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Correnti S, Preianò M, Fregola A, Gamboni F, Stephenson D, Savino R, D'Alessandro A, Terracciano R. Seminal plasma untargeted metabolomic and lipidomic profiling for the identification of a novel panel of biomarkers and therapeutic targets related to male infertility. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1275832. [PMID: 37829298 PMCID: PMC10565040 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1275832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Male infertility occurs approximately in about 50% of all infertility cases and represents a serious concern worldwide. Traditional semen analysis alone is insufficient to diagnose male infertility. Over the past two decades, advances in omics technologies have led to the widespread application of metabolomics profiling as a valuable diagnostic tool for various diseases and disorders. Seminal plasma represents a rich and easily accessible source of metabolites surrounding spermatozoa, a milieu that provides several indispensable nutrients to sustain sperm motility and fertilization. Changes of metabolic profiles in seminal plasma reflect male reproductive tract disorders. Here, we performed seminal plasma metabolomics and lipidomics profiling to identify a new pattern of biomarkers of male infertility. Seminal plasma samples from unfertile subjects (n = 31) and fertile controls (n = 19) were analyzed using an untargeted metabolomics/lipidomics integrated approach, based on Ultra-High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography-tandem Mass Spectrometry. Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis showed a distinct separation between healthy fertile men and infertile subjects. Among the 15 selected candidate biomarkers based on Variable Importance in Projection scores, phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) (18:1; 18:1) resulted with the highest score. In total, 40 molecular species showed statistically significant variations between fertile and infertile men. Heat-map and volcano plot analysis indicated that acylcarnitines, phosphatidylserine (PS) (40:2) and lactate were decreased, while PE (18:1; 18:1), Phosphatidic acid (PA) (O-19:2; 18:1), Lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LPE) (O-16:1) and Phosphatidylcholine (PC) (O-16:2; 18:1)-CH3 were increased in the infertile group. The present study is the first one to analyze the metabolomics/lipidomics dysregulation in seminal plasma between fertile and infertile individuals regardless of sub-infertility condition. Association of several metabolites/lipids dysregulation with male infertility reinforced data of previous studies performed with different approaches. In particular, we confirmed significantly decreased levels of PS and carnitines in infertile patients as well as the positive correlation with sperm motility and morphology. If validated on a larger prospective cohort, the metabolite biomarkers of infertility in seminal plasma we identified in the present study might inform novel strategies for diagnosis and interventions to overcome male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Correnti
- Department of Health Sciences, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | | | - Fabia Gamboni
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Daniel Stephenson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Rocco Savino
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Angelo D'Alessandro
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Rosa Terracciano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy
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Mumcu A, Karaer A, Dogan B, Tuncay G. Metabolomics analysis of seminal plasma in patients with idiopathic Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia using high-resolution NMR spectroscopy. Andrology 2019; 8:450-456. [PMID: 31520509 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male infertility is a global health issue caused by a combination of different factors. Specialists generally rely on semen analysis to diagnose male infertility. However, it is known that diagnostic semen analysis fails to identify about 50% of male infertility disorders. Recently, metabolomics has been proven to be a powerful technique for the diagnosis of different diseases. OBJECTIVE To determine whether metabolites could be used as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of male factor infertility through comparing seminal plasma samples from infertile men with oligoasthenoteratozospermia (OAT) and samples from normozoospermic controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study utilized high-resolution 1 H NMR spectroscopy to reveal whether the metabolomic changes of seminal plasma obtained from 31 patients with oligoasthenoteratozospermia (OAT) are different from the ones obtained from 28 normozoospermic controls. RESULTS Multivariate statistical analysis of NMR data concluded that the metabolomic profile of samples from patients with OAT exhibits statistically significant differences when compared to the controls. The differences were based on the metabolites lactate, citrate, lysine, arginine, valine, glutamine, creatinine, α-ketoglutaric acid, spermine, putrescine, and tyrosine. Except the tyrosine, levels of the above metabolites were significantly decreased in patients with OAT compared to the controls. The levels of citrate, choline, spermine, putrescine, α-ketoglutaric acid, valine, and tyrosine were significantly different (p < 5 × 10-4 ) between two groups. On the other hand, levels of lactate, creatinine, lysine, arginine, and glutamine were also statistically significant (0.001 < p < 0.05). However, considering the p-values, the physiological relevance of these metabolites may be lower when compared to the others. A PLS-DA model built on the NMR data achieved 89.29% sensitivity and 93.55% specificity results in a leave-one-out cross-validation process. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION 1 H NMR spectroscopy-based metabolomic analysis could be used as a diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of oligoasthenoteratozospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Mumcu
