1
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pesticides and Male Fertility: A Dangerous Crosstalk. Metabolites 2021; 11:metabo11120799. [PMID: 34940557 PMCID: PMC8707831 DOI: 10.3390/metabo11120799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, an increasing incidence of male infertility has been reported. Interestingly, and considering that pesticides have been used for a long time, the high incidence of this pathological state is concomitant with the increasing use of these chemicals, suggesting they are contributors for the development of human infertility. Data from literature highlight the ability of certain pesticides and/or their metabolites to persist in the environment for long periods of time, as well as to bioaccumulate in the food chain, thus contributing for their chronic exposure. Furthermore, pesticides can act as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), interfering with the normal function of natural hormones (which are responsible for the regulation of the reproductive system), or even as obesogens, promoting obesity and associated comorbidities, like infertility. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have focused on the effects and possible mechanisms of action of these pesticides on the male reproductive system that cause sundry negative effects, even though through diverse mechanisms, but all may lead to infertility. In this review, we present an up-to-date overview and discussion of the effects, and the metabolic and molecular features of pesticides on somatic cells and germinal tissues that affect germ cell differentiation.
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang J, Bao B, Feng J, Zhao Q, Dai H, Meng F, Deng S, Wang B, Li H. Effects of Diabetes Mellitus on Sperm Quality in the Db/Db Mouse Model and the Role of the FoxO1 Pathway. Med Sci Monit 2021; 27:e928232. [PMID: 33589581 PMCID: PMC7896429 DOI: 10.12659/msm.928232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Studies have shown that diabetes mellitus (DM) has a negative impact on male reproductive function, which may lead to changes in the testis and epididymis and a decline in semen quality. Material/Methods We performed animal experiments with 6 diabetic db/db mice as the model group (group B) and 6 C57BL/6J mice as the control group (group A). After adaptive feeding for 7 days, the sperm quality of each group was measured. Concurrently, the morphology of the mouse testis was observed by hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining. The expression of the PI3K, Akt, FoxO1, FasL, IL-6, and Stat3 proteins and mRNAs in the testicular tissue was detected by western blotting and RT-qPCR. Results The number of spermatozoa and sperm motility of group A was significantly higher than that of group B (P<0.05). H&E staining of the testicular tissue showed the seminiferous tubules in group B mice were damaged to varying degrees and the seminiferous tubules were sparsely arranged. Compared with those of group A, the expression levels of PI3K, Akt, and Stat3 proteins and mRNAs in group B were significantly lower (P<0.05), while the expression levels of FoxO1, FasL, and IL-6 proteins and mRNAs in group B mice were significantly higher (P<0.05). Conclusions This study demonstrated that DM inhibited the expression of PI3K, Akt, and Stat3 proteins and mRNAs in the FoxO1 pathway and promoted the expression of FoxO1, FasL, and IL-6 proteins and mRNAs, leading to abnormal apoptosis of testicular tissue cells and functional damage, and eventually spermatogenic dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jisheng Wang
- First Clinical Medical College, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China (mainland).,Department of Andrology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Binghao Bao
- First Clinical Medical College, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China (mainland).,Department of Andrology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Junlong Feng
- First Clinical Medical College, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China (mainland).,Department of Andrology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Qi Zhao
- First Clinical Medical College, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China (mainland).,Department of Andrology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Hengheng Dai
- First Clinical Medical College, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China (mainland).,Department of Andrology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Fanchao Meng
- First Clinical Medical College, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China (mainland).,Department of Andrology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Sheng Deng
- First Clinical Medical College, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China (mainland).,Department of Andrology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Andrology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Haisong Li
- Department of Andrology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China (mainland)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Huang W, Quan C, Duan P, Tang S, Chen W, Yang K. Nonylphenol induced apoptosis and autophagy involving the Akt/mTOR pathway in prepubertal Sprague-Dawley male rats in vivo and in vitro. Toxicology 2016; 373:41-53. [PMID: 27832966 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2016.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2016] [Revised: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 11/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
