Background: Infertility is a major health problem affecting human life. Multiple factors contribute to male infertility. The most important one is exposure to environmental contaminants (e.g. Bisphenol A (BPA)).
Aim of the work: To study the possible protective effect of Omega 3 against BPA induced changes in the pituitary testicular axis in rats.
Material and method: 30 adult male albino rats were used in the study. They were divided equally into 3 groups 10 animals each. Group I served as control. Group II received BPA in a dose 1.2 mg/kg orally 6 days a week. Group III received Omega 3 in a dose 0.4 g/kg subcutaneously in addition to BPA of the same previous dose and duration. At the time of sacrifice, all rats were anesthetized with ether.Blood samples were collected for estimation of testosterone, LH, FSH and prolactin. The testes and pituitary were dissected out and processed for histological and immunohistochemical study for Caspase 3, PCNA and prolactin. The number of Caspase 3 and PCNA positive cells were counted and statistically analyzed.
Results: Marked decrease in serum LH, testosterone with marked increase in serum prolactin was observed in BPA treated group. Spermatogenic cells were disorganized and degenerated. Spermatids had fragmented pyknotic nuclei. A significant increase in the rate of apoptosis and a significant decrease in the rate of proliferation of germ cells were detected on BPA exposure compared to the control . Examination of pars distalis revealed degenerative changes in acidophils and basophils in group II animals with decreased intensity of reactive mammotrophs. These changes were ameliorated in group III by administration of Omega 3 fatty acids.
Conclusion: Omega 3 may protect against BPA hazardous effects through pituitary testicular axis pathway.