1
|
Ren J, Liu J, Zuo J, Zhang Z, Huang D, Liu X, Lu M, Zhang Y, Su Y, Ma Y. Flaxseed oil attenuates PFOS-induced testicular damage by regulating RNA alternative splicing. Food Funct 2024; 15:10007-10019. [PMID: 39282919 DOI: 10.1039/d4fo03486d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
Background: Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is a persistent, widely present environmental pollutant, and its toxicity to male reproduction has gradually attracted attention. Flaxseed oil (FO) is a dietary oil abundant in α-linolenic acid and has been demonstrated to possess multiple health benefits. However, whether FO protects against PFOS-induced testicular injury and its mechanism remain unclear. Methods: C57/BL6 mice were gavaged with different concentrations of FO or PFOS (10 mg kg-1) for 28 days. Blood and testicular tissues were collected for histopathology, proteomics, and biochemical and molecular analyses. Results: Our results showed that FO supplementation significantly attenuated PFOS-induced testicular injury, as indicated by histopathological changes, decreased oxidative stress level, increased sperm count, decreased rate of sperm malformation, and improved functional markers of spermatogenesis. Proteomic analysis showed that differentially expressed proteins were notably enriched in spliceosome pathways. Machine learning algorithms were used to screen the hub gene, and PRPF3 and PUF60 proteins were found to be important for FO to exert protective benefits to testicular injury. Western blot results confirmed that FO supplementation could increase the protein expression of PRPF3 and decrease the protein expression of PUF60 in PFOS-exposed mice. Conclusions: This study revealed that FO can alleviate PFOS-induced testicular dysfunction by regulating RNA alternative splicing. The spliceosome-related proteins PRPF3 and PUF60 may be the potential targets for FO to alleviate PFOS-induced testicular injury. FO supplementation may be an effective dietary intervention to prevent adverse effects of PFOS on testes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Ren
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China.
| | - Jiarui Liu
- Undergraduate of College of Basic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Jinshi Zuo
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China.
| | - Zhenao Zhang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China.
| | - Dan Huang
- Undergraduate of College of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Xuanyi Liu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China.
| | - Miaomiao Lu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China.
| | - Yadong Zhang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China.
| | - Yang Su
- Undergraduate of College of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Yuxia Ma
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lin Z, Li Y, Zhao J, Li J, Pan S, Wang X, Lin H, Lin Z. Exploring the environmental contamination toxicity and potential carcinogenic pathways of perfluorinated and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): An integrated network toxicology and molecular docking strategy. Heliyon 2024; 10:e37003. [PMID: 39286118 PMCID: PMC11402918 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e37003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the potential carcinogenic toxicity and mechanisms of PFAS in thyroid, renal, and testicular cancers base on network toxicology and molecular docking techniques. Structural modeling was performed to predict relevant toxicity information, and compounds and cancer-related targets were screened in multiple databases. The interaction of PFAS with three cancers and their key protein targets were explored by combining protein network analysis, enrichment analysis and molecular docking techniques. PFOA, PFOS, and PFHXS exhibited significant carcinogenic and cytotoxic effects. These compounds may induce cancer by mediating active oxygen metabolism and the transduction of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathway through genes such as ALB, mTOR, MDM2, and ERBB2. Furthermore, the underlying toxic mechanisms may be linked to the pathways in cancer, chemical carcinogenesis through reactive oxygen species/receptor activation, and the FoxO signaling pathway. The results contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the effects of these environmental pollutants on genes, proteins, and metabolic pathways in living organisms. It revealed their toxicity mechanisms in inducing thyroid, renal, and testicular cancers, and provided a solid theoretical foundation for designing new environmental control strategies and drug screening initiatives. Additionally, the integrated application of network toxicology and molecular docking technology can enhance our understanding of the toxicity and mechanisms of unknown environmental pollutants, which is beneficial for protecting the environment and human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Lin
- College of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, China
| | - Yvmo Li
- College of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, China
| | - Jiarui Zhao
- College of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, China
| | - Jun Li
- College of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, China
| | - Shuang Pan
- College of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, China
| | - Xinhe Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, China
| | - He Lin
- College of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, China
| | - Zhe Lin
- College of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kumaresan A, Yadav P, Sinha MK, Nag P, John Peter ESK, Mishra JS, Kumar S. Male infertility and perfluoroalkyl and poly-fluoroalkyl substances: evidence for alterations in phosphorylation of proteins and fertility-related functional attributes in bull spermatozoa†. Biol Reprod 2024; 111:723-739. [PMID: 38847481 PMCID: PMC11402523 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioae089] [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: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perfluoroalkyl and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are pervasive environmental pollutants and potential threats to reproductive health. Epidemiological studies have established an association between PFAS and male infertility, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. OBJECTIVES Investigate the effect of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), the most prevalent and representative PFAS, on bull sperm protein phosphorylation and function. METHODS We exposed bull sperm to PFOS at 10 (average population exposure) and 100 μM (high-exposure scenario), and analyzed global proteomic and phosphoproteomic analysis by TMT labeling and Nano LC-MS/MS. We also measured sperm fertility functions by flow cytometry. RESULTS PFOS at 10-μM altered sperm proteins linked to spermatogenesis and chromatin condensation, while at 100 μM, PFOS affected proteins associated with motility and fertility. We detected 299 phosphopeptides from 116 proteins, with 45 exhibiting differential expression between control and PFOS groups. PFOS dysregulated phosphorylation of key proteins (ACRBP, PRKAR2A, RAB2B, SPAG8, TUBB4B, ZPBP, and C2CD6) involved in sperm capacitation, acrosome reaction, sperm-egg interaction, and fertilization. PFOS also affected phosphorylation of other proteins (AQP7, HSBP9, IL4I1, PRKAR1A, and CCT8L2) related to sperm stress resistance and cryotolerance. Notably, four proteins (PRM1, ACRBP, TSSK1B, and CFAP45) exhibited differential regulation at both proteomic and phosphoproteomic levels. Flow cytometric analysis confirmed that PFOS increased protein phosphorylation in sperm and also decreased sperm motility, viability, calcium, and mitochondrial membrane potential and increased mitochondrial ROS in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that PFOS exposure negatively affects phosphorylation of proteins vital for bull sperm function and fertilization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arumugam Kumaresan
