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Yang X, He L, Li X, Wang L, Bu T, Yun D, Lu X, Gao S, Huang Q, Li J, Zheng B, Yu J, Sun F. Triptolide exposure triggers testicular vacuolization injury by disrupting the Sertoli cell junction and cytoskeletal organization via the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 279:116502. [PMID: 38788563 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116502] [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: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the known reproductive toxicity induced by triptolide (TP) exposure, the regulatory mechanism underlying testicular vacuolization injury caused by TP remains largely obscure. METHODS Male mice were subjected to TP at doses of 15, 30, and 60 μg/kg for 35 consecutive days. Primary Sertoli cells were isolated from 20-day-old rat testes and exposed to TP at concentrations of 0, 40, 80, 160, 320, and 640 nM. A Biotin tracer assay was conducted to assess the integrity of the blood-testis barrier (BTB). Transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) assays were employed to investigate BTB function in primary Sertoli cells. Histological structures of the testes and epididymides were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). The expression and localization of relevant proteins or pathways were assessed through Western blotting or immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS TP exposure led to dose-dependent testicular injuries, characterized by a decreased organ coefficient, reduced sperm concentration, and the formation of vacuolization damage. Furthermore, TP exposure disrupted BTB integrity by reducing the expression levels of tight junction (TJ) proteins in the testes without affecting basal ectoplasmic specialization (basal ES) proteins. Through the TER assay, we identified that a TP concentration of 160 nM was optimal for elucidating BTB function in primary Sertoli cells, correlating with reductions in TJ protein expression. Moreover, TP exposure induced changes in the distribution of the BTB and cytoskeleton-associated proteins in primary Sertoli cells. By activating the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, TP exposure disturbed the balance between mTORC1 and mTORC2, ultimately compromising BTB integrity in Sertoli cells. CONCLUSION This investigation sheds light on the impacts of TP exposure on testes, elucidating the mechanism by which TP exposure leads to testicular vacuolization injury and offering valuable insights into comprehending the toxic effects of TP exposure on testes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiwen Yang
- School of Basic Medical Science, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Lei He
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Xinyao Li
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Lingling Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Tiao Bu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Damin Yun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Xinran Lu
- School of Basic Medical Science, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Sheng Gao
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Qiuru Huang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Jiaxin Li
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Bo Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Reproduction and Genetics, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou 215002, China.
| | - Jun Yu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China.
| | - Fei Sun
- School of Basic Medical Science, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China; Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China.
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Jin Y, Di-si D, Ke-ming W. XinJiaCongRongTuSiZiWan protects triptolide-induced rats from oxidative stress injury via mitophagy mediated PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway. Acta Cir Bras 2024; 39:e391424. [PMID: 38511762 PMCID: PMC10953615 DOI: 10.1590/acb391424] [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: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE XinJiaCongRongTuSiZiWan (XJCRTSZW) is a traditional Chinese medicine compound for invigorating the kidney, nourishing blood, and promoting blood circulation. This study aimed to explore the effect of XJCRTSZW on triptolide (TP)-induced oxidative stress injury. METHODS Adult female Sprague-Dawley rats and human ovarian granulosa cell lines were treated with TP and XJCRTSZW. Hematoxylin and eosin staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, flow cytometry, CCK-8, JC-1 staining, transmission electron microscopy, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and Western blotting were performed in this study. RESULTS XJCRTSZW treatment observably ameliorated the TP-induced pathological symptoms. Furthermore, XJCRTSZW treatment observably enhanced the TP-induced reduction of estradiol, anti-Mullerian hormone, progesterone, superoxide dismutase, ATP content, mitochondrial membrane potential, p62, and Hsp60 mRNA, and protein levels in vivo and in vitro (p < 0.05). However, TP-induced elevation of follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone concentrations, malondialdehyde levels, reactive oxygen species levels, apoptosis rate, mitophagy, and the mRNA and protein expressions of LC3-II/LC3-I, PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1), and Parkin were decreased (p < 0.05). In addition, XJCRTSZW treatment markedly increased cell viability in vitro (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS XJCRTSZW protects TP-induced rats from oxidative stress injury via the mitophagy-mediated PINK1/Parkin pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Jin
- Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine – Xianyang, China
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine – Research on Physical Constitution and Diseases – Xianyang, China
| | - Deng Di-si
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine – Department of Gynecology – Chengdu, China
| | - Wu Ke-ming
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine – Department of Gynecology – Chengdu, China
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Liu J, Zuo X, Bi J, Li H, Li Y, Ma J, Wang S. Palliative Effect of Combined Application of Zinc and Selenium on Reproductive Injury Induced by Tripterygium Glycosides in Male Rats. Biol Trace Elem Res 2024:10.1007/s12011-023-04054-8. [PMID: 38190060 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-023-04054-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
The long-term use of tripterygium glycosides (TG) can lead to male reproductive damage. Research indicates that zinc and selenium exhibit a synergistic effect in the male reproductive system, with the combined preparation demonstrating superior therapeutic effects compared to individual preparations. The purpose of this study was to explore the specific mechanism by which zinc and selenium mitigate reproductive toxicity induced by TG in male rats. Rats were randomly assigned to three groups: control group (C group), model group (M group, receiving TG at 30 mg/kg/day), and model + zinc + selenium group (ZS group). The ZS group was also given TG gavage for the first 4 weeks. Starting from the fifth week until the conclusion of the eighth week, the ZS group received an additional protective treatment of 10 mg/kg/day Zn and 0.1 mg/kg/day Se 4 h after TG administration. Following euthanasia, blood samples, rat testis, and epididymis tissues were collected for further experiments. Combined zinc-selenium treatment corrects the imbalance of zinc-selenium homeostasis in testicular tissue induced by TG. This is achieved by upregulating the expression of metal transcription factor (MTF1) and zinc transporters ZIP8 and ZIP14 and downregulating the expression of ZnT10. Improvement of zinc and selenium homeostasis enhanced the expression of zinc-containing enzymes (ADH, LDH, and ALP) and selenoproteins (GPx1 and SELENOP) in the testis. At the same time, zinc and selenium mitigate TG-induced reproductive damage by promoting the activity of antioxidant enzymes and upregulating the expression of proteins associated with the oxidative stress pathway, including Nrf2, Keap1, HO-1, PI3K, and p-AKT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junsheng Liu
- Graduate School of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Xin Zuo
- Department of College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Jiajie Bi
- Graduate School of Chengde Medical University, Chengde, 067000, China
| | - Huanhuan Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Hebei Reproductive Health Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050071, China
| | - Yuanjing Li
- Department of College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Jing Ma
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Hebei Reproductive Health Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050071, China
| | - Shusong Wang
- Department of College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China.
- Graduate School of Chengde Medical University, Chengde, 067000, China.
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Hebei Reproductive Health Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050071, China.
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He Z, Botchway BOA, Zhang Y, Liu X. Triptolide activates the Nrf2 signaling pathway and inhibits the NF-κB signaling pathway to improve Alzheimer disease. Metab Brain Dis 2024; 39:173-182. [PMID: 37624431 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-023-01278-4] [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: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disease with pathological features of accumulated amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, and the significant inflammatory environment. These features modify the living microenvironment for nerve cells, causing the damage, dysfunction, and death. Progressive neuronal loss directly leads to cognitive decline in AD patients and is closely related to brain inflammation. Therefore, impairing inflammation via signaling pathways may facilitate either the prevention or delay of the degenerative process. Triptolide has been evidenced to possess potent anti-inflammatory effect. In this review, we elaborate on two signaling pathways (the NF-κB and Nrf2 signaling pathways) that are involved in the anti-inflammatory effect of triptolide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuoting He
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Shaoxing University, Zhejiang, Zhejiang Province, 312000, China
| | - Benson O A Botchway
- Institute of Neuroscience, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Bupa Cromwell Hospital, Kensington, London, UK
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Shaoxing University, Zhejiang, Zhejiang Province, 312000, China
| | - Xuehong Liu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Shaoxing University, Zhejiang, Zhejiang Province, 312000, China.
