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Zhang H, Yan J, Xie D, Zhu X, Nie G, Zhang H, Li X. Selenium restored mitophagic flux to alleviate cadmium-induced hepatotoxicity by inhibiting excessive GPER1-mediated mitophagy activation. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 475:134855. [PMID: 38880044 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is a common environmental pollutant, while selenium (Se) can ameliorate heavy metal toxicity. Consequently, this study aimed to investigate the protective effects of Se against Cd-induced hepatocyte injury and its underlying mechanisms. To achieve this, we utilized the Dongdagou-Xinglong cohort, BRL3A cell models, and a rat model exposed to Cd and/or Se. The results showed that Se counteracted liver function injury and the decrease in GPER1 levels caused by environmental Cd exposure, and various methods confirmed that Se could protect against Cd-induced hepatotoxicity both in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, Cd caused excessive mitophagy activation, evidenced by the colocalization of LC3B, PINK1, Parkin, P62, and TOMM20. Transfection of BRL3A cells with mt-keima adenovirus indicated that Cd inhibited autophagosome-lysosome fusion, thereby impeding mitophagic flux. Importantly, G1, a specific agonist of GPER1, mitigated Cd-induced mitophagy overactivation and hepatocyte toxicity, whereas G15 exacerbates these effects. Notably, Se supplementation attenuated Cd-induced GPER1 protein reduction and excessive mitophagy activation while facilitating autophagosome-lysosome fusion, thereby restoring mitophagic flux. In conclusion, this study proposed a novel mechanism whereby Se alleviated GPER1-mediated mitophagy and promoted autophagosome-lysosome fusion, thus restoring Cd-induced mitophagic flux damage, and preventing hepatocyte injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honglong Zhang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Yan
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China; Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China; Medical School Cancer Center of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China; Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery Institute of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Danna Xie
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingwang Zhu
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Guole Nie
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Haijun Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Operating Theater, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xun Li
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China; Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China; Medical School Cancer Center of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China; Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery Institute of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China; General Surgery Clinical Medical Research Center of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China.
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Jiang L, Yang F, Liao H, Chen W, Dai X, Peng C, Li Z, Wang H, Zhang T, Cao H. Molybdenum and cadmium cause blood-testis barrier dysfunction through ROS-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation in sheep. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167267. [PMID: 37741404 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
In this study, 24 healthy male sheep were divided into four groups: the control group, Mo group (45 mg Mo·kg-1·BW), Cd group (1 mg Cd·kg-1·BW), and Mo + Cd group (45 mg Mo·kg-1·BW + 1 mg Cd·kg-1·BW). The experiment was last for 50 d. The results showed that Mo and Cd co-exposure induced histopathological changes and ultrastructural damage, decreased the mRNA and protein expression levels of BTB (blood-testis barrier)-related factors (CX-43, ZO-1, OCLN) (P < 0.05) and the T-SOD and CAT activity (P < 0.05), increased the MDA content (P < 0.05) and the proinflammatory factors levels (P < 0.05) in sheep testes. Moreover, the results showed that a sharp decline in BTB-related factors and antioxidase activity, and a significant increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels (P < 0.05) and the expression levels of NLRP3 inflammasome-related factors (P < 0.05) in primary Sertoli cells (SCs) under Mo and Cd co-exposure. However, treatment with a ROS scavenger or NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors could relieve BTB damage and oxidative injury, reduce the production of ROS (P < 0.05) and decrease the level of inflammatory factors (P < 0.05). Overall, these results indicated that Mo and Cd co-exposure reduced BTB-related protein levels and promoted ROS production and inflammatory reactions by activating the ROS/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway in sheep testes, which eventually induced reproductive toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Jiang
