Biochemical and histopathological changes in ovary, uterus and testicular tissues after acrylamide exposure

Acrylamide (ACR) is a popular substance to which our exposure increases with the changes in our lifestyle and brings with it various health problems. In order to determine appropriate therapeutics against ACR damage, it is important to investigate the multiple mechanisms that may be effective in its pathophysiology. This study investigated the effects of ACR exposure on ovarian, uterine, and testicular tissues by considering different pathophysiological pathways. Male-control (MC), male-acrylamide (MACR), female-control (FC), and female-acrylamide (FACR) groups were formed. ACR was administered at a dose of 60 mg/kg for 5 days. ACR exposure decreased CAT and TrxR-specific activities, GSH levels, and Bcl-2 expression, while significantly increasing MDA, IL-6, and NFĸB p65 levels, caspase 3, and Bax expression in ovarian, uterine, and testicular tissues. Based on these results, it was determined that acrylamide induced damage in ovarian, uterine and testicular tissues through various pathways such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Consequently, when selecting a therapeutic target, the substance whose efficacy is being investigated should be effective in these pathways. Furthermore, this study is the first to demonstrate the occurrence of bladder retention in both sexes following acrylamide exposure and will be an important step for future research. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2025.