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Xiao Y, Liu R, Tang W, Yang C. Cantharidin-induced toxic injury, oxidative stress, and autophagy attenuated by Astragalus polysaccharides in mouse testis. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 123:108520. [PMID: 38056682 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2023.108520] [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: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Cantharidin (CTD) is a chemical constituent derived from Mylabris and has good antitumor effects, but its clinical use is restricted by its inherent toxicity. However, few researches have reported its reproductive toxicity and mechanisms. This study aims to assess CTD's toxicity on mouse testes and the protective effect of Astragalus polysaccharides (APS). Briefly, biochemical analysis, histopathology, transmission electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting were used to evaluate the oxidative damage of mouse testicular tissue after exposure to CTD and treatment by APS. Our research suggests a dramatic decrease in testicular index and serum testosterone levels after CTD exposure. The testis showed obvious oxidative damage accompanied by an increase in mitochondrial autophagy, the Nfr2-Keap1 pathway was inhibited, and the blood-testis barrier was destroyed. Notably, these changes were significantly improved after APS treatment. The internal mechanisms of APS ameliorate CTD-induced testicular oxidative damage in mice may be closely connected to regulatory the Nrf2-Keap1 signaling pathway, restraining autophagy, and repairing the blood-testis barrier, providing theoretical support for further study on the reproductive toxicity mechanism of CTD and clinical treatments to ameliorate it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Xiao
- School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550025, China; School of Traditional Chinese medicine health preservation, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Ruxia Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Wenchao Tang
- School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550025, China.
| | - Changfu Yang
- School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550025, China; School of Pharmacy, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550025, China.
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Malaekeh-Nikouei A, Shokri-Naei S, Karbasforoushan S, Bahari H, Baradaran Rahimi V, Heidari R, Askari VR. Metformin beyond an anti-diabetic agent: A comprehensive and mechanistic review on its effects against natural and chemical toxins. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115263. [PMID: 37541178 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In addition to the anti-diabetic effect of metformin, a growing number of studies have shown that metformin has some exciting properties, such as anti-oxidative capabilities, anticancer, genomic stability, anti-inflammation, and anti-fibrosis, which have potent, that can treat other disorders other than diabetes mellitus. We aimed to describe and review the protective and antidotal efficacy of metformin against biologicals, chemicals, natural, medications, pesticides, and radiation-induced toxicities. A comprehensive search has been performed from Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases from inception to March 8, 2023. All in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies were considered. Many studies suggest that metformin affects diseases other than diabetes. It is a radioprotective and chemoprotective drug that also affects viral and bacterial diseases. It can be used against inflammation-related and apoptosis-related abnormalities and against toxins to lower their effects. Besides lowering blood sugar, metformin can attenuate the effects of toxins on body weight, inflammation, apoptosis, necrosis, caspase-3 activation, cell viability and survival rate, reactive oxygen species (ROS), NF-κB, TNF-α, many interleukins, lipid profile, and many enzymes activity such as catalase and superoxide dismutase. It also can reduce the histopathological damages induced by many toxins on the kidneys, liver, and colon. However, clinical trials and human studies are needed before using metformin as a therapeutic agent against other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amirhossein Malaekeh-Nikouei
- International UNESCO Center for Health-Related Basic Sciences and Human Nutrition, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Sina Shokri-Naei
- International UNESCO Center for Health-Related Basic Sciences and Human Nutrition, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Sobhan Karbasforoushan
- International UNESCO Center for Health-Related Basic Sciences and Human Nutrition, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hossein Bahari
- International UNESCO Center for Health-Related Basic Sciences and Human Nutrition, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Vafa Baradaran Rahimi
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Reza Heidari
- Medical Biotechnology Research Center, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Research Center for Cancer Screening and Epidemiology, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahid Reza Askari
- International UNESCO Center for Health-Related Basic Sciences and Human Nutrition, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Pharmacological Research Center of Medicinal Plants, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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