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Hussain T, Metwally E, Murtaza G, Kalhoro DH, Chughtai MI, Tan B, Omur AD, Tunio SA, Akbar MS, Kalhoro MS. Redox mechanisms of environmental toxicants on male reproductive function. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1333845. [PMID: 38469179 PMCID: PMC10925774 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1333845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Humans and wildlife, including domesticated animals, are exposed to a myriad of environmental contaminants that are derived from various human activities, including agricultural, household, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and industrial products. Excessive exposure to pesticides, heavy metals, and phthalates consequently causes the overproduction of reactive oxygen species. The equilibrium between reactive oxygen species and the antioxidant system is preserved to maintain cellular redox homeostasis. Mitochondria play a key role in cellular function and cell survival. Mitochondria are vulnerable to damage that can be provoked by environmental exposures. Once the mitochondrial metabolism is damaged, it interferes with energy metabolism and eventually causes the overproduction of free radicals. Furthermore, it also perceives inflammation signals to generate an inflammatory response, which is involved in pathophysiological mechanisms. A depleted antioxidant system provokes oxidative stress that triggers inflammation and regulates epigenetic function and apoptotic events. Apart from that, these chemicals influence steroidogenesis, deteriorate sperm quality, and damage male reproductive organs. It is strongly believed that redox signaling molecules are the key regulators that mediate reproductive toxicity. This review article aims to spotlight the redox toxicology of environmental chemicals on male reproduction function and its fertility prognosis. Furthermore, we shed light on the influence of redox signaling and metabolism in modulating the response of environmental toxins to reproductive function. Additionally, we emphasize the supporting evidence from diverse cellular and animal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarique Hussain
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Animal Science Division, Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology College, Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (NIAB-C, PIEAS), Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Elsayed Metwally
- Department of Cytology and Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Ghulam Murtaza
- Department of Livestock and Fisheries, Government of Sindh, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Dildar Hussain Kalhoro
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Ismail Chughtai
- Animal Science Division, Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology College, Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (NIAB-C, PIEAS), Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Bie Tan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ali Dogan Omur
- Department of Artificial Insemination, Faculty, Veterinary Medicine, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Türkiye
| | - Shakeel Ahmed Tunio
- Department of Livestock Management, Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Shahzad Akbar
- Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, University of Poonch, Rawalakot, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Saleem Kalhoro
- Department of Agro-Industrial, Food, and Environmental Technology, Faculty of Applied Science, Food and Agro-Industrial Research Centre, King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand
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Ozoani H, Ezejiofor AN, Okolo KO, Orish CN, Cirovic A, Cirovic A, Orisakwe OE. Zinc and selenium attenuate quaternary heavy metal mixture-induced testicular damage via amplification of the antioxidant system, reduction in metal accumulation, inflammatory and apoptotic biomarkers. Toxicol Res 2023; 39:497-515. [PMID: 37398573 PMCID: PMC10313602 DOI: 10.1007/s43188-023-00187-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Heavy metals (HMs) such as cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg) are highly toxic elements. They are often found together in nature as a heavy metal mixture (HMM) and are known to contribute to subfertility/infertility as environmental pollutants. This study aims to evaluate the potential benefits of treating HMM-induced testicular pathophysiology with zinc (Zn) and/or selenium (Se). Six-week-old male Sprague Dawley rats were grouped into 5 (n = 7). The control group received deionized water, while the other groups were treated with PbCl2 (20 mg kg-1), CdCl2 (1.61 mg kg-1), HgCl2 (0.40 mg kg-1), and Na2AsO3 (10 mg kg-1) in deionized water for 60 days. Additionally, groups