Lycopene abrogates di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate induced testicular injury by modulating oxidative, endocrine and inflammatory changes in mice

Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is one of the environmental pollutants that causes testicular damage. Lycopene (LYCO), the main active carotenoid in red fruits and vegetables, has well-known antiinflammatory and antioxidant activities. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of LYCO on DEHP-induced testicular injury in male mice. DEHP (2 g/kg, p.o.) was given for two weeks to mice. LYCO was given at 4 mg/kg, p.o., for two weeks, starting the same day of DEHP insult. Serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone and testicular total antioxidant status, malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, glutathione, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β were measured. Also, testicular histopathological examination and sperm analysis were evaluated. Results showed that administration of LYCO significantly attenuated the DEHP-induced gonadotoxicity. Also, the gonadoprotective effects of LYCO were confirmed by the histopathological examination of the testes. Our results suggested that LYCO has produced attenuation of inflammatory, oxidative stress and hormonal parameters against DEHP-induced gonadotoxicity.