Aqueous extract of Eruca Sativa protects human spermatozoa from mitochondrial failure due to bisphenol A exposure

Syringin alleviates bisphenol A-induced spermatogenic defects and testicular injury by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation in male zebrafish

Syringin (SRG) is a bioactive principle possessing extensive activities including scavenging of free radicals, inhibition of apoptosis, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its effects on spermatogenic defects and testicular injury as well as the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. This study aims to investigate the protective effect of SRG on testis damage in zebrafish and explore its potential molecular events. Zebrafish testicular injury was induced by exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) (3000 μg/L) for two weeks. Fish were treated with intraperitoneal injection of SRG at different doses (5 and 50 mg/kg bodyweight) for two more weeks under BPA induction. Subsequently, the testis and sperm were collected for morphological, histological, biochemical and gene expression examination. It was found that the administration of SRG resulted in a significant protection from BPA-caused impact on sperm concentration, morphology, motility, fertility rate, testosterone level, spermatogenic dysfunction and resulted in increased apoptotic and reactive oxygen species' levels. Furthermore, testicular transcriptional profiling alterations revealed that the regulation of inflammatory response and oxidative stress were generally enriched in differentially expressed genes (DEGs) after SRG treatment. Additionally, it was identified that SRG prevented BPA-induced zebrafish testis injury through upregulation of fn1a, krt17, fabp10a, serpina1l and ctss2. These results indicate that SRG alleviated spermatogenic defects and testicular injury by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation in male zebrafish.

Emerging Role of Eruca sativa Mill. in Male Reproductive Health

A growing interest has been drawn to the use of traditional medicinal plants for the treatment of human diseases and, in particular, infertility and reproductive toxicity associated with environmental factors. The Mediterranean basin area is a recognized source of plant species with therapeutic interest. In this frame, Eruca sativa (ES) is an annual edible plant and a member of the Brassicaceae family. A relatively large number of studies, focusing on the biological effects of the extract from the leaves of ES on in vitro and in vivo models of disease, have been published in recent years. The present narrative review aims to analyze the phytochemical constituents, traditional uses, possible pharmacological activities, and recognized effects of ES on male reproductive outcomes. Available investigations have revealed the presence of a number of compounds with antioxidant properties, such as polyphenols, glucosinolates, flavonoids, and carotenoids in extracts from ES. Based on the chemical and pharmacological characteristics of the aforementioned compounds, we show that ES has possible preventive properties and therapeutic uses, especially in the functional derangements of the male reproductive system.

Membrane Cholesterol Inhibits Progesterone-Mediated Sperm Function through the Possible Involvement of ABHD2

Abhydrolase domain containing 2-acylglycerol lipase (ABHD2) was recently claimed as the membrane receptor of progesterone (P4) in sperm cells, mediating cell processes such as sperm chemotaxis and acrosome reaction. Here, we investigated the role of membrane cholesterol (Chol) on ABHD2-mediated human sperm chemotaxis. Human sperm cells were obtained from twelve normozoospemic healthy donors. ABHD2-Chol interaction was modelled by computational molecular-modelling (MM). Sperm membrane Chol content was depleted by incubating cells with cyclodextrin (CD) or augmented by the incubation with the complex between CD and Chol (CD:Chol). Cell Chol levels were quantified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Sperm migration upon P4 gradient was evaluated through the accumulation assay in a specific migration device. Motility parameters were evaluated by sperm class analyzer, whilst intracellular calcium concentration, acrosome reaction and mitochondrial membrane potential were evaluated with calcium orange, FITC-conjugated anti-CD46 antibody and JC-1 fluorescent probes, respectively. MM analysis showed the possible stable binding Chol to ABHD2, resulting in to major impact on the protein backbone flexibility. The treatment with CD was associated with a dose-dependent increase in sperm migration in a 160 nM P4 gradient, together with increase in sperm motility parameters and levels of acrosome reaction. The treatment with CD:Chol was associated with essentially opposite effects. Chol was, thus, suggested to inhibit P4-mediated sperm function through the possible inhibition of ABHD2.

Human Sperm as an In Vitro Model to Assess the Efficacy of Antioxidant Supplements during Sperm Handling: A Narrative Review

Spermatozoa are highly differentiated cells that produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to aerobic metabolism. Below a certain threshold, ROS are important in signal transduction pathways and cellular physiological processes, whereas ROS overproduction damages spermatozoa. Sperm manipulation and preparation protocols during assisted reproductive procedures-for example, cryopreservation-can result in excessive ROS production, exposing these cells to oxidative damage. Thus, antioxidants are a relevant topic in sperm quality. This narrative review focuses on human spermatozoa as an in vitro model to study which antioxidants can be used to supplement media. The review comprises a brief presentation of the human sperm structure, a general overview of the main items of reduction-oxidation homeostasis and the ambivalent relationship between spermatozoa and ROS. The main body of the paper deals with studies in which human sperm have been used as an in vitro model to test antioxidant compounds, including natural extracts. The presence and the synergic effects of different antioxidant molecules could potentially lead to more effective products in vitro and, in the future, in vivo.

Susceptibility of male reproductive system to bisphenol A, an endocrine disruptor: Updates from epidemiological and experimental evidence

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an omnipresent environmental pollutant. Despite being restrictions in-force for its utilization, it is widely being used in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Direct, low-dose, and long-term exposure to BPA is expected when they are used in the packaging of food products and are used as containers for food consumption. Occupationally, workers are typically exposed to BPA at higher levels and for longer periods during the manufacturing process. BPA is a known endocrine disruptor chemical (EDC), that causes male infertility, which has a negative impact on human life from emotional, physical, and societal standpoints. To minimize the use of BPA in numerous consumer products, efforts and regulations are being made. Despite legislative limits in numerous nations, BPA is still found in consumer products. This paper examines BPA's overall male reproductive toxicity, including its impact on the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis, hormonal homeostasis, testicular steroidogenesis, sperm parameters, reproductive organs, and antioxidant defense system. Furthermore, this paper highlighted the role of non-monotonic dose-response (NMDR) in BPA exposure, which will help to improve the overall understanding of the harmful effects of BPA on the male reproductive system.

Mitochondria-Targeted Compounds to Assess and Improve Human Sperm Function

Significance: Currently 10%-15% of couples in reproductive age face infertility issues. More importantly, male factor contributes to 50% of these cases (either alone or in combination with female causes). Among various reasons, impaired sperm function is the main cause for male infertility. Furthermore, mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress due to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, particularly of mitochondrial origin, are believed to be the main contributors. Recent Advances: Mitochondrial dysfunction, particularly due to increased ROS production, has often been linked to impaired sperm function/quality. For decades, different methods and approaches have been developed to assess mitochondrial features that might correlate with sperm functionality. This connection is now completely accepted, with mitochondrial functionality assessment used more commonly as a readout of sperm functionality. More recently, mitochondria-targeted compounds are on the frontline for both assessment and therapeutic approaches. Critical Issues: In this review, we summarize the current methods for assessing key mitochondrial parameters known to reflect sperm quality as well as therapeutic strategies using mitochondria-targeted antioxidants aiming to improve sperm function in various situations, particularly after sperm cryopreservation. Future Directions: Although more systematic research is needed, mitochondria-targeted compounds definitely represent a promising tool to assess as well as to protect and improve sperm function. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 37, 451-480.

From Oxidative Stress to Male Infertility: Review of the Associations of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (Bisphenols, Phthalates, and Parabens) with Human Semen Quality

Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) may result in oxidative stress and endocrine system disturbance, which can have an impact on human reproduction and development. In male reproductive health, EDCs have been related to impaired reproductive function and male infertility, altered fetal development, and testicular germ-cell, prostate, and breast cancers. We conducted an electronic search using PubMed on endocrine disruptors related to oxidative stress and male infertility, and evaluated their association with endocrine-disrupting chemicals (bisphenols, phthalates, and parabens) in 25 articles. Higher levels of urinary bisphenols showed correlation with impaired semen quality and increased DNA damage. Considering phthalates and their metabolites, all studies found a positive association between urinary levels of phthalates and at least one semen parameter indicative of low semen quality; some studies also revealed sperm DNA damage. The studies on parabens less often revealed correlation of urinary parabens concentrations with a decrease in sperm count, as well as motility and DNA damage. Moreover, EDCs can elevate ROS production and lipid peroxidation, increase apoptosis, induce epigenetic modifications, and change the Y:X sperm chromosome ratio and sperm protein composition. Our review revealed detrimental effects of EDCs on semen quality and sperm DNA integrity-especially in BPA and phthalates, but also in parabens.

