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Zhu BB, Zhang ZC, Li J, Gao XX, Chen YH, Wang H, Gao L, Xu DX. Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate induces testicular endoplasmic reticulum stress and germ cell apoptosis in adolescent mice. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:21696-21705. [PMID: 33411269 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-12210-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a male reproductive toxicant. This research is aimed at investigating the effect of pubertal DEHP exposure on testicular endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and germ cell apoptosis. Five-week-old male mice were orally administered with DEHP (0, 0.5, 50, or 500 mg/kg/day) for 35 days. Testis weight and sperm count were reduced in mice exposed to 500 mg/kg/day DEHP. The number of seminiferous tubules in stages VII-VIII, mature seminiferous tubules, was reduced and the number of seminiferous tubules in stages IX-XII, immature seminiferous tubules, was elevated in mice treated with 500 mg/kg/day DEHP. Numerous apoptotic germ cells were observed in mouse seminiferous tubules exposed to 50 and 500 mg/kg/day DEHP. Moreover, cleaved caspase-3 was elevated in mouse testes exposed to 500 mg/kg/day DEHP. In addition, Bcl-2 was reduced and Bax/Bcl-2 was elevated in mouse testes exposed to 500 mg/kg/day DEHP. Additional experiment showed that GRP78, an ER molecular chaperone, was downregulated in mouse testes exposed to 500 mg/kg/day DEHP. Testicular p-IRE-1α, p-JNK, and CHOP, three markers of ER stress, were upregulated in mice exposed to 500 mg/kg/day DEHP. These results suggest that pubertal exposure to high doses of DEHP induces germ cell apoptosis partially through initiating ER stress in testes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin-Bin Zhu
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei, China
| | - Zhi-Cheng Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei, China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei, China
| | - Xing-Xing Gao
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei, China
| | - Yuan-Hua Chen
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei, China
| | - Lan Gao
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei, China.
| | - De-Xiang Xu
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei, China.
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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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Wang B, Qin X, Xiao N, Yao Y, Duan Y, Cui X, Zhang S, Luo H, Sun H. Phthalate exposure and semen quality in infertile male population from Tianjin, China: Associations and potential mediation by reproductive hormones. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 744:140673. [PMID: 32702538 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Global decline in male fertility and their associations with ubiquitous exposure of phthalates (PAEs) have raised public concerns. However, the current epidemiological data are limited and controversial. Hence, we investigated possible associations between PAE exposure and male infertility. Eleven phthalate metabolites (mPAEs) were determined in urine and serum samples collected from eighty-eight males diagnosed with infertility from Tianjin, China. The median serum levels of mPAE were n.d. -3.63 ng/mL, which were 1-2 orders of magnitude lower than the urinary levels of n.d. -192 ng/mL. Negative associations were identified between urinary follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and MiBP and serum MCMHP, as well as testosterone (T) and luteinizing hormone (LH) and the molar concentrations of ∑mPAE, while positive association was found between T and the serum molar concentrations of ∑mDEHP. Positive associations were found between the molar concentrations of serum ∑mPAE and sperm concentration, sperm motility rate, and progressive motility, between mono (2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate (MECPP) and semen volume and total sperm number, and between MCMHP and progressive motility, while negative association was found between mono(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP) and progressive motility. Moreover, FSH was found to mediate the association between serum concentrations of MCMHP and progressive motility (mediation ratio = 41.6%), and LH to mediate the associations between serum concentrations of ∑mPAE and sperm concentration (mediation ratio = 45.7%) and sperm motility rate (mediation ratio = 29.0%). These results also suggested that serum levels of mPAE are a good predictor for male infertility. Further efforts need to be made on toxicological studies to systematically elaborate the internal mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Xiaolei Qin
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Nan Xiao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tianjin Central Hospital of Gynecology Obstetrics, Tianjin 300100, China
| | - Yiming Yao
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Yishuang Duan
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xianfeng Cui
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tianjin Central Hospital of Gynecology Obstetrics, Tianjin 300100, China
| | - Shuai Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tianjin Central Hospital of Gynecology Obstetrics, Tianjin 300100, China
| | - Haining Luo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tianjin Central Hospital of Gynecology Obstetrics, Tianjin 300100, China
| | - Hongwen Sun
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
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Zhang J, Yao Y, Pan J, Guo X, Han X, Zhou J, Meng X. Maternal exposure to Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) activates the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in F1 and F2 generation adult mouse testis. Exp Cell Res 2020; 394:112151. [PMID: 32589889 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2020.112151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (diethylhexyl phthalate, DEHP) can cause male reproductive damage in rodents and human. Moreover, DEHP is known to promote transgenerational inheritance of adult-onset disease in subsequent generations after maternal exposure during fetal gonadal development. The PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway has been implicated in germ cell survival following testicular damage. In this study, a F0 gestation DEHP exposure and transgenerational inheritance testis injury model was established to study the testis injury phenotype and the expression and activation of members of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in the testis of F1-F3 generation mice. We found that the bodyweight and the anogenital distance (AGD) are reduced only in F1 mice, the sperm motility and deformity decreased in F1-F3 mice, and the testicular histomorphology damagedin F1-F3 mice; however the sperm motility and deformity rates are increased and the histomorphological injury is repaired during the transgenerational process. We also found the activation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway is enhanced in F1 and F2, and the number of apoptotic cells is decreased in F3 generation mice compared to the control group. These results suggest that the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway may be activated to promote the proliferation and differentiation and protect testicular cells from apoptosis in the F1 and F2 generation mice after direct exposure to DEHP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, China
| | - Yuanyuan Yao
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, China
| | - Junlin Pan
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, China
| | - Xiuxiu Guo
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, China
| | - Xiaoying Han
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, China
| | - Xiaoqian Meng
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, China.
