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Farag MR, El-Naseery NI, El Behery EI, Nouh DS, El-Mleeh A, Mostafa IMA, Alagawany M, Di Cerbo A, Azzam MM, Mawed SA. The Role of Chlorella vulgaris in Attenuating Infertility Induced by Cadmium Chloride via Suppressing Oxidative Stress and Modulating Spermatogenesis and Steroidogenesis in Male Rats. Biol Trace Elem Res 2024; 202:4007-4020. [PMID: 38114777 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-023-03971-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is an environmental pollutant known as endocrine disruptor . Cd has been reported to induce perturbations of the testicular functions and the subsequent decline of the male fertility of both animals and humans. Chlorella vulgaris (ChV) a species of green microalga has been reported to have multiple beneficial activities such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic effects. Thus, this work was conducted to declare the benefits of Chlorella vulgaris (ChV) (500 mg/kg doses) against cadmium chloride CdCl2 (2 mg/kg doses) toxicity on the main and accessory reproductive organs' weight, structure, and function of male rats. Briefly, 40 adult male rats in 4 groups (n = 10) were used as follows; control, ChV, CdCl2, and CdCl2+ChV. (i) The 1st group was kept as control fed on pellet chow and water ad libitum. (ii) The second group is Chlorella vulgaris (ChV) group fed with C. vulgaris alga for 10 days (500 mg/kg BW). (iii) The third group was administrated CdCl2 (2mg/kg BW) via subcutaneous injection (S/C) daily for 10 days. (iv) The fourth group administered both CdCl2 and ChV with the abovementioned doses daily for successive 10 days. Our observations declared that cadmium exhibited an adverse influence on the testes and prostate gland architecture indicated by seminiferous tubule destruction, testicular edema, degeneration of Leydig cells, and prostate acini damage. All together affect the epididymal semen quality and quantity including sperm viability, motility, and count. Interestingly, ChV could restore the testicular architecture and spermatozoa regeneration accompanied by semen quality improvement and increased reproductive hormones including testosterone. On the other side, ChV suppresses reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation via enhancement the antioxidant-related genes in the testicular tissue including SOD, CAT, GSH, and MDA and maintaining spermatocyte survival via suppression of apoptotic related genes including caspase3 and activating steroidogenic related genes including StAR and HSD17β3 in the cadmium-treated testes. In this study, ChV could enhance male fertility under normal or stressful conditions and ameliorate the adverse effects of hazardous heavy metals that are widely distributed in our environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayada R Farag
- Forensic Medicine and Toxicology Department, Veterinary Medicine Faculty, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt.
| | - Nesma I El-Naseery
- Department of Histology and Cytology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
| | - Eman I El Behery
- Anatomy and Embryology Department, Veterinary Medicine Faculty, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
| | - Doaa S Nouh
- Anatomy and Embryology Department, Veterinary Medicine Faculty, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
| | - Amany El-Mleeh
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkoum, 32511, Egypt
| | - Ismail M A Mostafa
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, 12211, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud Alagawany
- Poultry Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
| | - Alessandro Di Cerbo
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Matelica, Italy
| | - Mahmoud M Azzam
- Department of Animal Production College of Food & Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Suzan A Mawed
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt.
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Ali FEM, Badran KSA, Baraka MA, Althagafy HS, Hassanein EHM. Mechanism and impact of heavy metal-aluminum (Al) toxicity on male reproduction: Therapeutic approaches with some phytochemicals. Life Sci 2024; 340:122461. [PMID: 38286208 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Heavy metals are ubiquitous environmental toxicants that have been known to have a serious effect on human and animal health. Aluminum (Al) is a widely distributed metal in nature. Al exposure has a detrimental impact on human fertility. This review focused on Al-induced male reproductive toxicity and the potential therapeutic approaches with some phytochemicals. Data from the literature showed that Al exposure is accompanied by a drastic decline in blood levels of FSH, LH, and testosterone, reduced sperm count, and affected sperm quality. Al exposure at high levels can cause oxidative stress by increasing ROS and RNS production, mediated mainly by downregulating Nrf2 signaling. Moreover, several investigations demonstrated that Al exposure evoked inflammation, evidenced by increased TNF-α and IL-6 levels. Additionally, substantial evidence concluded the key role of apoptosis in Al-induced testicular toxicity mediated by upregulating caspase-3 and downregulating Bcl2 protein. The damaging effects of Al on mitochondrial bioenergetics are thought to be due to the excessive generation of free radicals. This review helps to clarify the main mechanism involved in Al-associated testicular intoxication and the treatment strategy to attenuate the notable harmful effects on the male reproductive system. It will encourage clinical efforts to target the pathway involved in Al-associated testicular intoxication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fares E M Ali
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch, Assiut 71524, Egypt.
| | - Khalid S A Badran
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch, Assiut 71524, Egypt
| | - Mohammad A Baraka
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch, Assiut 71524, Egypt
| | - Hanan S Althagafy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Emad H M Hassanein
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch, Assiut 71524, Egypt
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Fang Y, Chen C, Chen X, Song J, Feng S, Li Z, Li Z, Xiong Y, Zhang Q, Su H, Liu H, Zhu G, Hu B, Wang W, Liu Z, Jiao K, Zhang C, Zhang F, Jiang K, He J, Sun Z, Yuan D, Chen W, Zhu J. Exposure to heavy metal elements may significantly increase serum prostate-specific antigen levels with overdosed dietary zinc. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 272:116080. [PMID: 38350215 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a primary metric for diagnosis and prognosis of prostate cancer (PCa). Exposure to heavy metals, such as lead, cadmium, mercury, and zinc can impact PSA levels in PCa patients. However, it is unclear whether this effect also occurs in men without PCa, which may lead to the overdiagnosis of PCa. METHOD Data on a total of 5089 American men who had never been diagnosed with PCa were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey performed from 2003-2010. The relationship between serum PSA levels (dependent variable) and concentrations of lead (μmol/L), cadmium (nmol/L), and mercury (μmol/L) were investigated with dietary zinc intake being used as a potential modifier or covariate in a weighted linear regression model and a generalized additive model. A series of bootstrapping analyses were performed to evaluate sensitivity and specificity using these models. RESULTS Regression analyses suggested that, in general, lead, cadmium, or mercury did not show an association with PSA levels, which was consistent with the results of the bootstrapping analyses. However, in a subgroup of participants with a high level of dietary zinc intake (≥14.12 mg/day), a significant positive association between cadmium and serum PSA was identified (1.06, 95% CI, P = 0.0268, P for interaction=0.0249). CONCLUSIONS With high-level zinc intake, serum PSA levels may rise in PCa-free men as the exposure to cadmium increases, leading to a potential risk of an overdiagnosis of PCa and unnecessary treatment. Therefore, environmental variables should be factored in the current diagnostic model for PCa that is solely based on PSA measurements. Different criteria for PSA screening are necessary based on geographical variables. Further investigations are needed to uncover the biological and biochemical relationship between zinc, cadmium, and serum PSA levels to more precisely diagnose PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinyi Fang
- Guizhou University Medical College, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province 550025, China; People's Hospital Affiliated to Guizhou University, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Chi Chen
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Guiyang College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou Province 550001, China
| | - Xiaoyue Chen
- Guizhou University Medical College, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province 550025, China
| | - Jukun Song
- Guizhou University Medical College, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province 550025, China; People's Hospital Affiliated to Guizhou University, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Shuangshuang Feng
- Guizhou University Medical College, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province 550025, China
| | - Zhuang Li
- Urology Department, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province 550002, China; Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Zhengnan Li
- Urology Department, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province 550002, China; Zunyi Medcical University, Zunyi City, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Yuliang Xiong
- Urology Department, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province 550002, China; Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Qinyi Zhang
- Urology Department, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province 550002, China; Zunyi Medcical University, Zunyi City, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Hao Su
- Urology Department, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province 550002, China; Zunyi Medcical University, Zunyi City, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Heng Liu
- Urology Department, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province 550002, China; Zunyi Medcical University, Zunyi City, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Guohua Zhu
- Urology Department, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province 550002, China; Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Bin Hu
- Zunyi Medcical University, Zunyi City, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Urology Department, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province 550002, China; Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Zhangcheng Liu
- Urology Department, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province 550002, China; Zunyi Medcical University, Zunyi City, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Ke Jiao
- Urology Department, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province 550002, China; Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Chang Zhang
- Urology Department, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province 550002, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Urology Department, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province 550002, China; Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Kehua Jiang
- Urology Department, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province 550002, China
| | - Jun He
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province 550002, China
| | - Zhaolin Sun
- Guizhou University Medical College, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province 550025, China; Urology Department, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province 550002, China; People's Hospital Affiliated to Guizhou University, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Dongbo Yuan
- Guizhou University Medical College, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province 550025, China; Urology Department, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province 550002, China; People's Hospital Affiliated to Guizhou University, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province, China.