- Laboratory of NMR, Scientific and Technological Research Center, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
| | - A Karaer
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
| | - B Dogan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
| | - G Tuncay
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
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Mahmoud YI, Taha A, Soliman S. 3-Monochloropropane-1,2-diol (alpha-chlorohydrin) disrupts spermatogenesis and causes spermatotoxicity in males of the Egyptian fruit-bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus). Biotech Histochem 2018; 93:293-300. [DOI: 10.1080/10520295.2018.1437471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- YI Mahmoud
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - A Taha
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - S Soliman
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
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Metabolomic Profiling of Human Spermatozoa in Idiopathic Asthenozoospermia Patients Using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:8327506. [PMID: 29682560 PMCID: PMC5851030 DOI: 10.1155/2018/8327506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to describe the first metabolic profile of human sperm cells through the application of an untargeted platform based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Sperm cell samples from patients diagnosed with idiopathic asthenozoospermia (n = 30) and healthy subjects (n = 30) were analyzed using a nontargeted metabolomics method based on GC-MS spectroscopy. The mass spectrometric data were collected using multivariate and univariate analyses to identify metabolites related to idiopathic asthenozoospermia. By using metabolomic strategies, we identified 33 metabolites, 27 of which were decreased in the idiopathic asthenozoospermia group compared with the normozoospermic group and six were increased in idiopathic asthenozoospermia. With respect to human sperm cells, some of these metabolites are reported here for the first time. Pathways for nucleoside, amino acid and energy metabolism, and the Krebs cycle were disturbed and were associated with idiopathic asthenozoospermia. The metabolic profiling provides an important first step in studying the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in IAS, and the identified metabolites may become potential biomarkers for its diagnosis and treatment.
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Knutsen HK, Alexander J, Barregård L, Bignami M, Brüschweiler B, Ceccatelli S, Cottrill B, Dinovi M, Edler L, Grasl-Kraupp B, Hoogenboom LR, Nebbia CS, Oswald IP, Petersen A, Rose M, Roudot AC, Schwerdtle T, Vleminckx C, Vollmer G, Wallace H, Lampen A, Morris I, Piersma A, Schrenk D, Binaglia M, Levorato S, Hogstrand C. Update of the risk assessment on 3-monochloropropane diol and its fatty acid esters. EFSA J 2018; 16:e05083. [PMID: 32625654 PMCID: PMC7009698 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2018.5083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The CONTAM Panel updated the assessment of the risks for human health related to the presence of 3-monochloropropane diol (3-MCPD) and its fatty acid esters in food published in 2016 in view of the scientific divergence identified in the establishment of the tolerable daily intake (TDI) in the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives and Contaminants (FAO/WHO) report published in 2017. In this update, dose-response analysis was performed following the recent EFSA Scientific Committee guidance on the use of benchmark dose (BMD) approach in risk assessment, and a review of available data on developmental and reproduction toxicity was included. The outcome of this review indicates that in rats short-term exposure to 3-MCPD above 1 mg/kg body weight (bw) per day can induce reduced sperm motility associated with reduced male fecundity. Decreased sperm count and histopathological changes in the testis and epididymis were observed following longer treatment periods at higher doses. Regarding increased incidence kidney tubular hyperplasia, BMD analysis using model averaging resulted in a BMDL 10 of 0.20 mg/kg bw per day in male rats, which was selected as the new Reference Point (RP) for renal effects. For the effects on male fertility, decreased sperm motility was selected as the most sensitive relevant endpoint and a BMDL 05 of 0.44 mg/kg bw per day was calculated. The RP for renal effects was considered to derive an updated group TDI of 2 μg/kg bw per day for 3-MCPD and its fatty acid esters and was considered protective also for effects on male fertility. The established TDI of 2 μg/kg bw per day is not exceeded in the adult population. A slight exceedance of the TDI was observed in the high consumers of the younger age groups and in particular for the scenarios on infants receiving formula only.
