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Allemailem KS, Almatroudi A, Alharbi HOA, AlSuhaymi N, Alsugoor MH, Aldakheel FM, Khan AA, Rahmani AH. Apigenin: A Bioflavonoid with a Promising Role in Disease Prevention and Treatment. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1353. [PMID: 38927560 PMCID: PMC11202028 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12061353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Apigenin is a powerful flavone compound found in numerous fruits and vegetables, and it offers numerous health-promoting benefits. Many studies have evidenced that this compound has a potential role as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound, making it a promising candidate for reducing the risk of pathogenesis. It has also been found to positively affect various systems in the body, such as the respiratory, digestive, immune, and reproductive systems. Apigenin is effective in treating liver, lung, heart, kidney, neurological diseases, diabetes, and maintaining good oral and skin health. Multiple studies have reported that this compound is capable of suppressing various types of cancer through the induction of apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest, suppressing cell migration and invasion, reduction of inflammation, and inhibiting angiogenesis. When used in combination with other drugs, apigenin increases their efficacy, reduces the risk of side effects, and improves the response to chemotherapy. This review broadly analyzes apigenin's potential in disease management by modulating various biological activities. In addition, this review also described apigenin's interaction with other compounds or drugs and the potential role of nanoformulation in different pathogeneses. Further extensive research is needed to explore the mechanism of action, safety, and efficacy of this compound in disease prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled S. Allemailem
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia; (K.S.A.); (A.A.); (H.O.A.A.)
| | - Ahmad Almatroudi
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia; (K.S.A.); (A.A.); (H.O.A.A.)
| | - Hajed Obaid A. Alharbi
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia; (K.S.A.); (A.A.); (H.O.A.A.)
| | - Naif AlSuhaymi
- Department of Emergency Medical Services, Faculty of Health Sciences, AlQunfudah, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21912, Saudi Arabia (M.H.A.)
| | - Mahdi H. Alsugoor
- Department of Emergency Medical Services, Faculty of Health Sciences, AlQunfudah, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21912, Saudi Arabia (M.H.A.)
| | - Fahad M. Aldakheel
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11433, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amjad Ali Khan
- Department of Basic Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia
| | - Arshad Husain Rahmani
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia; (K.S.A.); (A.A.); (H.O.A.A.)
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Mohammadi T, Hosseinchi Gharehaghaj M, Alaei Novin A. Effects of apigenin and trans-ferulic acid on microscopic and oxidative stress parameters in the semen of water buffalo bulls during cryopreservation. Cryobiology 2024; 115:104868. [PMID: 38423495 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2024.104868] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Cryopreservation involves exposing sperm to stressful conditions that affect cell viability. The high quality of the Azerbaijani water buffalo's by-products, such as buffalo milk, makes it a species of significant importance. Our focus is on protecting its genetic resources by preserving its sperm, as their numbers will decrease in the coming years and they are at risk of extinction. This study's goal was to ascertain how apigenin (A) and trans-ferulic acid (t-FA) affected the semen quality of Azari water buffalo bulls under cryopreservation. Pooled buffalo sperm (n = 35 ejaculations) were diluted in a Tris-based diluent also containing varying amounts of apigenin (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 mM) and trans-ferulic acid (2.5, 5, 10 and 20 mM). Following a freeze-thaw procedure, samples were assayed for total antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione activity (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), progressive motility and total motility, motility properties, plasma membrane functionality, and viability. Sixty days after insemination, the rectal examination was performed on 38 buffaloes that had undergone sexual breeding to confirm pregnancy. The results of the study show that the addition of A-0.2, A-0.4, and t-FA-10 to buffalo semen increases the percentage of intact plasma membrane, motility, and sperm viability, as well as the levels of GSH, GPx, CAT. and TAC. In addition, there is a decrease in MDA and DNA damage after cryopreservation. Furthermore, the results show that 0.4 mM apigenin significantly increases conception rates compared to the control group. The base extender of Tris supplemented with A (0.4 and 0.2 mM) and t-FA (10 mM) improves the antioxidant indices of both frozen and thawed buffalo sperm, which in turn improves post-thawing sperm quality and in vivo fertility improves buffalo sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Mohammadi
- Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia Branch, Islamic Azad University, Urmia, Iran.
