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Sang Y, Liu J, Dong X, Gao L, Li X, Zhou G, Zhang Y, Xue J, Zhao M, Zhou X. Silica nanoparticles induce male reproductive toxicity via Crem hypermethylation mediated spermatocyte apoptosis and sperm flagella damage. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:13856-13866. [PMID: 38265582 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32046-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Exposure to silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) could causally contribute to malfunctioning of the spermatogenesis, but the underlying mechanism is rarely known. This study was designed to explore the mechanism of Crem hypermethylation in SiNP-induced reproductive toxicity. The male mice were exposure to SiNPs (0 and 20 mg/kg·bw) once every 5 days via intratracheal instillation for 35 days. After exposure stopped, half of each group was killed, and the rest were sacrificed after another 15-day feeding. GC-2 cells were treated with 0 and 20 μg/mL SiNPs. The results showed that SiNPs led to structure damage of spermatocyte and sperm, caused spermatocyte apoptosis, and decreased sperm quantity and quality. After 15 days of the withdrawal, the testicular tissue damage gradually recovered. Mechanistic study showed that SiNPs induced hypermethylation of the gene of cAMP responsive element modulator (Crem) in the promoter region. Downregulation of Crem inhibited the expression of outer dense fiber 1 (Odf1), resulting in abnormal sperm flagella structure; at the same time, Crem inhibited the expression of Bcl-xl, causing upregulation of cytochrome-C, cleaved-caspase-9/caspase-9, cleaved-caspase-3/caspase-3, resulting in mitochondrial dependent apoptotic pathway. However, 5-aza, DNA methylation inhibitor, could reverse the SiNP-induced downregulation of Crem and reverse the Crem/Bcl-xl-mediated mitochondrial dependent apoptotic pathway. These results suggested SiNPs could disrupt spermatogenesis by causing Crem hypermethylation to regulate the Odf1 and Bcl-xl in spermatocytes resulting in the sperm flagella structure and spermatocyte apoptosis. Our study provided new insights into the male reproductive toxicity mechanism of SiNPs; Crem demethylation may be a potential way to prevent reproductive dysfunction from SiNP exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujian Sang
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Jianhui Liu
- Department of Central Laboratory, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, 100026, China
| | - Xiaomin Dong
- Experimental Center for Basic Medical Teaching, Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Leqiang Gao
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Xiangyang Li
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Guiqing Zhou
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Jinglong Xue
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Moxuan Zhao
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Xianqing Zhou
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
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Sánchez-Jasso DE, López-Guzmán SF, Bermúdez-Cruz RM, Oviedo N. Novel Aspects of cAMP-Response Element Modulator (CREM) Role in Spermatogenesis and Male Fertility. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12558. [PMID: 37628737 PMCID: PMC10454534 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a very complex process with an intricate transcriptional regulation. The transition from the diploid to the haploid state requires the involvement of specialized genes in meiosis, among other specific functions for the formation of the spermatozoon. The transcription factor cAMP-response element modulator (CREM) is a key modulator that triggers the differentiation of the germ cell into the spermatozoon through the modification of gene expression. CREM has multiple repressor and activator isoforms whose expression is tissue-cell-type specific and tightly regulated by various factors at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional and post-translational level. The activator isoform CREMτ controls the expression of several relevant genes in post-meiotic stages of spermatogenesis. In addition, exposure to xenobiotics negatively affects CREMτ expression, which is linked to male infertility. On the other hand, antioxidants could have a positive effect on CREMτ expression and improve sperm parameters in idiopathically infertile men. Therefore, CREM expression could be used as a biomarker to detect and even counteract male infertility. This review examines the importance of CREM as a transcription factor for sperm production and its relevance in male fertility, infertility and the response to environmental xenobiotics that may affect CREMτ expression and the downstream regulation that alters male fertility. Also, some health disorders in which CREM expression is altered are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Eduardo Sánchez-Jasso
- Departamento de Genética y Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), Mexico City 07360, Mexico; (D.E.S.-J.); (S.F.L.-G.); (R.M.B.-C.)
