Evaluation of the Ameliorative Effects of Gum Arabic (Acacia Senegal) on Bisphenol A-Induced Male Reproductive Toxicity

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a well-known endocrine disrupting chemical. It is the main constituent of epoxy resins, polycarbonate plastics and polyvinyl chloride plastics. BPA can leach from consumer goods, and enters into the environment. Humans are exposed to BPA through diet, skin, and inhalation. Epidemiological and experimental evidence confirmed that BPA exposure adversely affects the reproductive health. BPA exposure has been shown to be associated with ultrastructural changes in the testis and epididymis. Its continuous exposure resulted in reduced sperm count and motility, and promoted DNA damage and deformities in the morphology of spermatozoa. Oxidative stress, inflammation, hormone function manipulation and apoptosis have been implicated in BPA-induced male reproductive toxicity. Gum Arabic (GA; Acacia Senegal) is a safe dietary fibre with well-established probiotic properties. It is known to possess anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and anti-apoptotic properties. Recent clinical studies have demonstrated its potential health benefits against various diseases, including metabolic syndrome rheumatoid arthritis and dyslipidemia. However, the possible ameliorative effect of the prebiotic agent gum acacia against BPA exposure-induced male reproductive toxicity has not been elucidated, to date. Hence, in the present study we aimed to study the ameliorative potential of GA against BPA-induced testicular toxicity because of the former?s potent probiotic, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic activities.