| | - M Hosseinchi Gharehaghaj
- Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia Branch, Islamic Azad University, Urmia, Iran
| | - A Alaei Novin
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Garmsar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Iran
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Najafi A, Mohammadi H, Sharifi SD, Rahimi A. Apigenin supplementation substantially improves rooster sperm freezability and post-thaw function. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4527. [PMID: 38402367 PMCID: PMC10894267 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55057-x] [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: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024] Open
Abstract
This pioneering research investigated apigenin potential to augment rooster sperm cryosurvival in an extender model. Apigenin is a natural antioxidant flavonoid showing promise for improved post-thaw sperm function. However, its effects on avian semen cryopreservation remain unexplored. This first study supplemented rooster sperm Lake extender with 0, 50, 100, 200, 400 μmol/L apigenin to determine the optimal concentrations for post-thaw quality. Supplementation with 100 μmol/L apigenin resulted in significant enhancements in total motility (from 41.5% up to 71.5%), progressive motility (18.1% to 29.1%) (p < 0.05), membrane integrity (40% to 68%), mitochondrial function (p < 0.001), viability (37% to 62%) and total antioxidant capacity (p < 0.001) compared to the control. It also substantially reduced percentages of abnormal morphology, reactive oxygen species and apoptosis (p < 0.001). Although 200 μmol/L apigenin significantly enhanced some attributes, effects were markedly lower than 100 μmol/L. Higher doses did not improve cryoprotective parameters. This indicates 100 μmol/L as the optimal apigenin concentration. This represents the first report of apigenin protecting rooster sperm from cryodamage. The natural antioxidant improved post-thaw sperm quality, likely by suppressing oxidative stress and apoptosis. Apigenin shows promise for enhancing rooster sperm cryosurvival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abouzar Najafi
- Department of Animal and Poultry Science, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Hossein Mohammadi
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Arak University, Arak, Iran
| | - Seyed Davood Sharifi
- Department of Animal and Poultry Science, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amin Rahimi
- Department of Animal and Poultry Science, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
- Chaltasian Agri.-Animal Production Complex, Varamin, Tehran, Iran
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Li X, Zhang B, Yang H, Zhang L, Lou H, Zheng S. The emergence of natural products as potential therapeutics for male infertility. Andrology 2024. [PMID: 38191265 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Infertility is a major reproductive health problem. Approximately 50% of all documented cases of infertility are attributable to male factors, such as poor testicular function and semen quality. The recent significant global decline in sperm counts has serious implications for male fertility, but the armamentarium for improving testicular function and semen quality is limited. Natural products have a wide range of activities and are a major source of drugs for disease prevention and treatment. To provide ideas and a theoretical basis for the research and development of therapeutic drugs for male infertility, this review summarizes natural products (mostly monomers) that have been shown to improve testicular function and semen quality and their possible mechanisms of action. These natural products primarily improve testicular function and semen quality via antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effects, in addition to increasing serum testosterone and reducing DNA damage in spermatozoa and testicular cells. Prospects for the application of natural products in the treatment of male infertility are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuyun Li
- Maternal and Child Health Development Research Center, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan, China
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Maternal and Child Health Development Research Center, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan, China
| | - Huijun Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan, China
| | - Liuping Zhang
- Pharmaceutical Department, Shanxian Central Hospital, Heze, China
| | - Hongxiang Lou
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Shicun Zheng
- Maternal and Child Health Development Research Center, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan, China
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Lv D, Ji Y, Zhang Q, Shi Z, Chen T, Zhang C, Wang X, Ren T, Gao Z, Zhong C. Mailuoshutong pill for varicocele-associated male infertility—Phytochemical characterisation and multitarget mechanism. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:961011. [PMID: 36160417 PMCID: PMC9500298 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.961011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Varicocele (VC) is a relatively common and treatable cause of male infertility. Mailuoshutong pill (MLST), a traditional Chinese patent medicine, is widely used for treating varicose vein disease, but the underlying mechanism of MLST on varicocele-associated male infertility is unclear. Objective: To reveal the phytochemical characterisation and multitarget mechanism of MLST on varicocele-associated male infertility. Methods: The components in MLST were determined using UHPLC-MS/MS. Through network analysis, we constructed the “Drug-Components-Targets-Disease” network and predicted the potential biological functions and signaling pathways of MLST. Finally, the therapeutic effects and potential mechanisms of MLST were discovered by pharmacological experiments. Results: By network analysis, the “Drug-Components-Targets-Disease” network was constructed, 62 components such as apigenin, limonin, kaempferol, and obacunoic acid may be the main active components of MLST for varicocele-associated male infertility, 28 targets such as VEGFA, PIK3CA, AKT1, and MTOR are considered as hub targets, signaling pathways such as HIF-1, Estrogen, PI3K/Akt, and mTOR may be key pathways for MLST against varicocele-associated male infertility. Through pharmacological experiments, we found that MLST ameliorated VC-induced testicular atrophy. Further histomorphology showed that MLST reduced VC-induced damage to testicular spermatogonia and seminiferous tubule, while MLST reduced ROS and MDA levels and increased antioxidant enzymes (GSH, GSH-Px, SOD, and CAT) levels. TUNEL staining and immunofluorescence showed that MLST reduced VC-induced apoptosis in testicular tissue, decreased BAX, and increased BCL2. Western blot results showed that MLST decreased the phosphorylation of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR proteins, and decreased the expression of HIF1α. Conclusion: The phytochemical characterisation and multitarget mechanism of MLST on varicocele-associated male infertility were discovered using network analysis and pharmacological experiments. We verified that MLST can inhibit the activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, reduce the expression of HIF1α, and further attenuate VC-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in the testis. These findings provide evidence for the therapeutic role of MLST in varicocele-associated male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongfang Lv
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yun Ji
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Zhuozhuo Shi
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Tengfei Chen
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Xiangyun Wang
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Taotao Ren
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Zhaowang Gao
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Chongfu Zhong
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Chongfu Zhong,
