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Ibrahim MIA, Lensink AV, Phaswane RM, Botha CJ. Structural gonadal lesions observed in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) following exposure during puberty to the neonicotinoid pesticide, imidacloprid. Tissue Cell 2024; 89:102450. [PMID: 38941762 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2024.102450] [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: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Exposure to the neonicotinoid insecticide, imidacloprid (IMI), causes reproductive toxicity in mammals and reptiles. However, reports on the effects of IMI on the gonads in birds are grossly lacking. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of pubertal exposure to IMI on the histology, ultrastructure, as well as the cytoskeletal proteins, desmin, smooth muscle actin and vimentin, of the gonads of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Quails were randomly divided into four groups at 5 weeks of age. The control group was given only distilled water, whereas, the other three experimental groups, IMI was administered by oral gavage at 1.55, 3.1, and 6.2 mg/kg, twice per week for 4 weeks. Exposure to IMI doses of 3.1 and 6.2 mg/kg caused dose-dependent histopathological changes in the ovary and testis. In the ovary, accumulation of lymphocytes, degenerative changes, and necrosis with granulocyte infiltrations were observed, while in the testis, distorted seminiferous tubules, germ cell sloughing, vacuolisations, apoptotic bodies, autophagosomes, and mitochondrial damage were detected. These changes were accompanied by a decreased number of primary follicles (P ≤ 0.05) in the ovary and a decrease (P ≤ 0.05) in the epithelial height, luminal, and tubular diameters of seminiferous tubules at the two higher dosages. In addition, IMI had a negative effect on the immunostaining intensity of desmin, smooth muscle actin, and vimentin in the ovarian and testicular tissue. In conclusion, exposure to IMI during puberty can lead to a range of histopathological alterations in the gonads of Japanese quails, which may ultimately result in infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed I A Ibrahim
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa.
| | - Antoinette V Lensink
- Electron Microscope Unit, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa
| | - Rephima M Phaswane
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa
| | - Christo J Botha
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa
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McKechnie AE, Freeman MT, Kemp R, Wolter K, Naidoo V. Effects of lead on avian thermoregulation in the heat: An experimental test with pied crows (Corvus albus). ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 110:104519. [PMID: 39059727 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2024.104519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 07/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Many of the negative physiological effects of lead involve the hypothalamus, but the possibility that thermoregulation is affected has received little attention. We tested the hypothesis that lead exposure reduces avian thermoregulatory performance under hot conditions in pied crows (Corvus albus) experimentally exposed to lead in their diet. Crows in our high lead treatment (blood [Pb] = 87.3 ± 44.7 μg dL-1) showed significantly higher air temperature (Tair) inflections for evaporative water loss (EWL) and resting metabolic rate (RMR) compared to control (6.4 ± 1.8 μg dL-1) or intermediate (53.9 ± 23.7 μg dL-1) lead groups, which did not differ. EWL, RMR and body temperature (Tb) all increased more rapidly at Tair > Tb in the high lead treatment. In contrast, neither maximum Tair tolerated by the crows nor maximum Tb varied with treatment. Our data reveal that water and energy balance during hot weather is affected by lead exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew E McKechnie
- South African Research Chair in Conservation Physiology, South African National Biodiversity Institute, South Africa; DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence at the FitzPatrick Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, South Africa.
| | - Marc T Freeman
- South African Research Chair in Conservation Physiology, South African National Biodiversity Institute, South Africa; DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence at the FitzPatrick Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Ryno Kemp
- Vulture Programme (VulPro), Plot 121, Rietfontein 0216, South Africa
| | - Kerri Wolter
- Vulture Programme (VulPro), Plot 121, Rietfontein 0216, South Africa
| | - Vinny Naidoo
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa
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Ali W, Chen Y, Shah MG, Buriro RS, Sun J, Liu Z, Zou H. Ferroptosis: First evidence in premature duck ovary induced by polyvinyl chloride microplastics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 933:173032. [PMID: 38734099 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173032] [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: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Ferroptosis is frequently observed in fibrosis and diseases related to iron metabolism disorders in various mammalian organs. However, research regarding the damage mechanism of ferroptosis in the female reproductive system of avian species remains unclear. In this study, Muscovy female ducks were divided into three groups which were given purified water, 1 mg/L polyvinyl chloride microplastics (PVC-MPs) and 10 mg/L PVC-MPs for two months respectively, to investigate the ferroptosis induced by PVC-MPs caused ovarian tissue fibrosis that lead to premature ovarian failure. The results showed that the high accumulation of PVC-MPs in ovarian tissue affected the morphology and functional activity of ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) and subsequently caused the follicular development disorders and down-regulated the immunosignaling of ovarian steroidogenesis proteins 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD), 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD), CYP11A1 cytochrome (P450-11A1) and CYP17A1 cytochrome (P450-17A1) suggested impaired ovarian function. In addition, PVC-MPs significantly up-regulated positive expression of collagen fibers, significantly increased lipid peroxidation and malondialdehyde (MDA) level, along with encouraged overload of iron contents in the ovarian tissue were the characteristics of ferroptosis. Further, immunohistochemistry results confirmed that immunosignaling of ferroptosis related proteins Acyl-CoA synthetase (ACSL4), Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) and ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1) were significantly increased, but solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX4) were decreased by PVC-MPs in the ovarian tissue. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that PVC-MPs induced ferroptosis in the ovarian GCs, leading to follicle development disorders and ovarian tissue fibrosis, and ultimately contributing to various female reproductive disorders through regulating the proteins expression of ferroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waseem Ali
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Yan Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Muhammad Ghiasuddin Shah
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Rehana Shahnawaz Buriro
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Jian Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Zongping Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China.
| | - Hui Zou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China.
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Zhang Y, Pei X, Jing L, Zhang Q, Zhao H. Lead induced cerebellar toxicology of developmental Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) via oxidative stress-based Nrf2/Keap1 pathway inhibition and glutathione-mediated apoptosis signaling activation. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 352:124114. [PMID: 38718965 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124114] [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: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) is a heavy metal that has been recognized as a neurotoxin, meaning it can cause harmful effects on the nervous system. However, the neurotoxicology of Pb to birds still needs further study. In this study, we examined the neurotoxic effects of Pb exposure on avian cerebellum by using an animal model-Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). The one-week old male chicks were exposed to 50, 200 and 500 mg/kg Pb of environmental relevance in the feed for five weeks. The results showed Pb caused cerebellar microstructural damages charactered by deformation of neuroglia cells, granule cells and Purkinje cells with Nissl body changes. Moreover, cerebellar neurotransmission was disturbed by Pb with increasing acetylcholine (ACh) and decreasing acetylcholinesterase (AChE), dopamine (DA), γ-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) and Na+/K+ ATPase. Meanwhile, cerebellar oxidative stress was caused by Pb exposure represented by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) as well as decreasing catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Moreover, RNA-Seq analysis showed that molecular signaling pathways in the cerebellum were disrupted by Pb exposure. In particular, the disruption of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nfr2)/kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) pathway and glutathione metabolism pathway indicated increasing cell apoptosis and functional disorder in the cerebellum. The present study revealed that Pb induced cerebellar toxicology through structural injury, oxidative stress, neurotransmission interference and abnormal apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, China
| | - Xiaoqing Pei
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, China
| | - Lingyang Jing
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, China
| | - Qingyu Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, China
| | - Hongfeng Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, China.
