Protective effect of chrysin on di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate-induced toxicity in mice testis: An experimental study

Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is one of the environmental contaminants used in plastic objects, causing damage to the reproductive system. Chrysin (CHr) is an effective flavonoid in honey propolis with antioxidant activities.

This study aimed to investigate the possible protective effects of CHr on DEHP-induced testicular toxicity in male mice.

In this experimental study, 50 male NMRI mice (4-6 wk, 20-30 gr) were randomly divided into 5 groups (n = 10/each); group I and II received normal saline and oil, group III received DEHP, group IV received DEHP and CHr, group V were intact treated with CHr. Testis weights were measured. Serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone levels were evaluated. Also, sperm characteristics and histological changes of the testis were analyzed.

Testis weight was decreased in group receiving DEHP. DEHP also reduced the number of sperms, but the administration of CHr improved them. CHr ameliorated DEHP-induced changes in hormonal levels, especially testosterone (p $<$ 0.01). Morphological evaluation of the testis of DEHP-received mice indicated degenerated germ cells with vacuolated cytoplasm, wide intercellular spaces between germinal layers, and loss of spermatozoa in the center of lumens, all of them improved by CHr.

According to our biochemical and histopathological analyses, DEHP led to severe testicular injury. Our results suggest that CHr, as a free radical scavenger, can decrease tissue damage induced by DEHP, be beneficial in alleviating the toxic effects of DEHP on the male reproductive system, and can also be useful in preventing DEHP effects.