Metabolic Derangement by Arsenic: a Review of the Mechanisms

Studies have implicated arsenic exposure in various pathological conditions, including metabolic disorders, which have become a global phenomenon, affecting developed, developing, and under-developed nations. Despite the huge risks associated with arsenic exposure, humans remain constantly exposed to it, especially through the consumption of contaminated water and food. This present study provides an in-depth insight into the mechanistic pathways involved in the metabolic derangement by arsenic. Compelling pieces of evidence demonstrate that arsenic induces metabolic disorders via multiple pathways. Apart from the initiation of oxidative stress and inflammation, arsenic prevents the phosphorylation of Akt at Ser473 and Thr308, leading to the inhibition of PDK-1/Akt insulin signaling, thereby reducing GLUT4 translocation through the activation of Nrf2. Also, arsenic downregulates mitochondrial deacetylase Sirt3, decreasing the ability of its associated transcription factor, FOXO3a, to bind to the agents that support the genes for manganese superoxide dismutase and PPARg co-activator (PGC)-1a. In addition, arsenic activates MAPKs, modulates p53/ Bcl-2 signaling, suppresses Mdm-2 and PARP, activates NLRP3 inflammasome and caspase-mediated apoptosis, and induces ER stress, and ox-mtDNA-dependent mitophagy and autophagy. More so, arsenic alters lipid metabolism by decreasing the presence of 3-hydroxy-e-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase 1 and carnitine O-octanoyl transferase (Crot) and increasing the presence of fatty acid-binding protein-3 mRNA. Furthermore, arsenic promotes atherosclerosis by inducing endothelial damage. This cascade of pathophysiological events promotes metabolic derangement. Although the pieces of evidence provided by this study are convincing, future studies evaluating the involvement of other likely mechanisms are important. Also, epidemiological studies might be necessary for the translation of most of the findings in animal models to humans.

Variability in cardiovascular functions and baroflex sensitivity following inhalation of petroleum hydrocarbons

OBJECTIVE

Although petroleum products are useful chemical compounds which form an integral part of our modern technology, they have been reported to cause deleterious effect on health following their inhalation. Petroleum hydrocarbons-dependent health hazards and their mechanisms have been associated with the routes of administration. This study, therefore, aimed at the isolation and chemical characterization of various petroleum products, and also investigating in rat model of Sprague dawley strain, the variability in cardiovascular functions and possible mechanism following inhalation of petroleum products.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Control rats were not exposed to any form of petroleum products, while the petrol-exposed, diesel-exposed, and kerosene-exposed were exposed to petrol, diesel, and kerosene respectively.

RESULTS

When compared with the controls, all exposed groups showed a significant (P<0.05) increase in the systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure (MAP), and heart rate (HR). In comparison with the control, exposure to petroleum products also led to significant (P<0.05) increase in baroreflex sensitivity in the diesel- and kerosene-exposed rats. Baroreflex sensitivity was comparable in the control and petrol-exposed rats (P>0.05). Body weight gain was significantly (P<0.05) reduced in petroleum products exposed rats.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that the variability of cardiovascular functions associated with inhalation of petroleum products is in attendant to baroreflex sensitivity and resetting of arterial pressure.

Prevalence and pattern of utilization of voluntary counseling and testing services and HIV infection in Ogbomoso, southwestern Nigeria

OBJECTIVE

Human immunodeficiency virus, HIV, infection has been a major problem across the globe with a high socioeconomic burden. Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) is a measure put in place to encourage people to know their HIV status with essential counseling support to help them cope with a positive or a negative test result. This study was carried out to determine the utilization of VCT services, prevalence of HIV among VCT attendees, and the distribution of the viral infection based on gender and age in Ogbomoso, an urban community, southwestern Nigeria.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The health records of patients in Adebayo Alata Primary Health Centre, Ogbomoso South, Nigeria, between 2008 and 2011, were used.

RESULTS

A total of 1,490 patients used the VCT services during the period of study, out of which 271 (18.19%) were males and 1,219 (81.81%) were females. A consistent number of people used the VCT service throughout the period of study. HIV infection was higher in females (2.15%) than males (0.54%). The viral infection was more prevalent in people above 14 years of age (2.62%). However, none of these differences observed in gender and age were statistically significant (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

It was concluded that HIV infection has neither gender nor age bias. Efforts should be made to increase the provision of VCT services and ensure its continued utilization in an attempt to maintain a healthy social and reproductive health culture, improve maternal and child health in the context of HIV transmission, and improve global child survival.