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Ali W, Khatyan U, Sun J, Alasmari A, Alshahrani MY, Qazi IH, Wang T, Liu Z, Zou H. Mitigating effect of pomegranate peel extract against the furan induced testicular injury by apoptosis, steroidogenic enzymes and oxidative stress. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 358:142086. [PMID: 38670510 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142086] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Furan is generated in a wide array of heat-treated foods through thermal degradation, leading to severe impairments in the male reproductive system. The main objective of this study was to investigate the potential of pomegranate peel extract (PGPE) in mitigating testicular dysfunctions induced by furan. Male rats were categorized into four groups: control/untreated, PGPE, furan, and PGPE + furan group. The study results revealed that furan-treated rats exhibited significantly elevated aminotransferase and phosphatase activity, and also generated increased oxidative stress, and reduced antioxidative stress protein activity. Additionally, protein content levels (ALT, AST, ALP, and ACP) and activities of steroidogenic Leydig cell hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD and 17β-HSD) enzymes were significantly decreased. Significant variations in testicular parameters, apoptotic genes (Bcl-2, P53, and Caspase3), inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL1β, IL10), male sex hormones follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, and sperm quality were also observed. Furthermore, testicular histological abnormalities were confirmed by biochemical and molecular modifications. Notably, PGPE pre-treated furan-intoxicated animals exhibited significant improvements in most of the assessed parameters compared to furan-treated groups. In conclusion, PGPE presents essential preventive measures and a novel pharmacological potential therapy against furan-induced testicular injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waseem Ali
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China; Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Pakistan
| | - Uzma Khatyan
- Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Pakistan
| | - Jian Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | | | - Mohammad Y Alshahrani
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Tao Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Zongping Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China.
| | - Hui Zou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China.
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6
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Chen Y, Zheng X, Zhou R, Zhang H, Liu Y, Hu X, Yin Z. Mechanism of Apoptosis in Porcine Ovarian Granulosa Cells Triggered by T-2 Toxin. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:579. [PMID: 38790208 PMCID: PMC11120908 DOI: 10.3390/genes15050579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
T-2 toxin (T-2), an A-type mono mycotoxin produced by various Fusarium species, disrupts DNA/RNA and protein synthesis upon entering the body, resulting in pathological conditions in various tissues/organs and posing a significant threat to human and animal health. However, the mechanisms underlying its toxicity remain unclear. With the goal of learning how T-2 affects reproduction in animals, we utilized primary porcine ovarian granulosa cells (pGCs) as a carrier in vitro and constructed concentration models for analyzing cell morphology and RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq). Our findings showed that T-2 could influence pGCs morphology, induce cell cycle arrest, and promote apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. The results of RNA-seq analyses indicated that a total of 8216 genes exhibited significant differential expression (DEG) following T-2 treatment, of which 4812 were observed to be down-regulated and 3404 were up-regulated. The DEGs following T-2 toxin treatment of pGCs had a notable impact on many metabolic pathways such as PI3K-Akt, Ras, MAPK, and apoptosis, which in turn altered important physiological processes. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) indicated that the differences in the harmful effects of T-2 might be caused by the varying control of cellular processes and the pathway responsible for steroid metabolism. These results present further insights regarding the mechanism of T-2 action on sow reproductive toxicity, enhance our understanding of T-2 reproductive toxicological effects, and lay a theoretical foundation for the judicious prevention of T-2-induced reproductive toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Zongjun Yin
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Local Animal Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, No. 130, West Changjiang Road, Hefei 230036, China; (Y.C.); (X.Z.); (R.Z.); (H.Z.); (Y.L.); (X.H.)
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Shan D, Lv Y, Zhao J, Zhang F, Xi H, Qiu H, Lv J, Chen H. Association between blood lead levels and unfavorable IVF outcomes: potential involvement of endoplasmic reticulum stress response in granulosa cells. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:947-956. [PMID: 38470551 PMCID: PMC11052936 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03056-2] [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: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the relationship between blood lead levels (BLLs) and IVF clinical outcomes in infertile females and to further explore the possible involvement of granulosa cell (GC) endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the process. METHODS One hundred twenty-three infertile women undergoing IVF cycles were included in the current study. All participants were divided into three (low, medium, and high) groups determined by BLL tertiles. Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist regimen for ovarian stimulation was used for all patients, with follicular fluids being collected on the day of oocyte retrieval. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in follicular fluid and the endoplasmic reticulum stress-signaling pathway of granulosa cells (GCs) were examined. RESULTS The oocyte maturation rate and high-quality embryo rate on cleaved stage decreased significantly as BLL increased. For lead levels from low to high, live birth rate (68.29%, 56.10%, 39.02%; P=0.028) showed negative correlations with BLLs. Also, follicular fluid Pb level and LDH level was significantly higher in the high lead group versus the low group. Binomial regression analysis revealed significant negative correlation between BLLs and live birth rate (adjusted OR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.15-0.95, P=0.038). Further analysis of the endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress) signaling pathway of GCs found that expressions of GRP78, total JNK, phosphorylated JNK, and CHOP increased and BCL-2 decreased with increasing BLLs. CONCLUSIONS BLLs are negatively associated with final clinical outcomes in IVF patients that may be related to increased ER stress response and GC apoptosis. Thus, reducing Pb exposure before IVF procedures may improve final success rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Shan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Yanning Lv
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Junzhao Zhao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Haitao Xi
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Haifan Qiu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Jieqiang Lv
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China.
| | - Haolin Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China.
- Key Laboratory of Children Genitourinary Diseases of Wenzhou City, Department of Pediatric Urology, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China.
- Department of Pharmacology, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China.
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China.
