Malathion-induced granulosa cell apoptosis in caprine antral follicles: an ultrastructural and flow cytometric analysis

Methoxychlor induces oxidative stress and impairs early embryonic development in pigs

Introduction: Methoxychlor (MXC) is an organochlorine pesticide (OCP) that was formerly used worldwide as an insecticide against pests and mosquitoes. However, MXC is not biodegradable and has lipophilic characteristics; thus, it accumulates in organisms and affects reproductive function. MXC, as an estrogenic compound, promotes oxidative stress, induces oxidative stress damage to ovarian follicles, and causes miscarriages and stillbirths in females. In this research endeavor, our primary objective was to explore the ramifications of MXC regarding the developmental processes occurring during the initial stages of embryogenesis in pigs. Methods: In this study, we counted the blastocyst rate of early embryos cultured in vitro. We also examined the reactive oxygen species level, glutathione level, mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial copy number and ATP level in four-cell stage embryos. Finally, apoptosis and DNA damage in blastocyst cells, as well as pluripotency-related and apoptosis-related genes in blastocyst cells were detected. The above experiments were used to evaluate the changes of MXC damage on early parthenogenetic embryo development. Results and Discussion: The results showed that early embryos exposed to MXC had a significantly lower cleavage rate, blastocyst rate, hatching rate, and total cell count compared with the control group. It was also of note that MXC not only increased the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), but also decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and mitochondrial copy number during the development of early embryos. In addition, after MXC treatment, blastocyst apoptosis and DNA damage were increased, decreased cell proliferation, and the expression of pluripotency-related genes SOX2, NANOG, and OCT4 was down-regulated, while the expression of apoptosis-related genes BAX/BCL-2 and Caspase9 was up-regulated. Our results clearly show that MXC can have deleterious effects on the developmental processes of early porcine embryos, establishing the toxicity of MXC to the reproductive system. In addition, the study of this toxic effect may lead to greater concern about pesticide residues in humans and the use of safer pesticides, thus potentially preventing physiological diseases caused by chemical exposure.

Malathion or diazinon exposure and male reproductive toxicity: a systematic review of studies performed with rodents

Malathion and diazinon are pesticides commonly used in agriculture to avoid insects that damage crops; however, they may cause impairment to the male genital system of exposed humans. The present work carried out a systematic review of the literature concerning the primary studies that assessed the reproductive effects resulting from male rats and mice exposed to malathion or diazinon. The search for articles was performed on the databases PubMed, LILACS, Scopus, and SciELO, using different combinations of the search terms "malathion," "diazinon," "mice," "rats," "male reproduction," "fertility," and "sperm," followed by the Boolean operators AND or OR. The results obtained indicate that both pesticides act as reproductive toxicants by reducing sperm quality, diminishing hormonal concentrations, inducing increased oxidative stress, and provoking histopathological damage in reproductive organs. Then, the exposure to malathion and diazinon may provoke diminished levels of testosterone by increasing acetylcholine stimulation in the testis through muscarinic receptors, thus, providing a reduction in steroidogenic activity in Leydig cells, whose effect is related to lower levels of testosterone in rodents, and consequently, it is associated with decreased fertility. Considering the toxic effects on the male genital system of rodents and the possible male reproductive toxicity in humans, it is recommended the decreased use of these pesticides and their replacement for others that show no or few toxic effects for non-target animals.

Assessing the health hazard originated via pesticide chemicals in human through rabbit model in agricultural production system in Bangladesh

BACKGROUND

The use of chemical pesticides in developing countries like Bangladesh and their impacts on human health and food security is a global concern. Bangladesh is an agricultural dependent country for the growing population demand for food security and food safety. We conduct this study to assess public health threats of commonly utilised pesticides including malathion and nitrobenzene in female rabbit model.

METHODS

Thirty New Zealand White healthy rabbit was divided randomly into three groups; and subjected to distilled water as control, malathion@ 5 mg/kg body weight and nitrobenzene@ 5 mg/kg body i.p daily for the next 15 days. Hematology, serum biochemistry and hormonal assay were performed.

RESULTS

Red blood cell (RBC) concentrations (TEC, Hb, PCV%) were reduced in rabbits exposed to malathion and nitrobenzene. The neutrophil and eosinophil percentage were increased in the malathion and nitrobenzene exposed juvenile rabbit group. We found that serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and creatinine were increased in the nitrobenzene exposed group in infants, whereas malathion exposure increased serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT). In contrast, the juvenile group exposed to malathion increased the ALT level. There was no change in AST or creatinine levels in juvenile rabbits exposed to malathion or nitrobenzene. Serum estradiol levels were significantly lower in rabbits exposed to malathion and nitrobenzene. Serum testosterone concentration was increased in juvenile rabbits exposed to malathion and nitrobenzene, but progesterone was decreased in malathion exposed juvenile rabbits.

CONCLUSION

However, this study highlights the importance of rigorous monitoring and testing of agricultural products. In addition, strengthen research and extension in the fields of agro economy, organic farming, local universities and farmer associations.

Investigation of the effects of hesperidin administration on abamectin-induced testicular toxicity in rats through oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, inflammation, apoptosis, autophagy, and JAK2/STAT3 pathways

In this study, the potential effects of hesperidin (HES) on chronic toxicity caused by abamectin (ABM) in the testicular tissue were investigated through oxidative stress, inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), apoptosis, and autophagy pathways. Male Sprague Dawley rats were used in the study. Animals in the ABM group were orally administered 1 mg/kg ABM every other day for 28 days, while HES used against ABM was given at 100 or 200 mg/kg 30 min after ABM administration for 28 days. Markers of oxidative stress, inflammation, ERS, apoptosis, and autophagy in the testicular tissues removed after the animals are sacrificed were analyzed using biochemical, real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), or western blot techniques. The results obtained showed that ABM caused oxidative stress, and triggered ERS, inflammation, apoptosis, and autophagy. On the other hand, HES showed antioxidant effect by increasing superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase enzyme activities, and glutathione levels in testis tissue and attenuated lipid peroxidation. Accordingly, MAPK14 reduced the NF-κB, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 expression levels, presenting an anti-inflammatory effect. In addition, Bax protected against apoptosis and autophagy by reducing the caspase-3, beclin-1, LC3A, and LC3B expressions, and increasing Bcl-2 expression. It was observed that HES also interrupted the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway by suppressing IL-6 expression. Taken into consideration together, HES provided significant protection against the destruction caused by ABM in testicular tissue with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and anti-autophagic effects. Thus, it was revealed that HES has the potential to serve as an alternative treatment option in ABM toxicity.

Transmission electron microscopic analysis of glyphosate induced cytotoxicity and its attenuation by N-acetyl-L-cysteine in caprine testicular germ cells in vitro

The agricultural pesticide poisoning is currently the most thrust area of human health concern. Pesticide-induced cytotoxicity and the corresponding reproductive toxicity in today's scenario is not a concealed reality that has to be considered for the continuation of respective race. Here, the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) technique was employed to investigate the adverse impact of glyphosate (GLY) and its mitigation by N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) in goat testicular germ cells under in vitro conditions. The ultrastructural observations of testicular tissue from GLY-treated groups at different concentrations (0.1 and 4 mg/ml) and exposure durations (8 and 12 h) revealed that this organophosphate herbicide induced different apoptotic characteristics in testicular germ cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. However, NAC (10 mM), being a potent antioxidant, was found to mitigate GLY-induced cytotoxicity in testicular cells as evidenced by fewer apoptotic characteristics in GLY plus NAC-treated groups, suggesting its beneficial potential in alleviating the GLY-induced gonadotoxicity in males.Abbreviations: GLY (Glyphosate), NAC (N-acetyl-L-cysteine), TEM (Transmission electron microscopic), GE (genetic engineered), Organophosphate (OPs).

