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Caceres S, Crespo B, Alonso-Diez A, de Andrés PJ, Millan P, Silván G, Illera MJ, Illera JC. Long-Term Exposure to Isoflavones Alters the Hormonal Steroid Homeostasis-Impairing Reproductive Function in Adult Male Wistar Rats. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15051261. [PMID: 36904260 PMCID: PMC10005734 DOI: 10.3390/nu15051261] [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: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The consumption of isoflavones is gaining popularity worldwide due to their beneficial effects on health. However, isoflavones are considered to be endocrine disruptors and cause deleterious effects on hormone-sensitive organs, especially in males. Therefore, this study aimed to determine if a continuous and prolonged exposure to isoflavones in adult males altered the endocrine axis effect of testicular function. For this purpose, seventy-five adult male rats were administered with low and high mixtures of isoflavones (genistein and daidzein) for 5 months. The determination of steroid hormones (progesterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, 17β-estradiol, and estrone sulphate) was carried out in serum and testicular homogenate samples. Sperm quality parameters and testicular histology were also determined. The results revealed that low and high doses of isoflavones promote a hormonal imbalance in androgen and estrogen production, resulting in a decrease in circulating and testicular androgen levels and an increase in estrogen levels. These results are associated with a reduction in the sperm quality parameters and a reduction in the testicular weight, both in the diameter of the seminiferous tubules and the height of the germinal epithelium. Altogether, these results suggest that a continuous exposure to isoflavones in adult male rats causes a hormonal imbalance in the testes that disrupts the endocrine axis, causing defects in testicular function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Caceres
- Department of Physiology, Veterinary Medicine School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-913943865
| | - Belén Crespo
- Department of Physiology, Veterinary Medicine School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Angela Alonso-Diez
- Department of Animal Medicine, Surgery and Pathology, Veterinary Medicine School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Paloma Jimena de Andrés
- Department of Animal Medicine, Surgery and Pathology, Veterinary Medicine School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Millan
- Department of Physiology, Veterinary Medicine School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gema Silván
- Department of Physiology, Veterinary Medicine School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - María José Illera
- Department of Physiology, Veterinary Medicine School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Illera
- Department of Physiology, Veterinary Medicine School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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2
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Molecular mechanisms regulating spermatogenesis in vertebrates: Environmental, metabolic, and epigenetic factor effects. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 246:106896. [PMID: 34893378 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The renewal of the natural resources is one of the most concerning aspects of modern farming. In animal production, there are many barriers breeders and researchers have to overcome to develop new practices to improve reproductive potential and hasten sexual maturation of the commercially viable species, while maintaining meat quality and sustainability. With the utilization of molecular biology techniques, there have been relevant advances in the knowledge of spermatogenesis, especially in mammals, resulting in new possibilities to control male fertility and the selection of desirable characteristics. Most of these discoveries have not been implemented in animal production. In this review, recent studies are highlighted on the molecular pathways involved in spermatogenesis in the context of animal production. There is also exploration of the interaction between environmental factors and spermatogenesis and how this knowledge may revolutionize animal production techniques. Furthermore, new insights are described about the inheritance of desired characteristics in mammals and there is a review of nefarious actions of pollutants, nutrition, and metabolism on reproductive potential in subsequent generations. Even though there are these advances in knowledge base, results from recent studies indicate there are previously unrecognized environmental effects on spermatogenesis. The molecular mechanisms underlying this interaction are not well understood. Research in spermatogenesis, therefore, remains pivotal as a pillar of animal production sustainability.