| | - Weiming Chen
- Guizhou University Medical College, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province 550025, China; People's Hospital Affiliated to Guizhou University, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province, China; Department of Reproductive Medicine, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province 550002, China.
| | - Jianguo Zhu
- Guizhou University Medical College, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province 550025, China; Urology Department, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province 550002, China; People's Hospital Affiliated to Guizhou University, Guiyang city, Guizhou Province, China.
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Zheng X, Guo C, Lv Z, Li J, Jiang H, Li S, Yu L, Zhang Z. Novel findings from arsenic‑lead combined exposure in mouse testicular TM4 Sertoli cells based on transcriptomics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 913:169611. [PMID: 38157908 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) exist widespread in daily life, and they are common harmful substances in the environment. As and Pb pollute the environment more often in combination than in isolation. The TM4 Sertoli cell line is one of the most common normal mouse testicular Sertoli cell lines. In vitro, we found that the type of combined action of As and Pb on TM4 Sertoli cells was additive action by using the isobologram analysis. To further investigate the combined toxicity of As and Pb, we performed mRNA and miRNA sequencing on TM4 Sertoli cells exposed to As alone (4 μM NaAsO2) and AsPb combined (4 μM NaAsO2 and 150 μM PbAc), respectively. Compared with the control group, 1391 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 6 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) were identified in the As group. Compared with the control group, 2384 DEGs and 44 DEMs were identified in the AsPb group. Compared with the As group, 387 DEGs and 4 DEMs were identified in the AsPb group. Through data analysis, we discovered for the first time that As caused the dysfunction of cholesterol synthesis and energy metabolism, and disrupted cyclic adenosine monophosphate signaling pathway and wingless/integrated (Wnt) signaling pathway in TM4 Sertoli cells. In addition to affecting cholesterol synthesis and energy metabolism, AsPb combined exposure also up-regulated the antioxidant reaction level of TM4 Sertoli cells. Meanwhile, the Wnt signaling pathway of TM4 Sertoli cells was relatively normal when exposed to AsPb. In conclusion, at the transcription level, the combined action of AsPb is not merely additive effect, but involves synergistic and antagonistic effects. The new discovery of the joint toxic mechanism of As and Pb breaks the stereotype of the combined action and provides a good theoretical basis and research clue for future study of the combined-exposure of harmful materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Zheng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Changming Guo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Zhanjun Lv
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Jiayi Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Huijie Jiang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Siyu Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Lu Yu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Zhigang Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China.
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5
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Zhang Q, Xu W, Kong Z, Wu Y, Liu Y. Cadmium exposure-induced rat testicular dysfunction and its mechanism of chronic stress. Food Chem Toxicol 2023; 182:114181. [PMID: 37972751 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2023.114181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium is a common environmental pollutant in daily life, the toxic mechanisms of chronic cadmium exposure on the testes have not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to explore the effects of cadmium exposure on male reproductive health and its mechanism. The results showed that cadmium exposure led widened interstitial spaces, abnormal seminiferous tubule morphology, and decreased Leydig cell numbers. Moreover, sperm quality was significantly reduced, along with a decrease in fertility rate. And cadmium exposure could activate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, elevate blood glucocorticoid levels, subsequently increase glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression and activation in testicular Leydig cells. Then GR act on the glucocorticoid receptor element (GRE) in the DNA methyltransferase 3 A (DNMT3A) promoter region and upregulate DNMT3A expression. Consequently, this led to an increase in DNA methylation levels in the angiotensin II receptor 2 (AT2R) promoter region, resulting in reduced AT2R expression and inhibiting testicular steroidogenesis. This study systematically elucidated that cadmium exposure could lead to testicular steroidogenesis suppression and decreased fertility through the GR/DNMT3A/AT2R signaling pathway. This research further provides theoretical and experimental evidence for confirming the threat of cadmium exposure to human reproduction, and contributes to the guidance and protection of male reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The Central Hospital of Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Enshi, Hubei, 445000, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Neurology, The Central Hospital of Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Enshi, Hubei, 445000, China
| | - ZiYu Kong
- Department of Pharmacology, TaiKang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - YuJiao Wu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The Central Hospital of Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Enshi, Hubei, 445000, China.
| | - Yi Liu
- China Tobacco HuBei Industrial LLC, Wuhan, 430071, China.
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Silva SB, Ruiz TFR, Dos Santos FCA, Taboga SR, Vilamaior PSL. Impacts of heavy metal exposure on the prostate of murine models: Mechanisms of toxicity. Reprod Toxicol 2023; 120:108448. [PMID: 37490985 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2023.108448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metals are elements found into the environment mainly due to anthropogenic activities. Naturally occurring and higher released doses cause disorders in the prostate, which depends on appropriate hormonal regulation, and exposure to heavy metals may impair prostate homeostasis. The current work highlighted the main mechanisms of toxicity of different environmental heavy metal contaminants, such as aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, and nickel, and their impacts found in the prostate morphophysiology of murine models. The repercussions triggered by heavy metals on the prostate include hormonal imbalance and oxidative damage, leading to morphological alterations, which can vary according to the chemical properties of each element, exposure time and concentration, and age. The information of altered biological pathways and its impacts on the prostate of exposed murines are related to human outcomes being useful in the real context of human exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Bicalho Silva
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thalles Fernando Rocha Ruiz
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Cristina Alcantara Dos Santos
- Department of Histology, Embryology and Cell Biology, Laboratory of Microscopy Applied to Reproduction, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Sebastião Roberto Taboga
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Patricia Simone Leite Vilamaior
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Han S, Zhang H, Liu X, Wen F, Li B, Bie Z, Qiu H, Hu J. Enhanced autophagy reversed aflatoxin B1-induced decrease in lactate secretion of dairy goat Sertoli cells. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 259:115063. [PMID: 37229875 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The deleterious effects of aflatoxins, especially aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) which are widespread at all stages of food production, on the reproductive system have been widely reported in males. However, it is still far from fully understood about the toxic effect and molecular mechanism after exposure to AFB1 in various testicular cells, especially Sertoli cells (SCs) which provide various energy materials and support to the developing germ cells as nurse cells. In this work, we examined the effects of AFB1 in dairy goat SCs on lactate production and autophagy, and the role of autophagy on AFB1-induced reduction in lactate production. Mechanistically, AFB1 destroyed the energy balance and reduced the secretion of lactate in dairy goat SCs (P < 0.01), resulting in a reduced level of ATP (P < 0.01) and phosphorylation of AMPK (P < 0.01). Subsequently, activated AMPK triggers autophagy by directly phosphorylating ULK1 (P < 0.05). The enhancement of autophagy partially reversed the AFB1-induced decrease in lactate secretion by promoting glucose utilization (P < 0.01) and increasing the expression of proteins related to lactate secretion in dairy goat SCs (P < 0.05) such as GLUT1, GLUT3, LDHA, and MCT4. Collectively, our study suggests that AFB1 inhibits the secretion of lactate which supply for germ cell development by damaging the "Warburg-like" metabolism of dairy goat SCs. Moreover, autophagy contributes to the resistance of glucose metabolism damage induced by AFB1. DATA AVAILABILITY: All data generated or analyzed in this study are available from the corresponding authors upon request.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuaiqi Han
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongyun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinyu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Wen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Baiyu Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiwen Bie
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Hehan Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianhong Hu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, People's Republic of China.
