Decrease in reproductive dysfunction using aflatoxin B1 exposure: a treatment with 3-indolepropionic acid in albino Wistar rat

Determination of tryptophan and its indole metabolites in follicular fluid of women with diminished ovarian reserve

Tryptophan (TRP) and its indole metabolites exhibit numerous biological effects, especially their antioxidant properties. This study used untargeted metabolomics in conjunction with targeted metabolomics to investigate the differential expression of tryptophan and its indole metabolites in follicular fluid (FF) of diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) and normal ovarian reserve (NOR) populations. This study included patients with DOR (n = 50) and females with NOR (n = 35) who received in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. Untargeted metabolomics suggests that diminished ovarian reserve affects the metabolic profile of FF, TRP and indole metabolites were significantly down-regulated in the DOR group. Targeted metabolomics quantification revealed that the levels of TRP, IPA and IAA in the FF of the DOR group were significantly lower than those of the NOR group (P < 0.01). The concentration of TRP in FF is positively correlated with the available embryo rate in NOR females. These results provide data support to explore the pathogenesis of DOR and to look for new biomarkers and ovarian protectors. Additionally, alterations in TRP and its indole metabolites in FF may indirectly reflect the interaction between intestinal flora and the follicular microenvironment.

Aflatoxin B1-induced dysfunction in male rats' reproductive indices were abated by Sorghum bicolor (L.Moench) hydrophobic fraction

The burden of infertility distresses millions of families worldwide. The harmful effects of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) on the reproductive system involve oxidative stress, culminating in inflammation and cellular apoptosis. The phytochemical in Sorghum bicolor is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory activities. The effect of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench (SBE-HP) extract -hydrophobic fraction- enriched in Apigenin (API) was investigated in rats chronically dosed with AFB1 and the likely mechanism (s) of SBE-HP to protect against AFB1-induced reproductive toxicity. Adult Wistar male rats (twenty-four) were selected randomly and allocated into four groups. Cohort 1 was administered 0.05 % carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC); cohort 2 received AFB1 (50 µg/kg) alone; while cohorts 3 and 4 received 5 & 10 mg/kg of (SBE-HP) respectively, along with 50 µg/kg of AFB1. After 28 days, AFB1 induced remarkable reproductive toxicity as evidenced by increased sperm abnormalities, lowered sperm quality and motility, altered serum hormonal levels and testicular enzyme activities, decreased anti-oxidants, increased pro-oxidants, apoptotic and inflammatory biomarkers, as well as altered histoarchitectural structure of the testis, epididymis, and hypothalamus of rats. API-enriched extract of S. bicolor reduced AFB1-induced oxidative, inflammatory, apoptotic, and histological derangement by improving sperm function parameters, testicular enzymes, and reproductive hormones. Anti-oxidant levels and anti-inflammatory mediators were increased while decreases in the activities and levels of pro-oxidants, pro-inflammatory molecules and caspase-9 occurred in the rats' testes, epididymis, and hypothalamus. API-enriched S. bicolor protected the testes, epididymis, and hypothalamus of male rats exposed to AFB1 by modulating oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis.

Dietary aflatoxin B1 and antimalarial-a lumefantrine/artesunate-therapy perturbs male rat reproductive function via pro-inflammatory and oxidative mechanisms

We investigated the impact of Coartem™ (COA) and aflatoxin B1 (AFB₁) on rats' hypothalamus, epididymis, and testis. Male rats were randomly grouped (n = 5 rats) and treated: control group (corn oil), AFB₁ (70 µg/kg), COA (5 mg/kg), COA + AFB₁ (5 + 0.035 mg/kg) and COA + AFB₁ (5 + 0.07 mg/kg) for 28 days. Blood samples were collected for serum prolactin, testosterone, follicle-stimulating and luteinising hormones (FSH and LH) assay upon sacrifice. The semen, hypothalamus, epididymis, and testes were harvested for morphological, biochemical, and histopathology determination of oxidative, inflammation stress, genomic integrity, and pathological alterations. Exposure to the COA and AFB₁ caused the cauda epididymal spermatozoa to display low motility, viability, and volume, with increased abnormalities. Hormonal disruption ensued in animals exposed to COA and AFB₁ alone or together, exemplified by increased prolactin, and decreased testosterone, FSH and LH levels. Treatment-related reduction in biomarkers of testicular metabolism-acid and alkaline phosphatases, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and lactate dehydrogenase-were observed. Also, COA and AFB₁ treatment caused reductions in antioxidant (Glutathione and total thiols) levels and antioxidant enzyme (Catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione-S-transferase) activities in the examined organs. At the same time, treatment-related increases in DNA damage (p53), oxidative stress (xanthine oxidase, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and lipid peroxidation), inflammation (nitric oxide and tumour necrosis factor-alpha), and apoptosis (caspase-9, and -3) were observed. Chronic exposure to COA and AFB1 led to oxidative stress, inflammation, and DNA damage in male rats' hypothalamic-reproductive axis, which might potentiate infertility if not contained.

