Endocrine Abstracts

The experiment was designed to study toxic effects of Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) on semen characteristics, testosterone levels, testicular lipid peroxidation and testicular antioxidants in male New-Zealand white rabbits for 12 weeks. Ginger has been reported to be an important antioxidant. Therefore, the protective effect of ginger against DEHP-induced reproductive toxicity and oxidative stress was studied. Rabbits were orally administered the doses of ginger, DEHP and ginger plus DEHP every day for 12 weeks. Results obtained showed that DEHP significantly (P<0.05) decreased libido (by increasing the reaction time), ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, total sperm output, sperm motility (%), total motile sperm per ejaculate (TMS), packed sperm volume (PSV), total functional sperm fraction (TFSF), normal and live sperm and semen initial fructose. While, initial hydrogen ion concentration (pH), and dead and abnormal sperm were increased (P<0.05). Also, testosterone levels, body weight (BW), relative weights of testes (RWT) and epididymis (RWE) were decreased. Thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and lactate dehydrogenase were increased, while glutathione S-transferase, transaminases and phosphatases were decreased in seminal plasma of rabbits treated with DEHP compared to control. Ginger alone significantly increased testosterone levels, BW, RTW, REW, semen characteristics and seminal plasma enzymes, and decreased the levels of free radicals and lactate dehydrogenase. Furthermore, the presence of propolis with DEHP alleviates its toxic effects. From the present study, it can be concluded that ginger can be effective in the protection of DEHP-induced reproductive toxicity.

Declaration of interest: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research project.

Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sector.