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Nakidkina AN, Kuzmina TI. Apoptosis in Spermatozoa and Its Role in Deteriorating Semen Quality. Russ J Dev Biol 2019. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062360419040064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Voss JJLP, Stermer AR, Ghaffari R, Tiwary R, Richburg JH. MEHP-induced rat testicular inflammation does not exacerbate germ cell apoptosis. Reproduction 2018; 156:35-46. [PMID: 29743262 DOI: 10.1530/rep-18-0093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The testis is an organ that maintains an immune suppressive environment. We previously revealed that exposure of pre-pubertal rats to an acute dose of a well-described Sertoli cell toxicant, mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), leads to an accumulation of CD11b+ immune cells in the testicular interstitial space that closely correlates with a robust incidence of germ cell (GC) apoptosis. Here, we test the hypothesis that the infiltrating immune cells contribute to GC apoptosis. Postnatal day 28 Fischer rats that received an oral dose of 700 mg/kg MEHP showed a significant infiltration of both CD11bc+/CD68+/CD163- macrophages and neutrophils. The infiltration peaked at 12 h, but had reduced by 48 h. Testicular macrophages from MEHP-treated rats showed significantly upregulated expression of Tnfa and Il6, and the Arg1/Nos2 ratio was reduced compared to controls. However, small increases in anti-inflammatory genes Il10 and Tgfb1 were also observed. Depletion of circulating monocytes with clodronate liposomes prior to MEHP treatment reduced the macrophage influx into the testis, but did not lower GC apoptosis. Additionally, depletion of neutrophils using an anti-polymorphonuclear cell antibody prevented both macrophage and neutrophil infiltration into the testis, and also did not affect GC apoptosis. Together, these results show that exposure to MEHP leads to a rapid and temporary influx of pro-inflammatory monocytes and neutrophils in the interstitium of the testis. However, with this acute dosing paradigm, these infiltrating leukocytes do not appear to contribute to MEHP-induced testicular GC apoptosis leaving the functional significance of these infiltrating cells in the pathogenesis of MEHP-induced testicular injury unresolved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorine J L P Voss
- Center for Molecular Carcinogenesis and ToxicologyDivision of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Angela R Stermer
- Center for Molecular Carcinogenesis and ToxicologyDivision of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Rashin Ghaffari
- University of Texas at AustinInstitute of Cellular and Molecular Biology, College of Natural Sciences, The Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Richa Tiwary
- Center for Molecular Carcinogenesis and ToxicologyDivision of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - John H Richburg
- Center for Molecular Carcinogenesis and ToxicologyDivision of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
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7
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Wang M, Su P. The role of the Fas/FasL signaling pathway in environmental toxicant-induced testicular cell apoptosis: An update. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2018; 64:93-102. [DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2017.1422046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mei Wang
- Family Planning Research Institute of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei, P.R. China
| | - Ping Su
- Family Planning Research Institute of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei, P.R. China
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Lech T, Styrna J, Kotarska K. The contribution of p53 and Y chromosome long arm genes to regulation of apoptosis in mouse testis. Reprod Fertil Dev 2017; 30:469-476. [PMID: 28763629 DOI: 10.1071/rd17217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Apoptosis of excessive or defective germ cells is a natural process occurring in mammalian testes. Tumour suppressor protein p53 is involved in this process both in developing and adult male gonads. Its contribution to testicular physiology is known to be modified by genetic background. The aim of this study was to evaluate the combined influence of the p53 and Y chromosome long arm genes on male germ cell apoptosis. Knockout of the transformation related protein 53 (Trp53) gene was introduced into congenic strains: B10.BR (intact Y chromosome) and B10.BR-Ydel (Y chromosome with a deletion in the long arm). The level of apoptosis in the testes of 19-day-old and 3-month-old male mice was determined