N‐acetyl cysteine co‐treatment abates perfluorooctanoic acid‐induced reproductive toxicity in male rats

Perfluorooctanoic acid is a synthetic perfluoroalkyl—persistent in the environment and toxic to humans. N‐acetylcysteine is a pro‐drug of both amino acid l‐cysteine and glutathione—a non‐enzymatic antioxidant. N‐acetylcysteine serves as an antidote for paracetamol poisoning and alleviates cellular oxidative and inflammatory stressors. We investigated N‐acetylcysteine role against reproductive toxicity in male Wistar rats (weight: 140–220 g; 10 weeks old) posed by perfluorooctanoic acid exposure. Randomised rat cohorts were dosed both with perfluorooctanoic acid (5 mg/kg; p.o) or co‐dosed with N‐acetylcysteine (25 and 50 mg/kg p.o) for 28 days. Sperm physiognomies, biomarkers of testicular function and reproductive hormones, oxidative stress and inflammation were evaluated. Co‐treatment with N‐acetylcysteine significantly (p