Abbas Sadeghi - Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
Farah Farokhi - Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
Ali Shalizar Jalali - Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
Gholamreza Najafi - Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) has toxic effects through the induction of oxidative stress in the body and testicles. Vitamin E (Vit E) is a dietary compound that functions as an antioxidant scavenging toxic free radicals. The present study aimed to probe the protective effect of Vit E against PVC-induced reprotoxicity in male rats. In this experimental study, ۲۴ male rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=۶) including control, Vit E (۱۵۰ mg kg-۱ per day; orally), PVC (۱۰۰۰ mg kg-۱ per day; orally) and PVC + Vit E. After ۴۰ days, rats were euthanized and epididymal sperms characteristics, embryo development and malondialdehyde (MDA) and testosterone levels were examined. The PVC decreased sperm count, motility and viability as well as testosterone level and increased sperms with damaged chromatin in comparison with controls. Also, the percentages of fertilization, two-cell embryos and blastocysts as well as MDA levels were decreased in PVC-treated rats. However, Vit E improved PVC-induced alterations in aforesaid parameters. The results indicated that PVC can reduce fertility potential in male rats probably through androgen and sperm quality and quantity reductions, while Vit E can exert protective effects in PVC-related reproductive toxicities.

Embryology, Polyvinyl Chloride, Rat, Spermatology, Vitamin E