Ameliorative effect of resveratrol on testicular oxidative stress, spermatological parameters and DNA damage in glyphosate-based herbicide-exposed rats

Potential Protective Effect of Hesperidin (Vitamin P) against Glyphosate-Induced Spermatogenesis Damage in Male Rats: Biochemical and Histopathological Findings on Reproductive Parameters

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of hesperidin (HES) on testicular histopathological changes, biochemical changes, and semen characteristics in rats exposed to glyphosate (GLP). The control group was given a normal diet devoid of GLP and HES, the HES group was given 100 mg/kg/day HES with the normal diet, the GLP group was given GLP at the LD50/10 dose of normal feed, which was 787.85 mg/kg/day, and the GLP + HES group was given normal feed containing 787.85 mg/kg/day LD50/10 dose of GLP in addition to 100 mg/kg/day HES. GLP administration reduced sperm motility, sperm plasma membrane integrity, glutathione levels, and total antioxidant levels in the testicular tissues of rats. Moreover, it caused an increase in right testis and left epididymis weights, abnormal sperm counts, malondialdehyde levels, total oxidant status, and DNA damage. The HES treatment showed curative effects on these parameters. Furthermore, HES was effective in lessening the histopathological damage that was caused by GLP. The results showedthat HES protects spermatological parameters and DNA integrity, improves antioxidant defenses, and lowers the damage and lipid peroxidation caused by GLP in testicular tissue.

Glyphosate presence in human sperm: First report and positive correlation with oxidative stress in an infertile French population

Environmental exposure to endocrine disruptors, such as pesticides, could contribute to a decline of human fertility. Glyphosate (GLY) is the main component of Glyphosate Based Herbicides (GBHs), which are the most commonly herbicides used in the world. Various animal model studies demonstrated its reprotoxicity. In Europe, GLY authorization in agriculture has been extended until 2034. Meanwhile the toxicity of GLY in humans is still in debate. The aims of our study were firstly to analyse the concentration of GLY and its main metabolite, amino-methyl-phosphonic acid (AMPA) by LC/MS-MS in the seminal and blood plasma in an infertile French men population (n=128). We secondly determined Total Antioxidant Status (TAS) and Total Oxidant Status (TOS) using commercial colorimetric kits and some oxidative stress biomarkers including malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) by ELISA assays. We next analysed potential correlations between GLY and oxidative stress biomarkers concentration and sperm parameters (sperm concentration, progressive speed, anormal forms). Here, we detected for the first time GLY in the human seminal plasma in significant proportions and we showed that its concentration was four times higher than those observed in blood plasma. At the opposite, AMPA was undetectable. We also observed a strong positive correlation between plasma blood GLY concentrations and plasma seminal GLY and 8-OHdG concentrations, the latter reflecting DNA impact. In addition, TOS, Oxidative Stress Index (OSI) (TOS/TAS), MDA blood and seminal plasma concentrations were significantly higher in men with glyphosate in blood and seminal plasma, respectively. Taken together, our results suggest a negative impact of GLY on the human reproductive health and possibly on his progeny. A precaution principle should be applied at the time of the actual discussion of GLY and GBHs formulants uses in Europe by the authorities.

Disruption of spermatogenesis in testicular adult Wistar rats after short-term exposure to high dose of glyphosate based-herbicide: Histopathological and biochemical changes

Glyphosate is an endocrine disruptor and can act on the activity of certain enzymes of metabolism subsequently altering some functions such as reproduction. The goal of the present study is to evaluate the involvement of glyphosate based-herbicide (GBH) in spermatogenesis disruption and to investigate which cells of the adult Wistar rat testis are most affected by short-term exposure to GBH. Treated groups received a diluted solution of GBH orally for 21 days (D1: 102.5 mg/Kg; D2: 200 mg/Kg; D3: 400 mg/Kg). The control group (C) received water in the same manner. Hormone levels, oxidative stress markers were evaluated, histological and morphometric analysis were performed, AR and p53 expression was conducted. Seminiferious epithelium sloughing associated to erosion of Sertoli and spermatogonia from the basement of the seminiferous tubules, with intraluminal exfoliated cells among with immature spermatids were observed. A significant change in morphometric measurement and significant decrease in AR expression in Sertoli cells were noted for all treated groups. A significant increase in NO level and p53 expression in Leydig cells were showed for animals treated with 200 and 400 mg/kg BW/day. These data demonstrate that short-term exposure to high doses of GBH has led to a disruption of certain parameters that could disturb spermatogenesis. The treatment showed that both Leydig and Sertoli cells are affected in the same manner by GBH, the activation of p53 expression in both Leydig cells and peritubular myloid cells nuclei, and the reduction in AR expression in Sertoli cells, which resulted in important testicular damage.