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Mukherjee AG, Valsala Gopalakrishnan A. The interplay of arsenic, silymarin, and NF-ĸB pathway in male reproductive toxicity: A review. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 252:114614. [PMID: 36753973 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Arsenic toxicity is one of the most trending reasons for several malfunctions, particularly reproductive toxicity. The exact mechanism of arsenic poisoning is a big question mark. Exposure to arsenic reduces sperm count, impairs fertilization, and causes inflammation and genotoxicity through interfering with autophagy, epigenetics, ROS generation, downregulation of essential protein expression, metabolite changes, and hampering several signaling cascades, particularly by the alteration of NF-ĸB pathway. This work tries to give a clear idea about the different aspects of arsenic resulting in male reproductive complications, often leading to infertility. The first part of this article explains the implications of arsenic poisoning and the crosstalk of the NF-ĸB pathway in male reproductive toxicity. Silymarin is a bioactive compound that exerts anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties and has demonstrated hopeful outcomes in several cancers, including colon cancer, breast cancer, and skin cancer, by downregulating the hyperactive NF-ĸB pathway. The next half of this article thus sheds light on silymarin's therapeutic potential in inhibiting the NF-ĸB signaling cascade, thus offering protection against arsenic-induced male reproductive toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anirban Goutam Mukherjee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, India
| | - Abilash Valsala Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, India.
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9
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Man Y, Liu Y, Xiong C, Zhang Y, Zhang L. Non-Lethal Concentrations of CdCl 2 Cause Marked Alternations in Cellular Stress Responses within Exposed Sertoli Cell Line. TOXICS 2023; 11:167. [PMID: 36851042 PMCID: PMC9962571 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11020167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium is a component of ambient metal pollution, which is linked to diverse health issues globally, including male reproductive impairment. Assessments of the acute effects of cadmium on male reproduction systems, such as testes, tend to be based on frank adverse effects, with particular molecular pathways also involved. The relationship between cytotoxicity potential and cellular stress response has been suggested to be one of the many possible drivers of the acute effects of cadmium, but the link remains uncertain. In consequence, there is still much to be learned about the cellular stress response induced by a non-lethal concentration of cadmium in male reproductive cells. The present study used temporal assays to evaluate cellular stress response upon exposure to non-lethal concentrations of Cadmium chloride (CdCl2) in the Sertoli cell line (TM4). The data showed alternations in the expression of genes intimated involved in various cellular stress responses, including endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, endoplasmic unfolded protein stress (UPRmt), endoplasmic dynamics, Nrf2-related antioxidative response, autophagy, and metallothionein (MT) expression. Furthermore, these cellular responses interacted and were tightly related to oxidative stress. Thus, the non-lethal concentration of cadmium perturbed the homeostasis of the Sertoli cell line by inducing pleiotropic cellular stresses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonghong Man
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430060, China
- Center of Scientific Research and Experiment, Nanyang Medical College, Nanyang 473006, China
| | - Yunhao Liu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Chuanzhen Xiong
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430060, China
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10
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Rajkumar A, Luu T, Hales BF, Robaire B. High Content Imaging Analyses of the Effects of Bisphenols and Organophosphate Esters on TM4 Mouse Sertoli Cells. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:858-868. [PMID: 35596243 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocrine disruptive effects of bisphenol A (BPA) and brominated flame retardants (BDE-47) have led to restrictions to their use and increased the pressure to identify safe replacements for these chemicals. Although there is evidence that some of these alternatives may be toxic to spermatogonial and Leydig cells, little is known about the toxicity of emerging replacements on Sertoli cells, one of the major testicular cell types. We used high-content imaging to compare the effects of legacy chemicals, BPA and BDE-47, to their corresponding replacements. TM4 Sertoli cells were exposed for 48 h to each chemical (0.001-100 μM) followed by cytotoxicity and phenotypic endpoint assessment. The benchmark concentration (BMC) potency ranking for bisphenols based on cytotoxicity was BPTMC>BPM > BPAF>BPF > BPS > BPA. Human administered equivalent dose (AED) determination ranked BPS as most potent alternative replacement studied. The BMC potency ranking of BDE-47 and organophosphate esters based on cytotoxicity was TDtBPP>BDMPP>TBOEP>TDCPP>TMPP>TPHP> BDE47 > IPPP=BPDP = TCPP. Additionally, TM4 cell exposure to BDE-47 increased Calcein intensity (57.9 μM) and affected lysosomes (21.6 μM), while exposure to TPHP and TMPP resulted in cellular oxidative stress changes at BMC values as low as 0.01 μM and 0.4 μM, respectively. Overall bioactivity considerations of the chemicals on TM4 via ToxPi analyses and AED modeling further validated emerging replacements as highly potent chemicals in comparison to BPA and BDE-47. These findings demonstrate that many bisphenol and flame retardant replacements are more potent in Sertoli cells than the legacy chemical they are replacing, and that phenotypic parameter assessment is an effective tool in chemical toxicity assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abishankari Rajkumar
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada, H3G 1Y6
| | - Trang Luu
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada, H3G 1Y6
| | - Barbara F Hales
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada, H3G 1Y6
| | - Bernard Robaire
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada, H3G 1Y6.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada. H3G 1Y6
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11
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Machado-Neves M. Effect of heavy metals on epididymal morphology and function: An integrative review. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 291:133020. [PMID: 34848222 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.133020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Male fertility has deteriorated over the last decades, and environmental risk factors are among the possible causes of this phenomenon. Pollutants such as heavy metals might accumulate in male reproductive organs to levels that are associated with reproductive disorders. Several studies reported detrimental effects of inorganic arsenic (iAs+3/iAs+5), cadmium (Cd+2), lead (Pb+2), and mercury (Hg+2/CH3Hg+2) on the epididymis, which plays a crucial role in sperm maturation. However, the magnitude of their effects and the consequences on the physiology of the epididymis are still unclear. Therefore, an integrative review with meta-analyses was conducted examining 138 studies to determine how exposure to arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury affects epididymal morphology and functions, using primarily murine data from experimental studies as a source. This study showed that exposure to metal(loids) reduced epididymal weight, sperm motility, and sperm number. Inorganic arsenic, cadmium, and lead damaged sperm structures within the epididymal duct. While sodium arsenite, sodium arsenate, and lead acetate generate oxidative stress by an imbalance between ROS production and scavenging, cadmium chloride causes an increase in the pH level of the luminal fluid (from 6.5 to 7.37) that diminishes sperm viability. Inorganic arsenic induced a delay in the sperm transit time by modulating noradrenaline and dopamine secretion. Subacute exposure to heavy metals at concentrations < 0.1 mg L-1 initiates a dyshomeostasis of calcium, copper, iron, and zinc that disturbs sperm parameters and reduces epididymal weight. These alterations worsen with prolonged exposure time and higher doses. Most studies evaluated the effects of concentrations > 1.1 mg L-1 of heavy metals on the epididymis rather than doses with relevant importance for human health risk. This meta-analytical study faced limitations regarding a deeper analysis of epididymis physiology. Hence, several recommendations for future investigations are provided. This review creates a baseline for the comprehension of epididymal toxicology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Machado-Neves
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Av. P.H. Rolfs, s/n, DBG, Campus Universitário, Viçosa, 36570-900, Minas Gerais, Brasil.
