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Sv R, B C, Basavaiah S. Assessment of sodium nitrate (NaNO 3) effects on the reproductive system, liver, pancreas and kidney of male rats. Toxicol Ind Health 2022; 38:702-711. [PMID: 36048174 DOI: 10.1177/07482337221122483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Nitrate (NO3) toxicity is a serious global issue that results in impairment of physiological systems of our body. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of different concentration of NaNO3 (10, 100, 500 and 1000 mg/kg bw) on the male reproductive system, liver, kidney and pancreas. Adult male Wistar rats were divided into five groups of five animals each (n = 5). The first group served as controls. The second, third, fourth and fifth groups of rat were orally intubated with 10, 100, 500 and 1000 mg/kg bw of NaNO3 for 52 days. After the treatment period, the rats were sacrificed and NO3 induced alterations on selected organs were assessed. There was a dose dependent decrease in sperm motility, serum concentration of testosterone, body weight and organ weight, and increase in abnormal sperm morphology in the NaNO3 treated groups compared with the controls. Further, histological analysis confirmed that NO3 induced toxicity. Shrunken seminiferous tubules and loss of spermatids in testes, shrinkage of acinar cells of the pancreas, sinusoidal congestion and necrosis in the liver, atrophy of glomeruli and congestion of renal tubules of the kidney were the histological alterations observed in rats treated with100 and 500 mg/kg NaNO3. However, 100% mortality was observed in rats treated with 1000 mg/kg NaNO3. The present study clearly demonstrated the toxic effects of NaNO3 on both the reproductive system and other organs of the body. The study might inform human studies; where in the chances of male infertility may be more a problem for individuals in areas with NO3-rich ground water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajini Sv
- Department of studies in Zoology, Manasagangotri, 29243University of Mysore, Mysore, India
| | - Chaithra B
- Department of Zoology, Vijaya College, Bangalore, India
| | - Shiva Basavaiah
- Department of studies in Zoology, 29243Manasagangotri University of Mysore, Mysore, India
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Ebdrup NH, Knudsen UB, Schullehner J, Arendt LH, Liew Z, Lyngsø J, Bay B, Clemmensen PJ, Sigsgaard T, Hansen B, Ramlau-Hansen CH. Nitrate in Drinking Water and Time to Pregnancy or Medically Assisted Reproduction in Women and Men: A Nationwide Cohort Study in the Danish National Birth Cohort. Clin Epidemiol 2022; 14:475-487. [PMID: 35444467 PMCID: PMC9014114 DOI: 10.2147/clep.s354926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose No studies have investigated if drinking water nitrate affects human fecundity. Experimental studies point at detrimental effects on fetal development and on female and male reproduction. This cohort study aimed to explore if female and male preconception and long-term exposure to nitrate in drinking water was associated with fecundability measured as time to pregnancy (TTP) or use of medically assisted reproduction (MAR) treatment. Methods The study population consisted of pregnant women recruited in their first trimester in 1996–2002 to the Danish National Birth Cohort. Preconception drinking-water nitrate exposure was estimated for the pregnant women (89,109 pregnancies), and long-term drinking water nitrate exposure was estimated from adolescence to conception for the pregnant women (77,474 pregnancies) and their male partners (62,000 pregnancies) by linkage to the national drinking water quality-monitoring database Jupiter. Difference in risk of TTP >12 months or use of MAR treatment between five exposure categories and log-transformed continuous models of preconception and long-term nitrate in drinking water were estimated. Binominal regression models for risk ratios (RR) were adjusted for age, occupation, education, population density, and lifestyle factors. Results Nitrate in drinking water (median preconception exposure: 1.9 mg/L; median long-term exposure: 3.3 mg/L) was not associated with TTP >12 months or use of MAR treatment, neither in the categorical nor in the continuous models. Conclusion We found no association between preconception or long-term exposure to drinking water nitrate and fecundability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ninna Hinchely Ebdrup
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Horsens Regional Hospital, Horsens, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Correspondence: Ninna Hinchely Ebdrup, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Horsens Regional Hospital, Regionshospitalet Horsens, Sundvej 30, Horsens, 8700, Denmark, Tel +4528472111, Email
| | - Ulla Breth Knudsen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Horsens Regional Hospital, Horsens, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jörg Schullehner
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Linn Håkonsen Arendt
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Zeyan Liew
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale Center for Perinatal, Pediatric, and Environmental Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Julie Lyngsø
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Bjørn Bay
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Horsens Regional Hospital, Horsens, Denmark
- Maigaard Fertility Clinic, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Torben Sigsgaard
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Centre for Integrated Register-based Research at Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Danish Big Data Centre for Environment and Health (BERTHA), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Association between Drinking Water Nitrate and Adverse Reproductive Outcomes: A Systematic PRISMA Review. WATER 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/w12082287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
