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Ross M, Corimanya JL, Kaplan R, Kilgour DAV, Linkous CR, Guindre-Parker S. Elevated lead (Pb) in urban European starling (Sturnus vulgaris) feathers is not correlated to physiology or behavior. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:168932. [PMID: 38048995 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168932] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Urbanization is rapidly changing the environment and creating new challenges in the lives of animals across the globe. Anthropogenic contaminants-like heavy metals-can persist within the environment for prolonged periods of time and present a widespread problem for those living near contaminated areas. Lead (Pb) was a commonly used heavy metal that continues to threaten the health of all organisms despite being phased out, especially in urban areas where historical use was more common. In this study, a common urban-adapter, the European starling (Sturnus vulgaris), was trapped to explore whether feather Pb burden is greater in birds from urban habitats than rural habitats, as well as whether Pb burdens were correlated with behavior, physiology, and feather development. Across four sites (two rural and two urban), soil Pb concentrations were measured and 197 free-living starlings were captured to measure feather Pb concentrations. Using linear mixed models, this study found that urban starling nestlings had elevated feather Pb burdens compared to rural nestlings. In contrast, there was no correlation between Pb and urbanization in adult birds whose exposure to Pb may reflect a larger spatial range compared to nestlings. For both nestlings and adults, feather Pb was uncorrelated to corticosterone, testosterone, aggressive behavior, or feather growth rates. These findings suggest that starlings may be a useful biomonitoring tool to detect Pb in the local environment, however, the age and spatial range of birds is a critical consideration in applying this tool. Further work is needed to understand the intricate relationship between heavy metals, behavior, morphological development, and physiology in free-living organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Ross
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
| | - Joanna L Corimanya
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA, USA; Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Rachel Kaplan
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA, USA
| | - Denyelle A V Kilgour
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA, USA; Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Courtney R Linkous
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA, USA
| | - Sarah Guindre-Parker
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA, USA.
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Ullah S, Ennab W, Wei Q, Wang C, Quddus A, Mustafa S, Hadi T, Mao D, Shi F. Impact of Cadmium and Lead Exposure on Camel Testicular Function: Environmental Contamination and Reproductive Health. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2302. [PMID: 37508079 PMCID: PMC10375966 DOI: 10.3390/ani13142302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The free grazing habits of camels from various sources may cause heavy metals to bioaccumulate in their tissues and organs, possibly resulting in higher amounts of these toxic substances in their bodies over time. The aim of this study was to assess the exposure impact of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) on bull camels of the Lassi breed, aged 7 to 8 years, at a site near the industrial area and another two non-industrial sites, to analyze the presence of heavy metals. Samples from three sites were collected from thirty camels (n = 10/each), soil and water (n = 30), and five different plants (n = 15/each) for analysis. Testes were collected for atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Serum samples were obtained to measure testosterone levels by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Samples were obtained from plants, soil, water, blood, serum and urine for AAS. According to the results, the testes' weight, length, width, and volume significantly decreased at the industrial site compared with the other two sites as a result of exposure to Cd and Pb. Additionally, blood testosterone concentrations were considerably lower at the industrial site, indicating a detrimental impact on testicular steroidogenesis. The histological investigation of the industrial site indicated structural disturbances, including seminiferous tubule degeneration and shedding, cellular debris in seminiferous tubules, lining epithelium depletion, and vacuolation. Elevated amounts of Cd and Pb were found at the industrial site when analyzed using water, soil, plants, testes, serum, and urine. These findings demonstrate the adverse effects of Pb and Cd exposure on camel testicular function, including decreased weight and altered steroidogenesis. These findings are essential for understanding the impact of exposure to Pb and Cd on camel reproductive function and for developing successful prevention and management plans for these exposures in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saif Ullah
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Wael Ennab
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Quanwei Wei
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Changfa Wang
- Liaocheng Research Institute of Donkey High-Efficiency, Breeding and Ecological Feeding, College of Agronomy, Liaocheng 252000, China
| | - Abdul Quddus
- Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lasbela University of Agriculture Water and Marine Sciences, Uthal 90150, Pakistan
| | - Sheeraz Mustafa
- Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Ziaddin University, Karachi 75000, Pakistan
| | - Tavakolikazerooni Hadi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Dagan Mao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Fangxiong Shi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
