Abstract

Background: Bisphenol A (BPA), a widely used industrial chemical, is a well-known endocrine disruptor linked to testicular damage and impaired male reproductive function. Fucoxanthin (Fx), a marine carotenoid with potent antioxidant properties, has not been extensively studied for its potential to mitigate BPA-induced testicular injury.

Aims: This study evaluated the protective effects of Fx against BPA-induced testicular injury and explored the underlying signaling mechanisms.

Study Design: Experimental study.

Methods: A mouse model of BPA-induced testicular injury was established. Transcriptomic analysis was performed to identify significantly altered genes. The therapeutic potential of Fx was assessed using combined molecular and histological approaches. Complementary in vitro experiments with TM3 Leydig cells were conducted to support the in vivo findings.

Results: Fx administration markedly attenuated BPA-induced disruptions in serum sex hormones, testicular histopathology, and proinflammatory cytokine levels. Ribonucleic acid sequencing revealed that Fx’s protective effects are associated with modulation of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like, and Toll-like receptor signaling pathways. Validation experiments indicated that Fx inhibits nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation and suppresses pyroptosis, accompanied by downregulation of key genes and proteins in the lipopolysaccharide/NLRP3 signaling cascade. In vitro analyses confirmed that Fx reduces oxidative stress and inflammation by inhibiting NF-κB activation and pyroptosis.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that Fx may serve as a promising dietary supplement or nutraceutical agent to mitigate the adverse reproductive effects of environmental endocrine disruptors, with potential benefits for male reproductive health.