The protective effect of 3-indolepropanoic acid on aflatoxin B1-induced systemic perturbation of the liver and kidney function in rats

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is known to derange the hepatorenal system by redox, DNA adduct formation and apoptotic networks. Endogenous 3-indole propionic acid (3-IPA) is a metabolite of tryptophan metabolism by gut microbiota that can protect against redox imbalance, inflammation and cellular lipid damage. We investigated the beneficial effect of 3-IPA against AFB1-mediated organ toxicity in male rats post 28 days of consecutive treatment. The 3-IPA (25 and 50 mg/kg) was orally administered alongside AFB1 (50 μg/kg) treatment. Biochemical and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were utilised to examine biomarkers of hepatorenal function, oxidative status and inflammation. DNA damage and apoptosis were also assessed, and histological staining techniques were used to investigate hepatorenal tissues for pathological indicators. The 3-IPA supplementation abated AFB1-mediated increases in biomarkers of hepatic and renal dysfunction in rat serum. Co-administration of 3-IPA further reduced AFB1-induced redox imbalance (by upregulating antioxidant mediators and enzymes [GSH, TSH, Trx, Trx-R, SOD, CAT, GPx and GST]; reducing reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation and DNA adduct [RONS, LPO and 8-OH-dG] formation; suppressing pro-inflammatory and apoptotic mediators [XO, MPO, NO, IL-1β and Casp -9 and -3]; and upregulating the level of interleukin 10 (IL-10). Moreover, treatment with 3-IPA lessened hepatorenal tissue injuries. These findings suggest that augmenting 3-IPA endogenously from tryptophan metabolism may provide a novel strategy to forestall xenobiotics-mediated hepatorenal toxicity, including AFB1.

Early-life AFB1 exposure: DNA methylation and hormone alterations

Aflatoxins are secondary metabolites of mold that contaminate food and feedstuff. They are found in various food including grains, nuts, milk and eggs. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is the most poisonous and commonly found of the various types of aflatoxins. Exposures to AFB1 start early in life viz. in utero, during breastfeeding, and during weaning through the waning foods which are mainly grain based. Several studies have shown that early-life exposures to various contaminants may have various biological effects. In this chapter, we reviewed the effects of early-life AFB1 exposures on changes in hormone and DNA methylation. In utero AFB1 exposure results in alterations in steroid and growth hormones. Specifically, the exposure results in a reduction in testosterone levels later in life. The exposure also affects the methylation of various genes that are significant in growth, immune, inflammation, and signaling pathways.

Apigeninidin-rich Sorghum bicolor (L. Moench) extracts suppress A549 cells proliferation and ameliorate toxicity of aflatoxin B1-mediated liver and kidney derangement in rats

Sorghum bicolor plant has a high abundance of 3-deoxyanthocyanins, flavonoids and other polyphenol compounds that have been shown to offer numerous health benefits. Epidemiological studies have linked increased intake of S. bicolor to reduced risk of certain cancer types, including lung adenocarcinoma. S. bicolor extracts have shown beneficial effects in managing hepatorenal injuries. This study investigated the cytotoxic potential of three apigeninidin-rich extracts of S. bicolor (SBE-05, SBE-06 and SBE-07) against selected cancer cell lines and their ameliorative effect on aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁)-mediated hepatorenal derangements in rats. We observed that, among the three potent extracts, SBE-06 more potently and selectively suppressed the growth of lung adenocarcinoma cell line (A549) (IC₅₀ = 6.5 μg/mL). SBE-06 suppressed the expression of STAT3 but increased the expression of caspase 3. In addition, SBE-05, SBE-06 and SBE-07 inhibited oxidative and nitrosative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis and preserved the histoarchitectural networks of the liver and kidney of rats treated with AFB₁. These in vitro and in vivo studies indicate the potential of these cheap and readily accessible extracts for cancer therapy and as chemo-preventive agents in preventing aflatoxin-related health issues.

3-Indolepropionic acid upturned male reproductive function by reducing oxido-inflammatory responses and apoptosis along the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis of adult rats exposed to chlorpyrifos

We examined the effect of 3-Indolepropionic acid (3-IPA), an antioxidant on the organophosphorus pesticide chlorpyrifos (CPF)-induced reproductive toxicity in rats. The five experimental rat cohorts were treated per os for 14 consecutive days as follows: Control (Corn oil 2 mL/kg body weight), CPF alone (5 mg/kg), 3-IPA alone (40 mg/kg) and the co-treated rat cohorts (CPF:5 mg/kg + 3-IPA: 20 or 40 mg/kg). Biomarkers of testicular and epididymal function, oxidative stress, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and the levels of nitric oxide (NO), reactive oxygen and nitrogen (RONS) species and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were assessed. Also, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), Bcl-2-associated X (Bax) and B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) proteins were estimated, and tissue histology was microscopically examined. CPF alone significantly (p < 0.05) increased biomarkers of reproductive toxicities were averted in rats co-treated 3-IPA. Decreases in antioxidants and increases in lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species were lessened (p < 0.05) in CPF and 3-IPA co-treated rats. CPF mediated increases in TNF-α, NO, Bax, and MPO activity was reduced (p < 0.05) in the epididymis, testes, and hypothalamus of rats co-treated with 3-IPA. In addition, Bcl-2 expression was increased in rats co-treated with 3-IPA dose-dependently. Histopathological examination revealed severe lesions induced by CPF were prevented in rats co-treated with 3-IPA. Our findings demonstrate that exogenous 3-IPA reduced CPF-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in the epididymis and testes of male rats.