Effect of Ethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether on Testicular Antioxidant System in Adult Rats

Abstract

Ethylene glycol monomethyl ether (EGME), an environmental contaminant, which is widely used as a solvent especially in lacquers, paints, dyes, pesticides, liquid soap, cleaning solution & cosmetic, chemical intermediates, as a diluent for hydraulic brake fluid etc on industrial scale, has been shown to induce reproductive abnormalities in male rats. The precise nature and mechanism of action of EGME on the male reproductive system is not clear. In the present study, we have sought to investigate the induction of oxidative stress in the testes of rats after exposure to EGME. EGME 2g/kg body weight per day five days in a week was administered dermally to rats for 28 days. The body weight of the animals administered with EGME did not show any significant change. The weight of the testes, epididymis, seminal vesicles, and ventral prostrate decreased significantly. The activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase decreased significantly in the testes of rats treated with EGME. The level of lipid peroxidation increased and glutathione content decreased in the testes of rats treated with EGME. The results suggested that the EGME elicit depletion of antioxidant enzymes and concomitant increase in the level of lipid peroxidation in the testes of rats. In conclusion, the adverse effect of EGME on male reproduction could be due to the induction of oxidative stress in testes.

Keywords: Ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, testes, rat, antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation