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Ruiz TFR, Leonel ECR, Colleta SJ, Bedolo CM, Pegorin de Campos SG, Taboga SR. Gestational and lactational xenoestrogen exposure disrupts morphology and inflammatory aspects in mammary gland of gerbil mothers during involution. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2022; 89:103785. [PMID: 34896274 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2021.103785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In the mammary gland (MG), the developmental window for gestational/lactational differentiation and growth is highly vulnerable to hormonal disruption. Here we describe that the MG involution process in female gerbil mothers is delayed by bisphenol A (BPA) exposure during gestation and lactation. The process is directly influenced by changes in expression of extracellular matrix proteases MMP-2, MMP-9, and FAP, and the incidence of collagen and elastin is reduced after 7 and 14 days of weaning. A pro-inflammatory environment in the late involution process was confirmed by higher expression of TNF-α, COX-2 and phospho-STAT3 n the MG stroma, allied to increases in the incidence of macrophages and mast cells. These aspects impacted the proliferative pattern of epithelial cells, which decreased on the 14th post-weaning day. These data confirm that the milk production window of susceptibility is vulnerable to the impact of BPA, which promotes a suggestive pro-tumoral microenvironment during mammary involution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thalles Fernando Rocha Ruiz
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Rua Cristóvão Colombo, 2265, Jardim Nazareth, 15054-000 São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Ellen Cristina Rivas Leonel
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Rua Cristóvão Colombo, 2265, Jardim Nazareth, 15054-000 São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Histology, Embryology and Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás (UFG), Avenida Esperança, s/n, Câmpus Samambaia, 74690-900 Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil.
| | - Simone Jacovaci Colleta
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Rua Cristóvão Colombo, 2265, Jardim Nazareth, 15054-000 São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carolina Marques Bedolo
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Rua Cristóvão Colombo, 2265, Jardim Nazareth, 15054-000 São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Silvana Gisele Pegorin de Campos
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Rua Cristóvão Colombo, 2265, Jardim Nazareth, 15054-000 São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sebastião Roberto Taboga
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Rua Cristóvão Colombo, 2265, Jardim Nazareth, 15054-000 São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Leonel ECR, Ruiz TFR, Bedolo CM, Campos SGP, Taboga SR. Inflammatory repercussions in female steroid responsive glands after perinatal exposure to bisphenol A and 17-β estradiol. Cell Biol Int 2021; 45:2264-2274. [PMID: 34288236 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The mammary gland (MG) and female prostate are plastic reproductive organs which are highly responsive to hormones. Thus, endocrine disruptors, such as bisphenol A (BPA) and exogenous estrogens, negatively affect glandular homeostasis. In addition to previously described alterations, changes in inflammatory markers expression also trigger the development of a microenvironment that contributes to tumor progression. The current work aimed to evaluate the inflammatory responses of the MG and prostate gland to BPA (50 µg/kg) and 17-β estradiol (35 µg/kg) exposure during the perinatal window of susceptibility. The results showed that at 6 months of age there was an increase in the number of phospho-STAT3 (P-STAT3) positive cells in the female prostate from animals perinatally exposed to 50 µg/kg BPA daily. In addition, the number of macrophages increased in these animals in comparison with nonexposed animals, as shown by the F4/80 marker. Despite an increase in the incidence of lobuloalveolar and intraductal hyperplasia, the MG did not show any difference in the expression of the four inflammatory markers evaluated: tumor necrosis factor-α, COX-2, P-STAT3, and F4/80. Analysis of both glands from the same animal led to the conclusion that exposure to endocrine disruptors during the perinatal window of susceptibility leads to different inflammatory responses in different reproductive organs. As the prostate is more susceptible to these inflammatory mechanisms, it is reasonable to affirm that possible neoplastic alterations in this organ are related to changes in the inflammatory pattern of the stroma, a characteristic that is not evident in the MG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Cristina Rivas Leonel
- Department of Biology, Humanities, and Exact Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Histology, Embriology, and Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB III), Federal University of Goiás (UFG), Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Thalles Fernando Rocha Ruiz