Cucumeropsis mannii seed oil (CMSO) attenuates alterations in testicular biochemistry and histology against Bisphenol a-induced toxicity in male Wister albino rats

Background

Male reproductive health has deteriorated in recent years as a result of industrialization, which has led to the use of desirable chemicals, like Bisphenol A (BPA), of underlying toxicity. Cucumeropsis mannii seed is a common soup thickener that produces vegetable oil as well as essential nutrients making it a source of nutraceuticals enlisted with a wide range of therapeutic effects.

Methods

A total of 48 adult male Wistar rats (120 ± 200g) were used in this study. They were completely randomized and divided into six groups: A (1ml olive oil) irrespective of the weight, B [BPA 100 mg/kg body weight (bw)], C (CMSO 7.5 ml/kg bw), D (CMSO 7.5 ml/kg bw + BPA 100 mg/kg bw), E (CMSO 5.0 ml/kg bw + BPA 100 mg/kg bw), and E (CMSO 2.5 ml/kg bw + BPA 100 mg/kg bw). At the end of the administration via oral routes, rats were sacrificed and testes were collected for biochemistry and histological analysis.

Results

BPA significantly (P < 0.05) decreased total testicular protein, epididymal sperm parameters (count, volume, and motility), Mitochondrial Membrane Potential (MMP), body weight, testicular volume; and significantly (P < 0.05) increased testicular enzymes (alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase), testicular index; plus histological damages. Interestingly, co-administration of BPA and CMSO significantly (P < 0.05) reversed the biochemical and histological changes.

Conclusions

CMSO prevented the biochemistry and histological alterations hence reducing the testicular toxicity. Therefore, CMSO has the potential to be a promising novel nutraceutical for the treatment and management of BPA-induced testicular toxicity.

Sodium nitroprusside mediates attenuation of paraquat-mediated oxidative stress in Eruca sativa in vitro

Paraquat (PQ) causes oxidative stress, the main source of damage in plants subjected to adverse environmental factors. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a signaling molecule, alleviates oxidative damage. The present study was carried out to investigate the role of exogenous SNP in the amelioration of PQ-mediated oxidative stress effects on Eruca sativa plantlets cultured in MS basal media. Firstly, MS medium supplemented with 6-BA was found to be the best basal medium for seed germination. Then, a rapid micropropagation protocol was designed to produce E. sativa plantlets by using nodal segments as explants, and 0.25 mg/L 6-BA in combination with 0.1 mg/L IBA was found to be the most favorable for shoot proliferation of E. sativa. Four weeks old plants were applied with or without SNP (100 μM) and exposed to oxidative stress induced by 2.5 μM PQ. The SNP application decreased membrane damage, hydrogen peroxide, and proline contents, and increased relative water, pigments, ascorbate and total phenolic contents, and some antioxidant enzyme activities in seedlings under PQ stress compared to PQ stress alone. These results suggested that exogenous SNP could protect E. sativa plantlets propagated in vitro with PQ stress through modulation of proline and phenolics biosynthesis and antioxidant defense system.

