Resveratrol ameliorates bisphenol A-induced testicular toxicity in adult male rats: A stereological and functional study

Abstract Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the most widely used synthetic chemicals worldwide. BPA as an endocrine disruptor affects the reproductive systems through estrogenic and antiandrogenic proprieties. Resveratrol (RES) as a natural polyphenol and potent antioxidant exhibits the protective effects against reproductive toxicity by inhibition of oxidative stress. 48 male rats divided into eight groups (n = 6), including control (CON), Olive oil (0.5 ml/ day), Carboxy methylcellulose (CMC) (1 ml of 10 g/l), RES (100mg/kg/day), low dose of BPA (25 mg/kg/day), high dose of BPA (50 mg/kg/day), low dose of BPA + RES, and high dose of BPA + RES. All treatment were done orally by gavages per day for 56 days. At the end of the 8th week, blood samples were collected for hormone assays. Then, the sperm parameters were analyzed, and the left testis was removed for stereological study. We showed a significant decrease in sperm parameters in the low and high doses of BPA groups compared to control group (P < 0.05). The volume of testicular components as well as the diameter and length of seminiferous tubules significantly reduced (11–64%), and the total number of the testicular cell types decreased (34–67%) on average in the low and high doses of BPA groups. Moreover, serum FSH, LH, and testosterone hormones concentration showed a significant reduction in both doses of BPA groups (P < 0.01). Nonetheless, treatment with RES could ameliorate all the above-mentioned changes in the low and high doses of BPA groups (P < 0.05). RES could prevent BPA-induced testicular structural changes and sperm quality via improving gonadotropin hormones and testosterone levels.