Investigation of protective effect of resveratrol and coenzyme Q10 against cyclophosphamide-induced lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress and DNA damage in rats

It is seen that cyclophosphamide, which is used in treating many diseases, especially cancer, causes toxicity in studies, and its metabolites induce oxidative stress. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of resveratrol and Coenzyme Q10, known for their antioxidant properties, separately and together, against oxidative stress induced by cyclophosphamide. In this study, 35 Wistar albino male rats were divided into five groups. Groups; Control group, cyclophosphamide (CP) group (CP as 75 mg kg i.p. on day 14), coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) + CP group (20 mg/kg i.p. CoQ10 + 75 mg kg i.p. CP), resveratrol (Res) + CP group (20 mg/kg i.p. Res + 75 mg/kg i.p. CP), CoQ10 + Res + CP group (20 mg/kg i.p Res + 20 mg/kg i.p CoQ10 and 75 mg/kg i.p.CP). At the end of the experiment, the cholesterol, creatinine and urea levels of the group given CP increased, while a decrease was observed in the groups given Res and CoQ10. Malondialdehyde level was high, glutathione level, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were decreased in the blood and all tissues (liver, kidney, brain, heart and testis) of the CP given group. DNA damage and histopathological changes were also observed. In contrast, Res and CoQ10, both separately and together, reversed the CP-induced altered level and enzyme activities and ameliorated DNA damage and histopathological changes. In this study, the effects of Res and CoQ10 against CP toxicity were examined both separately and together.

Research progress on the role and mechanism of DNA damage repair in germ cell development

In the complex and dynamic processes of replication, transcription, and translation of DNA molecules, a large number of replication errors or damage can occur which lead to obstacles in the development process of germ cells and result in a decreased reproductive rate. DNA damage repair has attracted widespread attention due to its important role in the maintenance and regulation of germ cells. This study reports on a systematic review of the role and mechanism of DNA damage repair in germline development. First, the causes, detection methods, and repair methods of DNA damage, and the mechanism of DNA damage repair are summarized. Second, a summary of the causes of abnormal DNA damage repair in germ cells is introduced along with common examples, and the relevant effects of germ cell damage. Third, we introduce the application of drugs related to DNA damage repair in the treatment of reproductive diseases and related surgical treatment of abnormal DNA damage, and summarize various applications of DNA damage repair in germ cells. Finally, a summary and discussion is given of the current deficiencies in DNA damage repair during germ cell development and future research development. The purpose of this paper is to provide researchers engaged in relevant fields with a further systematic understanding of the relevant applications of DNA damage repair in germ cells and to gain inspiration from it to provide new research ideas for related fields.

Evaluation of perinatal exposure of glyphosate and its mixture with 2,4-D and dicamba οn liver redox status in Wistar rats

Wide-scale emergence of glyphosate-resistant weeds has led to an increase in the simultaneous application of herbicide mixtures exacerbated by the introduction of crops tolerant to glyphosate plus dicamba or glyphosate plus 2,4-D. This raises serious concerns regarding the environmental and health risks resulting from increased exposure to a mixture of herbicide active ingredients. We evaluated hepatotoxic effects following perinatal exposure to glyphosate alone or in combination with 2,4-D and dicamba from gestational day-6 until adulthood in Wistar rats. Animals were administered with glyphosate at the European Union (EU) acceptable daily intake (ADI; 0.5 mg/kg bw/day) and no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL; 50 mg/kg bw/day). A mixture of glyphosate with 2,4-D (0.3 mg/kg bw/day) and dicamba (0.02 mg/kg bw/day) with each at their EU ADI was evaluated. Redox status was determined by measuring levels of reduced glutathione, decomposition rate of Η₂Ο₂, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, total antioxidant capacity, thiobarbituric reactive substances, and protein carbonyls. Gene expression analysis of Nr1d1, Nr1d2, Clec2g, Ier3, and Gadd45g associated with oxidative damage to DNA, was also performed. Analysis of liver samples showed that exposure to the mixture of the three herbicides induced a marked increase in the concentration of glutathione and malondialdehyde indicative of a disturbance in redox balance. Nevertheless, the effect of increased lipid peroxidation was not discernible following a 3-month recuperation period where animals were withdrawn from pesticide exposure post-weaning. Interestingly, toxic effects caused by prenatal exposure to the glyphosate NOAEL were present after the same 3-month recovery period. No statistically significant changes in the expression of genes linked with genotoxicity were observed. Our findings reinforce the importance of assessing the combined effects of chemical pollutants at doses that are asserted by regulatory agencies to be safe individually.

