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Chemek M, Venditti M, Boughamoura S, Mimouna SB, Messaoudi I, Minucci S. Involvement of testicular DAAM1 expression in zinc protection against cadmium‐induced male rat reproductive toxicity. J Cell Physiol 2017; 233:630-640. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marouane Chemek
- LR11ES41: Génétique, Biodiversité et Valorisation des Bioressources, Institut de BiotechnologieUniversité de MonastirMonastirTunisia
| | - Massimo Venditti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate “F. Bottazzi”Università della Campania Luigi VanvitelliNapoliItaly
| | - Sana Boughamoura
- LR11ES41: Génétique, Biodiversité et Valorisation des Bioressources, Institut de BiotechnologieUniversité de MonastirMonastirTunisia
| | - Safa B. Mimouna
- LR11ES41: Génétique, Biodiversité et Valorisation des Bioressources, Institut de BiotechnologieUniversité de MonastirMonastirTunisia
| | - Imed Messaoudi
- LR11ES41: Génétique, Biodiversité et Valorisation des Bioressources, Institut de BiotechnologieUniversité de MonastirMonastirTunisia
| | - Sergio Minucci
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate “F. Bottazzi”Università della Campania Luigi VanvitelliNapoliItaly
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Sanabria M, Cucielo MS, Guerra MT, Dos Santos Borges C, Banzato TP, Perobelli JE, Leite GAA, Anselmo-Franci JA, De Grava Kempinas W. Sperm quality and fertility in rats after prenatal exposure to low doses of TCDD: A three-generation study. Reprod Toxicol 2016; 65:29-38. [PMID: 27352640 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2016.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Revised: 05/30/2016] [Accepted: 06/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) in male rats promotes, decreased sperm concentration, alterations in motility and in sperm transit time. We evaluated the effect transgenerational of in utero exposure to low doses TCDD in the sperm quality. Pregnant rats (F0) were exposed to 0.1; 0.5 and 1.0μg of TCDD, on gestational day 15, coincides with the end of most organogenesis in the fetus. Adult male offspring (F1, F2 and F3 generation) were investigated for fertility after artificial insemination in utero. After collection of the uterus and ovaries, the numbers of corpora lutea and implants were determined. TCDD provoked alterations in sperm morphology and diminution in serum testosterone levels and sperm transit time in the cauda epididymis. The fertility significantly decreased in all the generations, at least at one dose. In conclusion, TCDD exposure decreases rat sperm quality and fertility in adult male offspring and this effects persist into the next generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marciana Sanabria
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology and Toxicology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP, Brazil.
| | - Maira Smaniotto Cucielo
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology and Toxicology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Marina Trevizan Guerra
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology and Toxicology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Cibele Dos Santos Borges
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology and Toxicology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Thais Petrochelli Banzato
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology and Toxicology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Juliana Elaine Perobelli
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology and Toxicology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Adan Araújo Leite
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology and Toxicology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Janete Aparecida Anselmo-Franci
- Department of Morphology, Stomatology and Physiology, School of Dentistry, USP-University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Wilma De Grava Kempinas
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology and Toxicology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
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Toghyani S, Dashti GR, Roudbari NH, Rouzbehani S, Monajemi R. Lithium carbonate inducing disorders in three parameters of rat sperm. Adv Biomed Res 2013; 2:55. [PMID: 24223370 PMCID: PMC3814897 DOI: 10.4103/2277-9175.115793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2012] [Accepted: 10/22/2012] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Lithium has a significant impact in reducing the symptoms of bipolar mania but in long periods of use with therapeutic doses can cause several disorders in various organs including the reproductive system. In this study, the effect of lithium on the sperm concentration and motility and forms of abnormal cells has been examined. Materials and Methods: Male Wistar rats under the 48-day treatment with lithium carbonate at doses of 10, 20, and 30 mg/kg bw/day were kept in standard conditions. At the end of this period, sperm cells isolated from the cauda epididymis were counted, motility was estimated, and stained with smear papanicolaou stain. Results: In lithium-treated groups, the rate of spermatogenesis and sperm quality were reduced and was seen in a dose-dependent manner. Discussion: Lithium alters intracellular signaling pathways such as inositol phosphate metabolic cycle and cyclic adenosine mono phosphate (cAMP) system and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis. It also interferes in the division of sex cells to produce mature sperm and showed changes in the sperm cell membrane, function, and structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shima Toghyani
