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Zeng L, Zhou J, Wang X, Zhang Y, Wang M, Su P. Cadmium attenuates testosterone synthesis by promoting ferroptosis and blocking autophagosome-lysosome fusion. Free Radic Biol Med 2021; 176:176-188. [PMID: 34610361 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2021.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a newly defined programmed cell death pathway characterized by iron overload and lipid peroxidation. Increasing studies show that autophagy regulates testosterone synthesis and promotes ferroptosis. Testosterone is essential for sexual development and the maintenance of male characteristics. The deficiency of testosterone induced by cadmium (Cd) can severely affect male fertility. However, the underlying mechanism of testosterone reduction after Cd exposure remains blurry. In this study, we found that Cd affected iron homeostasis and elicited ferroptosis, ultimately reducing testosterone production. Mechanically, our findings revealed that Cd-induced ferroptosis depended upon the excessive activation of Heme oxygenase 1 (HMOX1) and the release of free iron from heme. Additionally, Cd exposure promoted autophagosome formation but blocked autophagosome-lysosome fusion, which attenuated the absorption of total cholesterol and triglycerides, further aggravating testosterone synthesis disorder. Collectively, Cd induced ferroptosis by iron homeostasis dysregulation, mediated by excessive activation of HMOX-1. The disruption of autophagy flow contributed to Cd-induced testicular dysfunction and attenuated testosterone synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Zeng
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, PR China.
| | - Jinzhao Zhou
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, PR China.
| | - Xiaofei Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, PR China.
| | - Yanwei Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, PR China.
| | - Mei Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei, PR China; Reproductive Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| | - Ping Su
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, PR China.
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Adelakun SA, Akintunde OW, Ogunlade B. Fluoride-induced testicular degeneration and sperm quality deteriorations: Salutary role of Cyperus esculentus tubers (tiger nut) extract in animal model. Rev Int Androl 2020; 19:201-212. [PMID: 32703668 DOI: 10.1016/j.androl.2020.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Chronic exposure to fluoride causes tissue damage induced by oxidative imbalance, Cyperus esculentus (CE) possess anti-inflammatory and immunostimulatory properties. This study focused on Salutary role of Cyperus esculentus in sodium fluoride (NaF) induced testicular degeneration and sperm quality deteriorations. METHODS Sexually mature male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=6). Animals in control group received 2 mls of normal saline per day; CE group received 500mg/kg bw of CE; NaF group received 5mg/kg bw of NaF; NaF+CE group received 500mg/kg bw of CE (for 14 days pre-treatment) and NaF co-treatment till 56 days via gastric gavage. Parameters tested include: testicular histology, sperm parameters, sex hormone, fertility test, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase (GPX), catalase (CAT), testicular fluoride and testicular cholesterol. RESULTS Sodium fluoride significantly (p<.05) decrease testicular antioxidant (SOD, CAT, GSH and GPx), sperm quality, hormone profiles (TT, FSH, LH, estrogen levels), testicular cholesterol, morphometric parameters, Johnsen's Score and number of implantations in female rats with corresponding (p<.05) increase in oxidative stress makers and abnormal sperm morphology. Also depleted seminiferous epithelium and degenerate spermatogenic cells. Pretreatment with 500mg/kg bw of CE lowered NaF toxicity by significantly reducing the lipid peroxidation products, fluoride accumulation in the testis, histopathological changes of the testes and spermatozoa abnormalities and reverted observed NaF-induced inhibition in antioxidant parameters and weight of accessory sex organs. CONCLUSIONS Cyperus esculentus attenuated NaF-induced testicular injuries and protected the seminiferous epithelium, reduced oxidative stress and promoted spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunday Aderemi Adelakun
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Health and Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria.
