Squalene is a potential endocrine modulator in rat: A proof-of-principle study with 3-methylcholanthrene-induced toxicity

: Oestrus urine was proved as a potential endocrine modulator in alleviating the toxicity induced by 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MC) in male rats. We, in this study, aimed to prove the attributing potential of toxicity alleviation to squalene, an oestrus-specific pheromone in rats. A single dose of 3-methylcholanthrene (25 mg/kg BW, i.p.) was administered to male Wistar rats with concurrent exposure to squalene sprayed in bedding material (Group III). Group II rats did receive 3-MC treatment but did not expose to squalene. Group I rats were intact control neither administered 3-MC nor sprayed with squalene. In consequence of 3-MC toxicity, liver and testes weights were increased and the components of blood cells (RBC and WBC count, Hb level) and testosterone concentration were significantly reduced in Group II rats. Moreover, sperm count was reduced and antioxidants (testes and epididymis) were significantly altered. Exposure to squalene in Group III rats comparatively normalised all the variable components towards baseline and reorganised the histological architecture of reproductive tissues that were exacerbated with 3-MC toxicity. This study ultimately proved squalene as a potent molecule in alleviating the toxicity induced by 3-methylcholanthrene.