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3
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Oliveira JM, Oliveira IM, Sleiman HK, Dal Forno GO, Romano MA, Romano RM. Consumption of soy isoflavones during the prepubertal phase delays puberty and causes hypergonadotropic hypogonadism with disruption of hypothalamic-pituitary gonadotropins regulation in male rats. Toxicol Lett 2022; 369:1-11. [PMID: 35963426 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2022.08.004] [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: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Isoflavones are phytoestrogens with recognized estrogenic activity but may also affect testosterone, corticosterone and thyroid hormone levels in experimental models. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in these alterations are still unclear. Isoflavones are present in soy-based infant formula, in breast milk after the consumption of soy by the mother and are widely used for the preparation of beverages consumed by toddlers and teenagers. In this sense, we proposed to investigate the effects of soy isoflavone exposure during the prepubertal period, a recognized window of sensitivity for endocrine disruption, over the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis. For this, 42 3-week-old male Wistar rats were exposed to 0.5, 5 or 50 mg of soy isoflavones/kg from postnatal day (PND) 23 to PND60. We evaluated body growth, age at puberty, serum concentrations of LH, FSH, testosterone and estradiol, and the expression of the transcripts (mRNA) of genes encoding key genes controlling the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis. In the hypothalamus, we observed an increase in Esr1 mRNA expression (0.5 and 5 mg). In the pituitary, we observed an increase in Gnrhr mRNA expression (50 mg), a reduction in Lhb mRNA expression (0.5 mg), and a reduction in Ar mRNA expression. In the testis, we observed an increase in Lhcgr mRNA expression (50 mg) and a reduction in Star mRNA expression (0.5 and 5 mg). The serum levels of LH (5 and 50 mg) and FSH (0.5 mg) were increased, while testosterone and estradiol were reduced. Puberty was delayed in all groups. Taken together, these results suggest that prepubertal consumption of relevant levels of soy isoflavones disrupts the HPT axis, causing hypergonadotropic hypogonadism and altered expression levels of key genes regulating the axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeane Maria Oliveira
- Laboratory of Reproductive Toxicology, Department of Medicine, State University of Centro-Oeste (UNICENTRO), Rua Simeão Camargo Varela de Sa, 03, Zip-Code 85040-080, Parana, Brazil.
| | - Isabela Medeiros Oliveira
- Laboratory of Reproductive Toxicology, Department of Medicine, State University of Centro-Oeste (UNICENTRO), Rua Simeão Camargo Varela de Sa, 03, Zip-Code 85040-080, Parana, Brazil.
| | - Hanan Khaled Sleiman
- Laboratory of Reproductive Toxicology, Department of Medicine, State University of Centro-Oeste (UNICENTRO), Rua Simeão Camargo Varela de Sa, 03, Zip-Code 85040-080, Parana, Brazil.
| | - Gonzalo Ogliari Dal Forno
- Laboratory of Reproductive Toxicology, Department of Medicine, State University of Centro-Oeste (UNICENTRO), Rua Simeão Camargo Varela de Sa, 03, Zip-Code 85040-080, Parana, Brazil.
| | - Marco Aurelio Romano
- Laboratory of Reproductive Toxicology, Department of Medicine, State University of Centro-Oeste (UNICENTRO), Rua Simeão Camargo Varela de Sa, 03, Zip-Code 85040-080, Parana, Brazil.
| | - Renata Marino Romano
- Laboratory of Reproductive Toxicology, Department of Medicine, State University of Centro-Oeste (UNICENTRO), Rua Simeão Camargo Varela de Sa, 03, Zip-Code 85040-080, Parana, Brazil.
