The effects of safranal against bisphenol AF on some reproductive parameters in male new zealand rabbits

Abstract

Bisphenol AF (BPAF) is used as an analog of the endocrine disruptor Bisphenol A (BPA), whereas safranal is a powerful antioxidant obtained from the saffron plant. In the current study, the possible effects of BPAF and Safranal on some spermatological parameters, reproductive hormones, oxidant/antioxidant enzymes, and histopathological parameters were investigated. A total of 24 male New Zealand rabbits were divided into 4 groups (n= 6 for each group). The groups and the treatments they received by oral gavage for 9 weeks are as follows: The control group received by oral gavage 1 ml/day of corn oil, the BPAF group received by oral gavage 20 mg/kg/day of bisphenol AF, the Safranal group received by oral gavage 100 mg/kg/day safranal, and the treatment group received by oral gavage 20 mg/kg/day bisphenol AF and 100 mg/kg/day safranal. Although the spermatological parameters (sperm concentration, ejaculate volume, progressive motility, ejaculate weight, seminal plasma total protein, and pH) prior to the experiment revealed no differences among the groups, BPAF treatment reduced sperm quantity and motility at the end of the study. BPAF treatments also had a negative impact on testicular MDA and GSH levels. It also caused seminiferous tubule degeneration in testicular tissue. On the other hand, the administration of safranal with BPAF decreased estrogen levels while increasing sperm concentration and motility to control group levels. Thus, the results suggested that safranal could have a beneficial effect in reducing BPAF-induced tissue damage. In conclusion, BPAF may have potentially harmful to the male reproductive system and safranal may exhibit a protective effect against BPAF exposure.