- Department of Biology, Islamic Azad University, Tehran Science and Research University, Isfahan, Iran
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Petrochelli Banzato T, Godinho AF, da Silva Zacarin ECM, Perobelli JE, Dal Bianco Fernandez C, Favareto APA, De Grava Kempinas W. Sperm quality in adult male rats exposed to cadmium in utero and lactation. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2012; 75:1047-1058. [PMID: 22852854 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2012.697831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies indicate that several anomalies of the male reproductive system may be produced by acute or chronic exposure to chemical substances released into the environment, attributed to increased industrial development. Among these substances are trace metals such as cadmium (Cd). The aim of this study was to assess reproductive parameters in adult male rats whose mothers were exposed to Cd during pregnancy and lactation. For this, pregnant rats were divided into two experimental groups: treated rats, which received ad libitum cadmium acetate (CdAc) solution in distilled water (10 mg Cd/L), and control rats, which received sodium acetate (NaAc) solution in distilled water (equimolar to the CdAc). The results showed that the exposure to Cd in utero and through lactation adversely affected sperm quality of adult rats, as evidenced by compromised sperm morphology and motility and increased rate of cell death in testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thais Petrochelli Banzato
- Graduate Program in General and Applied Biology , Institute of Biosciences, UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
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Fernandez CDB, Bellentani FF, Fernandes GSA, Perobelli JE, Favareto APA, Nascimento AF, Cicogna AC, Kempinas WDG. Diet-induced obesity in rats leads to a decrease in sperm motility. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2011; 9:32. [PMID: 21396114 PMCID: PMC3068085 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-9-32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2010] [Accepted: 03/11/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obesity is rapidly becoming a worldwide epidemic that affects children and adults. Some studies have shown a relationship between obesity and infertility, but until now it remains controversial. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of high-fat diet-induced obesity on male reproductive parameters. METHODS In a first experiment, male Wistar rats were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) or standard chow (SD) for 15, 30 or 45 weeks, after which they were evaluated by adiposity index, serum leptin levels, reproductive organ weights and sperm counts. In a second experiment, rats received HFD or SD only for 15 weeks, long enough to cause obesity. Sexual hormones and sexual behavior were evaluated in these animals, as well as fertility after natural mating. Another group of rats was submitted to motility analysis and fertility evaluation after in utero insemination. RESULTS After 15, 30 or 45 weeks, HFD-fed animals presented significant increases in obesity index and serum leptin levels. Reproductive organ weights and sperm counts in the testis and epididymis were similar between the two groups at all timepoints studied. Sexual behavior was not altered by the diet regimen, and HFD fertility after natural mating was also similar to SD-fed animals. Intergroup testosterone levels were also comparable, but estradiol levels were increased in HFD rats. Furthermore, sperm quality was reduced in HFD animals as evidenced by their decreased percentage of sperm with progressive movement. This altered motility parameter was followed by a trend toward reduction in fertility potential after artificial in utero insemination. CONCLUSIONS The results reported herein showed that obesity can affect sperm quality, by reducing sperm motility, without affecting other sperm parameters. The low sperm quality caused a slight reduction in fertility potential, showing that obesity may lead to impairment in male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla DB Fernandez
- Graduate Program in Cell and Structural Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Fernanda F Bellentani
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Glaura SA Fernandes
- Graduate Program in Cell and Structural Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Juliana E Perobelli
- Graduate Program in Cell and Structural Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula A Favareto
- Graduate Program in Cell and Structural Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - André F Nascimento
- Medical Clinic Department, Botucatu Medical School, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Antonio C Cicogna
- Medical Clinic Department, Botucatu Medical School, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Wilma DG Kempinas
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
