antioxidants Review Fighting Bisphenol A-Induced Male Infertility: The Power of Antioxidants Joana Santiago 1 , Joana V. Silva 1,2,3 , Manuel A. S. Santos 1 and Margarida Fardilha 1,* 1 Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine-iBiMED, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal;
[email protected] (J.S.);
[email protected] (J.V.S.);
[email protected] (M.A.S.S.) 2 Institute for Innovation and Health Research (I3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal 3 Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal * Correspondence:
[email protected]; Tel.: +351-234-247-240 Abstract: Bisphenol A (BPA), a well-known endocrine disruptor present in epoxy resins and poly- carbonate plastics, negatively disturbs the male reproductive system affecting male fertility. In vivo studies showed that BPA exposure has deleterious effects on spermatogenesis by disturbing the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis and inducing oxidative stress in testis. This compound seems to disrupt hormone signalling even at low concentrations, modifying the levels of inhibin B, oestra- diol, and testosterone. The adverse effects on seminal parameters are mainly supported by studies based on urinary BPA concentration, showing a negative association between BPA levels and sperm concentration, motility, and sperm DNA damage. Recent studies explored potential approaches to treat or prevent BPA-induced testicular toxicity and male infertility. Since the effect of BPA on testicular cells and spermatozoa is associated with an increased production of reactive oxygen species, most of the pharmacological approaches are based on the use of natural or synthetic antioxidants.