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Chen J, Yang X, He Z, Chen W, Zhao Y, Li J, Zong Y, Du R. Cynomorium songaricum Rupr. flavonoids improve cyclophosphamide-induced reproductive function damage by regulating the testosterone synthesis pathway. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1457780. [PMID: 39239657 PMCID: PMC11374658 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1457780] [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: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The prevalence of male infertility has been increasing globally, necessitating the search for safe and nontoxic active compounds to alleviate reproductive dysfunction. Although the precise mechanism remains unknown, Cynomorium songaricum Rupr. (CS) extract has protective effects on the reproductive system. The effect of C. songaricum Rupr. flavonoids (CSF) on reproductive injury and testicular mesenchymal stem cell viability in male mice and TM3 cells was investigated. Methods We explored the possible association between these effects and the testosterone (T) synthesis pathway. Mice were administered cyclophosphamide to induce reproductive damage, followed by CSF administration. Body mass and organ index were recorded. Pathological changes in T and the epididymis were observed using hematoxylin-eosin staining. ELISA measured the serum levels of T, luteinizing hormone (LH), gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and estradiol (E2) in mice. Fructose and zinc ion levels in the seminal plasma were measured. TM3 cells were treated with Bisphenol A (BPA) and different concentrations of CSF, followed by proliferative evaluations using the CCK-8 assay and T and LH level assessments using ELISA. Furthermore, the expression of steroidogenic enzyme genes and proteins was investigated using western blotting and RT-PCR. Results CSF exhibited a notable reduction in reproductive damage and improved pathological changes in testicular and epididymal tissues. CSF group demonstrated substantially higher levels of seminal plasma fructose and zinc ions; markedly elevated serum levels of T, LH, GnRH, and FSH; and lower levels of E2 than those of the model group. Intracellular T content and secretion of T and LH increase with CSF while effectively mitigating BPA-induced damage to TM3 cells. CSF group exhibited substantially higher gene and protein expression of steroidogenic enzymes than those of the model group, both in vivo and in vitro. CSF ameliorates reproductive impairment by enhancing the expression of pivotal enzymes involved in synthesizing T. Discussion CSF ameliorates cyclophosphamide-induced reproductive impairment and bisphenol A-induced TM3 cell damage in mice by regulating sex hormone levels in the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis (HPG axis) and upregulating the expression of steroidogenic enzymes. Therefore, CS is a potential treatment for male reproductive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiarong Chen
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaoyue Yang
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhongmei He
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
- Jilin Provincial Engineering Research Center for Efficient Breeding and Product Development of Sika Deer, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Weijia Chen
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
- Jilin Provincial Engineering Research Center for Efficient Breeding and Product Development of Sika Deer, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
- Jilin Provincial Engineering Research Center for Efficient Breeding and Product Development of Sika Deer, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Jianming Li
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
- Jilin Provincial Engineering Research Center for Efficient Breeding and Product Development of Sika Deer, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Ying Zong
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
- Jilin Provincial Engineering Research Center for Efficient Breeding and Product Development of Sika Deer, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Rui Du
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
- Jilin Provincial Engineering Research Center for Efficient Breeding and Product Development of Sika Deer, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Production and Product Quality and Safety, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