| | - Sergio Federico López-Guzmán
- Departamento de Genética y Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), Mexico City 07360, Mexico; (D.E.S.-J.); (S.F.L.-G.); (R.M.B.-C.)
| | - Rosa Maria Bermúdez-Cruz
- Departamento de Genética y Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), Mexico City 07360, Mexico; (D.E.S.-J.); (S.F.L.-G.); (R.M.B.-C.)
| | - Norma Oviedo
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Immunología e Infectología, Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Mexico City 02990, Mexico
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Valente A, Vieira L, Silva MJ, Ventura C. The Effect of Nanomaterials on DNA Methylation: A Review. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:1880. [PMID: 37368308 DOI: 10.3390/nano13121880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
DNA methylation is an epigenetic mechanism that involves the addition of a methyl group to a cytosine residue in CpG dinucleotides, which are particularly abundant in gene promoter regions. Several studies have highlighted the role that modifications of DNA methylation may have on the adverse health effects caused by exposure to environmental toxicants. One group of xenobiotics that is increasingly present in our daily lives are nanomaterials, whose unique physicochemical properties make them interesting for a large number of industrial and biomedical applications. Their widespread use has raised concerns about human exposure, and several toxicological studies have been performed, although the studies focusing on nanomaterials' effect on DNA methylation are still limited. The aim of this review is to investigate the possible impact of nanomaterials on DNA methylation. From the 70 studies found eligible for data analysis, the majority were in vitro, with about half using cell models related to the lungs. Among the in vivo studies, several animal models were used, but most were mice models. Only two studies were performed on human exposed populations. Global DNA methylation analyses was the most frequently applied approach. Although no trend towards hypo- or hyper-methylation could be observed, the importance of this epigenetic mechanism in the molecular response to nanomaterials is evident. Furthermore, methylation analysis of target genes and, particularly, the application of comprehensive DNA methylation analysis techniques, such as genome-wide sequencing, allowed identifying differentially methylated genes after nanomaterial exposure and affected molecular pathways, contributing to the understanding of their possible adverse health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Valente
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, I.P. (INSA), Av. Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Luís Vieira
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, I.P. (INSA), Av. Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisbon, Portugal
- Centre for Toxicogenomics and Human Health (ToxOmics), NOVA Medical School, NOVA University of Lisbon, 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria João Silva
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, I.P. (INSA), Av. Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisbon, Portugal
- Centre for Toxicogenomics and Human Health (ToxOmics), NOVA Medical School, NOVA University of Lisbon, 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Célia Ventura
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, I.P. (INSA), Av. Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisbon, Portugal
- Centre for Toxicogenomics and Human Health (ToxOmics), NOVA Medical School, NOVA University of Lisbon, 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal
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Ge P, Liu Z, Chen M, Cui Y, Cao M, Liu X. Chemical Characteristics and Cytotoxicity to GC-2spd(ts) Cells of PM 2.5 in Nanjing Jiangbei New Area from 2015 to 2019. TOXICS 2023; 11:92. [PMID: 36850968 PMCID: PMC9966943 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11020092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
PM2.5 is an air pollutant with complex components. After entering the body through respiration, PM2.5 can not only cause respiratory diseases, but also break through the blood-testis barrier and influence the reproductive system. PM2.5 with different components may result in different toxic effects. In the first five years of Nanjing Jiangbei New Area, industrial transformation would change the concentration and chemical fraction of PM2.5 in the local environment to a certain extent. In this study, PM2.5 collected in Nanjing Jiangbei New Area every autumn and winter from 2015 to 2019 was analyzed. PM2.5 concentration generally decreased year by year. The large proportion of secondary inorganic ions indicated the presence of secondary pollution at the sampling site. PM2.5 was mainly emitted from fossil fuel combustion and vehicle exhaust. The cytotoxicity of PM2.5 samples was evaluated by PM2.5 exposure to mouse spermatocytes (GC-2spd(ts) cells). Cell viability was relatively low in 2016 and 2018, and relatively high in 2017 and 2019. Reactive oxygen species levels and DNA damage levels followed similar trends, with an overall annual decrease. The cytotoxicity of PM2.5 on GC-2spd(ts) cells was significantly correlated with water-soluble ions, water-soluble organic carbon, heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (p < 0.01). According to principal component analysis and multiple linear regression, fossil fuel combustion, secondary transformation of pollutants and construction dust were identified as the major contributors to cytotoxic effects, contributing more than 50%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengxiang Ge
