Protective role of Curcumin in Di-n-butyl phthalate-induced damage on reproductive parameters in male Rabbits

Abstract

Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant, extensively used as a plasticizer in many products including plastics, cosmetics, and medical devices. Some studies have shown that DBP has potential testicular toxicity. The aim of this study was to explore the adverse effects of DBP on testes and epididymis weight, sperm head counts, sperm motility, abnormal changes in sperm morphology, in male rabbits as well as to assess ameliorating role of curcumin. The present study was carried out to evaluate the protective effects of curcumin (from the rhizome, Curcuma longa L.) on the di-n-butylphthalate (DBP)-induced damage in reproductive rabbits. The dose of curcumin (60 mg/kg) and curcumin(60 mg/kg) plus DBP 700 mg/kg were administered per gavage to male rabbits for 30 consecutive days and reproductive parameters were determined.. The results indicated that DBP administration (700 mg/kg) significantly decreased testosterone level, count and motility of sperms, and testis weight compared to control group. However, administration of curcumin with DBP increased reproductive indices in most of the groups compared to DBP-treated groups. DBP-treated rabbits showed marked degeneration of the seminiferous tubules with necrosis and defoliation of spermatocytes .Our research demonstrated that DBP-induced injuries in spermatological parameters and histological structure of testis were recovered by treatment with curcumin Thus, it seems that curcumin inhibits DBP-induced adverse effects on reproductive parameters. The protective effects of these compounds may be due to their intrinsic antioxidant properties and as such may prove useful in combating phthalate-induced reproductive toxicity.