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Animal Health, Institute of Animal Population Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, No. 1101 Zhimin Avenue, Economic and Technological Development District, Nanchang 330045, Jiangxi, PR China
| | - Fan Yang
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Animal Health, Institute of Animal Population Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, No. 1101 Zhimin Avenue, Economic and Technological Development District, Nanchang 330045, Jiangxi, PR China
| | - Huan Liao
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Animal Health, Institute of Animal Population Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, No. 1101 Zhimin Avenue, Economic and Technological Development District, Nanchang 330045, Jiangxi, PR China
| | - Weiwei Chen
- Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, PR China
| | - Xueyan Dai
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Animal Health, Institute of Animal Population Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, No. 1101 Zhimin Avenue, Economic and Technological Development District, Nanchang 330045, Jiangxi, PR China
| | - Chengcheng Peng
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Animal Health, Institute of Animal Population Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, No. 1101 Zhimin Avenue, Economic and Technological Development District, Nanchang 330045, Jiangxi, PR China; Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Guangxi University of Science and Technology, 257 Liu-shi Road, Liuzhou 545005, Guangxi, PR China
| | - Zhiyuan Li
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Animal Health, Institute of Animal Population Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, No. 1101 Zhimin Avenue, Economic and Technological Development District, Nanchang 330045, Jiangxi, PR China
| | - Huating Wang
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Animal Health, Institute of Animal Population Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, No. 1101 Zhimin Avenue, Economic and Technological Development District, Nanchang 330045, Jiangxi, PR China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Animal Health, Institute of Animal Population Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, No. 1101 Zhimin Avenue, Economic and Technological Development District, Nanchang 330045, Jiangxi, PR China
| | - Huabin Cao
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Animal Health, Institute of Animal Population Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, No. 1101 Zhimin Avenue, Economic and Technological Development District, Nanchang 330045, Jiangxi, PR China.
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Lacerda D, Vergilio CDS, Pestana IA, Alvares da Silva AM, de Assis Pinheiro J, Freitas FV, Barbosa WM, Gomes de Almeida M, Vaz de Oliveira BC, de Rezende CE. Metal concentrations in the whole blood of farmers in southeast Brazil. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 344:140199. [PMID: 37769919 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we measured Ni, Co, Cd, and Pb concentrations in the whole blood of farmers from southeast Brazil to address the factors influencing human exposure in this population. The factors included smoking, alcohol consumption, aging, body composition, gender, and feeding preferences, which were measured through carbon and nitrogen isotopic composition. We also calculated and compared the reference values (RVs) of the measured elements to evaluate ongoing exposure levels. We observed the influence of lifestyle habits on metal exposure; Cd levels were statistically higher in smokers, and alcohol consumption affected only Pb concentrations, with an association also observed with the frequency of alcohol ingestion. The metal levels were positively associated with both isotope values, indicating that feeding may be the dominant source of these elements in this population. We also observed the effect of endogenous sources measured through age, as increased Pb concentrations in both genders and higher Cd levels in older women, which is related to bone, kidney, and liver accumulation. The body mass index was negatively associated with Ni, Co, and Cd in women and positively in men. The negative associations may indicate that body fat may act as a reservoir for metals, reducing their availability in the blood in individuals with higher body mass and possibly influencing the assessment of exposure levels. The evaluated population presented elevated RVs for all elements: Ni 36, Co 3.3, Cd 16, and Pb 149 μg L-1. These values point to higher exposure in this population compared to other studies in Brazil and worldwide. These results emphasize an urgent need for monitoring programs for toxic substances in Brazil and evaluating possible health effects, given the ongoing environmental exposure associated with endogenous exposure and lifestyle habits that promote higher metal levels in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Lacerda
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro. Avenida Alberto Lamego, 2000, Parque Califórnia, Campos Dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, CEP: 28.013-602, Brazil.