Sodium acetate abates lead-induced sexual dysfunction by upregulating testosterone-dependent eNOS/NO/cGMP signaling and activating Nrf2/HO-1 in male Wistar rat

Oxidative stress has been linked with lead toxicity, including lead-induced sexual dysfunction. On the contrary, sodium acetate has been proven to exert antioxidant activity. However, the effect of sodium acetate on lead-induced sexual dysfunction has not been fully explored. This study investigated the effect of sodium acetate on lead-induced sexual dysfunction, exploring the involvement of testosterone, eNOS/NO/cGMP, and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling. Twenty male Wistar rats with similar weights were randomly assigned into four groups (n = 5 rats/group) after two weeks of acclimatization. Animals were vehicle-treated (0.5 ml/day of distilled water, per os), acetate-treated (200 mg/kg/day, per os), lead-treated (20 mg/kg/day, per os), or lead + acetate-treated. The results revealed that sodium acetate treatment attenuated lead-induced rise in penile lead, malondialdehyde and oxidized glutathione concentrations, and acetylcholinesterase activity. In addition, lead exposure prolonged mount, intromission, and ejaculation latency and reduced mount, intromission, and ejaculation frequency, as well as the motivation to mate and penile reflex, which were improved by acetate treatment. More so, acetate treatment ameliorated lead-induced reductions in absolute and relative penile weight, eNOS, NO, cGMP, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, testosterone, dopamine, Nrf2, HO-1, and reduced glutathione concentrations, as well as glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that sodium acetate attenuated lead-induced sexual dysfunction by upregulating testosterone-dependent eNOS/NO/cGMP and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling. Despite the compelling data presented in this study, other possible associated mechanisms in the protective role of acetate should be explored.

Glutamine Alleviates I/R-Induced Intestinal Injury and Dysmotility Via the Downregulation of Xanthine Oxidase/Uric Acid Signaling and Lactate Generation in Wistar Rats

INTRODUCTION

Disruption of intestinal histoarchitecture and intestinal dysmotility is critical to intestinal ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury and xanthine oxidase (XO)/uric acid (UA) signaling and increased lactate generation have been reported to play a role. More so, glutamine treatment has been demonstrated to inhibit XO/UA signaling. However, the role of glutamine in intestinal IR injury-induced intestinal dysmotility and the associated mechanisms of action are unclear. Therefore, this study was to investigate the mechanisms underlying the role of glutamine in intestinal IR injury.

METHODS

Forty male Wistar rats were acclimatized for two weeks and then randomized into four groups. The sham-operated, glutamine-treated, intestinal IR, and IR + glutamine groups.

RESULTS

Glutamine therapy attenuated the IR-induced increase in intestinal weight, disruption of intestinal histoarchitecture, and intestinal dysmotility. In addition, glutamine ameliorated IR-induced intestinal oxidative stress (increased malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione and superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities), inflammation (increased TNF-α and IL-1β), and apoptosis (increased caspase three activity). These events were accompanied by glutamine alleviation of IR-induced upregulation of intestinal nuclear factor kappa B, XO/UA, and lactate generation.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, XO/UA signaling and lactate levels are key factors in IR-induced intestinal injury and dysmotility, and glutamine-mediated XO/UA/lactate modulation may attenuate IR-induced intestinal injury and dysmotility.

