Abstract
BACKGROUND: Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), a commonly used plasticizer and endocrine disruptor, has been implicated in various reproductive disorders in farm animals. However, its effects on camel reproduction, particularly sperm function, have not been studied. Given the unique reproductive physiology of camels, understanding DEHP's impact on sperm quality is crucial. Investigating these effects could provide insights into potential fertility risks and contribute to improved reproductive management strategies for camel breeding programs. AIM: This study evaluated the effects of DEHP on camel sperm quality, specifically focusing on motility, viability, mitochondrial activity, plasma membrane integrity, and sperm binding to both zona pellucida and oviduct epithelial cells. METHODS: Camel spermatozoa were retrieved from the epididymis and exposed to four concentrations of DEHP (0, 10, 25, and 50 µM) to evaluate its impact on spermatozoa function. Progressive sperm movement was examined, followed by assessments of viability using SYBR 14/PI staining and mitochondrial membrane potential using Mito-Tracker Green fluorescence staining. Membrane integrity was evaluated using the Hypo-Osmotic Swelling Test. Additionally, functional competence was assessed using zona pellucida and oviduct epithelial cell binding assays. RESULTS: DEHP exposure resulted in a dose-dependent decline in sperm functionality. Sperm motility decreased from 61.6.5% in the control group to 43% at 50 µM DEHP. Similarly, mitochondrial activity and membrane integrity significantly declined at the highest DEHP concentration (50 µM), and sperm viability exhibited a significant reduction, with sperm viability dropping from 90% in the control to 50% at 50 µM. Functional assays revealed reduced sperm binding to zona pellucida and oviduct epithelial cells at 50 µM, indicating impaired fertilization potential. CONCLUSION: Our findings revealed the detrimental effects of DEHP exposure on camel sperm function, highlighting its potential threat to reproductive efficiency. These results provide critical insights into the reproductive toxicity of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in livestock. Future investigations should focus on the long-term consequences of DEHP exposure, elucidating the underlying mechanisms, and developing effective mitigation strategies.