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Yang B, Yin C, Zhang Y, Xing G, Wang S, Li F, Aschner M, Lu R. Differential effects of subchronic acrylonitrile exposure on hydrogen sulfide levels in rat blood, brain, and liver. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2022; 11:374-384. [PMID: 35510234 PMCID: PMC9052317 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfac011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), as the third gasotransmitter participates in both cellular physiological and pathological processes, including chemical-induced injuries. We recently reported acute acrylonitrile (AN) treatment inhibited endogenous H2S biosynthesis pathway in rat and astrocyte models. However, there is still no evidence to address the correlation between endogenous H2S and sub-chronic AN exposure. Objectives This study aims to explore the modulatory effects of prolonged AN exposure on endogenous H2S levels and its biosynthetic enzymes in rat blood, brain and liver. Methods A total of 50 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, including the control group and AN-treated groups at dosages of 6.25, 12.5, 25 or 50 mg/kg. Rats received one exposure/day, 5 days/week, for 4 consecutive weeks. The rat bodyweight and brain/liver organ coefficient were detected, along with liver cytochrome P450 2E1(CYP2E1) expression. In addition, the H2S contents in rat serum and plasma, and in cerebral cortex and liver tissues were measured by methylene blue method. The expression of H2S-generating enzymes, including cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3-MPST) was also measured with Western blot both in rat cerebral cortex and liver. Results Subchronic exposure to AN significantly inhibited bodyweight-gain and increased the liver CYP2E1 expression compared with the control. In addition, AN significantly increased H2S levels in rat plasma and serum, but not in liver. The endogenous H2S level in rat cerebral cortex was also significantly increased upon AN treatment, when expression of the major H2S-generating enzymes, CBS and 3-MPST were significantly enhanced. However, hepatic protein levels of CBS and CSE were significantly increased, whereas hepatic levels of 3-MPST were significantly decreased. Conclusion This study showed that sub-chronic AN exposure increased endogenous H2S contents in rat blood and brain tissues, but not liver, which may be resulted from the distinct expression profile of H2S-producing enzymes in response to AN. The blood H2S contents may be applied as a potential novel biomarker for surveillance of chronically AN-exposed populations. Highlights Subchronic intraperitoneal exposure to acrylonitrile increased H2S content in rat blood and cerebral cortex, but not in liver.Distinct tissue expression profiles of H2S-producing enzymes contribute to the acrylonitrile-induced differential effects on the H2S level.Blood H2S level may be a biomarker for subchronic exposure to acrylonitrile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bobo Yang
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health Laboratory Science, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Changsheng Yin
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health Laboratory Science, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health Laboratory Science, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Guangwei Xing
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health Laboratory Science, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Suhua Wang
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health Laboratory Science, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Fang Li
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health Laboratory Science, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Rongzhu Lu
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health Laboratory Science, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
- Center for Experimental Research, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital to Jiangsu University School of Medicine, Kunshan, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215300, China
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Kopalli SR, Yoo SK, Kim B, Kim SK, Koppula S. Apigenin Isolated from Carduus crispus Protects against H 2O 2-Induced Oxidative Damage and Spermatogenic Expression Changes in GC-2spd Sperm Cells. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27061777. [PMID: 35335140 PMCID: PMC8955133 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27061777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Testicular oxidative stress is one of the most common factors underlying male infertility. Welted thistle, Carduus crispus Linn., and its bioactive principles are attracting scientific interest in treating male reproductive dysfunctions. Here, the protective effects of apigenin isolated from C. crispus against oxidative damage induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and dysregulation in spermatogenesis associated parameters in testicular sperm cells was investigated. Cell viabilities, ROS scavenging effects, and spermatogenic associated molecular expressions were measured by MTT, DCF-DA, Western blotting and real-time RT-PCR, respectively. A single peak with 100% purity of apigenin was obtained in HPLC conditions. Apigenin treated alone (2.5, 5, 10 and 20 µM) did not exhibit cytotoxicity, but inhibited the H2O2-induced cellular damage and elevated ROS levels significantly (p < 0.05 at 5, 10 and 20 µM) and dose-dependently. Further, H2O2-induced down-regulation of antioxidant (glutathione S-transferases m5, glutathione peroxidase 4, and peroxiredoxin 3) and spermatogenesis-associated (nectin-2 and phosphorylated-cAMP response element-binding protein) molecular expression in GC-2spd cells were attenuated by apigenin at both protein and mRNA levels (p < 0.05). In conclusion, our study showed that apigenin isolated from C. crispus might be an effective agent that can protect ROS-induced testicular dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sung-Kwang Yoo
- Ottugi Food Co., Ltd., Anyang-si 14060, Gyeonggi-do, Korea;
| | - Bokyung Kim
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Chungju 27381, Korea;
| | - Si-Kwan Kim
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, College of Biomedical & Health Science, Konkuk University, Chungju 27381, Korea;
| | - Sushruta Koppula
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, College of Biomedical & Health Science, Konkuk University, Chungju 27381, Korea;
- Correspondence:
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Zhang H, Yan J, Xie Y, Chang X, Li J, Ren C, Zhu J, Ren L, Qi K, Bai Z, Li X. Dual role of cadmium in rat liver: Inducing liver injury and inhibiting the progression of early liver cancer. Toxicol Lett 2021; 355:62-81. [PMID: 34785185 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2021.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The heavy metal cadmium (Cd) can induce damage in liver and liver cancer cells; however, the mechanism underlying its toxicity needs to be further verified in vivo. We daily administered CdCl2 to adult male rats at different dosages via gavage for 12 weeks and established rat liver injury model and liver cancer model to study the dual role of Cd in rat liver. Increased exposure to Cd resulted in abnormal liver function indicators, pathological degeneration, rat liver cell necrosis, and proliferation of collagen fibres. Using immunohistochemistry, we found that the area of GST-P-positive precancerous liver lesions decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blot, immunohistochemistry, and transmission electron microscopy revealed that Cd induced mitophagy, as well as mitophagy blockade, as evidenced by the downregulation of TOMM20 and upregulation of LC3II and P62 with increasing Cd dose. Next, the expression of PINK1/Parkin, a classic signalling pathway protein that regulates mitophagy, was examined. Cd was found to promote PINK1/Parkin expression, which was proportional to the Cd dose. In conclusion, Cd activates PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy in a dose-dependent manner. Mitophagy blockade likely aggravates Cd toxicity, leading to the dual role of inducing liver injury and inhibiting the progression of early liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honglong Zhang
- The First School of Clinical Medical, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Yan