One in six couples experience fertility problems. Environmental factors may affect reproductive health; however, evidence is lacking regarding drinking water nitrates and outcomes of male and female fertility. The aim of this study was to investigate if exposure to nitrates in drinking water is associated with adverse reproductive outcomes in humans, and animals of fertile age. We conducted a systematic literature search and included case-control studies, cohort studies, and randomized control trials reporting on the association between drinking water nitrate exposure of men, women, or animals and adverse reproductive outcomes, specified as: Semen quality parameters, time to pregnancy (TTP), pregnancy rates, assisted reproductive technologies (ART), and spontaneous abortion. Findings were reported in a narrative synthesis. A total of 12 studies were included. The only human study included reported a decrease in spontaneous abortion at any detectable nitrate level. Overall, the 11 included animal studies support a potential negative effect on semen quality parameters but report equivocal results on TTP and number of offspring produced, and higher risk of spontaneous abortion. In conclusion, animal studies indicate possible effects on semen quality parameters and spontaneous abortion. However, with a few studies, including some with methodological limitations and small sample sizes, caution must be applied when interpreting these results.
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Benefit-risk analysis for foods (BRAFO): Evaluation of exposure to dietary nitrates. Food Chem Toxicol 2018; 120:709-723. [PMID: 30134152 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2018.08.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Revised: 07/29/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Dietary nitrate has been associated with health benefits as well as potential risks, thus presenting a paradox for consumers and health professionals. To address the issue, we applied the Benefit-Risk Analysis for Foods (BRAFO) framework to evaluate dietary exposure to nitrate by considering how the risks and benefits might vary under the reference scenario of the acceptable daily intake (ADI) set forth by JECFA (3.7 mg/kg-day), or under an alternative scenario of a higher ADI (independently developed herein). Results demonstrated that risk, as conservatively characterized by various toxicological benchmarks, was present at levels ranging from the current ADI value of 3.7 mg/kg-day (lowest end of the range) to >15 mg/kg-day. When these ADI values, both established by regulatory bodies as well as independently herein were compared to intakes associated with benefits (decreased blood pressure observed following repeated exposure to nitrates ∼4-18 mg/kg-day), along with considerations of current dietary exposures associated with healthy diets, the alternative scenario allowed for benefits without incurring additional risk. For consumers aged 12 weeks and older, ADI values ∼12-17 mg/kg-day-based on more reliable data than used to derive the current ADI-allow benefits to be realized while still protecting public health. The assessment serves as a case study in how benefits can be considered in a risk assessment paradigm for foods, thus providing useful information to decision makers.
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Manassaram DM, Backer LC, Moll DM. A review of nitrates in drinking water: maternal exposure and adverse reproductive and developmental outcomes. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2006; 114:320-7. [PMID: 16507452 PMCID: PMC1392223 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.8407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2005] [Accepted: 11/03/2005] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
In this review we present an update on maternal exposure to nitrates in drinking water in relation to possible adverse reproductive and developmental effects, and also discuss nitrates in drinking water in the United States. The current standard for nitrates in drinking water is based on retrospective studies and approximates a level that protects infants from methemoglobinemia, but no safety factor is built into the standard. The current standard applies only to public water systems. Drinking water source was related to nitrate exposure (i.e., private systems water was more likely than community system water to have nitrate levels above the maximum contaminant limit). Animal studies have found adverse reproductive effects resulting from higher doses of nitrate or nitrite. The epidemiologic evidence of a direct exposure-response relationship between drinking water nitrate level and adverse reproductive effect is still not clear. However, some reports have suggested an association between exposure to nitrates in drinking water and spontaneous abortions, intrauterine growth restriction, and various birth defects. Uncertainties in epidemiologic studies include the lack of individual exposure assessment that would rule out confounding of the exposure with some other cause. Nitrates may be just one of the contaminants in drinking water contributing to adverse outcomes. We conclude that the current literature does not provide sufficient evidence of a causal relationship between exposure to nitrates in drinking water and adverse reproductive effects. Future studies incorporating individual exposure assessment about users of private wells--the population most at risk--should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deana M Manassaram
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Environmental Health, Health Studies Branch, Atlanta, Georgia 30341, USA.