III to V received Zn, Se, and Zn/Se, respectively, for 60 days. The study evaluated testis weight, metal accumulation, sperm analysis, FSH, LH, testosterone, prolactin, oxidative stress, antioxidants, pro-inflammatory and apoptotic markers, and presented structural changes in the testis as micrographs. HMM caused a significant increase in testis weight, metal accumulation, prolactin, oxidative stress, and pro-inflammatory and apoptotic markers, while significantly decreasing semen analysis, FSH, LH, and testosterone. Histology showed decreased spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis, as evidenced by the structure of the germ cells and spermatids. However, Zn, Se, or both ameliorated and reversed some of the observed damages. This study provides further evidence for the mitigative potential of Zn, Se, or both in reversing the damage inflicted by HMM in the testis, and as a countermeasure towards improving HM-induced decrease in public health fecundity. Graphical abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Harrison Ozoani
- African Centre of Excellence for Public Health and Toxicological Research (ACE-PUTOR), University of Port Harcourt, PMB, 5323, Port Harcourt, Choba Nigeria
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Science and Technology, Nsukka, Enugu State Nigeria
| | - Anthonet N. Ezejiofor
- African Centre of Excellence for Public Health and Toxicological Research (ACE-PUTOR), University of Port Harcourt, PMB, 5323, Port Harcourt, Choba Nigeria
| | - Kenneth O. Okolo
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Science and Technology, Nsukka, Enugu State Nigeria
| | - Chinna N. Orish
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, PMB, 5323, Port Harcourt, Choba Nigeria
| | - Ana Cirovic
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Aleksandar Cirovic
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Orish E. Orisakwe
- African Centre of Excellence for Public Health and Toxicological Research (ACE-PUTOR), University of Port Harcourt, PMB, 5323, Port Harcourt, Choba Nigeria
- Provictoire Research Institute, Port Harcourt, Rivers State Nigeria
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Mukherjee AG, Valsala Gopalakrishnan A. The interplay of arsenic, silymarin, and NF-ĸB pathway in male reproductive toxicity: A review. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 252:114614. [PMID: 36753973 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Arsenic toxicity is one of the most trending reasons for several malfunctions, particularly reproductive toxicity. The exact mechanism of arsenic poisoning is a big question mark. Exposure to arsenic reduces sperm count, impairs fertilization, and causes inflammation and genotoxicity through interfering with autophagy, epigenetics, ROS generation, downregulation of essential protein expression, metabolite changes, and hampering several signaling cascades, particularly by the alteration of NF-ĸB pathway. This work tries to give a clear idea about the different aspects of arsenic resulting in male reproductive complications, often leading to infertility. The first part of this article explains the implications of arsenic poisoning and the crosstalk of the NF-ĸB pathway in male reproductive toxicity. Silymarin is a bioactive compound that exerts anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties and has demonstrated hopeful outcomes in several cancers, including colon cancer, breast cancer, and skin cancer, by downregulating the hyperactive NF-ĸB pathway. The next half of this article thus sheds light on silymarin's therapeutic potential in inhibiting the NF-ĸB signaling cascade, thus offering protection against arsenic-induced male reproductive toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anirban Goutam Mukherjee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, India
| | - Abilash Valsala Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, India.
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Rachamalla M, Chinthada J, Kushwaha S, Putnala SK, Sahu C, Jena G, Niyogi S. Contemporary Comprehensive Review on Arsenic-Induced Male Reproductive Toxicity and Mechanisms of Phytonutrient Intervention. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10120744. [PMID: 36548577 PMCID: PMC9784647 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10120744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Arsenic (As) is a poisonous metalloid that is toxic to both humans and animals. Drinking water contamination has been linked to the development of cancer (skin, lung, urinary bladder, and liver), as well as other disorders such as diabetes and cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, neurological, and developmental damage. According to epidemiological studies, As contributes to male infertility, sexual dysfunction, poor sperm quality, and developmental consequences such as low birth weight, spontaneous abortion, and small for gestational age (SGA). Arsenic exposure negatively affected male reproductive systems by lowering testicular and accessory organ weights, and sperm counts, increasing sperm abnormalities and causing apoptotic cell death in Leydig and Sertoli cells, which resulted in decreased testosterone synthesis. Furthermore, during male reproductive toxicity, several molecular signalling pathways, such as apoptosis, inflammation, and autophagy are involved. Phytonutrient intervention in arsenic-induced male reproductive toxicity in various species has received a lot of attention over the years. The current review provides an in-depth summary of the available literature on arsenic-induced male toxicity, as well as therapeutic approaches and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahesh Rachamalla
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E2, Canada
| | - Joshi Chinthada
- Facility for Risk Assessment and Intervention Studies, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, S.A.S Nagar 160062, India
| | - Sapana Kushwaha
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Transit Campus, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Raebareli, Lucknow 226002, India
| | - Sravan Kumar Putnala
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E2, Canada
| | - Chittaranjan Sahu
- Facility for Risk Assessment and Intervention Studies, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, S.A.S Nagar 160062, India
| | - Gopabandhu Jena
- Facility for Risk Assessment and Intervention Studies, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, S.A.S Nagar 160062, India
| | - Som Niyogi
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E2, Canada
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E2, Canada
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Khazaeel K, Daaj SAZ, Sadeghi A, Tabandeh MR, Basir Z. Potential protective effect of quercetin on the male reproductive system against exposure of Wistar rats to crude oil vapor: Genetic, biochemical, and histopathological evidence. Reprod Toxicol 2022; 113:10-17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2022.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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Olfati A, Tvrda E. Riboflavin recovery of spermatogenic dysfunction via a dual inhibition of oxidative changes and regulation of the PINK1-mediated pathway in arsenic-injured rat model. Physiol Res 2021; 70:591-603. [PMID: 34062077 PMCID: PMC8820542 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.934658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Arsenic trioxide (As2O3) poisoning and associated potential lesions are of a global concern. Inversely, riboflavin (vitamin B2, VB2) as a component of flavoproteins could play a vital role in the spermatogenic enzymatic reactions. Thus, this research aimed to explore potential beneficial roles of VB2 during As2O3-injured-toxicity. Rats were randomly allocated into 4 groups (n=8/group) and challenged as follows (for 30 days continuously): Group 1 received normal saline; Group 2 was treated with 3 mg As2O3/L; Group 3 received 40 mg VB2/L; Group 4 received 3 mg As2O3/L + 40 mg VB2/L. Both As2O3 and VB2 were dissolved in deionized water. Malondialdehyde (MDA), Glutathione Peroxidase (GSH-Px), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), and Catalase (CAT) were assessed for the oxidative profile, while TAS (Total Antioxidative Status) levels were evaluated for the antioxidant system, in both serum and testicular tissue. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. The results show that As2O3 significantly decreased the body weight, testicular weight and testis volume, semen quality and testicular cell count (p<0.05). Furthermore, MDA content in the testicular tissue of the As2O3 group rats was significantly higher in comparison to the vehicle group (p<0.05). Likewise, TAS and the activities of GSH-Px, CAT and SOD were reduced (p<0.05) when compared to the control. As(2)O(3) induced testicular damage and seminiferous tubular atrophy. Monodansylcadaverine assays mirrored the histopathology observations. Meanwhile, As2O3 upregulated the expression of mitophagy-related genes including PINK1, Parkin, USP8, LC3-I, Fis1 and Mfn2. The p38 gene, responsible to stress stimuli, was also upregulated by As2O3 administration. Meanwhile, exposure to VB2 led to a significant decrease of the expression levels of mitophagy related genes. Our study revealed that VB2 supplementation protected testicular structures against As2O3-induced injury via a dual inhibition of oxidative changes and a regulation of the PINK1-mediated pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Olfati
- Young Researchers and Elites Club, Kermanshah Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kermanshah, Iran.