using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate in situ nick-end labelling (TUNEL) method. The study revealed that although p53 is involved in germ cell apoptosis in peripubertal testes, this process can also be mediated by p53-independent mechanisms. However, activation of p53-independent apoptotic pathways in the absence of the p53 protein requires engagement of the multicopy Yq genes and was not observed in gonads of B10.BR-Ydel-p53-/- males. The role of Yq genes in the regulation of testicular apoptosis seems to be restricted to the initial wave of spermatogenesis and is not evident in adult gonads. The study confirmed, instead, that p53 does participate in spontaneous apoptosis in mature testes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Lech
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Commodity Science, Cracow University of Economics, Rakowicka 27, PL 31-510, Krakow, Poland
| | - Józefa Styrna
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, PL 30-387, Krakow, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kotarska
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, PL 30-387, Krakow, Poland
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Wang X, Wang Y, Song Q, Wu J, Zhao Y, Yao S, Sun Z, Zhang Y. In utero and lactational exposure to di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate increased the susceptibility of prostate carcinogenesis in male offspring. Reprod Toxicol 2017; 69:60-67. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2017.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2016] [Revised: 12/26/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Chang WH, Wu MH, Pan HA, Guo PL, Lee CC. Semen quality and insulin-like factor 3: Associations with urinary and seminal levels of phthalate metabolites in adult males. CHEMOSPHERE 2017; 173:594-602. [PMID: 28152410 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.01.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Revised: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Certain phthalates have adverse effects on male reproductive functions in animals, and potentially affect human testicular function and spermatogenesis, but little is known about the active mechanisms. We measured the urinary and seminal phthalate metabolites and explored their associations on insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3) and semen quality. Urine, blood, and semen samples were collected from the male partners of subfertile (n = 253) and fertile (n = 37) couples in a reproductive center in southern Taiwan. INSL3, reproductive hormones, semen-quality, and 11 phthalate metabolites in urine and semen were measured. There were significant correlations in the distribution pattern of metabolites, such as the relative contribution of low or high molecular weight phthalate metabolites. The significantly monotonic trends in semen volume, sperm concentration and motility were associated with increasing quartiles of INSL3 (all p-trend < 0.001). In adjusted regression models, increases in urinary phthalate metabolites levels were adversely associated with sperm concentration (monobenzyl phthalate [MBzP], mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate [MEHP] and MEHP%), motility (MBzP and MEHP) and INSL3 (MBzP, MEHP and MEHP%) (all p < 0.01). Higher seminal phthalate metabolite levels were associated with decreases in sperm concentration (MEHP and mono-2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl phthalate), motility (mono-ethyl phthalate [MEP] and di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate [DEHP] metabolites), normal morphology (MEP), and INSL3 (monomethyl phthalate and MEP) (all p < 0.05). Our data suggest that INSL3 secretion, reproductive hormone balance, and sperm production and quality might be simultaneously adversely affected for individuals excreting increasing levels of phthalates metabolites (especially di-ethyl phthalate, butylbenzyl phthalate, and DEHP) in urine and semen samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Hsiang Chang
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 138 Sheng-Li Road, Tainan 70403, Taiwan.
| | - Meng-Hsing Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of National Cheng Kung University, 138 Sheng-Li Road, Tainan 70403, Taiwan.
| | - Hsien-An Pan
- An-An Women and Children Clinic, 286 Kaiyuan Road, Tainan 70403, Taiwan.
| | - Pao-Lin Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of National Cheng Kung University, 138 Sheng-Li Road, Tainan 70403, Taiwan.
| | - Ching-Chang Lee
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 138 Sheng-Li Road, Tainan 70403, Taiwan; Research Center of Environmental Trace Toxic Substance, National Cheng Kung University, 138 Sheng-Li Road, Tainan 70403, Taiwan.