- Department of Biology, Humanities, and Exact Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carolina Marques Bedolo
- Department of Biology, Humanities, and Exact Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Silvana Gisele Pegorin Campos
- Department of Biology, Humanities, and Exact Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sebastião Roberto Taboga
- Department of Biology, Humanities, and Exact Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
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Characterization of Estrogenic Activity and Site-Specific Accumulation of Bisphenol-A in Epididymal Fat Pad: Interfering Effects on the Endocannabinoid System and Temporal Progression of Germ Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052540. [PMID: 33802611 PMCID: PMC7961766 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this work has been to characterize the estrogenic activity of bisphenol-A (BPA) and the adverse effects on the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in modulating germ cell progression. Male offspring exposed to BPA during the foetal-perinatal period at doses below the no-observed-adverse-effect-level were used to investigate the exposure effects in adulthood. Results showed that BPA accumulates specifically in epididymal fat rather than in abdominal fat and targets testicular expression of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and cytochrome P450 aromatase, thus promoting sustained increase of estrogens and a decrease of testosterone. The exposure to BPA affects the expression levels of some ECS components, namely type-1 (CB1) and type-2 cannabinoid (CB2) receptor and monoacylglycerol-lipase (MAGL). Furthermore, it affects the temporal progression of germ cells reported to be responsive to ECS and promotes epithelial germ cell exfoliation. In particular, it increases the germ cell content (i.e., spermatogonia while reducing spermatocytes and spermatids), accelerates progression of spermatocytes and spermatids, promotes epithelial detachment of round and condensed spermatids and interferes with expression of cell–cell junction genes (i.e., zonula occcludens protein-1, vimentin and β-catenin). Altogether, our study provides evidence that early exposure to BPA produces in adulthood sustained and site-specific BPA accumulation in epididymal fat, becoming a risk factor for the reproductive endocrine pathways associated to ECS.
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Leonel ECR, Campos SGP, Guerra LHA, Bedolo CM, Vilamaior PSL, Calmon MF, Rahal P, Amorim CA, Taboga SR. Impact of perinatal bisphenol A and 17β estradiol exposure: Comparing hormone receptor response. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2020; 188:109918. [PMID: 31753310 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2019.109918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Hormonal regulation controls mammary gland (MG) development. Therefore some hormone-related factors can disrupt the early phases of MGs development, making the gland more susceptible to long term modifications in its response to circulating hormones. Endocrine disruptors, such as bisphenol A (BPA), are able to cause alterations in hormone receptor expression, leading to changes in the cell proliferation index, which may expose the tissue to neoplastic alterations. Thus, we evaluated the variations in hormone receptor expression in the MG of 6-month old Mongolian gerbils exposed to BPA and 17β estradiol during the perinatal period. Receptors for estrogen alpha (ERα), beta (ERβ), progesterone (PGR), prolactin (PRL-R), and co-localization of connexin 43 (Cx43) and ERα in gerbils were analyzed, and serum concentrations of estradiol and progesterone were assessed. No alterations in body, liver, and ovary-uterus complex weights were observed. However, there was an increase in epithelial ERα expression in the 17β estradiol (E2) group and in PGR in the BPA group. Although immunohistochemistry did not show alterations in ERβ expression, western blotting revealed a decrease in this protein in the BPA group. PRL-R was more present in epithelial cells in the vehicle control (VC), E2, and BPA groups in comparison to the intact control group. Cx43 was more frequent in E2 and BPA groups, suggesting a protective response from the gland against possible malignancy. Serum concentration of estradiol reduced in VC, E2, and BPA groups, confirming that alterations also impacts steroid levels. Consequently, perinatal exposure to BPA and the reference endogenous estrogen, 17β estradiol, are able to increase the tendency of endocrine disruption in MG in a long term manner, since repercussions are observed even 6 months after exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Cristina Rivas Leonel
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rua Cristóvão Colombo 2265, Jardim Nazareth, 15054-000, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Silvana Gisele Pegorin Campos
