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Peng HX, Chai F, Chen KH, Huang YX, Wei GJ, Yuan H, Pang YF, Luo SH, Wang CF, Chen WC. Reactive Oxygen Species-Mediated Mitophagy and Cell Apoptosis are Involved in the Toxicity of Aluminum Chloride Exposure in GC-2spd. Biol Trace Elem Res 2024; 202:2616-2629. [PMID: 37715092 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-023-03848-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Aluminum chloride is an inorganic polymeric coagulant commonly found in daily life and various materials. Although male reproductive toxicity has been associated with AlCl3 exposure, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the impact of AlCl3 exposure on mitophagy and mitochondrial apoptosis in testicular tissue and mouse spermatocytes. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ATP levels were measured in GC-2spd after AlCl3 exposure using a multifunctional enzyme labeler. The changes in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and TUNEL were observed through confocal laser microscopy, and the expression of proteins associated with mitophagy and apoptosis was analyzed using Western blot. Our results demonstrated that AlCl3 exposure disrupted mitophagy and increased apoptosis-related protein expression in testicular tissues. In the in vitro experiments, AlCl3 exposure induced ROS production, suppressed cell viability and ATP production, and caused a decrease in MMP, leading to mitophagy and cell apoptosis in GC-2spd cells. Intervention with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) reduced ROS production and partially restored mitochondrial function, thereby reversing the resulting mitophagy and cell apoptosis. Our findings provide evidence that ROS-mediated mitophagy and cell apoptosis play a crucial role in the toxicity of AlCl3 exposure in GC-2spd. These results contribute to the understanding of male reproductive toxicity caused by AlCl3 exposure and offer a foundation for future research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui- Xin Peng
- The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, Guangxi, China
- Graduate School of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, Guangxi, China
| | - Fu Chai
- The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, Guangxi, China
- Graduate School of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, Guangxi, China
| | - Ke-Heng Chen
- The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, Guangxi, China
- Graduate School of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, Guangxi, China
| | - Yan-Xin Huang
- The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, Guangxi, China
- Graduate School of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, Guangxi, China
| | - Guang-Ji Wei
- The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, Guangxi, China
- Graduate School of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, Guangxi, China
| | - Huixiong Yuan
- The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, Guangxi, China
- Graduate School of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, Guangxi, China
| | - Yan-Fang Pang
- The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, Guangxi, China
- Graduate School of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, Guangxi, China
| | - Shi-Hua Luo
- The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, Guangxi, China.
- Graduate School of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, Guangxi, China.
| | - Chun-Fang Wang
- The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, Guangxi, China.
- Graduate School of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, Guangxi, China.
| | - Wen-Cheng Chen
- The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, Guangxi, China.
- Graduate School of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, Guangxi, China.
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Abedini Bajgiran F, Khazaei Koohpar Z, Salehzadeh A. Effects of N-Acetylcysteine Supplementation on Oxidative Stress and Expression of Apoptosis-Related Genes in Testicular Tissue of Rats Exposed to Lead. Biol Trace Elem Res 2023; 201:2407-2415. [PMID: 35761113 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-022-03325-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lead occupational exposure is now a main concern in the modern world. Lead is a non-biodegradable element with multi-devastating effects on different organs. Acute or chronic exposure to lead is reported to be one of the most important causes of infertility both in males and females basically by inducing oxidative stress and apoptosis. OBJECTIVES The current study scrutinized the mitigating effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on lead toxicity, oxidative stress, and apoptotic/anti-apoptotic genes in the testis tissues of male rats. METHODS Rats were randomly divided into a control group (G1) and four study groups treated with single and continuous doses of lead with and without NAC administration. Malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were analyzed as oxidative stress biomarkers and the expression of apoptosis-related genes was studied using RT-PCR. RESULTS Continuous exposure to lead caused a significant decrease in sperm count, motility, viability, and morphology (P < 0.001). Number of germinal cells, Leydig cells, spermatocytes, and the diameter of seminiferous tubule were significantly decreased (P < 0.001) in G3 group. Continuous exposure to lead significantly decreased TAC content, but increased the levels of MDA and 8-OHdG (P < 0.001). Administration of continuous dose of lead dramatically increased expression of Bax, Caspase-3, Caspase-8, Cytochrome-C, MMP2, and MMP9 genes in testicular tissue. NAC treatments not only improved morphological changes and sperm quality, but also enhanced antioxidant balance and modulated apoptosis process in testicular tissue of rats. CONCLUSION Lead exposure strongly motivated testicular cells towards apoptosis, caused an oxidant/antioxidant imbalance, and decreased sperm quality along with morphological changes in testis cells. NAC treatments was associated with protective effects on testicular tissue mainly by rebalancing of the antioxidants capacity, as well as downregulation of apoptosis-related genes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zeinab Khazaei Koohpar
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tonekabon Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon, Iran.
| | - Ali Salehzadeh
- Department of Biology, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran
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The mechanism of the cadmium-induced toxicity and cellular response in the liver. Toxicology 2022; 480:153339. [PMID: 36167199 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2022.153339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium is a toxic element to which man can be exposed at work or in the environment. Cd's most salient toxicological property is its exceptionally long half-life in the human body. Once absorbed, Cd accumulates in the human body, particularly in the liver. The cellular actions of Cd are extensively documented, but the molecular mechanisms underlying these actions are still not resolved. The liver manages the cadmium to eliminate it by a diverse mechanism of action. Still, many cellular and physiological responses are executed in the task, leading to worse liver damage, ranging from steatosis, steatohepatitis, and eventually hepatocellular carcinoma. The progression of cadmium-induced liver damage is complex, and it is well-known the cellular response that depends on the time in which the metal is present, ranging from oxidative stress, apoptosis, adipogenesis, and failures in autophagy. In the present work, we aim to present a review of the current knowledge of cadmium toxicity and the cellular response in the liver.
