Filtered diesel exhaust via whole body exposure disrupts male reproductive function through dysregulated endocrine axis and subdued testicular GSTs in juvenile Wistar rats.

The aftermath of air pollution comprising diesel exhaust on male reproduction necessitates comprehensive understanding. As an extension of our previous findings, the present study was designed to investigate the role of whole body exposure to filtered fraction of diesel exhaust on the male reproductive health of juvenile Wistar rats. The rats were subjected to clean air (CAG-J)/filtered diesel exhaust (FDG-J) exposure (n = 8/group) separately in an indigenously developed whole body exposure chamber, for 6 weeks (6 h/day and 5 days/week). Results showed a significant decline testicular weights, sperm concentration, % motility, serum testosterone, LH levels in serum and testes along with testicular GSTs with alterations in histoarchitecture of testicular tissue in FDG-J. Furthermore, we observed a significant increase in % sperm morphological defects, testicular testosterone, 17 β-estradiol, and serum prolactin. These findings demonstrate that disrupted endocrine regulation and oxidant/antioxidant balance can affect testicular function in younger males.