| | - Cristiane Dos Santos Vergilio
- Laboratório de Ecotoxicologia, Departamento de Biologia, Centro de Ciências Exatas Naturais e da Saúde, Universidade Federal Do Espírito Santo - Campus Alegre. Alto Universitário, S/N, Guararema, Alegre, Espírito Santo, CEP: 29.500-000, Brazil
| | - Inácio Abreu Pestana
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro. Avenida Alberto Lamego, 2000, Parque Califórnia, Campos Dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, CEP: 28.013-602, Brazil
| | - Adriana Madeira Alvares da Silva
- Laboratório de Ecotoxicologia, Departamento de Biologia, Centro de Ciências Exatas Naturais e da Saúde, Universidade Federal Do Espírito Santo - Campus Alegre. Alto Universitário, S/N, Guararema, Alegre, Espírito Santo, CEP: 29.500-000, Brazil
| | - Julia de Assis Pinheiro
- Departamento de Farmácia e Nutrição, Centro de Ciências Exatas Naturais e da Saúde, Universidade Federal Do Espírito Santo - Campus Alegre. Alto Universitário, S/N, Guararema, Alegre, Espírito Santo, CEP: 29.500-000, Brazil
| | - Flavia Vitorino Freitas
- Departamento de Farmácia e Nutrição, Centro de Ciências Exatas Naturais e da Saúde, Universidade Federal Do Espírito Santo - Campus Alegre. Alto Universitário, S/N, Guararema, Alegre, Espírito Santo, CEP: 29.500-000, Brazil
| | - Wagner Miranda Barbosa
- Departamento de Farmácia e Nutrição, Centro de Ciências Exatas Naturais e da Saúde, Universidade Federal Do Espírito Santo - Campus Alegre. Alto Universitário, S/N, Guararema, Alegre, Espírito Santo, CEP: 29.500-000, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Gomes de Almeida
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro. Avenida Alberto Lamego, 2000, Parque Califórnia, Campos Dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, CEP: 28.013-602, Brazil
| | - Bráulio Cherene Vaz de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro. Avenida Alberto Lamego, 2000, Parque Califórnia, Campos Dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, CEP: 28.013-602, Brazil
| | - Carlos Eduardo de Rezende
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro. Avenida Alberto Lamego, 2000, Parque Califórnia, Campos Dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, CEP: 28.013-602, Brazil
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Polinski KJ, Robinson SL, Putnick DL, Sundaram R, Bell E, Joseph PV, Segars J, Guan W, Silver RM, Schisterman EF, Mumford SL, Yeung EH. Examination of newborn DNA methylation among women with polycystic ovary syndrome/hirsutism. Epigenetics 2023; 18:2282319. [PMID: 37992405 PMCID: PMC10732621 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2023.2282319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Research suggests that polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) traits (e.g., hyperandrogenism) may create a suboptimal intrauterine environment and induce epigenetic modifications. Therefore, we assessed the associations of PCOS traits with neonatal DNA methylation (DNAm) using two independent cohorts. DNAm was measured in both cohorts using the Infinium MethylationEPIC array. Multivariable robust linear regression was used to determine associations of maternal PCOS exposure or preconception testosterone with methylation β-values at each CpG probe and corrected for multiple testing by false-discovery rate (FDR). In the birth cohort, 12% (102/849) had a PCOS diagnosis (8.1% PCOS without hirsutism; 3.9% PCOS with hirsutism). Infants exposed to maternal PCOS with hirsutism compared to no PCOS had differential DNAm at cg02372539 [β(SE): -0.080 (0.010); FDR p = 0.009], cg08471713 [β(SE):0.077 (0.014); FDR p = 0.016] and cg17897916 [β(SE):0.050 (0.009); FDR p = 0.009] with adjustment for maternal characteristics including pre-pregnancy BMI. PCOS with hirsutism was also associated with 8 differentially methylated regions (DMRs). PCOS without hirsutism was not associated with individual CpGs. In an independent preconception cohort, total testosterone concentrations were associated with 3 DMRs but not with individual CpGs, though the top quartile of testosterone compared to the lowest was marginally associated with increased DNAm at cg21472377 near an uncharacterized locus (FDR p = 0.09). Examination of these probes and DMRs indicate they may be under foetal genetic control. Overall, we found several associations among newborns exposed to PCOS, specifically when hirsutism was reported, and among newborns of women with relatively higher testosterone around conception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen J. Polinski
- Division of Population Health Research, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Sonia L. Robinson
- Division of Population Health Research, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Diane L. Putnick