High doses of GrassOut Max poses reproductive hazard by affecting male reproductive function and early embryogenesis in Swiss albino mice

Clethodim is a widely used and approved class II herbicide, with little information about its impact on the reproductive system. Herein, we investigated the male reproductive toxicity of clethodim using a mouse model. GrassOut Max (26% clethodim-equivalent) or 50 mg kg^-1 body weight analytical grade clethodim (≥90%) were given orally to male mice for 10 d in varying doses. All parameters were assessed at 35 d from the first day of treatment. Significant decrease in testicular weight, decreased germ cell population, elevated DNA damage in testicular cells and lower serum testosterone level was observed post clethodim-equivalent exposure. Epididymal spermatozoa were characterized with significant decrease in motility, elevated DNA damage, abnormal morphology, chromatin immaturity and, decreased acetylated-lysine of sperm proteins. In the testicular cells of clethodim-equivalent treated mice, the expression of Erβ and Gper was significantly higher. Proteomic analysis revealed lower metabolic activity, poor sperm-oocyte binding potential and defective mitochondrial electron transport in spermatozoa of clethodim-equivalent treated mice. Further, fertilizing ability of spermatozoa was compromised and resulted in defective preimplantation embryo development. Together, our data suggest that clethodim exposure risks male reproductive function and early embryogenesis in Swiss albino mice via endocrine disrupting function.

Integrated metabolomics and transcriptomics reveal glyphosate based-herbicide induced reproductive toxicity through disturbing energy and nucleotide metabolism in mice testes

Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide that has deleterious effects on animal reproduction. However, details regarding the systematic mechanisms of glyphosate-induced reproductive toxicity are limited. This study aimed to investigate the toxic effects of glyphosate-based herbicide (GBH) on reproduction in mice exposed to 0 (control group), 50 (low-dose group), 250 (middle-dose group), and 500 (high-dose group) mg/kg/day GBH for 30 days. Toxicological parameters, metabolomics, and transcriptomics were performed to reveal GBH-induced reproductive toxicity. Our findings demonstrated that GBH exposure damaged mitochondrial pyknosis and the nuclear membrane of spermatogonia. GBH triggered a significant increase in sperm malformations in the high-dose group. Omics data showed that GBH impaired the Krebs cycle and respiratory chain, blocked pyruvate metabolism and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, and influenced the pentose phosphate pathway and nucleotide synthesis and metabolism. Overall, the multi-omics results revealed systematic and comprehensive evidence of the adverse effects of GBH exposure, providing new insights into the reproductive toxicity of organophosphorus pesticides.

Pirimicarb Induction of Behavioral Disorders and of Neurological and Reproductive Toxicities in Male Rats: Euphoric and Preventive Effects of Ephedra alata Monjauzeana

Carbamate pesticides are a risk to human well-being, and pirimicarb is the most widely employed carbamate insecticide. This ongoing investigation aimed to reveal its toxicity on neurobehavioral and reproductive function. The study was carried out on male Wistar rats by assessment of behavioral changes via experiments, such as the forced swim test and the elevated plus maze; determination of oxidative stress (checking parameters such as catalase activity, etc.); measurement of cortisol and testosterone serum titers, and IL-1β levels in the plasma and brain; and evaluation of histopathological lesions that induced pirimicarb after 28 days of gavage, specifically in the brain and testis. Traces of pirimicarb were analyzed in tissue extracts using LCMS/MS. At the same time, the beneficial and protective effect of EamCE (Ephedra alata monjauzeana Crude Extract) were tested. The outcomes showed considerable anxiety and depressive status, with an evident increase in cortisol and IL-1β titers and an important decrease in oxidative enzymes and testosterone. Significant histological lesions were also recorded. In addition, the LCMS/MS analysis affirmed the accumulation of pirimicarb in organ tissue from rats force-fed with pirimicarb. Conversely, EamCE demonstrated outstanding potential as a preventive treatment, restoring cognitive and physical performance, boosting fertility, enhancing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and preserving tissue integrity. We concluded that pirimicarb has critical deleterious impacts on health, affecting the neuroimmune-endocrine axis, and EamCE has a general euphoric and preventive effect.

