Cellular responses of spirlin Alburnoides bipunctatus spermatozoa exposed to Bisphenol A: Biochemical response and sperm quality alterations evaluation

Plastics are one of the global environmental problems owing to their highest production. Bisphenol A (BPA) is used in the manufacturing of plastics including polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride and resins. In particular, aquatic ecosystems are adversely affected by the occurrence of micropollutants. In addition, BPA as a typical endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) seriously influences androgenic activity and reproduction of aquatic organisms, particularly fish as non-target organism. In toxicological assays, sperm cells can be used as a potential tool for reliable and practical assessment. For these reasons, sperm cells were exposed to lower concentrations (0 µg/L, 0.5 µg/L, 1.25 µg/L, 2.5 µg/L and 5 µg/L) of BPA and the study focused on BPA-induced oxidative stress. The enzymatic [glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)] activities and lipid peroxidation (MDA) were analyzed in spermatozoa. The study findings showed that the activities of SOD and GSH-Px were significantly decreased by BPA but lipid peroxidation (MDA) and CAT acticity increased. Notably, the percentage and duration of motile sperm cells decreased. Collectively, spermatozoa clearly showed the sensitivity even at extremely low concentrations. This is first report to assess the impact of BPA on sperm cells of spirlin Alburnoides bipunctatus.