Mariem Mhimdi

Dr. Mariem Mhimdi


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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23 October 2025 in Physiological Reports
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
MMMariem Mhimdi
Mariem Mhimdi
SSSLIMEN SELMI
SLIMEN SELMI
SSSut Stefania
Sut Stefania
PGPeron Gregorio
Peron Gregorio
MJMourad Jridi
Mourad Jridi
SHSebai Hichem
Sebai Hichem
Bisphenol A (BPA), a widespread endocrine disruptor, induces male reproductive toxicity by impairing spermatogenesis and altering hormonal homeostasis. This study investigated the protective effects of Myrtus communis essential oil (EOMC) or vitamin E (Vit E) in adult male rats exposed to BPA (100 mg/kg/day). BPA administration led to testicular damage, decreased sperm quality, hormonal imbalance, oxidative stress, and changes in lipid metabolism. Vit E preserved seminiferous tubule structure and reduced the presence of immature germ cells, though partial disruption of spermatogenesis persisted. EOMC displayed dose‐dependent protective effects at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg. At the highest dose, EOMC improved sperm parameters, restored testicular histology, preserved membrane phospholipid composition, and normalized levels of steroid hormones including testosterone, estradiol, progesterone, and cortisol. It also prevented body weight loss induced by BPA. Although Vit E provided better protection of tubule structure, EOMC at 200 mg/kg offered broader benefits across multiple reproductive parameters. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of high‐dose EOMC in mitigating BPA‐induced male reproductive toxicity and support its use as a natural protective agent.

8 February 2026 in Food Science & Nutrition
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
MMMariem Mhimdi
Mariem Mhimdi
SSSelmi Slimen
Selmi Slimen
AZAmira Zammali
Amira Zammali
MHManel Hraoui
Manel Hraoui
SWSoumaya WAHABI
Soumaya WAHABI
HSHichem Sebai
Hichem Sebai
Endocrine disruptors such as bisphenol A (BPA) are increasingly associated with metabolic disorders, including metabolic dysfunction‐associated fatty liver disease (MASLD). This preclinical study investigates the effect of BPA on liver function and lipid metabolism in Wistar rats and evaluated the protective potential of Myrtus communis essential oil (EOMC) and vitamin E (Vit E). MASLD was induced in Wistar rats by oral administration of BPA (100 mg/kg/day) for 30 days. Rats were co‐treated with EOMC at doses of 50,100, or 200 mg/kg body weight, or Vit E at 100 mg/kg. Liver and kidney function markers, lipid profiles, oxidative stress parameters, and organ histology were assessed. BPA exposure significantly increased plasma liver enzymes (AST: 195,76 ± 4,47 U/L, ALT: 91,05 ± 0,58 U/L) and lipid levels (triglycerides: 1,30 ± 0,13 g/L) compared to controls, and elevated oxidative stress markers, including malondialdehyde (MDA). Co‐treatment with EOMC improved these parameters in a dose‐dependent manner. At 200 mg/kg, EOMC reduced plasma triglycerides 0,62 ± 0,09 g/L, corresponding to an approximate 52% decrease compared to the BPA‐only group, along with an approximately 84% reduction in hepatic MDA levels. Liver histology confirmed marked attenuation of steatosis and hepatocellular damage. Vitamin E showed similar protective effects, though slightly less pronounced. Both EOMC and Vit E demonstrated potential in mitigating against BPA‐induced MASLD. These findings indicate that EOMC may have a protective effect against fatty liver changes in this experimental model, but further studies are needed to confirm its relevance in humans.

24 April 2026 in Antioxidants
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MMMariem Mhimdi
Mariem Mhimdi
SSSLIMEN SELMI
SLIMEN SELMI
WTWael Taamalli
Wael Taamalli
Stefania SutStefania Sut
Stefania Sut
HSHichem Sebai
Hichem Sebai
Stefano Dall'acquaStefano Dall'acqua
Stefano Dall'acqua
BisphenolA (BPA) is a common endocrine disruptor that impairs male fertility through oxidative stress and alterations in membrane lipids. This study evaluated the protective effects of Myrtus communis L. essential oil (EOMC) on BPA-induced sperm toxicity in Wistar rats in vitro. BPA significantly decreased sperm motility and viability. It also increased lipid peroxidation, depleted thiols, and reduced the activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT-like and GPx-like). Concomitant treatment with low and intermediate doses of EOMC (0.5–1 µL/mL) restored sperm function, reduced oxidative stress, and preserved membrane phospholipids. However, the highest dose (5 µL/mL) further impaired sperm function and disrupted membrane phospholipids. BPA also altered amino acid profiles and accumulated intracellularly, effects partially reversed by EOMC, which redistributed free BPA into the culture medium. Bioavailability analysis revealed selective absorption of α-pinene, while d-limonene and 1,8-cineole were undetectable. Molecular modeling indicated strong binding of BPA to antioxidant enzymes, potentially disrupting their structure and activity. Overall, these results show that EOMC protects sperm from BPA-induced damage in a dose-dependent manner through antioxidant, membrane-stabilizing, and redistribution mechanisms. This highlights its potential application in phytotherapy for male reproductive health.

1 January 2026 in BioMed Research International
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
MMMariem Mhimdi
Mariem Mhimdi
SSSelmi Slimen
Selmi Slimen
SSSut Stefania
Sut Stefania
DSDall′Acqua Stefano
Dall′Acqua Stefano
HSHichem Sebai
Hichem Sebai
Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine disruptor widely used in industrial and consumer products. Its release into the environment raises major health concerns, particularly regarding metabolic disorders. After exposure, BPA leads to the accumulation of free BPA and its main metabolites, including bisphenol A‐glucuronide (BPA‐G), bisphenol A‐disulfate (BPA‐DS), and its chlorinated derivative, chlorinated bisphenol A‐diglucuronide (BPA‐DC). This study is aimed at evaluating the detoxifying effect of essential oil of Myrtus communis (EOMC) at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, and vitamin E (100 mg/kg), in male Wistar rats exposed to BPA (100 mg/kg). Results showed a significant decrease in serum levels of BPA and its metabolites, along with increased urinary excretion, indicating enhanced biotransformation and elimination. BPA exposure also elevated fecal short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) acetate, propionate, and butyrate, suggesting microbial dysbiosis and altered fermentation. EOMC and vitamin E treatments normalized SCFA profiles, demonstrating a modulatory effect on gut microbiota. The detection of α ‐pinene and 1,8‐cineole in serum confirmed systemic bioavailability of EOMC and its role in detoxification. Overall, these findings highlight the protective effect of EOMC and vitamin E against BPA bioaccumulation and support their potential as natural detoxifying agents.