In Vitro and In Vivo Pretreatment with Selenium Mitigates Tetrahydrocannabinol-Induced Testicular Cell Apoptosis: the Role of AKT and p53 Pathways

Hormetic effects of a cannabinoid system component, 2-arachidonoyl glycerol, on cell viability and expression profile of growth factors in cultured mouse Sertoli cells: Friend or foe of male fertility?

The generally undesired effects of exocannabinoids on male reproduction include alterations in testicular cell proliferation and function, as well as apoptosis induction. However, this paradigm has been challenged by the ability of endocannabinoids to regulate reproductive function. The present study addresses these paradoxical facts by investigating the effects of the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) on mouse Sertoli cells' survival and apoptosis, with a mechanistic insight into Sertoli cell-based growth factors' production. The Mus musculus Sertoli cell line (TM4) was exposed to different concentrations of 2-AG, and cell viability was evaluated using MTT assay. Growth factors' gene and protein expressions were analyzed through RT-PCR and western blotting. 2-AG concentration dependently increased TM4 viability, with a slight increase starting at 0.0001 µM, a peak of 190% of the control level at 1 µM, and a decrease at 3 µM. Moreover, 2-AG paradoxically altered mRNA expression of caspase-3 and growth factors. Caspase-3 mRNA expression was down-regulated, and growth factors mRNA and protein expression were up-regulated when using a low concentration of 2-AG (1 μM). Opposite effects were observed by a higher concentration of 2-AG (3 μM). These paradoxical effects of 2-AG can be explained through the concept of hormesis. The results indicate the pivotal role of 2-AG in mediating Sertoli cell viability and apoptosis, at least in part, through altering growth factors secretion. Furthermore, they suggest the involvement of endocannabinoids in Sertoli cell-based physiological and pathological conditions and reflect the ability of abnormally elevated 2-AG to mimic the actions of exocannabinoids in reproductive dysfunction.

Enhancing bovine immune, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses with vitamins, rumen-protected amino acids, and trace minerals to prevent periparturient mastitis

Mastitis, the inflammatory condition of mammary glands, has been closely associated with immune suppression and imbalances between antioxidants and free radicals in cattle. During the periparturient period, dairy cows experience negative energy balance (NEB) due to metabolic stress, leading to elevated oxidative stress and compromised immunity. The resulting abnormal regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), along with increased non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) are the key factors associated with suppressed immunity thereby increases susceptibility of dairy cattle to infections, including mastitis. Metabolic diseases such as ketosis and hypocalcemia indirectly contribute to mastitis vulnerability, exacerbated by compromised immune function and exposure to physical injuries. Oxidative stress, arising from disrupted balance between ROS generation and antioxidant availability during pregnancy and calving, further contributes to mastitis susceptibility. Metabolic stress, marked by excessive lipid mobilization, exacerbates immune depression and oxidative stress. These factors collectively compromise animal health, productive efficiency, and udder health during periparturient phases. Numerous studies have investigated nutrition-based strategies to counter these challenges. Specifically, amino acids, trace minerals, and vitamins have emerged as crucial contributors to udder health. This review comprehensively examines their roles in promoting udder health during the periparturient phase. Trace minerals like copper, selenium, and calcium, as well as vitamins; have demonstrated significant impacts on immune regulation and antioxidant defense. Vitamin B12 and vitamin E have shown promise in improving metabolic function and reducing oxidative stress followed by enhanced immunity. Additionally, amino acids play a pivotal role in maintaining cellular oxidative balance through their involvement in vital biosynthesis pathways. In conclusion, addressing periparturient mastitis requires a holistic understanding of the interplay between metabolic stress, immune regulation, and oxidative balance. The supplementation of essential amino acids, trace minerals, and vitamins emerges as a promising avenue to enhance udder health and overall productivity during this critical phase. This comprehensive review underscores the potential of nutritional interventions in mitigating periparturient bovine mastitis and lays the foundation for future research in this domain.