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8
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Yan XL, Luo X, Xu M, Shi Y, Kang YJ, Wang HW. Effect of the defoliant tribufos on the reproductive ability of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 352:141430. [PMID: 38342149 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141430] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
As a cotton defoliator, tribufos (S,S,S-tributyl phosphorotrithioate) is widespread in the environment. It can cause neurotoxicity in chickens, reproductive toxicity in rats, and can also cause headaches and nausea in humans. However, little is known about its impact on the reproduction of birds. Here, by analyzing the differences in reproductive indexs and histopathological characteristics, we investigated the chronic effects of 32 mg a.i./kg, 160 mg a.i./kg and 800 mg a.i./kg tribufos treatment on the reproductive ability of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). The results indicated that 32 mg a.i./kg and 160 mg a.i./kg tribufos treatment significantly reduced the food intake of quails, significantly increased the broken egg rate, and had adverse effects on gonads and liver tissue. The 160 mg a.i./kg tribufos treatment also significantly reduced the average egg production. Moreover, 800 mg a.i./kg treatment had significant negative effects on feed intake (FI), body weight (BW), eggshell thickness, egg production (EP), fertilization rate, hatchability and progeny 14-d survival rate, and it also significantly increased the broken egg rate. In addition, tribufos exposure caused lesions in quail gonads and liver tissue. Overall, our results revealed that tribufos had adverse effects on the reproductive ability of Japanese quail, especially at high concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Li Yan
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Science, Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China, Nanjing, 210042, China; Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Ecology and Environmental of China, Nanjing, 210042, China
| | - Xue Luo
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Science, Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China, Nanjing, 210042, China; Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Ecology and Environmental of China, Nanjing, 210042, China
| | - Man Xu
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Science, Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China, Nanjing, 210042, China; Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Ecology and Environmental of China, Nanjing, 210042, China
| | - Ying Shi
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Science, Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China, Nanjing, 210042, China; Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Ecology and Environmental of China, Nanjing, 210042, China
| | - Yi-Jin Kang
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Science, Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China, Nanjing, 210042, China; Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Ecology and Environmental of China, Nanjing, 210042, China
| | - Hong-Wei Wang
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Science, Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China, Nanjing, 210042, China; Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Ecology and Environmental of China, Nanjing, 210042, China.
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9
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Ross M, Corimanya JL, Kaplan R, Kilgour DAV, Linkous CR, Guindre-Parker S. Elevated lead (Pb) in urban European starling (Sturnus vulgaris) feathers is not correlated to physiology or behavior. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:168932. [PMID: 38048995 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168932] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Urbanization is rapidly changing the environment and creating new challenges in the lives of animals across the globe. Anthropogenic contaminants-like heavy metals-can persist within the environment for prolonged periods of time and present a widespread problem for those living near contaminated areas. Lead (Pb) was a commonly used heavy metal that continues to threaten the health of all organisms despite being phased out, especially in urban areas where historical use was more common. In this study, a common urban-adapter, the European starling (Sturnus vulgaris), was trapped to explore whether feather Pb burden is greater in birds from urban habitats than rural habitats, as well as whether Pb burdens were correlated with behavior, physiology, and feather development. Across four sites (two rural and two urban), soil Pb concentrations were measured and 197 free-living starlings were captured to measure feather Pb concentrations. Using linear mixed models, this study found that urban starling nestlings had elevated feather Pb burdens compared to rural nestlings. In contrast, there was no correlation between Pb and urbanization in adult birds whose exposure to Pb may reflect a larger spatial range compared to nestlings. For both nestlings and adults, feather Pb was uncorrelated to corticosterone, testosterone, aggressive behavior, or feather growth rates. These findings suggest that starlings may be a useful biomonitoring tool to detect Pb in the local environment, however, the age and spatial range of birds is a critical consideration in applying this tool. Further work is needed to understand the intricate relationship between heavy metals, behavior, morphological development, and physiology in free-living organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Ross
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
| | - Joanna L Corimanya
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA, USA; Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Rachel Kaplan
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA, USA
| | - Denyelle A V Kilgour
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA, USA; Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Courtney R Linkous
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA, USA
| | - Sarah Guindre-Parker
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA, USA.
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Kucharska K, Binkowski ŁJ, Dudzik K, Barker J, Barton S, Rupérez D, Hahn A. Temporal and spatial trends in lead levels in the blood and down of Black Stork nestlings in central Europe. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 900:165758. [PMID: 37495121 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165758] [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: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Young birds at an intensive growth stage are especially vulnerable to the deleterious effects of contaminants such as lead (Pb). This element negatively influences organs, development and even behavior, which can consequently lead to lower survival and reproductive success of the population. There was a suspicion that these mechanisms, along with other factors, retarded population growth of the Black Stork - still a heavily understudied species in respect to pollution, especially Pb. Therefore, we undertook a study concerning Pb concentrations in the down and blood of Black Stork nestlings from breeding grounds in central and southern Poland (Europe). To investigate the effects of Pb exposure on nestling condition, scale mass index and reduced glutathione levels were also studied, but results indicated that Pb did not influence either of these parameters. The highest blood Pb concentration reached 0.247 μg/g, while the highest down Pb concentrations was significantly higher reaching 4.95 μg/g. Concentrations in blood and down were not correlated with each other. Nest location and year of sampling were not influential for blood but were influential for down Pb concentrations. Relationships between Pb concentrations, habitat characteristics and proximity to emitters were not significant. Overall Pb concentrations in Black Stork nestlings were below the toxicity threshold and did not have negative effects on specimens studied. They were probably related to maternal exposure during migration, on stopover and breeding grounds as well as with food provided by parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Kucharska
- Institute of Biology and Earth Sciences, Pedagogical University of Krakow, Podchorążych 2, 30-084 Krakow, Poland.
| | - Łukasz J Binkowski
- Institute of Biology and Earth Sciences, Pedagogical University of Krakow, Podchorążych 2, 30-084 Krakow, Poland.
| | - Krzysztof Dudzik
- Eagle Conservation Committee, K. Jagiellończyka 45, 10-062 Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - James Barker
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, KT1 2EE Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey, UK.
| | - Stephen Barton
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, KT1 2EE Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey, UK.
| | - David Rupérez
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, KT1 2EE Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey, UK.
| | - Andreas Hahn
- School of Geography, Geology and the Environment, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, KT1 2EE Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey, UK.
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11
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Zheng Y, Chen M, Zhang Y, Wang G, Zhao H. Lead exposure disrupted ileal barrier of developmental Japanese quails(Coturnix japonica): Histopathological damages, microbiota dysbiosis and immune disorder. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 264:115488. [PMID: 37717353 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115488] [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: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
The gut barrier plays an essential role in maintaining homeostasis and is usually composed of a mechanical barrier, a chemical barrier, an immune barrier, and a biological barrier. However, the impacts of lead (Pb) exposure on avian gut barrier are still unclear. Therefore, the present study tried to determine the toxic effects of Pb on ileal barrier of a biological model-Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). One-week old quails were exposed to 0, 50, 500 and 1000 ppm Pb in drinking water for 5 weeks. The results showed mechanic barrier in the ileum was disrupted with microstructural deformation featured by epithelial cell abscission, villi contractions and goblet cells reduction as well as ultrastructural changes characterized by swollen mitochondria, blurry tight junctions and microvilli subtraction. Meanwhile, the expression of genes associated with intestinal tight junctions was downregulated in Pb-treated groups indicating tight junction malfunction. Moreover, less mucus and downregulation of expression of mucin2 (Muc2) and Krüppel-like factor 4 (Klf4) indicated chemical barrier disturbance by Pb. In addition, the alteration of microbial diversity and emergence of pathogen bacteria suggested ileal biological barrier disruption by Pb. Furthermore, Pb caused immune dysfunction in the ileum through promoting the expression of pro-inflammatory factors including interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), Interferon gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and inhibiting the expression of anti-inflammatory factor interleukin 10 (IL-10). The present study demonstrated that Pb may pose health risks to birds through gut barrier damages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zheng
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China
| | - Mingcun Chen
- AP Center, Changzhou Senior High School of Jiangsu Province, Changzhou 213000, China
| | - Yuxin Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China
| | - Gang Wang
- AP Center, Changzhou Senior High School of Jiangsu Province, Changzhou 213000, China
| | - Hongfeng Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China.
