REPERCUSSÕES SOBRE A ESPERMATOGÊNESE E SEU CONTROLE EM RATOS PRÉ-PÚBERES EXPOSTOS À ACRILAMIDA

Abstract

Reproductive disorders exhibit a high prevalence worldwide and about half of the infertility cases are due to male disorders. This condition is presented as a multifactorial disease, and it has been suggested that the increase in its incidence over the last decades is linked to the extensive exposure to endocrine disruptors. In this sense, acrylamide is a chemical compound formed spontaneously during the heat processing of some foods that are routinely consumed, as french fries, breads and chocolate. The acrylamide induces toxic effects on several systems in the human body, including male reproductive system. In the present study, the effects of pre-pubertal exposure to acrylamide in reproductive function and male fertility was evaluated in experimental model, through analysis of sperm function, gene expression of receptor transcripts involved in spermatogenesis regulation and LH, FSH, testosterone and estradiol serum levels. For this, Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups, which received 0, 2.5 and 5mg/kg/day of AA administered orally from 23º to 60º day. Therefore, animals were euthanized and the blood, testes and spermatozoids were collected for analysis. As results, we observe reduced spermatic production and reserves, alterations on sperm function and morphology and changes in Ar and Esr2 transcripts expression. These findings suggest that acrylamide impairs the male fertility, altering important parameters related to the reproductive function in tested animals.