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Nazanin M, Razi M, Tolouei-Azar J. Effect of running exercise training on inflammatory mediators and cytokines expression in testicular tissue; effect of exercise intensity. Life Sci 2024; 339:122397. [PMID: 38185243 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122397] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of running exercise training protocols (ETPs) with varying intensities on inflammatory responses, with a specific focus on the interactions between inflammatory mediators, cytokines, and Leydig cell steroidogenic activity, as well as testosterone secretion. To this end, 24 Wistar rats were subdivided into sedentary control, low (LICT), moderate (MICT), and high (HICT) intensity continuous running ETP groups. After 8 weeks, the expression levels of Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4), nuclear factor-kappa-B (NF-KB), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and the testicular nitric oxide (NO) content were assessed and compared between groups. Moreover, the mean distributions of Leydig cells/mm2 of interstitial connective tissue, their steroidogenic activity, and serum level of testosterone were assessed. The LICT did not show any significant (p > 0.05) change in the expression levels of all aforementioned biomarkers. In contrast, both the MICT and HICT groups demonstrated a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the expression levels of TLR-4, NFK-B, IL-6, TNF-α, iNOS, and COX-2 at both the mRNA and protein levels. The testicular NO has increased in HICT and MICT groups. Despite a decrease in the distribution of Leydig cells in both the MICT and HICT groups, the HICT group exhibited a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in Leydig cell steroidogenic activity and serum testosterone levels. In conclusion, our findings revealed that ETPs can influence Leydig cell steroidogenic activity and testosterone secretion, contingent on their intensity. These effects are attributed to alterations in the expression levels of pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mozaffari Nazanin
- Department of Exercise Physiology and Corrective Exercises, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Mazdak Razi
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Histology & Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| | - Javad Tolouei-Azar
- Department of Exercise Physiology and Corrective Exercises, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Urmia University, Daneshgah Blv, Urmia, Iran
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Tousson E, Shalaby SY, El-Gharbawy DM, Akela MA, Rabea M, Kandil EH. Impact of Coriandrum sativum seeds extract on albino rats' testicular toxicity caused by carbendazim. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2023; 12:1152-1158. [PMID: 38145095 PMCID: PMC10734600 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfad109] [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: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background A broad spectrum carbamate fungicide called carbendazim (Carb) is used to combat a number of different fungal diseases. One of the extensively utilized medicinal plants in oriental countries is Coriandrum sativum. Aim In the current study, the impact of C. sativum seeds extract (CSE) on albino rats' testicular toxicity caused by carbendazim was investigated. Materials and methods A total of 50 male albino rats were classified into 5 groups [Gp1, Control Gp; Gp2, Coriandrum Gp (CSE); Gp 3, carbendazim Gp (Carb); Gp 4, Co treated CSE with Carb (CSE + Carb); Gp 5, Post treated Carb with CSE (Carb + CSE)]. Results Carb induced elevation in serum LH. FSH, testicular malondialdehyde (MDA), testicular nitric oxide (NO) markers and testicular injury and it reduced serum testosterone, testicular glutathione (GSH), testicular catalase and PCNA. Treatments of Carb with CSE (CSE + Carb and/or Carb + CSE) improved these parameters and reduced testicular toxicity with best results for Carb + CSE than CSE + Carb. Conclusions The above findings revealed that; Carb induced testicular toxicity and it supported the hypothesis that the antioxidant characteristics of one or more of CSE constituents can reduce the testicular toxicity of Carb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehab Tousson
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Egypt
| | - Somaya Y Shalaby
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Egypt
| | - Doaa M El-Gharbawy
- Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A Akela