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12
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Wang L, Bu T, Wu X, Gao S, Li X, De Jesus AB, Wong CKC, Chen H, Chung NPY, Sun F, Cheng CY. Cell-Cell Interaction-Mediated Signaling in the Testis Induces Reproductive Dysfunction—Lesson from the Toxicant/Pharmaceutical Models. Cells 2022; 11:cells11040591. [PMID: 35203242 PMCID: PMC8869896 DOI: 10.3390/cells11040591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence has shown that cell-cell interactions between testicular cells, in particular at the Sertoli cell-cell and Sertoli-germ cell interface, are crucial to support spermatogenesis. The unique ultrastructures that support cell-cell interactions in the testis are the basal ES (ectoplasmic specialization) and the apical ES. The basal ES is found between adjacent Sertoli cells near the basement membrane that also constitute the blood-testis barrier (BTB). The apical ES is restrictively expressed at the Sertoli-spermatid contact site in the apical (adluminal) compartment of the seminiferous epithelium. These ultrastructures are present in both rodent and human testes, but the majority of studies found in the literature were done in rodent testes. As such, our discussion herein, unless otherwise specified, is focused on studies in testes of adult rats. Studies have shown that the testicular cell-cell interactions crucial to support spermatogenesis are mediated through distinctive signaling proteins and pathways, most notably involving FAK, Akt1/2 and Cdc42 GTPase. Thus, manipulation of some of these signaling proteins, such as FAK, through the use of phosphomimetic mutants for overexpression in Sertoli cell epithelium in vitro or in the testis in vivo, making FAK either constitutively active or inactive, we can modify the outcome of spermatogenesis. For instance, using the toxicant-induced Sertoli cell or testis injury in rats as study models, we can either block or rescue toxicant-induced infertility through overexpression of p-FAK-Y397 or p-FAK-Y407 (and their mutants), including the use of specific activator(s) of the involved signaling proteins against pAkt1/2. These findings thus illustrate that a potential therapeutic approach can be developed to manage toxicant-induced male reproductive dysfunction. In this review, we critically evaluate these recent findings, highlighting the direction for future investigations by bringing the laboratory-based research through a translation path to clinical investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Wang
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, China; (L.W.); (T.B.); (X.W.); (S.G.)
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong 226001, China; (X.L.); (H.C.)
| | - Tiao Bu
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, China; (L.W.); (T.B.); (X.W.); (S.G.)
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong 226001, China; (X.L.); (H.C.)
| | - Xiaolong Wu
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, China; (L.W.); (T.B.); (X.W.); (S.G.)
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong 226001, China; (X.L.); (H.C.)
| | - Sheng Gao
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, China; (L.W.); (T.B.); (X.W.); (S.G.)
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong 226001, China; (X.L.); (H.C.)
| | - Xinyao Li
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong 226001, China; (X.L.); (H.C.)
| | | | - Chris K. C. Wong
- Department of Biology, Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China;
| | - Hao Chen
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong 226001, China; (X.L.); (H.C.)
| | - Nancy P. Y. Chung
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA;
| | - Fei Sun
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, China; (L.W.); (T.B.); (X.W.); (S.G.)
- Correspondence: (F.S.); (C.Y.C.)
| | - C. Yan Cheng
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, China; (L.W.); (T.B.); (X.W.); (S.G.)
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong 226001, China; (X.L.); (H.C.)
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Correspondence: (F.S.); (C.Y.C.)
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13
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Choudhury BP, Roychoudhury S, Sengupta P, Toman R, Dutta S, Kesari KK. Arsenic-Induced Sex Hormone Disruption: An Insight into Male Infertility. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1391:83-95. [PMID: 36472818 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-12966-7_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Arsenic (As) is one of the most potent natural as well as anthropogenic metalloid toxicants that have various implications in the everyday life of humans. It is found in several chemical forms such as inorganic salt, organic salt, and arsine (gaseous form). Although it is mostly released via natural causes, there are many ways through which humans come in contact with As. Drinking water contamination by As is one of the major health concerns in various parts of the world. Arsenic exposure has the ability to induce adverse health effects including reproductive problems. Globally, around 15% of the couples are affected with infertility, of which about 20-30% are attributed to the male factor. Arsenic affects the normal development and function of sperm cells, tissue organization of the gonads, and also the sex hormone parameters. Stress induction is one of the implications of As exposure. Excessive stress leads to the release of glucocorticoids, which impact the oxidative balance in the body leading to overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This may in turn result in oxidative stress (OS) ultimately interfering with normal sperm and hormonal parameters. This study deals with As-induced OS and its association with sex hormone disruption as well as its effect on sperm and semen quality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Pallav Sengupta
- School of Medical Sciences, Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research (BIHER), Selaiyur, Chennai, India.,Physiology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Bioscience and Nursing, MAHSA University, Jenjarom, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Robert Toman
- Department of Veterinary Disciplines, Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Sulagna Dutta
- Department of Oral Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, MAHSA University, Jenjarom, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Kavindra Kumar Kesari
- Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland
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14
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Protective Effect of Nano-Vitamin C on Infertility due to Oxidative Stress Induced by Lead and Arsenic in Male Rats. J CHEM-NY 2021. [DOI: 10.1155/2021/9589345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Occupational and environmental exposure to heavy metals such as arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) by inducing oxidative damage may impair male fertility. However, there is a new view that shows that the nano form of vitamins such as vitamin C, which have antioxidant activity, can be effective in improving this disorder. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of NVC (NVC) on reproductive toxicity caused by the combination of Pb and As on testicular histology, sperm morphology, oxidative stress parameters, and hormonal changes in male rats. In this experimental study, forty-two male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups: control, NVC (200 mg/kg), As (50 ppm sodium arsenate), Pb (500 ppm Pb acetate), As + NVC, and Pb + NVC. FSH, LH, and testosterone levels were measured in serum. The activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), carbonyl protein, malondialdehyde (MDA), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was measured in testis. Histological examination and sperm parameters were also evaluated. FSH, LH, and testosterone levels and sperm parameters significantly decreased, and levels of protein carbonyl, MDA, and DNA fragmentation increased in the As and Pb groups, while treatment with NVC could improve them. Histological evaluation and sperm parameters in As and Pb groups showed damage in the process of spermatogenesis and sperm parameters. The treatment with NVC could significantly improve these parameters. The activity of GPx, SOD, and CAT in testis decreased in As and Pb groups, while treatment with NVC could enhance them. It can be concluded that NVC by inhibiting oxidative damage and improving serum level of testosterone, LH, and FSH could overcome As- and Pb-induced reproductive dysfunction.