Role of autophagy in follicular development and maintenance of primordial follicular pool in the ovary

The reproductive life span of the organism mainly depends on follicular development that maintains the primordial follicle pool in the cohort of follicles within the ovary. The total count of primordial follicles decreases with age due to ovulation and follicular atresia. Follicular atresia, a process of ovarian follicles degradation, mainly occurs via apoptosis, but recent studies also favor autophagy existence. Autophagy is a cellular and energy homeostatic response that helps to maintain the number of healthy primordial follicles, germ cell survival, and removal of corpus luteum remnants. But the excessive autophagic cell death changes both the quality and quantity of oocytes that ultimately affect female reproductive health. Autophagy regulation occurs by various autophagy-regulated genes like BECN1 and LC3-II (autophagy marker genes). Their abnormal regulation or mutation highly influences follicular development by alteration of primordial follicles formation, the decline in oocytes count, and germ cell loss. Various classical signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR, MAPK/ERK1/2, AMPK, and IRE1 are involved in granulosa and oocytes autophagy, while mTOR signaling is the primary mechanism. Along with basal level autophagy, chemical/hormone/stress-mediated autophagy also affects follicular development and female reproduction. In this review, we have primarily focused on granulosa cell and oocytes' autophagy, mechanism, and the role of autophagy determining marker genes in follicular development.

Resveratrol ameliorates malathion-induced estrus cycle disorder through attenuating the ovarian tissue oxidative stress, autophagy and apoptosis

Malathion is a high-efficiency organic phosphorus broad-spectrum insecticide which is commonly used in agricultural production, sanitation and epidemic prevention. Although the toxic effects of malathion on animal reproduction have been partially evaluated, its function, regulatory mechanism and antidote in estrus cycle and reproductive damage remain generally unclear. Here, the results showed that malathion disrupted the normal estrus cycle in mice, reduced the secretion of ovarian hormones, increased the amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and promoted autophagy and apoptosis in the ovary. Interestingly, we found that an antioxidant resveratrol could inhibit the disorders of estrus cycle and steroid hormone synthesis, reduced the abnormality of ROS accumulation, autophagy and apoptosis in malathion-exposed ovarian tissue. Furthermore, compared with those of the control group, malathion induced autophagy and apoptosis in the granular cells, whereas resveratrol attenuated these effects of malathion. Therefore, disadvantages of malathion exposure on estrus cycle disorder could partly reverse by resveratrol supplement. Overall, resveratrol may be a potential drug to prevent malathion-induced ovarian damages and estrus cycle disorder. Our findings provide new insights into ovarian response to malathion and resveratrol exposure.

Peroxiredoxin 4 protects against ovarian ageing by ameliorating D-galactose-induced oxidative damage in mice

Peroxiredoxin 4 (Prdx4), a member of the Prdx family, is a vital ER-resident antioxidant in cells. As revealed in our previous study, Prdx4 expression was detected in ovarian granulosa cells and was closely related to ovarian function. This research aimed to explore the effect and underlying molecular mechanism of the protective role of Prdx4 against D-gal-induced ovarian ageing in mice. The D-gal-induced ovarian ageing model has been extensively used to study the mechanisms of premature ovarian failure (POF). In this study, adult Prdx4^-/- and wild-type mice were intraperitoneally injected with D-gal (150 mg/kg/day) daily for 6 weeks. Ovarian function, granulosa cell apoptosis, oxidative damage and ER stress in the ovaries were evaluated in the two groups. Ovarian weight was significantly lower, the HPO axis was more strongly disrupted, and the numbers of atretic follicles and apoptotic granulosa cells were obviously higher in Prdx4^-/- mice. In addition, Prdx4^-/- mice showed increased expression of oxidative damage-related factors and the ovarian senescence-related protein P16. Moreover, the levels of the proapoptotic factors CHOP and activated caspase-12 protein, which are involved in the ER stress pathway, and the level of the apoptosis-related BAX protein were elevated in the ovaries of Prdx4^-/- mice. Thus, D-gal-induced ovarian ageing is accelerated in Prdx4^-/- mice due to granulosa cell apoptosis via oxidative damage and ER stress-related pathways, suggesting that Prdx4 is a protective agent against POF.

