Experimental exposure to gasohol impairs sperm quality with recognition of the classification pattern of exposure groups by machine learning algorithms

What is the importance of sperm subpopulations?

The study of sperm subpopulations spans three decades. The origin, meaning, and practical significance, however, are less clear. Current technology for assessing sperm morphology (CASA-Morph) and motility (CASA-Mot) has enabled the accurate evaluation of these features, and there are many options for data classification. Subpopulations could occur as a result of the stage of development of each spermatozoon in the subpopulation. Spermatogenesis might contribute to the production of these subpopulations. Insights from evolutionary biology and recent molecular research are indicative of the diversity among male gametes that could occur from unequal sharing of transcripts and other elements through cytoplasmic bridges between spermatids. Sperm cohorts exiting the gonads would contain different RNA and protein contents, affecting the spermatozoon physiology and associations with the surrounding environmental milieu. Subsequently, these differences could affect how spermatozoa interact with the environmental milieu (maturation, mixing with seminal plasma, and interacting with the environmental milieu, or female genital tract and female gamete). The emergence of sperm subpopulations as an outcome of evolution, related to the reproductive strategies of the species, genital tract structures, and copulatory and fertilization processes. This kind of approach in determining the importance of sperm subpopulations in fertilization capacity should have a practical impact for conducting reproductive technologies, inspiring and enabling new ways for the more efficient use of spermatozoa in the medical, animal breeding, and conservation fields. This manuscript is a contribution to the Special Issue in memory of Dr. Duane Garner.

Evaluation of genotoxicity after acute and chronic exposure to 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid herbicide (2,4-D) in rodents using machine learning algorithms

2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is one of the most widely used herbicides in the world, but its mutagenic and carcinogenic potential is still controversial. We simulated environmental exposure to 2,4-D, with the objective of evaluating the genotoxic effect of acute and chronic exposure to 2,4-D in rodents. We also evaluated the performance of machine learning algorithms in detecting differences in exposure groups through recognition performed from genotoxic characteristics. In the acute phase, 88 Swiss mice were used, distributed in five groups and exposed to nebulizations at different time intervals (24, 48, 72 and 192 hr). In the chronic phase, 88 Wistar rats were used, distributed in two groups (inhaled and oral) and exposed for six months. Femoral bone marrow cells were collected for a micronucleus test and comet assay. Data were evaluated by pattern recognition algorithms. In acute exposure, medium and high concentrations induced DNA damage in the comet assay, but these concentrations did not increase micronucleated cells. In the chronic exposure, there was an increase in micronuclei and DNA damage in the comet assay in all exposed groups regardless of the exposure route. The data showed a robust pattern of distinction between exposed and nonexposed groups to 2,4-D. Our data showed that both acute inhalation exposure and chronic oral and inhalation exposure to 2,4-D can cause genotoxic effects regardless of concentration. Machine learning showed a clear distinction between the control groups and those exposed to 2,4-D, and the effects of exposure are not concentration-dependent.

Mechanisms of the direct effects of oil-related contaminants on ovarian cells

We studied the influence of oil-related environmental contaminants (OREC) on the viability, hormone secretion, and protein expression using cultured porcine ovarian granulosa cells. Addition of benzene and xylene promoted proliferation and apoptosis and reduced ovarian cell viability whereas toluene induced apoptosis only. The release of progesterone (P4) and oxytocin (OT) was promoted by benzene and xylene, and suppressed by toluene while prostaglandin F (PGF) output was stimulated by benzene and toluene, but not xylene. The addition of FSH to the culture medium increased ovarian cell proliferation and hormone release, but did not affect apoptosis. However, this FSH's proliferative effect has been prevented in presence of benzene. On the other hand and in the presence of FSH, toluene prevented P4 release and decreased PGF release, while xylene prevented PGF release. We concluded that OREC can affect reproductive processes by directly influencing ovarian cell proliferation, apoptosis, viability, hormone release, and response to gonadotropins.