Disturbance of cellular calcium homeostasis plays a pivotal role in glyphosate-based herbicide-induced oxidative stress

Glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) are the most worldwide used pesticides. The wide application of GBHs contaminates the soil and, consequently, water and food resources reaching human consumption. GBHs induce oxidative stress in non-target organisms, leading to a pro-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic cellular status, promoting tissue dysfunction and, thus, metabolic and neurobehavioral changes. This review presents evidence of oxidative damage induced by GBHs and the mechanism of cell damage and health consequences. To summarize, exposure to GBHs may induce disorders in calcium homeostasis related to the activation of ion channels. Also, alterations in pathways related to redox state regulation must have a primordial role in oxidative stress caused by GBHs.

Glyphosate-based herbicide causes spermatogenesis disorder and spermatozoa damage of the Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) by affecting testes characteristic enzymes, antioxidant capacities and inducing apoptosis

Glyphosate-based herbicide (GBH) is a popular herbicide, which may contaminate the water environment and affect aquatic animals. In this study, testes morphology, physiology function, apoptosis pathway, and spermatozoa quality of Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) were evaluated after 7 days of GBH exposure (48.945 mg/l,1/2 of the 96 h LC50 value of GBH). Results showed that GBH induced spermatogenesis disorder by H.E. staining. The obvious vacuolar degenerations and fewer spermatids of the testes accompanied by decreased primary spermatocytes-type seminiferous tubules (PSc-STs) were observed. The extensive apoptosis of spermatids by TUNEL staining was visible. Meanwhile, testes'' characteristic enzyme activities associated with spermatogenesis, including lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and acid phosphatase (ACP) were significantly decreased. Testes suffered oxidative damage as reflected by the significant decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, the significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) contents, and heat shock proteins (HSP-70) mRNA expression. Further studies demonstrated that GBH induced apoptosis of testes through the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway by upregulating the relative mRNA expression of cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase 3 (Caspase-3), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), and downregulating B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2). Oxidative damage may be one of the causes of GBH-induced apoptosis in testes. After GBH exposure, the morphology of spermatophores was changed. The survival and the acrosome reaction (AR) ratio of spermatozoa was significantly decreased. Altogether, these results demonstrated that GBH affects spermatogenesis, spermatophore and spermatozoa quality of E.sinensis, which provides novel knowledge about the toxic effects of GBH on the reproductive system of crustaceans.

Molecular and Histological Effects of Glyphosate on Testicular Tissue of the Lizard Podarcis siculus

The expansion of agriculture produces a steady increase in habitat fragmentation and degradation due to the increased use of pesticides and herbicides. Habitat loss and alteration associated with crop production play an important role in reptile decline, among which lizards are particularly endangered. In this study, we evaluated testicular structure, steroidogenesis, and estrogen receptor expression/localization after three weeks of oral exposure to glyphosate at 0.05 and 0.5 μg/kg body weight every other day in the field lizard Podarcis siculus. Our results show that glyphosate affected testicular morphology, reduced spermatogenesis, altered gap junctions and changed the localization of estrogen receptors in germ cells, increasing their expression; the effects were mostly dose-dependent. The result also demonstrates that glyphosate, at least at these concentrations, did not influence steroidogenesis. Overall, the data indicate that this herbicide can disturb the morphophysiology of the male lizard's reproductive system, with obviously detrimental effects on their reproductive fitness. The effects of glyphosate must be considered biologically relevant and could endanger the reproductive capacity not only of lizards but also of other vertebrates, including humans; a more controlled and less intensive use of glyphosate in areas devoted to crop production would therefore be advisable.