- Division of Population Health Research, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Rajeshwari Sundaram
- Division of Population Health Research, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Erin Bell
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University at Albany School of Public Health, Albany, NY, United States
| | - Paule V. Joseph
- Section of Sensory Science and Metabolism, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - James Segars
- Division of Reproductive Science and Women’s Health Research, Johns Hopkins Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Weihua Guan
- Division of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Robert M. Silver
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Enrique F. Schisterman
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Sunni L. Mumford
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Edwina H. Yeung
- Division of Population Health Research, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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Ren M, Wang L, Wen L, Chen J, Quan S, Shi X. Association between female circulating heavy metal concentration and abortion: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1216507. [PMID: 37711903 PMCID: PMC10497972 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1216507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to evaluate the association between blood heavy metal (zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd)) concentrations and spontaneous abortion (SA) and recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and explore the possible endocrine dysfunction associated with it. Methods A literature search was performed in the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases up to April 2023. The overall effects were expressed as the standard mean difference (SMD). Subgroup analysis was performed according to the type of abortion (SA or RPL). Stata 16.0 was utilized for data analysis. Results Based on the integrated findings, abortion women showed significantly lower Zn (SMD = -1.05, 95% CI: -1.74 to -0.36, p = 0.003) and Cu concentrations (SMD = -1.42, 95% CI: -1.97 to -0.87, p <0.001) and higher Pb (SMD = 1.47, 95% CI: 0.89-2.05, p <0.001) and Cd concentrations (SMD = 1.15, 95% CI: 0.45-1.85, p = 0.001) than normal pregnant women. Subgroup analysis showed that Zn and Cu deficiency and Cd and Pb exposure were significantly (p <0.05) associated with RPL, whereas Cu deficiency and Cd and Pb exposure were significantly (p <0.05) associated with SA. Conclusion Zn and Cu deficiencies and Pb and Cd exposure were associated with abortion. Endocrine dysfunction, such as insulin resistance, vitamin D insufficiency, and abnormal thyroid and sex hormone concentrations, is thought to be involved in heavy metal-related abortion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiqi Ren
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, NanFang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liantong Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, NanFang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liqin Wen
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinghua Chen
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Song Quan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, NanFang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao Shi
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, NanFang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Zhang W, Cui Y, Liu J. The association between blood heavy metals level and sex hormones among postmenopausal women in the US. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1175011. [PMID: 37534216 PMCID: PMC10391169 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1175011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Environmental pollutants could be implicated in female endocrine setting Q6 beyond traditional factors. Until now, few study has focused on the association of environmental exposure to heavy metals with sex hormones in postmenopausal women. This study intended to investigate whether serum levels of heavy metals(i.e., Cd, Pb, Hg, Mn, Se) would influence sex hormones in postmenopausal women. Methods and results A cross-sectional study was performed on 614 nationally representative participants from 2013-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in the US. Multivariate linear regression models and restricted cubic spline plots revealed cadmium(Cd) had linear positive association with TT(β=3.25, 95%CI= 1.12, 5.38), bioavailable TT(β=1.78, 95%CI=0.36,3.21) and TT/E2(β=0.76, 95%CI=0.28,1.24), which was more apparent in natural menopausal and obese women. Lead(Pb) had linear positive association with SHBG(β=12.84, 95%CI= 6.77,18.91), which was apparent in nearly