In vitro evaluation of cell viability and expression profile of growth factors in mouse Sertoli cells exposed to Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol: a mechanistic insight into the cannabinoid-induced testicular toxicity

The potentially adverse effects of cannabis (marijuana), a common leisure compound, on male reproductive performance are a reason for concern. δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary active component of marijuana alters testicular cells' proliferation and function which affects male fertility and causes testicular cells dysfunction and apoptosis. The main objective of this study was to investigate the possible mechanism underlying the toxic effects of THC with a mechanistic insight into Sertoli cell-based reproductive dysfunction. The Mus musculus Sertoli cell line (TM4) was cultured and exposed to different concentrations of THC and, MTT (3-(4, 5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay was then performed for evaluating cell viability. The expression of caspase-3 gene and genes related to growth factors were analyzed by real-time RT-PCR. Western blotting was performed for evaluating protein expression level. THC concentration-dependently decreased the TM4 viability with a significant effect starting at concentration of 1 μM and reaching about 75% of the control level at the concentration of 50 μM (IC25). Moreover, caspase-3 mRNA expression levels significantly increased while growth factors mRNA levels decreased in THC-exposed cells compared to unexposed cells. There was also a significant reduction in related protein levels in THC group. Administration of the THC promotes cytotoxic and apoptotic effects on TM4 cells partly through down-regulation of growth factors expression. Increased apoptosis, over expression of caspase-3, and down-regulation of growth factors expression in Sertoli cells exposed to THC may be a reflection of THC-induced testicular toxicity, which may be partly involved in infertility associated with marijuana smoking or medical cannabis use.

Molecular Mechanisms of Selenium Mitigating Lead Toxicity in Chickens via Mitochondrial Pathway: Selenoproteins, Oxidative Stress, HSPs, and Apoptosis

Lead (Pb), a hazardous heavy metal, can damage the health of organisms. However, it is not clear whether Pb can damage chicken cerebellums and thalami. Selenium (Se), an essential nutrient for organisms, has a palliative effect on Pb poisoning in chickens. In our experiment, a model of chickens treated with Pb and Se alone and in combination was established to investigate the molecular mechanism of Se alleviating Pb-caused damage in both chicken cerebellums and thalami. Our morphological results indicated that Pb caused apoptotic lesions, such as mitochondrial and nuclear damage. Further, the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2 decreased; on the contrary, four pro-apoptotic genes (p53, Bax, Cyt c, and Caspase-3) increased under Pb treatment, meaning that Pb caused apoptosis via the p53-Cyt c-Caspase-3 pathway. Furthermore, we further demonstrated that Pb elevated four HSPs (HSP27, HSP40, HSP70, and HSP90), as well as HSP70 took part in the molecular mechanism of Pb-caused apoptosis. In addition, we found that Pb exposure led to oxidative stress via up-regulating the oxidant H2O2 and down-regulating four antioxidants (CAT, SOD, GST, and GPx). Moreover, Pb decreased three Se-containing factors (Txnrd1, Txnrd2, and Txnrd3), further confirming that Pb caused oxidative stress. Interestingly, Se supplementation reversed the above changes caused by Pb and alleviated Pb-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis. A time dependency was demonstrated for Bcl-2, Bax, and Cyt c in the cerebellums, as well as CAT, GPx, and p53 in the thalami of Pb-exposed chickens. HSP70 in cerebellums and HSP27 in thalami were more sensitive than those in thalami and cerebellums, respectively, under Pb exposure. Pb-induced apoptosis of thalami was more severe than cerebellums. In conclusion, after Pb treatment, Txnrds mediated oxidative stress, oxidative stress up-regulated HSPs, and finally, HSP70 triggered apoptosis. Se supplementation antagonized Pb-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway and selenoproteins in chicken cerebellums and thalami. This study provides new information for the mechanism of environmental pollutant poisoning and the detoxification of Se on abiotic stress.