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Mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate-induced Sertoli cell injury stimulates the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in Fischer 344 rats. Reprod Toxicol 2017; 69:150-158. [PMID: 28238932 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2017.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2016] [Revised: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Exposure of rodents to the Sertoli cell (SC) toxicant mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) has been reported to trigger an infiltration of macrophages into the testis in an age- and species-dependent manner. Here we challenge the hypothesis that the peripubertal rat-specific infiltration of macrophages after MEHP exposure is due, in part, to an increase in SC-specific inflammatory cytokine expression. To rule out that germ cell(GC) apoptosis itself is responsible for macrophage recruitment, rats were exposed to a direct GC toxicant, methoxyacetic acid (MAA), but no infiltration of macrophages was observed. Next, mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines were evaluated after MEHP exposure. IL-1α, IL-6, and MCP-1 expression were increased in vivo and correlated with macrophage infiltration in a species-specific manner. Additionally, IL-6 and MCP-1 expression was increased in SC-GC co-cultures and ASC-17D SCs. These results indicate that MEHP-injury in pubertal rats specifically stimulates secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and alters the immune microenvironment.
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12
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Percy Z, Xu Y, Sucharew H, Khoury JC, Calafat AM, Braun JM, Lanphear BP, Chen A, Yolton K. Gestational exposure to phthalates and gender-related play behaviors in 8-year-old children: an observational study. Environ Health 2016; 15:87. [PMID: 27527835 PMCID: PMC4986248 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-016-0171-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phthalates, used in a variety of consumer products, are a group of chemicals that are ubiquitous in the environment, and their metabolites are detectable in most humans. Some phthalates have anti-androgenic properties; a prior study reported an association between gestational exposure to phthalates and reduced masculine behaviors in preschool boys. METHODS Concentrations of 9 phthalate metabolites were measured in urine collected at 16 and 26 weeks' gestation from pregnant women enrolled in the HOME Study, a prospective pregnancy and birth cohort. Measures of gender-related play were collected at 8 years of age, including the Gender Identity Questionnaire (GIQ) completed by mothers, and the Playmate and Play Style Preferences Structured Interview (PPPSI) completed by children. We examined these measures as continuous variables using both bivariate and multivariable approaches with adjustment for covariates. Additional analyses included logistic regression of GIQ and PPPSI scores dichotomized by sex at the lower 25th percentile, indicating the least typical behavior. RESULTS Mothers' phthalate metabolite concentrations during pregnancy were similar to the reported national average among US women. All children scored within a typical range on both measures of gender-related play behavior. No statistically significant associations were found between averaged maternal phthalate metabolite concentrations and continuous PPPSI scores or any GIQ scores. For the dichotomized PPPSI; higher maternal monoethyl phthalate (MEP) concentrations were associated with more typical play behaviors for females (OR = 0.70, CI = 0.51-0.97). In contrast, higher maternal mono-isobutyl phthalate (MiBP) concentrations were associated with higher odds of membership in the least typical play behaviors group for males (OR = 1.69, CI = 1.00-2.86). CONCLUSIONS In this sample of typically developing children, higher maternal urinary MEP concentrations during pregnancy were associated with more typical gender-related play behaviors in both males and females, and increased urinary MiBP concentrations were associated with less masculine gender-related play behaviors in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zana Percy
- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229 USA
| | - Yingying Xu
- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229 USA
| | - Heidi Sucharew
- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229 USA
| | - Jane C. Khoury
- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229 USA
| | - Antonia M. Calafat
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy, MS F-17, Atlanta, GA 30341 USA
| | | | - Bruce P. Lanphear
- Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6 Canada
| | - Aimin Chen
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 160 Panzeca Way, Cincinnati, OH 45267 USA
| | - Kimberly Yolton
- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229 USA
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Traore K, Martinez-Arguelles DB, Papadopoulos V, Chen H, Zirkin BR. Repeated exposures of the male Sprague Dawley rat reproductive tract to environmental toxicants: Do earlier exposures to di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) alter the effects of later exposures? Reprod Toxicol 2016; 61:136-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2016.03.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2015] [Revised: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Regulators in the apoptotic pathway during spermatogenesis: Killers or guards? Gene 2016; 582:97-111. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2016.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Revised: 01/19/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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15
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Alam MS, Kurohmaru M. Butylbenzyl phthalate induces spermatogenic cell apoptosis in prepubertal rats. Tissue Cell 2016; 48:35-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2015.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2015] [Revised: 12/03/2015] [Accepted: 12/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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16