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Machado-Neves M. Effect of heavy metals on epididymal morphology and function: An integrative review. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 291:133020. [PMID: 34848222 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.133020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Male fertility has deteriorated over the last decades, and environmental risk factors are among the possible causes of this phenomenon. Pollutants such as heavy metals might accumulate in male reproductive organs to levels that are associated with reproductive disorders. Several studies reported detrimental effects of inorganic arsenic (iAs+3/iAs+5), cadmium (Cd+2), lead (Pb+2), and mercury (Hg+2/CH3Hg+2) on the epididymis, which plays a crucial role in sperm maturation. However, the magnitude of their effects and the consequences on the physiology of the epididymis are still unclear. Therefore, an integrative review with meta-analyses was conducted examining 138 studies to determine how exposure to arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury affects epididymal morphology and functions, using primarily murine data from experimental studies as a source. This study showed that exposure to metal(loids) reduced epididymal weight, sperm motility, and sperm number. Inorganic arsenic, cadmium, and lead damaged sperm structures within the epididymal duct. While sodium arsenite, sodium arsenate, and lead acetate generate oxidative stress by an imbalance between ROS production and scavenging, cadmium chloride causes an increase in the pH level of the luminal fluid (from 6.5 to 7.37) that diminishes sperm viability. Inorganic arsenic induced a delay in the sperm transit time by modulating noradrenaline and dopamine secretion. Subacute exposure to heavy metals at concentrations < 0.1 mg L-1 initiates a dyshomeostasis of calcium, copper, iron, and zinc that disturbs sperm parameters and reduces epididymal weight. These alterations worsen with prolonged exposure time and higher doses. Most studies evaluated the effects of concentrations > 1.1 mg L-1 of heavy metals on the epididymis rather than doses with relevant importance for human health risk. This meta-analytical study faced limitations regarding a deeper analysis of epididymis physiology. Hence, several recommendations for future investigations are provided. This review creates a baseline for the comprehension of epididymal toxicology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Machado-Neves
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Av. P.H. Rolfs, s/n, DBG, Campus Universitário, Viçosa, 36570-900, Minas Gerais, Brasil.
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Mouro VGS, de Melo FCSA, Martins ALP, de Lucca Moreira Gomes M, de Oliveira JM, de Freitas MBD, Demuner AJ, Leite JPV, da Matta SLP. Euterpe oleracea (Martius) Oil Reverses Testicular Alterations Caused after Cadmium Administration. Biol Trace Elem Res 2020; 197:555-570. [PMID: 31898307 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-019-02004-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is an environmental pollutant that induces reproductive toxicity by generating reactive oxygen species, which leads to oxidative stress. Euterpe oleracea fruits are known for being rich in oils containing triacylglycerol and phenolic compounds. They are considered as potent antioxidants to be used to counteract Cd effects within the testis. In the present study, adult males Swiss mice were treated with CdCl2 aqueous solution (4.28 mg/kg) by gavage for 7 days. The experimental groups were treated with Euterpe oleracea oil at the doses of 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg, for 42 days. The results showed that Cd intoxication led to increased tubular pathologies, such as reduction in epithelium height and area thus increasing both luminal diameter and tubule-epithelium ratio. Besides, Leydig cell's morphometry indicated reduction in nucleus and cytoplasm volumes of this cell type, which were recovered after E. oleracea oil intake. In addition, serum testosterone levels, testicular Mn and Zn concentrations, SOD and CAT activity, and germ cell viability increased after oil intake. Therefore, E. oleracea oil showed a regenerative effect in the testicular parenchyma negatively affected by Cd, mainly in the animals that received the highest oil concentration (150 mg/kg).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Sérgio Luis Pinto da Matta
- Departament of General Biology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Departament of Animal Biology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Mouro VGS, Siman VA, da Silva J, Dias FCR, Damasceno EM, Cupertino MDC, de Melo FCSA, da Matta SLP. Cadmium-Induced Testicular Toxicity in Mice: Subacute and Subchronic Route-Dependent Effects. Biol Trace Elem Res 2020; 193:466-482. [PMID: 31030385 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-019-01731-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to compare Cd exposure by intraperitoneal (i.p.) and oral routes, evaluating the testicular subacute and subchronic effects. Adult male mice were separated into three groups subdivided according to the experimental period (7 and 42 days after Cd exposure: subacute and subchronic effects, respectively): one group received water and two groups received CdCl2 (1.2 mg/kg i.p. and 24 mg/kg oral). The testicular concentration of essential minerals and Cd, activity of antioxidant enzymes and markers of oxidative stress, histology, and testicular histomorphometry were evaluated. The subacute effect of oral Cd showed reduced Fe concentration, while Ca and Cu increased in this route. The subchronic