- The First School of Clinical Medical, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China; Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China; Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery Institute of Gansu Province, Medical College Cancer Center of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Ye Xie
- The First School of Clinical Medical, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuhong Chang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Junliang Li
- Department of General Surgery, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenghui Ren
- The First School of Clinical Medical, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Zhu
- The First School of Clinical Medical, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China; Department of Pathology, Donggang District, First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Longfei Ren
- The First School of Clinical Medical, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China; Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China; Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery Institute of Gansu Province, Medical College Cancer Center of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Kuo Qi
- The First School of Clinical Medical, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongtian Bai
- The First School of Clinical Medical, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China; Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China; Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery Institute of Gansu Province, Medical College Cancer Center of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xun Li
- The First School of Clinical Medical, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China; Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China; Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery Institute of Gansu Province, Medical College Cancer Center of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China.
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The Effects of Flavonoid Apigenin on Male Reproductive Health: Inhibition of Spermatogonial Proliferation through Downregulation of Prmt7/ Akt3 Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212209. [PMID: 34830091 PMCID: PMC8621337 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Apigenin, a common dietary flavonoid abundantly present in a variety of fruits and vegetables, has promising anticancer properties. As an effector of apigenin in myoblasts, protein arginine methyltransferase 7 (Prmt7) is required for male germ cell development. However, whether apigenin may influence male reproductive health through Prmt7 is still unclear. To this end, mouse spermatogonia were treated with different concentrations (2.5 to 50 μM) of apigenin for 48 h, which showed that apigenin could cause reduced cell proliferation in conjunction with longer S phase and G2/M phase (with concentrations of 10 and 20 μM, respectively), and increased apoptosis of spermatogonia (with concentration of 20 μM). Reduced Prmt7 expression was found in 20 μM apigenin-treated spermatogonia. Moreover, siRNA-induced Prmt7 knockdown exhibited similar influence on spermatogonia as that of apigenin treatment. In mechanistic terms, transcriptome analysis revealed 287 differentially expressed genes between Prmt7-downregulated and control spermatogonia. Furthermore, rescue experiments suggested that the effects of apigenin on spermatogonia might be mediated through the Prmt7/Akt3 pathway. Overall, our study supports that apigenin can interfere with mouse spermatogonial proliferation by way of the downregulated Prmt7/Akt3 pathway, which demonstrates that the concentration should be taken into account in future applications of apigenin for cancer therapy of men.
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Wang Y, Bai L, Li H, Yang W, Li M. Protective effects of Lepidium draba L. leaves extract on testis histopathology, oxidative stress indicators, serum reproductive hormones and inflammatory signalling in oxymetholone-treated rat. Andrologia 2021; 53:e14239. [PMID: 34520070 DOI: 10.1111/and.14239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was aimed to investigate the protective effects of Lepidium draba L. (L. draba) extract on oxymetholone (OM)-induced testicular injury in rat. Six groups of n = 5 adult male rats were used as; 1: control, 2: OM (5 mg/kg OM orally), 3, 4 and 5: L. draba extract (100, 200 and 400 mg kg-1 day-1 ) +OM (5 mg kg-1 day-1 OM) and 6:400 mg/kg/d L. draba extract for 30 days. Serum testosterone (T), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH), inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, IL-1β), oxidative stress (OS) indicators [superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and nitric oxide (NO)], apoptotic related genes (Bcl-2, p53, caspase-3 (c3) and Bax) were investigated. OM significantly increased the serum levels of T, proinflammatory cytokines and pro-apoptotic genes expression. Also, it decreased LH and FSH, sperm viability, count and motility. L. draba extract especially could markedly normalise the serum levels of LH and FSH, and T, restore serum antioxidant enzymes and suppressed the pro-inflammatory cytokines. Also, germ cells apoptosis was inhibited against via downregulating the p53, c3, Bax and upregulating Bcl-2. It concluded that L. draba extract could protect the function and structure of testis against OM-induced testicular toxicity via its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanbo Wang
- College of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, Inner Mongolia, China.,Inner Mongolia Engineering and Technical Research Center for Personalized Medicine, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Liang Bai
- College of Medicine, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Huiting Li
- College of Chemistry and Materials, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Wenjun Yang
- College of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Min Li
- College of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, Inner Mongolia, China
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11
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Tvrdá E, Benko F, Slanina T, du Plessis SS. The Role of Selected Natural Biomolecules in Sperm Production and Functionality. Molecules 2021; 26:5196. [PMID: 34500629 PMCID: PMC8434568 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26175196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence from in vivo as well as in vitro studies indicates that natural biomolecules may play important roles in the prevention or management of a wide array of chronic diseases. Furthermore, the use of natural compounds in the treatment of male sub- or infertility has been proposed as a potential alternative to conventional therapeutic options. As such, we aimed to evaluate the effects of selected natural biomolecules on the sperm production, structural integrity, and functional activity. At the same time, we reviewed their possible beneficial or adverse effects on male reproductive health. Using relevant keywords, a literature search was performed to collect currently available information regarding molecular mechanisms by which selected natural biomolecules exhibit their biological effects in the context of male reproductive dysfunction. Evidence gathered from clinical trials, in vitro experiments and in vivo studies suggest that the selected natural compounds affect key targets related to sperm mitochondrial metabolism and motion behavior, oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA integrity and cell death. The majority of reports emphasize on ameliorative, stimulating and protective effects of natural biomolecules on the sperm function. Nevertheless, possible adverse and toxic behavior of natural compounds has been indicated as well, pointing out to a possible dose-dependent impact of natural biomolecules on the sperm survival and functionality. As such, further research leading to a deeper understanding of the beneficial or adverse roles of natural compounds is necessary before these can be employed for the management of male reproductive dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Tvrdá
- Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia; (F.B.); (T.S.)
