Induction of reproductive injury by bisphenol A and the protective effects of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and protocatechuic acid in rats

Reproductive toxicity of bisphenol A and nitro-bisphenol A in male zebrafish at environmentally relevant concentrations

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a well-known endocrine-disrupting pollutant that poses significant environmental challenges globally. However, the toxicity of nitro-BPA (NBPA), the primary transformation product of BPA, remains poorly understood. This study employs a multi-omics approach, integrating in silico and bioinformatics analyses, to investigate and compare the male reproductive toxicity of BPA and NBPA in male zebrafish exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations. After 21 days of exposure, we observed a significant increase in cumulative egg production over five days in the NBPA 200 nM group compared to pre-exposure levels. Conversely, the gonadosomatic index of NBPA 200 nM group was significantly reduced by approximately 41.65 %. Our findings indicate that the activation of ESRRγ and inhibition of NR5A2 are critical molecular initiating events linked to male reproductive toxicity. Additionally, both BPA and NBPA were found to disrupt several key events within the steroid hormone biosynthesis pathway. This disruption includes the downregulation of genes encoding cytochrome P450 (CYP450) and hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzymes, as well as alterations in the levels of steroid hormones such as cholesterol and 25-hydroxycholesterol. Our study identifies biomolecular targets of BPA and NBPA at environmentally relevant concentrations that induce reproductive toxicity, enhancing our understanding of NBPA toxicity and are anticipated to inform the development of effective mitigation strategies.

Extraction optimization, identification using UPLC-tandem mass spectrometry, and antioxidant properties of polyphenols from the fruit body of Morchella sextelata

Polyphenols, as important active ingredients in edible fungi, have many beneficial functions. As rare edible fungi, Morchella spp., are highly popular due to their nutritional value and unique flavor. However, most Morchella have not yet been artificially cultivated due to their special biological characteristics, resulting in limited research on polyphenols in artificially cultivated Morchella. In this study, the extraction parameters of polyphenols from artificially cultivated Morchella sextelata were optimized using response surface methodology, the polyphenol components were analyzed via UPLC‒tandem mass spectrometry, and their antioxidant properties were determined in vitro. The optimal extraction process parameters were as follows: ethanol concentration, 43%; solid‒liquid ratio, 1:41 g mL-1; extraction temperature, 52°C; extraction time, 2 h; rotation speed, 180 r min-1; and extraction frequency, twice. The optimized extraction parameters resulted in a polyphenol yield of 4.82 mg g-1, a 69.97% increase. Fourteen phenolic compounds were identified: gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, dl-4-hydroxyphenyllactic acid, methyl 2,4-dihydroxyphenylacetate, salicylic acid, 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, eucommiol, luteolin, ethylparaben, hinokiflavone, amentoflavone, propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, and 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol. The EC50 values of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)· scavenging ability, reducing power and ferrous ion chelating ability of polyphenols were 2.70, 30.98, and 72.06 µg mL-1, respectively. These findings indicated that polyphenols had a significantly stronger ability to scavenge DPPH· compared with their reducing power and ability to chelate ferrous ions. The results of this study provide a solid foundation for the subsequent study of function of M. sextelata polyphenols as well as a theoretical basis for the further development and utilization of M. sextelata, which will help promote healthy development of Morchella industry. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The extraction, composition, and antioxidant properties of polyphenols from Morchella sextelata were identified, which provides a theoretical basis for better utilization of Morchella resources.

Zearalenone induces liver injury in mice through ferroptosis pathway

Throughout the world, some foods and feeds commonly consumed by humans and animals are inadvertently contaminated with mycotoxins. Zearalenone (ZEA) is a typical environmental/food contaminant that can cause varying degrees of damage to the body, such as reproductive toxicity, hepatotoxicity, immunotoxicity, etc. It poses a serious threat to the living environment and human and animal health. Increasing evidence shows that mycotoxin-induced organ damage may be closely related to ferroptosis. However, the mechanism of ZEA-induced liver injury is still not fully understood. Therefore, this study aimed to explore whether ZEA can trigger ferroptosis in the liver and cause liver injury. This study was conducted by establishing in vivo and in vitro ZEA exposure models. The results showed that ZEA exposure led to typical liver injury indicators. ZEA inhibited the Nrf2/keap1 antioxidant signaling pathway, aggravated the oxidative stress response, and inhibited the body's antioxidant function. Additionally, it was found that ZEA can aggravate lipid peroxidation by blocking the system Xc-/GSH/GPX4 axis, upregulating the protein expression of ACSL4, and affecting the import, storage, and export of iron ions, thereby inducing iron ion metabolism disorders. A combination of multiple factors induces ferroptosis in mouse liver and AML12 cells. Pretreatment with deferoxamine, an inhibitor of ferroptosis, can alleviate ferroptosis damage induced by ZEA, indicating the crucial role of ferroptosis in cell damage caused by ZEA. This study deeply explores the hepatic ferroptosis pathway induced by ZEA, provides a new theoretical basis for ZEA-induced hepatotoxicity, and offers new insights for exploring potential treatment strategies.