Codeine alters female reproductive function by targeting ovarian steroidogenesis and folliculogenesis via the induction of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis

The rise in the abuse of codeine raises concerns about its impact on the health of users, and little has appeared on its effect on the female reproductive function. Therefore, this study evaluated the impact of codeine on female reproductive function. We administered codeine at low (2 mg/kg) and high (5 mg/kg) doses to female animals prior to mating for 8 weeks. In comparison with a vehicle-treated group, we then assessed the impact of codeine on body weight gain and ovarian weight, female sexual behaviour, ovarian steroidogenesis, and folliculogenesis. The role of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis were also evaluated. Codeine at either dose elicited a profound deficit in the absolute and relative ovarian weight, indicative of ovarian toxicity. Also, codeine induced female sexual dysfunction, and suppressed ovarian steroidogenesis and folliculogenesis, with degeneration of the ovarian cytoarchitecture and follicles. The effects of codeine were associated with a rise in ovarian hydroxyl radical generation and oxidative stress, evident by an increase in ovarian malondialdehyde, a reduction in reduced glutathione, and a decline in the activities of ovarian enzymatic antioxidants. In addition, codeine triggered an increase in the ovarian concentration of inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α and IL-1β, and myeloperoxidase activity. Furthermore, codeine caused an increase in 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8OHdG), ovarian DNA fragmentation, and caspase-3 activity, suggestive of genotoxicity and apoptosis respectively. The current study provides some of the first evidence for the adverse effects of prolong codeine use on female sexual function, ovarian steroidogenesis, and folliculogenesis. It also emphasizes the reproductive health consequences of drug abuse.

Unraveling the complexity of the impact of physical exercise on male reproductive functions: a review of both sides of a coin

Regular exercise is widely recognized for its numerous physical and mental benefits, but its effects on male reproductive health are less understood. This review aims to summarize the current evidence on the impact of exercise on male reproduction, including reproductive hormone regulation, spermatogenesis sperm quality, and fertility. Moderate exercise improves sperm quality, increasing count, motility, and morphology, while excessive and severe exercise may have detrimental effects. Exercise positively influences fertility by reducing oxidative stress and enhancing sperm DNA integrity. Regular physical activity regulates reproductive hormones, including testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone. Exercise-induced weight management and improved insulin sensitivity also contribute to better reproductive health. In conclusion, exercise has a profound impact on male reproductive health, with moderate physical activity promoting improved hormonal balance, sperm quality, and fertility. However, severe/excessive exercise exerts negative effects. These findings imply that a balanced exercise routine, usually mild to moderate, combined with a healthy lifestyle is essential for optimal male reproductive health. However, once exercise is severe and prolonged, it could impair male reproductive health. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms underlying the exercise-reproduction relationship fully.

Proton Pump Dysfunction and Upregulation of Caspase-3 Activity via Oxidative-Sensitive Signaling Mediate Rohypnol-Induced Testicular Toxicity

Rohypnol is a benzodiazepine that is used for its anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant, and hypnotic properties, but commonly abused. It has been reported to induce sexual dysfunction; however, its effect on testicular integrity and sperm quality is yet to be documented. This study evaluated the impact of Rohypnol on testicular integrity, circulatory testosterone, spermatogenesis, and sperm quality. The likely role of oxidative stress-dependent pathway as well as testicular proton pumps and caspase-3 activity in Rohypnol-induced modulation of male reproductive function was explored. In this study, adult male rats were randomized into six groups of six rats each: the control received 1 ml of distilled water as vehicle, while the low- and high-dose Rohypnol-treated groups received 2 mg/kg and 4 mg/kg of Rohypnol for four weeks. The control-, low-, and high-dose recovery groups received 2 mg/kg and 4 mg/kg of Rohypnol for four weeks, respectively, which was followed by a 4-week drug-free recovery period. Rohypnol treatments led to impaired steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis and low sperm quality. This was accompanied by a rise in the markers of testicular injury, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Also, the activities of testicular enzymatic antioxidants and proton pumps were significantly reduced. Although the impacts of low-dose Rohypnol treatment were partially reversible, those of the high-dose Rohypnol treatment were not. Histopathological findings on the testicular tissues were in tandem with the biochemical alterations. Thus, it is safe to infer that Rohypnol induces testicular damage by the suppression of Na+/K+-ATPase and Ca2+-ATPase and the activation of caspase-3 through an oxidative-sensitive signaling pathway.