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Zhao LL, Ru YF, Liu M, Tang JN, Zheng JF, Wu B, Gu YH, Shi HJ. Reproductive effects of cadmium on sperm function and early embryonic development in vitro. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0186727. [PMID: 29095856 PMCID: PMC5667747 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Cadmium is a major environmental toxicant that is released into the atmosphere, water and soil in the form of cadmium oxide, cadmium chloride, or cadmium sulfide via industrial activities, such as the manufacturing of batteries and pigments, metal smelting and refining and municipal waste incineration. In the present study, we investigated the effects of cadmium exposure on sperm quality parameters, fertilization capacity and early embryonic development. Our study showed that in vitro incubation of human or mouse sperms with cadmium for a long time (up to 24 hours) could significantly decreased sperm motility in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Exposure to cadmium in the environment for a short term (30 min) did not affect sperm motility but significantly reduced in vitro fertilization rate. We also evaluated the effects of cadmium at concentrations of 0.625 μg/ml, and 1.25 μg/ml on early embryonic development in vitro and observed that the blastocyst formation rate dramatically decreased with increasing cadmium concentration. This finding emphasizes the hazardous effects of cadmium on sperm quality as well as on natural embryo development and raises greater concerns regarding cadmium pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Lin Zhao
- Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC-Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research (SIPPR), Fudan University Reproduction and Development Institution, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan-Fei Ru
- Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC-Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research (SIPPR), Fudan University Reproduction and Development Institution, Shanghai, China
| | - Miao Liu
- Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC-Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research (SIPPR), Fudan University Reproduction and Development Institution, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia-Nan Tang
- Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC-Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research (SIPPR), Fudan University Reproduction and Development Institution, Shanghai, China
| | - Ju-Fen Zheng
- Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC-Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research (SIPPR), Fudan University Reproduction and Development Institution, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Wu
- Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC-Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research (SIPPR), Fudan University Reproduction and Development Institution, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi-Hua Gu
- Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC-Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research (SIPPR), Fudan University Reproduction and Development Institution, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui-Juan Shi
- Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC-Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research (SIPPR), Fudan University Reproduction and Development Institution, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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Kwack SJ, Lee BM. Comparative Cytotoxicity and Sperm Motility Using a Computer-Aided Sperm Analysis System (CASA) for Isomers of Phthalic Acid, a Common Final Metabolite of Phthalates. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2015; 78:1038-1050. [PMID: 26252616 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2015.1067503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The general population is exposed to phthalates through consumer products, diet, and medical devices. Phthalic acid (PA) is a common final metabolite of phthalates, and its isomers include isophthalic acid (IPA), terephthalic acid (TPA), and phthalaldehyde (o-phthalic acid, OPA). The purpose of this study was to investigate whether PA and PA isomers exert reproductive toxicity, including altered sperm movement. In vitro cell viability assays were comparatively performed using Sertoli and liver cell lines. In animal experiments, PA or PA isomers (10, 100, or 1000 mg/kg) were administered orally to Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, and semen samples were analyzed by computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA). PA treatment produced a significant effect on curvilinear velocity (VCL), straight-line velocity (VSL), mean velocity or average path velocity (VAP), amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH), and frequency of head displacement or beat cross-frequency (BCF), whereas IPA, TPA, and OPA induced no marked effects. In vitro cell viability assays showed that mouse normal testis cells (TM4) and human testis cancer cells (NTERA 2 cl. D1) were more sensitive to PA and OPA than mouse liver normal cells (NCTC clone 1469) and human fetal liver cells (FL 62891). Our study suggests that PA and PA isomers specifically produced significant in vitro and in vivo reproductive toxicity, particularly sperm toxicity and testis cell cytotoxicity. Of the isomers examined, PA appeared to be the most toxic and may serve as a surrogate biomarker for reproductive toxicity following mixed exposure to phthalates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Jun Kwack