effect promoted decreasing in Mg in i.p. and oral routes, whereas Zn decreased only in the oral, and the Fe concentration did not change. SOD activity decreased in the oral subacute evaluation and in both pathways, i.p. and oral routes, in the subchronic evaluation, while GST activity increased, and MDA concentration decreased. Labeling of apoptotic cells was increased in the subacute and subchronic evaluation. Seminiferous epithelium degeneration, death of germ cells, and Leydig cell damages occurred in i.p. and oral routes. However, these damages were more intense in the oral route, mainly evaluating the subchronic effects. The results confirm that the severity of Cd-induced testicular injury depends on the pathway, as well as the duration of exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Verônica Andrade Siman
- Department of Animal Biology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Janaína da Silva
- Department of General Biology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Sérgio Luis Pinto da Matta
- Department of General Biology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
- Department of Animal Biology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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Subacute Testicular Toxicity to Cadmium Exposure Intraperitoneally and Orally. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2019; 2019:3429635. [PMID: 31885783 PMCID: PMC6899267 DOI: 10.1155/2019/3429635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The toxic effects of cadmium (Cd) on reproductive parameters are widely described in the literature. Experimental models often make use of the intraperitoneal route (i.p.), although human intoxication occurs preferentially by the oral route and can be continuous. However, little is known about the effect of Cd administration routes on the testicular structure. Thus, this study investigated the testicular impact of Cd exposure comparing both i.p. and oral routes, both single dose (SD), in addition to the oral route in fractional doses (FD). Swiss adult male mice received CdCl2 1.5 mg/kg i.p., 30 mg/kg oral SD, and 4.28 mg/kg oral FD for 7 consecutive days. The Cd bioaccumulation was observed in all routes, mainly in the oral FD route. The concentrations of testicular Ca and Cu decreased in all animals exposed to Cd, while Zn and Mn decreased only in the i.p. route. Testicular SOD activity was reduced in both routes of oral administration, while CAT increased in the i.p. route, and GST increased in all animals exposed to Cd. Changes in the tubular parameters and cell viability were observed in both routes of Cd administration but were more intense in the oral route, mainly in the FD. Serum testosterone concentration was reduced in both routes of oral administration. Tubular damage, such as the vacuolization of the seminiferous epithelium, germ cell detachment, and seminiferous tubule degeneration, occurred in all groups exposed to Cd. Therefore, the oral Cd administration presented greater potential to promote testicular damage, mainly when the metal was given in a fractionated way.
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Nascimento BAC, Gardinassi LG, Silveira IMG, Gallucci MG, Tomé MA, Oliveira JFD, Moreira MRA, Meirelles AFG, Faccioli LH, Tefé-Silva C, Zoccal KF. Arctium lappa Extract Suppresses Inflammation and Inhibits Melanoma Progression. MEDICINES 2019; 6:medicines6030081. [PMID: 31362372 PMCID: PMC6789568 DOI: 10.3390/medicines6030081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background: Arctium lappa has been used as popular medicinal herb and health supplement in Chinese societies. Bioactive components from A. lappa have attracted the attention of researchers due to their promising therapeutic effects. In this study, we investigated the effects of A. lappa hydroalcoholic extract (Alhe) during different models of inflammation, in vivo. Methods: The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated through the air pouch model. For this, mice received an inflammatory stimulus with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and were later injected with Alhe. To assess anti-tumoral activity, the animals were inoculated with B16F10 cells and injected with Alhe every 5 days, along the course of 30 days. Controls were submitted to the same conditions and injected with the vehicle. Peritoneal or air pouch fluids were collected to evaluate leukocyte counting or cellular activation via quantification of cytokines and nitric oxide. Results: Alhe injection reduced the neutrophil influx and production of inflammatory mediators in inflammatory foci after LPS or tumor challenges. Furthermore, Alhe injection reduced tumor growth and enhanced mice survival. Conclusions: Collectively, these data suggest that Alhe regulates immune cell migration and activation, which correlates with favorable outcome in mouse models of acute inflammation and melanoma progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno A C Nascimento
- Centro Universitário Barão de Mauá (CBM), Rua Ramos de Azevedo, n 423, 14090-180 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Luiz G Gardinassi
