Propolis Protects Against Reproductive Toxicity Induced by Di(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate (DEHP) in Male Rabbits

Abstract

Propolis, a natural resinous substance produced by bees, is well-documented for its antioxidant and protective properties, whereas diethylhexylphthalate (DEHP) is a known endocrine disruptor with potential reproductive toxicity. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of propolis, DEHP, and their combination on semen quality parameters and oxidative stress biomarkers in male rabbits. Twenty  adult male rabbits were divided into four groups: control, propolis-treated, DEHP-exposed, and a combination of propolis and DEHP. The results demonstrated that DEHP significantly reduced semen quality, as evidenced by decreased ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, motility, and total sperm count (p < 0.05). Additionally, DEHP exposure led to an increase in dead and abnormal sperm percentages, along with a reduction in initial fructose concentration and packed sperm volume. Conversely, propolis supplementation significantly improved semen quality parameters compared to the control, mitigating DEHP-induced reproductive toxicity. Notably, rabbits treated with both propolis and DEHP showed partial improvement in semen quality parameters compared to the DEHP group, suggesting a protective effect of propolis. Furthermore, oxidative stress markers revealed a significant decrease in glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferase (GST), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in the DEHP-exposed group (p < 0.05), alongside an increase in thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), indicating elevated lipid peroxidation. Propolis treatment significantly enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities and reduced TBARS levels, highlighting its potent antioxidative properties. The combination group exhibited improved antioxidant defense mechanisms compared to the DEHP group, reinforcing the role of propolis in counteracting DEHP-induced oxidative damage..