Aroclor 1254 induced oxidative stress and mitochondria mediated apoptosis in adult rat sperm in vitro

•The nature and mechanism of action of Aroclor 1254 on rat sperm in vitro were elucidated.•Aroclor 1254 decreased sperm motility, viability, acrosome reaction and Δψm.•Aroclor 1254 decreased DNA integrity and ATP content.•Mitochondria cytochrome c content was decreased, while caspase-3 activity was increased.•Aroclor 1254 induced oxidative stress in rat sperm.

Aroclor 1254, a commercial mixture of highly toxic environmental pollutant, is known to cause testicular toxicity. The present study was undertaken to delineate and elucidate the nature and the mechanism of action of Aroclor 1254 on rat sperm in vitro. Sperm of adult rat were incubated with 10−9 M, 10−8 M or 10−7 M of Aroclor 1254 for 3 h. Sperm motility was significantly decreased. Moreover, sperm viability, acrosome reaction and mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) were significantly decreased in a dose-related pattern. DNA integrity was significantly decreased at 10−8 M and 10−7 M of Aroclor 1254, while it did not show any significant change at 10−9 M. Aroclor 1254 induced downstream events included cytochrome c release and caspase-3 activation, in a dose-related manner. ATP content was decreased while protein carbonyl content was significantly increased in a dose-related manner. The oxidative stress status was also assessed. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were significantly increased in a dose-related pattern. The antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT and GPx were significantly decreased, while at a concentration of 10−9 M of Aroclor 1254, GR activity did not show any significant change. The non-enzymatic antioxidant (GSH) was significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion; our data clearly show that Aroclor 1254 induces toxicity, oxidative stress and culminating in mitochondria mediated apoptosis in rat sperm.