- Federal University of São João del Rei (UFSJ), Campus Centro Oeste Dona Lindu, Avenida Sebastião Gonçalves Coelho, 400, Bairro Chanadour, 35501-296, Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Luiz Henrique Alves Guerra
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rua Cristóvão Colombo 2265, Jardim Nazareth, 15054-000, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carolina Marques Bedolo
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rua Cristóvão Colombo 2265, Jardim Nazareth, 15054-000, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Simone Leite Vilamaior
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rua Cristóvão Colombo 2265, Jardim Nazareth, 15054-000, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marilia Freitas Calmon
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rua Cristóvão Colombo 2265, Jardim Nazareth, 15054-000, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paula Rahal
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rua Cristóvão Colombo 2265, Jardim Nazareth, 15054-000, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Christiani Andrade Amorim
- Laboratory of Gynecology, Institute of Experimental and Clinique Research, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCL), Avenue Mounier 52, Bte B1.52.02, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sebastião Roberto Taboga
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rua Cristóvão Colombo 2265, Jardim Nazareth, 15054-000, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Chioccarelli T, Manfrevola F, Migliaccio M, Altucci L, Porreca V, Fasano S, Cobellis G. Fetal-Perinatal Exposure to Bisphenol-A Affects Quality of Spermatozoa in Adulthood Mouse. Int J Endocrinol 2020; 2020:2750501. [PMID: 32256569 PMCID: PMC7109585 DOI: 10.1155/2020/2750501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Bisphenol-A (BPA) is considered an endocrine disruptor with estrogenic activity. It is described as an environment-polluting industrial chemical whose adverse effects on the male reproductive system depend on the period of exposure (i.e., fetal, prepubertal, or adult life). We exposed male mice to BPA during the fetal-perinatal period (from 10 days post coitum to 31 days post partum) and investigated the impact of this early-life exposure on gamete health in adulthood animals at 78 days of age. Both in control and BPA-exposed mice, viability and motility of spermatozoa, as well as sperm motility acquisition and chromatin condensation of spermatozoa, have been evaluated. Results reveal harmful effect of BPA on viability and motility of sperm cells as well as on chromatin condensation status during epididymal maturation of spermatozoa. In particular, BPA exposure interferes with biochemical mechanism useful to stabilize sperm chromatin condensation, as it interferes with oxidation of thiol groups associated to chromatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Chioccarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Francesco Manfrevola
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Marina Migliaccio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Lucia Altucci
- Department of Precision Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Via L. De Crecchio 7, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Veronica Porreca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Gilda Cobellis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
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Cariati F, D'Uonno N, Borrillo F, Iervolino S, Galdiero G, Tomaiuolo R. "Bisphenol a: an emerging threat to male fertility". Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2019; 17:6. [PMID: 30660193 PMCID: PMC6339693 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-018-0447-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Among the factors causing male infertility, one of the most debated is the exposure to environmental contaminants. Recently, the chemical compound Bisphenol A (BPA) has drawn attention from the reproductive science community, due to its ubiquitous presence in day-to-day life. Its toxic action appears to mainly affect the male reproductive system, directly impacting male fertility. MAIN: The purpose of this review is to investigate current research data on BPA, providing an overview of the findings obtained from studies in animal and human models, as well as on its supposed mechanisms of action. CONCLUSION A clear understanding of BPA action mechanisms, as well as the presumed risks deriving from its exposure, is becoming crucial to preserve male fertility. The development and validation of methodologies to detect BPA toxic effects on reproductive organs can provide greater awareness of the potential threat that this chemical represents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Cariati
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini, 5 -, 80131, Naples, Italy.
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c.a r.l., Naples, Italy.
- KronosDNA s.r.l., Spin-off Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy.
