sought to examine how selenium (Se) affects BPA toxicity in terms of albino rats’ histological structure, antioxidant enzymes, sexual hormones, and reproductive organs (seminiferous tubule (coiled tubule) diameter, epithelial height and sperm count). Adult male rats were divided into four experimental groups: Group 1: The control; Group 2: Orally administered sodium selenite (10 μg/kg bw/day) for 4 weeks; Group 3: Orally administered BPA (10 μg/kg bw/day) for 4 weeks; Group 4: Treated daily with BPA (10 μg/kg bw/day) followed by Se (orally administered, 10 μg/kg bw/day) for 5 times per 4 weeks. BPA exposure caused changes in the testicular histological structure, which included apoptosis, and led to changes in several biochemical markers: Malondialdehyde, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase. Additional changes occurred in the plasma testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone levels, body and reproductive organ weights, and sperm counts. However, these BPA-induced effects were significantly ameliorated in rats treated with BPA-plus-Se. This protective effect of Se is attributable to its ability to remove potentially damaging oxidizing agents in living organisms. The results confirmed that Se countered the oxidant effects and increased the BPA-induced stress response in rats. Hence, Se promotes the healthy growth and development of mammals by protecting them from oxidative stress. Key words: Bisphenol A, selenium, testis, histology, oxidative stress, rats.  
Highlights
Bisphenol A (BPA: 2, 2-bis propane) is an environmental contaminant that comes from the industrial manufacturing of polycarbonate plastics
Necrotic germ cells with pyknotic nuclei were exfoliated in the center of the tubule lumens of the section treated with BPA (Figure 2C)
The results showed that co-administration of Se led to a decrease in MDA and an increase in the activities of CAT, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)
Summary
Bisphenol A (BPA: 2, 2-bis (hydroxyphenyl) propane) is an environmental contaminant that comes from the industrial manufacturing of polycarbonate plastics. BPA is widely used in the lining of food and beverage packaging to protect the perishable contents from contamination and to extend their shelf life (Vandenberg et al, 2009; Rochester et al, 2013). BPA may be released by food containers, plastic bottles, and beverage containers; it can leach from production sites and landfills (vom Saal et al, 2007). In mice, BPA reportedly affects the male reproduction system, by causing noticeable structural changes in the histological architecture of the testes (Aikawa et al, 2004; Zang et al, 2016).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
