Ameliorative Effect of Honey Bee Propolis on the Nonylphenol Induced- Reproductive Toxicity in Male Albino Rats

Nonylphenol (NP) has been considered an endocrine disrupting substance causing reproductive dysfunction and increase in reactive oxygen species production in different organs including testis. Propolis is a honeybee product that has an antioxidant property. The aim of this study was to elucidate the protective effects of propolis against reproductive toxicity induced by NP in male rats. Five experimental groups receiving a combination of NP (100 mg/ kg body weight/day) and/or propolis (50 mg/ kg body weight/day) for 6 weeks were divided as follows: no treatment (control); NP alone (Group 2); propolis alone (Group 3), NP plus propolis (Group 4; prophylactic), and NP for 6 weeks followed by propolis for 6 weeks (Group 5; curative). NP caused a decrease in prostate and testes relative weights, testicular 17-ketosteroid reductase (17-KSR), SOD, CAT GST, and total proteins, accompanied by a decrease in blood testosterone, LH, total antioxidant capacity, total proteins, albumin, and globulin while testicular MDA and DNA fragmentation rate were augmented, compared to control group. Administration of propolis either alone or combined with NP ameliorated these toxic effects. Similarly, histopathological results revealed that NP caused alterations in the testes. In conclusion, propolis reduced the oxidative stress toxicity induced by NP in the reproductive system of male albino rats.