The in vitro effect of nonylphenol, propranolol, and diethylstilbestrol on quality parameters and oxidative stress in sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus) spermatozoa

•The effect of NP, PN, and DES on sperm of sterlet was investigated.•NP, PN, and DES induced a loss of sperm motility at relatively high concentrations.•The highest concentrations of NP, PN, and DES led to oxidative stress in fish sperm.•Fish sperm could be used for monitoring pollutants in aquatic environment.

The sturgeon is a highly endangered fish mostly due to over-fishing, habitat destruction, and water pollution. Nonylphenol (NP), propranolol (PN), and diethylstilbestrol (DES) are multifunctional xenobiotic compounds used in a variety of commercial and industrial products. The mechanism by which these xenobiotic compounds interfere with fish reproduction is not fully elucidated. This study assessed the effect of NP, PN, and DES on motility parameters, membrane integrity, and oxidative/antioxidant status in sterlet Acispenser ruthenus spermatozoa. Spermatozoa were incubated with several concentrations of target substances for 1 h. Motility rate and velocity of spermatozoa decreased in the presence of xenobiotics in a dose-dependent manner compared with controls. A significant decrease in membrane integrity was recorded with exposure to 5 μM of NP, 25 μM of PN, and 50 μM of DES. After 1 h exposure at higher tested concentrations NP (5-25 μM), PN (25-100 μM), and DES (50-200 μM), oxidative stress was apparent, as reflected by significantly higher levels of protein and lipid oxidation and significantly greater superoxide dismutase activity. The results demonstrated that NP, PN, and DES can induce reactive oxygen species stress in fish spermatozoa, which could impair sperm quality and the antioxidant defence system and decrease the percentage of intact sperm cells.