| | - Olalekan Wasiu Akintunde
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria
| | - Babatunde Ogunlade
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Health and Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria
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Jahan S, Azad T, Ayub A, Ullah A, Afsar T, Almajwal A, Razak S. Ameliorating potency of Chenopodium album Linn. and vitamin C against mercuric chloride-induced oxidative stress in testes of Sprague Dawley rats. Environ Health Prev Med 2019; 24:62. [PMID: 31759394 PMCID: PMC6875164 DOI: 10.1186/s12199-019-0820-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mercury has been documented as an industrial risk that posed a serious danger to human health. Mercury exposure results in oxidative stress that may lead to the pathogenesis of male reproductive dysfunction. The present study investigated the ameliorating potential of Chenopodium album L. and vitamin C against mercuric chloride-induced oxidative deterioration of reproductive functions in adult male rats. METHODS Group 1 (control) received saline. Group 2 received Mercury (0.15 mg/kg b.w, i.p) dissolved in distilled water. Groups 3 and 4 were given oral gavage of vitamin C (200 mg/kg b.w) and the ethanolic extract of C. album (200 mg/kg b.w) respectively, along with Mercury (0.15 mg/kg b.w, i.p). Group 5 was treated only with C. album (200 mg/kg b.w). After 30 days of the treatment, the rats were dissected and their testicular tissue and the cauda epididymis were used for biochemical analysis while blood plasma was used for protein determination. RESULTS The applied dose-treatment of Mercury-induced oxidative stress in the testis and cauda epididymis tissues of the rats was apparent by a noteworthy decrease in total protein, CAT, SOD, POD, and GST values while there was increase in ROS and TBARS levels. Furthermore, Mercury decreases daily sperm production and enhanced sperm DNA damage as noticeable by an increase in the head and tail length of comets and decrease in intact DNA. There was no significant effect on the body weight and the weight of the reproductive tissues. Treatment with C. album significantly ameliorated the total protein, ROS, and TBARS content. Similarly, the level of CAT, SOD, POD, and GST was significantly improved and the daily sperm production was significantly increased. Furthermore, C. album administration significantly protected Mercury-induced sperm DNA damage. The results of the extract treatment group were compared with those of vitamin C in detoxifying the oxidative stress and restoring the sperm parameters. CONCLUSION C. album showed protection against Mercury-induced oxidative stress by ameliorating antioxidant enzyme activity, daily sperm production, and DNA damage in rat testes. This suggests that C. album could be beneficial against toxicity induced by an environmental toxicant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarwat Jahan
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
| | - Tayyaba Azad
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
| | - Amina Ayub
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
| | - Asad Ullah
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
| | - Tayyaba Afsar
- Department of Community Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Almajwal
- Department of Community Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Suhail Razak
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan. .,Department of Community Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
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Chen N, Lin M, Liu N, Wang S, Xiao X. Methylmercury-induced testis damage is associated with activation of oxidative stress and germ cell autophagy. J Inorg Biochem 2019; 190:67-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2018.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Revised: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Mao BP, Li L, Yan M, Lian Q, Ge R, Cheng CY. Environmental toxicants and cell polarity in the testis. Reprod Toxicol 2018; 81:253-258. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2018.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Okolo KO, Orisakwe OE, Siminialayi IM. Pleurotus tuber-regium mushrooms in the diet of rats ameliorates reproductive and testicular injury caused by carbon tetrachloride. CLINICAL PHYTOSCIENCE 2017. [DOI: 10.1186/s40816-017-0051-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
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Rotter I, Kosik-Bogacka DI, Dołęgowska B, Safranow K, Kuczyńska M, Laszczyńska M. Analysis of the relationship between the blood concentration of several metals, macro- and micronutrients and endocrine disorders associated with male aging. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2016; 38:749-761. [PMID: 26254889 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-015-9758-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2015] [Accepted: 07/31/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Beyond 30 years of age, men experience a decline in the production of testosterone, yet only a few develop late-onset hypogonadism. This study was designed to determine the relationship between blood concentrations of metals, macro- and micronutrients and age-related testosterone deficiency and associated hormonal changes in aging men. The research involved 313 men aged 50-75 years. We used ELISA to determine the concentrations of total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT), estradiol (E2), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). We calculated free androgen index (FAI). With the use of emission spectrometry in inductively coupled argon plasma, we determined the whole-blood concentrations of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As) and tungsten (W), as well as serum concentrations of magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn) and molybdenum (Mo). The study showed no relationship between TT and FT and the concentrations of metals. Men with TT deficiency had significantly lower concentrations of Mg and Fe and increased Mn. Men with