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15
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López-Botella A, Velasco I, Acién M, Sáez-Espinosa P, Todolí-Torró JL, Sánchez-Romero R, Gómez-Torres MJ. Impact of Heavy Metals on Human Male Fertility-An Overview. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10091473. [PMID: 34573104 PMCID: PMC8468047 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10091473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Heavy metals are endocrine disruptors which interfere with processes mediated by endogenous hormones of the organism, negatively affecting endocrine functions. Some studies have correlated heavy metal exposure with male infertility. However, the number of studies conducted on humans are limited. Therefore, the aim of this study is to summarize the current knowledge on how heavy metals influence human male fertility. Hence, three distinct databases were consulted—PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science—using single keywords and combinations of them. The total number of identified articles was 636. Nevertheless, by using the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 144 articles were finally included in this work. Results display that the development of adequate instruments for heavy metal assessment may play an important function in human male fertility diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, clinical trials could be useful to confirm the role of heavy metals in human male fertility diagnosis. Overall, further research is required to fully understand the molecular and cellular basis of the influence of environmental and occupational exposure to heavy metals on human male infertility and reproductive outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea López-Botella
- Service of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Unit of Human Reproduction, FISABIO—San Juan University Hospital, Carretera Alicante-Valencia s/n, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain; (A.L.-B.); (I.V.); (M.A.)
- Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Alicante, Carretera San Vicente del Raspeig s/n, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Alicante, Spain;
| | - Irene Velasco
- Service of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Unit of Human Reproduction, FISABIO—San Juan University Hospital, Carretera Alicante-Valencia s/n, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain; (A.L.-B.); (I.V.); (M.A.)
- Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Alicante, Carretera San Vicente del Raspeig s/n, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Alicante, Spain;
| | - Maribel Acién
- Service of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Unit of Human Reproduction, FISABIO—San Juan University Hospital, Carretera Alicante-Valencia s/n, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain; (A.L.-B.); (I.V.); (M.A.)
- Gynecology Division, Faculty of Medicine, Miguel Hernández University, Carretera Alicante-Valencia s/n, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain
| | - Paula Sáez-Espinosa
- Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Alicante, Carretera San Vicente del Raspeig s/n, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Alicante, Spain;
| | - José-Luis Todolí-Torró
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Alicante, Carretera San Vicente del Raspeig s/n, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Alicante, Spain; (J.-L.T.-T.); (R.S.-R.)
| | - Raquel Sánchez-Romero
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Alicante, Carretera San Vicente del Raspeig s/n, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Alicante, Spain; (J.-L.T.-T.); (R.S.-R.)
| | - María José Gómez-Torres
- Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Alicante, Carretera San Vicente del Raspeig s/n, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Alicante, Spain;
- Correspondence:
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16
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Dolati P, Zamiri MJ, Akhlaghi A, Khodabandeh Z, Mehrabani D, Atashi H, Jamhiri I. Reproductive and embryological toxicity of lead acetate in male mice and their offspring and mitigation effects of quercetin. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2021; 67:126793. [PMID: 34049200 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2021.126793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to heavy metals not only impacts on fertility in males, it may also affect the offspring. The aim of the present study was to examine the toxic effects of lead acetate on fertility in male mice and their offspring, and the potential effect of quercetin on mitigating the likely effects. Experimental mice were randomly divided into three groups and administered with (i) distilled water (control); (ii) lead acetate (150 mg/kg BW/day); (iii) lead acetate (150 mg/kg BW/day) with quercetin (75 mg/kg BW/day). Lead acetate administration in male mice adversely affected their fertility through changes in sperm motility, viability, morphology, maturity, membrane integrity, and intracellular reactive oxygen species (P < 0.05). Similar findings were observed in the offspring of the lead-treated male mice. Early embryonic development and implantation rate were also adversely influenced in both the sires and offspring when male mice were treated with lead acetate (P < 0.05). The data demonstrated that down-regulation of Cks2 (CDC28 protein kinase regulatory subunit-2) in sperm had an association with early embryonic development in lead acetate treated group. In conclusion, lead acetate administration adversely impacted on the fertility of the male mice and their male offspring fertility; on the other hand, paternal quercetin co-administration somewhat ameliorated the adverse effects of lead on male mice and their offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Dolati
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Javad Zamiri
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Amir Akhlaghi
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Zahra Khodabandeh
- Stem Cells Technology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Science, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Davood Mehrabani
- Stem Cells Technology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Science, Shiraz, Iran; Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Research and Innovation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
| | - Hadi Atashi
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Iman Jamhiri
- Stem Cells Technology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Science, Shiraz, Iran.
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17
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Bhardwaj JK, Paliwal A, Saraf P. Effects of heavy metals on reproduction owing to infertility. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2021; 35:e22823. [PMID: 34051019 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.22823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The reproductive performance of most of the species is adversely affected by hazardous heavy metals like lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic, zinc, and copper. Heavy metals are liberated in the environment by natural sources like rock weathering, volcanic eruption, and other human activities like industrial discharge, mineral mining, automobile exhaust, and so forth. Heavy metals alter several reproductive functions in both males and females like a decrease in sperm count, motility, viability, spermatogenesis, hormonal imbalance, follicular atresia, and delay in oocyte maturation, and so forth, and thus, forms an important aspect of reproductive toxicology. The present review compiles toxicity aspects of various heavy metals and their efficacy and mechanism of action in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitender K Bhardwaj
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India
| | - Aakansha Paliwal
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India
| | - Priyanka Saraf
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India
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18
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Escher J. How Family Histories Can Inform Research About Germ Cell Exposures: The Example of Autism. Biol Reprod 2021; 105:767-773. [PMID: 33959752 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Throughout the scientific literature, heritable traits are routinely presumed to be genetic in origin. However, as emerging evidence from the realms of genetic toxicology and epigenomics demonstrate, heritability may be better understood as encompassing not only DNA sequence passed down through generations, but also disruptions to the parental germ cells causing de novo mutations or epigenetic alterations, with subsequent shifts in gene expression and functions in offspring. The Beyond Genes conference highlighted advances in understanding these aspects at molecular, experimental and epidemiological levels. In this commentary I suggest that future research on this topic could be inspired by collecting parents' germ cell exposure histories, with particular attention to cases of families with multiple children suffering idiopathic disorders. In so doing I focus on the endpoint of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Rates of this serious neurodevelopment disability have climbed around the world, a growing crisis that cannot be explained by diagnostic shifts. ASD's strong heritability has prompted a research program largely focused on DNA sequencing to locate rare and common variants, but decades of this gene-focused research have revealed surprisingly little about the molecular origins of the disorder. Based on my experience as the mother of two children with idiopathic autism, and as a research philanthropist and autism advocate, I suggest ways researchers might probe parental germ cell exposure histories to develop new hypotheses that may ultimately reveal sources of non-genetic heritability in a subset of idiopathic heritable pathologies.