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4
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Bossers GPL, Hagdorn QAJ, Koop AMC, van der Feen DE, van Leusden T, Bartelds B, de Boer RA, Silljé HHW, Berger RMF. Female rats are less prone to clinical heart failure than male rats in a juvenile rat model of right ventricular pressure load. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2022; 322:H994-H1002. [PMID: 35333114 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00071.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Sex is increasingly emerging as determinant of right ventricular (RV) adaptation to abnormal loading conditions. It is unknown, however, whether sex-related differences already occur in childhood. Therefore, this study aimed to assess sex differences in a juvenile model of early RV pressure load by pulmonary artery banding (PAB) during transition from pre- to post-puberty. 3-weeks old rat pups (n=57, 30-45g) were subjected to PAB or sham surgery. Animals were sacrificed either before or after puberty (4 and 8 weeks post-surgery, respectively). Male PAB rats demonstrated failure to thrive already after 4 weeks, whereas females did not. After 8 weeks, female PAB rats showed less clinical symptoms of RV failure than male PAB rats. RV pressure-volume analysis demonstrated increased end-systolic elastance after 4 weeks in females only, and a trend toward preserved end-diastolic elastance in female PAB rats compared to males (p=0.055). Histology showed significantly less RV myocardial fibrosis in female compared to male PAB rats 8 weeks after surgery. Myosin heavy chain 7/6 ratio switch and calcineurin signaling were less pronounced in female PAB rats, compared to males. In this juvenile rat model of RV pressure load, female rats appeared to be less prone to clinical heart failure, compared to males. This was driven by increased RV contractility before puberty, and better preservation of diastolic function with less RV myocardial fibrosis after puberty. These findings show that RV adaptation to increased loading differs between sexes already before the introduction of pubertal hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido P L Bossers
- Center for Congenital Heart Diseases, Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, GRONINGEN, Nederland, Netherlands
| | - Quint A J Hagdorn
- Center for Congenital Heart Diseases, Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Anne Marie C Koop
- Center for Congenital Heart Diseases, Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, GRONINGEN, Netherlands
| | - Diederik E van der Feen
- Center for Congenital Heart Diseases, Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Tom van Leusden
- Center for Congenital Heart Diseases, Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Beatrijs Bartelds
- Center for Congenital Heart Diseases, Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen; Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Rudolf A de Boer
- Department of Cardiology, Laboratory for Experimental Cardiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Herman H W Silljé
- Department of Cardiology, Laboratory for Experimental Cardiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Rolf M F Berger
- Center for Congenital Heart Diseases, Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Netherlands
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Sleiman HK, de Oliveira JM, Langoni de Freitas GB. Isoflavones alter male and female fertility in different development windows. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 140:111448. [PMID: 34130202 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Isoflavones are a group of secondary metabolites found in plants belonging to the class of phytoestrogens. These, because they have a chemical structure similar to the endogenous hormone 17β-estradiol, act as endocrine disruptors over the different development window periods. This study aimed to evaluate male and female reproductive systems' responses when exposed to isoflavones during the development window. It is characterized as a bibliographic review, built after analyzing clinical and preclinical articles indexed in English, Portuguese, and Spanish published in the last ten years. The isoflavones, aglycone or glucosides, have essential therapeutic properties in the relief of postmenopausal symptoms in women, reduce the proliferation of cancers, in addition to being antioxidants. On the other hand, they can still behave in a similar way to 17β-estradiol, binding to hormone receptors and acting as endocrine disruptors over the gestational period until pre-puberty, negatively affecting the development of the reproductive system. The effects on reproduction are not dose-response but are influenced by the type of isoflavone and period. There are variations in the serum concentration of hormones and action on their negative feedback on the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis in males. Reproductive functions are also affected by spermatogenesis, such as decreased sperm count, lower reproductive performance, reduced litter size, low sperm production, and reduced seminal vesicle size. In females, puberty is reached later, irregular estrous cycle, reduced weight of the ovary, uterus, lower serum levels of estradiol and progesterone, reduced fertility, or interrupted fertility. At the end of the analysis of the selected publications, it can be concluded that despite the beneficial therapeutic effects in the face of pathologies, the unknown consumption of doses and types of isoflavones in food can damage the development and reproduction of individuals. Therefore, further studies must be carried out to elucidate the usual safe doses of the analyzed phytoestrogen. Greater control over insertion in foods targeted at pediatric consumers should be implemented until we have adequate safety.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jeane Maria de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Biotechnology (LaQuiMB), Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Federal University of Piauí, Piauí, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Barroso Langoni de Freitas
- Department of Pharmacy, State University of Centro-Oeste, Parana, Brazil; Program in Biotechnology in Human and Animal Health - (PPGBiotec), State University of Ceará, Ceará, Brazil.