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Nava-Rivera LE, Betancourt-Martínez ND, Lozoya-Martínez R, Carranza-Rosales P, Guzmán-Delgado NE, Carranza-Torres IE, Delgado-Aguirre H, Zambrano-Ortíz JO, Morán-Martínez J. Transgenerational effects in DNA methylation, genotoxicity and reproductive phenotype by chronic arsenic exposure. Sci Rep 2021; 11:8276. [PMID: 33859283 PMCID: PMC8050275 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87677-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
An emerging concern is the influences of early life exposure to environmental toxicants on offspring characteristics in later life. Since recent evidence suggests a transgenerational transference of aberrant phenotypes from exposed-parents to non-exposed offspring related to adult-onset diseases including reproductive phenotype. The transgenerational potential of arsenic a well know genotoxic and epigenetic modifier agent has not been assessed in mammals until now. In this experimental study, we evaluated the transgenerational effects of arsenic in a rat model with chronic exposure to arsenic. Rats chronically exposed to arsenic in drinking water (1 mg As2O3/mL) (F0) were mated to produce the arsenic lineage (F1, F2, and F3). The arsenic toxic effects on were evaluated over the four generations by analyzing the DNA methylation percentage, genotoxicity in WBC and physical and reproductive parameters, including sperm quality parameters and histopathological evaluation of the gonads. Chronic exposure to arsenic caused genotoxic damage (F0-F3) different methylation patterns, alterations in physical and reproductive parameters, aberrant morphology in the ovaries (F0 and F1) and testicles (F1-F3), and a decrease in the quality of sperm (F0-F3, except F2). Parental chronic arsenic exposure causes transgenerational genotoxicity and changes in global DNA methylation which might be associated with reproductive defects in rats. Combined with recent studies reveal that disturbances in the early life of an individual can affect the health of later generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Enith Nava-Rivera
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Ultraestructura, Centro de Investigación Biomédica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila Unidad Torreón, Gregorio A. García No. 198 sur. Colonia centro, Torreón, Coahuila, CP 27000, México
| | - Nadia Denys Betancourt-Martínez
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Ultraestructura, Centro de Investigación Biomédica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila Unidad Torreón, Gregorio A. García No. 198 sur. Colonia centro, Torreón, Coahuila, CP 27000, México
| | - Rodrigo Lozoya-Martínez
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Ultraestructura, Centro de Investigación Biomédica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila Unidad Torreón, Gregorio A. García No. 198 sur. Colonia centro, Torreón, Coahuila, CP 27000, México
| | - Pilar Carranza-Rosales
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica del Noreste, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Nancy Elena Guzmán-Delgado
- División de Investigación en Salud, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad, Hospital de Cardiología #34, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Irma Edith Carranza-Torres
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica del Noreste, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Hector Delgado-Aguirre
- Laboratorio de Histocompatibilidad, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad (UMAE) # 71, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Torreón, Coahuila, Mexico
| | - José Omar Zambrano-Ortíz
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Ultraestructura, Centro de Investigación Biomédica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila Unidad Torreón, Gregorio A. García No. 198 sur. Colonia centro, Torreón, Coahuila, CP 27000, México
| | - Javier Morán-Martínez
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Ultraestructura, Centro de Investigación Biomédica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila Unidad Torreón, Gregorio A. García No. 198 sur. Colonia centro, Torreón, Coahuila, CP 27000, México.
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The endocrine disrupting effects of sodium arsenite in the rat testis is not mediated through macrophage activation. Reprod Toxicol 2021; 102:1-9. [PMID: 33766721 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2021.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Arsenic (As) is an endocrine disrupting chemical that can disturb the male reproductive system. In a previous study, it was suggested that testicular macrophages could display a role in endocrine disruption induced by As exposure. This work aimed to evaluate the effects of chronic As exposure in the testis function of Wistar rats and examine the participation of macrophage activation and inflammatory response in these processes. We examined gene expression of steroidogenic machinery and immunological markers by RT-QPCR, plasma testosterone concentrations, sperm count and morphology, and histomorphometrical parameters after 60-days exposure to 1 or 5 mg.kg-1.day-1 of sodium arsenite, combined or not with 50 μg.kg-1 of LPS administered one day before euthanasia. We have demonstrated that As exposure reduced the weight of androgen-dependent organs and induced changes in spermatogenesis, in particular at the highest dose. LPS and As co-exposure promoted a decrease in testosterone synthesis, but did not increase the overexpression of markers of macrophage activation seen in LPS-only rats. Our results suggest that As does not alter the testicular macrophage function, but under immunological challenges LPS and As can display a complex interaction, which could lead to endocrine disruption.