- a Department of Biochemistry and Health Science , College of Natural Sciences, Changwon National University , Changwon , Gyeongnam , South Korea
| | - Byung-Mu Lee
- b Division of Toxicology , College of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University , Suwon , Gyeonggi-Do , Korea
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8
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Kurowicka B, Dietrich G, Kotwica G. Effect of neonatal or adult heat acclimation on testicular and epididymal morphometry and sperm production in rats. Reprod Biol 2015; 15:1-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2015.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2014] [Revised: 01/03/2015] [Accepted: 01/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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9
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Tang M, Liu BJ, Wang SQ, Xu Y, Han P, Li PC, Wang ZJ, Song NH, Zhang W, Yin CJ. The role of mitochondrial aconitate (ACO2) in human sperm motility. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2014; 60:251-6. [DOI: 10.3109/19396368.2014.915360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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10
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Abd-El-Hafez A, Soliman G, Al Ebs S. Alpha-chlorohydrin effects on the epididymis of adult albino rat: A histological and immunohistochemical study. J Microsc Ultrastruct 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmau.2014.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
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11
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Gu YH, Li Y, Huang XF, Zheng JF, Yang J, Diao H, Yuan Y, Xu Y, Liu M, Shi HJ, Xu WP. Reproductive effects of two neonicotinoid insecticides on mouse sperm function and early embryonic development in vitro. PLoS One 2013; 8:e70112. [PMID: 23922925 PMCID: PMC3726447 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0070112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2013] [Accepted: 06/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Acetamiprid (ACE) and imidacloprid (IMI) are two major members in the family of neonicotinoid pesticides, which are synthesized with a higher selectivity to insects. The present study determined and compared in vitro effects of ACE, IMI and nicotine on mammalian reproduction by using an integrated testing strategy for reproductive toxicology, which covered sperm quality, sperm penetration into oocytes and preimplantation embryonic development. Direct chemical exposure (500 µM or 5 mM) on spermatozoa during capacitation was performed, and in vitro fertilization (IVF) process, zygotes and 2-cell embryos were respectively incubated with chemical-supplemented medium until blastocyst formation to evaluate the reproductive toxicity of these chemicals and monitor the stages mainly affected. Generally, treatment of 500 µM or 5 mM chemicals for 30 min did not change sperm motility and DNA integrity significantly but the fertilization ability in in vitro fertilization (IVF) process, indicating that IVF process could detect and distinguish subtle effect of spermatozoa exposed to different chemicals. Culture experiment in the presence of chemicals in medium showed that fertilization process and zygotes are adversely affected by direct exposure of chemicals (P<0.05), in an order of nicotine>IMI>ACE, whereas developmental progression of 2-cell stage embryos was similar to controls (P>0.05). These findings unveiled the hazardous effects of neonicotinoid pesticides exposure on mammalian sperm fertilization ability as well as embryonic development, raising the concerns that neonicotinoid pesticides may pose reproductive risks on human reproductive health, especially in professional populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-hua Gu
- Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction & Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. of China
- Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Institute of Reproduction & Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. of China
| | - Yan Li
- Reproductive Medical Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P. R. of China
| | - Xue-feng Huang
- Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction & Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. of China
- Reproductive Medical Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P. R. of China
| | - Ju-fen Zheng
- Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Institute of Reproduction & Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. of China
| | - Jun Yang
- Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Institute of Reproduction & Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. of China
| | - Hua Diao
- Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction & Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. of China
- Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Institute of Reproduction & Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. of China
| | - Yao Yuan
- Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Institute of Reproduction & Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. of China