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Gangolli SD, van den Brandt PA, Feron VJ, Janzowsky C, Koeman JH, Speijers GJ, Spiegelhalder B, Walker R, Wisnok JS. Nitrate, nitrite and N-nitroso compounds. Eur J Pharmacol 1994; 292:1-38. [PMID: 7867685 DOI: 10.1016/0926-6917(94)90022-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
A risk assessment has been made on nitrate, nitrite and N-nitroso compounds encountered in the human diet. Vegetables constitute a major source of nitrate providing over 85% of the average daily human dietary intake. Nitrite and N-nitroso compounds present in the diet contribute relatively small amounts to the body burden and the major source of these biologically reactive compounds is derived from the bacterial and mammalian metabolism of ingested nitrate. Additionally, endogenous synthesis provides an important source contributing to the body burden of nitrate. Data from animal toxicological studies, human effects and epidemiological surveys have been reviewed and evaluated. It is concluded that there is no firm scientific evidence at present to recommend drastic reductions beyond the average levels of nitrate encountered in vegetables grown in keeping with good agricultural practice. Recommendations have also been made for further animal and human studies to be carried out to elucidate the potential risks to man from ingested nitrate.
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Walker R. Nitrates, nitrites and N-nitrosocompounds: a review of the occurrence in food and diet and the toxicological implications. FOOD ADDITIVES AND CONTAMINANTS 1990; 7:717-68. [PMID: 2079111 DOI: 10.1080/02652039009373938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 274] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Data on occurrence of nitrate, nitrite and N-nitrosocompounds in food and drinking water, and on total dietary intakes are reviewed. Metabolic, toxicological and epidemiological studies are surveyed and the implications with respect to safety evaluation are addressed. It is concluded that, on the basis of recent long-term animal studies and of clinical experience in man, the current Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) allocated to nitrate by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives of 0-5 mg/kg body weight/day (expressed as sodium nitrate) might be increased to 0-25 mg/kg body weight/day. Based on similar criteria, the ADI for nitrite would be 0-0.1 mg/kg body weight/day (expressed as sodium nitrite). In view of the known carcinogenicity of N-nitrosocompounds, exposure to these compounds in food should be minimized by appropriate technological means, such as lowering the nitrite concentration in preserved foods to the minimum required to ensure microbiological safety and use of inhibitors of nitrosation like alpha-tocopherol or ascorbic acid. Further work is needed to define the minimal levels of nitrite in foods needed to inhibit outgrowth of Clostridium botulinum and toxin production.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Walker
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
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Shimada T. Lack of teratogenic and mutagenic effects of nitrite on mouse fetuses. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 1989; 44:59-63. [PMID: 2916857 DOI: 10.1080/00039896.1989.9935874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
To assess embryotoxic effects of sodium nitrite, pregnant ICR mice were given drinking water containing sodium nitrite at a concentration of either 100 or 1000 mg/L on days 7-18 of gestation. There were no significant differences between treated and control groups in measures of developmental toxicity, e.g., litter size, fetal weight, and number of resorbed or dead fetuses. The incidences of external and skeletal malformations in fetuses of treated groups were not significantly different from those in the controls. No significant increase was observed in the frequency of gaps and breaks of liver cell chromosomes in fetuses exposed in utero to sodium nitrite. Teratogenic and mutagenic effects of sodium nitrite were absent in mice at the doses used.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Shimada
- Department of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, Yamagata University School of Medicine, Japan
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Fan AM, Willhite CC, Book SA. Evaluation of the nitrate drinking water standard with reference to infant methemoglobinemia and potential reproductive toxicity. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 1987; 7:135-48. [PMID: 3303167 DOI: 10.1016/0273-2300(87)90024-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
In view of published results of epidemiologic studies which suggested an association between nitrate in drinking water and human malformations, an assessment of the toxicology of nitrates and nitrites in relation to possible adverse effects on reproduction and development was performed. The current water standard for nitrate is based on protection from methemoglobinemia. A review of the animal data failed to provide evidence for teratogenic effects attributable to nitrate or nitrite ingestion. Adverse reproductive effects reported occurred at doses that were about one thousand times and higher than the estimated human intake. Neither nitrate nor nitrite in experimental animals concentrated in the mammary gland or milk. The present assessment concludes that the maximum contaminant level of 45 ppm nitrate ion, or 10 ppm nitrate-nitrogen, adequately protects the very young from nitrate-induced toxicity, both pre- and postnatally.
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