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6
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Eustache F, Bennani Smires B, Moison D, Bergès R, Canivenc-Lavier MC, Vaiman D, Auger J. Different exposure windows to low doses of genistein and/or vinclozolin result in contrasted disorders of testis function and gene expression of exposed rats and their unexposed progeny. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 190:109975. [PMID: 32827888 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Living species including humans are continuously exposed to low levels of a myriad of endocrine active compounds that may affect their reproductive function. In contrast, experimental designs scrutinizing this question mostly consider the gestational/lactational period, select high unrealistic doses and, have rarely investigated the possible reproductive consequences in the progeny. The present study aimed at assessing comparatively a set of male reproductive endpoints according to exposure windows, gestational/lactational versus pre-pubertal to adulthood, using low doses of endocrine active substances in male rats as well as their unexposed male progeny. Animals were orally exposed to 1 mg/kg bw/d of genistein and/or vinclozolin, from conception to weaning or from prepuberty to young adulthood. A number of reproductive endpoints were assessed as well as testicular mRNA expression profiles, in the exposed rats and their unexposed progeny. Overall, the low dosage used only affected weakly most of classical reproductive endpoints. However, the gestational/lactational exposure to vinclozolin alone or combined to genistein significantly delayed the puberty onset. Contrasting with the gestational/lactational exposure, a decreased sperm production was found in the animals exposed to genistein and vinclozolin from the pre-pubertal period but also in their progeny for vinclozolin and the mixture. The expression level of several genes involved in meiosis, apoptosis and steroidogenesis was also affected differentially as a function of the exposure window in both exposed rats and unexposed offspring. We also provide further evidence that doses of endocrine active substances relevant with human exposure may affect the male reproductive phenotype and testicular transcriptome in the exposed generation as well as in the indirectly exposed offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Eustache
- Service D'Histologie-Embryologie, Cytogénétique, Biologie de La Reproduction / CECOS, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Seine-Saint-Denis, Site Jean Verdier, Bondy, France; INSERM U1016, Equipe "Génomique, Epigénétique et Physiologie de La Reproduction", Institut Cochin, Université Paris 5, Paris, France.
| | - Badria Bennani Smires
- Service D'Histologie-Embryologie, Cytogénétique, Biologie de La Reproduction / CECOS, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Seine-Saint-Denis, Site Jean Verdier, Bondy, France; INSERM U1016, Equipe "Génomique, Epigénétique et Physiologie de La Reproduction", Institut Cochin, Université Paris 5, Paris, France
| | - Delphine Moison
- INSERM UMR967, Laboratoire de Développement des Gonades, Equipe "Stabilité Génomique, Cellules Souches et Radiations", Université Paris 7, Sorbonne Paris Cité and CEA, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Raymond Bergès
- INRA UMR1324, Centre des Sciences Du Goût et de L'Alimentation, Dijon, France
| | | | - Daniel Vaiman
- INSERM U1016, Equipe "Génomique, Epigénétique et Physiologie de La Reproduction", Institut Cochin, Université Paris 5, Paris, France
| | - Jacques Auger
- INSERM U1016, Equipe "Génomique, Epigénétique et Physiologie de La Reproduction", Institut Cochin, Université Paris 5, Paris, France
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7
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Heng D, Zhang T, Tian Y, Yu S, Liu W, Xu K, Liu J, Ding Y, Zhu B, Yang Y, Zhang C. Effects of dietary soybean isoflavones (SI) on reproduction in the young breeder rooster. Anim Reprod Sci 2017; 177:124-131. [PMID: 28041654 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2016.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Revised: 12/02/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Soybean isoflavones (SIs) are phytoestrogens that competitive with estrogens in body. Although SIs play an important role in reproduction, their role in testicular development in roosters is unknown. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of SIs on testicular development and serum reproductive hormone profiles in young breeder roosters (70-133days old). Gene expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc), and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD), which are related to testosterone synthesis, in rooster testis were also evaluated after treatment with different SI doses. Although SIs had no significant effect on body weight, 5mg/kg SIs significantly increased the testis index and serum levels of reproductive hormones (gonadotropin releasing hormone, follicle- stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone).To further investigate whether SIs regulate hormone synthesis via StAR, p450scc, 3β-HSD, real time-PCR was performed to measure the mRNA levels of the corresponding genes. The results showed that 5mg/kg of SIs significantly increased StAR mRNA levels. However, there were no significant effects on p450scc or 3β-HSD mRNA levels. Moreover, the spermatogonial development and the number of germ cell layers were increased by treatment with 5mg/kg of SIs. These results suggest that SIs promote testicular growth by increasing reproductive hormone secretion, which is closely related to StAR expression, to positively regulate reproduction in young roosters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dai Heng
