Catalase Deficiency Worsens Toxic Effects Of Bisphenol A (BPA) On Ovarian Steroidogenesis

Among the various proposed etiological factors responsible for female infertility, environmental pollutants accounts for the majority of infertility cases around the world. Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of such pollutants to have strong association with variety of disorders of the female reproductive system. Several studies have linked BPA to redox homeostasis through imbalance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and depletion in various tissues and cell types including ovary. This crucial redox balance is maintained by antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Among these, catalase is one of such antioxidant enzymes which has highest turnover number of all such enzymes and thereby protecting the tissue from injury and damage to maintain homeostasis. But the specific effect of catalase in the BPA mediated effect on ovarian steroidogenesis is still pending. In this backdrop, the specific aim of this study was to investigate the possible outcome in the ovarian steroidogenesis in rats exposed to BPA in presence or absence of 3-Amino-1,2,4-triazole (ATZ) (catalase inhibitor). Female Wistar rats aged 8 weeks were administered BPA (25 mg/kg BW/day for 9 days, intraperitonially) with or without the pretreatment of the catalase- specific inhibitor 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole (ATZ; 1 g/kg BW/day for 5 days, intraperitoneally). Serum level of LH, FSH, estrogen and testosterone were measured using ELISA kits. Results revealed that BPA alters the ovarian steroidogenesis as evidenced by altered level of gonadotropins and sex steroids. Catalase deficiency further worsens these BPA induced effect on ovary. In conclusion, catalase deficiency mounted additional adverse condition on BPA toxic effects on the activity of theca-interstitial cells and ovarian steroidogenesis and targeting of catalase may be of therapeutic importance in the adverse effect of BPA on ovary.