Oxidative Stress and Male Infertility: Role of Herbal Drugs

Infertility is a universal health problem affecting 15% of couples, out of which 20-30% cases are due to male infertility. The leading causes of male infertility include hormonal defects, physical reasons, sexual problems, hazardous environment, stressful lifestyle, genetic factors, epigenetic factors, and oxidative stress. Various physiological functions involve reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitrogen species at appropriate levels for proper smooth functioning. ROS control critical reproductive processes such as capacitation, acrosomal reaction, hyperactivation, egg penetration, and sperm head decondensation. The excessive free radicals or imbalance between ROS and endogenous antioxidant enzymes damages sperm membrane by inducing lipid peroxidation causing mitochondrial dysfunction and DNA damage that eventually lead to male infertility. Numerous synthetic products are available in the market to treat infertility problems, largely ending in side effects and repressing symptoms. Ayurveda contains a particular group of Rasayana herbs, called vajikarana, that deals with nourishment and stimulation of sexual tissues, improves male reproductive vitality, and deals with oxidative stress via antioxidant mechanism. The present study aims to describe oxidative stress and the role of herbal drugs in treating male infertility.

Association between urinary bisphenol A concentrations and semen quality: a meta-analytic study

Although preclinical research has revealed disrupting effects on male reproductive functions of bisphenol A (BPA), as yet clinical studies have led to inconsistent results. The present meta‑analysis aims to establish the existence and the extent of the association between BPA exposure and semen quality. A thorough search of PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases was carried out. Only studies reporting data from multivariable linear regression analyses (β-coefficients with 95% CI), assessing the association between urinary levels of BPA and standard semen parameters were included. Nine studies provided information about an overall sample of 2,399 men. Only the negative association between urinary BPA levels and sperm motility reached statistical significance (pooled β-coefficient = -0.82; 95% CI: -1.51 to -0.12, p = 0.02; P_{for heterogeneity} = 0.1, I² = 42.9%). Yet, such a significance was lost after data adjustment for publication bias, as well as at the sensitivity analysis, when each of the two studies that contributed most to the overall estimate was excluded. In conclusion, the overall estimates of data produced by clinical studies point to a clinically negligible, if any, association between urinary BPA concentrations and semen quality. Further studies in workers at high risk of occupational exposure are warranted to corroborate the herein revealed weak correlation with a worse sperm motility.

Endocrine disruptor chemicals. A review of their effects on male reproduction and antioxidants as a strategy to counter it

Endocrine disruptor chemicals are exogenous molecules that generate adverse effects on human health by destabilizing the homeostasis of endocrine system and affecting directly human reproductive system by inhibiting or activating oestrogenic or androgenic receptors. Endocrine disruptor chemicals generate transgenerational epigenetic problems, besides being associated with male infertility. Epidemiological data indicate that the increase in reproductive problems in males in the last 50 years is correlated with the increase of endocrine disrupting chemicals in the environment, being associated with a decrease in semen quality and direct effects on spermatozoa, such as alterations in motility, viability and acrosomal reaction, due to the generation of oxidative stress, and have also been postulated as a possible cause of testicular dysgenesis syndrome. Diverse antioxidants, such as C and E vitamins, N-acetylcysteine, selenium and natural vegetable extracts, are among the alternatives under study to counter the effects of endocrine disruptor chemicals. In some cases, the usage of them has given positive results and the opposite in others. In this review, we summarize the recent information about the effects of endocrine disruptor chemicals on male reproduction, on sperm cells, and the results of studies that have tested antioxidants as a strategy to diminish their harmful effects.

Highly effective removal of bisphenol A by greigite/persulfate in spiked soil: Heterogeneous soil/water system balance and degradation

The degradation of bisphenol A (BPA) in spiked soil was studied to investigate persulfate (PS) activation by the environment-friendly heterogeneous material greigite for removing organic pollutants from soil. The effects of the PS and greigite doses were investigated, and the BPA degradation rate in the lateritic red soil was lower than that in kaolin. Notably, 500 mg/kg of BPA could be effectively removed by the flower-like greigite (FLG)/PS system in 30 min. The difference in BPA degradation in kaolin and the lateritic red soil was negligible, thus indicating that the contents of components such as total organic matters in the lateritic red soil did not affect the BPA degradation rate of the FLG/PS system considerably. Furthermore, the distribution processes of BPA in the soil and liquid phase were also investigated in detail. The results showed that the water contents were a key factor in the distribution and degradation of BPA. The transfer of BPA from kaolin to the liquid phase was simpler than that from the lateritic red soil to the liquid phase. BPA might be transferred to the liquid phase first and then degraded by the FLG/PS system in that phase. Regarding BPA degradation in the lateritic red soil, BPA was degraded in the soil and liquid phases at the same time. This study proposed a pathway for BPA degradation in soil slurries by heterogeneous material/PS systems for first time, providing a deeper understanding of the degradation mechanism of organic pollutants in soil and new methods for soil remediation.