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control, Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing 210044, China
| | - Zhengjiang Liu
- Gansu Water Resources and Hydropower Survey and Design Research Institute, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Mindong Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control, Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing 210044, China
| | - Yan Cui
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control, Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing 210044, China
| | - Maoyu Cao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control, Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing 210044, China
| | - Xiaoming Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control, Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing 210044, China
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Liu C, Chen YJ, Sun B, Chen HG, Mustieles V, Messerlian C, Sun Y, Meng TQ, Lu WQ, Pan XF, Xiong CL, Hou J, Wang YX. Blood trihalomethane concentrations in relation to sperm mitochondrial DNA copy number and telomere length among 958 healthy men. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 216:114737. [PMID: 36372149 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In animal and human studies, exposure to trihalomethanes (THMs) has been associated with reduced semen quality. However, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. OBJECTIVE To investigate the associations of blood THM concentrations with sperm mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) and telomere length (TL) among healthy men. METHODS We recruited 958 men who volunteered as potential sperm donors. A single blood sample was collected from each participant at recruitment and measured for chloroform (TCM), bromodichloromethane (BDCM), dibromochloromethane (DBCM), and bromoform (TBM) concentrations. Within a 90-day follow-up, the last semen sample provided by each participant was quantified for sperm mtDNAcn and TL. We used multivariable linear regression models to assess the associations between blood THM concentrations and sperm mtDNAcn and TL. We also performed stratified analyses according to the time intervals between baseline blood THM determinations and semen collection (i.e., 0-9, 10-14, 15-69, or >69 days) to explore potential windows of susceptibility. RESULTS After adjusting for potential confounders, we found inverse associations between quartiles (or categories) of blood TBM, brominated THM (Br-THM, the sum of BDCM, DBCM, and TBM), and total THM (TTHM, the sum of all four THMs) concentrations and sperm mtDNAcn (all P for trend≤0.03). Besides, we found inverse associations between quartiles of blood TCM, Br-THM, chlorinated THM (Cl-THM, the sum of TCM, BDCM, and DBCM), and TTHM concentrations and sperm TL (all P for trend<0.10). Stratified analyses showed stronger associations between Br-THM concentrations and sperm mtDNAcn determined 15-69 days since baseline exposure determinations, and between blood TCM and TTHM concentrations and sperm TL determined >69 days since baseline exposure determinations. CONCLUSION Exposure to THMs may be associated with sperm mitochondrial and telomeric dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, And State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China; Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Ying-Jun Chen
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Bin Sun
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, And State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Heng-Gui Chen
- Clinical Research and Translation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, PR China
| | - Vicente Mustieles
- University of Granada, Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM); Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Messerlian
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yang Sun
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tian-Qing Meng
- Hubei Province Human Sperm Bank, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Wuhan Tongji Reproductive Medicine Hospital, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Wen-Qing Lu
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, And State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China; Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Xiong-Fei Pan
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Chen-Liang Xiong
- Hubei Province Human Sperm Bank, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Wuhan Tongji Reproductive Medicine Hospital, Wuhan, PR China.
| | - Jian Hou
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, PR China.
