Evaluation of the effective role of natural antioxidants against the reproductive toxicity of furan in male albino rats

Furan is related to a group of dioxins (polychlorinated dibenzo-furans) that are formed within the thermal degradation of natural food products. Furan is a lipophilic organic compound which is used as an intermediate in several chemical processes. It is observed in heat-processed foods such as instante coffee, canned meats, and jarred baby food. The present study elucidated the effect of oral furan administrationfor 30 days at a dose of (8 mg/kg body weight/day) on the testes of male albino rats. Furan administration signified histological alterations supported by histopathological changes in the testes tissue, which were clarified by Periodic Acid Schiff, Bromophenol blue and Feulgen stains. These stains exhibited a significant decrease in the intensity of carbohydrate content, protein content and deoxyribo-nucleic acid respectively, in rats treated with Furan. Oral treatment of Furan intoxicated rats either by Propolis (100 mg/kg body weight/day) or Spirulina platensis (300 mg/kg body weight/day) for 30 days illustrated significant histological and histopathological amelioration in testes tissue compared to the Furan group. In conclusion, Propolis and Spirulina platensis may have potential health benefits to be used as therapies extracted from natural compounds due to their antioxidants, phenolic and flavonoid contents which counteract the deleterious effects on testicular tissue caused by Furan toxicity.