Ameliorative effects of zinc and vitamin E against phthalates-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats

Objective Phthalates (PEs) could cause reproductive harm to males. A mixture of three widely used PEs (MPEs) was used to investigate the ameliorative effects of zinc (Zn) and vitamin E (VE) against male reproductive toxicity. Methods Fifty male SD rats were randomly divided into five groups ( n = 10). Rats in MPEs group were orally treated with 160 mg/kg/d MPEs, while rats in MPEs combined Zn and/or VE groups were treated with 160 mg/kg/d MPEs plus 25 mg/kg/d Zn and/or 25 mg/kg/d VE. After intervention for 70 days, it's was measured of male reproductive organs' weight, histopathological observation of sperms and testes, serum hormones, PIWI proteins and steroidogenic proteins. Results Compared with control, anogenital distance, testes weight, epididymides weight, and sex hormones were significantly decreased, while the sperm malformation rate was markedly increased in MPEs group ( p < .05); the testicular tissues were injured in MPEs group with disordered and decreased spermatids, and arrested spermatogenesis. PIWIL1, PIWIL2, StAR, CYP11A1 and CYP19A1 were down-regulated in MPEs group ( p < .05). However, the alterations of these parameters were restored in MPEs combined Zn and/or VE groups ( p < .05). Conclusion Zn and/or VE improved steroid hormone metabolism, and inhibited MPEs' male reproductive toxicity.