| | - Filip Benko
- Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia; (F.B.); (T.S.)
| | - Tomáš Slanina
- Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia; (F.B.); (T.S.)
| | - Stefan S. du Plessis
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai 505055, United Arab Emirates;
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12
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Shi Y, Bai J, Dang Y, Bai Q, Zheng R, Chen J, Li Z. Protection of apigenin against acrylonitrile-induced sperm and testis injury in rats: involvement of activation of ASK1-JNK/p38 signaling pathway. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2021; 10:159-168. [PMID: 33884167 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfab017] [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: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aims to clarify if apigenin (AP) could play a pivotal role in attenuating acrylonitrile (ACN)-induced sperm and testis injury by inhibiting ASK1-JNK/p38 signaling pathway. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups: a control group (corn oil), an ACN group (ACN 46 mg kg-1), an ACN + AP1 group (ACN + AP 117 mg kg-1), an ACN + AP2 group (ACN + AP 234 mg kg-1) and an ACN + AP3 group (ACN + AP 351 mg kg-1). The ACN + AP groups were given ACN by gavage after a pretreatment with different dosages of AP for 30 min, whereas the rats in the control group received an equivalent volume of corn oil. The gavage was conducted for 6 days per week in 4 weeks. The results showed that AP reduced sperm deformity rate and DNA fragment index and attenuated the testicular injury induced by ACN. AP could also alleviate oxidative stress, downregulate ASK1-JNK/p38 signaling pathway and eventually inhibit mitochondria-mediated testicular apoptosis. In brief, AP could dampen oxidative stress thereby inhibiting testicular apoptosis mediated by ASK1-JNK/p38 signaling pathway, alleviating ACN-induced sperm and testis injury and exerting a protective effect on male reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Shi
- Lanzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Jin Bai
- Institute of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Yuhui Dang
- Institute of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Qingli Bai
- Institute of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Rong Zheng
- Institute of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jia Chen
- Institute of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Zhilan Li
- Institute of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
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13
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Ren C, Ren L, Yan J, Bai Z, Zhang L, Zhang H, Xie Y, Li X. Cadmium causes hepatopathy by changing the status of DNA methylation in the metabolic pathway. Toxicol Lett 2020; 340:101-113. [PMID: 33338565 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2020.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Toxicity caused by the heavy metal Cadmium leads to liver diseases; this finding has generated interest among researchers. We detected DNA methylation using Whole Genome Bisulfite Sequencing (WGBS) to study the relationship between Cadmium exposure and liver damage. Forty-eight Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups, and given normal saline or 2.5, 5, 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg body weight per day CdCl2 by gavage. Twelve weeks later, their liver tissues were collected for pathological examination and DNA extraction. Increased exposure to Cadmium led to a reduction in the amount of weight gain as well as pathological degeneration and necrosis of liver cells of the rats. Using WGBS, we found that DNA methylation changes in the high-dose exposure group were more remarkable, and most of the changes occurred in the gene promoter region. GO enrichment analysis showed that the genes were enriched in the biological process of "response to stimulus." KEGG analysis revealed that metabolic pathways, like MAPK, PI3K-Akt and cAMP, had the largest number of enriched genes. Using Integrative Genomics Viewer (IGV), the demethylation of F2rl3 after Cadmium poisoning was established. This finding may explain why there are changes in liver metabolism after Cadmium poisoning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenghui Ren
- The First School of Clinical Medical, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Longfei Ren
- The First School of Clinical Medical, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China; Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China; Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery Institute of Gansu Province, Medical College Cancer Center of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Yan
- The First School of Clinical Medical, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China; Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China; Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery Institute of Gansu Province, Medical College Cancer Center of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongtian Bai
- The First School of Clinical Medical, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China; Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China; Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery Institute of Gansu Province, Medical College Cancer Center of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Zhang
- The First School of Clinical Medical, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China; Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China; Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery Institute of Gansu Province, Medical College Cancer Center of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Honglong Zhang
- The First School of Clinical Medical, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Ye Xie
- The First School of Clinical Medical, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xun Li
- The First School of Clinical Medical, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China; Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China; Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery Institute of Gansu Province, Medical College Cancer Center of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China.