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12
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Osowski A, Fedoniuk L, Bilyk Y, Fedchyshyn O, Sas M, Kramar S, Lomakina Y, Fik V, Chorniy S, Wojtkiewicz J. Lead Exposure Assessment and Its Impact on the Structural Organization and Morphological Peculiarities of Rat Ovaries. TOXICS 2023; 11:769. [PMID: 37755779 PMCID: PMC10536919 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11090769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Lead is known to be highly toxic to humans, causing various disorders infetal development. An experiment was conducted to examine the effects of lead acetate on the structural organization of female rat ovaries. The study involved 40 non-linear female rats divided into four groups: a control group, a low-dose group, a moderate-dose group, and a high-dose group. The rats were given lead acetate solutions in varying doses for 30 days, and their ovarian tissue was examined using light microscopy.The results showed that increasing doses of lead acetate led to morphological changes in the cortex and medulla of the rat ovaries. The changes were characterized by a decrease in ovarian mass, alterations in the thickness of the tunica albuginea (protein envelope), and a reduction in the number of follicles. Light microscopy revealed that exposure to lead acetate resulted in a significant decrease in the number of follicles in all experimental groups, with the high-dose group experiencing the most significant decrease.These findings suggest that lead acetate has a dose-dependent negative impact on the morphology and function of female rat ovaries. Further studies are needed to investigate the potential impact of lead on human ovarian tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Osowski
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 2 Oczapowskiego Street, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Larysa Fedoniuk
- Histology and Embryology Department, I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University, 1 Maidan Voli Street, 46001 Ternopil, Ukraine
| | - Yaroslav Bilyk
- Histology and Embryology Department, I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University, 1 Maidan Voli Street, 46001 Ternopil, Ukraine
| | - Olena Fedchyshyn
- Histology and Embryology Department, I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University, 1 Maidan Voli Street, 46001 Ternopil, Ukraine
| | - Mykhailo Sas
- Histology and Embryology Department, I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University, 1 Maidan Voli Street, 46001 Ternopil, Ukraine
| | - Solomiia Kramar
- Histology and Embryology Department, I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University, 1 Maidan Voli Street, 46001 Ternopil, Ukraine
| | - Yuliia Lomakina
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Bukovinian State Medical University, 15 Yu. Fedkvich Street, 58000 Chernivtsi, Ukraine
| | - Volodymyr Fik
- Department of Normal Anatomy, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, 69 Pekarska Street, 79010 Lviv, Ukraine
| | - Sofija Chorniy
- Histology and Embryology Department, I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University, 1 Maidan Voli Street, 46001 Ternopil, Ukraine
| | - Joanna Wojtkiewicz
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 2 Oczapowskiego Street, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
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13
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Zhang W, Cui Y, Liu J. The association between blood heavy metals level and sex hormones among postmenopausal women in the US. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1175011. [PMID: 37534216 PMCID: PMC10391169 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1175011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Environmental pollutants could be implicated in female endocrine setting Q6 beyond traditional factors. Until now, few study has focused on the association of environmental exposure to heavy metals with sex hormones in postmenopausal women. This study intended to investigate whether serum levels of heavy metals(i.e., Cd, Pb, Hg, Mn, Se) would influence sex hormones in postmenopausal women. Methods and results A cross-sectional study was performed on 614 nationally representative participants from 2013-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in the US. Multivariate linear regression models and restricted cubic spline plots revealed cadmium(Cd) had linear positive association with TT(β=3.25, 95%CI= 1.12, 5.38), bioavailable TT(β=1.78, 95%CI=0.36,3.21) and TT/E2(β=0.76, 95%CI=0.28,1.24), which was more apparent in natural menopausal and obese women. Lead(Pb) had linear positive association with SHBG(β=12.84, 95%CI= 6.77,18.91), which was apparent in nearly all subgroups except in normal BMI group, and TT/E2 (β=0.69, 95%CI 0.134,1.25), which was apparent in natural menopausal and normal BMI women. Manganese(Mn) had non-linear association with SHBG, which was more apparent in natural menopausal and obese women, and TT/E2, which was more apparent in natural menopausal and normal BMI women. Selenium(Se) had U shaped non-linear association with TT, which was more apparent in hysterectomy, overweight and obese women, and SHBG, which was apparent in nearly all subgroups except in normal BMI group. Conclusion In summary, this cross-sectional study indicates a possible role that various degree of environmental exposure to heavy metals plays in the disruption of sex Q5 hormone levels in postmenopausal women. Further experiments are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
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Kreitsberg R, Nääb L, Meitern R, Carbillet J, Fort J, Giraudeau M, Sepp T. The effect of environmental pollution on gene expression of seabirds: A review. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 189:106067. [PMID: 37393763 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
One of the biggest challenges for ecotoxicologists is to detect harmful effects of contaminants on individual organisms before they have caused significant harm to natural populations. One possible approach for discovering sub-lethal, negative health effects of pollutants is to study gene expression, to identify metabolic pathways and physiological processes affected by contaminants. Seabirds are essential components of ecosystems but highly threatened by environmental changes. Being at the top of the food chain and exhibiting a slow pace of life, they are highly exposed to contaminants and to their ultimate impacts on populations. Here we provide an overview of the currently available seabird-related gene expression studies in the context of environmental pollution. We show that studies conducted, so far, mainly focus on a small selection of xenobiotic metabolism genes, often using lethal sampling protocols, while the greater promise of gene expression studies for wild species may lie in non-invasive procedures focusing on a wider range of physiological processes. However, as whole genome approaches might still be too expensive for large-scale assessments, we also bring out the most promising candidate biomarker genes for future studies. Based on the biased geographical representativeness of the current literature, we suggest expanding studies to temperate and tropical latitudes and urban environments. Also, as links with fitness traits are very rare in the current literature, but would be highly relevant for regulatory purposes, we point to an urgent need for establishing long-term monitoring programs in seabirds that would link pollutant exposure and gene expression to fitness traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randel Kreitsberg
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Vanemuise 46, 51003, Tartu, Estonia.
