Role of Bisphenol A in Regulation of Arrival of Sexual Maturity and Fertility in Male Albino Rats

Reproductive toxicity during prepubertal and pubertal period causes significant alterations in sexual maturation and fertility. Bisphenol A has been associated with decreased sperm production, damaged testicular cells, perturbed hormone levels and reduced fertility. Its role in sexual maturity and duration before first successful mating is still elusive. The present study aimed to investigate BPA induced alteration in testicular development and fertility at critical period of peri-adolescence, adolescence and adulthood. Male albino rats were administered with 5, 25, and 50 mg/kg body weight/day (Group II, III and IV) for three separate time intervals 42-63, 42-91, and 42-105 postnatal days (PND). Body and testicular weight were measured and polynomial regression was applied to predict associations between variables. Fertility test was observed at every 7 days interval for each dose at investigated time intervals. Histological observations were carried out to examine parallels between results of fertility test. Results of each parameter was compared with respective sham control (Group I). A consistent decline in testicular weight gain was observed in BPA treated groups (p<0.05). Strong relatedness between body and testicular weight variables was evident (R2³0.9). Initial successful mating was delayed significantly in BPA administered rats. Group IV showed maximum delay in first successful mating. Histological observations indicated interferences at various stages during spermatogenesis along with presence of tubular vacuolization, indicative of cellular toxicity. Higher doses of BPA inflicted more damage, likewise, longer duration amplified severity of adverse activity. BPA administration at critical period of reproductive development in male rats can adversely affect testicular functions leading to delayed and reduced fertility.