FT deficiency had higher W and Cr levels and lower Fe. Assessing the correlation between the concentrations of hormones, SHBG and FAI, and the concentration of metals and macro- and microelements in the blood of the men, we found positive correlations between the concentrations of TT-Mg, TT-Fe, TT-Mo, FT-Fe, E2-As, SHBG-Mn, FAI-W, FAI-As, FAI-Zn and FAI-Ca, and negative correlations between the concentrations of TT-Mn, FT-Cd, FT-Cr, E2-Hg, E2-Cr, SHBG-W, SHBG-As, SHBG-Zn, SHBG-Ca, FAI-Pb and FAI-Mn. Positive correlations between As and E2 and between As and FAI may suggest a lack of association between this metal and hypogonadism in people not exposed to excess As levels. Our research indicates a positive relationship between the concentrations of Mg, Fe and Zn and endocrine system in aging men, in contrast to Mn and Cr. Toxic metals (Cd, Pb) seemed to negatively affect the level of bioavailable testosterone. In persons not exposed to As, As does not contribute late-onset hypogonadism. Heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Hg and W) may contribute to a lower concentration of DHEAS. The role of W in men with LOH was found to be ambiguous, as on the one hand its concentration was higher in men with FT deficiency, and on the other hand it positively correlated with FAI, which in turn indirectly indicates testosterone availability. Copper and selenium do not seem to play any significant role in the occurrence of TT deficiency in aging men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iwona Rotter
- Independent Laboratory of Medical Rehabilitation, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Danuta I Kosik-Bogacka
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland.
| | - Barbara Dołęgowska
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology Diagnostics, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Safranow
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Magdalena Kuczyńska
- Department of Human Sciences in Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Maria Laszczyńska
- Department of Histology and Developmental Biology, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
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Abarikwu SO, Benjamin S, Ebah SG, Obilor G, Agbam G. Oral administration of Moringa oleifera oil but not coconut oil prevents mercury-induced testicular toxicity in rats. Andrologia 2016; 49. [PMID: 27071754 DOI: 10.1111/and.12597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was conducted to compare the effects of administration of coconut oil (CO) and Moringa oleifera oil (MO) on testicular oxidative stress, sperm quality and steroidogenesis parameters in rats treated with mercury chloride (HgCl2 ). After 15 days of oral administration of CO (2 ml kg-1 body weight) and MO (2 ml kg-1 body weight) along with intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of HgCl2 (5 mg kg-1 body weight) alone or in combination, we found that CO treatment did not protect against HgCl2 -induced poor sperm quality (motility, count) as well as decreased testosterone level and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD) activity. Treatment with CO alone decreased glutathione (GSH), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) level in rat's testis, whereas MO did not change these parameters. Cotreatment with MO prevented HgCl2 -induced testicular catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, poor sperm quality and low testosterone level and also blocks the adverse effect of CO+HgCl2 (2 ml kg-1 body weight + 5 mg kg-1 body weight) on the investigated endpoints. In conclusion, MO and not CO decreased the deleterious effects of HgCl2 on sperm quality and steroidogenesis in rats and also strengthen the antioxidant defence of the testes. Therefore, MO is beneficial as an antioxidant in HgCl2 -induced oxidative damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- S O Abarikwu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Nigeria
| | - S Benjamin
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Nigeria
| | - S G Ebah
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Nigeria
| | - G Obilor
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Nigeria
| | - G Agbam
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Nigeria
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Roychoudhury S, Massanyi P, Slivkova J, Formicki G, Lukac N, Slamecka J, Slama P, Kolesarova A. Effect of mercury on porcine ovarian granulosa cells in vitro. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART A, TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2015; 50:839-845. [PMID: 26030690 DOI: 10.1080/10934529.2015.1019805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this in vitro study was to examine dose-dependent changes in the secretion activity [progesterone (P4) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I)] of porcine ovarian granulosa cells after experimental mercury (Hg) administration, including its apoptotic potential so as to ascertain the possible involvement of Hg in steroidogenesis. Ovarian granulosa cells were incubated with mercuric chloride [mercury (II) chloride or HgCl2] at the doses 50-250 μg mL(-1) for 18 h and compared with control group without Hg addition. Release of P4 and IGF-I by ovarian granulosa cells was assessed by RIA and apoptosis by TUNEL assay. Observations show that P4 release by granulosa cells was significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited at all the doses, while IGF-I release was not affected at any of the doses used, although a decreasing trend in the release of IGF-I was noted in comparison to control. An increasing trend of apoptosis of granulosa cells was noted, the difference being significant (P < 0.05) only at the dose 130 μg mL(-1) HgCl2, in comparison to control. Obtained data suggest a direct effect of Hg on the release of steroid hormone progesterone but not growth factor IGF-I, and a dose-dependent effect on apoptosis of porcine ovarian granulosa cells. Results indicate the interference of Hg in the pathways of steroidogenesis and apoptosis of porcine ovarian granulosa cells.