| | - Yan Xu
- Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction & Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. of China
| | - Miao Liu
- Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction & Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. of China
| | - Hui-juan Shi
- Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction & Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. of China
- Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Institute of Reproduction & Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. of China
- * E-mail: (HJS); (WPX)
| | - Wen-ping Xu
- School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, P. R. of China
- * E-mail: (HJS); (WPX)
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Kim SH, Lee IC, Baek HS, Moon C, Bae CS, Kim SH, Park SC, Kim HC, Kim JC. Ameliorative Effects of Pine Bark Extract on Spermatotoxicity by α-Chlorohydrin in Rats. Phytother Res 2013; 28:451-7. [DOI: 10.1002/ptr.5016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2013] [Revised: 04/16/2013] [Accepted: 05/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Hwan Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine; Chonnam National University; Gwangju 500-757 Korea
| | - In-Chul Lee
- College of Veterinary Medicine; Chonnam National University; Gwangju 500-757 Korea
| | - Hyung-Seon Baek
- College of Veterinary Medicine; Chonnam National University; Gwangju 500-757 Korea
| | - Changjong Moon
- College of Veterinary Medicine; Chonnam National University; Gwangju 500-757 Korea
| | - Chun-Sik Bae
- College of Veterinary Medicine; Chonnam National University; Gwangju 500-757 Korea
| | - Sung-Ho Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine; Chonnam National University; Gwangju 500-757 Korea
| | - Seung-Chun Park
- College of Veterinary Medicine; Kyungpook National University; Daegu 702-701 Korea
| | - Hyoung-Chin Kim
- Biomedical Mouse Resource Center; Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology; Chungbuk 363-883 Korea
| | - Jong-Choon Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine; Chonnam National University; Gwangju 500-757 Korea
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Lee IC, Kim KH, Kim SH, Baek HS, Moon C, Kim SH, Yun WK, Nam KH, Kim HC, Kim JC. Apoptotic cell death in rat epididymis following epichlorohydrin treatment. Hum Exp Toxicol 2013; 32:640-6. [DOI: 10.1177/0960327112467042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Epichlorohydrin (ECH) is an antifertility agent that acts both as an epididymal toxicant and an agent capable of directly affecting sperm motility. This study identified the time course of apoptotic cell death in rat epididymides after ECH treatment. Rats were administrated with a single oral dose of ECH (50 mg/kg). ECH-induced apoptotic changes were evaluated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay and its related mechanism was confirmed by Western blot analysis and colorimetric assay. The TUNEL assay showed that the number of apoptotic cells increased at 8 h, reached a maximum level at 12 h, and then decreased progressively. The Western blot analysis demonstrated no significant changes in proapoptotic Bcl-2-associated X (Bax) and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 expression during the time course of the study. However, phospho-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p-p38 MAPK) and phospho-c-Jun amino-terminal kinase (p-JNK) expression increased at 8–24 h. Caspase-3 and caspase-8 activities also increased at 8–48 h and 12–48 h, respectively, in the same manner as p-p38 MAPK and p-JNK expression. These results indicate that ECH induced apoptotic changes in rat epididymides and that the apoptotic cell death may be related more to the MAPK pathway than to the mitochondrial pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- I.-C. Lee
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - K.-H. Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
- Korea Testing and Research Institute, Gimpo, Kyunggi, Republic of Korea
| | - S.-H. Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - H.-S. Baek
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - C. Moon
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - S.-H. Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - W.-K. Yun
- Biomedical Mouse Resource Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - K.-H. Nam
- Biomedical Mouse Resource Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - H.-C. Kim
- Biomedical Mouse Resource Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - J.-C. Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
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14
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Zhang H, Yu H, Wang X, Zheng W, Yang B, Pi J, He G, Qu W. (S)-α-chlorohydrin inhibits protein tyrosine phosphorylation through blocking cyclic AMP - protein kinase A pathway in spermatozoa. PLoS One 2012; 7:e43004. [PMID: 22916194 PMCID: PMC3423423 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0043004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2012] [Accepted: 07/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
