Fluoride subacute testicular toxicity in Wistar rats: Benchmark dose analysis for the redox parameters, essential elements and DNA damage

Excessive fluoride (F-) levels in the environment could induce different pathological changes, including comorbidities in reproductive functions. Hence, the aim of the present in vivo study was to explore F- subacute toxicity mechanisms via Benchmark dose (BMD) methodology on rat's testicles. The experiment was conducted on thirty male Wistar rats for 28 days, divided into six groups (n = 5): 1) Control (tap water); 2) 10 mg/L F-; 3) 25 mg/L F-; 4) 50 mg/L F-; 5) 100 mg/L F-; 6) 150 mg/L F- . Testicles were dissected out and processed for the determination of F- tissue concentrations, redox status parameters, essential elements level, and DNA damage. PROASTweb 70.1 software was used for determination of external and internal dose-response relationship. The results confirmed a significant increase in superoxide anion (O2.-), total oxidative status (TOS), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), DNA damage levels, and decrease in superoxide dismutase activity (SOD1) and total thiol (SH) groups. The dose-dependent changes were confirmed for SOD1 activity and DNA damage. The most sensitive parameters were SOD1 activity and DNA damage with the lowest BMDLs 0.1 mu g F -/kg b. w. Since human and animal populations are daily and frequently unconsciously exposed to F-, this dose-response study is valuable for further research regarding the F- health risk assessment.

Automated summary

Excessive fluoride exposure can lead to pathological changes in testicular tissues, affecting oxidative stress, essential elements levels, and DNA damage. SOD1 activity and DNA damage are the most sensitive indicators, with the lowest BMDLs at 0.1 µg F-/kg b.w. This study provides valuable insights for further research on the health risks associated with fluoride exposure in both human and animal populations.