Toxic Effects of Chronic Exposure to High-Fat Diet and Arsenic on the Reproductive System of the Male Mouse

Abstract

Objective: Obesity is associated with reproductive disorders. Arsenic disrupts male reproduction by direct effects on the male gonads or androgens secretion. So, the present study was conducted to evaluate the toxic effects of chronic concomitant administration of high-fat diet (HF) and arsenic on the reproductive system of the male mouse.

Materials and methods: In this experimental study, 72 adult male mice were randomly divided into
6 groups: low-fat diet (LF0), LF+arsenic 25 ppm, LF+arsenic 50ppm, HF0, HF+arsenic 25 ppm and, HF+arsenic 50 ppm. 24 hours after the last experimental day, plasma samples, the cauda of epididymis and testis were prepared and removed for hormonal, sperm count and histopathological assessments.

Results: Testis weight and volume increased in HF0 than other groups except for LF0. Plasma LH and testosterone levels decreased in LF50, HF0, HF25, and HF50 compared to LF0. A similar effect was observed in plasma FSH levels of HF0, HF25 and HF50 groups compared with LF0. Plasma level of estradiol increased in LF50 versus to other groups. Testosterone to estradiol ratio and sperm count decreased in all groups compared to LF0. Reduced interstitial cells and large numbers of vacuoles were observed in germinal epithelium of HF0 group, that these changes were more intense in both concentrations of arsenic-treated mice.

Conclusion: Present study indicated that chronic exposure to HF and arsenic-induced hypogonadotropic hypogonadism concomitant with sperm count reduction and testicular damage.