Ameliorating Effects of Natural Antioxidant Compounds on Female Infertility: a Review

The prevalence of female infertility cases has been increasing at a frightening rate, affecting approximately 48 million women across the world. However, oxidative stress has been recognized as one of the main mediators of female infertility by causing various reproductive pathologies in females such as endometriosis, PCOS, preeclampsia, spontaneous abortion, and unexplained infertility. Nowadays, concerned women prefer dietary supplements with antioxidant properties over synthetic drugs as a natural way to lessen the oxidative stress and enhance their fertility. Therefore, the current review is an attempt to explore the efficacy of various natural antioxidant compounds including vitamins, carotenoids, and plant polyphenols and also of some medicinal plants in improving the fertility status of females. Our summarization of recent findings in the current article would pave the way toward the development of new possible antioxidant therapy to treat infertility in females. Natural antioxidant compounds found in fruits, vegetables, and other dietary sources, alone or in combination with other antioxidants, were found to be effective in ameliorating the oxidative stress-mediated infertility problems in both natural and assisted reproductive settings. Numerous medicinal plants showed promising results in averting the various reproductive disorders associated with female infertility, suggesting a plant-based herbal medicine to treat infertility. Although optimum levels of natural antioxidants have shown favorable results, however, their excessive intake may have adverse health impacts. Therefore, larger well-designed, dose-response studies in humans are further warranted to incorporate natural antioxidant compounds into the clinical management of female infertility.

Organophosphate toxicity: updates of malathion potential toxic effects in mammals and potential treatments

Organophosphorus insecticides toxicity is still considered a major global health problem. Malathion is one of the most commonly used organophosphates nowadays, as being considered to possess relatively low toxicity compared with other organophosphates. However, widespread use may lead to excessive exposure from multiple sources. Mechanisms of MAL toxicity include inhibition of acetylcholinesterase enzyme, change of oxidants/antioxidants balance, DNA damage, and facilitation of apoptotic cell damage. Exposure to malathion has been associated with different toxicities that nearly affect every single organ in our bodies, with CNS toxicity being the most well documented. Malathion toxic effects on liver, kidney, testis, ovaries, lung, pancreas, and blood were also reported. Moreover, malathion was considered as a genotoxic and carcinogenic chemical compound. Evidence exists for adverse effects associated with prenatal and postnatal exposure in both animals and humans. This review summarizes the toxic data available about malathion in mammals and discusses new potential therapeutic modalities, with the aim to highlight the importance of increasing awareness about its potential risk and reevaluation of the allowed daily exposure level.

Insecticides and ovarian functions

Insecticides, a heterogeneous group of chemicals, are widely used in agriculture and household practices to avoid insect-inflicted damage. Extensive use of insecticides has contributed substantially to agricultural production and the prevention of deadly diseases by destroying their vectors. On the contrary, many of the insecticides are associated with several adverse health effects like neurological and psychological diseases, metabolic disorders, hormonal imbalance, and even cancer in non-target species, including humans. Reproduction, a very selective process that ensures the continuity of species, is affected to a greater extent by the rampant use of insecticides. In females, exposure to insecticides leads to reproductive incapacitation primarily through disturbances in ovarian physiology. Disturbed ovarian activities encompass the alterations in hormone synthesis, follicular maturation, ovulation process, and ovarian cycle, which eventually lead to decline in fertility, prolonged time-to-conceive, spontaneous abortion, stillbirths, and developmental defects. Insecticide-induced ovarian toxicity is effectuated by endocrine disruption and oxidative stress. Oxidative stress, which occurs due to suppression of antioxidant defense system, and upsurge of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, potentiates DNA damage and expression of apoptotic and inflammatory markers. Insecticide exposure, in part, is responsible for ovarian malfunctioning through disruption of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. The current article is focused on the adverse effects of insecticides on ovarian functioning, and consequently, on the reproductive efficacy of females. The possible strategies to combat insecticide-induced toxicity are also discussed in the latter part of this review. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 61:369-392, 2020. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Effective attenuation of glyphosate-induced oxidative stress and granulosa cell apoptosis by vitamins C and E in caprines

Pesticides are known to cause a wide range of reproductive problems that possess degenerative effects on mammalian fertility. Glyphosate (GLP), a broad-spectrum organophosphate herbicide, is known to be a potent mammalian toxicant. The present study aims at assessing the GLP-induced (0.1, 2.0, and 4.0 mg/ml) granulosa cells toxicity and evaluating the mitigating effects of vitamins C and E (0.5 mM and 1.0 mM) in healthy caprine antral follicles, cultured in vitro in a dose- and time-dependent manner (24, 48, and 72 hr) and subjected to various cytotoxic and geno-toxic analysis, namely, classic histology, EB/AO differential staining, oxidative stress parameters, and antioxidant enzymatic activity. The histomorphological analysis and EB/AO staining elucidated increase in the incidence of apoptotic attributes within granulosa cells with increasing dose and duration of the GLP treatment. The highest apoptotic frequency was observed at 4.0 mg/ml GLP after 72-hr exposure duration in comparison with the control. GLP exposure also led to a significant decline in the antioxidant enzymes' activity, namely, SOD, catalase, and GST along with enhanced lipid peroxidation and reduced FRAP activity in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Vitamins C and E supplementation decreased oxidative stress-mediated granulosa cells apoptosis, suggesting its efficiency to diminish GLP-mediated GCs cytotoxicity and thereby, preventing associated fertility disorders.

