Maternal exposure to environmentally relevant doses of bisphenol A causes reproductive dysfunction in F1 adult male rats: protective role of melatonin

Diquat causes mouse testis injury through inducing heme oxygenase-1-mediated ferroptosis in spermatogonia

Diquat dibromide (DQ) is a globally used herbicide in agriculture, and its overuse poses an important public health issue, including male reproductive toxicity in mammals. However, the effects and molecular mechanisms of DQ on testes are limited. In vivo experiments, mice were intraperitoneally injected with 8 or 10 mg/kg/ day of DQ for 28 days. It has been found that heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) mediates DQ-induced ferroptosis in mouse spermatogonia, thereby damaging testicular development and spermatogenesis. Histopathologically, we found that DQ exposure caused seminiferous tubule disorders, reduced germ cells, and increased sperm malformation, in mice. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) staining of frozen section and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) displayed DQ promoted ROS generation and mitochondrial morphology alterations in mouse testes, suggesting that DQ treatment induced testicular oxidative stress. Subsequent RNA-sequencing further showed that DQ treatment might trigger ferroptosis pathway, attributed to disturbed glutathione metabolism and iron homeostasis in spermatogonia cells in vitro. Consistently, results of western blotting, measurements of MDA and ferrous iron, and ROS staining confirmed that DQ increased oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, and accelerated ferrous iron accumulation both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, inhibition of ferroptosis by deferoxamine (DFO) markedly ameliorated DQ-induced cell death and dysfunction. By RNA-sequencing, we found that the expression of HO-1 was significantly upregulated in DQ-treated spermatogonia, while ZnPP (a specific inhibitor of HO-1) blocked spermatogonia ferroptosis by balancing intracellular iron homeostasis. In mice, administration of the ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1 effectively restored the increase of HO-1 levels in the spermatogonia, prevented spermatogonia death, and alleviated the spermatogenesis disorders induced by DQ. Overall, these findings suggest that HO-1 mediates DQ-induced spermatogonia ferroptosis in mouse testes, and targeting HO-1 may be an effective protective strategy against male reproductive disorders induced by pesticides in agriculture.

The Protective Effects of Syringic Acid on Bisphenol A-Induced Neurotoxicity Possibly Through AMPK/PGC-1α/Fndc5 and CREB/BDNF Signaling Pathways

Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine disruptor, is commonly used to produce epoxy resins and polycarbonate plastics. Continuous exposure to BPA may contribute to the development of diseases in humans and seriously affect their health. Previous research suggests a significant relationship between the increased incidence of neurological diseases and the level of BPA in the living environment. Syringic acid (SA), a natural derivative of gallic acid, has recently considered much attention due to neuromodulator activity and its anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of SA on oxidative stress, apoptosis, memory and locomotor disorders, and mitochondrial function, and to identify the mechanisms related to Alzheimer's disease (AD) in the brain of rats receiving high doses of BPA. For this purpose, male Wistar rats received BPA (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) and SA (50 mg/kg) for 21 days. The results showed that BPA exposure significantly altered the rats' neurobehavioral responses. Additionally, BPA, by increasing the level of ROS, and MDA level, increased the level of oxidative stress while reducing the level of antioxidant enzymes, such as SOD, CAT, GPx, and mitochondrial GSH. The administration of BPA at 200 mg/kg significantly decreased the expression of ERRα, TFAM, irisin, PGC-1α, Bcl-2, and FNDC5, while it increased the expression of TrkB, cytochrome C, caspase 3, and Bax. Moreover, the Western blotting results showed that BPA increased the levels of P-AMPK, GSK3b, p-tau, and Aβ, while it decreased the levels of PKA, P-PKA, Akt, BDNF, CREB, P-CREB, and PI3K. Meanwhile, SA at 50 mg/kg reversed the behavioral, biochemical, and molecular changes induced by high doses of BPA. Overall, BPA could lead to the development of AD by affecting the mitochondria-dependent apoptosis pathway, as well as AMPK/PGC-1α/FNDC5 and CREB/BDNF/TrkB signaling pathways, and finally, by increasing the expression of tau and Aβ proteins. In conclusion, SA, as an antioxidant, significantly reduced the toxicity of BPA.

An Overview of the Health Effects of Bisphenol A from a One Health Perspective

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical compound, considered as an "emerging pollutant", that appears ubiquitously, contaminating the environment and food. It is an endocrine disruptor, found in a multitude of consumer products, as it is a constituent of polycarbonate used in the manufacture of plastics and epoxy resins. Many studies have evaluated the effects of BPA, using a wide range of doses and animal models. In this work, we carried out a review of relevant research related to the effects of BPA on health, through studies performed at different doses, in different animal models, and in human monitoring studies. Numerous effects of BPA on health have been described; in different animal species, it has been reported that it interferes with fertility in both females and males and causes alterations in their offspring, as well as being associated with an increase in hormone-dependent pathologies. Similarly, exposure to BPA has been related to other diseases of great relevance in public health such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, or neurodevelopmental disorders. Its ubiquity and nonmonotonic behavior, triggering effects at exposure levels considered "safe", make it especially relevant when both animal and human populations are constantly and inadvertently exposed to this compound. Its effects at low exposure levels make it essential to establish safe exposure levels, and research into the effects of BPA must continue and be focused from a "One Health" perspective to take into account all the factors that could intervene in the development of a disease in any exposed organism.