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Cai H, Zheng W, Zheng P, Wang S, Tan H, He G, Qu W. Human urinary/seminal phthalates or their metabolite levels and semen quality: A meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2015; 142:486-94. [PMID: 26275958 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2015.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2014] [Revised: 07/13/2015] [Accepted: 07/13/2015] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Health concerns surrounding human exposure to phthalates include diminished semen quality. Epidemiological findings remain inconsistent. We have performed a quality appraisal and meta-analysis to quantitatively summarize evidence for associations between phthalate exposures and human semen quality. Pubmed and Web of Science were searched for pertinent studies through October 2014. Cited references were reviewed to identify secondary studies. Studies that reported quantitative estimates of the association between phthalates or their metabolite levels in humans and semen quality were eligible. Random effects models were used to calculate pooled effects estimates. Overall, 20 studies met our inclusion criteria. Subsequently, 14 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Urinary monobutyl phthalate (MBP) and monobenzyl phthalate (MBzP) were associated with reduced sperm concentration (MBP [7.4-25.3 µg/L], pooled odds ratio [OR]=2.60, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.32-5.15; MBzP [14.0-540.2 µg/L], pooled OR=2.23, 95% CI=1.16-4.30). Both MBP (24.6-14,459.0 µg/L) and MEHP (3.1-208.1 µg/L) were inversely associated with straight line velocity (VSL; MBP, pooled β=-2.51, 95% CI=-4.44, -0.59; MEHP, pooled β=-1.06, 95% CI=-1.99, -0.12). An IQR increase in MBzP and MEP levels (MBzP, IQR=11.35 µg/L; MEP, IQR=449.4 µg/L) was associated with an increase in comet extent (CE; MBzP, pooled β=3.57, 95% CI=0.89-6.25; MEP, pooled β=4.22, 95% CI=1.66-6.77). No associations were observed between monomethyl phthalate and any semen parameters. Our meta-analysis strengthens the evidence that specific phthalates or their metabolite levels may affect semen quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongquan Cai
- Key Laboratory of the Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, PR China
| | - Weiwei Zheng
- Key Laboratory of the Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, PR China
| | - Pai Zheng
- Chinese Medical Association, No. 42 Dongsi Xidajie, Beijing 100710, PR China
| | - Shu Wang
- Key Laboratory of the Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, PR China
| | - Hui Tan
- Key Laboratory of the Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Department of Childhood and Adolescent, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, PR China
| | - Gengsheng He
- Key Laboratory of the Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Department of Childhood and Adolescent, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, PR China
| | - Weidong Qu
- Key Laboratory of the Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, PR China.
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Wang Y, Zhang JJ, Yang WR, Luo HY, Zhang JH, Wang XZ. Lipopolysaccharide-induced expression of FAS ligand in cultured immature boar sertoli cells through the regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines andmiR-187. Mol Reprod Dev 2015; 82:880-91. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2015] [Accepted: 07/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Forage and Herbivore; College of Animal Science and Technology; Southwest University; Beibei Chongqing P. R. China
| | - Jiao-Jiao Zhang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Forage and Herbivore; College of Animal Science and Technology; Southwest University; Beibei Chongqing P. R. China
| | - Wei-Rong Yang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Forage and Herbivore; College of Animal Science and Technology; Southwest University; Beibei Chongqing P. R. China
| | - Hong-Yan Luo
- College of Resource and Environment; Southwest University; Beibei Chongqing P. R. China
| | - Jia-Hua Zhang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Forage and Herbivore; College of Animal Science and Technology; Southwest University; Beibei Chongqing P. R. China
| | - Xian-Zhong Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Forage and Herbivore; College of Animal Science and Technology; Southwest University; Beibei Chongqing P. R. China
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Palermo GD, Neri QV, Cozzubbo T, Rosenwaks Z. Perspectives on the assessment of human sperm chromatin integrity. Fertil Steril 2014; 102:1508-17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2014] [Revised: 10/02/2014] [Accepted: 10/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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19
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Sekaran S, Balaganapathy P, Parsanathan R, Elangovan S, Gunashekar J, Bhat FA, Jagadeesan A. Lactational exposure of phthalate causes long-term disruption in testicular architecture by altering tight junctional and apoptotic protein expression in Sertoli cells of first filial generation pubertal Wistar rats. Hum Exp Toxicol 2014; 34:575-90. [DOI: 10.1177/0960327114555926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a ubiquitous environmental contaminant and a well-known endocrine disruptor (ED) that interferes with the reproductive function in both humans and animals. This study aimed to find out the impact of lactational exposure of DEHP in testes of first filial generation (F1) progeny male rat postnatal day (PND)-60. Lactating dams were orally treated with DEHP (0, 1, 10 and 100 mg/kg body weight/day, respectively) from the PND-1 to PND-21. Rats were killed at PND 60. Testes were removed and used for histological analysis and for isolation of Sertoli cells (SCs). The histoarchitecture of DEHP-treated rats showed disturbed testicular structure. DEHP-treated rats also showed increased oxidative stress by decreasing antioxidant levels in the SCs; it disrupted SC tight junctional proteins occludin, claudin, junctional adhesion molecule, zona occludens protein-1 (ZO-1), zona occludens protein-2 (ZO-2), and afadin-6 (AF-6), increased apoptosis by altering the apoptotic genes Bax, cytochrome c, caspase-8, -9, -3 and antiapoptotic gene Bcl-2. It is concluded that early postnatal exposure to DEHP disturbs histoarchitecture of testis and SC function in pubertal Wistar rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Sekaran