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14
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Tian Y, Xiao YH, Geng T, Sun C, Gu J, Tang KF, Liu B, Liu YM, Sun F. Clusterin suppresses spermatogenic cell apoptosis to alleviate diabetes-induced testicular damage by inhibiting autophagy via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR axis. Biol Cell 2020; 113:14-27. [PMID: 32942336 DOI: 10.1111/boc.202000030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND INFORMATION Diabetes-induced testicular dysfunction is characterised by abnormal apoptosis of spermatogenic cells, but the underlying mechanism is poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the roles of clusterin (CLU) in testicular damage associated with diabetes pathogenesis, as well as the molecular mechanism. A rat diabetes model was established using streptozocin, and the mouse spermatogenic cell line GC-1 spg was treated with high glucose as a cellular model. CLU was overexpressed in GC-1 spg cells, followed by detection of serum testosterone, cell proliferation, cell apoptosis and autophagy. RESULTS CLU expression was significantly reduced and LC3 expression was elevated in testis tissues in the rat diabetes model and high glucose-treated GC-1 spg cells. High glucose led to suppressed viability, enhanced apoptosis, reduced Bcl-2 expression, elevated Bax expression and cleavage of Caspase-3/-9 in GC-1 spg cells, and these effects were abrogated by CLU overexpression. Additionally, CLU overexpression repressed LC3 and Beclin-1 expression, reduced the LC3II/LC3I ratio and promoted p62 expression in GC-1 spg cells in the presence of high glucose, and these effects were all mitigated by rapamycin treatment. Inhibition of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling with LY294002 activated autophagy in CLU-overexpressing GC-1 spg cells under high glucose conditions. CLU overexpression repressed autophagy and alleviated testicular damage in diabetic rats, which was also abrogated by LY294002 treatment. CONCLUSIONS CLU expression is suppressed during diabetes-induced testicular damage, whereas CLU overexpression alleviates diabetes-induced testicular damage by activating PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling to inhibit autophagy and further repress spermatogenic cell apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Tian
- School of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China.,Department of Urinary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Yue-Hai Xiao
- Department of Urinary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Tian Geng
- School of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Chao Sun
- School of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Jiang Gu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China.,Department of Urinary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Kai-Fa Tang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China.,Department of Urinary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Bei Liu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Yi-Meng Liu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, 550002, China
| | - Fa Sun
- Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China.,Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, 550002, China
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15
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Interplay between male reproductive system dysfunction and the therapeutic effect of flavonoids. Fitoterapia 2020; 147:104756. [PMID: 33069836 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2020.104756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2020] [Revised: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Male infertility has affected many families around the world. However, due to the mechanism underlying male reproductive system dysfunction are not completely elucidated, the use of drugs for male reproductive system dysfunction treatment only insignificant higher pregnancy outcomes, low-quality evidence suggests that clinical pregnancy rates may increase. Therefore, the focus in the future will be on developing more viable treatment options to prevent or treatment of male reproductive system dysfunction and achieve the purpose of improving fertility. Interestingly, natural products, as the potential inhibitors for the treatment of male reproductive system dysfunction, have shown a good therapeutic effect. Among many natural products, flavonoids have been extensively investigated for the treatment of male reproductive system dysfunction, such as testicular structural disruption, spermatogenesis disturbance and sperm quality decline. Flavonoids have been reported to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immune stimulating, anti-apoptotic, anticarcinogenic, anti-allergic and antiviral activities, investigating for the treatment of male reproductive system dysfunction. In this review, we evaluate the therapeutic effects of flavonoids on male reproductive system dysfunction under different cellular scenarios and summarize the therapeutic strategies of flavonoids based on the aforementioned retrospective analysis. In the end, we describe some perspective research areas relevant to the application of flavonoids in the treatment of male reproductive system dysfunction.