all subgroups except in normal BMI group, and TT/E2 (β=0.69, 95%CI 0.134,1.25), which was apparent in natural menopausal and normal BMI women. Manganese(Mn) had non-linear association with SHBG, which was more apparent in natural menopausal and obese women, and TT/E2, which was more apparent in natural menopausal and normal BMI women. Selenium(Se) had U shaped non-linear association with TT, which was more apparent in hysterectomy, overweight and obese women, and SHBG, which was apparent in nearly all subgroups except in normal BMI group. Conclusion In summary, this cross-sectional study indicates a possible role that various degree of environmental exposure to heavy metals plays in the disruption of sex Q5 hormone levels in postmenopausal women. Further experiments are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
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Rivera-Núñez Z, Hansel M, Capurro C, Kozlosky D, Wang C, Doherty CL, Buckley B, Ohman-Strickland P, Miller RK, O’Connor TG, Aleksunes LM, Barrett ES. Prenatal Cadmium Exposure and Maternal Sex Steroid Hormone Concentrations across Pregnancy. TOXICS 2023; 11:589. [PMID: 37505555 PMCID: PMC10384739 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11070589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium exposure has been associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. One possible mechanism is endocrine disruption. Studies of non-pregnant adults suggest that cadmium impacts androgen production; here, we examined these associations during pregnancy. Participants in the Understanding Pregnancy Signals and Infant Development (UPSIDE) cohort provided biospecimens and questionnaire data in each trimester (n = 272). We quantified urinary cadmium, serum total testosterone (TT), estrone, estradiol, and estriol and serum free testosterone (fT). In adjusted longitudinal models, we examined sex steroid concentrations across pregnancy in relation to specific gravity-adjusted, ln-transformed cadmium concentrations. Additionally, we examined trimester-specific associations and stratified models by fetal sex. Results are presented as percent change (%∆) in hormone concentrations. In longitudinal models, higher cadmium concentrations were associated with lower fT across pregnancy (%∆ = -5.19, 95%CI: -8.33, -1.93), with no differences in other hormones observed. In trimester-specific models, higher cadmium concentrations were associated with lower TT in trimester 2 (%∆ = -15.26, 95%CI: -25.15, -4.06) and lower fT in trimester 3 (%∆ = -14.35, 95%CI: -19.75, -8.59). Associations with TT were stronger in pregnancies carrying female fetuses. Maternal cadmium exposure may be associated with reduced testosterone in pregnancy. Additional work is necessary to understand how alterations in gestational testosterone activity may impact pregnancy and child health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zorimar Rivera-Núñez
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (M.H.); (C.C.); (P.O.-S.); (E.S.B.)
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (D.K.); (C.L.D.); (B.B.); (L.M.A.)
| | - Megan Hansel
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (M.H.); (C.C.); (P.O.-S.); (E.S.B.)
| | - Camila Capurro
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (M.H.); (C.C.); (P.O.-S.); (E.S.B.)
| | - Danielle Kozlosky
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (D.K.); (C.L.D.); (B.B.); (L.M.A.)
| | - Christina Wang
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, The Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA;
| | - Cathleen L. Doherty
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (D.K.); (C.L.D.); (B.B.); (L.M.A.)
| | - Brian Buckley
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (D.K.); (C.L.D.); (B.B.); (L.M.A.)
| | - Pamela Ohman-Strickland
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (M.H.); (C.C.); (P.O.-S.); (E.S.B.)
| | - Richard K. Miller
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14620, USA; (R.K.M.); (T.G.O.)
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Pediatrics and Pathology, University of Rochester, New York, NY 14642, USA
| | - Thomas G. O’Connor
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14620, USA; (R.K.M.); (T.G.O.)
- Departments of Psychiatry, Psychology, Neuroscience, University of Rochester, New York, NY 14620, USA
| | - Lauren M. Aleksunes
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (D.K.); (C.L.D.); (B.B.); (L.M.A.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Emily S. Barrett
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (M.H.); (C.C.); (P.O.-S.); (E.S.B.)
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (D.K.); (C.L.D.); (B.B.); (L.M.A.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14620, USA; (R.K.M.); (T.G.O.)
