Dietary protein deficiency exacerbates perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS)-induced reproductive abnormalities and metabolic disruptions in female rats

Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) is a persistent environmental contaminant linked with several health implications. Humans are exposed to PFHxS mainly through ingestion. Studies have reported that a diet deficient in essential nutrients may have confounding effect on the toxicity outcome of chemicals. We evaluated the potential impact of PFHxS exposure on the reproductive damage in animals maintained on the diet deficient in protein. Female Wistar rats (n = 6) were divided as controls and treatment groups (5 ppm and 25 ppm PFHxS, protein deficient, protein deficient +5 ppm PFHxS and protein deficient +25 ppm PFHxS). PFHxS exposure disrupted the estrous cycle with an increased duration of the diestrus stage at 25 ppm and protein deficient + 25 ppm PFHxS showing 55.56 % and 78.77 % disorder, respectively. There was a significant elevation (P < 0.01) in LH/FSH ratio and reduction in testosterone (P < 0.01), estradiol (P < 0.01), and progesterone (P < 0.001) in protein deficient + 25 ppm PFHxS group. A high order of increase in lipid profile parameters was found in protein deficient + 25 ppm PFHxS group. However, high-density lipoprotein decreased in this group. Protein deficient + 25 ppm PFHxS group animals also revealed high level of oxidative stress. Histopathological findings revealed the presence of cystic follicles and theca cell degeneration in ovaries in the protein deficient + 25 ppm PFHxS group with a significant decrease (P < 0.01) in the myometrium and endometrial area of uterus. The combined effect of protein deficiency and PFHxS exposure caused a greater reprotoxicity compared to either factor alone implying an increased vulnerability of reproductive function in malnourished populations to environmental contaminants.