α-Chlorohydrin is a common contaminant in food. Its (S)-isomer, (S)-α-chlorohydrin (SACH), is known for causing infertility in animals by inhibiting glycolysis of spermatozoa. The aim of present work was to examine the relationship between SACH and protein tyrosine phosphorylation (PTP), which plays a critical role in regulating mammalian sperm capacitation. In vitro exposure of SACH 50 µM to isolated rat epididymal sperm inhibited PTP. Sperm-specific glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDS) activities, the intracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) levels, 3'-5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels and phosphorylation of protein kinase A (PKA) substrates in rat sperm were diminished dramatically, indicating that both glycolysis and the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway were impaired by SACH. The inhibition of both PTP and phosphorylation of PKA substrates by SACH could be restored by addition of cAMP analog dibutyryl-cAMP (dbcAMP) and phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX). Moreover, addition of glycerol protected glycolysis, ATP levels, phosphorylation of PKA substrates and PTP against the influence of SACH. These results suggested SACH inhibited PTP through blocking cAMP/PKA pathway in sperm, and PTP inhibition may play a role in infertility associated with SACH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of the Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huan Yu
- Neurology Department of Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xia Wang
- Key Laboratory of the Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiwei Zheng
- Key Laboratory of the Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bei Yang
- Institutes for Chemical Safety Sciences, The Hamner Institutes for Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Basic Medical College, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jingbo Pi
- Institutes for Chemical Safety Sciences, The Hamner Institutes for Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Gengsheng He
- Key Laboratory of the Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- * (WQ), (G-sH)
| | - Weidong Qu
- Key Laboratory of the Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- * (WQ), (G-sH)
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15
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Kim SH, Lee IC, Lim JH, Moon C, Bae CS, Kim SH, Shin DH, Kim HC, Kim JC. Spermatotoxic effects of α-chlorohydrin in rats. Lab Anim Res 2012; 28:11-6. [PMID: 22474469 PMCID: PMC3315198 DOI: 10.5625/lar.2012.28.1.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2011] [Revised: 01/24/2012] [Accepted: 01/28/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was conducted to investigate the potential effects of α-chlorohydrin (ACH) on epididymal function and antioxidant system in male rats. The test chemical was administered to male rats by gavage at doses of 0, 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg/day for 7 days. Twenty-four male rats were randomly assigned to four experimental groups, with six rats in each group. Spermatotoxicity was assessed by measurement of reproductive organ weight, testicular sperm head count, epididymal sperm motility and morphology, histopathologic examination, and oxidative damage analysis in rats. At 30 mg/kg/day, an increase in the incidence of clinical signs, epididymis weight, and gross necropsy findings of the epididymis, a decrease in the sperm motility, and an increased incidence of histopathological changes of the epididymis were observed in a dose-dependent manner. At 10 mg/kg/day, an increased incidence of clinical signs and histopathological changes and decreased sperm motility were observed. In the oxidative damage analysis, an increase in the malondialdehyde concentration and a decrease in the glutathione content and glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities in the epididymal tissue were detected at ≥3 mg/kg/day. The results show that graded doses of ACH elicit depletion of the antioxidant defense system and that the spermatotoxicity of ACH may be due to the induction of oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Hwan Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Korea
| | - In-Chul Lee
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Jeong-Hyeon Lim
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Korea
- Korea Testing and Research Institute, Gimpo, Korea
| | - Changjong Moon
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Chun-Sik Bae
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Sung-Ho Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Dong-Ho Shin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Hyoung-Chin Kim
- Biomedical Mouse Resource Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Deajeon, Korea
| | - Jong-Choon Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Korea
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16
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Shin IS, Lim JH, Kim SH, Kim KH, Park NH, Bae CS, Kang SS, Moon C, Kim SH, Jun W, Kim JC. Induction of oxidative stress in the epididymis of rats after subchronic exposure to epichlorohydrin. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2010; 84:667-671. [PMID: 20431864 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-010-0018-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2009] [Accepted: 04/20/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of epichlorohydrin (ECH) on spermatogenesis and antioxidant system in rats. An increase in the incidence of clinical signs, gross pathology and histopathology findings in the epididymidis, and sperm abnormalities and a decrease in the testicular spermatid counts, epididymal sperm counts, and sperm motility were observed at 30 mg/kg/day. Oxidative stress in the epididymal tissue was detected at > or =3.3 mg/kg/day. The results show that graded doses of ECH elicit depletion of antioxidant defense system and that the adverse effects on male reproductive function in ECH-treated rats may be due to the induction of oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- In-Sik Shin
