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Xia LZ, Liu LL, Yue JZ, Lu ZY, Deng RY, He X, Li CC, Hu B, Gao HT. Ameliorative effects of zinc and vitamin E against phthalates-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2024; 39:3330-3340. [PMID: 38440903 DOI: 10.1002/tox.24191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Phthalates (PEs) could cause reproductive harm to males. A mixture of three widely used PEs (MPEs) was used to investigate the ameliorative effects of zinc (Zn) and vitamin E (VE) against male reproductive toxicity. METHODS Fifty male SD rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 10). Rats in MPEs group were orally treated with 160 mg/kg/d MPEs, while rats in MPEs combined Zn and/or VE groups were treated with 160 mg/kg/d MPEs plus 25 mg/kg/d Zn and/or 25 mg/kg/d VE. After intervention for 70 days, it's was measured of male reproductive organs' weight, histopathological observation of sperms and testes, serum hormones, PIWI proteins and steroidogenic proteins. RESULTS Compared with control, anogenital distance, testes weight, epididymides weight, and sex hormones were significantly decreased, while the sperm malformation rate was markedly increased in MPEs group (p < .05); the testicular tissues were injured in MPEs group with disordered and decreased spermatids, and arrested spermatogenesis. PIWIL1, PIWIL2, StAR, CYP11A1 and CYP19A1 were down-regulated in MPEs group (p < .05). However, the alterations of these parameters were restored in MPEs combined Zn and/or VE groups (p < .05). CONCLUSION Zn and/or VE improved steroid hormone metabolism, and inhibited MPEs' male reproductive toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Zi Xia
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Watershed Science and Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Li-Lan Liu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Watershed Science and Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jun-Zhe Yue
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Watershed Science and Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhen-Yu Lu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Watershed Science and Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ru-Ya Deng
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xi He
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Can-Can Li
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Burong Hu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Watershed Science and Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Radiation Medicine, School of Public Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hai-Tao Gao
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Watershed Science and Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
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Liu LL, Yue JZ, Lu ZY, Deng RY, Li CC, Yu YN, Zhou WJ, Lin M, Gao HT, Liu J, Xia LZ. Long-term exposure to the mixture of phthalates induced male reproductive toxicity in rats and the alleviative effects of quercetin. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2024; 483:116816. [PMID: 38218207 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2024.116816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Phthalates (PEs), such as di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) could cause reproductive and developmental toxicities, while human beings are increasingly exposed to them at low-doses. Phytochemical quercetin (Que) is a flavonoid that has estrogenic effect, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. This study was conducted to assess the alleviative effect of Que. on male reproductive toxicity induced by the mixture of three commonly used PEs (MPEs) at low-dose in rats, and explore the underlying mechanism. Male rats were treated with MPEs (16 mg/kg/day) and/or Que. (50 mg/kg/d) for 91 days. The results showed that MPEs exposure caused male reproductive injuries, such as decreased serum sex hormones levels, abnormal testicular pathological structure, increased abnormal sperm rate and changed expressions of PIWIL1 and PIWIL2. Furthermore, MPEs also changed the expression of steroidogenic proteins in steroid hormone metabolism, including StAR, CYP11A1, CYP17A1, 17β-HSD, CYP19A1. However, the alterations of these parameters were reversed by Que. MPEs caused male reproductive injuries in rats; Que. inhibited MPEs' male reproductive toxicity, which might relate to the improvement of testosterone biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Lan Liu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Watershed Science and Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Jun-Zhe Yue
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Zhen-Yu Lu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Ru-Ya Deng
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Can-Can Li
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Ye-Na Yu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Wen-Jin Zhou
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Min Lin
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Watershed Science and Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Hai-Tao Gao
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Watershed Science and Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China.
| | - Jiaming Liu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Watershed Science and Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China.
| | - Ling-Zi Xia
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Watershed Science and Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China.
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Xia LZ, Liu LL, Yue JZ, Lu ZY, Zheng J, Jiang MZ, Lin M, Liu J, Gao HT. Alleviative effect of quercetin against reproductive toxicity induced by chronic exposure to the mixture of phthalates in male rats. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 270:115920. [PMID: 38171105 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Phthalates (PEs) are widely used plasticizers in polymer products, and humans are increasingly exposed to them. This study was designed to investigate the alleviative effect of phytochemicals quercetin (Que) against male reproductive toxicity caused by the mixture of three commonly used PEs (MPEs), and further to explore the underlying mechanism. Forty-eight male SD rats were randomly and evenly divided into control group, Que group, MPEs group and MPEs+Que group (n = 12); The oral exposure doses of MPEs and Que were 450 mg/kg/d and 50 mg/kg/d, respectively. After 91 days of continuous intervention, compared with control group, the testes weight, epididymis weight, serum sex hormones, and anogenital distance were significantly decreased in MPEs group (P < 0.05); Testicular histopathological observation showed that all seminiferous tubules were atrophy, leydig cells were hyperplasia, spermatogenic cells growth were arrested in MPEs group. Ultrastructural observation of testicular germ cells showed that the edges of the nuclear membranes were indistinct, and the mitochondria were severely damaged with the cristae disrupted, decreased or even disappeared in MPEs group. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis showed that testicular CYP11A1, CYP17A1 and 17β-HSD were up-regulated, while StAR, PIWIL1 and PIWIL2 were down-regulated in MPEs group (P < 0.05); However, the alterations of these parameters were restored in MPEs+Que group. The results indicated MPEs disturbed steroid hormone metabolism, and caused male reproductive injuries; whereas, Que could inhibit MPEs' male reproductive toxicity, which might relate to the restored regulation of steroid hormone metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Zi Xia
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Li-Lan Liu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Jun-Zhe Yue
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Zhen-Yu Lu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Watershed Science and Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Jie Zheng
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Ming-Zhe Jiang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Min Lin
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Jiaming Liu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Watershed Science and Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China.
| | - Hai-Tao Gao
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Watershed Science and Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China; Wenzhou Municipal Key Laboratory of Neurodevelopmental Pathology and Physiology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China.
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Zhang X, Tang Y, Lu G, Gu J. Pharmacological Activity of Flavonoid Quercetin and Its Therapeutic Potential in Testicular Injury. Nutrients 2023; 15:2231. [PMID: 37432408 DOI: 10.3390/nu15092231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Quercetin is a natural flavonoid widely found in natural fruits and vegetables. Recent studies have shown that quercetin mediates multiple beneficial effects in a variety of organ damage and diseases, and is considered a healthcare supplement with health-promoting potential. Male infertility is a major health concern, and testicular damage from multiple causes is an important etiology. Previous studies have shown that quercetin has a protective effect on reproductive function. This may be related to the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic biological activities of quercetin. Therefore, this paper reviews the mechanisms by which quercetin exerts its pharmacological activity and its role in testicular damage induced by various etiologies. In addition, this paper compiles the application of quercetin in clinical trials, demonstrating its practical effects in regulating blood pressure and inhibiting cellular senescence in human patients. However, more in-depth experimental studies and clinical trials are needed to confirm the true value of quercetin for the prevention and protection against testicular injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Zhang
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Yufeng Tang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Guangping Lu
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Junlian Gu
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
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