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Roelofs MJ, Piersma AH, van den Berg M, van Duursen MB. The relevance of chemical interactions with CYP17 enzyme activity: Assessment using a novel in vitro assay. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2013; 268:309-17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2013.01.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2012] [Revised: 01/18/2013] [Accepted: 01/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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11
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El-Desoky GE, Bashandy SA, Alhazza IM, Al-Othman ZA, Aboul-Soud MAM, Yusuf K. Improvement of mercuric chloride-induced testis injuries and sperm quality deteriorations by Spirulina platensis in rats. PLoS One 2013; 8:e59177. [PMID: 23555627 PMCID: PMC3610915 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0059177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2012] [Accepted: 02/12/2013] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study was undertaken to investigate the protective effect of the filamentous cyanobacterium Spirulina platensis (S. platensis) on mercury (II) chloride (HgCl(2))-induced oxidative damages and histopathological alterations in the testis of Wistar albino rats. The animals were divided into four equal groups, i) control, ii) HgCl(2), iii) S. platensis and iv) combination of HgCl(2)+S. platensis. Oxidative stress, induced by a single dose of HgCl(2) (5 mg/kg, bw; subcutaneously, s.c.), substantially decreased (P<0.01) the activity level of testicular key enzymatic antioxidant biomarkers (superoxide dismutase, SOD; catalase, CAT and glutathione peroxidase, GPx), oxidative stress makers (blood hydroperoxide; testicular reduced glutathione, GSH and malondialdehyde, MDA), and testicular mercury levels. Moreover, HgCl(2) administration resulted in a significant (P<0.01) increase in the number of sperms with abnormal morphology and decrease in epididymal sperm count, motility, plasma testosterone level and testicular cholesterol. Furthermore, HgCl(2) exposure induced histopathological changes to the testis including morphological alterations of the seminiferous tubules, and degeneration and dissociation of spermatogenic cells. Notably, oral pretreatment of animals with Spirulina (300 mg/kg, bw) lowered the extent of the observed HgCl(2)-mediated toxicity, whereby significantly reducing the resulting lipid peroxidation products, mercury accumulation in the testis, histopathological changes of the testes and spermatozoal abnormalities. In parallel, the pretreatment with Spirulina also completely reverted the observed Hg-Cl(2)-induced inhibition in enzymatic activities of antioxidant biomarkers (SOD, CAT and GPx) back to control levels. The pretreatment of rats with S. platensis significantly recovered the observed HgCl(2)-mediated decrease in the weight of accessory sex organs. Taken together, our findings clearly highlight the role of S. platensis as a protective modulator of HgCl(2)-induced testicular injuries and suggest some therapeutic potential in mammals. Further investigation of therapeutic strategies employing Spirulina against heavy metals toxicity in humans is therefore warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaber E El-Desoky
- Chemistry Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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12
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Evaluation of an alternative in vitro test battery for detecting reproductive toxicants. Reprod Toxicol 2013; 38:53-64. [PMID: 23511061 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2013.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2012] [Revised: 03/06/2013] [Accepted: 03/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The application of alternative methods in developmental and reproductive toxicology is challenging in view of the complexity of mechanisms involved. A battery of complementary test systems may provide a better prediction of developmental and reproductive toxicity than single assays. We tested twelve compounds with varying mechanisms of toxic action in an assay battery including 24 CALUX transcriptional activation assays, mouse cardiac embryonic stem cell test, ReProGlo assay, zebrafish embryotoxicity assay, and two CYP17 and two CYP19 activity assays. The battery correctly detected 11/12 compounds tested, with one false negative occurring, which could be explained by the absence of the specific mechanism of action of this compound in the battery. Toxicokinetic modeling revealed that toxic concentrations were in the range expected from in vivo reproductive toxicity data. This study illustrates added value of combining assays that contain complementary biological processes and mechanisms, increasing predictive value of the battery over individual assays.