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19
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Krzastek SC, Farhi J, Gray M, Smith RP. Impact of environmental toxin exposure on male fertility potential. Transl Androl Urol 2021; 9:2797-2813. [PMID: 33457251 PMCID: PMC7807371 DOI: 10.21037/tau-20-685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic infertility is the most common individual diagnosis in male infertility, representing nearly 44% of cases. Research studies dating over the last half-century consistently demonstrate a decline in male fertility that is incompletely explained by obesity, known genetic causes, or diet and lifestyle changes alone. Human exposures have changed dramatically over the same time course as this fertility decline. Synthetic chemicals surround us. Some are benevolent; however, many are known to cause disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and impair spermatogenesis. More than 80,000 chemicals are registered with the United States National Toxicology Program and nearly 2,000 new chemicals are introduced each year. Many of these are known toxins, such as phthalates, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, aromatic amines, and organophosphate esters, and have been banned or significantly restricted by other countries as they carry known carcinogenic effects and are reproductively toxic. In the United States, many of these chemicals are still permissible in exposure levels known to cause reproductive harm. This contrasts to other chemical regulatory legislature, such as the European Union’s REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals) regulations which are more comprehensive and restrictive. Quantification of these diverse exposures on an individual level has proven challenging, although forthcoming technologies may soon make this data available to consumers. Establishing causality and the proportion of idiopathic infertility attributable to environmental toxin exposures remains elusive, however, continued investigation, avoidance of exposure, and mitigation of risk is essential to our reproductive health. The aim of this review is to examine the literature linking changes in male fertility to some of the most common environmental exposures. Specifically, pesticides and herbicides such as dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), dibromochloropropane (DBCP), organophosphates and atrazine, endocrine disrupting compounds including plastic compounds phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA), heavy metals, natural gas/oil, non-ionizing radiation, air and noise pollution, lifestyle factors including diet, obesity, caffeine use, smoking, alcohol and drug use, as well as commonly prescribed medications will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C Krzastek
- Department of Urology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.,Division of Urology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.,Division of Urology, Hunter Holmes McGuire VAMC, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Jack Farhi
- Department of Urology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Marisa Gray
- Department of Urology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Ryan P Smith
- Department of Urology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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20
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Dolati P, Khodabandeh Z, Zamiri MJ, Jamhiri I, Mehrabani D. The Effect of Lead Acetate and Quercetin on the Tight and Gap Junctions in the Mouse Testis. Biol Trace Elem Res 2020; 198:535-543. [PMID: 32232643 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-020-02079-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Environmental pollutant effects on fertility sometime are irretrievable. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of lead acetate and quercetin on tight (claudin 11 and occludin) and gap junctional (connexin 43) proteins and the integrity of the blood-testis barrier status. Experimental groups, including the lead acetate (Pb), quercetin (QE), lead acetate with quercetin (Pb + QE), and control mice, were treated at least one spermatogenic cycle. Gene expression of claudin 11 and occludin decreased in Pb + QE, Pb, and QE compared with the control group. Connexin 43 (Cx43) expression in the control and Pb groups was lower than in Pb + QE and QE. The immunohistochemical data were generally in line with these findings. In conclusion, the results showed that Pb exposure led to disorders in cellular interactions that affect testicular function; however, simultaneous treatment with quercetin did not alleviate these effects. Graphical Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Dolati
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Zahra Khodabandeh
- Stem Cells Technology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Science, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Javad Zamiri
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Iman Jamhiri
- Stem Cells Technology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Science, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Davood Mehrabani
- Stem Cells Technology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Science, Shiraz, Iran
- Li Ka Shing Center for Health Research and Innovation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Effects of Cadmium, Lead, and Mercury on the Structure and Function of Reproductive Organs. TOXICS 2020; 8:toxics8040094. [PMID: 33137881 PMCID: PMC7711607 DOI: 10.3390/toxics8040094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Reproductive organs are essential not only for the life of an individual but also for the survival and development of the species. The response of reproductive organs to toxic substances differs from that of other target organs, and they may serve as an ideal “barometer” for the deleterious effects of environmental pollution on animal and human health. The incidence of infertility, cancers, and associated maladies has increased in the last fifty years or more, while various anthropogenic activities have released into the environment numerous toxic substances, including cadmium, lead, and mercury. Data from epidemiological studies suggested that environmental exposure to cadmium, lead, and mercury may have produced reproductive and developmental toxicity. The present review focused on experimental studies using rats, mice, avian, and rabbits to demonstrate unambiguously effects of cadmium, lead, or mercury on the structure and function of reproductive organs. In addition, relevant human studies are discussed. The experimental studies reviewed have indicated that the testis and ovary are particularly sensitive to cadmium, lead, and mercury because these organs are distinguished by an intense cellular activity, where vital processes of spermatogenesis, oogenesis, and folliculogenesis occur. In ovaries, manifestation of toxicity induced by cadmium, lead, or mercury included decreased follicular growth, occurrence of follicular atresia, degeneration of the corpus luteum, and alterations in cycle. In testes, toxic effects following exposure to cadmium, lead, or mercury included alterations of seminiferous tubules, testicular stroma, and decrease of spermatozoa count, motility and viability, and aberrant spermatozoa morphology.
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Huang L, Huang S, Luo X, Li L, Chen X, Zan G, Tan Y, Liu C, Hou Q, Ge X, Chen C, Hong X, Tian Y, Yang A, Chen P, Li M, Mo Z, Yang X. Associations of prenatal exposure to multiple metals with testicular volume and anogenital distance in infant boys: A longitudinal cohort study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 143:105900. [PMID: 32653800 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human are widely exposed to multiple metals, some of which have suspected reproductive toxicity, but no human studies have investigated the developmental effects of prenatal metal exposure. OBJECTIVES We aimed to evaluate the associations between prenatal multiple metal exposure and reproductive development in boys at 2-3 years using multi-pollutant approach. METHODS This prospective study used data of 564 mother-child pairs recruited from the Guangxi Birth Cohort Study. Twenty serum metal concentrations were measured. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) penalized regression was used to identify independent associations between prenatal multiple metal exposure and testicular volume (TV), and anogenital distance (AGD). Adjusted estimates were then obtained using multiple linear regression analysis, and the regression tree method was used to explore the interactions. RESULTS Boys in the highest quartile of prenatal lead exposure had a 0.064 mL (95% CI: -0.124, -0.004) smaller ln-transformed TV, 0.060 cm (95% CI: -0.110, -0.011) shorter ln-transformed anopenile distance (AGDap), and 0.115 cm (95% CI: -0.190, -0.039) shorter ln-transformed anoscrotal distance (AGDas) than boys in the lowest quartile (all Ptrend < 0.05). Chromium was inversely with ln-transformed AGDap (β = -0.078, 95% CI: -0.127, -0.030) and ln-transformed AGDas (β = -0.113, 95% CI: -0.188, -0.038), while stibium was positivity associated with ln-transformed AGDap (β = 0.091, 95% CI: 0.046, 0.136) and strontium was positivity associated with ln-transformed AGDas (β = 0.120, 95% CI: 0.051, 0.189) (all Ptrend < 0.05). And the critical window of vulnerability may be the late pregnancy (the second and third trimester). Moreover, we detected interaction effects between lead, chromium and stibium on AGDap; lead, chromium and strontium on AGDas. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that prenatal exposure to lead, chromium, stibium and strontium may affect TV and/or AGD in infant boys. Potential mechanisms for the complex metal interactive effects during vulnerable periods are worthy of further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Huang
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China; Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Sifang Huang
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China; Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Xiaoyu Luo
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China; Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Longman Li
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China; Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Xiang Chen
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China; Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Gaohui Zan
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China; Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Yanli Tan
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China; Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Chaoqun Liu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Qingzhi Hou
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China; Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Xiaoting Ge
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China; Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Chunfei Chen
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Eco-Environmental Monitoring Center, Nanning, China
| | - Xin Hong
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Eco-Environmental Monitoring Center, Nanning, China
| | - Yan Tian
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Eco-Environmental Monitoring Center, Nanning, China
| | - Aimin Yang
- Hong Kong Institute of Diabetes and Obesity, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Pan Chen
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, United States
| | - Mujun Li
- Department of Reproductive Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Zengnan Mo
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China; Department of Urology and Nephrology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Xiaobo Yang
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China; Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.