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Gerald AC, Ganapathy S, Zhu J, Wei Y. Exposure to endocrine-disrupting metals and serum estrogen levels among US women. Reprod Toxicol 2023; 118:108392. [PMID: 37150308 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2023.108392] [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: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Multiple factors could affect estrogen levels in the body; however, the impact of exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals on estrogen levels in humans remains inconclusive. This cross-sectional study was to assess the association between blood levels of endocrine-disrupting metals (including cadmium, lead, and mercury) and serum estradiol levels in 1618 women (aged ≥20 years) who participated in the 2013-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Using multiple general linear models, we estimated percent changes of estradiol levels in association with blood metal concentrations. Age-specific analysis was further conducted. The median level of blood cadmium, lead, and mercury was 0.31µg/L (range: 0.07-7.23), 0.76µg/dL (0.11-12.80), and 0.73µg/L (0.20-36.90), respectively, and the median estradiol level was 31.10pg/mL (range, 2.12-523.00) among women aged 20-80 years. After adjusting for potential confounders, a 10% increase in blood cadmium and lead levels was associated with 1.43% (95% CI: 0.50, 2.37) increased levels and 1.45% (-2.17, -0.11) decreased levels of estrogen, respectively, in the total study population. When stratified by age, the positive association with cadmium was only seen in women aged 20-49 years [1.47% (0.39, 2.56) increased estradiol] and the inverse association with lead was seen among women aged 50-80 years [3.40% (-4.78, -2.00) decreased estradiol]. Mercury was not significantly associated with estrogen levels. Our study demonstrates a potential relationship between exposure to endocrine-disrupting cadmium and lead and serum estrogen levels in US women. Age-specific associations were observed. Prospective and mechanistic studies are warranted to further explore these interactions and the associated reproductive toxicities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jianmin Zhu
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Fort Valley State University, Fort Valley, Georgia, USA
| | - Yudan Wei
- Department of Community Medicine, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, Georgia, USA.
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9
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Wang X, Ding N, Harlow SD, Randolph JF, Mukherjee B, Gold EB, Park SK. Exposure to heavy metals and hormone levels in midlife women: The Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 317:120740. [PMID: 36436662 PMCID: PMC9897061 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to heavy metals may alter the circulating levels of sex hormones. However, epidemiologic studies on heavy metals and sex hormones have been limited, and results have been inconsistent. We assessed the associations of heavy metals assayed in urine, including arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury, with repeated measures of serum estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone, and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels in the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation Multi-Pollutant Study. The sample included 1355 White, Black, Chinese, and Japanese women, aged 45-56 years at baseline (1999-2000), whose serum hormone levels were repeatedly measured through 2017. Urinary metal concentrations were measured at baseline. Linear mixed effect models were used to calculate percent changes in serum hormone levels per doubling of urinary metal concentrations, adjusting for demographics, socioeconomic status, lifestyle, health-related factors, and urinary creatinine. After multivariable adjustment, a doubling of urinary metal concentration was associated with lower E2 levels by 2.2% (95% CI: 4.0%, -0.3%) for mercury and 3.6% (95% CI: 5.7%, -1.6%) for lead; higher FSH levels by 3.4% (95% CI: 0.9%, 5.9%) for lead; and higher SHBG levels by 3.6% (95% CI: 1.3%, 5.9%) for cadmium. The overall joint effect using the Bayesian kernel machine regression showed that metal mixtures were inversely associated with E2 and positively associated with FSH levels. No association was found between metals and testosterone levels. Results from this prospective cohort study demonstrate that environmental heavy metal exposures, including cadmium, mercury, and lead, may disturb circulating levels of E2, FSH, and SHBG in midlife women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Ning Ding
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Siobán D Harlow
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - John F Randolph
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Bhramar Mukherjee
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Ellen B Gold
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Sung Kyun Park
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.
