Protective Action of Eruca sativa Leaves Aqueous Extracts Against Bisphenol A-Caused In Vivo Testicular Damages

Abstract

Eruca sativa action on the male reproductive system and fertility has not been precisely defined. In this study, the aim was to investigate the ameliorative activity of E. sativa aqueous extracts (ESAE) on reproductive toxicity associated with oxidative stress induced by bisphenol A (BPA). Wistar rats were used and divided into six groups of animals each; control (0.4 mL of corn oil/rat), ESAE at the higher dose (200 mg/kg), BPA [100 mg/kg, body weight (b.w.), perorally (p.o.)] alone, or in combination with varied doses of ESAE (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, b.w, p.o.). The diverse doses were administrated orally for 30 consecutive days. The results showed that BPA-treatment produced a diminution of density, motility, and viability of sperm with disruption of spermatozoa morphology and fertilizing potential as well as testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle stimulating hormone levels. These results were accompanied by testis and epididymis histological damages, which were shown by an induction of testicular dysfunction as seen with a lower number of Leydig-cells and spermatocytes as well as a reproductive stress which was modeled. The oxidative stress was measured by malondialdehyde production, thiol group (-SH) decline and antioxidant enzyme activities disturbance, in particular superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase in reproductive tissues. ESAE coadministration at the two lower doses improved all histological and biochemical parameter injuries. These finding suggested the ESAE ability to prevent the testicular damages in rats, which might be linked to functional-bioactive substances such as phenolic compounds with higher antioxidant capacity.