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16
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Chen X, Feng H, El-Kott AF, Abd-Ella EM. Origanum vulgare L. leaves extract alleviates testis and sperm damages induced by finasteride: Biochemical, Immunohistological and apoptosis genes based evidences. Andrologia 2020; 52:e13823. [PMID: 32966695 DOI: 10.1111/and.13823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the current study was to investigate antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects of Origanum vulgare on finasteride-induced oxidative injury in mouse testis and sperm parameters. Thirty BALB/c mice were divided into 5 groups: negative control, received 0.5 ml/day distilled water; positive control, received 25 mg/kg finasteride orally; and three groups received 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/day O. vulgare extract plus 25 mg kg-1 day-1 finasteride for 35 days. At day 36, serum luteinising hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone and testosterone, inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β), glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and nitric oxide levels were assessed. Also, apoptotic changes investigated through genes expression and immunohistochemical staining. Finasteride in 35 days resulted in significant destructive alterations in the testis architecture, suppressed antioxidant enzymes and increased lipid peroxidation. The expression of Bcl-2 was down-regulated, whereas p53 and caspase-3 were up-regulated. Origanum vulgare improved the serum level of hormones and restored the antioxidant defence. 200 and 400 mg/kg/day of O. vulgare alleviated the testis structure and sperm parameters, up-regulated the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2 and down-regulated the p53, caspase-3 genes in treated groups. The findings indicate that O. vulgare extract improved function and structure of testis tissue against finasteride-induced testicular toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoning Chen
- Shaanxi Institute of Zoology, Xi'an, China.,College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hui Feng
- Shaanxi Institute of Zoology, Xi'an, China
| | - Attalla F El-Kott
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia.,Zoology Department, College of Science, Damanhour University, Damanhour, Egypt
| | - Eman M Abd-Ella
- Zoology Department, College of Science, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt.,Biology Department, College of Science and Art, Al-Baha University, Al-Mandaq, Saudi Arabia
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17
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Cao Z, Huang W, Sun Y, Li Y. Deoxynivalenol induced spermatogenesis disorder by blood-testis barrier disruption associated with testosterone deficiency and inflammation in mice. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 264:114748. [PMID: 32416428 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Deoxynivalenol (DON) is an unavoidable cereal crops contaminants and environmental pollutants, which seriously threated the health of human and animal. DON has been reported to exert significant toxicity effects on spermatogenesis, but the underlying mechanisms remain largely inconclusive. The blood-testis barrier (BTB) provides a specialized biochemical microenvironment for maintaining spermatogenesis. Thus, we hypothesized that DON could impair BTB and lead to spermatogenesis disorder. To confirm this hypothesis, sixty male mice were intragastrically administered with 0, 1.2, 2.4 and 4.8 mg/kg body weight DON for 28 days, and several important observations were obtained in present study. First, we found that DON induced spermatogenesis disorder, reflected by the declines of sperm concentration and quality, sperm ultrastructural damage as well as seminiferous tubular damage. Then, we proved that DON induced BTB disruption as well as decreased the expressions of BTB junction proteins, including Occludin, Connexin 43 and N-cadherin. Finally, the present study showed that DON induced inflammation and inhibited T biosynthesis in testis of mice. These results revealed that DON induced spermatogenesis disorder by BTB disruption associated with testosterone deficiency and inflammation in mice, which shed a new light on the potential mechanisms of reproductive toxicity induced by DON.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Cao
- Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education, Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Wanyue Huang
- Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education, Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Yiran Sun
- Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education, Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Yanfei Li
- Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education, Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China.
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18
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Miao X, Jin C, Zhong Y, Feng J, Yan C, Xia X, Zhang Y, Peng X. Data-Independent Acquisition-Based Quantitative Proteomic Analysis Reveals the Protective Effect of Apigenin on Palmitate-Induced Lipotoxicity in Human Aortic Endothelial Cells. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2020; 68:8836-8846. [PMID: 32687348 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.0c03260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The ingestion of excessive free fatty acid could induce lipotoxicity in tissues and then lead to the initiation of many metabolism diseases. In this work, the protective effect of apigenin on palmitate-induced lipotoxicity in human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC) was investigated. Compared with 150 μM palmitate treatment alone, pretreatment with 10 μM apigenin for 6 h significantly increased the cell viability from 71.55 ± 3.62 to 91.06 ± 4.30% and improved mitochondrial membrane potential to the normal level (101.62 ± 11.72% of control). In addition, the production of nitric oxide was markedly elevated by apigenin cotreatment from 7.10 ± 3.95 to 94.20 ± 21.86%. The data-independent acquisition-based proteomic approach was used to study the protective mechanism, and the results revealed that 242 proteins were differently expressed in cells treated with palmitate and 93 proteins were reversed after apigenin supplementation. Apigenin realized its protective function mainly via regulating pathways such as IL-17, TNF, Fox O, cell adhesion, and endoplasmic reticulum protein processing. Collectively, these data demonstrated that apigenin supplement may serve as an alternative nutritional intervention to protect HAEC against lipotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Miao
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Chengni Jin
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Yujie Zhong
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Jiayu Feng
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Chunhong Yan
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Xiaodong Xia
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Technology and Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100048, China
| | - Xiaoli Peng
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Technology and Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100048, China
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
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19
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Żwierełło W, Maruszewska A, Skórka-Majewicz M, Goschorska M, Baranowska-Bosiacka I, Dec K, Styburski D, Nowakowska A, Gutowska I. The influence of polyphenols on metabolic disorders caused by compounds released from plastics - Review. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 240:124901. [PMID: 31563713 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.124901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) released from plastics into water, soil and air are significant environmental and health problem. Continuous exposure of humans to these substances results not only from the slow biodegradation of plastics but also from their ubiquitous use as industrial materials and everyday products. Exposure to POPs may lead to neurodegenerative disorders, induce inflammation, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, insulin resistance, allergies, metabolic diseases, and carcinogenesis. This has spurred an increasing intense search for natural compounds with protective effects against the harmful components of plastics. In this paper, we discuss the current state of knowledge concerning the protective functions of polyphenols against the toxic effects of POPs: acrylonitrile, polychlorinated biphenyls, dioxins, phthalates and bisphenol A. We review in detail papers from the last two decades, analyzing POPs in terms of their sources of exposure and demonstrate how polyphenols may be used to counteract the harmful environmental effects of POPs. The protective effect of polyphenols results from their impact on the level and activity of the components of the antioxidant system, enzymes involved in the elimination of xenobiotics, and as a consequence - on the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Polyphenols present in daily diet may play a protective role against the harmful effects of POPs derived from plastics, and this interaction is related, among others, to the antioxidant properties of these compounds. To our knowledge, this is the first extensive review of in vitro and in vivo studies concerning the molecular mechanisms of interactions between selected environmental toxins and polyphenols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Żwierełło
- Department of Human Nutrition and Metabolomics, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 24 Broniewskiego St., 71-460, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Maruszewska
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Szczecin, 3c Felczaka St., 71-412, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Marta Skórka-Majewicz
- Department of Human Nutrition and Metabolomics, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 24 Broniewskiego St., 71-460, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Marta Goschorska
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 72 Powst. Wlkp. St., 70-111, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Irena Baranowska-Bosiacka
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 72 Powst. Wlkp. St., 70-111, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Karolina Dec
- Department of Human Nutrition and Metabolomics, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 24 Broniewskiego St., 71-460, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Daniel Styburski
- Department of Human Nutrition and Metabolomics, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 24 Broniewskiego St., 71-460, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Anna Nowakowska
- Centre for Human Structural and Functional Research, Faculty of Physical Education and Health Promotion, University of Szczecin, 17C Narutowicza St., 70-240, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Izabela Gutowska
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 72 Powst. Wlkp. St., 70-111, Szczecin, Poland.