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Balachandar R, Bagepally BS, Kalahasthi R, Haridoss M. Blood lead levels and male reproductive hormones: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Toxicology 2020; 443:152574. [PMID: 32860866 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2020.152574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Present study aimed to systematically review and synthesise quantitative evidence on association between occupational Lead (Pb) exposure and male reproductive hormones (MRH) and sperm quality from the existing literature. Observational studies investigating the effects of Pb exposure on MRH, sperm-count and sperm motility are systematically searched in PubMed, Scopus and EMBASE databases since inception to May 2019. The PRISMA guidelines are adhered during the entire study procedure and details such as participant characteristics, occupational Pb exposure, MRH, sperm-count and sperm motility from individual articles are extracted to the perform meta-analysis. Sub-group analysis and sensitivity analysis are additionally explored. Further, meta-regression is executed to investigate the influence of participant's age, duration of workplace Pb exposure on the individual outcome parameters. We observed that otherwise normal (fertile) male participants from all studies were within the age range of 25-45 years. Male employees occupationally exposed to Pb exhibited significantly higher blood Pb, lower sperm-count, poor sperm motility and higher serum prolactin levels as compared to the Pb unexposed males. The testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone and luteinising hormone levels of the occupationally Pb exposed participants are comparable to that of unexposed comparators. Studies included for synthesising quantitative evidence had unacceptable levels of heterogeneity. Explorative subgroup or meta-regression analysis had no additional results to the study. Lastly, included studies were driven by publication bias (positive results) and low powered (small sample size) studies. Thus, Pb exposure at workplaces is detrimental to male reproductive function, with lower sperm-count and higher prolactin levels. However, to enumerate the precise quantity of Pb exposure detrimental on male reproductive functions, high quality longitudinal studies with large cohorts are needed.
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Ommati MM, Heidari R, Zamiri MJ, Sabouri S, Zaker L, Farshad O, Jamshidzadeh A, Mousapour S. The Footprints of Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Impairment in Arsenic Trioxide-Induced Testosterone Release Suppression in Pubertal and Mature F1-Male Balb/c Mice via the Downregulation of 3β-HSD, 17β-HSD, and CYP11a Expression. Biol Trace Elem Res 2020; 195:125-134. [PMID: 31313246 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-019-01815-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to arsenic (AS) causes abnormalities in the reproductive system; however, the precise cellular pathway of AS toxicity on steroidogenesis in developing F1-male mice has not been clearly defined. In this study, paternal mice were treated with arsenic trioxide (As2O3; 0, 0.2, 2, and 20 ppm in drinking water) from 5 weeks before mating until weaning and continued for male offspring from weaning until maturity (in vivo). Additionally, Leydig cells (LCs) were isolated from the testes of sacrificed F1-intact mature male mice and incubated with As2O3 (0, 1, 10, and 100 μM) for 48 h (in vitro). Biomarkers of mitochondrial impairment, oxidative stress, and several steroidogenic genes, including the steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein, cytochrome P450 side-chain cleaving enzyme (P450scc; Cyp11a), 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD), and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD), were evaluated. High doses of As2O3 interrupted testosterone (T) biosynthesis and T-related gene expression in these experimental models. Altogether, overconsumption of As2O3 can cause testicular and LC toxicity through mitochondrial-related pathways and oxidative stress indices as well as downregulation of androgenic-related genes in mice and isolated LCs. These results could lead to the development of preventive/therapeutic procedures against As2O3-induced reproductive toxicity. Graphical Abstract Mohammad Mehdi Ommati and Reza Heidari contributed equally to this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Mehdi Ommati
- Department of Bioinformatics, College of Life Sciences, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, People's Republic of China.
| | - Reza Heidari
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Fars, 158371345, Iran
| | - Mohammad Javad Zamiri
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Samira Sabouri
- Department of Bioinformatics, College of Life Sciences, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Ladan Zaker
- Department of Hematology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Omid Farshad
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Fars, 158371345, Iran
| | - Akram Jamshidzadeh
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Fars, 158371345, Iran
| | - Saeed Mousapour
- Department of Embryo Technology Research Institute, Shahr-e Kord University, Shahr-e Kord, Iran
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Deng B, Pakhomov OV, Bozhok GA. Long-term effects of acute cadmium exposure on testis immune privilege. REGULATORY MECHANISMS IN BIOSYSTEMS 2020. [DOI: 10.15421/022027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is a widespread and non-biodegradable pollutant of great concern to human health. This element can affect cellular signal transduction and cell-to-cell interaction in the testis. Immune tolerance towards auto- and alloantigens is an important component of testis immunity. It is involved in spermatogenesis and hormone secretion. Plus, the immune tolerance may help to reveal the changes in testis immunity over a long period after Cd exposure. The current research was aimed at investigating the long-term effects of acute Cd exposure on testis immunity by means of elicitation of testicular immune cell composition shift induced by Cd. Cadmium chloride was intraperitoneally injected at 3 mg Cd/kg to mice. After that testis interstitial cells were stained with surface markers for leukocyte and lymphocyte subpopulations (CD45, CD11b, CD3, CD4, CD8, CD25) and analyzed cytofluorimetrically by week 4, 6, 8 and 12 after Cd administration (Cd group). To identify the delayed effects of cadmium on immune tolerance two groups of animals were subjected to intratesticular allotransplantation of neonatal testis (groups ITT and Cd+ ITT). One of the groups was administered with Cd four weeks before the transplantation (Cd+ITT group). I group served as a control that did not undergo any transplantation or Cd injection. For a better demonstration of the phenomenon of immunological tolerance of the testicles, an additional group (UKT group) was used which got grafts under the kidney capsule (non-immune privileged site).Investigation of the cell population showed that CD45+, CD11b+, CD4+, CD8+ cells were permanently present in testicular interstitial tissue in I group. Intratesticular testis transplantation increased the proportion of CD11b+ but did not have such a pronounced effect on CD8+ cells in ITT group. Moreover, the transplantation elevated CD4+ CD25+ cells known for their immunosuppressive property and promoted graft development by week 2 (histological data). Cd injection resulted in severe inflammation that quenched by week 4 (Cd and Cd+ ITT groups). This time point was chosen for transplantation in Cd+ ITT group. Such Cd pretreatment led to a high CD8+ cell proportion and to the delayed appearance of CD4+ CD25+ cells by week 2 (Cd+ ITTgroup). The finding is consistent with the impairment of graft development in Cd+ ITTgroup pretreated with Cd. Observation suggest that Cd pretreatment was associated with disproportion of interstitial immune cell populations which resulted in the impairment of immunoprotective function of the testis. The impairment of testis immunity showed itself only after several weeks of Cd administration, and only when the recipient testis immunity was provoked by alloantigens of donor testes.