Protective Effect of Melatonin on Nonylphenol-Induced Reproductive and Behavioral Disorders in First-Generation Adult Male Rats

Methods

Pregnant Wistar rats were randomly assigned into five groups: control, NP (25 mg/kg), NP (25 mg/kg)+MLT (10 mg/kg), NP (25 mg/kg)+MLT (20 mg/kg), and MLT (20 mg/kg). The duration of treatment was 21 days from gestation time. Morris water maze was used to assess learning and memory. NP concentrations of serum and testicular tissue were measured by HPLC. Histological analysis of testicular tissues was done by H&E staining.

Results

Behavioral study showed that NP does not impair learning and memory in first-generation rats. Histomorphometric results showed that NP can significantly reduce the cross-sectional area of the seminiferous tubules and the epithelium, the diameter and number of seminiferous tubules, the thickness of the epithelium, and the number of spermatocytes and spermatogonia compared to other groups. MLT reversed the NP-induced histomorphometric. Also, it changes and increased the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and catalase (CAT). The level of malondialdehyde (MDA) significantly decreased in MLT-treated groups compared with the NP group.

Conclusion

Our finding showed that MLT enhanced the learning process and reduced NP-induced testicular tissue damage through its antioxidants and cytoprotective effects.

Cucumeropsis mannii seed oil (CMSO) attenuates alterations in testicular biochemistry and histology against Bisphenol a-induced toxicity in male Wister albino rats

Background

Male reproductive health has deteriorated in recent years as a result of industrialization, which has led to the use of desirable chemicals, like Bisphenol A (BPA), of underlying toxicity. Cucumeropsis mannii seed is a common soup thickener that produces vegetable oil as well as essential nutrients making it a source of nutraceuticals enlisted with a wide range of therapeutic effects.

Methods

A total of 48 adult male Wistar rats (120 ± 200g) were used in this study. They were completely randomized and divided into six groups: A (1ml olive oil) irrespective of the weight, B [BPA 100 mg/kg body weight (bw)], C (CMSO 7.5 ml/kg bw), D (CMSO 7.5 ml/kg bw + BPA 100 mg/kg bw), E (CMSO 5.0 ml/kg bw + BPA 100 mg/kg bw), and E (CMSO 2.5 ml/kg bw + BPA 100 mg/kg bw). At the end of the administration via oral routes, rats were sacrificed and testes were collected for biochemistry and histological analysis.

Results

BPA significantly (P < 0.05) decreased total testicular protein, epididymal sperm parameters (count, volume, and motility), Mitochondrial Membrane Potential (MMP), body weight, testicular volume; and significantly (P < 0.05) increased testicular enzymes (alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase), testicular index; plus histological damages. Interestingly, co-administration of BPA and CMSO significantly (P < 0.05) reversed the biochemical and histological changes.

Conclusions

CMSO prevented the biochemistry and histological alterations hence reducing the testicular toxicity. Therefore, CMSO has the potential to be a promising novel nutraceutical for the treatment and management of BPA-induced testicular toxicity.

Effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals on gonad development: Mechanistic insights from fish and mammals

Over the past century, evidence has emerged that endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have an impact on reproductive health. An increased frequency of reproductive disorders has been observed worldwide in both wildlife and humans that is correlated with accidental exposures to EDCs and their increased production. Epidemiological and experimental studies have highlighted the consequences of early exposures and the existence of key windows of sensitivity during development. Such early in life exposures can have an immediate impact on gonadal and reproductive tract development, as well as on long-term reproductive health in both males and females. Traditionally, EDCs were thought to exert their effects by modifying the endocrine pathways controlling reproduction. Advances in knowledge of the mechanisms regulating sex determination, differentiation and gonadal development in fish and rodents have led to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of early exposure to EDCs on reproduction. In this manuscript, we review the key developmental stages sensitive to EDCs and the state of knowledge on the mechanisms by which model EDCs affect these processes, based on the roadmap of gonad development specific to fish and mammals.

