Histological investigation in aging male and female gerbil prostates after prenatal exposure to pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Cambess) oil and 17α-ethinylestradiol

ABSTRACT

The female prostate, also known as Skene’s gland, is present in both humans and rodents. Prenatal exposure to ethinylestradiol (EE2), a synthetic estrogen found in oral contraceptives, induces pormotes neoplasic prostate lesions in gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus). Conversely, pequi oil (Pe), extracted from the Brazilian Cerrado fruit, has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties, mitigates risks associated with chronic diseases related to lifestyle and aging. This study evaluates the impact of prenatal exposure to Pe (300 mg/kg) on senile gerbil offspring’s male and female prostates under normal conditions and EE2 exposure (15 μg/kg/day). Histological and morphometric analyses revealed that Pe reduced male body weight and prostate epithelial height, along with a thinner muscle layer. In females, EE2 exposure reduced prostatic weight, while Pe exposure lowered epithelial height and the relative stromal compartment volume, increasing the muscle layer. Pequi oil holds potential in mitigating alterations induced by exposure to the endocrine disruptor EE2.

KEYWORDS:

• Pequi oil
• female prostate
• male prostate
• ethinylestradiol
• morphometry

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the Program of Initiation to Scientific, Technological Research and Innovation at UFJ (PIBIC/2019-2020).

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The supporting data for the findings of this study can be obtained from the corresponding author upon making a reasonable request.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the CNPq (National Council for Scientific and Technological Development) under Grant number 407761/2016-0.