| | - Yi-Xin Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
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Sun Q, Li T, Yu Y, Li Y, Sun Z, Duan J. The critical role of epigenetic mechanisms involved in nanotoxicology. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2022; 14:e1789. [PMID: 35289073 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1789] [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: 12/26/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Over the past decades, nanomaterials (NMs) have been widely applied in the cosmetic, food, engineering, and medical fields. Along with the prevalence of NMs, the toxicological characteristics exhibited by these materials on health and the environment have gradually attracted attentions. A growing number of evidences have indicated that epigenetics holds an essential role in the onset and development of various diseases. NMs could cause epigenetic alterations such as DNA methylation, noncoding RNA (ncRNA) expression, and histone modifications. NMs might alternate either global DNA methylation or the methylation of specific genes to affect the biological function. Abnormal upregulation or downregulation of ncRNAs might also be a potential mechanism for the toxic effects caused by NMs. In parallel, the phosphorylation, acetylation, and methylation of histones also take an important part in the process of NMs-induced toxicity. As the adverse effects of NMs continue to be explored, mechanisms such as chromosomal remodeling, genomic imprinting, and m6 A modification are also gradually coming into the limelight. Since the epigenetic alterations often occur in the early development of diseases, thus the relevant studies not only provide insight into the pathogenesis of diseases, but also screen for the prospective biomarkers for early diagnosis and prevention. This review summarizes the epigenetic alterations elicited by NMs, hoping to provide a clue for nanotoxicity studies and security evaluation of NMs. This article is categorized under: Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Toxicology of Nanomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinglin Sun
- Department of Toxicology and Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Tianyu Li
- Department of Toxicology and Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Yu
- Department of Toxicology and Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Toxicology and Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiwei Sun
- Department of Toxicology and Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Junchao Duan
- Department of Toxicology and Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Liu J, Huang J, Gao L, Sang Y, Li X, Zhou G, Cao L, Lu H, Zhou X, Ren L. Maternal exposure to PM 2.5 disrupting offspring spermatogenesis through induced sertoli cells apoptosis via inhibin B hypermethylation in mice. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 241:113760. [PMID: 35709672 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM2.5) disrupts endocrine functions and may negatively affect sperm quality and quantity in males; however, the long-term effects and potential mechanisms of this effect are unknown. This study aimed to investigate the epigenetic mechanism of maternal exposure to PM2.5-induced inhibin B hypermethylation in male offspring. In this experiment design, pregnant C57BL/6 mice were treated with two doses of PM2.5 (4.8 and 43.2 mg/kg bw). The membrane control group was given a sampling membrane and the control group received nothing. Following the formation of the vaginal plug, intratracheal instillation of PM2.5 was administered every three days until delivery of the pups. To assess the effect of PM2.5 in vitro, TM4 cells, a Sertoli-like cell line, was treated with different concentrations (0, 25, 50, 100 μg/mL) of PM2.5 for 24 h. The results displayed that Sperm motility, as well as the number of adult offspring, was decreased in the PM2.5 exposed group relative to the untreated controls. Increased vacuolization was observed in the Sertoli cells of mice that were exposed to PM2.5 in utero. The levels of inhibin and testosterone were reduced and the levels of LH and FSH increased in the PM2.5 groups relative to the untreated controls. In vitro, PM2.5 resulted in cell cycle inhibition as well as increased apoptosis in TM4 cells. Moreover, PM2.5-induced inhibin B hypermethylation and activation of the p21/Cleaved Caspase-3 pathway resulted in TM4 cell apoptosis that was rescued through the use of a DNA methylation inhibitor. Together, our data suggest that prenatal exposure to PM2.5 results in inhibin B hypermethylation and can activate the p21/Cleaved Caspase-3 pathway, resulting in Sertoli cell apoptosis, aberrant secretion of androgen binding protein, and decreased testosterone, thus resulting in the inhibition of spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhui Liu
- Central Laboratory, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing 100026, China
| | - Jing Huang
- School of Nursing, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Leqiang Gao
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Yujian Sang
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Xiangyang Li
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Guiqing Zhou
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Linlin Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), China
| | - Hong Lu
- School of Nursing, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xianqing Zhou
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
| | - Lihua Ren
- School of Nursing, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China.
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