| | - Nadja D'Uonno
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c.a r.l., Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Borrillo
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini, 5 -, 80131, Naples, Italy
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c.a r.l., Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Iervolino
- KronosDNA s.r.l., Spin-off Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Giacomo Galdiero
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Rossella Tomaiuolo
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini, 5 -, 80131, Naples, Italy
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c.a r.l., Naples, Italy
- KronosDNA s.r.l., Spin-off Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Wisniewski P, Romano RM, Kizys MML, Oliveira KC, Kasamatsu T, Giannocco G, Chiamolera MI, Dias-da-Silva MR, Romano MA. Adult exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) in Wistar rats reduces sperm quality with disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis. Toxicology 2015; 329:1-9. [PMID: 25575453 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2015.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2014] [Revised: 12/14/2014] [Accepted: 01/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Reproductive physiology involves complex biological processes that can be disrupted by exposure to environmental contaminants. The effects of bisphenol A (BPA) on spermatogenesis and sperm quality is still unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the reproductive toxicity of BPA at dosages considered to be safe (5 or 25mg BPA/kg/day). We assessed multiple sperm parameters, the relative expression of genes involved in the central regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis, and the serum concentrations of testosterone, estradiol, LH and FSH. BPA exposure reduced sperm production, reserves and transit time. Significant damage to the acrosomes and the plasma membrane with reduced mitochondrial activity and increased levels of defective spermatozoa may have compromised sperm function and caused faster movement through the epididymis. BPA exposure reduced the serum concentrations of testosterone, LH and FSH and increased the concentration of estradiol. The relative gene expression revealed an increase in gonadotropin releasing hormone receptor (Gnrhr), luteinizing hormone beta (Lhb), follicle stimulating hormone beta (Fshb), estrogen receptor beta (Esr2) and androgen receptor (Ar) transcripts in the pituitary and a reduction in estrogen receptor alpha (Esr1) transcripts in the hypothalamus. In this study, we demonstrated for the first time that adult male exposure to BPA caused a reduction in sperm production and specific functional parameters. The corresponding pattern of gene expression is indicative of an attempt by the pituitary to reestablish normal levels of LH, FSH and testosterone serum concentrations. In conclusion, these data suggest that at dosages previously considered nontoxic to reproductive function, BPA compromises the spermatozoa and disrupts the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, causing a state of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Wisniewski
- Laboratory of Reproductive Toxicology, Department of Pharmacy, State University of Centro-Oeste, Parana, Brazil
| | - Renata M Romano
- Laboratory of Reproductive Toxicology, Department of Pharmacy, State University of Centro-Oeste, Parana, Brazil
| | - Marina M L Kizys
- Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (Unifesp/EPM), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Kelen C Oliveira
- Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (Unifesp/EPM), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Teresa Kasamatsu
- Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (Unifesp/EPM), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Gisele Giannocco
- Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (Unifesp/EPM), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria I Chiamolera
- Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (Unifesp/EPM), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Magnus R Dias-da-Silva
- Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (Unifesp/EPM), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marco A Romano
- Laboratory of Reproductive Toxicology, Department of Pharmacy, State University of Centro-Oeste, Parana, Brazil.
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Zingue S, Nde CBM, Njamen D. The methanol-soluble fraction of Millettia macrophylla (Fabaceae) stem bark endowed with estrogenic properties has adverse effects on the male reproductive system of Wistar rats. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol 2015; 26:53-64. [PMID: 24670347 DOI: 10.1515/jbcpp-2013-0136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2013] [Accepted: 03/03/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of traditional medicinal plants to treat various diseases is common in Sub-Saharan African countries, including Cameroon. Millettia macrophylla, one of such plants, was previously found to exhibit estrogenic properties in female Wistar rats. However, its effects on the male reproductive system are unknown. Based on literature evidence that phytoestrogens impair male sexual behavior, we aimed at assessing the effect of the extracts of M. macrophylla stem bark on the male reproductive system of Wistar rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS We evaluated the effects of the dichloromethane (DCM) and methanol (MeOH) soluble fractions of M. macrophylla stem bark on male rat sexual behavior, as well as androgen-dependent parameters for 60 days. RESULTS Data showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the wiring-touch frequency, mount frequency, intromission frequency, ejaculatory frequency, penile-licking frequency, and computed indices of sexual behavior, throughout the experimental period, as well as a significant increase (p<0.001) in mount, intromission, and ejaculatory latencies as well as post-ejaculatory interval. Moreover, we observed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the androgen-dependent sexual parameters evaluated. The DCM extract did not induce significant effects on the assessed parameters. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that long-term exposure to the estrogenic MeOH fraction of M. macrophylla stem bark negatively alters sexual behavior and spermatogenesis.