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Humanities in Al-Kharj, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed Rabea
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Egypt
| | - Eman H Kandil
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Egypt
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Zhao ZX, Shang MY, Long C, Yao XJ, Gao XB, Guo Y, Sheng XH, Wang XG, Xing K, Xiao LF, Qi XL. α-Linolenic acid-regulated testosterone biosynthesis via activation of the JNK-SF-1 signaling pathway in primary rooster Leydig cells. Theriogenology 2023; 209:170-177. [PMID: 37393747 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.06.030] [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: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
As a functional fatty acid, α-linolenic acid (ALA) is essential in promoting animal testosterone biosynthesis. This study investigated the effects of ALA on testosterone biosynthesis and the possible mechanism underlying the signaling pathway in primary Leydig cells of the rooster. METHODS Primary rooster Leydig cells were treated with ALA (0, 20, 40, or 80 μmol/L) or pretreated with a p38 inhibitor (50 μmol/L), a c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor (20 μmol/L), or an extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) inhibitor (20 μmol/L) before ALA treatment. Testosterone content in the conditioned culture medium was detected using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of steroidogenic enzymes and JNK-SF-1 signaling pathway factors was detected using real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR). RESULTS Supplementation with ALA significantly increased testosterone secretion within culture media (P < 0.05), and the optimized dose was 40 μmol/L. Compared with the control group, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc), and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) mRNA expression significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the 40 μmol/L ALA group; 17-hydroxylase/c17-20 lyase (P450c17) and p38 mRNA expressions were not significantly different in the 40 μmol/L ALA group; ERK and JNK mRNA expressions were significantly upregulated (P < 0.05) in 40 μmol/L ALA group. In the inhibitor group, testosterone levels were significantly downregulated (P < 0.05). Compared with the 40 μmol/L ALA group, StAR, P450scc, and P450c17 mRNA expressions were significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and 3β-HSD mRNA expression in the p38 inhibitor group did not change; StAR, P450scc, and 3β-HSD mRNA expressions were significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and P450c17 mRNA expression in ERK inhibitor group did not change; StAR, P450scc, 3β-HSD, and P450c17 mRNA expressions were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in JNK inhibitor group. Additionally, the increased steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1) gene expression levels induced by ALA were reversed when the cells were pre-incubated with JNK and ERK inhibitors. The levels in the JNK inhibitor group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION ALA may promote testosterone biosynthesis by activating the JNK-SF-1 signaling pathway to upregulate StAR, P450scc, 3β-HSD, and P450c17 expression in primary rooster Leydig cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Xian Zhao
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Ming-Yu Shang
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, 102206, China; Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Cheng Long
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Xue-Jun Yao
- Changping District Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center, Beijing, 102299, China
| | - Xiao-Bo Gao
- Changping District Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center, Beijing, 102299, China
| | - Yong Guo
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Xi-Hui Sheng
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Xiang-Guo Wang
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Kai Xing
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Long-Fei Xiao
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Xiao-Long Qi
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, 102206, China.