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Zhao F, Dang Y, Zhang R, Jing G, Liang W, Xie L, Li Z. Apigenin attenuates acrylonitrile-induced neuro-inflammation in rats: Involved of inactivation of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. Int Immunopharmacol 2019; 75:105697. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2019.105697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Elsawy H, Badr GM, Sedky A, Abdallah BM, Alzahrani AM, Abdel-Moneim AM. Rutin ameliorates carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4)-induced hepatorenal toxicity and hypogonadism in male rats. PeerJ 2019; 7:e7011. [PMID: 31179192 PMCID: PMC6545103 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.7011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Rutin, a food derived-polyphenolic bioflavonoid, has been acknowledged for several health benefits. This study aims to explore the ameliorative effects of rutin against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) toxicity in male rats. Adult male rats were given either CCl4 (30% in olive oil, 3 ml/kg b.w. intraperitoneally) alone or in combination with rutin (70 mg/kg intragastrically) twice a week for 4 weeks. Our data showed that rutin mitigated CCl4 hepatorenal damage, as indicated by diagnostic markers (i.e., transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, total protein, albumin, urea, uric acid and creatinine), and histopathological findings. In addition, CCl4 induced profound elevation of free radical generation and oxidative stress, as evidenced by increasing lipid peroxidation and reducing catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities in liver, kidney and testicular tissues; these effects were suppressed by coexposure with rutin. Moreover, the increase in the levels of serum triglycerides, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol induced by CCl4 was effectively counteracted by rutin. The decrease in the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the CCl4 group was also counteracted by rutin treatment. Interestingly, the decreased levels of hormonal mediators associated with sperm production, including serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone, and the impaired sperm quality induced by CCl4 were reversed by rutin. Data from the current study clearly demonstrated that rutin supplementation could at least partly overcome CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity and reproductive toxicity by antioxidant and antidyslipidemic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hany Elsawy
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, King Faisal University, Al-Hofuf, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Gehan M. Badr
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Faisal University, Al-Hofuf, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Azza Sedky
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Faisal University, Al-Hofuf, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Basem M. Abdallah
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Faisal University, Al-Hofuf, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
- Endocrine Research (KMEB), Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital and University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Abdullah M. Alzahrani
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Faisal University, Al-Hofuf, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ashraf M. Abdel-Moneim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Faisal University, Al-Hofuf, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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Apigenin Protects the Brain against Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury via Caveolin-1/VEGF In Vitro and In Vivo. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2018; 2018:7017204. [PMID: 30622670 PMCID: PMC6304859 DOI: 10.1155/2018/7017204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Apigenin is a natural flavonoid found in several dietary plant foods as vegetables and fruits. To investigate potential anti-ischemia/reperfusion injury properties of apigenin in vitro, cell proliferation assay, tube formation, cell migration, apoptosis, and autophagy were performed in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMVECs) after oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R). The effect of apigenin was also explored in rats after middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) via neurobehavioral scores, pathological examination, and measurement of markers involved in ischemia/reperfusion injury. Data in vitro indicated that apigenin could prompt cell proliferation, tube formation, and cell migration while inhibiting apoptosis and autophagy by affecting Caveolin-1/VEGF, Bcl-2, Caspase-3, Beclin-1, and mTOR expression. Results in vivo showed that apigenin significantly reduced neurobehavioral scores and volume of cerebral infarction while prompting vascular endothelial cell proliferation by upregulating VEGFR2/CD34 double-labeling endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) number and affecting Caveolin-1, VEGF, and eNOS expression in brain tissue of MCAO/R rats. All the data suggested that apigenin may be protective for the brain against ischemia/reperfusion injury by alleviating apoptosis and autophagy, promoting cell proliferation in HBMVECs of OGD/R, and attenuating brain damage and improved neurological function in rats of MCAO/R through the Caveolin-1/VEGF pathway.
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Dang Y, Li Z, Wei Q, Zhang R, Xue H, Zhang Y. Protective Effect of Apigenin on Acrylonitrile-Induced Inflammation and Apoptosis in Testicular Cells via the NF-κB Pathway in Rats. Inflammation 2018; 41:1448-1459. [DOI: 10.1007/s10753-018-0791-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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