Histological study of the possible protective effect of pomegranate juice on bisphenol-A induced changes of the caput epididymal epithelium and sperms of adult albino rats

ObjectivesThe aim of our study was to throw light on the possible protective effect of pomegranate juice (PJ) after experimental oral administration of the widely used plasticizer Bisphenol A (BPA) on the epididymis by using light and electron microscopes, as well as cauda eididymis sperm count.MethodsForty adult male albino rats were divided into two main groups; (control and treated groups) Control group which was further subdivided into two equal subgroups group (Ia) was given corn oil (5 mg/kg) and the other group (Ib) given oral PJ 1 ml daily for 8 weeks. The other group was subdivided into two subgroups, one group (IIa) was given BPA dissolved in corn oil in a dose of 20 μg/kg, while the other group (IIb) given BPA in the same dose combined with 1 ml of PJ daily both for 8 weeks. All administrations were given by oral gavage. The rats were sacrificed. The right caput epididymis was subjected to histological study. The left cauda epididymis was used for caudal sperm count.ResultsThe caput epididymis of group IIa revealed structural alterations in the epididymal epithelium. Sperms showed marked affection and alteration of the mitochondrial sheath. All these changes were attributed to oxidative stress. These changes were found to be prevented after PJ administration. Caudal sperm count was significantly lower in the group given BPA as compared with the control groups.ConclusionBPA causes structural changes in the epididymis that would interfere with its function and contribute to infertility. On the other hand PJ had the ability to prevent these changes, increasing the number of caudal sperm and decreasing sperm abnormalities. Thus, it could have a role in improving male fertility.