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Fang Y, Zhang L, Dong X, Wang H, He L, Zhong S. Downregulation of vdac2 inhibits spermatogenesis via JNK and P53 signalling in mice exposed to cadmium. Toxicol Lett 2020; 326:114-122. [PMID: 32199951 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2020.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have reported the reproductive toxicity of cadmium (Cd); however, the effect of Cd on spermatogenesis and the underlying mechanism remain to be elucidated. In this study, mouse Leydig TM3 cells were treated with CdCl2 (0, 5, 10 and 50 μM) for 24 h to evaluate cytotoxicity, and C57BL/6 mice were treated intragastrically with 0.4 mL CdCl2 (0, 0.01, 0.05 and 0.1 g/L) for 2 months to investigate changes in spermatogenesis. The results showed that Cd aggravated apoptosis and proliferation in a dose-dependent manner, concomitant with deteriorated spermatogenesis and testosterone synthesis. For mechanism exploration, RNA-seq was used to profile alterations in gene expression in response to Cd, and the results indicated focus on P53/JNK signalling pathways and membrane proteins. We found that P53/JNK signalling pathways were activated upon Cd treatment, with the Cd-triggered downregulation of the vdac2 gene. P53/JNK pathway blockade ameliorated the Cd-induced inhibition of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR) expression and testosterone synthesis. Additionally, vdac2 knockdown in TM3 cells contributed to the phosphorylation of JNK/P53 and reduced the testosterone content. Vdac2 overexpression rescued the aforementioned Cd-induced events. Collectively, our study identified an innovative biomarker of Cd exposure in mice. The results demonstrated that vdac2 downregulation inhibits spermatogenesis via the JNK/P53 cascade. This finding may contribute to our understanding of the regulatory mechanism of Cd reproductive toxicity and provide a candidate list for sperm abnormality factors and pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Fang
- Department of Medical Genetics, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Lang Zhang
- Department of Medical Genetics, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Xin Dong
- Department of Medical Genetics, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Li He
- Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuhan 430223, China
| | - Shan Zhong
- Department of Medical Genetics, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071, China.
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Xie J, Yu J, Fan Y, Zhao X, Su J, Meng Y, Wu Y, Uddin MB, Wang C, Wang Z. Low dose lead exposure at the onset of puberty disrupts spermatogenesis-related gene expression and causes abnormal spermatogenesis in mouse. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2020; 393:114942. [PMID: 32142724 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2020.114942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Implications of lead (Pb) exposure in dysregulated spermatogenesis in sexually active individuals during adulthood is well established; however, the effect of Pb exposure on spermatogenesis in the early stages of puberty is not clear yet. Moreover, the mechanism of Pb mediated dysregulation of spermatogenesis in adults is also poorly understood. Exposure to environmental toxicants during puberty may cause serious consequences in adulthood causing developmental retardations, especially in the reproductive system. Here we investigated the effects of lead exposure on spermatogenesis at the onset of puberty and the underlying mechanisms of these effects. Male ICR mice were exposed to low (50 mg/L) and high (200 mg/L) doses of Pb through the drinking water for 90 days. At the end of this period, the blood Pb level of the low-dose and high-dose exposure groups were found 6.14 ± 0.34 μg/dL and 11.92 ± 2.92 μg/dL respectively which were in agreement with the US CDC-recommended (5 μg/dL) and Chinese CDC-recommended (10 μg/dL) reference blood Pb level for the children. Although no visible toxicity was observed in either group, Pb exposure caused considerable histopathological changes in testis and epididymis; increased sperm DNA fragmentation indices as well as disrupted sperm heads and head-neck conjunctions. Moreover, both low and high-dose Pb exposures caused aberrant expressions of several important spermatogenesis-related genes in epididymis and testis. These results suggest that although the blood Pb levels are close to the recommended-reference values, low dose Pb exposure at the onset of puberty can disrupt spermatogenesis-related gene expression and cause abnormal mouse spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Xie
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, PR China
| | - Jun Yu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, PR China
| | - Yongsheng Fan
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, PR China
| | - Xue Zhao
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, PR China
| | - Jianmei Su
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, PR China
| | - Yu Meng
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, PR China
| | - Yu Wu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, PR China
| | - Mohammad Burhan Uddin
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Chunhong Wang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, PR China.
| | - Zhishan Wang
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA.
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Leong JY, Blachman-Braun R, Patel AS, Patel P, Ramasamy R. Association between polychlorinated biphenyl 153 exposure and serum testosterone levels: analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Transl Androl Urol 2019; 8:666-672. [PMID: 32038962 DOI: 10.21037/tau.2019.11.26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background To examine the effects of environmental polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) 153 exposure, an industrial plasticizer, on serum testosterone levels. Methods Using data collected from the 1999-2000 and 2001-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), we analyzed serum total testosterone and PCB153 levels, demographic data and comorbidities for men aged 18 years and older. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between total testosterone and serum PCB153. Results Five hundred and fifty-seven men met inclusion criteria. Median age was 45.7 [33.4-60.4] years old while median serum total testosterone and PCB153 levels were 479 [352.5-607] ng/dL and 0.20 [0.11-0.39] ng/g, respectively. Increasing age, higher body mass index (BMI), higher levels of serum PCB153, lower levels of activity and a history of diabetes mellitus and coronary heart disease were associated with decreasing serum testosterone levels on univariate linear regression. On multivariate linear regression, increasing age (estimate -6.29 ng/dL per year of life, P<0.001) and BMI (estimate -7.08 ng/dL per unit BMI, P<0.001) were associated with declining serum testosterone levels. While serum PCB153 levels were found to be negatively correlated with serum testosterone levels on univariate analysis (estimate -179.67, P<0.001), this association was not significant on the multivariable model (estimate -12.83, P=0.673). Conclusions In this population-based analysis, we report an association between a decrease in serum testosterone with increasing serum levels of PCB153. Identifying environmental factors for etiology of low testosterone and mechanisms for causation will be important to aid in strategies to increase testosterone naturally in men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joon Yau Leong
- Department of Urology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ruben Blachman-Braun
- Department of Urology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Amir Shahreza Patel
- Department of Urology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Premal Patel
- Section of Urology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Ranjith Ramasamy
- Department of Urology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
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Liquid chromatography- mass spectrometry for analysis of DNA damages induced by environmental exposure. Trends Analyt Chem 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2019.115645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Panwar V, Dutta T. Diatom Biogenic Silica as a Felicitous Platform for Biochemical Engineering: Expanding Frontiers. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2019; 2:2295-2316. [DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.9b00050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Varsha Panwar
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Tanmay Dutta
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India
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Review on molecular and biochemical insights of arsenic-mediated male reproductive toxicity. Life Sci 2018; 212:37-58. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2018.09.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Revised: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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