- Animal Medical Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 500-757, Republic of Korea
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17
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Shin IS, Park NH, Lee JC, Kim KH, Moon C, Kim SH, Shin DH, Park SC, Kim HY, Kim JC. One-generation reproductive toxicity study of epichlorohydrin in Sprague-Dawley rats. Drug Chem Toxicol 2010; 33:291-301. [DOI: 10.3109/01480541003734030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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18
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Kim KH, Shin IS, Lim JH, Kim SH, Park NH, Moon C, Kim SH, Shin DH, Kim JC. Dose-Response Effects of Epichlorohydrin on Male Reproductive Function in Rats. Toxicol Res 2009; 25:203-207. [PMID: 32038839 PMCID: PMC7006276 DOI: 10.5487/tr.2009.25.4.203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2009] [Revised: 09/09/2009] [Accepted: 09/09/2009] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Present study was conducted to investigate potential effects of epichlorohydrin on testicular and epididymal function in male rats. The test chemical was administered to adult male rats by gavage at dose levels of 0, 3.125, 12.5, and 50 mg/kg/day for 7 days. Testicular and epididymal function were assessed by measurement of reproductive organ weight, testicular spermatid count, epididymal sperm count, motility and morphology, and histopathology in rats. At 50 mg/kg, a decrease in the sperm motility and an increase in the incidence of sperm abnormalities were observed. Histopatho-logical examinations revealed an increase in the incidence of histopathological changes including cell debris in the ducts, vacuolization of the epithelial cells, oligospermia, and epithelial disruption in the proximal caput epididymidis. At 12.5 mg/kg, an increase in the incidence of histopathological changes of the epididymidis was found. There were no treatment-related effects at 3.125 mg/kg. These results show that 7-day repeated oral administration of epichlorohydrin to male rats results in adverse effects on sperm motility, sperm morphology, and epididymal histology at ≥ 12.5 mg/kg/day.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang-Hyeon Kim
- 16Animal Medical Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 500-757 Korea
| | - In-Sik Shin
- 16Animal Medical Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 500-757 Korea
| | - Jeong-Hyeon Lim
- 16Animal Medical Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 500-757 Korea
| | - Sung-Hwan Kim
- 16Animal Medical Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 500-757 Korea
| | - Na-Hyeong Park
- 16Animal Medical Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 500-757 Korea
| | - Changjong Moon
- 16Animal Medical Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 500-757 Korea
| | - Sung-Ho Kim
- 16Animal Medical Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 500-757 Korea
| | - Dong-Ho Shin
- 16Animal Medical Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 500-757 Korea
| | - Jong-Choon Kim
- 16Animal Medical Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 500-757 Korea
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Frayne J, Taylor A, Cameron G, Hadfield AT. Structure of insoluble rat sperm glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) via heterotetramer formation with Escherichia coli GAPDH reveals target for contraceptive design. J Biol Chem 2009; 284:22703-12. [PMID: 19542219 PMCID: PMC2755679 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m109.004648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2009] [Revised: 05/21/2009] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase has been shown to be a successful target for a non-hormonal contraceptive approach, but the agents tested to date have had unacceptable side effects. Obtaining the structure of the sperm-specific isoform to allow rational inhibitor design has therefore been a goal for a number of years but has proved intractable because of the insoluble nature of both native and recombinant protein. We have obtained soluble recombinant sperm glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase as a heterotetramer with the Escherichia coli glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase in a ratio of 1:3 and have solved the structure of the heterotetramer which we believe represents a novel strategy for structure determination of an insoluble protein. A structure was also obtained where glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate binds in the P(s) pocket in the active site of the sperm enzyme subunit in the presence of NAD. Modeling and comparison of the structures of human somatic and sperm-specific glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase revealed few differences at the active site and hence rebut the long presumed structural specificity of 3-chlorolactaldehyde for the sperm isoform. The contraceptive activity of alpha-chlorohydrin and its apparent specificity for the sperm isoform in vivo are likely to be due to differences in metabolism to 3-chlorolactaldehyde in spermatozoa and somatic cells. However, further detailed analysis of the sperm glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase structure revealed sites in the enzyme that do show significant difference compared with published somatic glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase structures that could be exploited by structure-based drug design to identify leads for novel male contraceptives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Frayne