| | - Lisanne Nääb
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Vanemuise 46, 51003, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Richard Meitern
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Vanemuise 46, 51003, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Jeffrey Carbillet
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Vanemuise 46, 51003, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Jérôme Fort
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266, CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000, La Rochelle, France
| | - Mathieu Giraudeau
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266, CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000, La Rochelle, France
| | - Tuul Sepp
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Vanemuise 46, 51003, Tartu, Estonia
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15
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Zhang G, Zhang Y, Jing L, Zhao H. Lead exposure induced developmental nephrotoxicity in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) via oxidative stress-based PI3K/AKT pathway inhibition and NF-κB pathway activation. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2023; 268:109599. [PMID: 36893933 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2023.109599] [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: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
Birds are sensitive to environmental pollution and lead (Pb) contamination could negatively affect nearly all avian organs and systems including kidney of excretive system. Thereby, we used a biological model species-Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) to examine the nephrotoxic effects of Pb exposure and possible toxic mechanism of Pb on birds. Quail chicks of 7-day-old were exposed to 50 ppm Pb of low dose and high dose of 500 ppm and 1000 ppm Pb in drinking water for five weeks. The results showed that Pb exposure induced kidney weight increase while body weight and length reduction. The increase of uric acid (UA), creatinine (CREA) and cystatin c (Cys C) in the plasma suggested renal dysfunction. Moreover, both microstructural and ultrastructural changes demonstrated obvious kidney damages. In particular, renal tubule epithelial cells and glomeruli swelling indicated renal inflammation. Furthermore, changes in the content and activity of oxidative stress markers suggested that Pb caused excessive oxidative stress in the kidney. Pb exposure also induced abnormal apoptosis in the kidney. In addition, RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) analysis revealed that Pb disturbed molecular pathways and signaling related with renal function. Especially, Pb exposure resulted in an increase in renal uric acid synthesis by disrupting purine metabolism. Pb caused apoptotic increment by inhibiting the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase (AKT) pathway and induced aggravated inflammation by activating Nuclear Factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. The study implied that Pb caused nephrotoxicity through structural damages, uric acid metabolism disorder, oxidation imbalance, apoptosis and inflammatory pathway activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaixia Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China
| | - Yuxin Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China
| | - Lingyang Jing
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China
| | - Hongfeng Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China.
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16
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Shan D, Wen X, Guan X, Fang H, Liu Y, Qin M, Wang H, Xu J, Lv J, Zhao J, Chen H. Pubertal lead exposure affects ovary development, folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis by activation of IRE1α-JNK signaling pathway in rat. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 257:114919. [PMID: 37086621 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Epidemic studies showed that lead exposures are associated with various female reproductive dysfunctions, including infertility, miscarriage, preterm delivery, and early menopause. However, the mechanism involved is still unclear. In the current study, SD rats were exposed to lead at doses of 0, 5, 25, 50 or 250 mg/L through drinking water from postnatal day 21-56. Lead exposures did not affect the body weight or ovary weight. However, the puberty initiation (ages by which vagina opens and estrous cycle occurs) was significantly delayed by as many as 5.8 and 6.8 days respectively (P < 0.05). Also, lead exposures disrupted the estrous cycles, reduced the numbers of primordial and primary follicles and increased the number of atretic follicles by adult. Furthermore, for the highest does group, serum levels of progesterone and testosterone decreased by 80.2% (P < 0.01) and 49.9% (P < 0.05) respectively, while estradiol level increased by 69.8% (P < 0.01). Western blot analyses indicated that lead exposures specifically down-regulated the expressions of steroidogenic protein STAR, CYP17A1, and HSD3B1, while up-regulated FSHR and CYP19A1. Also, the exposure stimulated the endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-related IRE1α-JNK signaling pathway members. Such activation may also result in apoptosis since the death-signaling molecules CHOP and cleaved-CASP3 were up-regulated while BCL2 was down-regulated. In conclusion, lead exposure during juvenile and puberty significantly affected ovary development and functions. The effects may relate to ERS response since the 6 members related to the pathway were all consistently activated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Shan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Xin Wen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Xiaoju Guan
- Key Laboratory of Children Genitourinary Diseases of Wenzhou City, Department of Pediatric Urology, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Hangping Fang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Yijia Liu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Mengjie Qin
- Department of Pharmacology, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Hu Wang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Jingfeng Xu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Jieqiang Lv
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Junzhao Zhao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China.
| | - Haolin Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China; Key Laboratory of Children Genitourinary Diseases of Wenzhou City, Department of Pediatric Urology, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China; Department of Pharmacology, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China.
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17
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Levine L, Hall JE. Does the environment affect menopause? A review of the effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals on menopause. Climacteric 2023; 26:206-215. [PMID: 37011670 DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2023.2173570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine disrupting chemicals are widely distributed in our environment. Humans are exposed to these compounds not only through their occupations, but also through dietary consumption and exposure to contaminated water, personal care products and textiles. Chemicals that are persistent in the body and in our environment include dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls. Non-persistent chemicals including bisphenol A, phthalates and parabens are equally as important because they are ubiquitous in our environment. Heavy metals, including lead and cadmium, can also have endocrine disrupting properties. Although difficult to study due to their variety of sources of exposures and mechanisms of action, these chemicals have been associated with early menopause, increased frequency of vasomotor symptoms, altered steroid hormone levels and markers of diminished ovarian reserve. Understanding the impacts of these exposures is important given the potential for epigenetic modification, which can alter gene function and result in multi-generational effects. This review summarizes findings in humans and animals or cell-based models from the past decade of research. Continued research is needed to assess the effects of mixtures of chemicals, chronic exposures and new compounds that are continuously being developed as replacements for toxic chemicals that are being phased out.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Levine
- Clinical Research Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - J E Hall
- Clinical Research Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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18
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Tan Y, Fu Y, Huang F, Wen L, Weng X, Yao H, Liang H, Kuang M, Jing C. Association between blood metal exposures and hyperuricemia in the U.S. general adult: A subgroup analysis from NHANES. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 318:137873. [PMID: 36681199 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.137873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The relationship between metal exposure and hyperuricemia is still controversial, especially in certain population groups. METHODS This cross-sectional study included adults from NHANES 2011-2016. Seven metals, including Pb, Cd, Hg, Mn, Se, Cu, and Zn, were detected in blood by ICP‒MS. Multivariable logistic regression, LASSO, and BKMR models were used to assess the effects of single and mixed metal exposures and hyperuricemia. Moreover, this association was analyzed by sex, BMI, and age. RESULTS A total of 4074 individuals were included in our final analysis, and 825 (20.3%) people were classified as having hyperuricemia. In logistic regression, Pb (Q4: OR [95% CI]: 1.50 [1.00, 2.24]) was associated with hyperuricemia after adjusting for all covariates. LASSO penalized regression analysis further indicated positive associations of lead and zinc with hyperuricemia. In BKMR analysis, U-shaped dose‒response curves were generated for Se, Mn, Cu, and Zn when fixing the other metals in the 50th percentile. A significant positive trend was found between mixed metal exposure and hyperuricemia, in which blood Se, Zn, and Cd had the highest PIP (PIP = 0.651, 0.549, and 0.530, respectively). In weighted logistic regression, subgroup analyses revealed a significant association between Pb and hyperuricemia among the non-overweight group. Significant positive trends between mixed metals and hyperuricemia were found in the male and non-overweight groups in the BKMR models. CONCLUSION Our study suggests that a higher concentration of mixed metal might increase the risk of hyperuricemia in U.S. adults. Males and people with a BMI under 25 are more likely to be affected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Tan
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No.601 Huangpu Ave West, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Yingyin Fu
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No.601 Huangpu Ave West, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Feng Huang
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No.601 Huangpu Ave West, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Lin Wen
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No.601 Huangpu Ave West, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Xueqiong Weng
- Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, 510440, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Huojie Yao
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No.601 Huangpu Ave West, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Huanzhu Liang
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No.601 Huangpu Ave West, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Mincong Kuang
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Doumen District, Zhuhai, 519125, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Chunxia Jing
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No.601 Huangpu Ave West, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, PR China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Exposure and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, PR China.
