Decabromodiphenyl ethane induces male reproductive toxicity by glycolipid metabolism imbalance and meiotic failure

Decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) is a typical flame retardant found in various electrical and textile items. DBDPE is abundantly available in the surrounding environment and wild animals based on its persistence and bioaccumulation. DBDPE has been shown to cause apoptosis in rat spermatogenic cells, resulting in reproductive toxicity. However, the toxicity of DBDPE on the male reproductive system and the potential mechanisms are still unclear. This study evaluated the effect of DBDPE on the reproductive system in male SD rats and demonstrated the potential mechanisms of reproductive toxicity. DBDPE (0, 5, 50, and 500 mg/kg/day) was administered via gavage to male SD rats for 28 days. DBDPE caused histopathological changes in the testis, reduced sperm quantity and motility, and raised the malformation rate in rats, according to the findings. Furthermore, it caused DNA damage to rat testicular cells. It inhibited the expressions of spermatogenesis‐and oogenesis‐specific helix‐loop‐helix transcription factor 1 (Sohlh1), piwi-like RNA-mediated gene silencing 2 (MILI), cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2), and CyclinA, resulting in meiotic failure, as well as the expressions of synaptonemal complex proteins 1 and 3 (SYCP1 and SYCP3), leading to chromosomal association disorder in meiosis and spermatocyte cycle arrest. Moreover, DBDPE induced glycolipid metabolism disorder and activated mitochondria-mediated apoptosis pathways in the testes of SD rats. The quantity and quality of sperm might be declining due to these factors. Our findings offer further evidence of the harmful impact of DBDPE on the male reproductive system.