BACKGROUND

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine-disrupting chemical, and it is mostly used in plastic industries. Naringin is a potent flavonoid that has been reported to possess several beneficial pharmacological properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the protective effect of naringin against the damage induced by BPA in the brain and testes of commercial chicken.

METHODS

Thirty-day-old cockerel chickens were purchased and reared for 6 weeks and subsequently divided into six groups: group A (control), group B (100 ppm BPA-treated), group C (BPA and 100 mg/kg naringin-treated), Group D (BPA and 200 mg/kg naringin-treated), group E (100 mg/kg naringin-treated), and group F (200 mg/kg naringin-treated). BPA was administered via drinking water, while naringin was administered via oral gavage. Analyses such as biochemical assays, hormonal assays, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry were done.

RESULTS

The results showed a decrease in the level of LH, FSH, and testosterone, an increase in the level of oxidative stress markers (MDA and HO), and alteration in the levels of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants (GSH, GST, SOD, GPx) in the brain and testes of the BPA-intoxicated group. Histologically, neuronal necrosis and degeneration were observed in the brain, and degeneration of testicular cells was seen in the testes of BPA-intoxicated chickens. Immunohistochemical evaluation revealed low expression of myelin basic protein in the brain and increased expression of caspase 3 in the testes of the BPA-intoxicated group.

CONCLUSIONS

Naringin reversed the neurotoxicity and reproductive toxicity of BPA by normalizing the values of the altered parameters. Hence, naringin ameliorated the deleterious effects caused by BPA in both the brain and testes by enhancing the antioxidant defence mechanism.