Ameliorative effect of N-acetylcysteine on the testicular tissue of adult male albino rats after glyphosate-based herbicide exposure

Glyphosate (GLP) is a broad-spectrum herbicide that is frequently used in crop production, but its residues remain in foodstuffs. This, in turn, has led to potential adverse effects on both human and animal health. Recent studies emphasized that GLP induces teratogenic effects and reproductive disorders, but its mechanism of toxicity is highly debated. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is well known for its potent antioxidant capacity in addition to anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective properties. Therefore, our study aimed to investigate the reproductive toxicity of GLP in mature rats and evaluate the possible ameliorative effect of NAC against this toxicity. To this end, 30 adult male rats were assigned into three groups (10 rats per group) as follows: Group I, negative control; group II, GLP-exposed; 375 mg/kg GLP, orally; group III, NAC-cotreated, 160 mg/kg NAC 1 h before GLP, plus GLP, 375 mg/kg orally for 6 weeks. At the end of the experiment, the testicles were collected for semen analysis and biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical studies. GLP-exposed rats exhibited disturbances in seminal parameters and a significant increase in malondialdehyde levels and expression of apoptotic markers. Several histopathological changes were observed, including strong immunoreactions for caspase-3 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen. Conversely, the administration of NAC before GLP was able to improve seminal parameters, attenuate the induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in addition to the regeneration of testicular damage. In conclusion, NAC can ameliorate the reproductive toxicity induced by GLP to an acceptable degree.

Oxidative Stress and Metabolism: A Mechanistic Insight for Glyphosate Toxicology

Glyphosate (GLYP) is a widely used pesticide; it is considered to be a safe herbicide for animals and humans because it targets 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase. However, there has been increasing evidence that GLYP causes varying degrees of toxicity. Moreover, oxidative stress and metabolism are highly correlated with toxicity. This review provides a comprehensive introduction to the toxicity of GLYP and, for the first time, systematically summarizes the toxicity mechanism of GLYP from the perspective of oxidative stress, including GLYP-mediated oxidative damage, changes in antioxidant status, altered signaling pathways, and the regulation of oxidative stress by exogenous substances. In addition, the metabolism of GLYP is discussed, including metabolites,metabolic pathways, metabolic enzymes, and the toxicity of metabolites. This review provides new ideas for the toxicity mechanism of GLYP and proposes effective strategies for reducing its toxicity.

Pleiotropic Outcomes of Glyphosate Exposure: From Organ Damage to Effects on Inflammation, Cancer, Reproduction and Development

Glyphosate is widely used worldwide as a potent herbicide. Due to its ubiquitous use, it is detectable in air, water and foodstuffs and can accumulate in human biological fluids and tissues representing a severe human health risk. In plants, glyphosate acts as an inhibitor of the shikimate pathway, which is absent in vertebrates. Due to this, international scientific authorities have long-considered glyphosate as a compound that has no or weak toxicity in humans. However, increasing evidence has highlighted the toxicity of glyphosate and its formulations in animals and human cells and tissues. Thus, despite the extension of the authorization of the use of glyphosate in Europe until 2022, several countries have begun to take precautionary measures to reduce its diffusion. Glyphosate has been detected in urine, blood and maternal milk and has been found to induce the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and several cytotoxic and genotoxic effects in vitro and in animal models directly or indirectly through its metabolite, aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA). This review aims to summarize the more relevant findings on the biological effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of glyphosate, with a particular focus on glyphosate's potential to induce inflammation, DNA damage and alterations in gene expression profiles as well as adverse effects on reproduction and development.

Review: Mechanisms of Glyphosate and Glyphosate-Based Herbicides Action in Female and Male Fertility in Humans and Animal Models

Glyphosate (G), also known as N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine is the declared active ingredient of glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) such as Roundup largely used in conventional agriculture. It is always used mixed with formulants. G acts in particular on the shikimate pathway, which exists in bacteria, for aromatic amino acids synthesis, but this pathway does not exist in vertebrates. In recent decades, researchers have shown by using various animal models that GBHs are endocrine disruptors that might alter reproductive functions. Our review describes the effects of exposure to G or GBHs on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis in males and females in terms of endocrine disruption, cell viability, and proliferation. Most of the main regulators of the reproductive axis (GPR54, GnRH, LH, FSH, estradiol, testosterone) are altered at all levels of the HPG axis (hypothalamus, pituitary, ovaries, testis, placenta, uterus) by exposure to GBHs which are considered more toxic than G alone due to the presence of formulants such as polyoxyethylene tallow amine (POEA)." In addition, we report intergenerational impacts of exposure to G or GBHs and, finally, we discuss different strategies to reduce the negative effects of GBHs on fertility.