- Department of Endocrinology, Dr. ALM PG Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani Campus, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - P Balaganapathy
- Department of Endocrinology, Dr. ALM PG Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani Campus, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - R Parsanathan
- Department of Endocrinology, Dr. ALM PG Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani Campus, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - S Elangovan
- Department of Endocrinology, Dr. ALM PG Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani Campus, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - J Gunashekar
- Department of Endocrinology, Dr. ALM PG Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani Campus, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - FA Bhat
- Department of Endocrinology, Dr. ALM PG Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani Campus, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - A Jagadeesan
- Department of Endocrinology, Dr. ALM PG Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani Campus, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
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20
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Dwyer JL, Richburg JH. Age-dependent alterations in spermatogenesis in itchy mice. SPERMATOGENESIS 2014; 2:104-116. [PMID: 22670220 PMCID: PMC3364791 DOI: 10.4161/spmg.20596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is an intricate process in which spermatogonial stem cells divide and differentiate to produce mature sperm. This process strongly depends on protein turnover both in the developing germ cells and the supportive Sertoli cells, and recent evidence has demonstrated the role of the ubiquitin-proteasome system in this protein turnover in the testis. Itch, an E3 ligase important in the immune system, has been implicated in regulating the blood testis barrier. Although the specific role of Itch during spermatogenesis is not yet well understood, its ubiquitous expression and wide array of functional targets suggest multiple and tissue-specific roles. Here the testes of mice that lack Itch protein are evaluated at two developmental time points: peri-pubertal postnatal day (PND) 28 and adult PND 56. Itchy mice demonstrate an increased germ cell apoptotic index compared with wild type C57BL/6J mice at both PND 28 and PND 56. A corresponding 27% reduction in the total number of spermatid heads produced in PND 56 itchy mice was also evident. A histological evaluation of itchy mice revealed a delay in spermatogenesis at PND 28 and disorganization of late stage spermatids at PND 56. An analysis of several apoptotic markers revealed an age-dependent change in cleaved caspase 9, an intrinsic apoptosis mediator. The breeding success of the itchy mice was also significantly decreased, possibly due to a developmental defect. Taken together, these findings indicate that Itch is required for functional spermatogenesis, and that it may play differing cellular roles during development.
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Garcia-Quevedo L, Blanco J, Sarrate Z, Vidal F. Apoptosis mediated by phosphatidylserine externalization in the elimination of aneuploid germ cells during human spermatogenesis. Andrology 2014; 2:892-8. [DOI: 10.1111/j.2047-2927.2014.00272.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2014] [Revised: 08/01/2014] [Accepted: 08/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L. Garcia-Quevedo
- Unitat de Biologia Cel·lular; Facultat de Biociències; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès) Spain
| | - J. Blanco
- Unitat de Biologia Cel·lular; Facultat de Biociències; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès) Spain
| | - Z. Sarrate
- Unitat de Biologia Cel·lular; Facultat de Biociències; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès) Spain
| | - F. Vidal
- Unitat de Biologia Cel·lular; Facultat de Biociències; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès) Spain
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Kay VR, Bloom MS, Foster WG. Reproductive and developmental effects of phthalate diesters in males. Crit Rev Toxicol 2014; 44:467-98. [DOI: 10.3109/10408444.2013.875983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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23
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Disruption of Sertoli cell vimentin filaments in prepubertal rats: an acute effect of butylparaben in vivo and in vitro. Acta Histochem 2014; 116:682-7. [PMID: 24444665 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2013.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2013] [Revised: 12/09/2013] [Accepted: 12/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Parabens are p-hydroxybenzoic acid ester compounds widely used as preservatives in foods, cosmetics, toiletries and pharmaceuticals. We have recently shown that butylparaben induces spermatogenic cell apoptosis in prepubertal rats. We have conducted the present study for further information. Three-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=8) were given a single oral dose of 1,000 mg/kg butylparaben. The rats were sacrificed under anesthesia at 3, 6 and 24h after administration and their testes were collected for histopathological and immunohistochemical examination. Results showed a gradual collapse of Sertoli cell vimentin filaments and decreased actin staining intensity without accompanying changes in the pattern of tubulin expression, while spermatogenic cells became separated from the basement membrane and sloughed into the lumen in the butylparaben-treated rats, compared to the controls. To determine the direct effects of butylparaben on Sertoli cells, primary Sertoli cell cultures with and without butylparaben treatment were examined. Toluidine blue staining in butylparaben treated-cultured Sertoli cells showed an increased number and size of vacuoles in their cytoplasm. In agreement with the in vivo experiment, the in vitro study also clearly demonstrated disruption of vimentin filaments in Sertoli cells after butylparaben treatment. Considering both our present and previous reports, we can speculate that butylparaben-induced disruption of Sertoli cell vimentin filaments may lead to precocious release of spermatogenic cells from underlying Sertoli cells, and the released cells may undergo apoptosis owing to loss of support provided by the Sertoli cells.
