The endocrine disruptor hexachlorobenzene can cause oxidative damage in the testis of mice

Toxicity overview of endocrine disrupting chemicals interacting in vitro with the oestrogen receptor

The oestrogen receptor (ER) from the nuclear receptor family is involved in different physiological processes, which can be affected by multiple xenobiotics. Some of these compounds, such as bisphenols, pesticides, and phthalates, are widespread as consequence of human activities and are commonly present also in human organism. Xenobiotics able to interact with ER and trigger a hormone-like response, are known as endocrine disruptors. In this review, we aim to summarize the available knowledge on products derived from human industrial activity and other xenobiotics reported to interact with ER. ER-disrupting chemicals behave differently towards oestrogen-dependent cell lines than endogenous oestradiol. In low concentrations, they stimulate proliferation, whereas at higher concentrations, are toxic to cells. In addition, most of the knowledge on the topic is based on individual compound testing, and only a few studies assess xenobiotic combinations, which better resemble real circumstances. Confirmation from in vivo models is lacking also.

Thymol co-administration abrogates hexachlorobenzene-induced reproductive toxicities in male rats

This present study was designed to investigate ameliorating potential of thymol (THY) on hexachlorobenzene (HBC)-induced epididymal and testicular toxicities in adult male rats. Forty adult male rats were orally treated by gavage daily for 28 consecutive days and divided into four groups; control group administered with corn oil, HBC-treated group (16 mg/kg b. wt), thymol-treated group (30 mg/kg b. wt), and HBC + THY-treated group. The results revealed that HBC exposure caused a significant decrease in the body weight change, organ weights, sperm functional parameters, serum testosterone level with widespread histological abnormalities. Furthermore, HBC-treated rats showed increased in the serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), epididymal and testicular myeloperoxidase activity, tumor necrosis-α, interleukin-1β level and caspase-3 activity, induced oxidative damage as evidenced by elevated malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (RONS) levels and significant reduction in antioxidant enzyme activities and reduced glutathione (GSH). However, co-treatment of THY with HBC alleviated the HBC-induced epididymal and testicular toxicities. Our findings revealed that HBC acts as a reproductive toxicant in rats and thymol could be a potential remedial agent for HBC-induced reproductive toxicity.