This research explores the detrimental effect of nonylphenol (NP) to prepubertal Sprague-Dawley male rats in vivo and in vitro. Herein, forty-two 3-week-old rats were randomly divided into six groups, which were treated with NP (0, NAC, 25, 50, 100, 100+NACmg/kg/2d for 30 consecutive days) by intraperitoneal injection. NP induced a reduction in testosterone (15.58%, 17.23%, 13.38% in 25, 50, 100mg/kg group, respectively), triggered apoptosis related to oxidative stress, and disturbed mRNA and/or protein levels of PI3K, PTEN, PDK1, p-Akt, p-mTOR, p70S6K, caspase-3, LC3B. NP induced morphological abnormality in epididymal sperm (2.00-, 3.02-fold in 50, 100mg/kg group, respectively). Pretreatment with NAC, attenuated NP-induced ROS production; recovered testosterone in serum, and ameliorated toxic effect in epididymal sperm. Sertoli cells were isolated, purified, treated with NP (0, 10, 20, and 30μM) for 12h. NP disturbed mRNA and/or protein levels of caspase-3, cleave-caspase-3, LC3B involving the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. It also decreased protein levels of ABP, FSHR, N-cadherin, transferrin, vimentin; disturbed the gene levels of all, but vimentin. Pretreatment with wortmannin, alleviated an NP-induced reduction in protein levels of PI3K and PTEN. In conclusion, excess NP exposure induces apoptosis and autophagy, causes reproductive lesions involving the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway both in vivo and in vitro. It also triggers oxidative stress and hormonal deficiency, reduces semen quality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenting Huang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan 430030, PR China
| | - Chao Quan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan 430030, PR China
| | - Peng Duan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan 430030, PR China
| | - Sha Tang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan 430030, PR China
| | - Wei Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan 430030, PR China
| | - Kedi Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan 430030, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Effects of four nucleoside analogues used as antiviral agents on rat Sertoli cells (SerW3) in vitro. Arch Toxicol 2016; 90:1975-81. [PMID: 27224990 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-016-1743-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Some nucleoside analogues are used to treat herpes simplex and other viral infections. They are known to impair spermatogenesis, but published data are scarce. We studied the effects of four nucleosides on SerW3 cells, a rat Sertoli cell line. Cells were cultured for 3 days in DMEM supplemented with four different concentrations of each drug. Aciclovir and ganciclovir were added at concentrations of 0.3, 1, 3 and 10 mg/l medium; penciclovir and its prodrug famciclovir were used at higher concentrations (3, 10, 30, 100 mg/l medium). After a culture period of 3 days, we analysed the expression of connexin43, N-cadherin and the cytoskeleton protein vimentin by Western blot. Aciclovir caused a clear-cut effect at the highest concentration tested (10 mg/l), which is less than the peak plasma concentration achieved in patients during intravenous therapy with the drug. Connexin43, vimentin and N-cadherin content decreased to 49.8 ± 17, 44.0 ± 4 and 75.4 ± 1.5 % of the control values, respectively (n = 3; mean ± SD). Similar effects were observed with the prodrug ganciclovir (43.2 ± 10.8; 54.1 ± 11.9; 84.4 ± 10.8 % of controls). Penciclovir caused less pronounced effects at 10 mg/l medium (82.1 ± 20.6; 90.0 ± 12.0; 76.5 ± 17.7 % of controls). Only a slight effect was observed with famciclovir. Even at a 10-fold concentration (100 mg/l), just moderate changes were induced. In summary, we observed clear-cut effects with aciclovir and ganciclovir on Sertoli cells in vitro at therapeutically relevant concentrations and identified connexin43 as the most sensitive marker.
Collapse
|
6
|
Zheng W, Pan S, Wang G, Wang YJ, Liu Q, Gu J, Yuan Y, Liu XZ, Liu ZP, Bian JC. Zearalenone impairs the male reproductive system functions via inducing structural and functional alterations of sertoli cells. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2016; 42:146-155. [PMID: 26851377 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2016.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2015] [Revised: 01/15/2016] [Accepted: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ZEA on the cytoskeletal structure, and factors specifically expressed by Sertoli cells. Primary Sertoli cells from rats aged 18-21 days were exposed to increasing ZEA concentrations (0, 5, 10, 20 μg mL(-1)) for 24 h. The results of immunofluorescence showed disruption of α-tubulin filaments and F-actin bundles, and damage to the nucleus of Sertoli cells on exposure to ZEA. In the control group, the protein level expression of androgen-binding protein (ABP), transferrin, vimentin, N-cadherin, and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) were decreased significantly (p<0.05, p<0.01). The mRNA levels of ABP, transferrin, vimentin, N-cadherin, and FSHR varied significantly in the experimental group (p<0.05). The results of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay indicated a significant decrease in the levels of inhibin-β and transferrin in the cultural supernatants (p<0.05). Additionally, the ultrastructural analysis indicated the absence of mitochondria and Golgi apparatus, and presence of vacuoles in the cytoplasm. These findings showed that ZEA treatment can damage the cytoskeletal structure and affect specific secretory functions of Sertoli cells, which may be an underlying cause of ZEA-induced reproductive toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- WangLong Zheng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu, China
| | - ShunYe Pan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guangguang Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ya Jun Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu, China; Saybagh District Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Station, Urumqi 830000, Xinjiang, China
| | - Qing Liu
- Jiaozuo Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau of P.R. China, Jiaozuo 454001, Henan, China
| | - JianHong Gu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Yuan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xue Zhong Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zong Ping Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jian Chun Bian
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu, China.
| |
Collapse
|