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Alyasari NKH, Selman WH. L-carnitine-loaded nanoparticle ameliorates cypermethrin-induced reproductive toxicity in adult male rats. J Adv Pharm Technol Res 2023; 14:147-154. [PMID: 37255872 PMCID: PMC10226707 DOI: 10.4103/japtr.japtr_46_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of this investigation was to find out whether L-carnitine-loaded nanoparticle (LCn) could reduce the reproductive toxicity of cypermethrin (CYP), the widely used insecticide in veterinary medicine in male rats. Twenty male Wistar rats that weighed between 210 and 240 g were split into four groups and treated daily for 2 months. The control group was given 0.9% normal saline solution daily. The second group received CYP (3.83 mg/kg b. w. p. o.) daily. The third group was administered with LCn and CYP (50 mg/kg b. wt. p. o. and 3.83 mg/kg b. wt. p. o., respectively) daily, whereas the fourth group received LCn alone (50 mg/kg b. wt. p. o.) daily. On day 60, all rats were sacrificed and samples were collected. CYP-treated animals exhibited inhibition of testicular anti-oxidative stress mechanisms, testicular steroidogenesis enzyme activity (3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase [3β-HSD] and 17β-HSD), and downregulation of steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) gene expression. In addition, it decreased testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and LH levels and had detrimental consequences for sperm quality. LCn attenuated CYP-induced reproductive toxicity via the alleviation of testicular oxidative stress status, improvement of steroidogenic enzyme activity, and upregulation of StAR gene expression, which are probably responsible for the concomitant improvement in testicular hormonal levels and improvement in sperm properties. Intriguingly, LCn treatment alone could enhance the functions of the male reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noora Kadhim Hadi Alyasari
- Department of Soil Science and Water Resources, College of Agriculture, University of Al-Qadisiyah, Diwaniyah, Iraq
| | - Wisam Hussein Selman
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology, and Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Al-Qadisiyah, Diwaniyah, Iraq
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Elmosalamy SH, Elleithy EMM, Ahmed ZSO, Rashad MM, Ali GE, Hassan NH. Dysregulation of intraovarian redox status and steroidogenesis pathway in letrozole-induced PCOS rat model: a possible modulatory role of l-Carnitine. BENI-SUEF UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF BASIC AND APPLIED SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s43088-022-00329-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a reproductive disorder associated with several endocrine and metabolic alterations. The mechanism underlying this syndrome is controversial. On the other hand, drugs used for the treatment are associated with several side effects and poor in controlling PCOS phenotype. l-Carnitine (LC) has been reported to have a significant regulatory function on the redox and metabolic status of female reproductive system. Nevertheless, its regulatory pathways to regulate PCOS are still under investigation. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of LC on the steroidogenic pathways, oxidative stress markers and metabolic profile in letrozole (LTZ)-induced PCOS rat model.
Methods
For this aim, animals were divided into four groups (n = 6). Control group, untreated letrozole-induced PCOS group (1 mg/kg bwt) for 21 days, PCOS group treated with l-Carnitine (100 mg/kg bwt) for 14 days and PCOS group treated with clomiphene citrate (2 mg/kg bwt) for 14 days. Finally, body and ovarian weight, metabolic state(glucose and lipid profile), hormonal assays (testosterone, 17 β estradiol, LH and FSH levels), intraovarian relative gene expression (CYP17A1, StAR, CYP11A1 and CYP19A1 genes), ovarian redox state (malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione content (GSH) and catalase enzyme activity (CAT)) as well as serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were detected. Also, histomorphometric ovarian evaluation (number and diameter of cystic follicles, granulosa cell thickness and theca cell thickness) as well as immune expression of caspase-3 of granulosa cells of cystic follicles were determined.
Results
LC significantly improved ovarian redox state (GSH, MDA and CAT), steroidogenic pathways gene expression (CYP17A1, StAR, CYP11A1 and CYP19A1 genes), hormonal profile (Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone and estradiol), metabolic state (Glucose and lipid profile) histomorphometric alterations and decreased caspase 3 immune reaction of granulosa cells.
Conclusion
l-Carnitine supplementation can ameliorate the PCOS phenotype through its energetic, antioxidant and antiapoptotic functions as well as steroidogenesis regulatory role. This protocol could be modified to produce the best therapeutic benefits, and it could be regarded as a prospective therapeutic intervention for PCOS.