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Knazicka Z, Lukac N, Forgacs Z, Tvrda E, Lukacova J, Slivkova J, Binkowski L, Massanyi P. Effects of mercury on the steroidogenesis of human adrenocarcinoma (NCI-H295R) cell line. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART A, TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2013; 48:348-353. [PMID: 23245310 DOI: 10.1080/10934529.2013.726908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
In this study the NCI-H295R human adrenocortical carcinoma cell line was used as an in vitro biological model to study the effect of mercury (HgCl(2)) on the steroidogenesis. The cells were cultured for 48 h with addition of 1.0; 5.0; 25; 50 or 100 μM of HgCl(2) and compared to control. Cell viability was measured by the MTT (metabolic activity) assay estimation for the mitochondria structural integrity. Quantification of testosterone and progesterone directly from aliquots of the medium was performed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Concentration-dependent depression in testosterone production was detected particularly for higher concentration of Hg(2+). Progesterone production was also decreased, but at the lower concentrations (1.0 and 5.0 μM) of Hg(2+) this decline was lower compared to depression of testosterone. The cell viability significantly decreased at 25 μM and higher concentration of Hg(2+). However, at 25 μM Hg(2+) exposure the cell viability remained relatively high (> 80%). Results of the study indicate dose-dependent decreases in both testosterone and progesterone production of H295R cell culture following a 48 h in vitro HgCl(2) exposure. The results suggest that Hg has detrimental effects on steroid hormone synthesis also at very low concentrations and consecutively on reproductive physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Knazicka
- Department of Animal Physiology, Slovak University of Agriculture, Nitra, Slovak Republic
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SHIRAI N, YAMASHITA Y, YAMASHITA M. Simultaneous Effects of Green Tea Extracts and Fish Oil on Mercury Accumulation and Antioxidant Defenses in Methylmercury-exposed Adult Mice. FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH 2013. [DOI: 10.3136/fstr.19.883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Hassauer M, Kaiser E, Schneider K, Schuhmacher‐Wolz U. Collate the literature on toxicity data on mercury in experimental animals and humans (Part I – Data on organic mercury). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.2903/sp.efsa.2012.en-297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Hassauer
- Forschungs‐ und Beratungsinstitut Gefahrstoffe GmbH (FoBiG) Freiburg Germany
| | - Eva Kaiser
- Forschungs‐ und Beratungsinstitut Gefahrstoffe GmbH (FoBiG) Freiburg Germany
| | - Klaus Schneider
- Forschungs‐ und Beratungsinstitut Gefahrstoffe GmbH (FoBiG) Freiburg Germany
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da Silva DAF, Barbosa F, Scarano WR. Oral exposure to methylmercury modifies the prostatic microenvironment in adult rats. Int J Exp Pathol 2012; 93:354-60. [PMID: 22974216 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2613.2012.00825.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is an environmental pollutant that is highly toxic to the central nervous system. As its effects on male reproductive system are poorly understood, this study was carried out to analyse the effects of MeHg on the rat prostate. To evaluate the MeHg toxicity on ventral prostate, three groups of adult male Wistar rats received oral doses of 0.5, 1.0 and 3.0 mg/kg MeHg, respectively, on a daily basis for 14 days. A fourth group was used as a control. The prostate weight was decreased in rats treated orally with 0.5 mg/kg MeHg compared to controls. Also, Hg concentration increased significantly in the prostate after treatments. There were reductions in serum testosterone levels and androgen receptor immunoreactivity in animals receiving 3.0 mg MeHg/kg. The stereological data showed changes in the prostatic epithelial, stromal and luminal compartments which varied according to the different doses. Histopathological alterations, such as chronic inflammation, stratified epithelial hyperplasia and epithelial inflammatory reactive atypia, were observed in the 0.5 mg/kg MeHg-treated group. Epithelial atrophy was observed in the 3.0 mg/kg MeHg-treated group. In conclusion, the MeHg affects prostatic homoeostasis resulting in histopathological changes that may be relevant in the pathogenesis of prostatic disease.
