The effects of Coenzyme Q10, Fullerene C60, α–Lipoic Acid on reproductive system of pubertal male rats exposed to Bisphenol A

Bisphenol A is widely recognized as a significant toxic environmental contaminant globally, primarily due to its extensive industrial and commercial applications. The current study aimed to evaluate the potential of Coenzyme Q10, Carbon–60 fullerene and α–Lipoic Acid, which are known for their significant antioxidant capacity, to reduce the reproductive toxic effects induced by Bisphenol A in male rats. A total of sixty prepubertal male Sprague Dawley rats were assigned to eight experimental groups. The substances were applied by oral gavage at dose–adjusted levels, dissolved in olive oil and/or water, once per day for a duration of seven weeks. The rats were decapitated 24 hours subsequent to the final application thereafter blood and testicular tissues were taken for analysis. The exposure of Bisphenol A resulted in significant elevation in serum and testicular malondialdehyde level and significant reduction in the level of antioxidant enzymes. Epididymal sperm concentration and motility were considerably lower in the Bisphenol A–exposed group against the control group. Marked histopathological changes were evident in the testicular tissue, characterized by degeneration and a notable decrease in germinal cell. It was determined that administration of Coenzyme Q10 and α–Lipoic Acid significantly prevented Bisphenol A–induced oxidative stress and associated complications such as testicular dysfunction and the decreased epididymal sperm quality. In conclusion, Bisphenol A negatively affected the reproductive system biochemically, histologically and reproductively in male rats; Coenzyme Q10, Carbon-60 fullerene, and α–Lipoic Acid alleviated these negative effects.