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas. Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (FCFRP-USP), Avenida do Café, s/n, 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Inaê M G Silveira
- Centro Universitário Barão de Mauá (CBM), Rua Ramos de Azevedo, n 423, 14090-180 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Marília G Gallucci
- Centro Universitário Barão de Mauá (CBM), Rua Ramos de Azevedo, n 423, 14090-180 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Mariana A Tomé
- Centro Universitário Barão de Mauá (CBM), Rua Ramos de Azevedo, n 423, 14090-180 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Júlia Fernanda D Oliveira
- Centro Universitário Barão de Mauá (CBM), Rua Ramos de Azevedo, n 423, 14090-180 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Mirella R A Moreira
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas. Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (FCFRP-USP), Avenida do Café, s/n, 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alyne F G Meirelles
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas. Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (FCFRP-USP), Avenida do Café, s/n, 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lúcia H Faccioli
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas. Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (FCFRP-USP), Avenida do Café, s/n, 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cristiane Tefé-Silva
- Centro Universitário Barão de Mauá (CBM), Rua Ramos de Azevedo, n 423, 14090-180 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Karina F Zoccal
- Centro Universitário Barão de Mauá (CBM), Rua Ramos de Azevedo, n 423, 14090-180 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
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Lamas CDA, Cuquetto-Leite L, do Nascimento da Silva E, Thomazini BF, Cordeiro GDS, Predes FDS, Gollücke APB, Dolder H. Grape juice concentrate alleviates epididymis and sperm damage in cadmium-intoxicated rats. Int J Exp Pathol 2017; 98:86-99. [PMID: 28581201 DOI: 10.1111/iep.12227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 02/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The possibility of long-term grape juice concentrate (GJC) consumption conferring a protective effect against cadmium (Cd)-induced damage to the epididymis, completely preserving sperm profile, was evaluated here for the first time in the scientific literature. Male Wistar rats (n = 6/per group) received an intraperitoneal Cd injection (1.2 mg/Kg) at age 80 days and GJC (2 g/Kg) by gavage from 50 days until 136 days old. Groups receiving either Cd or GJC were added. An intraperitoneal injection of saline (0.9%) and water by gavage was administered in the absence of treatment with Cd or GJC. Animals were anaesthetized and exsanguinated at 136 days; the vas deferens, left testis and epididymis were removed; and perfusion continued with fixative. The right epididymis was collected for morphological analysis. Cd had a devastating effect demonstrated by reduced sperm count in testes and epididymis, sperm production and normal sperm count, besides increased epididymis sperm transit time and completely disorganized morphology. These alterations were attributed to higher Cd levels in the testes and a lipid peroxidation (LP) process. Consumption of GJC plus Cd intoxication was effective, reducing metal accumulation and LP. Consequently, we could identify a preserved sperm profile, with improvement in testis and epididymis sperm count, normal sperm structure and sperm transit time. Moreover, GJC extends its protective effect to the epididymis, allowing complete re-establishment of its morphology, ensuring successful sperm maturation process. In conclusion, our study indicates long-term GJC as a promising therapy against reproductive chemical intoxication injury damage, preserving sperm prior to ejaculation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celina de A Lamas
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Biology Institute, State University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Livia Cuquetto-Leite
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Biology Institute, State University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Bruna F Thomazini
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Biology Institute, State University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Gabriel da S Cordeiro
- Department of Biological Science, State University of Paraná - Campus Paranaguá, Paranaguá, PR, Brazil
| | - Fabrícia de S Predes
- Department of Biological Science, State University of Paraná - Campus Paranaguá, Paranaguá, PR, Brazil
| | - Andrea P B Gollücke
- Department of Biosciences, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Santos, SP, Brazil
| | - Heidi Dolder
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Biology Institute, State University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
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