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Taurine Improves Sperm Mitochondrial Indices, Blunts Oxidative Stress Parameters, and Enhances Steroidogenesis and Kinematics of Sperm in Lead-Exposed Mice. Reprod Sci 2022; 30:1891-1910. [DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-01140-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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El-Sherbini ES, El-Sayed G, El Shotory R, Gheith N, Abou-Alsoud M, Harakeh SM, Karrouf GI. Ameliorative effects of l-carnitine on rats raised on a diet supplemented with lead acetate. Saudi J Biol Sci 2017; 24:1410-1417. [PMID: 28855839 PMCID: PMC5562480 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2016.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Revised: 05/02/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Lead intoxication has been a major health hazard in humans. It affects people at all ages. Its toxicity is associated with various organs of the body and affects different metabolic pathways. Based on histological data, l-carnitine reduced the severity of tissue damage produced as a result of exposure of rats to lead acetate. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the underlying mechanism of protection offered by l-carnitine against lead acetate intoxication using male Sprague-Dawley rats. Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups with ten rats in each. The first group (G1) served as the control group and animals received standard diet only. The second group (G2) received lead acetate in their diet. The third group (G3) was the l-carnitine treated group and received the normal standard diet supplemented with l-carnitine. While the fourth group (G4) had a diet supplemented with both lead acetate and l-carnitine. At the end of each experiment, blood (serum and whole blood) were collected from each animal and analyzed for the following parameters: serum testosterone levels, serum nitric oxide and serum malondialdehyde. This is in addition to looking at the enzymatic activities of two important enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase) and on (glutathione reductase) which are indicative of the antioxidant activities in the whole blood. The results indicated that l-carnitine will counteract the undesirable effects of lead intoxication. It exerted its antioxidant potential by reducing the production of ROS and scavenging free radicals by maintaining and protecting the level of the of antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT and glutathione peroxidase. Conclusion:l-Carnitine may play an important role in reversing the undesirable effects of lead intoxication. Future studies should be conducted to see whether such an effect is applicable in humans exposed to lead poising.
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Affiliation(s)
- El-Said El-Sherbini
- Biochemistry and Chemistry of Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt
| | - Gehad El-Sayed
- Biochemistry and Chemistry of Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt
| | - Rehab El Shotory
- Biochemistry and Chemistry of Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt
| | - Nervana Gheith
- Public Administration Departments, Faculty of Economic and Administration, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed Abou-Alsoud
- Faculty of Meteorology, Environment and Arid Land Agriculture, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Steve Mustapha Harakeh
- Special Infectious Agents Unit – King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box: 80216, Jeddah 21589; Saudi Arabia
| | - Gamal I. Karrouf
- Medical Physics Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Surgery, Anesthesiology and Radiology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Dakahlia, Egypt
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Ayoka AO, Ademoye AK, Imafidon CE, Ojo EO, Oladele AA. Aqueous Extract of Allium sativum (Linn.) Bulbs Ameliorated Pituitary-Testicular Injury and Dysfunction in Wistar Rats with Pb-Induced Reproductive Disturbances. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2016; 4:200-12. [PMID: 27335588 PMCID: PMC4908733 DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2016.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2016] [Revised: 02/28/2016] [Accepted: 02/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To determine the effects of aqueous extract of Allium sativum bulbs (AEASAB) on pituitary-testicular injury and dysfunction in Wistar rats with lead-induced reproductive disturbances. MATERIALS AND METHODS Male Wistar rats were divided into 7 groups such that the control group received propylene glycol at 0.2 ml/100 g intraperitoneally for 10 consecutive days, the toxic group received lead (Pb) alone at 15 mg/kg/day via intraperitoneal route for 10 days while the treatment groups were pretreated with lead as the toxic group after which they received graded doses of the extract at 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg/day via oral route for 28 days. RESULTS Pb administration induced significant deleterious alterations in the antioxidant status of the brain and testis, sperm characterization (counts, motility and viability) as well as reproductive hormones (FSH, LH and testosterone) of exposed rats (p < 0.05). These were significantly reversed in the AEASAB-treated groups (p < 0.05). Also, there was marked improvement in the Pb-induced vascular congestion and cellular loss in the pituitary while the observed Pb-induced severe testicular vacuolation was significantly reversed in the representative photomicrographs, following administration of the extract. CONCLUSION AEASAB treatment ameliorated the pituitary-testicular injury and dysfunction in Wistar rats with Pb-Induced reproductive disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abiodun O. Ayoka