Comparison of the haemodynamic effects of pyrethroid insecticide and amodiaquine in rats

Malaria infection is a common cause of morbidity and mortality especially in the tropics and subtropics. This has led to the increased prophylactic use ofpyrethroid insecticides and/or Amodiaquine (Aq) to combat the parasitic protozoan infection. The aim of this study was to investigate the comparative haemodynamic effects of pyrethroid insecticide and amodiaquine in rats. Experimental rats were randomly allocated into seven groups of five rats in each. Groups 1, 2 and 3 were exposed to pyrethroid by inhalation for 1, 2 and 3 min, respectively, while groups 4, 5 and 6 were administered Aqper oral at 5, 10 and 15 mg kg(-1) b.wt., respectively. Control rats were neither exposed to pyrethroid nor administered Aq. Pyrethroid insecticide led to reduced systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressures, but increased pulse pressure. Aq treatment did not cause any significant variation in haemodynamic variables. Heart rate was comparable in all groups. Results from the study provide extended safety/toxicity profile for pyrethroid use and Aq treatment. Aq showed no cardiotoxic potential, while pyrethroids have hypotensive effect. It is thus recommended that exposure to pyrethroids should be minimized.

Hematoxicity of amodiaquine in sprague-dawley rats

OBJECTIVE

The use of amodiaquine (AQ) and its associated toxic effect has been a major public health concern since cases of life-threatening agranulocytosis and hepatic toxicity were reported during its prophylactic use. The objective of this study was to evaluate the hematological safety profile of AQ therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly distributed into four groups (n=5). Group 1 was the control, while groups 2, 3, and 4 received AQ treatment for 14 days at varying doses of 5 mg/kgBW, 10 mg/kgBW, and 15 mg/kgBW daily, respectively.

RESULTS

Following treatment, hematological variables were comparable in all groups (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study provides evidence to support the use of AQ in the treatment of uncomplicated malaria. However, to prevent emergence of local drug resistance, it should be used as part of a combination therapy. Monitoring for adverse effects is suggested.

Upregulation of Uric Acid Production and Caspase 3 Signalling Mediates Rohypnol-Induced Cardiorenal Damage

The global prevalence of illicit drug use is on the increase with attendant complications like cardiorenal collapse. One such substance of abuse is rohypnol. Despite its ban in most countries, it remains a popular substance of abuse. Whether or not rohypnol induces cardiorenal injury and the associated mechanism is yet to be elucidated. Therefore, the present study investigated the effect of rohypnol on cardiorenal integrity and functions, and glucolipid metabolism. Forty-eight male Wistar rats randomized into six groups (n = 8/group) received (per os) vehicle, low-dose (2 mg/kg) and high-dose (4 mg/kg) rohypnol once daily for twenty eight days, with or without a cessation period. Data revealed that rohypnol exposure irreversibly caused insulin resistance, hyperglycaemia, and dyslipidaemia. This was accompanied by reduced cardiorenal mass and impaired cardiorenal cytoarchitecture and function. Furthermore, rohypnol treatment promoted oxidative stress, inflammation, genotoxicity, and decreased cardiorenal activities of Na+-K+-ATPase, Ca2+-ATPase, and Mg2+-ATPase. These alterations were associated with enhanced uric acid generation and caspase 3 activity in the cardiorenal complex. Thus, this study reveals that rohypnol exposure triggers cardiorenal toxicity with incident insulin resistance, glucolipid and cardiorenal proton pump dysregulation, altered redox state, and inflammation via enhancement of uric acid generation and caspase 3-dependent mechanism.

Apoptotic inducement of neuronal cells by codeine: possible role of disrupted redox state and caspase 3 signaling

BACKGROUND

Codeine, a common drug of abuse, has been reported to induce organ damage; however, there are scanty available data on the effects of codeine on the brain.

OBJECTIVE

Thus, we tested the hypothesis that redox dysregulation and inflammation of the brain induced by codeine exposure is 8-OHdG and/or caspase 3-dependent.

METHODS

New Zealand White rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) received vehicle (control; n = 7), low-dose codeine (4 mg/kg/day p.o; n = 6), or high-dose codeine (10 mg/kg/day p.o; n = 6) for six weeks. Body weight was checked before and after the study.

RESULTS

Findings showed that codeine exposure resulted in redox dysregulation (evident by elevated MDA and H2O2 accompanied by reduced enzymatic antioxidant activities), elevated MPO activity, and distorted cytoarchitecture of the brain tissue. The observed codeine-induced redox imbalance and brain inflammation was accompanied by depletion of neuronal and purkinje cells, reduced AchE activity, and elevated 8-OHdG levels and caspase 3 activity.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study demonstrates that chronic codeine use induces oxido-inflammatory response and apoptosis of the brain tissue that is associated with neuronal and purkinje cells injury, and impaired AchE activity through 8-OHdG and/or caspase 3-dependent pathway.

