Ameliorative effect of resveratrol and its nano-formulation on estrogenicity and apoptosis induced by low dose of zearalenone in male Wistar rats

The present study aimed to assess protective efficacy of resveratrol (RSV) and its encapsulated nanoparticles (ENPs) against the toxicity induced by low dose of zearalenone (ZEA) in adult male rats. ZEA toxicity and RSV ameliorative potential and its nanoparticles were assessed based on the levels of estradiol, LH, FSH, testosterone, testis histopathology, and immunohistochemical estimation of apoptosis-related factors. The key findings showed that ZEA exposure resulted in a significant surge in the level of estradiol, LH, and FSH. Also, ZEA exposure resulted in the degeneration of spermatocytes and Leydig cells. Immunohistochemical assessment showed that ZEA exposure resulted in positive expression of Bax, which confirmed the role of ZEA in inducing testis apoptosis. RSV nanoparticles were more efficacious in reversing the histopathological alterations and testis apoptosis, although the bulk form of the RSV was more potent in restoring the modulatory effect of ZEA on the level of hormones.