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24
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Murphy CJ, Stermer AR, Richburg JH. Age- and species-dependent infiltration of macrophages into the testis of rats and mice exposed to mono-(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP). Biol Reprod 2014; 91:18. [PMID: 24876407 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.115527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanism by which noninfectious testicular inflammation results in infertility is poorly understood. Here the infiltration of CD11b+ immunoreactive testicular interstitial cells (neutrophil, macrophages, dendritic cells) in immature (Postnatal Day [PND] 21, 28, and 35) and adult (PND 56) Fischer rats is described at 12, 24, and 48 h after an oral dose of 1 g/kg mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), a well-described Sertoli cell toxicant. Increases of CD11b+ cells are evident 12 h after MEHP exposure in PND 21 and 28 rats. In PND 28 rats, CD11b+ cells remained significantly elevated at 48 h, while in PND 21 rats, it returned to control levels by 24 h. The peak number of CD11b+ cells in PND 35 rat testis is delayed until 24 h, but remains significantly elevated at 48 h. In PND 56 rats, no increase in CD11b+ cells occurs after MEHP exposure. In PND 21, 28, and 35 rats, a significant increase in monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) by peritubular myoid cells occurs 12 h after MEHP. Interestingly, MEHP treatment of C57BL/6J mice did not incite an infiltration of CD11b+ cells at either PND 21 or 28. The peak level of germ cell apoptosis observed 24 h after MEHP exposure in young rats is not seen in mice at any age or in PND 56 rats. Taken together, these findings implicate MCP-1 released by peritubular myoid cells in provoking the migration of CD11b+ cells into the immature rat testis early after MEHP exposure and point to a role for CD11b+ cells in triggering germ cell apoptosis in an age- and species-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin J Murphy
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Angela R Stermer
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - John H Richburg
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
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25
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Lin YC, Richburg JH. Characterization of the role of tumor necrosis factor apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) in spermatogenesis through the evaluation of trail gene-deficient mice. PLoS One 2014; 9:e93926. [PMID: 24736722 PMCID: PMC3988040 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0093926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2013] [Accepted: 03/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
TRAIL (TNFSF10/Apo2L) is a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily of proteins and is expressed in human and rodent testis. Although the functional role of TRAIL in spermatogenesis is not known, TRAIL is recognized to induce apoptosis via binding to its cognate receptors; DR4 (TRAIL-R1/TNFRSF10A) and DR5 (TRAIL-R2/TNFRSF10B). Here, we utilize Trail gene-deficient (Trail-/-) mice to evaluate the role of TRAIL in spermatogenesis by measuring testis weight, germ cell apoptosis, and spermatid head count at postnatal day (PND) 28 (pubertal) and PND 56 (adult). Trail-/- mice have significantly reduced testis to body weight ratios as compared to wild-type C57BL/6J at both ages. Also, Trail-/- mice (PND 28) show a dramatic increase in basal germ cell apoptotic index (AI, 16.77) as compared to C57BL/6J (3.5). In the testis of adult C57BL/6J mice, the AI was lower than in PND 28 C57BL/6J mice (2.2). However, in adult Trail-/- mice, the AI was still higher than that of controls (9.0); indicating a relative high incidence of germ cell apoptosis. Expression of cleaved caspase-8 (CC8) and cleaved caspase-9 (CC9) (markers of the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathway, respectively) revealed a two-fold increase in the activity of both pathways in adult Trail-/- mice compared to C57BL/6J. Spermatid head counts in adult Trail-/- mice were dramatically reduced by 54% compared to C57BL/6J, indicating these animals suffer a marked decline in the production of mature spermatozoa. Taken together, these findings indicate that TRAIL is an important signaling molecule for maintaining germ cell homeostasis and functional spermatogenesis in the testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Chen Lin
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology; Center for Molecular and Cellular Toxicology, College of Pharmacy; The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, United States of America
| | - John H. Richburg
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology; Center for Molecular and Cellular Toxicology, College of Pharmacy; The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Involvement of a chromatin modifier in response to mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP)-induced Sertoli cell injury: Probably an indirect action via the regulation of NFκB/FasL circuitry. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2013; 440:749-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2013.09.135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2013] [Accepted: 09/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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27