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10
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Qu J, Wang Q, Niu H, Sun X, Ji D, Li Y. Melatonin protects oocytes from cadmium exposure-induced meiosis defects by changing epigenetic modification and enhancing mitochondrial morphology in the mouse. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 248:114311. [PMID: 36410142 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.114311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is one major environmental pollutant that can cause detrimental impacts on human as well as animal reproductive systems as a result of oxidative stress. It is widely acknowledged that melatonin secreted principally by the pineal gland is not only a natural potent antioxidant but also a free radical scavenger, whereas concerning how to alleviate the toxic effects of Cd on oocyte maturation remains elusive. In this investigation, it was the first time to explore the protective effects and potential mechanism of melatonin on meiotic maturation of mouse oocytes exposed to Cd in vitro medium. We found that Cd exerts adverse effects on meiotic maturation progression by disrupting the normal function of mitochondrion combined with the aberrant mitochondrial distribution and decreased membrane potential and altering epigenetic modification, including H3K9me2 and H3K4me2. Additionally, it was observed that Cd exposure disrupted the morphology of spindle organization and caused chromosome misalignment, which might be through changing the level of acetylated tubulin, whereas melatonin administration alleviated the toxic impacts of Cd on oocytes. Furthermore, the mitochondrial morphology-related genes mRNA expression and protein expression of autophagy-related genes was also investigated. The results suggested that melatonin supplementation significantly altered the mRNA expression of mitochondrial dynamics-related genes, rather than the expression of mitophagy-related proteins. Taken together, our results validated that melatonin administration has a certain protective impact against oocytes meiosis maturation defects induced by cadmium through changing epigenetic modification and enhancing mitochondrial morphology rather than mitophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwen Qu
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics & Molecular Breeding of Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; The department of Animal and Veterinary Science, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA.
| | - Qiang Wang
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics & Molecular Breeding of Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China.
| | - Haoyuan Niu
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics & Molecular Breeding of Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China.
| | - Xiaomei Sun
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics & Molecular Breeding of Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China.
| | - Dejun Ji
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics & Molecular Breeding of Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China.
| | - Yongjun Li
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics & Molecular Breeding of Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China.
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11
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Qu J, Wang Q, Sun X, Li Y. The environment and female reproduction: Potential mechanism of cadmium poisoning to the growth and development of ovarian follicle. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 244:114029. [PMID: 36055045 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.114029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is ubiquitous in our environment and can easily bioaccumulate into the organism after passage through the respiratory and digestive tracts. Long-term exposure to Cd can result in the significant bioaccumulation in organism because of its long biological high-life (10-30 years), which exerts irreversible damages on the health of animals and humans. Although there are increased evidence of impeding the normal function of female reproduction resulted from Cd exposure, the mechanism of the negative action of Cd on the growth and development of ovarian follicle remains enigmatic. Thus, the purpose of the presented study is to summarize available literature which describing Cd-related toxicity involved in the adverse effects on the growth and development of the ovarian follicle. In conclusion, it is suggested that Cd causes damage to the folliculogenesis of mammalians, which results in the decline in the number and quality of ovulated oocytes and the failure in the fertilization. The mechanism behinds that may be linked to the interference to the production of reproductive hormones and the augment of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, the enhanced ROS, in turn, impairs various molecules including proteins, lipids and DNA, as well as the balance of the antioxidant defense system, mitochondrial homeostasis, endoplasmic reticulum, autophagy and epigenetic modification. This review is expected to elaborate the toxic mechanism of Cd exposure to the growth and development of ovarian follicles and provide essential remediation strategies to alleviate the damage of Cd to female reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwen Qu
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics & Molecular Breeding of Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; Department of Animal Science, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA.
| | - Qiang Wang
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics & Molecular Breeding of Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China.
| | - Xiaomei Sun
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics & Molecular Breeding of Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China.
| | - Yongjun Li
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics & Molecular Breeding of Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China.