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17
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Dietary mercury exposure resulted in behavioral differences in mice contaminated with fish-associated methylmercury compared to methylmercury chloride added to diet. J Biomed Biotechnol 2012; 2012:681016. [PMID: 22899888 PMCID: PMC3412318 DOI: 10.1155/2012/681016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2012] [Revised: 06/12/2012] [Accepted: 06/19/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a potent neurotoxin, and humans are mainly exposed to this pollutant through fish consumption. However, in classical toxicological studies, pure methylmercury chloride (MeHgCl) is injected, given to drink or incorporated within feed assuming that its effects are identical to those of MeHg naturally associated to fish. In the present study, we wanted to address the question whether a diet containing MeHg associated to fish could result in observable adverse effects in mice as compared to a diet containing the same concentration of MeHg added pure to the diet and whether beneficial nutriments from fish were able to counterbalance the deleterious effects of fish-associated mercury, if any. After two months of feeding, the fish-containing diet resulted in significant observable effects as compared to the control and MeHg-containing diets, encompassing altered behavioral performances as monitored in a Y-shaped maze and an open field, and an increased dopamine metabolic turnover in hippocampus, despite the fact that the fish-containing diet was enriched in polyunsaturated fatty acids and selenium compared to the fish-devoid diets.
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Effects of methylmercury on male reproductive functions in Wistar rats. Reprod Toxicol 2011; 31:431-9. [PMID: 21262343 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2011.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2010] [Revised: 12/15/2010] [Accepted: 01/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In this study we investigated the effects of subacute exposure to methylmercury (MeHg) on male reproductive functions in rats by means of determination of alterations in structural and functional parameters. Adult male Wistar rats received 0, 0.5, 1.0 or 3.0 mg/kg/body weight/day orally, daily MeHg for 14 days. Sperm motility, the relative sperm count and transit time in the caput/corpus epididymis, were all reduced at all doses. The lowest dose increased the number of sperm head abnormalities; daily sperm production was elevated at the intermediate dose; while at the highest dose there was a decrease in serum testosterone levels and a rise in mercury (Hg) content in reproductive organs, liver and kidneys. In conclusion, MeHg exposure produced damages on male reproductive functions which may be attributed, at least in part, to the reduction in serum testosterone levels. These consequences could potentially result in infertility in rats.
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Moussa H, Hachfi L, Trimèche M, Najjar MF, Sakly R. Accumulation of mercury and its effects on testicular functions in rats intoxicated orally by methylmercury. Andrologia 2010; 43:23-7. [PMID: 21219378 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0272.2009.01003.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
All forms of mercury are considered poisonous. Methylmercury, one organic form, is highly toxic to many organs. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of this form on the reproductive system in the rat. For this, 20 male rats were divided into two groups. One, which is considered as reference, received tap water. The second group received tap water containing methylmercury at the rate of 20 mg l⁻¹ for 8 weeks. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected for the determination of total mercury and plasma testosterone. The left testes were used for the determination of total mercury and histological examination. Appropriate centrifugation was applied on right testes to extract interstitial and seminiferous tubular fluids. The epididymides were homogenised for the sperm count. Our results showed a dramatic fall in the plasma testosterone in the contaminated animals. The fall in plasmatic testosterone seems to be in relation with the decrease in the secretion of testosterone. In association with this, the concentration of testosterone in seminiferous tubules fluid dropped about 55% in the poisoned animals in comparison with the controls. Despite this, no decrease in the epididymal sperm count in contaminated rats was observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Moussa
- Laboratoire de Physiologie, E.S.S.T.S, Monastir, Tunisia
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Tan SW, Meiller JC, Mahaffey KR. The endocrine effects of mercury in humans and wildlife. Crit Rev Toxicol 2009; 39:228-69. [DOI: 10.1080/10408440802233259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 206] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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