Suppression of glutathione system and upregulation of caspase 3-dependent apoptosis mediate rohypnol-induced gastric injury

Objectives: This study investigated the impact of rohypnol on gastric tissue integrity.Methods: Forty male Wistar rats were randomized into control, low dose rohypnol-treated, high dose rohypnol-treated, low dose rohypnol-treated recovery and high dose rohypnol-treated recovery groups.Results: Rohypnol caused significant rise in gastric malondialdehyde (MDA), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), nitric oxide (NO), tumour necrotic factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels. Also, rohypnol caused reductions in gastric reduced glutathione (GSH) (as well as GSH/GSSG), and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), cyclo-oxygenase (COX-2). Furthermore, rohypnol upregulated caspase 3 activity and induced gastric DNA damage, evident by a rise in 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and DNA fragmentation index (DFI) in gastric tissue. These alterations were coupled with reduced gastric weight and distorted gastric cytoarchitecture. Cessation of rohypnol caused a significant but not complete reversal of rohypnol-induced gastric damage.Conclusion: This study revealed that rohypnol induced gastric injury by suppressing glutathione content and COX-2 activity, and upregulating caspase 3-dependent apoptosis, which was partly reversed by rohypnol withdrawal.

Penile erection and cardiovascular function: effects and pathophysiology

Penile erection (PE) is a hemodynamic event that results from a neuroendocrine process, and it is influenced by the cardiovascular status of the patient. However, it may also modulate an individual's cardiovascular events. The present study provides the mechanisms involved in the association of PE and cardiovascular function. Erection upsurges the cardiac rate, blood pressure, and oxygen uptake. Sex-enhancing strategies, such as phosphodiesterase inhibitors, alprostadil, and testosterone also promote vasodilatation and cardiac performance, thus preventing myocardial infarction. More so, drugs that are used in the treatment of hypertensive heart diseases (such as angiotensin system inhibitors and β-blockers) facilitate vasodilatation and PE. These associations have been linked with nitric oxide- and testosterone-dependent enhancing effects on the vascular endothelium. In addition, impaired cardiovascular function may negatively impact PE; therefore, impaired PE may be a pointer to cardiovascular pathology. Hence, evaluation of the cardiovascular status of an individual with erectile dysfunction (ED) is essential. Also, employing strategies that are used in maintaining optimal cardiac function may be useful in the management of ED.

Acetate Abates Arsenic-Induced Male Reproductive Toxicity by Suppressing HDAC and Uric Acid-Driven Oxido-inflammatory NFkB/iNOS/NO Response in Rats

Arsenic is associated with male reproductive toxicity through histone deacetylation and oxido-inflammatory injury. Notwithstanding, short-chain fatty acids such as acetate exert anti-oxido-inflammatory activities and inhibit histone deacetylation. This study investigated the impact of acetate on arsenic-induced male reproductive toxicity. Forty eight adult male Wistar rats were allotted into any of these four groups (n = 12 rats per group): vehicle-treated, sodium acetate-treated, arsenic-exposed, and arsenic-exposed + sodium acetate-treated. The results revealed that arsenic exposure prolonged the latencies of mount, intromission, and ejaculation and reduced the frequencies of mount, intromission, and ejaculation, as well as mating and fertility indices, litter size and weight, anogenital distance, anogenital index, and survival rate in male F1 offspring at weaning. Also, arsenic reduced the circulating levels of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and testosterone and testicular 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activities. In addition, arsenic reduced the daily and total spermatid production, sperm count, motility, and viability but increased the percentage of sperm cells with abnormal morphology. Furthermore, arsenic increased testicular xanthine oxidase activity, uric acid, and malondialdehyde levels, and reduced glutathione content, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, total antioxidant capacity, and Nrf2 level. More so, arsenic exposure increased testicular iNOS activity and nitric oxide (NO), TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and NFkB levels as well as Bax, caspase 9, and caspase 3 activities, and reduced Bcl-2. These findings were associated with arsenic-induced increase in testicular arsenic concentration, histone deacetylase activity, and reduced testicular weight. Histopathological examination revealed that arsenic also disrupted testicular histoarchitecture, which was accompanied by altered testicular planimetry and reduced spermatogenic cells. Notwithstanding, sodium acetate alleviated arsenic-induced sexual dysfunction as well as biochemical and histological alterations. These were accompanied acetate-driven downregulation of histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity. Succinctly, acetate attenuated arsenic-induced male reproductive toxicity by suppressing HDAC and uric acid-driven oxido-inflammatory NFkB/iNOS/NO response.