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Humphries M, Benitez-Nelson N, Combrink X. Trace Metal Accumulation in Eggs of Wild Nile Crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) from Lake St Lucia, South Africa: Implications for Biomonitoring in a Global Biodiversity Hotspot. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2022; 83:214-225. [PMID: 36171509 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-022-00960-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) at Lake St Lucia, South Africa, have some of the highest blood lead (Pb) concentrations ever recorded in wildlife globally. Although exposure to Pb is known to pose major risks to wildlife reproductive success, potential impacts on crocodile reproduction at Lake St Lucia have yet to be examined. In this study, we investigated the accumulation of Pb and other trace metals (Al, V, Cr, Co, Cu, Ni, Zn and Cd) in eggs (n = 20) collected from five wild crocodile nests at Lake St Lucia. All metals analysed in this study were detected in egg contents, although concentrations varied considerably among nests and within clutches. Lead was detected in the contents of all eggs, but only at relatively low concentrations (43 ± 26 ng g-1 dry weight). Although sampling limitations commonly associated with wild population surveys prevent a complete assessment of exposure variability, our findings suggest maternal transfer may not be a significant depuration pathway for Pb and females possibly clear Pb through other mechanisms (e.g. sequestration into claws, bone and osteoderms). Metal concentrations in eggshells and shell membranes were poorly correlated with concentrations measured in egg content and thus do not provide viable non-lethal indicators for monitoring metal exposure in Nile crocodiles. Intra-clutch variability accounted for a considerable proportion of the total variance in egg content metal concentrations, suggesting the "one egg" sampling strategy often applied in reptile studies may not be an effective biomonitoring tool for wild crocodilian populations. Although maternally derived Pb does not appear to present widespread toxicological concern at Lake St Lucia, adverse effects of Pb exposure on other reproductive functions (e.g. spermatogenesis) cannot be discounted and warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Humphries
- School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Noah Benitez-Nelson
- School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Xander Combrink
- Department of Nature Conservation, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa
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Changes in heavy metal levels, reproductive characteristics, oxidative stress markers and testicular apoptosis in rams raised around thermal power plant. Theriogenology 2021; 179:211-222. [PMID: 34894490 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Male reproductive dysfunction is one of the damages in the organism caused by heavy metals. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the changes in heavy metal levels in serum and testicular tissue, and serum hormone levels, epididymal spermatozoa characteristics, tissue oxidative stress levels, testicular histology and testicular apoptosis level in rams raised in remote and near regions of a thermal power plant. A total of 75 rams were divided into 3 groups according to the regions, where they were born and raised, being far [250 km distance, group 1 (control), n = 25], close (20 km distance, group 2, n = 25) and very close (10 km distance, group 3, n = 25) to the thermal power plant. The blood along with testis and epididymis tissues was taken from the animals after slaughtering. In addition, soil and water heavy metal analyzes were also performed. The highest levels of serum Al, Cr, As, Ag, Sn and testicular Al, V, Ni, Ag, Cd, Cr, As, Pb, and the lowest levels of serum Cu, testicular Cu and Zn were determined in group 3 compared to control. Soil and water heavy metal results were similar to those found in serum and testis. The lowest serum testosterone level, tissue glutathione-peroxidase and catalase activities, spermatozoon concentration, and the highest tissue malondialdehyde level, dead spermatozoon rate, Bax apoptotic protein expression level and Bax/Bcl-2 rate alongside some testicular histopathological lesions were found in group 3 in comparison to control. Significant correlations were determined between some heavy metal levels and some parameters measured. As a result, heavy metals accumulate in the soil and water in the region close to the thermal power plant. The endocrine and exocrine reproductive potentials of rams born and grown in these regions were clearly damaged by the increased testicular heavy metals due to water drank and herbs consumed.
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Wang S, Hou L, Wang M, Feng R, Lin X, Pan S, Zhao Q, Huang H. Selenium-Alleviated Testicular Toxicity by Modulating Inflammation, Heat Shock Response, and Autophagy Under Oxidative Stress in Lead-Treated Chickens. Biol Trace Elem Res 2021; 199:4700-4712. [PMID: 33452669 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-021-02588-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Lead (Pb), a toxic pollutant, is toxic to the testis. However, biological events during testicular Pb poisoning were not well understood. Selenium (Se) has the ability to antagonize Pb toxicity. The purpose of this research was to clarify the relief mechanism of Se on testicular toxicity of Pb from the perspective of oxidative stress, inflammation, heat shock response, and autophagy in a chicken model. Sixty male Hyline chickens (7-day-old) were randomly assigned into four groups. The feeding program consisted of a commercial diet, a Se-supplemented diet (1 mg kg-1 Se), a Pb-supplemented diet (350 mg L-1 Pb), and a Se- and Pb-supplemented diet, respectively. On the 12th week, serums were collected to measure testosterone level and testes were removed to determine testis weight, histological structure, Pb and Se concentrations, oxidative stress indicators, and mRNA and protein expression of inflammatory cytokines, heat shock proteins, and autophagy-related genes. The results showed that Pb poisoning changed the histological structure of testes; decreased serum testosterone level, testis weight, catalase, glutathione-s-transferase, and total antioxidative capacity activities; increased hydrogen peroxide content; inhibited interleukin (IL)-2 and mammalian target of rapamycin expression; and promoted IL-4, IL-12β, heat shock proteins, Beclin 1, Dynein, autophagy-related proteins 5, light chain 3 (LC3)-I, and LC3-II expression in the testes of chickens. Se intervention mitigated the aforementioned alterations induced by Pb. In conclusion, Pb led to oxidative stress, which triggered inflammation, heat shock response, and autophagy. Se administration mitigated testicular toxicity of Pb mainly by mitigating oxidative stress in male chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Size Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Lulu Hou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Feng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Xu Lin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Shifeng Pan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - He Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China.