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9
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Seco-Rovira V, Beltrán-Frutos E, Ferrer C, Sáez FJ, Madrid JF, Pastor LM. The death of sertoli cells and the capacity to phagocytize elongated spermatids during testicular regression due to short photoperiod in Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus). Biol Reprod 2014; 90:107. [PMID: 24719257 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.112649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
In the Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus), an animal that displays testicular regression due to short photoperiod, germ cells are removed by apoptosis during this process and the apoptotic remains are phagocytized by Sertoli cells. The aim of this work was to investigate morphologically whether the testicular regression process due to short photoperiod leads to the apoptosis of Sertoli cells, and whether, during testicular regression, the elongated spermatids are eliminated through phagocytosis by Sertoli cells. To this end, we studied testis sections during testicular regression in Syrian hamster subjected to short photoperiod by means of several morphological techniques using conventional light microscopy (hematoxylin and eosin [H&E], semi-thin section vimentin, immunohistochemistry, SBA lectin, and TUNEL staining), fluorescence microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). H&E and semi-thin sections identified Sertoli cells with a degenerated morphology. Greater portion of Sertoli cells that were positive for TUNEL staining were observed especially during the mild regression (MR) and strong regression (SR) phases. In addition, TEM identified the characteristic apoptotic changes in the nucleus and cytoplasm of Sertoli cells. Moreover, during testicular regression and using light microscopy, some elongated spermatids were seen in basal position next to the Sertoli cell nucleus. This Sertoli phagocytic activity was higher in MR and SR phases. TEM confirmed this to be the result of the phagocytic activity of Sertoli cells. In conclusion, during testicular regression in Syrian hamster due to short photoperiod, when germ cells are known to be lost through apoptosis, there is morphological evidences that Sertoli cells are also lost through apoptosis, while some elongated spermatids are phagocytized and eliminated by the Sertoli cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicente Seco-Rovira
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Medical School, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum," University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Esther Beltrán-Frutos
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Medical School, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum," University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Concepción Ferrer
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Medical School, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum," University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Francisco José Sáez
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology Unidad de Formación e Investigación 11/44, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of the Basque Country Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herrico Unibertsitatea, Leioa, Spain
| | - Juan Francisco Madrid
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Medical School, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum," University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Luis Miguel Pastor
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Medical School, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum," University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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10
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George A, Henkel R. Phytoandrogenic properties ofEurycoma longifoliaas natural alternative to testosterone replacement therapy. Andrologia 2014; 46:708-21. [DOI: 10.1111/and.12214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- A. George
- Biotropics Malaysia Berhad; Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
| | - R. Henkel
- Department of Medical Biosciences; University of the Western Cape; Bellville South Africa
- Centre for Male Reproductive Health and Biotechnology; Bellville South Africa
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Wahab NA, Mokhtar NM, Halim WNHA, Das S. The effect of eurycoma longifolia Jack on spermatogenesis in estrogen-treated rats. Clinics (Sao Paulo) 2010; 65:93-8. [PMID: 20126351 PMCID: PMC2815289 DOI: 10.1590/s1807-59322010000100014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2009] [Accepted: 10/26/2009] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is little data concerning the ability of Eurycoma longifolia Jack (EL) to reverse the inhibitory effects of estrogen on testosterone production and spermatogenesis. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of EL on testicular histology and sperm count in estrogen-treated male rats. METHODS Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 200-250 g were divided into four groups of six rats each. Group A (control) was given solvent in the same manner as the treated groups were given EL. Group B was treated with EL (8 mg/kg body weight) orally. Group C was treated with estradiol (E(2)) (intramuscular dose of 500 microg/kg body weight), and group D received a combined treatment of oral EL and intramuscular E(2). After fourteen consecutive days of treatment, rats from all groups were sacrificed and subjected to spermatogenic and epididymal sperm cell counts. RESULTS The spermatogenic cell count in the E(2)-treated group was significantly decreased as compared to the control (p < 0.05) and EL+E(2)-treated groups (p < 0.05). A similar finding was found for the epididymal sperm count; the E(2)-treated group had a significant decrease in the count compared to the control (p < 0.05) and EL+E(2)-treated groups (p < 0.05). Rats that were treated with EL alone exhibited significantly higher sperm counts and sperm motility when compared to the control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS EL extract acts as a potential agent for reversing the effects of estrogen by increasing spermatogenesis and sperm counts in rats after fourteen consecutive days of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norhazlina Abdul Wahab
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute (UMBI), Universiti Kebangsaan - Malaysia
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