Age-related changes in the mitochondria of human mural granulosa cells

STUDY QUESTION

What changes in the mitochondria of human mural granulosa cells (mGCs) with maternal aging?

SUMMARY ANSWER

The mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and the ability of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) of mGCs declines with reproductive aging, accompanied with more abnormal mitochondria.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Mitochondria play an important role in the dialogue between the mGCs and oocytes. However, the underlying mechanism of mitochondrial dysfunction in mGCs in aging is still poorly understood.

STUDY DESIGN SIZE, DURATION

In total, 149 infertile women underwent IVF in the ART Centre of the Chinese PLA General Hospital, China from September 2016 to May 2017. Two age groups were investigated: the young group (<38 years old) and the old group (≥38 years old).

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

The mitochondrial ultrastructure of mGCs was observed by transmission electron microscopy, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was applied to quantify the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number, 4977-bp deleted DNA and mRNA expression of mitochondrial ATP synthases ATP5A1 and ATP5I. MMP was detected by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy, respectively. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) was tested by flow cytometry. A luminometer was used to measure the ATP levels and western blot to analyse the OXPHOS complex.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

In the young group, mitochondria were mostly round or oval, with a few intact parallel tubular-vesicular cristae and homogenous matrix density, while elongated mitochondria were mainly observed in the old group, which had numerous cristae and more high-density matrix particles. Abnormal mitochondria were more common in aging women (P = 0.012). mtDNA relative copy number was positively correlated with maternal age (r = 0.294, P = 0.009) and we found no one with 4977-bp deleted mitochondria. JC-1 (dye used as an indicator of MMP) ratio in the old group was significantly lower than the young group (3.01 ± 0.21 vs 3.85 ± 0.27, P = 0.033). Intracellular ROS levels between the groups did not differ significantly (P = 0.191). The intracellular ATP level in the young group was 1.75-fold higher than that of the advanced-age group (7.17 ± 1.16 vs 4.15 ± 0.60, P = 0.025). The protein expression of ATP5A1, as one of five proteins of OXPHOS, decreased with aging (P < 0.001). ATP5A1 mRNA expression was negatively correlated with aging (r = -0.341, P = 0.012).

LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION

The quantity of mGCs from some individual patient, especially an advanced-age individual, was small, which cannot meet the demands of all the detections.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

mGCs dysfunction with aging is mainly linked to impaired mitochondrial function, especially OXPHOS function. Improving the OXPHOS ability in mGCs should be the focus in resolving infertility among advanced age women and making mGCs the proper mitochondria donor cells in the autologous mitochondria transplantation to oocytes.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

This work was supported by the grants of the National High Technology Research and Development Program of China, 863 Program No. SS2015AA020402, and the Key Projects of Military Medical Research, No. BWS11J058. There were no competing interests.

N-acetyl cysteine-mediated effective attenuation of methoxychlor-induced granulosa cell apoptosis by counteracting reactive oxygen species generation in caprine ovary

