Dose-Dependent Improvement of Caffeic Acid Against Acrylamide-Induced Male Reproductive Dysfunction

Dietary exposure to acrylamide is almost unavoidable and may result into long-term consequences. It has been reported to cause sexual dysfunction and even infertility. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of caffeic acid against acrylamide-induced reproductive dysfunction in male rats. Group 1 served as the control; group 2 received acrylamide at a dose of 40 mg/kg for 10 days. In groups, 3-6, acrylamide was given as in group 2, followed by therapy of caffeic acid (10, 20, 30, 40 mg/kg) for 3 consecutive days. It was found that acrylamide causes significant alteration in serum concentrations of FSH, testosterone, and LH; decreased sperm motility and viability. Acrylamide administration causes alteration in biochemical parameters including lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione, and antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT) along with triglyceride, cholesterol, and seminal fructose. Moreover, acrylamide causes histological alterations and promotes DNA damage as evident by COMET assay. After caffeic acid treatment, serological, biochemical, and histological alterations returned to almost normal ranges. Based on our findings, it is reasonable to conclude that caffeic acid, a natural antioxidant, is a potential medication to lessen any harmful damage in male gonads brought on by acrylamide consumption.