- College of Life Science, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Ningxia Agricultural School, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750021, People's Republic of China
| | - Ye Tian
- College of Life Science, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, People's Republic of China
| | - Shangyu Yu
- College of Life Science, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenbo Liu
- College of Life Science, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, People's Republic of China
| | - Kaili Xu
- College of Life Science, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, People's Republic of China
| | - Juan Liu
- College of Life Science, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Ding
- College of Life Science, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, People's Republic of China
| | - Baochang Zhu
- College of Life Science, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanzhou Yang
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics in Ningxia, Department of Histology and Embryology, Ningxia Medical University, Ningxia 750004, People's Republic of China.
| | - Cheng Zhang
- College of Life Science, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, People's Republic of China.
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8
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Nardi J, Moras PB, Koeppe C, Dallegrave E, Leal MB, Rossato-Grando LG. Prepubertal subchronic exposure to soy milk and glyphosate leads to endocrine disruption. Food Chem Toxicol 2017; 100:247-252. [PMID: 28017703 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2016.12.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Revised: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Lactose intolerance is characterized by low or inexistent levels of lactase, and the main treatment consists of dietary changes, especially replacing dairy milk by soy milk. Soy contains phytoestrogens, substances with known estrogenic activity, besides, glyphosate-based herbicides are extensively used in soy crops, being frequently a residue in soy beans, bringing to a concern regarding the consumption of soy-based products, especially for children in breastfeeding period with lactose intolerance. This study evaluated the pubertal toxicity of a soy milk rich feeding (supplemented or not with glyphosate, doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg) during prepubertal period in male rats. Endocrine disruption was observed through decrease in testosterone levels, decrease in Sertoli cell number and increase in the percentage of degenerated Sertoli and Leydig cells in animals receiving soy milk supplemented with glyphosate (both doses) and in animals treated only with soy milk. Animals treated with soy milk with glyphosate (both doses) showed decrease spermatids number and increase of epididymal tail mass compared to control, and decrease in the diameter of seminiferous tubules compared to soy milk control group. Animals receiving soy milk supplemented with 100 mg/kg glyphosate showed decrease in round spermatids and increase in abnormal sperm morphology, compared to control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Nardi
- Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Passo Fundo, BR 285, 99052-900, Passo Fundo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
| | - Patricia Bonamigo Moras
- Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Passo Fundo, BR 285, 99052-900, Passo Fundo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Carina Koeppe
- Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Passo Fundo, BR 285, 99052-900, Passo Fundo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Eliane Dallegrave
- Department of Pharmacoscience, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Sarmento Leite Street, 245, 90050-170, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Mirna Bainy Leal
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Basic Health Science, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Sarmento Leite Street, 500/309, 90050-170, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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9
