Melatonin and Vitamins as Protectors against the Reproductive Toxicity of Bisphenols: Which Is the Most Effective? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

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Melatonin and Vitamins as Protectors against the Reproductive Toxicity of Bisphenols: Which Is the Most Effective? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Peña-Corona et al., 2023 | Int J Mol Sci | Meta Analysis

Citation

Peña-Corona Sheila I, Chávez-Corona Juan I, ... Leyva-Gómez Gerardo. Melatonin and Vitamins as Protectors against the Reproductive Toxicity of Bisphenols: Which Is the Most Effective? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int J Mol Sci. 2023-Oct-05;24(19). doi:10.3390/ijms241914930

Abstract

Bisphenols such as bisphenol A (BPA), S (BPS), C (BPC), F (BPF), AF (BPAF), tetrabromobisphenol, nonylphenol, and octylphenol are plasticizers used worldwide to manufacture daily-use articles. Exposure to these compounds is related to many pathologies of public health importance, such as infertility. Using a protector compound against the reproductive toxicological effects of bisphenols is of scientific interest. Melatonin and vitamins have been tested, but the results are not conclusive. To this end, this systematic review and meta-analysis compared the response of reproductive variables to melatonin and vitamin administration as protectors against damage caused by bisphenols. We search for controlled studies of male rats exposed to bisphenols to induce alterations in reproduction, with at least one intervention group receiving melatonin or vitamins (B, C, or E). Also, molecular docking simulations were performed between the androgen (AR) and estrogen receptors (ER), melatonin, and vitamins. About 1234 records were initially found; finally, 13 studies were qualified for review and meta-analysis. Melatonin plus bisphenol improves sperm concentration and viability of sperm and increases testosterone serum levels compared with control groups; however, groups receiving vitamins plus bisphenols had lower sperm concentration, total testis weight, and testosterone serum levels than the control. In the docking analysis, vitamin E had the highest negative MolDock score, representing the best binding affinity with AR and ER, compared with other vitamins and melatonin in the docking. Our findings suggest that vitamins could act as an endocrine disruptor, and melatonin is most effective in protecting against the toxic effects of bisphenols.

Key Findings

Our findings suggest that vitamins could act as an endocrine disruptor, and melatonin is most effective in protecting against the toxic effects of bisphenols.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 13
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Male
  • Rats
  • Animals
  • Melatonin
  • Vitamins
  • Molecular Docking Simulation
  • Semen
  • Benzhydryl Compounds
  • Reproduction
  • Receptors, Estrogen
  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin K
  • Testosterone
  • Endocrine Disruptors
  • Bisphenol A Compounds

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review, Journal Article
  • Vertical: melatonin

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09