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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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Anwar N, Qureshi IZ, Spears N, Lopes F. In vitro administration of sodium arsenite in mouse prepubertal testis induces germ cell loss and apoptosis. Toxicol In Vitro 2020; 67:104924. [PMID: 32599264 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2020.104924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
High levels of arsenic contamination in drinking water pose serious health risks in numerous countries. The documentation reporting arsenic toxicity on reproduction and development is increasing, with evidence of arsenic inducing fertility and developmental issues. Nonetheless, the impact of arsenic exposure on the development of the male reproductive system is not fully elucidated. In the present study, we have investigated the direct effects of arsenic on prepubertal mouse testis using an in vitro testicular organ culture system. Culture medium was supplemented with a range of concentrations of sodium arsenite, examining effects of low (0.5 and 1 μM) and high (10, 50, 100 μM) concentrations, in cultures of post-natal day 5 CD1 mouse testis. In vitro exposure of low arsenic concentrations (0.5 or 1 μM) for 6 days did not cause any change in the testicular morphology, germ cells density, or apoptotic marker cleaved caspase 3 (CC3) expression. In contrast, exposure of prepubertal testis to high arsenic concentrations (10, 50 or 100 μM) induced drastic changes: severe destruction of testicular morphology, with loss of seminiferous tubule integrity; a dose-dependent decrease in germ cell density, and a hundred-fold increase in CC3 expression after 50 μM arsenic exposure. In conclusion, high arsenic treatment induced a dose-dependent induction of apoptosis and germ cell loss in prepubertal mouse testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naureen Anwar
- Quaid-i-Azam University, Department of Animal Sciences, Laboratory of Animal and Human Physiology, PO Box 45320, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Irfan Zia Qureshi
- Quaid-i-Azam University, Department of Animal Sciences, Laboratory of Animal and Human Physiology, PO Box 45320, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Norah Spears
- University of Edinburgh, School of Biomedical Sciences, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Federica Lopes
- University of Edinburgh, School of Biomedical Sciences, Edinburgh, United Kingdom..
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Liang C, Feng Z, Manthari RK, Wang C, Han Y, Fu W, Wang J, Zhang J. Arsenic induces dysfunctional autophagy via dual regulation of mTOR pathway and Beclin1-Vps34/PI3K complex in MLTC-1 cells. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2020; 391:122227. [PMID: 32044640 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.122227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 02/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Arsenic poisoning and induced potential lesion is a global concern. However, the exact mechanisms underlying its toxicity especially in male reproductive system still remain unclear. Hence, this study aimed to explore the roles of mTOR and Beclin1-Vps34/PI3K complex during As-induced-toxicity using Rapamycin (mTOR inhibitor), Beclin1 siRNA and 3-methyladenine (3-MA, Vps34/PI3K inhibitor) in testicular stromal cells. For this, mouse testis Leydig Tumor Cell lines (MLTC-1) were challenged with As2O3 (0, 3, 6 and 9 μM) exposure for 24 hs. Lyso-Tracker Red and Monodansylcadaverine (MDC) staining results depicted a significant accumulation of autophagosomes in MLTC-1 cells exposed to arsenic. Meanwhile, arsenic treatment up-regulated autophagic markers including LC3, Atg7, Beclin1 and Vps34 expressions, mTOR downstream autophagy related genes and the Beclin1-Vps34/PI3K complex associated members. Furthermore, silencing of Beclin1, and inhibition of Vps34/PI3K and mTOR altered the arsenic-induced autophagosomes formation. However, p62, the substrate protein of autophagy, was also up-regulated by arsenic administration independent on Beclin1-Vps34/PI3K complex. Altogether, our results revealed that arsenic exposure induced autophagosomes formation via regulation of the Beclin1-Vps34/PI3K complex and mTOR pathway; the blockage of autophagosomes degradation maybe due to impaired function of lysosomes. Thus, this study provides a novel mechanistic approach with respect to As-induced male reproductive toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Liang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiyuan Feng
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, People's Republic of China
| | - Ram Kumar Manthari
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, People's Republic of China
| | - Chong Wang
- Medical Experiment Center, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, 712046, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongli Han
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, People's Republic of China
| | - Weixiang Fu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, People's Republic of China
| | - Jundong Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianhai Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, People's Republic of China.