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Counteracting effects of heavy metals and antioxidants on male fertility. Biometals 2021; 34:439-491. [PMID: 33761043 DOI: 10.1007/s10534-021-00297-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Infertility is regarded as a global health problem affecting 8-12% of couples. Male factors are regarded as the main cause of infertility in 40% of infertile couples and contribute to this condition in combination with female factors in another 20% of cases. Abnormal sperm parameters such as oligospermia, asthenospermia, and teratozoospermia result in male factor infertility. Several studies have shown the deteriorative impact of heavy metals on sperm parameters and fertility in human subjects or animal models. Other studies have pointed to the role of antioxidants in counteracting the detrimental effects of heavy metals. In the currents study, we summarize the main outcomes of studies that assessed the counteracting impacts of heavy metal and antioxidants on male fertility. Based on the provided data from animal studies, it seems rational to administrate appropriate antioxidants in persons who suffer from abnormal sperm parameters and infertility due to exposure to toxic elements. Yet, further human studies are needed to approve the beneficial effects of these antioxidants.
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Huang H, Wang M, Hou L, Lin X, Pan S, Zheng P, Zhao Q. A potential mechanism associated with lead-induced spermatogonia and Leydig cell toxicity and mitigative effect of selenium in chicken. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 209:111671. [PMID: 33360290 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) is a toxic heavy metal pollutants and can damage male reproductive function. Selenium (Se) possesses an ability of antagonizing Pb toxicity. However, biological events in the process of Pb toxicity and mitigative effect of Se are not well understood. The aim of present research was to investigate potential mechanism of Se against Pb toxicity from the perspective of oxidative stress, heat shock response and autophagy in the spermatogonia and Leydig cell of chicken. The cells from one-day-old male Hyline chickens were treated with Se (0.5 μmol/L) and/or Pb (20 μmol/L) for 24 h, respectively. Cell viability, cell ultrastucture, Pb and Se concentrations, testosterone level, oxidative stress indicators and relative expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs) and autophagy-related genes were measured. The results showed that spermatogonia was more tolerant to Pb than Leydig cell; cell injury was confirmed via histological assessment, cell viability and testosterone level; oxidative stress was further indicated by the decrease of catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-s-transferase and superoxide dismutase activities and the increase of malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species contents. Pb increased expression of HSPs (27, 40, 60, 70 and 90). Meanwhile Pb induced autophagy through up-regulation of autophagy-related proteins 5, Beclin 1, Dynein, light chain 3 (LC3)-I and LC3-II and down-regulation of mammalian target of rapamycin in two type cells of chicken. However, Se intervention mitigated the aforementioned alterations caused by Pb. In conclusion, Pb led to oxidative stress, which triggered heat shock response and autophagy; Se administration mitigated reproductive toxicity of Pb through strengthening antioxidant defense in the spermatogonia and Leydig cell of chicken.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Lulu Hou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Xu Lin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Shifeng Pan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Zheng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, People's Republic of China.
| | - Qian Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, People's Republic of China.
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He Y, Wang L, Li X, Zhao H. The effects of chronic lead exposure on the ovaries of female juvenile Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica): Developmental delay, histopathological alterations, hormone release disruption and gene expression disorder. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2020; 205:111338. [PMID: 32956867 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) is well-recognized for its great hazards to human and wildlife health. It has negative influences on multiple organs and systems of birds. Especially, lead exposure caused adverse impacts on bird reproduction. In this study, one week old female Japanese quails were randomly allocated into four groups and each group was respectively fed with 0, 50 ppm, 500 ppm and 1000 ppm Pb in drinking water for 36 days to determine the effects of chronic lead exposure on ovarian development and function. The results showed that Pb did accumulate in the ovary and ovarian development was delayed by high dose lead exposure (500 ppm and 1000 ppm). Moreover, high Pb dosage induced ovarian histopathological damages characterized by granulosa cells disorganization, follicle atresia and interstitial cell degeneration. Meanwhile, the concentration of estradiol (E2) was significantly decreased and mRNA levels of genes involved with ovarian steroidogenesis were significantly down-regulated by high concentration Pb. In addition, Pb exposure caused increasing cell apoptosis and significant changes of the expression of genes involved with cell death in the ovary. High dose Pb exposure also inhibited thyroid hormone release and disrupted ovarian thyroid deiodination apart from causing thyroid histopathological injury such as follicular deformation and atrophy. The study indicated that Pb might cause ovarian malfunction by inducing ovary and thyroid microstructural damages, thyroid hormone and estrogen release inhibition and ovarian steroidogenesis disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu He
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, China
| | - Ling Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, China
| | - Xuan Li
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, China
| | - Hongfeng Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, China.