Fighting Bisphenol A-Induced Male Infertility: The Power of Antioxidants

Bisphenol A (BPA), a well-known endocrine disruptor present in epoxy resins and polycarbonate plastics, negatively disturbs the male reproductive system affecting male fertility. In vivo studies showed that BPA exposure has deleterious effects on spermatogenesis by disturbing the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis and inducing oxidative stress in testis. This compound seems to disrupt hormone signalling even at low concentrations, modifying the levels of inhibin B, oestradiol, and testosterone. The adverse effects on seminal parameters are mainly supported by studies based on urinary BPA concentration, showing a negative association between BPA levels and sperm concentration, motility, and sperm DNA damage. Recent studies explored potential approaches to treat or prevent BPA-induced testicular toxicity and male infertility. Since the effect of BPA on testicular cells and spermatozoa is associated with an increased production of reactive oxygen species, most of the pharmacological approaches are based on the use of natural or synthetic antioxidants. In this review, we briefly describe the effects of BPA on male reproductive health and discuss the use of antioxidants to prevent or revert the BPA-induced toxicity and infertility in men.

Bisphenol A and Male Fertility: Myths and Realities

Bisphenol A (BPA) represents the main chemical monomer of epoxy resins and polycarbonate plastics. The environmental presence of BPA is widespread, and it can easily be absorbed by the human body through dietary and transdermal routes, so that more than 90% of the population in western countries display detectable BPA levels in the urine. As BPA is qualified as an endocrine disruptor, growing concern is rising for possible harmful effects on human health. This review critically discusses the available literature dealing with the possible impact of BPA on male fertility. In rodent models, the in vivo exposure to BPA negatively interfered with the regulation of spermatogenesis throughout the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Furthermore, in in vitro studies, BPA promoted mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative/apoptotic damages in spermatozoa from different species, including humans. To date, the claimed clinical adverse effects on male fertility are largely based on the results from studies assessing the relationship between urinary BPA concentration and conventional semen parameters. These studies, however, produced controversial evidence due to heterogeneity in the extent of BPA exposure, type of population, and enrollment setting. Moreover, the cause-effect relationship cannot be established due to the cross-sectional design of the studies as well as the large spontaneous between- and within-subject variability of semen parameters. The best evidence of an adverse effect of BPA on male fertility would be provided by prospective studies on clinically relevant endpoints, including natural or medically assisted pregnancies among men either with different exposure degrees (occupational/environmental) or with different clinical conditions (fertile/subfertile).

Perfluoro-octanoic acid impairs sperm motility through the alteration of plasma membrane

CONTEXT

Perfluoroalkyl-substances (PFAS) are chemical additives considered harmful for humans. We recently showed that accumulation of perfluoro-octanoic acid (PFOA) in human semen of exposed subjects was associated with altered motility parameters of sperm cells, suggesting direct toxicity.

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether direct exposure of human spermatozoa to PFOA was associated to impairment of cell function.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Spermatozoa isolated from semen samples of ten normozoospermic healthy donors were exposed up to 2 h to PFOA, at concentrations from 0.1 to 10 ng/mL. Viability and motility parameters were evaluated by Sperm Class Analyser. Cell respiratory function was assessed by both mitochondrial probe JC-1 and respiratory control ratio (RCR) determination. Sperm accumulation of PFOA was quantified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Expression of organic ion-transporters OATP1 and SLCO1B2 was assessed by immunofluorescence and respective role in PFOA accumulation was evaluated by either blockade with probenecid or membrane scavenging through β-cyclodextrin (β-CD). Plasma membrane fluidity and electrochemical potential (ΔΨp) were evaluated, respectively, with Merocyanine-540 and Di-3-ANEPPDHQ fluorescent probes.