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Hiratsuka K, Yin SA, Ohtomo T, Fujita M, Ohtsuki K, Isaka H, Suga T, Kurosawa T, Yamada J. Intratesticular localization of the organic solute carrier protein, OSCP1, in spermatogenic cells in mice. Mol Reprod Dev 2008; 75:1495-504. [PMID: 18324622 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Organic solute carrier protein 1 (OSCP1) is a recently described human gene that facilitates the transport of various organic solutes into the cell, when expressed in frog eggs. In this study, we cloned a mouse ortholog of OSCP1 encoding 379 amino acid protein, with 94% homology to the human counterpart. The mouse OSCP1 mRNA was predominantly expressed in the testis, in which it was attributed to the spermatogenic cells, except the spermatogonia. Immunohistochemistry confirmed that OSCP1 protein is continuously expressed during spermatogenesis in a stage- and cell type-specific manner, in the leptotene spermatocytes at stage IX through step 15 spermatids. Subcellular fractionation of mouse testis homogenates indicated that OSCP1 is a 45-kDa cytosolic protein. Moreover, when green fluorescent protein-OSCP1 fusion constructs were transfected into cultured cells, the fluorescence localized evenly in the cytoplasm. These results suggest that mouse testis OSCP1 may indirectly mediate substrate uptake into meiotic and spermiogenic germ cells, within the cytosol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuyuki Hiratsuka
- Toxicology Laboratory, Pharmaceutical Research Center, Meiji Seika Kaisha, Ltd., Kanagawa, Japan
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Nurmio M, Toppari J, Kallio J, Hou M, Söder O, Jahnukainen K. Functional in vitro model to examine cancer therapy cytotoxicity in maturing rat testis. Reprod Toxicol 2008; 27:28-34. [PMID: 19027063 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2008.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2008] [Revised: 10/03/2008] [Accepted: 10/15/2008] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Childhood cancer treatment can lead to infertility. Organ culture of early postnatal testicular tissue might provide a valuable approach to the study of acute testicular toxicity. The aim of the present study was to develop a functional in vitro organ culture method, in order to identify sensitive target cells to doxorubicin-induced cytotoxicity in immature rat testis during germ cell migration prior initiation of the first wave of spermatogenesis. Testicular tissue fragments from 5-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats were cultured in the absence or presence of doxorubicin (40 and 100ng/ml) and morphology, apoptosis, proliferation and testosterone secretion was analyzed. Postnatal testicular development proceeded normally in control samples for 48h in vitro. In these untreated culture conditions germ and Sertoli cell numbers and germ cell migration were comparable to in vivo. Germ cells were the primary, most sensitive targets for in vitro-induced doxorubicin (100ng/ml) toxicity and their death was not associated with any morphological defects in the Sertoli cells. Organ culture which reduces the need of animal experimentation can be used to study the cytotoxic effects of doxorubicin on the immature testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirja Nurmio
- Department of Physiology, University of Turku, FIN-20520 Turku, Finland.
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Leniaud L, Lévy R, Levy R. Nutrition et infertilité masculine : revue de la littérature. CAHIERS DE NUTRITION ET DE DIETETIQUE 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/s0007-9960(08)75439-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Fernandez CDB, Porto EM, Arena AC, Kempinas WDG. Effects of altered epididymal sperm transit time on sperm quality. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 31:427-37. [PMID: 17822422 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2007.00788.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The epididymal sperm transit time seems to have an important role in the process of sperm maturation, and it seems that alterations to the transit can harm the process. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the influence of altered sperm transit time through the epididymis on sperm parameters and fertility of rats, as well as the role of testosterone in the alterations. Sprague-Dawley adult male rats were randomly assigned to four different groups and were treated for 12 days: (i) 10 microg/rat/day DES, to accelerate the transit; (ii) 6.25 mg/kg/day guanethidine sulphate, to delay the transit; (iii) same treatment as group 1, plus androgen supplementation; (iv) control animals received the vehicles. Guanethidine treatment delayed the sperm transit time through the epididymal cauda, provoking increased sperm reserves in this region. Animals exposed to DES showed an acceleration of sperm transit time in the epididymis, and consequently decreased sperm density in both epididymal regions, the caput-corpus and cauda, and diminished sperm motility. In both cases sperm production was not altered. Testosterone supplementation was able to restore the transit time to values close to normality, as they were higher than in the control rats. The same occurred in relation to sperm motility. Rats exposed to DES presented lower fertility after in utero artificial insemination using sperm collected from the proximal cauda epididymis. Therefore, it was concluded that the acceleration of rat sperm transit time appeared to harm normal sperm maturation, thus decreasing sperm quality and fertility capacity, in an androgen-dependent way.