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Koohpeyma F, Gholizadeh F, Hafezi H, Hajiaghayi M, Siri M, Allahyari S, Maleki MH, Asmarian N, Bayat E, Dastghaib S. The protective effect of L-carnitine on testosterone synthesis pathway, and spermatogenesis in monosodium glutamate-induced rats. BMC Complement Med Ther 2022; 22:269. [PMID: 36229797 PMCID: PMC9563446 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-022-03749-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a food ingredient that is increasingly used commercially. MSG leads to oxidative stress, consequently suppressing steroid hormone production that causes defects in male reproductive system. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of L-carnitine as an antioxidant on testicular damage in MSG-induced male rats. Methods Sixty adult male Spargue-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups of ten as follows: control (water), sham (normal saline), L-carnitine (200 mg/kg b.w), MSG (3 g/kg b.w), MSG + L-carnitine 100 (3 g/kg b.w of MSG and 100 mg/kg b.w of L-carnitine), and MSG + L-carnitine 200 (3 g/kg b.w of MSG and 200 mg/kg b.w of L-carnitine). The treatment was administered by oral gavage for six months. Serum levels of Malondialdehyde (MDA), Total Anti-oxidant Capacity (TAC), LH, FSH, testosterone, and mRNA expressions of Star, Cyp11a1, and Hsd17b3 genes, and histological and stereological changes were assessed. Results L-carnitine led to a significant decrease in the level of MDA and a significant rise in the serum levels of TAC, LH, FSH, and mRNA expression of Star and Cyp11a1 compared to the MSG group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, stereological results indicated a significant increment in the number of sexual lineage cells, the total volume of the testis, length, diameter, and volume of seminiferous tubules, the height of the germinal epithelium, sperm count, and sperm motility (p < 0.05) in MSG + L-carnitine 200 compare to MSG group. Conclusion The study’s findings demonstrated that L-carnitine due to its anti-oxidant properties, ameliorated the reproductive abnormalities in the male rats exposed to MSG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhad Koohpeyma
- grid.412571.40000 0000 8819 4698Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 71345-1744, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Gholizadeh
- grid.410319.e0000 0004 1936 8630Department of Biology, Concordia University, Montreal, QC Canada
| | - Hannaneh Hafezi
- grid.412571.40000 0000 8819 4698Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 71345-1744, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mehri Hajiaghayi
- grid.410319.e0000 0004 1936 8630Department of Biology, Concordia University, Montreal, QC Canada
| | - Morvarid Siri
- grid.412571.40000 0000 8819 4698Autophagy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Hasan Maleki
- grid.412571.40000 0000 8819 4698Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Naeimehossadat Asmarian
- grid.412571.40000 0000 8819 4698Anesthesiology and Critical Care Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Elahe Bayat
- grid.412571.40000 0000 8819 4698Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sanaz Dastghaib
- grid.412571.40000 0000 8819 4698Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 71345-1744, Shiraz, Iran
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Carbamate Pesticides: Shedding Light on Their Impact on the Male Reproductive System. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158206. [PMID: 35897782 PMCID: PMC9332211 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Carbamates are widely used and known around the world as pesticides in spite of also having medical applications. This class of chemicals is classified as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, blocking acetylcholine hydrolyzation in a reversible manner. Their lack of species selectivity and their reported high toxicity can induce, upon exposure, adverse outcomes in male fertility that may lead to infertility. In addition, they are also considered endocrine-disrupting chemicals and can interfere with the hypothalamic–pituitary–testicular axis, essential for the normal function of the male reproductive system, thus being able to provoke male reproductive dysfunctions. Although the molecular mechanisms are not fully understood, various signaling pathways, such as those mediated by acetylcholine or kisspeptin, are affected by exposure to carbamates, thus compromising steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis. Over the last decades, several studies, both in vitro and in vivo, have reported a myriad of negative effects of carbamates on the male reproductive system. In this review, an up-to-date overview of the impact of carbamates on the male reproductive system is discussed, with an emphasis on the role of these compounds on acetylcholine regulation and the male endocrine system.
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Gao Y, Wang C, Wang K, He C, Hu K, Liang M. The effects and molecular mechanism of heat stress on spermatogenesis and the mitigation measures. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2022; 68:331-347. [PMID: 35722894 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2022.2074325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Under normal conditions, to achieve optimal spermatogenesis, the temperature of the testes should be 2-6 °C lower than body temperature. Cryptorchidism is one of the common pathogenic factors of male infertility. The increase of testicular temperature in male cryptorchidism patients leads to the disorder of body regulation and balance, induces the oxidative stress response of germ cells, destroys the integrity of sperm DNA, yields morphologically abnormal sperm, and leads to excessive apoptosis of germ cells. These physiological changes in the body can reduce sperm fertility and lead to male infertility. This paper describes the factors causing testicular heat stress, including lifestyle and behavioral factors, occupational and environmental