RESULTS

Compared to untreated controls, a threefold increase of the percentage of non-motile sperms was observed after 2 h of exposure to PFOA regardless of the concentration of PFOA, whilst RCR was significantly reduced. Only scavenging with β-CD was effective in reducing PFOA accumulation, suggesting membrane involvement. Altered membrane fluidity, reduced ΔΨp and sperm motility loss associated with exposure to PFOA were reverted by β-CD treatment.

CONCLUSION

PFOA alters human sperm motility through plasma-membrane disruption, an effect recovered by incubation with β-CD.

Bisphenols and Male Reproductive Health: From Toxicological Models to Therapeutic Hypotheses

Bisphenols, and in particular bisphenol A (BPA), have been widely used for the production of plastic manufacts in the last 50 years. Currently, BPA is present in a variety of daily use polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, and dietary ingestion is considered the main route of human exposure. Accordingly, BPA is the chemical pollutant with the widest exposure in humans, involving nearly 90% of general population, according to recent studies. Concerns about BPA effects on human health date back to 1930s, when severe impact on male sexual development was suggested. Now, the acknowledged biological effects of BPA are various. In regard to human fertility, BPA has been shown to disrupt hormone signaling even at low concentrations. Results from human epidemiological studies have reported BPA interference with follicle stimulating hormone, inhibin B, estradiol, testosterone levels, and sexual function in male subjects. Moreover, recent studies have reported an association between BPA levels and reduced sperm concentration, motility, normal morphology, sperm DNA damage, and altered epigenetic pattern, resulting in trans-generational legacy of BPA effects. In this review, the recognized effects of BPA on male reproductive health are described, from the most recent issues on experimental models to epidemiological data. In addition, the very recent interest about the use of nutraceutical remedies to counteract BPA effects are discussed.

Bisphenol A-Induced Epigenetic Changes and Its Effects on the Male Reproductive System

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widespread chemical agent which can exert detrimental effects on the male reproductive system. Exposure to BPA has been shown to induce several epigenetic modifications in both animal and human cells. Specifically, BPA could not only modify the methylation pattern of multiple genes encoding proteins related to reproductive physiology but also directly influence the genes responsible for DNA methylation. BPA effects include hormonal alterations, microscopic and macroscopic alteration of male reproductive organs, and inheritable epigenetic changes involving human reproduction. BPA exposure was also linked to prostate cancer. This review aims to show the current scenario of BPA-induced epigenetic changes and its effects on the male reproductive system. Possible strategies to counter the toxic effect of BPA were also addressed.

The palliative role of Eruca sativa leaves dietary supplementation against oxidative stress, immunosuppression, and growth retardation in temperature-stressed Oreochromis niloticus

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary dried Rocket Leaves meal (DRLM) supplementation on growth performance, immune response, and antioxidant capacity of Oreochromis niloticus reared under different water temperature. For this purpose, five hundred and forty apparently healthy O. niloticus were allocated into nine groups fed three DRLM-supplemented diets (0,1, and 3%) and reared at three water temperature (18, 24, and 32°C) in a 3 × 3 total randomized factorial design. The results revealed that exposure of fish to low (18°C) or high (32°C) temperatures for 30 days evoked significant growth retardation, depleted antioxidant enzymes activities (Catalase; CAT and super oxide dismutase; SOD), lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde; MDA), immunosuppression, altered cortisol level compared to those reared at 24°C. Moreover, a marked down-regulation of oxidative stress related genes with up-regulation of interleukin 1β gene were apparent. In contrast, DRLM incorporation, particularly at 3%, in heat or cold stressed fish diets significantly enhanced growth, restored IgM and lysozymes levels, and SOD and CAT activities. Also, both the MDA and cortisol levels were significantly depressed. Furthermore, both antioxidant and immune-related genes expression were significantly corrected. Conclusively, 3% DRLM dietary supplementation in tilapia diet could be a promising strategy to alleviate the temperature stress-induced negative impacts on fish health and performance.