The key to 2,6-dichloro-1,4-benzoquinone reproductive toxicity and green tea detoxification: Covalent binding and competitive binding

Halobenzoquinones (HBQs) are ubiquitous disinfection by-products (DBPs) in chlorinated drinking water with various health risks including reproductive toxicity, while the potential mechanisms are still unclear. Although green tea exhibits common detoxifying properties, its ability to mitigate the toxicity of HBQs still needs to be further deepened and explored. This study attempted to investigate the possible mechanism of the most common HBQ, 2,6-dichloro-1,4-benzoquinone (2,6-DCBQ) induced reproductive toxicity and elucidate the protective effect of green tea using a series of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS) approaches. Firstly, in vivo experiments showed that 2,6-DCBQ could induce testicular damage in male rats via significantly decreasing sperm-associated Leydig cells and seminiferous tubules. Then, in vitro incubation of 2,6-DCBQ with amino acids suggested that 2,6-DCBQ could bind to proteins via residues of cysteine or lysine and provided five additional modification patterns. Following, proteomics analysis revealed that at least 42 proteins were modified by 2,6-DCBQ, which were mainly enriched in the reproductive system. These results highlighted the significance of covalent protein modification in 2,6-DCBQ reproductive toxicity. Fortunately, we found that catechins (a class of major components of green tea) could competitively bind to 2,6-DCBQ in vivo and in vitro, reducing the amount and type of 2,6-DCBQ-protein adducts, thereby attenuating the reproductive system damage caused by 2,6-DCBQ. This study provides new insights into 2,6-DCBQ-induced reproductive system damage and reveals a new mechanism of green tea detoxification. Moreover, these findings offer potential strategies for alleviating the harmful impacts of environmental toxicants on human health.

A comprehensive review on potential role of selenium, selenoproteins and selenium nanoparticles in male fertility

Selenium (Se), a component of selenoproteins and selenocompounds in the human body, is crucial for the development of male reproductive organs, DNA synthesis, thyroid hormone, metabolism, and defence against infections and oxidative damage. In the testis, it must exceed a desirable level since either a shortage or an overabundance causes aberrant growth. The antioxidant properties of selenium are essential for preserving human reproductive health. Selenoproteins, which have important structural and enzymatic properties, control the biological activities of Se primarily. These proteins specifically have a role in metabolism and a variety of cellular processes, such as the control of selenium transport, thyroid hormone metabolism, immunity, and redox balance. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are less hazardous than selenium-based inorganic and organic materials. Upon being functionalized with active targeting ligands, they are both biocompatible and capable of efficiently delivering combinations of payloads to particular cells. In this review, we discuss briefly the chemistry, structure and functions of selenium and milestones of selenium and selenoproteins. Next we discuss the various factors influences male infertility, biological functions of selenium and selenoproteins, and role of selenium and selenoproteins in spermatogenesis and male fertility. Furthermore, we discuss the molecular mechanism of selenium transport and protective effects of selenium on oxidative stress, apoptosis and inflammation. We also highlight critical contribution of selenium nanoparticles on male fertility and spermatogenesis. Finally ends with conclusion and future perspectives.

Lathyrol reduces the RCC invasion and incidence of EMT via affecting the expression of AR and SPHK2 in RCC mice

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of Lathyrol on the expression of androgen receptor (AR) and sphingosine kinase 2 (SPHK2) in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) mice and to further explore the mechanism by which Lathyrol inhibits the invasion and incidence of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).

METHODS

An RCC xenograft mouse model was constructed, and the mice were randomly divided into a model group, an experiment group and a negative control group. The experiment group was intragastrically gavaged with Lathyrol solution (20 mg/kg), the model group was intragastrically gavaged with 0.9% NaCl (same volume as that used in the experiment group), and the negative control group was injected intraperitoneally with 2 mg/kg cisplatin aqueous solution. Changes in the body weight and tumor volume of the mice were recorded. Western blot (WB) was used to assess the protein expression levels of AR, p-AR, CYP17A1, PARP1, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, vimentin, α-SMA, β-catenin, and ZO-1. Protein expression levels of SPHK2, metal matrix protease 2 (MMP2), MMP9 and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) in tumor tissues were assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). AR expression in tumor tissues was assessed after immunofluorescence (IF) staining.

