Benzo-a-pyrene-induced reproductive toxicity was abated in rats co-treated with taurine

Benzo-a-pyrene (BaP) exposure is toxic to the reproductive systems. The beneficial effects of taurine (TAU) against BaP-induced toxicity in the epididymis and testes of rats co-treated with BaP (10 mg/kg) and TAU at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg for 28 successive days are reported in this study. Co-treatment with TAU significantly alleviated BaP-induced decreases in sperm quality, reproductive hormones, oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers. TAU also lessened epididymal and testicular injuries in rats. TAU ameliorated toxic responses in the epididymis and testes of rats exposed to BaP by abating oxidative and inflammatory responses, improved sperm quality and enhanced reproductive hormone levels.