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Wang J, Ding L, Wang K, Huang R, Yu W, Yan B, Wang H, Zhang C, Yang Z, Liu Z. Role of endoplasmic reticulum stress in cadmium-induced hepatocyte apoptosis and the protective effect of quercetin. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 241:113772. [PMID: 35714484 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113772] [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: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most toxic environmental pollutants. Quercetin (Que) is a kind of natural flavonoid with neuroprotective, antioxidant, and free-radical scavenging pharmacological activities. However, whether Que has the protective effect of on Cd-induced rat hepatocyte injury is unclear. This study aimed to determine the protective effect of Que on Cd-induced hepatotoxicity in vivo and in vitro. For in vivo, 36 4-week-old male SD rats were randomly divided into six groups and were treated with CdCl2 (2 mg/kg b.w.) and/or Que (50 or 100 mg/kg b.w.). Four weeks later, the rats were sacrificed and livers were collected. The levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, glutathione, malondialdehyde, catalase, and superoxide dismutase were measured. Liver histopathological sections were made, and TUNEL method was performed to detect cell apoptosis. The mRNA and protein expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) signaling pathway-related factors and apoptosis-related factors were detected. For in vitro, BRL-3A rat cells were treated with CdCl2 (12.5 μM) and/or Que (5 μM Que). The mRNA and protein expression levels of ERS signaling pathway-related factors and apoptosis-related factors were detected. Results showed that Cd led to liver injury, disorder of hepatocyte morphology and structure, decreased BRL-3A cells viabilities, increased oxidative damage. The mRNA and protein expression levels of ERS related factors GRP78, PERK, eIF2α, ATF4, CHOP, IRE1α, XBP1, and ATF6 increased. The mRNA and protein levels of apoptosis related factors Caspase12, Caspase3, and Bax increased, whereas Bcl2 decreased. It indicated that cadmium could activate PERK-eIF2α-ATF4-CHOP, IRE1α-XBP1, and ATF6-CHOP ERS-related signal pathways and lead to apoptosis. Moreover, Que can improve the vitality of hepatocytes, and effectively reduce hepatocytes damage, and reduce oxidative damage by Cd. As a result, the mRNA and protein expression levels of ERS related factors were reduced and hepatocyte apoptosis related factors decreased. Therefore, Que can be used as an effective component in daily diet to prevent Cd toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jicang Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, No.263, Kaiyuan Avenue, 471023, Luoyang, PR China.
| | - Lulu Ding
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, No.263, Kaiyuan Avenue, 471023, Luoyang, PR China
| | - Ke Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, No.263, Kaiyuan Avenue, 471023, Luoyang, PR China
| | - Ruxue Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, No.263, Kaiyuan Avenue, 471023, Luoyang, PR China
| | - Wenjing Yu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, No.263, Kaiyuan Avenue, 471023, Luoyang, PR China
| | - Bingzhao Yan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, No.263, Kaiyuan Avenue, 471023, Luoyang, PR China
| | - Hongwei Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, No.263, Kaiyuan Avenue, 471023, Luoyang, PR China
| | - Cai Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, No.263, Kaiyuan Avenue, 471023, Luoyang, PR China
| | - Zijun Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, No.263, Kaiyuan Avenue, 471023, Luoyang, PR China
| | - Zongping Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, No.12, East Wenhui Road, 225009, Yangzhou, PR China
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Azarmehr Z, Ranji N, Khazaei Koohpar Z, Habibollahi H. The effect of N-Acetyl cysteine on the expression of Fxr (Nr1h4), LXRα (Nr1h3) and Sirt1 genes, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in the liver of rats exposed to different doses of cadmium. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:2533-2542. [PMID: 33772418 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06300-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to consider the expression of farnesoid X receptor (Fxr), liver X receptor (LXRα) and sirtuin 1 (Sirt1), oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and the protective role of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in the liver of rats treated with cadmium (Cd). 30 Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups: G1 (control), G2 (single dose of Cd), G3 (continuous dose of Cd), G4 (single dose of Cd + continuous dose of NAC), and G5 (continuous dose of Cd + continuous dose of NAC). The apoptosis of hepatic cells was measured using the TUNEL assay. Levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), IL-10, TNF-α, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured by specific kits. The expression of Fxr, LXRα, and Sirt1 genes and ratio of Bax/Bcl2 was considered using RT-PCR. While NAC treatment improved TAC and IL-10 values, it decreased MDA and TNF-α levels in the liver of rats exposed to Cd (P < 0.001). NAC decreased Bax/Bcl2 in the liver of G4 and G5 groups (P < 0.001). Exposure to a continuous dose of Cd decreased Fxr, LXRα, and Sirt1 expression by 36.65- (P < 0.001), 12.52- (P < 0.001) and 11.34-fold (P < 0.001) compared to control, respectively. NAC increased Fxr, LXRα, and Sirt1 expression (P < 0.01) and decreased Cd concentrations in both serum and tissue samples in G4 and G5 groups. Our results suggested that NAC protects liver tissue against Cd toxicity by elevating antioxidant capacity, mitigating oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis and up-regulation of FXR, LXR, and SIRT1 genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Azarmehr
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, P.O. Box, 3516-41335, Rasht, Iran
| | - Najmeh Ranji
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, P.O. Box, 3516-41335, Rasht, Iran.
| | - Zeinab Khazaei Koohpar
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tonekabon Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon, Iran
| | - Hadi Habibollahi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, P.O. Box, 3516-41335, Rasht, Iran
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