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Roberts JF, Jeff Huang CC. Bovine models for human ovarian diseases. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2022; 189:101-154. [PMID: 35595347 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2022.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
During early embryonic development, late fetal growth, puberty, adult reproductive years, and advanced aging, bovine and human ovaries closely share molecular pathways and hormonal signaling mechanisms. Other similarities between these species include the size of ovaries, length of gestation, ovarian follicular and luteal dynamics, and pathophysiology of ovarian diseases. As an economically important agriculture species, cattle are a foundational species in fertility research with decades of groundwork using physiologic, genetic, and therapeutic experimental techniques. Many technologies used in modern reproductive medicine, such as ovulation induction using hormonal therapy, were first used in cows before human trials. Human ovarian diseases with naturally occurring bovine correlates include premature ovary insufficiency (POI), polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and sex-cord stromal tumors (SCSTs). This article presents an overview of bovine ovary research related to causes of infertility, ovarian diseases, diagnostics, and therapeutics, emphasizing where the bovine model can offer advantages over other lab animals for translational applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- John F Roberts
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic & Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.
| | - Chen-Che Jeff Huang
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
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Sun M, Cao X, Wu Y, Shen L, Wei G. Prenatal exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals and thyroid function in neonates: A systematic review and meta-analysis. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 231:113215. [PMID: 35065506 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Thyroid hormone homeostasis is essential for normal brain development in fetuses and infants. Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) during pregnancy is associated with compromised maternal thyroid homeostasis, and thus may lead to adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in newborns. However, evidence regarding the association of prenatal EDC exposure and thyroid hormones in newborns is controversial. Therefore, a meta-analysis to elucidate the relationship between maternal exposure to EDCs and neonatal THs was performed. A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library (CENTRAL) for relevant published studies that provided quantitative data on the association between prenatal EDC exposure and neonatal thyroid hormones was conducted in August 2021. To calculate the overall estimates, we pooled the adjusted β regression coefficients with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) from each study by the inverse variance method. The pooling results indicated that prenatal EDC exposure had no significant influence on neonatal TSH, TT3, FT3, TT4 or FT4 level in the global assessment. However, in the specific exposure and outcome assessment, we found that prenatal exposure to organochlorine (β coefficient, -0.022; 95% CI, -0.04 to -0.003) and PFAS (β coefficient, -0.017; 95% CI, -0.033 to 0) was negatively associated with neonatal TT4 level. In conclusion, prenatal exposure to organochlorine and PFAS may be associated with lower neonatal TT4 level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mang Sun
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders; International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics; Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, China; The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xining Cao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuhao Wu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders; International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics; Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, China.
| | - Lianju Shen
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders; International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics; Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, China.
| | - Guanghui Wei
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders; International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics; Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, China
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14
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Evidence for Ovarian and Testicular Toxicities of Cadmium and Detoxification by Natural Substances. STRESSES 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/stresses2010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is an environmental toxicant, capable of reducing mitochondrial ATP production and promoting the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) with resultant oxidative stress conditions. The ovary and testis are the primary gonads in which female gametes (oocytes) and male gametes (spermatozoa), estrogen and testosterone are produced. These organs are particularly susceptible to Cd cytotoxicity due to their high metabolic activities and high energy demands. In this review, epidemiological and experimental studies examining Cd toxicities in gonads are highlighted together with studies using zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), and natural substances to reduce the effects of Cd on follicular genesis and spermatogenesis. Higher blood concentrations of Cd ([Cd]b) were associated with longer time-to-pregnancy in a prospective cohort study. Cd excretion rate (ECd) as low as 0.8 μg/g creatinine was associated with reduced spermatozoa vitality, while Zn and Se may protect against spermatozoa quality decline accompanying Cd exposure. ECd > 0.68 µg/g creatinine were associated with an increased risk of premature ovarian failure by 2.5-fold, while [Cd]b ≥ 0.34 µg/L were associated with a 2.5-fold increase in the risk of infertility in women. Of concern, urinary excretion of Cd at 0.68 and 0.8 μg/g creatinine found to be associated with fecundity are respectively 13% and 15% of the conventional threshold limit for Cd-induced kidney tubular effects of 5.24 μg/g creatinine. These findings suggest that toxicity of Cd in primary reproductive organs occurs at relatively low body burden, thereby arguing for minimization of exposure and environmental pollution by Cd and its transfer to the food web.
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