Micronized Purified Flavonoid Fraction (Diosmin/Hesperidin) Ameliorates Cardiac Structural and Functional Integrity in Cisplatin-treated Male Wistar Rats by Modulating NLRP3/Caspase-1/-3 Signaling

Cisplatin is an effective chemotherapeutic agent in managing several cancers. Yet, its usage is restricted by its toxicity to non-target organs, such as cardiotoxicity that is mediated by nucleotide-binding Oligomerisation Domain (NOD)-Like Receptors family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3)-driven inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Conversely, micronized purified flavonoid fractions (MPFF) attenuate oxido-inflammation by downregulating NLRP3 inflammasome. However, there is a dearth of information on the effect of MPFF on cisplatin-induced cardiac injury. This study examined the possible protective effect of MPFF in cisplatin-induced cardiac injury. Also, the role of NLRP3 inflammasome and caspase-1/-3 signaling was evaluated. Thirty-two adult male Wistar rats were randomly allotted to four equal groups (n = 8 rats per group). The control received 0.5 mL of distilled water orally daily, the MPFF-treated rats received 100 mg/kg/day of MPFF orally for 14 days, the cisplatin-treated rats had 7 mg/kg of cisplatin via an intraperitoneal route on day 8, and the cisplatin+MPFF -treated rats received cisplatin and MPFF as those in the cisplatin- and MPFF-treated groups. Cisplatin therapy significantly increased cardiac injury markers and plasma glucose. Cisplatin also induced dyslipidemia and insulin resistance. Moreover, cisplatin altered cardiac histology evidenced by vascular congestion, and increased myofibril thickness and interstitial space. These observations were accompanied by cisplatin-induced cardiac oxidative stress (increased malondialdehyde and a decline in reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase), inflammation (increased tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta, and interleukin-6), apoptosis (increased caspase 1 and caspase 3) and a marked increase in NLPR3 inflammasome. These derangements were blunted by MPFF co-therapy. In conclusion, this study for the first time demonstrated that MPFF attenuated cisplatin-induced cardiac structural and functional damage by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation via the downregulation of NLPR3 /caspase-1/-3 signaling.

Acetate attenuates lead-induced dysregulation of testicular steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis by targeting oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines, and apoptosis

Lead exposure has been implicated in the aetiopathogenesis of male infertility via an oxidative stress-sensitive pathway. Conversely, acetate has been shown to confer cellular protection by improving the antioxidant defense mechanism. Yet, the effect of acetate on lead-induced testicular toxicity, viz., dysregulation of testicular steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis, has not been reported. The present study probed the influence of acetate on lead-induced dysregulation of testicular steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis. In our study, a reduction in body weight gain and testicular weight was identified in lead-exposed rats. While histopathological results established distortion of testicular histoarchitecture, reduced germ cell count, and suppressed spermatogenesis, biochemical studies confirmed that lead-deregulated testicular steroidogenesis was associated with reduced circulating gonadotropin-releasing hormone and gonadotropins, as well as down-regulated testicular 3β-HSD and 17β-HSD activities. These findings were accompanied by increased testicular malondialdehyde, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, and reduced glutathione, thiol and non-thiol protein levels, total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities. In addition, lead exposure increased NFkB and Bax levels, as well as caspase 3 activity, but reduced Bcl-2 levels. However, co-administration of acetate ameliorated lead-induced alterations. Collectively, acetate attenuated lead-induced dysregulation of testicular steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis by targeting oxidative stress, NFkB-mediated inflammation, and caspase 3-driven apoptosis.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43188-024-00250-3.