Propylene glycol and Kolliphor as solvents for systemic delivery of cannabinoids via intraperitoneal and subcutaneous routes in preclinical studies: a comparative technical note

BACKGROUND

Substance administration to laboratory animals necessitates careful consideration and planning in order to enhance agent distribution while reducing any harmful effects from the technique. There are numerous methods for administering cannabinoids; however, several parameters must be considered, including delivery frequency, volume of administration, vehicle, and the level of competence required for staff to use these routes properly. There is a scarcity of information about the appropriate delivery method for cannabinoids in animal research, particularly those that need the least amount of animal manipulation during the course of the investigation. This study aims to assess the feasibility and potential side effects of intraperitoneal and subcutaneous injection of CBD and THC using propylene glycol or Kolliphor in animal models. By evaluating the ease of use and histopathological side effects of these solvents, this study intends to help researchers better understand an accessible long-term delivery route of administration in animal experiments while minimizing the potential confounding effects of the delivery method on the animal.

METHODS

Intraperitoneal and subcutaneous methods of systemic cannabis administration were tested in rat models. Subcutaneous delivery via needle injection and continuous osmotic pump release were evaluated using propylene glycol or Kolliphor solvents. In addition, the use of a needle injection and a propylene glycol solvent for intraperitoneal (IP) administration was investigated. Skin histopathological changes were evaluated following a trial of subcutaneous injections of cannabinoids utilizing propylene glycol solvent.

DISCUSSION

Although IP delivery of cannabinoids with propylene glycol as solvent is a viable method and is preferable to oral treatment in order to reduce gastrointestinal tract degradation, it has substantial feasibility limitations. We conclude that subcutaneous delivery utilizing osmotic pumps with Kolliphor as a solvent provides viable and consistent route of administration for long-term systemic cannabinoid delivery in the preclinical context.

Therapeutic targeting of the tumor microenvironments with cannabinoids and their analogs: Update on clinical trials

Cancer is a major global public health concern that affects both industrialized and developing nations. Current cancer chemotherapeutic options are limited by side effects, but plant-derived alternatives and their derivatives offer the possibilities of enhanced treatment response and reduced side effects. A plethora of recently published articles have focused on treatments based on cannabinoids and cannabinoid analogs and reported that they positively affect healthy cell growth and reverse cancer-related abnormalities by targeting aberrant tumor microenvironments (TMEs), lowering tumorigenesis, preventing metastasis, and/or boosting the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Furthermore, TME modulating systems are receiving much interest in the cancer immunotherapy field because it has been shown that TMEs have significant impacts on tumor progression, angiogenesis, invasion, migration, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, metastasis and development of drug resistance. Here, we have reviewed the effective role of cannabinoids, their analogs and cannabinoid nano formulations on the cellular components of TME (endothelial cells, pericytes, fibroblast and immune cells) and how efficiently it retards the progression of carcinogenesis is discussed. The article summarizes the existing research on the molecular mechanisms of cannabinoids regulation of the TME and finally highlights the human studies on cannabinoids' active interventional clinical trials. The conclusion outlines the need for future research involving clinical trials of cannabinoids to demonstrate their efficacy and activity as a treatment/prevention for various types of human malignancies.

Cannabinoids orchestrate cross-talk between cancer cells and endothelial cells in colorectal cancer

Medical marijuana has been approved by the FDA for treating chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. However, less is known about its direct effects on tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment. In this study, RNA-sequencing datasets in the NCBI GEO repository were first analyzed; upregulation of cannabinoid receptors was observed in both primary and metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) tumor tissues. An increase of cannabinoid receptors was also found in patients with CRC, azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium-induced CRC and CRC metastatic mouse models. Δ⁹-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ⁹-THC)-induced tumor progression in both primary and metastatic mouse models and also increased angiogenesis. A human growth factor antibody array indicated that Δ⁹-THC promoted the secretion of angiogenic growth factors in CRC, leading to the induction of tube formation and migration in human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived vascular endothelial cells. The nuclear translocation of STAT1 played important roles in Δ⁹-THC-induced angiogenesis and tumor progression. Pharmacological treatment with STAT1 antagonist or abrogation of STAT1 with CRISPR/Cas9-based strategy rescued those effects of Δ⁹-THC in CRC. This study demonstrates that marijuana might increase the risk of CRC progression and that inhibition of STAT1 is a potential strategy for attenuating these side effects.

