The Effect of Quercetin on Some Hematological Parameters Against Bisphenol-A Exposure in Streptozocin-Induced Rats

Abstract

Bisphenol-A (BPA) is an endocrine-disrupting environmental toxin widely used in the composition of plastics. Today, the widespread use of BPA in preserving and packaging food and beverages increases BPA exposure. Therefore, recent research has focused on the health effects of continuous exposure to BPA. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of quercetin (QUE) on different hematologic variables in rats induced by the environmental toxin BPA and streptozocin (STZ). Wistar albino rats were administered BPA orally (p.o.) at 10 mg/kg and QUE intraperitoneally (i.p.) at 15 mg/kg for 14 days. STZ was administered subcutaneously (s.c.) in a single dose of 50 mg/kg at the beginning of the experiment. 72 rats were randomly selected for the experimental procedure and divided into 9 groups with 8 animals in each group. The groups were created as follows; Group 1: Control (Saline); Group 2: Corn oil (0.5 ml, solvent); Group 3: STZ (50 mg/kg); Group 4: BPA (10 mg/kg); Group 5: QUE (15mg/kg); Group 6: STZ (50 mg/kg) + QUE (15mg/kg); Group 7: BPA (10 mg/kg) + QUE (15mg/kg); Group 8: STZ (50 mg/kg) + BPA group (10 mg/kg); Group 9: STZ (50 mg/kg) + BPA (10 mg/kg) + QUE (15mg/kg). STZ and BPA-treated rats showed functional variability in all hematologic parameters. The combination of STZ and BPA significantly reduced erythrocytes, leukocytes, and their associated parameters. However, QUE treatment alone or in combination corrected the altered hematologic parameters. The results of this study demonstrated that exposure to BPA in combination with STZ may alter hematologic indices, while QUE may be a therapeutic agent to correct the altered blood profile.