- From the Department of Biochemistry, University of Bristol School of Medical Sciences, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, United Kingdom
| | - Abby Taylor
- From the Department of Biochemistry, University of Bristol School of Medical Sciences, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, United Kingdom
| | - Gus Cameron
- From the Department of Biochemistry, University of Bristol School of Medical Sciences, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea T. Hadfield
- From the Department of Biochemistry, University of Bristol School of Medical Sciences, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, United Kingdom
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Hung PH, Miller MG, Meyers SA, VandeVoort CA. Sperm mitochondrial integrity is not required for hyperactivated motility, zona binding, or acrosome reaction in the rhesus macaque. Biol Reprod 2008; 79:367-75. [PMID: 18480469 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.107.066357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Whether the main energy source for sperm motility is from oxidative phosphorylation or glycolysis has been long-debated in the field of reproductive biology. Using the rhesus monkey as a model, we examined the role of glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation in sperm function by using alpha-chlorohydrin (ACH), a glycolysis inhibitor, and pentachlorophenol (PCP), an oxidative phosphorylation uncoupler. Sperm treated with ACH showed no change in percentage of motile sperm, although sperm motion was impaired. The ACH-treated sperm did not display either hyperactivity- or hyperactivation-associated changes in protein tyrosine phosphorylation. When treated with PCP, sperm motion parameters were affected by the highest level of PCP (200 microM); however, PCP did not cause motility impairments even after chemical activation. Sperm treated with PCP were able to display hyperactivity and tyrosine phosphorylation after chemical activation. In contrast with motility measurements, treatment with either the glycolytic inhibitor or the oxidative phosphorylation inhibitor did not affect sperm-zona binding and zona-induced acrosome reaction. The results suggest glycolysis is essential to support sperm motility, hyperactivity, and protein tyrosine phosphorylation, while energy from oxidative phosphorylation is not necessary for hyperactivated sperm motility, tyrosine phosphorylation, sperm-zona binding, and acrosome reaction in the rhesus macaque.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-hsuan Hung
- Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Physiology, University of California, Davis, Davis, California 95616, USA
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El Ramy R, Ould Elhkim M, Poul M, Forest MG, Leduque P, Le Magueresse-Battistoni B. Lack of effect on rat testicular organogenesis after in utero exposure to 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD). Reprod Toxicol 2006; 22:485-92. [PMID: 16472968 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2005.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2005] [Revised: 12/22/2005] [Accepted: 12/23/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
3-Monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) is a food-born contaminant known to display toxic effects on male reproduction, producing infertility in rats and humans. Using the rat as a model, we investigated whether or not testicular organogenesis, which, in the rat species, occurs during the second half of gestation, was at particular risk regarding 3-MCPD toxicity. Pregnant rats were given daily doses of 5, 10 or 25 mg/kg BW of 3-MCPD from days 11.5-18.5 postcoitum (dpc). On 19.5 dpc, testes were removed from fetuses for histological examination and testosterone analysis. Eight genes were selected among the differentiation markers of testicular cell lineages, and their expression was studied by RT-PCR. The levels of 3-MCPD and its main metabolite, beta-chlorolactic acid, were assayed in fetal tissues and dam plasma. Our results show a statistically significant decrease in the mean body weight gain of pregnant rats treated with 10 and 25 mg/kg BW of 3-MCPD. Fetal testes exposed to 3-MCPD exhibited normal histology and produced testosterone at levels that were similar to controls. In addition, 3-MCPD did not alter gene expression in the fetal testes. This lack of effect occurred under conditions where 3-MCPD and beta-chlorolactic acid were found to readily cross the placental barrier and diffuse throughout the fetal tissues. Our findings indicate that 3-MCPD has minimal effect on rat testicular organogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosy El Ramy
- Agence Française de Sécurité Sanitaire des Aliments, Unité de Toxicologie Génétique des Contaminants Alimentaires, la Haute Marche, 35133 Javené, Fougères, France.
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