Male Infertility and Oxidative Stress: A Focus on the Underlying Mechanisms

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a critical role in defining the functional competence of human spermatozoa. When generated in moderate amounts, ROS promote sperm capacitation by facilitating cholesterol efflux from the plasma membrane, enhancing cAMP generation, inducing cytoplasmic alkalinization, increasing intracellular calcium levels, and stimulating the protein phosphorylation events that drive the attainment of a capacitated state. However, when ROS generation is excessive and/or the antioxidant defences of the reproductive system are compromised, a state of oxidative stress may be induced that disrupts the fertilizing capacity of the spermatozoa and the structural integrity of their DNA. This article focusses on the sources of ROS within this system and examines the circumstances under which the adequacy of antioxidant protection might become a limiting factor. Seminal leukocyte contamination can contribute to oxidative stress in the ejaculate while, in the germ line, the dysregulation of electron transport in the sperm mitochondria, elevated NADPH oxidase activity, or the excessive stimulation of amino acid oxidase action are all potential contributors to oxidative stress. A knowledge of the mechanisms responsible for creating such stress within the human ejaculate is essential in order to develop better antioxidant strategies that avoid the unintentional creation of its reductive counterpart.

Hepatoprotective effects of oridonin against bisphenol A induced liver injury in rats via inhibiting the activity of xanthione oxidase

Bisphenol A (BPA) is widely used to manufacture packaging materials for various daily necessities and causes harmful effects in organs, especially liver injury, by generating oxidative stress. Oridonin, an active diterpenoid isolated from Rabdosia rubescens (Hemsl.) Hara, has been reported to possess a wide range of pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and antiapoptotic effects. However, the role of oridonin in BPA--induced liver injury and its potential protective mechanism have not been well characterized. In this research, we explored the metabolic alterations in the liver tissue of rats after exposure to BPA with or without pretreatment with oridonin for 14 days by metabolomics analysis based on UPLC-MS/MS. Rats were randomly divided into groups as follows: Control, Vehicle, Oridonin (10 mg/kg), Bisphenol A (500 mg/kg), bisphenol A + Oridonin (500 + 10 mg/kg), Bisphenol A + Diammonium glycyrrhizinate (500 + 40 mg/kg). The biochemical results showed that oridonin significantly reduced the levels of AST and ALT (P < 0.05), ameliorated the abnormal histopathological changes and reduced hepatic apoptosis compared with the BPA group. Furthermore, metabolomics results revealed that purine metabolism, phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis and phenylalanine metabolism were reprogrammed, based on 28 identified significant differential metabolites among the Vehicle, BPA and BPA + oridonin groups. In-depth studies demonstrated that pretreatment with oridonin may play a protective role by restoring BPA-induced changes in oxidative stress and the activity of oxidase (XOD) (P < 0.05). Additionally, oridonin could inhibit the activity of XOD by binding to it, therefore decreasing the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, upregulating the content of hypoxanthine and xanthine, and reducing the level of uric acid in the liver (P < 0.05). This research presents the potential protective mechanisms of oridonin on BPA-induced liver injury at the metabolic level, which might be used to identify new protective agents that prevent BPA-induced liver injury.

Bisphenol A disturbs metabolism of primary rat adipocytes without affecting adipokine secretion

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an ubiquitous synthetic chemical exerting numerous adverse effects. Results of rodent studies show that BPA negatively affects adipose tissue. However, the short-term influence of this compound addressing adipocyte metabolism and adipokine secretion is unknown. In the present study, isolated rat adipocytes were exposed for 2 h to 1 and 10 nM BPA. Insulin-induced glucose conversion to lipids along with glucose transport was significantly increased in the presence of BPA. However, basal glucose conversion to lipids, glucose oxidation, and formation of lipids from acetate were unchanged in adipocytes incubated with BPA. It was also shown that BPA significantly increases lipolytic response of adipocytes to epinephrine. However, lipolysis stimulated by dibutyryl-cAMP (a direct activator of protein kinase A) and the antilipolytic action of insulin were not affected by BPA. Moreover, BPA did not influence leptin and adiponectin secretion from adipocytes. Our new results show that BPA is capable of disturbing processes related to lipid accumulation in isolated rat adipocytes. This is associated with the potentiation of insulin and epinephrine action. The effects of BPA appear already after short-term exposure to low doses of this compound. However, BPA fails to change adipokine secretion.

Fighting Bisphenol A-Induced Male Infertility: The Power of Antioxidants

Bisphenol A (BPA), a well-known endocrine disruptor present in epoxy resins and polycarbonate plastics, negatively disturbs the male reproductive system affecting male fertility. In vivo studies showed that BPA exposure has deleterious effects on spermatogenesis by disturbing the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis and inducing oxidative stress in testis. This compound seems to disrupt hormone signalling even at low concentrations, modifying the levels of inhibin B, oestradiol, and testosterone. The adverse effects on seminal parameters are mainly supported by studies based on urinary BPA concentration, showing a negative association between BPA levels and sperm concentration, motility, and sperm DNA damage. Recent studies explored potential approaches to treat or prevent BPA-induced testicular toxicity and male infertility. Since the effect of BPA on testicular cells and spermatozoa is associated with an increased production of reactive oxygen species, most of the pharmacological approaches are based on the use of natural or synthetic antioxidants. In this review, we briefly describe the effects of BPA on male reproductive health and discuss the use of antioxidants to prevent or revert the BPA-induced toxicity and infertility in men.