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Selvaraju V, Baskaran S, Agarwal A, Henkel R. Environmental contaminants and male infertility: Effects and mechanisms. Andrologia 2020; 53:e13646. [PMID: 32447772 DOI: 10.1111/and.13646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The escalating prevalence of male infertility and decreasing trend in sperm quality have been correlated with rapid industrialisation and the associated discharge of an excess of synthetic substances into the environment. Humans are inevitably exposed to these ubiquitously distributed environmental contaminants, which possess the ability to intervene with the growth and function of male reproductive organs. Several epidemiological reports have correlated the blood and seminal levels of environmental contaminants with poor sperm quality. Numerous in vivo and in vitro studies have been conducted to investigate the effect of various environmental contaminants on spermatogenesis, steroidogenesis, Sertoli cells, blood-testis barrier, epididymis and sperm functions. The reported reprotoxic effects include alterations in the spermatogenic cycle, increased germ cell apoptosis, inhibition of steroidogenesis, decreased Leydig cell viability, impairment of Sertoli cell structure and function, altered expression of steroid receptors, increased permeability of blood-testis barrier, induction of peroxidative and epigenetic alterations in spermatozoa resulting in poor sperm quality and function. In light of recent scientific reports, this review discusses the effects of environmental contaminants on the male reproductive function and the possible mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaithinathan Selvaraju
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Hospitality Management, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Saradha Baskaran
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ralf Henkel
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
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Anwar N, Qureshi IZ. In vitro application of sodium arsenite to mice testicular and epididymal organ cultures induces oxidative, biochemical, hormonal, and genotoxic stress. Toxicol Ind Health 2020; 35:660-669. [PMID: 31771500 DOI: 10.1177/0748233719885574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Arsenic poisoning is well-known for its innumerable toxic and carcinogenic effects. In vivo data on reproductive toxicity are also known but in vitro data are scant. Presently, we evaluated the in vitro toxic effects of sodium arsenite (NaAsO2) on adult mice testes and epididymal tissues using organ cultures. Testicular and epididymal fragments were incubated at 37°C and 33°C, respectively, with 1, 10, 50, and 100 µM concentrations of NaAsO2. Cultures were allowed to incubate for 2 and 24 h. Levels of oxidative stress markers, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance assay (TBARS), antioxidant enzymes, testosterone concentrations, and the extent of sperm DNA damage, were estimated. Results were analyzed statistically at p < 0.05. Results demonstrated both time- and dose-dependent alterations whereby, following 24-h incubation with NaAsO2, substantial increases were noticeable in ROS and TBARS levels and sperm DNA damage (p < 0.001), while decreases (p < 0.001) occurred in catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase levels at 10, 50, and 100 µM concentrations. Incubations for 2 h revealed similar but relatively less toxic effects. Testosterone concentrations decreased significantly only after 24 h of incubation with 50 (1.95 vs. 2.93 ng g-1; p < 0.01) and 100 µM (1.32 vs. 2.93 ng g-1; p < 0.001) NaAsO2 concentrations. The study concluded that exposure of testicular and epididymal tissue fragments to arsenic under in vitro conditions induces rapid and immediate metabolic and genotoxic damage at higher concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naureen Anwar
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Animal and Human Physiology, Department of Animal Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Irfan Zia Qureshi
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Animal and Human Physiology, Department of Animal Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
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15
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Udagawa O, Okamura K, Suzuki T, Nohara K. Arsenic Exposure and Reproductive Toxicity. CURRENT TOPICS IN ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND PREVENTIVE MEDICINE 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-2565-6_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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16
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Review on molecular and biochemical insights of arsenic-mediated male reproductive toxicity. Life Sci 2018; 212:37-58. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2018.09.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Revised: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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