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Aderonke K. Ademoye
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Christian E. Imafidon
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Esther O. Ojo
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Ayowole A. Oladele
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria
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Wang H, Ji YL, Wang Q, Zhao XF, Ning H, Liu P, Zhang C, Yu T, Zhang Y, Meng XH, Xu DX. Maternal lead exposure during lactation persistently impairs testicular development and steroidogenesis in male offspring. J Appl Toxicol 2012; 33:1384-94. [DOI: 10.1002/jat.2795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2012] [Revised: 06/06/2012] [Accepted: 06/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hua Wang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health; Anhui Medical University; Hefei 230032 China
| | - Yan-Li Ji
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health; Anhui Medical University; Hefei 230032 China
| | - Qun Wang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health; Anhui Medical University; Hefei 230032 China
| | - Xian-Feng Zhao
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health; Anhui Medical University; Hefei 230032 China
| | - Huan Ning
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health; Anhui Medical University; Hefei 230032 China
| | - Ping Liu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health; Anhui Medical University; Hefei 230032 China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health; Anhui Medical University; Hefei 230032 China
| | - Tao Yu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health; Anhui Medical University; Hefei 230032 China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health; Anhui Medical University; Hefei 230032 China
| | - Xiu-Hong Meng
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health; Anhui Medical University; Hefei 230032 China
| | - De-Xiang Xu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health; Anhui Medical University; Hefei 230032 China
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Grignard E, Guéguen Y, Grison S, Dublineau I, Gourmelon P, Souidi M. Testicular steroidogenesis is not altered by 137 cesium Chernobyl fallout, following in utero or post-natal chronic exposure. C R Biol 2010; 333:416-23. [PMID: 20451883 DOI: 10.1016/j.crvi.2010.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2009] [Revised: 01/22/2010] [Accepted: 02/12/2010] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The testis is especially sensitive to pollutants, including radionuclides. Following the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident, several of these radionuclides were emitted and spread in the environment. Subsequently, children presented some disruptions of the endocrine system. To determine whether these disruptions were due to 137 cesium ((137)Cs) exposure, the effects of chronic contamination with low doses of (137)Cs in utero or from birth on testicular steroidogenesis in rats were studied. Contamination was continued for 9 months. No modification was observed in circulating level of hormones (17beta-estradiol, testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone) following in utero or post-natal contamination. Expression of several genes involved in testicular steroidogenesis was affected (cyp19a1, fxr, sf-1), without modification of protein expression or activity. Our results suggest that growing organisms may be affected at the molecular level by (137)Cs contamination at this post-accidental dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Grignard
- Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety, Radiological Protection and Human Health Division, Radiobiology and Epidemiology Department, Laboratory of Experimental Toxicology, BP 17, 92262 Fontenay-aux-Roses cedex, France
