Effect of bisphenol A on the cauda epididymis of adult male albino rats and the possible protective role of quercetin: a histological and immunohistochemical study

Background:Bisphenol A is a compound released into the environment. It affects male reproductive organs. Quercetin is an antioxidant substance that attenuates various disorders induced by environmental contaminants. Aim of the study:To study the effect of bisphenol A on histological structure and immunohistochemical expression of antioxidant glutathione reductase enzyme in cauda epididymis of adult male albino rats, and to evaluate the possible protective effects of quercetin. Materials and methods:Fifty adult male albino rats were divided into four groups: control group 1, group 2 receiving bisphenol A, group 3 receiving quercetin, and group 4 receiving bisphenol A and quercetin. After 8 weeks of the experiment, blood was collected for serum testosterone assessment and rats were killed. Cauda epididymis was prepared for histological and immunohistochemical study. Epididymal sperms were obtained to assess sperm concentration and percentage of normal and abnormal sperm forms. Results:Control group 1 showed positive immune reaction of glutathione reductase in cauda epididymis. Group 2 receiving bisphenol A showed structural and ultrastructural degenerative changes in addition to negative immune reaction of glutathione reductase, and a significant decrease in serum testosterone, sperm concentration, and percentage of normal sperm forms associated with a significant increase in the percentage of abnormal forms. Group 3 was not apparently different from group 1 in histological and immunohistochemical reaction. In group 4, quercetin prevented most of changes in cauda epididymis, glutathione reductase, sperms, and testosterone level. Conclusion:Bisphenol A resulted in degenerative changes in cauda epididymis of adult male albino rats. Quercetin prevented most of the changes, suggesting its possible protective effect.