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Yang Y, Zhang H, Wang S, Yang W, Ding J, Zhang Y. Variation in sperm morphology and performance in tree sparrow (Passer montanus) under long-term environmental heavy metal pollution. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2020; 197:110622. [PMID: 32311616 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.110622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Sperm morphology and performance traits are key determinants of male fertilization success, particularly when females copulate with multiple males. Such sperm traits have been reported to be influenced by environmental pollutants in various animals; however, such studies remain rare in free-living birds exposed to heavy metal pollution. In the present study, we selected tree sparrow (Passer montanus) as the study object to explore the effect of long-term environmental heavy metal pollution on sperm morphology (assessed mainly by using the dimensions of different sperm components and the sperm abnormality rates) and sperm performance (indicated by sperm velocity), and to elucidate potential relationships between variations in sperm morphology and performance. Sperm ATP concentration was also assessed considering sperm morphology and performance could be linked via energy availability. According to our results, tree sparrows from heavy metal polluted area (1) accumulated cadmium at a higher level in their testes; (2) produced longer sperm with lower abnormality rates, in addition to sperm with longer flagella and smaller head/flagellum ratios; (3) their sperm swam faster compared to those from the relatively unpolluted area, while no differences were observed in sperm ATP concentrations. We also found that the levels of lead and cadmium in testes affected the sperm nucleus length, and the level of copper in testes was negatively related to the proportions of abnormal sperm. Furthermore, the present study showed that sperm velocity was negatively correlated with sperm head lengths, head/flagellum ratios and ATP concentrations. Our study results reveal that sperm morphology and performance in tree sparrows show positive variations to maximize male fertility ability under long-term environmental heavy metal pollution, where males increase sperm flagellum lengths to decrease head/flagellum ratios, as opposed to varying sperm energy production, to achieve higher sperm velocity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Yang
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, PR China
| | - Huijie Zhang
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, PR China
| | - Shengnan Wang
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, PR China
| | - Wenzhi Yang
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, PR China
| | - Jian Ding
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, PR China
| | - Yingmei Zhang
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, PR China.
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Huang H, Li X, Wang Z, Lin X, Tian Y, Zhao Q, Zheng P. Anti-inflammatory effect of selenium on lead-induced testicular inflammation by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation in chickens. Theriogenology 2020; 155:139-149. [PMID: 32673849 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) is a deleterious environmental pollutant that is toxic to testes. Selenium (Se) possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich-containing family, pyrin-domain containing-3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is involved in inflammatory response. However, the function of NLRP3 inflammasome in antagonistic effect of Se on inflammation caused by Pb remains unknown. The purpose of this research is to identify anti-inflammatory role of Se on testicular toxicity induced by Pb with an emphasis on oxidative stress, inflammation and NLRP3 signaling pathway in chicken. In present study, sixty seven-day-old Hyline male chickens were assigned into four groups. The feeding program consisted of a commercial diet (0.49 mg/kg Se), a Se-supplemented diet (1 mg/kg Se), a Pb-supplemented diet (0.49 mg/kg Se and 350 mg/kg Pb) and a Se-supplemented and Pb-supplemented diet (1 mg/kg Se and 350 mg/kg Pb), respectively. On the 12th week, blood was collected to measure serum testosterone level and testicular tissues were removed to determine Se and Pb concentrations, testicular function, histological structure, oxidative stress indicators and inflammation-related factors (Nuclear factor-kappaB, tumor necrosis factor-α, cyclooxygenase-2, NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain, caspase-1, interluekin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-18 and interferon-γ). The experimental results showed that after Pb administration, testicular injury was confirmed via histological assessment; testicular dysfunction were further indicated by decreased testosterone level and mRNA expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. Moreover, NLRP3 signaling pathway activated by Pb-caused oxidative stress was up-regulated accompanied by promotion in reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide, inducible nitric oxide synthase and malondialdehyde and reduction in antioxidants including glutathione peroxidase and glutathione s-transferase. Se administration ameliorated testicular tissue injury, testicular function, oxidative stress and inflammation. In conclusion, Se exhibited antagonistic role in Pb-induced testicular injury via enhancing antioxidant system and inhibiting inflammation in chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziming Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Xu Lin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaguang Tian
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China.
| | - Peng Zheng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China.
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