Fluorene-9-bisphenol impaired male fertility through disrupting the testicular function and local microenvironment

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Reproductive Biology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Bisphenol AF (BPA) is known to cause multi-organ toxicity.
• The specific effects of BPA on the male reproductive system and its underlying mechanisms are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of BPA on male reproductive organs and sperm quality in mice.
• To elucidate the mechanism by which BPA induces male reproductive toxicity.

Main Methods:

• Male mice were administered varying doses of BPA (0, 2, 10, or 50 mg/kg/day) via gavage for 35 days.
• Sperm count, motility, and reproductive organ parameters were assessed.
• In vivo and in vitro studies examined germ cell proliferation and apoptosis.
• Expression of cell function markers and testicular microenvironment regulators was analyzed.

Main Results:

• BPA exposure led to a dose-dependent decrease in sperm count and motility.
• BPA induced proliferation inhibition and cell death in germ cells.
• Reduced expression of markers for germ cells, Sertoli cells, and Leydig cells was observed.
• Testosterone levels and expression of microenvironment regulators declined significantly.

Conclusions:

• BPA exerts detrimental effects on male reproductive function in mice.
• Testicular function impairment and disturbance of the local microenvironment are key mechanisms underlying BPA-induced testicular damage.