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Zhu Y, Xu H, Li M, Gao Z, Huang J, Liu L, Huang X, Li Y. Daidzein impairs Leydig cell testosterone production and Sertoli cell function in neonatal mouse testes: An in vitro study. Mol Med Rep 2016; 14:5325-5333. [PMID: 27840926 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.5896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 09/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Isoflavone is a type of phytoestrogen that exists in soy‑based products. Previous studies have reported that certain foods containing isoflavones, particularly infant formula, may have potential adverse effects on male reproductive function. However, few studies have focused on the effects of isoflavones on testosterone biosynthesis and Sertoli cell function during the neonatal period. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of daidzein, a common isoflavone, on testosterone secretion and Sertoli cell function during the neonatal period. The organ culture method was used to assess the effects of daidzein on neonatal mouse testes. Cultured testes were treated with daidzein (0, 0.03, 0.3, 3 or 30 µmol/l) for 72 h. To verify the mechanism of action of daidzein on androgen production, Leydig cells were also treated with daidzein for 24 h. As anticipated, testosterone secretions were suppressed by daidzein (30 µmol/l) in cultured testes and Leydig cells. Further analysis demonstrated that the expression levels of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), cholesterol side‑chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc) and 3β‑hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β‑HSD), which are transport proteins and key enzymes in androgen biosynthesis, were suppressed in cultured neonatal mouse testes. In addition, the expression levels of StAR, P450scc, 3β‑HSD and 17α‑hydroxylase/20‑lyase were decreased in Leydig cells. Notably, proliferation of Sertoli cells was also inhibited by daidzein (30 µmol/l). Furthermore, the expression levels of vimentin were significantly suppressed in the testes following treatment with daidzein, whereas inhibin B expression exhibited no change. In conclusion, daidzein may suppress steroidogenic capability and impair Sertoli cell function in the neonatal period in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfeng Zhu
- Department of Nutrition, Food Safety and Toxicology, West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Hua Xu
- Department of Nutrition, Food Safety and Toxicology, West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Public Health, Luzhou Medical College, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
| | - Zhibin Gao
- Department of Nutrition, Food Safety and Toxicology, West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Jie Huang
- Department of Nutrition, Food Safety and Toxicology, West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Linxi Liu
- Department of Nutrition, Food Safety and Toxicology, West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoming Huang
- Department of Public Health, Luzhou Medical College, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
| | - Yun Li
- Department of Nutrition, Food Safety and Toxicology, West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
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10
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Role of Nesfatin-1 in the Reproductive Axis of Male Rat. Sci Rep 2016; 6:32877. [PMID: 27599613 PMCID: PMC5013388 DOI: 10.1038/srep32877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Nesfatin-1 is an important molecule in the regulation of reproduction. However, its role in the reproductive axis in male animals remains to be understood. Here, we found that nesfatin-1 was mainly distributed in the arcuate nucleus (ARC), paraventricular nucleus (PVN), periventricular nucleus (PeN), and lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) of the hypothalamus; adenohypophysis and Leydig cells in male rats. Moreover, the concentrations of serum nesfatin-1 and its mRNA in hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPGA) vary with the age of the male rat. After intracerebroventricular injection of nesfatin-1, the hypothalamic genes for gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH), kisspeptin (Kiss-1), pituitary genes for follicle-stimulate hormone β(FSHβ), luteinizing hormone β(LHβ), and genes for testicular steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) expression levels were decreased significantly. Nesfatin-1 significantly increased the expression of genes for 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD), 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD), and cytochrome P450 cleavage (P450scc) in the testis of pubertal rats, but their levels decreased in adult rats (P < 0.05), along with the serum FSH, LH, and testosterone (T) concentrations. After nesfatin-1 addition in vitro, T concentrations of the supernatant were significantly higher than that in the control group. These results were suggestive of the role of nesfatin-1 in the regulation of the reproductive axis in male rats.
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