A low dose of benzo(a)pyrene during prepuberty in male rats generated immediate oxidative stress in the testes and compromised steroidogenic enzymes/proteins

The prepubertal period is crucial for sexual development and any alterations can interfere with the reproductive system in adulthood. The aim of this study was to evaluate how Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) can affect the testes during the prepubertal period. Juvenile male Wistar rats were divided into a cont...

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Published in:Reproductive toxicology (Elmsford, N.Y.) N.Y.), 2024-03, Vol.124, p.108549-108549, Article 108549
Main Authors: Jorge, Bárbara C., Reis, Ana C.C., Stein, Julia, Paschoalini, Beatriz R., Bueno, Jéssica N., da Silva Moreira, Suyane, Godoi, Alana R., Fioravante, Vanessa C., Martinez, Francisco E., Pinheiro, Patrícia F.F., Arena, Arielle C.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
BaP
Benzo(a)pyrene - metabolism
Benzo(a)pyrene - toxicity
Environmental pollutant
Male
Oxidative Stress
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon
Rats
Rats, Wistar
Reproductive toxicity
Steroidogenesis
Testis - metabolism
Testosterone - metabolism
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Summary:The prepubertal period is crucial for sexual development and any alterations can interfere with the reproductive system in adulthood. The aim of this study was to evaluate how Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) can affect the testes during the prepubertal period. Juvenile male Wistar rats were divided into a control (corn oil + DMSO) and a BaP-group (0.1 μg/kg/day), exposed to BaP for 31 days (gavage), and all parameters were evaluated on postnatal day (PND) 54. Leukocyte counts were decreased. Histological analyses of the testes revealed that height and seminiferous tubules diameters (STDs) were reduced, tubular dynamics were altered, and Leydig cell atrophy was evident in the BaP-group. The testosterone concentration was decreased while FSH levels increased within the BaP-exposed group. Steroidogenic enzymes in the testes were decreased, but steroidogenic acute regulatory protein was not altered. The expression of gstp1 and ckit enzymes was decreased. Reduced glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were increased, whereas malondialdehyde (MDA) was decreased in the testes. In conclusion, BaP or its metabolites causes low systemic toxicity; however, it adversely influences testicular function by disrupting the hormonal axis, unbalancing testicular antioxidative, and blocking the action of the steroidogenic mechanisms. [Display omitted] •Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) blocks the action of steroidogenic enzymes in pubertal rats.•The translocator protein in mitochondria was downregulated by approximately 5-fold.•BaP also causes hormone dysregulation and testosterone levels decreased.•BaP causes changes in the Leydig cells.
ISSN:0890-6238
1873-1708
DOI:10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108549