Effect of Propolis and Vitamin E on the Pituitary-gonad Axis and Gene Expression of Testosterone in Male Rats With Testicular Toxicity

Background: The study was done at the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Kufa. The primary objective was to examine the impact of propolis (Pro) and vitamin E (Vit E) on the reproductive hormones (follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH], luteinizing hormone [LH] and testosterone [T]), histopathological changes, and gene expression of 3β-HSD1 mRNA in male rats with testicular dysfunction induced by Bisphenol A (BPA).
Objectives:The primary objective of the current study was to examine the toxic effects of BPA on the reproductive organs and the role of Pro in the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, as well as gene expression in adult male rats, in comparison with Vit E This study focused on evaluating male reproductive hormones (FSH, LH and T), histopathological changes, and the expression of 3β-HSD1 mRNA. 
Methods: The rats were randomly distributed into five groups, each consisting of ten male rats. Specifically, group 1 comprised rats receiving standard food and water, serving as the negative control group. In Group 2, rats were administered 0.2 mL of corn oil (the vehicle for BPA) through the intraperitoneal (IP) route, serving as the vehicle control group. In group 3, rats received BPA dissolved in corn oil at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight, administered via IP injection three days a week for three weeks. In group 4, rats were protected with Pro at a dosage of 250 mg/kg body weight orally, administered through a gavage needle. This was followed by the IP injection of BPA at 50 mg/kg body weight dissolved in corn oil, conducted three days a week over three weeks. For group 5, rats received protection with Vit E at a dosage of 100 mg/kg body weight orally, administered through a gavage needle. This was followed by the IP injection of BPA at 50 mg/kg body weight dissolved in corn oil, administered three days a week over three weeks. 
Results: BPA had significant adverse effects on male reproductive hormones (FSH, LH, and T), histopathological changes, and the expression of 3β-HSD1 mRNA. In contrast, Pro and Vit E groups positively influenced all these parameters. 
Conclusion: BPA exposure induced histopathological changes and affected male reproductive hormones (FSH, LH, and T) in male rats, as well as the gene expression of 3β-HSD1 mRNA (T). Pro and Vit E positively influenced the histopathological changes and male reproductive hormones (FSH, LH, and T) induced by BPA, restoring their normal architecture.