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So EC, Chang YT, Hsing CH, Poon PWF, Leu SF, Huang BM. The effect of midazolam on mouse Leydig cell steroidogenesis and apoptosis. Toxicol Lett 2009; 192:169-78. [PMID: 19857560 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2009.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2009] [Revised: 10/13/2009] [Accepted: 10/15/2009] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor (PBR), a putative receptor in Leydig cells, modulates steroidogenesis. Since benzodiazepines are commonly used in regional anesthesia, their peripheral effects need to be defined. Therefore, this study set out to investigate in vitro effects of the benzodiazepine midazolam (MDZ) on Leydig cell steroidogenesis, and the possible underlying mechanisms. The effects of MDZ on steroidogenesis in primary mouse Leydig cells and MA-10 Leydig tumor cells were determined by radioimmunoassay. PBR, P450scc, 3beta-HSD and StAR protein expression induced by MDZ was determined by Western blotting. Inhibitors of the signal transduction pathway and a MDZ antagonist were used to investigate the intracellular cascades activated by MDZ. In both cell types, MDZ-stimulated steroidogenesis in dose- and time-dependent manners, and induced the expression of PBR and StAR proteins, but had no effect on P450scc and 3beta-HSD expressions. Moreover, H89 (PKA inhibitor) and GF109203X (PKC inhibitor) attenuated MDZ-stimulated steroid production. Interestingly, the MDZ antagonist (flumazenil) did not decrease MDZ-induced steroid production in both cell types. These results highly indicated that MDZ-induced steroidogenesis in mouse Leydig cells via PKA and PKC pathways, along with the expression of PBR and StAR proteins. In addition, MDZ at high dosages induced rounding-up, membrane blebbing, and then death in MA-10 cells. In conclusion, midazolam could induce Leydig tumor cell steroidogenesis, and high dose of midazolam could induce apoptosis in Leydig tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edmund Cheung So
- Department of Anesthesia, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan, ROC
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Huang BM, Liu MY. INHIBITORY ACTIONS OF LEAD ON STEROIDOGENESIS IN MA-10 MOUSE LEYDIG TUMOR CELLS. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 50:5-9. [PMID: 14660163 DOI: 10.1080/01485010490250434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The inhibitory actions of Pb on StAR protein expression and steroidogenic enzymes on steroidogenesis were analyzed by both linear and 2nd order polynomial models in MA-10 mouse Leydig tumor cells. Lead acetate, ranging from 10(-8) M to 10(-5) M, caused inhibitory effects on StAR protein expression and steroidogenic enzymes. The correlation coefficients R2 (linear vs. 2nd order polynomial) were 0.93 vs. 0.96 for human chorionic gonadotropin-stimulated progesterone production, 0.38 vs. 0.79 for dibutyryl cAMP-stimulated progesterone production, 0.03 vs. 0.99 for the expression of StAR protein, 0.6 vs. 0.92 for P450 side-chain cleavage enzyme activity, and 0.52 vs. 0.96 for 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity. Thus, 2nd order polynomial model showed higher correlation coefficients than the linear model for predicting inhibitory actions of Pb on StAR protein expression and the activities of steroidogenic enzymes after exposure of Pb on steroidogenesis in MA-10 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- B-M Huang
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, National Cheng Kung University, Medical College, Tainan 704, Taiwan
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Iavicoli I, Fontana L, Bergamaschi A. The effects of metals as endocrine disruptors. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2009; 12:206-23. [PMID: 19466673 DOI: 10.1080/10937400902902062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 295] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
This review reports current knowledge regarding the roles that cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), lead (PB), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) play as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). The influence of these metals on the endocrine system, possible mechanisms of action, and consequent health effects were correlated between experimental animals and humans. Analysis of the studies prompted us to identify some critical issues related to this area and showed the need for more rigorous and innovative studies. Consequently, it was recommended that future studies need to: (1) identify the mechanisms of action, because at the present time only a few have been elucidated-in this context, the possible presence of hormesis need to be determined, as currently this was reported only for exposure Cd and As; (2) study the possible additive, synergistic, or antagonistic effects on the endocrine system following exposure to a mixture of metals since there is a lack of these studies available, and in general or occupational environments, humans are simultaneously exposed to different classes of xenobiotics, including metals, but also to organic compounds that might also be EDCs; (3) assess the potential adverse effects on the endocrine system of low-level exposures to metals, as most of the information currently available on EDCs originates from studies in which exposure levels were particularly high; and (4) assess the effects on the endocrine and reproductive systems of other metals that are present in the general and occupational environment that have not yet been evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivo Iavicoli
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.