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Zanetti SR, Maldonado EN, Aveldaño MI. Doxorubicin Affects Testicular Lipids with Long-Chain (C18-C22) and Very Long-Chain (C24-C32) Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids. Cancer Res 2007; 67:6973-80. [PMID: 17638909 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-07-0376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Doxorubicin disrupts spermatogenesis by causing apoptosis of spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of this agent on adult rat testicular lipids and their fatty acids. A single dose (7.5 mg/kg) and a multidose regime (3 mg/kg once a week for 4 weeks) were evaluated. Both treatments resulted in the gradual loss of spermatogenic cells and determined a marked reduction in testicular size and weight 9 weeks after their start. Germ cell loss was accompanied by a decrease in phospholipids, including glycerophospholipids and sphingomyelin. Concomitantly, glycerophospholipids lost selectively their major polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), 22:5n-6, and sphingomyelin lost its major very long-chain PUFA (VLCPUFA), 28:4n-6 and 30:5n-6. The molecular species from which the lost polyenes originated were thus a trait of germ cells. A transient peak of 16:0-ceramide was observed 48 h after the single dose. In both doxorubicin regimes, sphingomyelin and ceramide with reduced amounts of VLCPUFA after about 4 weeks and with no VLCPUFA after 9 weeks resulted. By contrast, triglycerides and especially cholesterol esters (CE) tended to accumulate in the testes undergoing germ cell death, probably in the surviving Sertoli cells, their fatty acid patterns suggesting that initially, these lipids retained part of the PUFA coming from, or no longer used for, the synthesis of germ cell glycerophospholipids. As the latter decreased, CE accumulated massively 9 weeks after starting doxorubicin treatment, 20:4n-6 becoming their major PUFA. Part of these CEs may derive from surviving steroidogenic cells. [Cancer Res 2007;67(14):6973–80]
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Affiliation(s)
- Samanta R Zanetti
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca, Consejo Nacional de investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas y Universidad Nacional del Sur, La Carrindanga km. 7, 8000 Bahía Blanca, Argentina
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Mantovani A, Maranghi F. Risk assessment of chemicals potentially affecting male fertility. Contraception 2005; 72:308-13. [PMID: 16181977 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2005.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2005] [Accepted: 04/06/2005] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Male reproductive toxicity involves a broad range of targets and mechanisms such as direct effects on the seminiferous epithelium and/or on Leydig and Sertoli cells supporting spermatogenesis, epididymal sperm maturation as well as endocrine disruption. Direct effects on spermatogenesis may be adequately revealed through both reproduction and repeated-dose toxicity studies; however, more research is needed on early markers of effect and on long-term sequelae of short-term exposures. Endocrine-related mechanisms are particularly relevant to subtle, but persistent effects on reproductive development due to altered early programming; the two-generation study is the test of choice, whereas targeted studies on the prepubertal phase are also desirable. Studies using in vitro methods as well as toxicogenomics are increasing; although gaps exist and much validation work is needed, in perspective, such approaches may be important in order to select compound, understand mechanisms, as well identify biomarkers of potential use also in human studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Mantovani
- Department of Food Safety and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy.
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Mills PB, Surtees RAH, Champion MP, Beesley CE, Dalton N, Scambler PJ, Heales SJR, Briddon A, Scheimberg I, Hoffmann GF, Zschocke J, Clayton PT. Neonatal epileptic encephalopathy caused by mutations in the PNPO gene encoding pyridox(am)ine 5′-phosphate oxidase. Hum Mol Genet 2005; 14:1077-86. [PMID: 15772097 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddi120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 202] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In the mouse, neurotransmitter metabolism can be regulated by modulation of the synthesis of pyridoxal 5'-phosphate and failure to maintain pyridoxal phosphate (PLP) levels results in epilepsy. This study of five patients with neonatal epileptic encephalopathy suggests that the same is true in man. Cerebrospinal fluid and urine analyses indicated reduced activity of aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase and other PLP-dependent enzymes. Seizures ceased with the administration of PLP, having been resistant to treatment with pyridoxine, suggesting a defect of pyridox(am)ine 5'-phosphate oxidase (PNPO). Sequencing of the PNPO gene identified homozygous missense, splice site and stop codon mutations. Expression studies in Chinese hamster ovary cells showed that the splice site (IVS3-1g>a) and stop codon (X262Q) mutations were null activity mutations and that the missense mutation (R229W) markedly reduced pyridox(am)ine phosphate oxidase activity. Maintenance of optimal PLP levels in the brain may be important in many neurological disorders in which neurotransmitter metabolism is disturbed (either as a primary or as a secondary phenomenon).
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippa B Mills
- Institute of Child Health, University College London with Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, NHS Trust, London WC1N 1EH, UK
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Abstract
Several environmental substances and pesticides exert a direct, cytotoxic effect on male germ cells. However, an increasing concern has been raised by compounds that may act through more subtle mechanisms, for example, specific pesticides that are potentially capable of modulating or disrupting the endocrine system. Overall, exposure to pesticides with endocrine-disrupting potential raise a particular concern for male fertility because of the possible occurrence of both effects at low concentrations and additive interactions with other environmental risk factors. Delayed reproductive problems deserve special attention, since experimental data consistently indicate a high vulnerability in the developing male reproductive system. Epidemiologic studies have confirmed an increased risk of conception delay associated with occupational exposure to pesticides. Moreover, an increased risk of spontaneous abortion has been noted among wives of exposed workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grazia Petrelli
- Laboratorio di Epidemiologia e Biostatistica, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
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