Cucumeropsis mannii seed oil (CMSO) attenuates alterations in testicular biochemistry and histology against Bisphenol a-induced toxicity in male Wister albino rats

• Published in: Heliyon 2022-03, Vol.8 (3), p.e09162-e09162, Article e09162
• Main Authors: Agu, P.C., Aja, P.M., Ekpono Ugbala, Ezebuilo, Ogwoni, H.A., Ezeh, E.M., Oscar-Amobi, P.C., Asuk Atamgba, Agbor, Ani, O.G., Awoke, J.N., Nwite, F.E., Ukachi, O.U., Orji, O.U., Nweke, P.C., Ekpono Ugbala, Ejike, Ewa, G.O., Igwenyi, I.O., Egwu, C.O., Alum, E.U., Chukwu, D.C., Famurewa, A.C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bisphenol A; Cucumeropsis mannii; Nutraceuticals; Testicular toxicity
• ISSN: 2405-8440; 2405-8440
• DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09162

Male reproductive health has deteriorated in recent years as a result of industrialization, which has led to the use of desirable chemicals, like Bisphenol A (BPA), of underlying toxicity. Cucumeropsis mannii seed is a common soup thickener that produces vegetable oil as well as essential nutrients making it a source of nutraceuticals enlisted with a wide range of therapeutic effects. A total of 48 adult male Wistar rats (120 ± 200g) were used in this study. They were completely randomized and divided into six groups: A (1ml olive oil) irrespective of the weight, B [BPA 100 mg/kg body weight (bw)], C (CMSO 7.5 ml/kg bw), D (CMSO 7.5 ml/kg bw + BPA 100 mg/kg bw), E (CMSO 5.0 ml/kg bw + BPA 100 mg/kg bw), and E (CMSO 2.5 ml/kg bw + BPA 100 mg/kg bw). At the end of the administration via oral routes, rats were sacrificed and testes were collected for biochemistry and histological analysis. BPA significantly (P < 0.05) decreased total testicular protein, epididymal sperm parameters (count, volume, and motility), Mitochondrial Membrane Potential (MMP), body weight, testicular volume; and significantly (P < 0.05) increased testicular enzymes (alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase), testicular index; plus histological damages. Interestingly, co-administration of BPA and CMSO significantly (P < 0.05) reversed the biochemical and histological changes. CMSO prevented the biochemistry and histological alterations hence reducing the testicular toxicity. Therefore, CMSO has the potential to be a promising novel nutraceutical for the treatment and management of BPA-induced testicular toxicity. Bisphenol A; Cucumeropsis mannii; Testicular toxicity; Nutraceuticals.