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Taupeau C, Poupon J, Treton D, Brosse A, Richard Y, Machelon V. Lead reduces messenger RNA and protein levels of cytochrome p450 aromatase and estrogen receptor beta in human ovarian granulosa cells. Biol Reprod 2003; 68:1982-8. [PMID: 12606482 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.102.009894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to lead causes decreased fertility in women. In the present study, we examined the in vitro effects of lead on cytochrome p450 aromatase (p450 arom) and on estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta), two key proteins for the human ovary. Aromatase is required for the bioconversion of androgen to estradiol; ERbeta mediates estrogen effects in granulosa cells. Granulosa cells were collected from women undergoing in vitro fertilization and then cultured with 10 microM lead acetate. Using atomic absorption spectrometry, we showed that lead accumulated in cells. Aromatase activity as measured by a tritiated water production assay was significantly reduced. Using semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting procedures, we showed that p450 arom and ERbeta mRNA and protein content were both significantly reduced. Adding 10 microg/ml of cycloheximide, a protein inhibitor, did not eliminate the effects of lead. The present results support the hypothesis that the action of lead on fertility in women may result, in part, from the down-regulation of p450 arom and ERbeta gene transcription in ovarian granulosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crystel Taupeau
- INSERM Institut Paris-Sud Sur les Cytokines, Unité 355 "Maturation Gamétique et Fécondation,", Clamart, France
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Hsu CC, Tsai SJ, Huang YL, Huang BM. Regulatory mechanism of Cordyceps sinensis mycelium on mouse Leydig cell steroidogenesis. FEBS Lett 2003; 543:140-3. [PMID: 12753921 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-5793(03)00427-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
We demonstrate the mechanism by which Cordyceps sinensis (CS) mycelium regulates Leydig cell steroidogenesis. Mouse Leydig cells were treated with forskolin, H89, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, staurosporine, or steroidogenic enzyme precursors with or without 3 mg/ml CS; then testosterone production was determined. H89, but not phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate or staurosporine, decreased CS-treated Leydig cell steroidogenesis. CS inhibited Leydig cell steroidogenesis by suppressing the activity of P450scc enzyme, but not 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 17alpha-hydroxylase, 20alpha-hydroxylase, or 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzymes. Thus, CS activated the cAMP-protein kinase A signal pathway, but not protein kinase C, and attenuated P45scc enzyme activity to reduce human chorionic gonadotropin-stimulated steroidogenesis in purified mouse Leydig cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Chao Hsu
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, #1 Ta-Hsueh Road, 701, Tainan, Taiwan
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Chen LY, Huang YL, Liu MY, Leu SF, Huang BM. Effects of amphetamine on steroidogenesis in MA-10 mouse Leydig tumor cells. Life Sci 2003; 72:1983-95. [PMID: 12597997 DOI: 10.1016/s0024-3205(03)00011-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Amphetamine influences plasma and testicular testosterone levels. However, there is no evidence that amphetamine can directly influence Leydig cell functions. In the present study, a MA-10 mouse Leydig tumor cell line was used to determine whether and how amphetamine affected Leydig cell steroidogenesis. MA-10 cells were treated with different concentrations of amphetamine without or with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and/or enzyme precursors over different time durations. Steroid production, enzyme activities and StAR protein expression were determined. Amphetamine alone had no any effect on MA-10 cell steroidogenesis. However, amphetamine (10(-11)M and 10(-10)M) significantly enhanced hCG-treated progesterone production at 3 hr in MA-10 cells (p < 0.05). Furthermore, amphetamine significantly induced more progesterone production upon treatment with 22R-hydroxycholesterol (p < 0.05), a precursor of P450 side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc). However, amphetamine did not induce more progesterone production when treated with pregnenolone (p > 0.05), a precursor of 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. In addition, the expressions of StAR protein and P450scc enzyme were not significantly different between hCG alone and hCG plus amphetamine treatment in MA-10 cells (p > 0.05). These results suggested that amphetamine enhanced hCG-induced progesterone production in MA-10 cells by increasing P450scc activity without influencing StAR protein and P450scc enzyme expression or 3beta-HSD enzyme activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang-Yu Chen
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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Liu MY, Leu SF, Yang HY, Huang BM. Inhibitory mechanisms of lead on steroidogenesis in MA-10 mouse Leydig tumor cells. ARCHIVES OF ANDROLOGY 2003; 49:29-38. [PMID: 12647776 DOI: 10.1080/225-01485010290031556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Lead can directly influence Leydig cell steroidogenesis, which results in reduction of testosterone and causes low sperm counts in human beings and animals. This study investigated the effect of 6 h incubation time of lead on steroidogenesis in MA-10 mouse Leydig tumor cells. Lead acetate, ranging from 10(-8) to 10(-5) M, caused profounder inhibitory effects on human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)- and dibutyryl cAMP (dbcAMP)-stimulated progesterone production for 6 h in MA-10 mouse Leydig tumor cells. Lead acetate significantly inhibited hCG- and dbcAMP-stimulated progesterone production from 20 to 35% in MA-10 cells at 6 h. Lead suppressed the expression of steroidogenesis acute regulatory (StAR) protein from 30 to 55%. Moreover, the activities P450 side-chain cleavage (P450scc) enzyme and 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3beta-HSD) were reduced by lead from 15 to 25%. Thus, after 6 h exposure to lead caused profounder inhibitory effects on StAR protein expression and steroidogenic enzymes and then progesterone production compared to 2- or 3-h lead treatments in MA-10 mouse Leydig tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Y Liu
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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