Antiandrogenic and estrogenic characteristics of oleic acid: Experimental design incorporating endocrinal, testicular, and sperm analysis

This research was to investigate whether in utero exposure to oleic acid (OA) could modify the antiandrogenic and estrogenic endocrine functions of the testis during puberty. Pregnant rats were grouped into four groups, with five rats in each group, as follows: control was given 1 mL/kg of olive oil; pretreatment was given 1000 mg/kg OA for seven days before mating; D7 was given 1000 mg/kg OA at gestation day (GD)1–7; and D14 was given 1000 mg/kg of OA at GD8–14. The male offspring delivered were studied into puberty. Hormone levels, age of puberty, and oxidative parameters were determined. The estrogenic properties of oleic acid observed in this study included decreased serum testosterone and a reduction in the epididymis, prostate, and testis weights. Decreased sperm motility and viability, decreased testosterone synthesis, reduced weight of androgen-dependent organs, and delayed onset of puberty were reported as anti-androgenic properties. Testicular MDA levels were significantly higher in OA-exposed rats, compared to control rats. In conclusion, although OA possesses both estrogenic and antiandrogenic properties, the estrogenic characteristics were less pronounced. The antiandrogenic characteristics, steroid hormone inhibition, decrease in sperm variables, and increase in oxidative stress were more distinct.