Methoxychlor (MXC), an organochloride insecticide, is a potent toxicant-targeting female reproductive system and known to cause follicular atresia by inducing apoptosis within granulosa cells. Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in apoptosis; thus, this study focuses on the ameliorative action of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) on MXC-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis within granulosa cell of caprine ovary. Classic histology, fluorescence assay, and biochemical parameters were employed to evaluate the effect of varied concentration of NAC (1, 5, and 10 mM) on granulosa cell apoptosis after 24, 48, and 72 h exposure duration. Histomorphological studies revealed that NAC diminished the incidence of apoptotic attributes like condensed or marginated chromatin, pyknosis, crescent-shaped nucleus, empty cell spaces, and degenerated cellular structure along with the presence of cytoplasmic processes within granulosa cells in dose- and time-dependent manner. NAC significantly downregulated the percentage of MXC-induced granulosa cell apoptosis within healthy ovarian follicle with its increasing dose, maximum at 10 mM concentration. It also significantly (p < 0.05) upregulated the activity of antioxidant enzymes, namely catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione-s-transferase, along with ferric reducing antioxidant power further declining lipid peroxidation in the MXC-treated caprine ovary. The results revealed a negative correlation between apoptosis frequency and antioxidant enzymes' activity (r_CAT  = -0.67, r_SOD  = -0.56, r_GST  = -0.31; p < 0.05) while a positive correlation was observed with lipid peroxidation (r = 0.63; p < 0.05) after NAC supplementation. Thus, NAC supplementation reduces the MXC-generated oxidative stress that perhaps declines the ROS generating signal transduction pathway of apoptosis, thereby preventing MXC-induced granulosa cell apoptosis and follicular atresia. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 156-166, 2017.

Granulosa cell apoptosis by impairing antioxidant defense system and cellular integrity in caprine antral follicles post malathion exposure

Toxicological studies have demonstrated the exposure-risk relationship of several pesticides on reproduction of living organisms. To evaluate the role of malathion as a reproductive toxicant, this study aims at assessing the cytological and biochemical changes in the granulosa cells after malathion exposure in dose (1 nM, 10 nM, 100 nM) and time (4 h, 6 h, 8 h) dependent manner. Histomorphological analysis, fluorescence assay, apoptosis quantification, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase d-UTP mediated nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay were done to determine cytological changes, whereas antioxidant enzyme assays were done to measure the oxidative stress in malathion treated ovarian antral follicles. Histological studies exhibited the occurrence of highly condensed or marginated chromatin with fragmented nucleus, pyknosis, loss of membrane integrity, increased empty spaces, and vacuolization in malathion treated granulosa cells. Ethidium bromide/acridine orange (EB/AO) fluorescence staining demonstrated a significant increase in incidence and percentage of apoptosis after malathion exposure (p < 0.001), both between and within the groups. Malathion exposure also resulted in increased DNA fragmentation and decline in both antioxidant enzymes activity namely catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in granulosa cells of antral follicles. Moreover, there was found a significant negative correlation between the apoptosis incidence and the level of antioxidant enzymes activity, SOD (r = -0.73 p < 0.01) and CAT (r = -0.80 p < 0.01), in malathion treated ovarian antral follicles. Thus, highlighting the role of DNA fragmentation and declining antioxidant level as a possible mechanism underlying malathion induced reproductive toxicity. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 1944-1954, 2016.

Transmission electron microscopic analysis of malathion-induced cytotoxicity in granulosa cells of caprine antral follicles

Malathion, one of the most abundantly used organophosphate pesticides, has immoderate potency as a cytotoxic and genotoxic compound that induces toxicity in granulosa cells, resulting in its apoptosis. Thus, the present study aims to employ ultrastructural analysis for assessing the cytotoxicity of malathion at nanomolar concentrations (1 nM and 10 nM) in granulosa cells of caprine antral follicles at different exposure durations. Transmission electron microscopy revealed diminished cell-cell contact and cellular integrity, presence of crescent-shaped nucleus, chromatin condensation, and pyknosis with nuclear membrane folding, accumulation of lipid droplets with occurrence of cytoplasmic protrusions in granulosa cells treated with 1 nM malathion, whereas at 10 nM concentration, along with apoptotic attributes, prominent association of nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria and lipid droplets, nucleus invagination into lipid droplets, apical localization of lipid bodies, and occurrence of autophagic body were observed as compared to healthy granulosa cells in control with normal intact cellular integrity, well-developed cellular association, and doubled membrane nuclear lamina with homogenously dispersed chromatin surrounded by intact mitochondria with well-developed cristae. Thus, the results of ultrastructural analysis clearly suggest that nanomolar concentration of malathion induces apoptotic hallmarks within the granulosa cells of antral follicles that play a consequential role in increasing the incidence of follicular atresia, thereby affecting the overall fertility.