Bisphenol AF Caused Reproductive Toxicity in Rats and Cineole Co-Treatment Exhibited Protective Effect.

Abstract

Bisphenol AF (BPAF) is increasingly used and now found in products intended for human consumption. The protective effect of 1,8-cineole (CIN) against BPAF-induced reproductive toxicity was investigated. Four groups were created, with each group consisting of eight rats: control, BPAF (200 mg/kg), CIN (200 mg/kg), and BPAF + CIN groups. The results demonstrated that the BPAF group exhibited a decline in testosterone levels and a decrease in sperm parameters compared with the control. Additionally, higher levels of MDA were observed, along with lower levels of GSH and GPx activity. CAT activity also decreased slightly. Tnf-α, Nf-κB levels were significantly higher, and caspase-3 expression was elevated, while PCNA expression decreased. BPAF significantly increased tissue degeneration compared with the control. However, the BPAF + CIN group showed statistically significant improvements in sperm parameters, except for concentration. They also exhibited an increase in testosterone levels and an improvement in MDA and GSH levels compared with the BPAF group. However, GPx activity partially enhanced. Tnf-α and Nf-κB levels were significantly reduced, and caspase-3 levels declined while PCNA and Bcl-2 levels increased. The Johnsen Testicular Biopsy score showed a substantial increase. Overall, these results suggest that CIN co-treatment in rats enhanced reproductive health and exhibited antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and anti-inflammatory properties against BPAF-induced testicular damage.