Chlorogenic acid improves urogenital dysfunction induced by exposure to ambient particulate matter

Oxidative stress is a well-known underlying mechanism for several diseases in response to environmental pollution. Although there is a lack of evidence on the relationship between air pollution and an established risk factor for urogenital dysfunction. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of particulate matter (PM) on urogenital function and evaluate the potential efficacy of chlorogenic acid (CGA) in preventing urogenital damage in rats. Forty Wistar rats were divided into five groups (n = 8): control, particulate matter exposure (animals were exposed to fine dust in an inhalation chamber for 4 weeks, 3 days a week, for 3 h, PM10 concentration adjusted to 500-2000 µg/m³), and particulate matter plus 3 concentrations of chlorogenic acid (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, gavage, 4 weeks, 3 days a week). At the end of the study, kidney biomarkers, oxidative stress markers, antioxidant enzymes, the oxidation resistance 1 (OXR1) and its downstream gene expression, sperm count, gonadotropin hormones, and the structure of the kidney, epididymis, and seminal vesicle were evaluated in response to PM exposure and CGA treatment in all groups. The data obtained from the current study showed that PM exposure led to kidney dysfunction and inhibition of oligospermia through oxidative stress, as evidenced by an increase in MDA and a decrease in TAC, SOD, CAT, and GSH concentration levels in blood samples. These results were consistent with the down-regulation of OXR1, Nrf2, and P21 gene expression. In contrast, CGA improved urogenital biomarkers and histopathology structures of the kidney, epididymis, and seminal vesicle by enhancing antioxidant defense system enzymes and modulating the OXR1 signaling pathway. Our findings suggest that environmental air pollution contributes to kidney dysfunction and urogenital damage. Modulation of oxidative stress through the OXR1, P21, and Nrf2 signaling pathways may be the underlying mechanism. Furthermore, chlorogenic acid supplementation could be recommended as a new protective or treatment strategy to safeguard urogenital function against exposure to particulate matter.