Role of Selenium and Vitamins E and B9 in the Alleviation of Bovine Mastitis during the Periparturient Period

Mastitis (inflammation of the mammary gland) commonly occurs in dairy cattle during the periparturient period (transition period), in which dairy cattle experience physiological and hormonal changes and severe negative energy balance, followed by oxidative stress. To maintain successful lactation and combat negative energy balance (NEB), excessive fat mobilization occurs, leading to overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Excessive fat mobilization also increases the concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) and β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHB) during the periparturient period. In addition, the excessive utilization of oxygen by cellular respiration in the mammary causes abnormal production of oxidative stress (OS). OS impairs the immunity and anti-inflammatory efficiency of periparturient dairy cattle, increasing their susceptibility to mastitis. To alleviate oxidative stress and subsequent mastitis, antioxidants are supplemented to dairy cattle from an external source. Extensive studies have been conducted on the supplementation of selenium (Se) and vitamins E and B9 to mitigate mastitis during the transition period in dairy cattle. Altogether, in the current review, we discuss the research development on bovine mastitis and its major causes, with special emphasis on oxidative stress during the transition period. Moreover, we discuss the antioxidant, immunoregulatory, and anti-inflammatory properties of Se and vitamins E and B9 and their role in the control of bovine mastitis in periparturient dairy cattle.

The Antioxidant Properties of Selenium and Vitamin E; Their Role in Periparturient Dairy Cattle Health Regulation

Dairy cattle experience health risks during the periparturient period. The continuous overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during the transition from late gestation to peak lactation leads to the development of oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is usually considered the main contributor to several diseases such as retained placenta, fatty liver, ketosis, mastitis and metritis in periparturient dairy cattle. The oxidative stress is generally balanced by the naturally available antioxidant system in the body of dairy cattle. However, in some special conditions, such as the peripariparturient period, the natural antioxidant system of a body is not able to balance the ROS production. To cope with this situation, the antioxidants are supplied to the dairy cattle from external sources. Natural antioxidants such as selenium and vitamin E have been found to restore normal health by minimizing the harmful effects of excessive ROS production. The deficiencies of Se and vitamin E have been reported to be associated with various diseases in periparturient dairy cattle. Thus in the current review, we highlight the new insights into the Se and vitamin E supplementation as antioxidant agents in the health regulation of periparturient dairy cattle.

The protective effect of zinc on morphine-induced testicular toxicity via p53 and Akt pathways: An in vitro and in vivo approach

BACKGROUND

Chronic use of morphine is associated with reproductive complications, such as hypogonadism and infertility. While the side effects of morphine have been extensively studied in the testis, much less is known regarding the effects of morphine on Sertoli cells and the effects of zinc on morphine-induced testicular injury as well as their underlying mechanisms. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of morphine (alone and co-administered with zinc) on cell viability and apoptosis of the testicular (Sertoli) cells as well as the tumor suppressor p53 and phosphorylated-protein kinase B (p-Akt) protein levels in both in vitro and in vivo models.

METHODS

Cultured Sertoli cells were exposed to morphine (23 μM), zinc (8 μM), and zinc prior to morphine and their effects on Sertoli cell viability and apoptosis were investigated. Morphine (3 mg/kg) and zinc (5 mg/kg, 1 h before morphine) were also injected intraperitoneally to rats and then the apoptotic changes in the testis were evaluated.

RESULTS

Cell viability and p-Akt protein levels decreased in morphine-treated cells, while apoptosis and p53 protein expression increased in these cells. Pretreatment with zinc recovered morphine-induced apoptotic effects, as well as over-expression of p53 and down-regulation of p-Akt. These findings were supported by a subsequent animal study.

CONCLUSION

The present data indicated the protective effect of zinc against morphine-induced testicular (Sertoli) cell toxicity via p53/Akt pathways in both in vivo and in vitro models and suggested the clinical importance of zinc on infertility among chronic opioid users and addicted men.