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19
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Zhu X, He Y, Zhang Q, Ma D, Zhao H. Lead induced disorders of lipid metabolism and glycometabolism in the liver of developmental Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica) via inhibiting PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2023; 263:109489. [PMID: 36261108 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2022.109489] [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: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The lead (Pb) contamination is considered a lethal threat to birds. However, Pb-induced hepatotoxicology especially its impacts on metabolic processes in the liver of birds is not yet fully understood. Therefore, we tried to determine the toxicological effects of Pb exposure on hepatic carbohydrate and lipid metabolism via Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway by using an animal model- Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). One-week old female Japanese quails were randomly allocated into four groups and fed with 0, 50 ppm, 500 ppm and 1000 ppm Pb drinking water respectively for 49 days. The results showed that Pb accumulated in the liver as a dose-dependent manner. Exposure to high dose of Pb (500 and 1000 ppm Pb) led to severe histopathological damages characterized by irregularity and dilation of liver sinusoids, hepatic lipid vacuolization and hepatocellular cytoplasm hyalinization. Meanwhile, Pb exposure caused glycogen increase and lipid droplets decrease in the liver. Pb exposure was also attributable to a decreased triglyceride level in the plasma. In addition, the transcriptional levels of PI3K and Akt in the liver were downregulated by Pb exposure. Subsequently, the mRNA expressions of genes related with glycometabolism in the liver were remarkably altered and the mRNA levels of genes involved in fat synthesis and oxidation in the liver were also markedly changed. it seems that Pb could lead to liver metabolic disorder through structural damages and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojia Zhu
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China
| | - Yu He
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China
| | - Qingyu Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China
| | - Derui Ma
- Beijing Chaoyang Foreign Language School, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Hongfeng Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China.
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20
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Ommati MM, Ahmadi HN, Sabouri S, Retana-Marquez S, Abdoli N, Rashno S, Niknahad H, Jamshidzadeh A, Mousavi K, Rezaei M, Akhlagh A, Azarpira N, Khodaei F, Heidari R. Glycine protects the male reproductive system against lead toxicity via alleviating oxidative stress, preventing sperm mitochondrial impairment, improving kinematics of sperm, and blunting the downregulation of enzymes involved in the steroidogenesis. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2022; 37:2990-3006. [PMID: 36088639 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) is a highly toxic heavy metal widely dispersed in the environment because of human industrial activities. Many studies revealed that Pb could adversely affect several organs, including the male reproductive system. Pb-induced reproductive toxicity could lead to infertility. Thus, finding safe and clinically applicable protective agents against this complication is important. It has been found that oxidative stress plays a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of Pb-induced reprotoxicity. Glycine is the simplest amino acid with a wide range of pharmacological activities. It has been found that glycine could attenuate oxidative stress and mitochondrial impairment in various experimental models. The current study was designed to evaluate the role of glycine in Pb-induced reproductive toxicity in male mice. Male BALB/c mice received Pb (20 mg/kg/day; gavage; 35 consecutive days) and treated with glycine (250 and 500 mg/kg/day; gavage; 35 consecutive days). Then, reproductive system weight indices, biomarkers of oxidative stress in the testis and isolated sperm, sperm kinetic, sperm mitochondrial indices, and testis histopathological alterations were monitored. A significant change in testis, epididymis, and Vas deferens weight was evident in Pb-treated animals. Markers of oxidative stress were also significantly increased in the testis and isolated sperm of the Pb-treated group. A significant disruption in sperm kinetic was also evident when mice received Pb. Moreover, Pb exposure caused significant deterioration in sperm mitochondrial indices. Tubular injury, tubular desquamation, and decreased spermatogenic index were histopathological alterations detected in Pb-treated mice. It was found that glycine significantly blunted oxidative stress markers in testis and sperm, improved sperm mitochondrial parameters, causing considerable higher velocity-related indices (VSL, VCL, and VAP) and percentages of progressively motile sperm, and decreased testis histopathological changes in Pb-exposed animals. These data suggest glycine as a potential protective agent against Pb-induced reproductive toxicity. The effects of glycine on oxidative stress markers and mitochondrial function play a key role in its protective mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Mehdi Ommati
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hassan Nategh Ahmadi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Samira Sabouri
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Socorro Retana-Marquez
- Department of Biology of Reproduction, Autonomous Metropolitan University-Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Narges Abdoli
- Food and Drug Administration, Iran Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sajjad Rashno
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hossein Niknahad
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Akram Jamshidzadeh
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Khadijeh Mousavi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Rezaei
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Alireza Akhlagh
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Negar Azarpira
- Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Forouzan Khodaei
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Reza Heidari
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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21
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Zheng Y, Zhang Q, Jing L, Fei Y, Zhao H. The Effects of Chronic Lead Exposure on Testicular Development of Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica): Histopathological Damages, Oxidative Stress, Steroidogenesis Disturbance, and Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Testis Axis Disruption. Biol Trace Elem Res 2022; 201:3446-3460. [PMID: 36210404 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-022-03436-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) becomes a global public health concern for its high toxicology. Birds are sensitive to environmental pollution and Pb contamination exerts multiple negative influences on bird life. Pb also impacts on avian reproductive system. Thus, in this study, we attempted to determine toxicological effects and possible mechanistic pathways of Pb on avian testicular development by using the model species-Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). Male quail chicks of 1-week-old were exposed to 0, 50, 500, and 1000 ppm Pb concentrations in drinking water for 5 weeks when reaching sexual maturation. The results showed that high Pb doses (500 and 1000 ppm) induced testis atrophy and cloacal gland shrinkage. Microstructural damages of both hypothalamus and testis indicated the disruption of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis by Pb exposure. The decrease of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone (T) may also imply HPG axis disruption. Moreover, excess testicular oxidative damages featured by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) and decreasing catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) indicated increasing risks of reproductive dysfunction by Pb. Furthermore, increasing apoptosis and upregulation of gene expression associated with cell death suggested testicular abnormal development. In addition, molecular signaling involved with steroidogenesis in the testis was disturbed by Pb treatment. The study showed that Pb could impair testicular development and reproductive function by morphological and histological injury, hormone suppression, oxidative stress, cell death, and HPG axis disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zheng
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, No. 620, West Chang'an Avenue, Chang'an District, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710119, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingyu Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, No. 620, West Chang'an Avenue, Chang'an District, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710119, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingyang Jing
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, No. 620, West Chang'an Avenue, Chang'an District, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710119, People's Republic of China
| | - Yifan Fei
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, No. 620, West Chang'an Avenue, Chang'an District, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710119, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongfeng Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, No. 620, West Chang'an Avenue, Chang'an District, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710119, People's Republic of China.
