Curative potential of resveratrol and pterostilbene against epoxy resin-induced reproductive toxicity in female rats.

Epoxy resin is the precursor of bisphenol A and is an important component in a wide range of daily used products. It produces toxic effects by oxidative stress, inflammation and endocrine disruption. Its exposure to humans occur through inhalation, dermal contact and ingestion. Several studies link the epoxy resin components to reproductive toxicity including impaired ovarian function and hormonal imbalance in males and females. The study was aimed to assess the reproductive toxicity in female rats due to epoxy resin exposure and demonstrate the curative potential of resveratrol and pterostilbene against epoxy resin-induced reproductive toxicity. The study included eight groups of rats (n = 6). One was the control group receiving only vehicle, while the other one was the epoxy resin-treated group in which the female rats were given orally epoxy resin at 15 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks. Other six groups were administered resveratrol and pterostilbene orally at different doses (50, 25 and 12.5 mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks. Dose selection was performed according to the previously published data. After the study duration, female rats were ovariectomized and assessed for body weight changes, oxidative stress and histopathological changes. ELISA analysis was performed for inflammatory markers in ovaries while caspase-3 gene was evaluated in ovaries by PCR. Statistical comparison was performed by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test. The subsequent treatment with resveratrol and pterostilbene depicted marked improvements in LH, FSH, estrogen, progesterone and testosterone levels. The female rats exposed to epoxy resin showed a high content of the caspase-3 gene responsible for apoptosis. Moreover, the oxidative stress markers such as SOD, CAT and GSH were increased while MDA decreased in the ovary of rats treated with resveratrol and pterostilbene, whereas anti-inflammatory markers such as TNF-α and NF-κB were increased significantly with the epoxy resin exposure but treatment drugs employed reduction in their levels significantly. It was concluded that epoxy resin produced marked damage to the ovary and this toxicity can be reduced with resveratrol and pterostilbene treatments.