First evidence of the protective role of melatonin in counteracting cadmium toxicity in the rat ovary via the mTOR pathway

Herein, the first evidence of the ability of melatonin (MLT) to counteract cadmium (Cd) toxic effects on the rat ovary is reported. Cd treatment, enhancing oxidative stress, provoked clear morphological, histological and biomolecular alterations, i.e. in the estrous cycle duration, in the ovarian and serum E2 concentration other than in the steroidogenic and folliculogenic genes expression. Results demonstrated that the use of MLT, in combination with Cd, avoided the changes, strongly suggesting that it is an efficient antioxidant for preventing oxidative stress in the rat ovary. Moreover, to explore the underlying mechanism involved, at molecular level, in the effects of Cd-MLT interaction, the study focused on the mTOR and ERK1/2 pathways. Interestingly, data showed that Cd influenced the phosphorylation status of mTOR, of its downstream effectors and of ERK1/2, inducing autophagy and apoptosis, while cotreatment with MLT nullified these changes. This work highlights the beneficial role exerted by MLT in preventing Cd-induced toxicity in the rat ovary, encouraging further studies to confirm its action on human ovarian health with the aim to use this indolamine to ameliorate oocyte quality in women with fertility disorders.

Long-term bisphenol A exposure exacerbates diet-induced prediabetes via TLR4-dependent hypothalamic inflammation

Bisphenol A (BPA), an environmental endocrine-disrupting compound, has been revealed associated with metabolic disorders such as obesity, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, its underlying mechanisms are still not fully understood. Here, we provide new evidence that BPA is a risk factor for T2D from a case-control study. To explore the detailed mechanisms, we used two types of diet models, standard diet (SD) and high-fat diet (HFD), to study the effects of long-term BPA exposure on prediabetes in 4-week-old mice. We found that BPA exposure for 12 weeks exacerbated HFD-induced prediabetic symptoms. Female mice showed increased body mass, serum insulin level, and impaired glucose tolerance, while male mice only exhibited impaired glucose tolerance. No change was found in SD-fed mice. Besides, BPA exposure enhanced astrocyte-dependent hypothalamic inflammation in both male and female mice, which impaired proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neuron functions. Moreover, eliminating inflammation by toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) knockout significantly abolished the effects of BPA on the hypothalamus and diet-induced prediabetes. Taken together, our data establish a key role for TLR4-dependent hypothalamic inflammation in regulating the effects of BPA on prediabetes.

Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) Production Alters Sperm Quality

Besides ATP production, mitochondria are key organelles in several cellular functions, such as steroid hormone biosynthesis, calcium homoeostasis, intrinsic apoptotic pathway, and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Despite the loss of the majority of the cytoplasm occurring during spermiogenesis, mammalian sperm preserves a number of mitochondria that rearrange in a tubular structure at the level of the sperm flagellum midpiece. Although sperm mitochondria are destroyed inside the zygote, the integrity and the functionality of these organelles seem to be critical for fertilization and embryo development. The aim of this review was to discuss the impact of mitochondria-produced ROS at multiple levels in sperm: the genome, proteome, lipidome, epigenome. How diet, aging and environmental pollution may affect sperm quality and offspring health—by exacerbating oxidative stress—will be also described.

Oxidative Stress and BPA Toxicity: An Antioxidant Approach for Male and Female Reproductive Dysfunction

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a non-persistent anthropic and environmentally ubiquitous compound widely employed and detected in many consumer products and food items; thus, human exposure is prolonged. Over the last ten years, many studies have examined the underlying molecular mechanisms of BPA toxicity and revealed links among BPA-induced oxidative stress, male and female reproductive defects, and human disease. Because of its hormone-like feature, BPA shows tissue effects on specific hormone receptors in target cells, triggering noxious cellular responses associated with oxidative stress and inflammation. As a metabolic and endocrine disruptor, BPA impairs redox homeostasis via the increase of oxidative mediators and the reduction of antioxidant enzymes, causing mitochondrial dysfunction, alteration in cell signaling pathways, and induction of apoptosis. This review aims to examine the scenery of the current BPA literature on understanding how the induction of oxidative stress can be considered the "fil rouge" of BPA's toxic mechanisms of action with pleiotropic outcomes on reproduction. Here, we focus on the protective effects of five classes of antioxidants-vitamins and co-factors, natural products (herbals and phytochemicals), melatonin, selenium, and methyl donors (used alone or in combination)-that have been found useful to counteract BPA toxicity in male and female reproductive functions.