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22
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Feng Y, Yuan H, Wang W, Xu Y, Zhang J, Xu H, Fu F. Co-exposure to polystyrene microplastics and lead aggravated ovarian toxicity in female mice via the PERK/eIF2α signaling pathway. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 243:113966. [PMID: 35981484 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Generally, individual microplastics (MPs) or lead (Pb) exposure could initiate ovarian toxicity. However, their combined effects on the ovary and its mechanism in mammals remained unclear. Female C57BL/6 mice were used in this study to investigate the combined ovarian toxicity of polystyrene MPs (PS-MPs, 0.1 mg/d/mouse) and Pb (1 g/L) for 28 days. Results showed that co-exposure to PS-MPs and Pb increased the accumulation of Pb in ovaries, the histopathological damage in ovaries and uterus, the serum malondialdehyde levels and decreased serum superoxide dismutase and sex hormone levels significantly when compared with single PS-MPs and Pb exposure. These observations indicated that co-exposure exerted more severe toxicity to mouse ovaries and uterus. Furthermore, co-exposure to PS-MPs and Pb caused endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress by activating the PERK/eIF2α signaling pathway in the ovary, which resulted in apoptosis. However, the oxidative and ovarian damage were alleviated, and the mRNA levels of genes related to the PERK/eIF2α signaling pathway were down-regulated to levels of the control mice in the PS-MPs and Pb co-exposed mice administered with ER stress inhibitor (Salubrinal, Sal) or the antioxidant (N-acetyl-cysteine, NAC). In conclusion, our findings suggested that the combination of PS-MPs and Pb aggravated ovarian toxicity in mice by inducing oxidative stress and activating the PERK/eIF2α signaling pathway, thereby providing a basis for future studies into the combined toxic mechanism of PS-MPs and Pb in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueying Feng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330000, China; State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China
| | - Hongbin Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China
| | - Wanzhen Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330000, China; State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China
| | - Yuanyuan Xu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330000, China
| | - Jinfeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China
| | - Hengyi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China.
| | - Fen Fu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330000, China.
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23
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Wang L, Jing L, Zhang Q, Li S, Wang Y, Zhao H. Lead induced thymic immunosuppression in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) via oxidative stress-based T cell receptor pathway signaling inhibition. J Inorg Biochem 2022; 235:111950. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2022.111950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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24
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Zhang G, Xu Y, Xia Y, Wang G, Zhao H. Transcriptomic Analysis of Hepatotoxicology of Adult Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Exposed to Environmentally Relevant Oxytetracycline. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2022; 82:539-550. [PMID: 35460351 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-022-00930-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The extensive use of the broad-spectrum antibiotics like oxytetracycline (OTC) has become a serious environmental issue globally. OTC has profound negative effects on aquatic organisms including fishes. In this study, RNA-Seq analysis was employed to examine the possible molecular mechanism of hepatotoxicology in zebrafish induced by OTC exposure. Adult male zebrafish was exposed to 0, 5, 90, and 450 μg/L OTC for 3 weeks. The results showed the decrease in body weight and tail length but the increase in total length of zebrafish under OTC exposure in a dose-dependent way. In addition, severe histopathological damages were featured by increasing tissue vacuolization in the livers of 450 μg/L OTC group. Moreover, RNA-Seq analysis revealed that molecular signaling and functional pathways in the liver were disrupted by OTC exposure. Furthermore, the down-regulation of gene expression after OTC exposure was found on both the genes related to fatty acid degradation and the genes related to lipid synthesis. The present study implied that OTC induced liver malfunction and fish health risks through growth retard, histopathological damages, molecular signaling disruption, genetic expression alteration, and lipid metabolism disturbance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaixia Zhang
- Collge of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, No. 620, West Chang'an Avenue, Chang'an District, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yifan Xu
- AP Center, Changzhou Senior High School of Jiangsu Province, No. 8, Luohan Road, Tianning District, Changzhou, 213004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Youran Xia
- Changzhou No. 2 High School, No. 32, Xiheng Street, Zhonglou District, Changzhou, 213001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Gang Wang
- AP Center, Changzhou Senior High School of Jiangsu Province, No. 8, Luohan Road, Tianning District, Changzhou, 213004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hongfeng Zhao
- Collge of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, No. 620, West Chang'an Avenue, Chang'an District, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi, China.
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25
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Li X, Zheng Y, Zhang G, Wang R, Jiang J, Zhao H. Cadmium induced cardiac toxicology in developing Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica): Histopathological damages, oxidative stress and myocardial muscle fiber formation disorder. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2021; 250:109168. [PMID: 34403817 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2021.109168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The anthropogenic-induced cadmium (Cd) pollution poses great threats to human health and wildlife survival. Birds also suffer from Cd contamination and Cd exerts negative impacts on multiple organs in birds. However, its toxic effects on cardiac organ of birds are still unclear. In this study, one-week old male Japanese quails were exposed to 15, 30, 60 and 75 mg/kg Cd for 5 weeks when birds in control group reached sex maturity. The results showed that Cd could cause microstructural damages including congestion and myocardial fiberolysis. Ultrastructural analysis also showed myocardial muscle fiber disarrangement and rupture as well as mitochondrial swelling, vacuolation and membrane lysis in Cd concentration groups. Moreover, Cd induced oxidative stress in the heart by decreasing antioxidant enzyme activities of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD) while increasing oxidative biomarkers such as malondialdehyde (MDA), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and content of nitric oxide (NO). In addition, mRNA expression levels of genes involved in muscle fiber formation signaling pathway such as Follistatin (FST), paired box 3 (PAX3), myogenic differentiation 1 (MYoD1) and SRY-box transcription factor 6 (SOX6), were down-regulated by Cd exposure. Furthermore, PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway were disrupted by Cd exposure implying energy supply deficiency in the heart. We concluded that Cd caused cardiac dysfunction by inducing heart underdevelopment, histopathological injury, oxidative stress and myocardial muscle fiber formation disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Li
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China
| | - Ying Zheng
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China
| | - Gaixia Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China
| | - Rui Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China
| | - Junxia Jiang
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China
| | - Hongfeng Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China.
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26
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Richard FJ, Southern I, Gigauri M, Bellini G, Rojas O, Runde A. Warning on nine pollutants and their effects on avian communities. Glob Ecol Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
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27
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Lead exposure induced inflammation in bursa of Fabricius of Japanese quail (C. japonica) via NF-κB pathway activation and Wnt/β-catenin signaling inhibition. J Inorg Biochem 2021; 224:111587. [PMID: 34428639 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2021.111587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Bursa of Fabricius (BF), one of primary lymphoid organ, is unique to birds. Meanwhile, lead (Pb) is well known for its high toxicology to birds. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the chronic toxic effects of lead exposure on BF in Japanese quails (C. japonica) and the underlying mechanism of lead immunotoxicity. One-week old male quails were exposed to 0 ppm, 50 ppm, 500 ppm and 1000 ppm Pb concentrations by drinking water for four weeks. The results showed that Pb accumulation in BF increased in a dose dependent way. The growth and development of BF was retarded in 500 ppm and 1000 ppm Pb groups. The number of lymphocytes was decreased and the release of immunoglobulin G and M (IgG, IgM), complement 3 and 4 (C3, C4) was inhibited by Pb exposure. Lead exposure also caused oxidative stress and increasing apoptosis in BF. Moreover, histopathological damages characterized by inflammatory hyperemia and inflammatory cell infiltration and ultrastructural injury featured by mitochondrial vacuole, cristae fracture and chromatin concentration were found in BF of 500 ppm and 1000 ppm Pb groups. Furthermore, RNA sequencing based transcriptomic analysis revealed that molecular signaling and functional pathways in BF were disrupted by lead exposure. In addition, the activation of Nuclear Factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway while the inhibition of wingless integrated/catenin beta 1 (Wnt/β-catenin) signaling by Pb exposure were confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Our study may benefit to understand potential mechanistic pathways of developmental immunotoxicology under Pb stress.