factors (external factors), and clinical factors caused by pathological conditions (internal factors). Studies have shown that wearing tight pants or an inappropriate posture when sitting for a long time in daily life, and an increase in ambient temperature caused by different seasons or in different areas, can cause an increase in testicular temperature, induces testicular oxidative stress response, and reduce male fertility. The occurrence of cryptorchidism causes pathological changes within the testis and sperm, such as increased germ cell apoptosis, DNA damage in sperm cells, changes in gene expression, increase in chromosome aneuploidy, and changes in Na+/K+-ATPase activity, etc. At the end of the article, we list some substances that can relieve oxidative stress in tissues, such as trigonelline, melatonin, R. apetalus, and angelica powder. These substances can protect testicular tissue and relieve the damage caused by excessive oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Gao
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Wang
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Kaixian Wang
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Chaofan He
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke Hu
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Liang
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
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Huang Q, Luo L, Han X, Li F, Zhang X, Tian M. Low-dose perfluorooctanoic acid stimulates steroid hormone synthesis in Leydig cells: Integrated proteomics and metabolomics evidence. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 424:127656. [PMID: 34774353 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), one of the well-known perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), has been widespread in the environment and associated with male reproductive toxicity. However, the molecular mechanism involved in low-level PFOA-induced male endocrine disruption remains to be elucidated. In this study, we performed a combined proteomics and metabolomics analysis to investigate the proteomic and metabolic alterations in MLTC-1 Leydig cells responsive to low levels of PFOA exposure. The results showed that PFOA significantly regulated the expressions of 67 proteins and 17 metabolites, among which 18 proteins and 7 metabolites were specifically tied to lipid and fatty acid metabolism as well as testicular steroidogenesis. It is further suggested that low-dose PFOA stimulates steroid hormone synthesis by accelerating fatty acid metabolism and steroidogenic process, which is involved in the repression of p38 and cAMP-dependent ERK signaling pathway. The animal studies also revealed that environmentally relevant levels of PFOA increased serum steroid hormone levels accompanied by the activated cAMP and inhibited p38/ERK pathway in testis, which confirmed our in vitro findings. Overall, the present study will provide novel insights into the toxicological mechanisms of low-level PFOA-mediated steroidogenic disturbance, and may implicate the reproductive health risk of humans with environmental PFOA exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingyu Huang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China.
| | - Lianzhong Luo
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Marine Biomedicine Resources, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen 361023, China
| | - Xuejingping Han
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Fuping Li
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Meiping Tian
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
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Khedr NF, Werida R. l-carnitine modulates autophagy, oxidative stress and inflammation in trazodone induced testicular toxicity. Life Sci 2021; 290:120025. [PMID: 34637798 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trazadone is an antidepressant and may affect reproductive hormones and spermatogenesis. l-carnitine is an amino acid that exhibits antioxidant actions. This study was designed to investigate the potential protective effects of l-carnitine against trazadone-induced testicular toxicity in male rats and the possible underlying mechanisms such as oxidative stress, inflammation and autophagy. METHODS thirty-two male Wistar rats were divided randomly into four groups (n = 8). Testicular damage was induced by oral administration of Trazadone (TRZ, 20 mg/kg/day, p.o.) for four weeks (TRZ group). l-carnitine (LC, 200 mg/kg/day, p.o.) was applied for four weeks (LC group). LC + TRZ group administered the same doses of LC and TRZ concomitantly. The control group received distilled water (as vehicle). RESULTS the protective treatment with LC attenuated the decline of sperm count and motility resulted from trazadone administration. Moreover, LC ameliorated trazadone increased lipid peroxidation (MDA) and reduction of total thiol and catalase activity. LC modulated the elevation in tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α), and increased the expression of autophagy related genes Becline-1, ATG 5, ATG-12 in rat testes. Serum level of FSH, LH and total testosterone were increased significantly (p < 0.001) in LC + TRZ group. Histopathological findings further supported the protective effects of LC against trazadone -induced testicular injury by increasing free sperms within the lumen of spermatogenic cells and improving testicular degeneration. CONCLUSION These findings supported the protective effects of l-carnitine on rat testes due to suppression of oxidative stress, inflammation and enhancing autophagy. l-carnitine may be recommended as adjuvant therapy to trazadone treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naglaa F Khedr
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Biochemistry, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt.
| | - Rehab Werida
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Clinical Pharmacy & Pharmacy Practice Department, Damanhur University, El- Bahiara, Egypt.
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