RESULTS

After 14 days of drug administration, compared with that in the model group, the tumor volumes in the negative control and experiment groups were lower; the difference in tumor volume among the model, control and experiment groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The differences in body weight among the three groups were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). In the model group, the protein expression levels of AR, p-AR, CYP17A1, SPHK2, and PARP1 were relatively increased, the protein expression levels of E-cadherin and ZO-1 were relatively reduced (P < 0.05), and the protein expression levels of N-cadherin, β-catenin, vimentin, and α-SMA were relatively increased (P < 0.05). In the negative control and experiment groups, the protein expression levels of AR, p-AR, CYP17A1, SPHK2, and PARP1 were relatively decreased (P < 0.05), the protein expression levels of E-cadherin and ZO-1 were relatively increased (P < 0.05), and the protein expression levels of N-cadherin, β-catenin, vimentin and α-SMA were relatively decreased (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Lathyrol and cisplatin inhibit the proliferation of RCC xenografts, reduce the protein expression levels of AR, CYP17A1, SPHK2, PARP1, E-cadherin, and ZO-1 in tumor tissues (P < 0.05), and promote the protein expression levels of N-cadherin, β-catenin, vimentin and α-SMA (P < 0.05). Therefore, Lathyrol reduces RCC invasion and EMT by affecting the expression of AR and SPHK2 in RCC mice.

Mechanism of action of anthocyanin on the detoxification of foodborne contaminants-A review of recent literature

Foodborne contaminants refer to substances that are present in food and threaten food safety. Due to the progress in detection technology and the rising concerns regarding public health, there has been a surge in research focusing on the dangers posed by foodborne contaminants. These studies aim to explore and implement strategies that are both safe and efficient in mitigating the associated risks. Anthocyanins, a class of flavonoids, are abundantly present in various plant species, such as blueberries, grapes, purple sweet potatoes, cherries, mulberries, and others. Numerous epidemiological and nutritional intervention studies have provided evidence indicating that the consumption of anthocyanins through dietary intake offers a range of protective effects against the detrimental impact of foodborne contaminants. The present study aims to differentiate between two distinct subclasses of foodborne contaminants: those that are generated during the processing of food and those that originate from the surrounding environment. Furthermore, the impact of anthocyanins on foodborne contaminants was also summarized based on a review of articles published within the last 10 years. However, further investigation is warranted regarding the mechanism by which anthocyanins target foodborne contaminants, as well as the potential impact of individual variations in response. Additionally, it is important to note that there is currently a dearth of clinical research examining the efficacy of anthocyanins as an intervention for mitigating the effects of foodborne pollutants. Thus, by exploring the detoxification effect and mechanism of anthocyanins on foodborne pollutants, this review thereby provides evidence, supporting the utilization of anthocyanin-rich diets as a means to mitigate the detrimental effects of foodborne contaminants.

Carvacrol showed a curative effect on reproductive toxicity caused by Bisphenol AF via antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties

Bisphenol AF (BPAF) is an endocrine disruptor, and human exposure to these chemicals is growing in industrialized nations. BPAF has been demonstrated in studies to have toxic effects on reproductive health. This study examined the effects of oral exposure to BPAF on the reproductive system and the protective effects of carvacrol in rats. From 32 Wistar albino rats, four separate groups were set up for this purpose. Carvacrol 75 mg/kg and BPAF 200 mg/kg were administered by oral gavage method. Rat sperm parameters and serum testosterone levels were measured after 28 days of administration. The study looked at the MDA in the testis tissues, as well as CAT, GPx, and GSH as antioxidants parameters, NF-κB and TNF-α as inflammatory markers, caspase-3 and Bcl-2 as apoptosis parameters, and PCNA as cell proliferation markers. In addition, testis tissues underwent histological evaluation. As a result, in rats exposed to only BPAF, sperm counts declined, testosterone levels reduced, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis increased, and cell proliferation decreased. Furthermore, severe disruptions in tissue architecture and decreased spermatogenesis were reported. In contrast, sperm parameters improved, testosterone levels increased, oxidative stress and inflammation decreased, and apoptosis was prevented in the carvacrol-treated group compared to the BPAF-only group. It was also found that spermatogenesis was maintained, and structural abnormalities in testicular tissue were mostly avoided with an increase in PCNA expression. According to the findings, despite BPAF-induced testicular and reproductive toxicity, carvacrol had therapeutic potential due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cell proliferation-increasing, and anti-apoptotic activities.