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28
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Assersohn K, Brekke P, Hemmings N. Physiological factors influencing female fertility in birds. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2021; 8:202274. [PMID: 34350009 PMCID: PMC8316823 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.202274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Fertility is fundamental to reproductive success, but not all copulation attempts result in a fertilized embryo. Fertilization failure is especially costly for females, but we still lack a clear understanding of the causes of variation in female fertility across taxa. Birds make a useful model system for fertility research, partly because their large eggs are easily studied outside of the female's body, but also because of the wealth of data available on the reproductive productivity of commercial birds. Here, we review the factors contributing to female infertility in birds, providing evidence that female fertility traits are understudied relative to male fertility traits, and that avian fertility research has been dominated by studies focused on Galliformes and captive (relative to wild) populations. We then discuss the key stages of the female reproductive cycle where fertility may be compromised, and make recommendations for future research. We particularly emphasize that studies must differentiate between infertility and embryo mortality as causes of hatching failure, and that non-breeding individuals should be monitored more routinely where possible. This review lays the groundwork for developing a clearer understanding of the causes of female infertility, with important consequences for multiple fields including reproductive science, conservation and commercial breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Assersohn
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Patricia Brekke
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regents Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Nicola Hemmings
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
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29
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Wang L, Li X, Zhang G, Zhao H. Transcriptomic analysis of lead-induced hepatoxicology in female Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica): Implications of triglyceride synthesis, degradation and transport disruption. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2021; 244:109024. [PMID: 33631343 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2021.109024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) pollution poses great threats to mammals including human and it is also hazardous to bird life. In this study, RNA sequencing analysis was employed to examine the molecular responses to lead exposure in the liver of a toxicological model species Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica). Female birds were exposed to 0, 50, 500 and 1000 ppm waterborne Pb for 49 days. The results showed that hepatic microstructure was damaged under lead exposure featured by sinusoids dilation and irregularity as well as cell necrosis. Moreover, ultrastructural injury in the liver including mitochondrial swelling and vacuolization as well as nuclear deformation was induced by lead exposure. Lead exposure also caused the decrease of lipid droplets in the liver by oil red O staining. In addition, liver transcriptomic analysis revealed that molecular signaling and functional pathways were disrupted by lead exposure. Meanwhile, the expression of genes involved with hepatic glycerophospholipids metabolism of triglyceride synthesis and lipid transport of triglyceride transfer was significantly down-regulated by lead exposure. Moreover, the up-regulation of genes associated with fatty acid oxidation and the down-regulation of genes related with fatty acid synthesis were caused by lead exposure. The present study implied that lead induced liver malfunction and bird health risks through histopathological damages, molecular signaling disruption, genetic expression alteration and triglyceride metabolism disturbance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119 No. 620, West Chang'an Avenue, Chang'an District, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710119, China
| | - Xuan Li
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119 No. 620, West Chang'an Avenue, Chang'an District, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710119, China
| | - Gaixia Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119 No. 620, West Chang'an Avenue, Chang'an District, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710119, China
| | - Hongfeng Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119 No. 620, West Chang'an Avenue, Chang'an District, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710119, China.
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30
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Qu J, Niu H, Wang J, Wang Q, Li Y. Potential mechanism of lead poisoning to the growth and development of ovarian follicle. Toxicology 2021; 457:152810. [PMID: 33984407 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2021.152810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
With the rapid development of economic globalization and industrialization, lead (Pb), one of the most important heavy metals, has been used widely since antiquity for several purposes. In fact, its impact on the health of animals and humans is a significant public health risk all the time. Pb could be accumulated in the body for a long time, causing irreversible damage to the health of animals and humans, including hostile reproductive health. Up to now, although there are some published studies on impeding the normal development of ovarian folliculogenesis of female resulted from Pb exposure, with the damage of structure in uterine tissue, the imbalance of female menstrual status, and the change of hormone levels. The potential mechanism of Pb exposure on female reproduction system, however, remains enigmatic. How to alleviate the damage of Pb toxicity to reproductive function of female has become an urgent problem. Therefore, the aim of the present review is to discuss the information on the growth and development of ovarian follicle of mammalians and the potential toxic mechanism when exposed to Pb. The literatures were collected via various websites and consulting books, reports, etc. In summary, Pb impair folliculogenesis of mammalians, which may be related to the interference to the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), in turn impairs various molecules including proteins, lipids and DNA, as well as the disruption of the antioxidant defense system, ionic equilibrium and endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwen Qu
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics & Molecular Breeding of Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China.
| | - Haoyuan Niu
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics & Molecular Breeding of Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China.
| | - Jian Wang
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics & Molecular Breeding of Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China.
| | - Qiang Wang
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics & Molecular Breeding of Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China.
| | - Yongjun Li
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics & Molecular Breeding of Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China.
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31
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Tang L, Liu YL, Qin G, Lin Q, Zhang YH. Effects of tributyltin on gonad and brood pouch development of male pregnant lined seahorse (Hippocampus erectus) at environmentally relevant concentrations. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 408:124854. [PMID: 33370696 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The male pregnancy of seahorses is unique, but their reproductive response to environmental disturbances has not yet been clarified. Tributyltin (TBT) is known to have an endocrine disrupting effect on the reproductive system of coastal marine organisms. This study evaluated the potential effects of exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of TBT on the development of gonads and brood pouch of the lined seahorse (Hippocampus erectus). Physiological, histological, and transcriptional analyses were conducted, and results showed that high levels of TBT bioaccumulation occurred in male and female seahorses. TBT led to ovarian follicular atresia and apoptosis with the elevation of androgen levels, accompanied by the induction of genes associated with lysosomes and autophagosomes. Comparative transcriptional analyses revealed the likely inhibition of spermatogenesis via the suppression of cyclic AMP and androgen synthesis. Notably, the transcriptional profiles showed that TBT potentially affects the immune system, angiogenesis, and embryo nourishment of the brood pouch, which indicates that it has negative effects on the male reproductive system of seahorses. In summary, this study reveals that environmental levels of TBT potentially affect the reproductive efficiency of seahorses, and may ultimately lead to a reduction in their populations in coastal environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Tang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ya-Li Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China
| | - Geng Qin
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China
| | - Qiang Lin
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China; University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Yan-Hong Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China; University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100049, China.
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