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Lucas BEG, Fields C, Joshi N, Hofmann MC. Mono-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (MEHP) affects ERK-dependent GDNF signalling in mouse stem-progenitor spermatogonia. Toxicology 2012; 299:10-9. [PMID: 22564763 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2012.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2012] [Revised: 04/14/2012] [Accepted: 04/21/2012] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Many commercial and household products such as lubricants, cosmetics, plastics, and paint contain phthalates, in particular bis-(2-ethyhexyl)-phthalate (DEHP). As a consequence, phthalates have been found in a number of locations and foods (streambeds, household dust, bottled water and dairy products). Epidemiological and animal studies analysing phthalate exposure in males provide evidence of degradation in sperm quality, associated to an increase in the incidence of genital birth defects and testicular cancers. In the testis, spermatogenesis is maintained throughout life by a small number of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) that self-renew or differentiate to produce adequate numbers of spermatozoa. Disruption or alteration of SSC self-renewal induce decreased sperm count and sperm quality, or may potentially lead to testicular cancer. GDNF, or glial cell-line-derived neurotrophic factor, is a growth factor that is essential for the self-renewal of SSCs and continuous spermatogenesis. In the present study, the SSC-derived cell line C18-4 was used as a model for preliminary assessment of the effects of mono-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (MEHP, main metabolite of DEHP) on spermatogonial stem cells. Our data demonstrate that MEHP disrupts one of the known GDNF signalling pathways in these cells. MEHP induced a decrease of C18-4 cell viability in a time- and dose-dependent manner, as well as a disruption of ERK1/2 activation but not of SRC signalling. As a result, we observed a decrease of expression of the transcription factor FOS, which is downstream of the GDNF/ERK1/2 axis in these cells. Taken together, our data suggest that MEHP exposure affects SSC proliferation through inhibition of specific signalling molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin E G Lucas
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2001 South Lincoln Avenue, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
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Mazaud-Guittot S. Dissecting the phthalate-induced Sertoli cell injury: the fragile balance of proteases and their inhibitors. Biol Reprod 2011; 85:1091-3. [PMID: 21900678 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.111.095976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Séverine Mazaud-Guittot
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 625, Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France.
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Moreno RD, Urriola-Muñoz P, Lagos-Cabré R. The emerging role of matrix metalloproteases of the ADAM family in male germ cell apoptosis. SPERMATOGENESIS 2011; 1:195-208. [PMID: 22319668 DOI: 10.4161/spmg.1.3.17894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2011] [Revised: 08/27/2011] [Accepted: 08/29/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Constitutive germ cell apoptosis during mammalian spermatogenesis is a key process for controlling sperm output and to eliminate damaged or unwanted cells. An increase or decrease in the apoptosis rate has deleterious consequences and leads to low sperm production. Apoptosis in spermatogenesis has been widely studied, but the mechanism by which it is induced under physiological or pathological conditions has not been clarified. We have recently identified the metalloprotease ADAM17 (TACE) as a putative physiological inducer of germ cell apoptosis. The mechanisms involved in regulating the shedding of the ADAM17 extracellular domain are still far from being understood, although they are important in order to understand cell-cell communications. Here, we review the available data regarding apoptosis during mammalian spermatogenesis and the localization of ADAM proteins in the male reproductive tract. We propose an integrative working model where ADAM17, p38 MAPK, protein kinase C (PKC) and the tyrosine kinase c-Abl participate in the physiological signalling cascade inducing apoptosis in germ cells. In our model, we also propose a role for the Sertoli cell in regulating the Fas/FasL system in order to induce the extrinsic pathway of apoptosis in germ cells. This working model could be applied to further understand constitutive apoptosis in spermatogenesis and in pathological conditions (e.g., varicocele) or following environmental toxicants exposure (e.g., genotoxicity or xenoestrogens).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo D Moreno
- Departamento de Fisiología; Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile; Santiago, Chile
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