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

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

Resveratrol Ameliorates the Seminiferous Tubules Damages Induced by Finasteride in Adult Male Rats

Finasteride is commonly used in the management of alopecia and nodular prostatic hyperplasia. It was reported to have a harmful effect on spermatogenesis with subsequent infertility. Thus, this research was to determine the ameliorative effect of resveratrol against testicular damage caused by finasteride. Forty adult male rats were randomly divided into four main groups: group I acted as the control, group II was administrated resveratrol 20 mg/kg/day, group III was administrated finasteride 5 mg/kg/day, and group IV was administrated finasteride and resveratrol as in the previous groups. Finasteride induced a significant decrement in the testosterone and dihydrotestosterone levels. The level of malondialdehyde significantly increased, while the levels of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase significantly decreased in the finasteride-administrated rats. Variable histopathological alterations in the testes were revealed in the form of irregular seminiferous tubules. Some seminiferous tubules appeared with degenerated germinal epithelium. Others showed detachment of their germinal epithelium. Congested blood vessels and homogeneous acidophilic substance in-between tubules were also detected. A significant decrement in PCNA positive cells and a significant increment in Bax expression were demonstrated. Ultrastructural examination showed Sertoli cells with rarefied cytoplasm. Vacuolated cytoplasm, shrunken nuclei, and dilated perinuclear spaces were also revealed in the spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes, and early spermatids. On the contrary, few changes were noticed in rats received resveratrol concomitant with finasteride. This study indicated that resveratrol exerted a potent ameliorative effect against testicular injury caused by finasteride.

Pesticide residues in honey and their potential reproductive toxicity

Honey is the sweet natural substance produced by honeybees. It may be contaminated with pesticide residues due to its intensive use. Almost no reviews have addressed pesticide residues in honey, calculated a hazard index or discussed their potential reproductive toxicity. The focus of this article is primarily to summarize advances in research related to pesticide residues, estimate daily intake of pesticide residues from consuming honey only and discuss the potential reproductive toxicity associated with those residues. The results showed that 92 pesticide residues were found in honey samples from 27 countries. Six residues belong to class IA toxicity, eight residues belong to class IB toxicity, 42 residues belong to class II, 35 residues belong to class III and one residue belong to class IV toxicity. The calculated hazard indices (HIs) suggest high potential health risk by consuming honey. In addition, residues found in honey are known to impair semen quality among exposed individuals and experimental animal models. In conclusion, consumption of honey as one of many food items contaminated with pesticide residues may induce male and female reproductive toxicity in consumers.

Ovarian mitochondrial and oxidative stress proteins are altered by glyphosate exposure in mice

Glyphosate (GLY) usage for weed control is extensive. To investigate ovarian impacts of chronic GLY exposure, female C57BL6 mice were orally administered saline as vehicle control (CT) or GLY at 0.25 (G0.25), 0.5 (G0.5), 1.0 (G1.0), 1.5 (G1.5), or 2 (G2.0) mg/kg for five days per wk. for 20 wks. Feed intake increased (P < .05) in G1.5 and G2.0 mice and body weight increased (P < .05) in G1.0 mice. There was no impact of GLY on estrous cyclicity, nor did GLY affect circulating levels of 17β-estradiol or progesterone. Exposure to GLY did not impact heart, liver, spleen, kidney or uterus weight. Both ovarian weight and follicle number were increased (P < .05) by G2.0 but not affected at lower GLY concentrations. There were no detectable effects of GLY on ovarian protein abundance of pAKT, AKT, pAKT:AKT, γH2AX, STAR, CYP11A1, HSD3B, CYP19A, ERA or ERB. Increased (P < .05) abundance of ATM protein was observed at G0.25 but not higher GLY doses. A dose-dependent effect (P < .10) of GLY exposure on ovarian protein abundance as quantified by LC-MS/MS was observed (G0.25-4 increased, 19 decreased; G0.5-5 increased, 25 decreased; G1.0-65 increased, 7 decreased; G1.5-145 increased, 2 decreased; G2.0-159 increased, 4 decreased). Pathway analysis was performed using DAVID and identified glutathione metabolism, metabolic and proteasome pathways as GLY exposure targets. These data indicate that chronic low-level exposure to GLY alters the ovarian proteome and may ultimately impact ovarian function.