Introduction: Oxidative stress is recognized as one of the key mechanisms in damage to sperm and testicular tissue. Tert-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ) is widely used in the food industry. There is evidence regarding its biological effects on the reproductive system. The objective of this study was to systematically review the available evidence on the effect of tBHQ on fertility‑related parameters and oxidative stress in male rodents.
Methods: This study was conducted based on the PRISMA guidelines. A time-unlimited literature search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect databases using relevant keywords. Experimental animal studies investigating the effect of tBHQ on sperm quality, testicular tissue, hormonal profiles, and oxidative stress indices were included.
Results: The results of six eligible studies indicated that tBHQ consumption in most animal models was associated with a significant improvement in sperm parameters, including increased sperm count, motility, viability, and decreased abnormal morphology. tBHQ also reduced testicular tissue damage, increased the diameter and epithelial height of seminiferous tubules, and preserved germ cells. Biochemically, tBHQ helped modulate oxidative stress by increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, and by decreasing malondialdehyde levels. Most studies reported increased testosterone levels and improved pituitary-gonadal axis function, although the results regarding changes in testosterone concentration were not consistent.
Conclusion: According to the available evidence, tBHQ consumption associates with reduced oxidative stress markers, improved testicular structure, and enhanced sperm quality in male rodents. Although these findings suggest a positive association with fertility parameters, definitive causal conclusions are precluded by the limited number of studies, heterogeneity in designs, and inconsistent results, particularly regarding hormonal changes. Conducting more studies with standard design, evaluating the dose-response effect and investigating the molecular mechanisms, seems necessary to explain the effects of tBHQ more precisely.