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of ICAR National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560030, India
| | - Pankaj Yadav
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Manish Kumar Sinha
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of ICAR National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560030, India
| | - Pradeep Nag
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, WI 65211, USA
| | - Ebenezer Samuel King John Peter
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of ICAR National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560030, India
| | - Jay S Mishra
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Sathish Kumar
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI 53706, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Belmaker I, Anca ED, Rubin LP, Magen-Molho H, Miodovnik A, van der Hal N. Adverse health effects of exposure to plastic, microplastics and their additives: environmental, legal and policy implications for Israel. Isr J Health Policy Res 2024; 13:44. [PMID: 39256853 PMCID: PMC11385141 DOI: 10.1186/s13584-024-00628-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Israel is a regional "hotspot" of plastic pollution, with little discussion of potential adverse health effects from exposure to plastic. This review aims to stimulate discussion and drive policy by focusing on these adverse health effects. MAIN BODY Plastics are synthetic polymers containing additives which can leach from food- and beverage-contact plastic into our food and beverages, and from plastic textiles onto our skin. Plastics persist in the environment for generations, fragmenting into MNPs: Micro (1 micron-5 mm)-Nano (1 nm-1 micron)-Plastic, which contaminate our atmosphere, water, and food chain. MNP can enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation and touch. MNP < 10 microns can cross epithelial barriers in the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems, and fragments < 100 nm can cross intact skin, enabling entry into body tissues. MNP have been found in multiple organs of the human body. Patients with MNP in atheromas of carotid arteries have increased risk of a combined measure of stroke, cardiovascular disease, and death. Toxic additives to plastics include bisphenols, phthalates, and PFAS, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) which cause dysregulation of thyroid function, reproduction, and metabolism, including increased risk of obesity, diabetes, endometriosis, cancer, and decreased fertility, sperm count and quality. Fetal exposure to EDCs is associated with increased rates of miscarriages, prematurity and low birth weight. There is likely no safe level of exposure to EDCs, with increasing evidence of trans-generational and epigenetic effects. There are several existing Israeli laws to reduce plastic use and waste. Taxes on single-use plastic (SUP) were recently cancelled. There are many gaps in regulatory standards for food-, beverage- and child- safe plastic. Existing standards are poorly enforced. CONCLUSION Reduction in production and use of plastic, promotion of recycling and reduction of leaching of toxic additives into our food and beverages are essential policy goals. Specific recommendations: Periodic monitoring of MNP in bottled beverages, food, indoor air; Strengthen enforcement of standards for food-, beverage-, and child-safe plastic; Renew tax on SUPs; National ban on SUP at public beaches, nature reserves and parks; Ban products manufactured with MNP; Increase research on sources and health outcomes of exposure to MNP and EDCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilana Belmaker
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Soroka Campus, Building M7, 8410501, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
| | | | - Lisa P Rubin
- School of Public Health, University of Haifa, 199 Aba Khoushy Ave., 3103301, Mount Carmel, Haifa, Israel
| | - Hadas Magen-Molho
- Hebrew University Center for Sustainability, The Hebrew University, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, 9190401, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Anna Miodovnik
- Israel Plastic Pollution Prevention Coalition (IPPPC), Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Noam van der Hal
- Department of Maritime Civilizations, Charney School for Marine Science, University of Haifa, 199 Aba Khoushy Ave., 3498838, Mount Carmel, Haifa, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Yesildemir O, Celik MN. The Effect of Various Environmental Pollutants on the Reproductive Health in Children: A Brief Review of the Literature. Curr Nutr Rep 2024; 13:382-392. [PMID: 38935249 PMCID: PMC11327209 DOI: 10.1007/s13668-024-00557-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Environmental pollutants in air, water, soil, and food are a significant concern due to their potential adverse effects on fetuses, newborns, babies, and children. These chemicals, which pass to fetuses and babies through trans-placental transfer, breast milk, infant formula, dermal transfer, and non-nutritive ingestion, can cause health problems during childhood. This review aims to discuss how exposure to various environmental pollutants in early life stages can disrupt reproductive health in children. RECENT FINDINGS Environmental pollutants can affect Leydig cell proliferation and differentiation, decreasing testosterone production throughout life. This may result in cryptorchidism, hypospadias, impaired semen parameters, and reduced fertility. Although many studies on female reproductive health cannot be interpreted to support causal relationships, exposure to pollutants during critical windows may subsequently induce female reproductive diseases, including early or delayed puberty, polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, and cancers. There is growing evidence that fetal and early-life exposure to environmental pollutants could affect reproductive health in childhood. Although diet is thought to be the primary route by which humans are exposed to various pollutants, there are no adopted nutritional interventions to reduce the harmful effects of pollutants on children's health. Therefore, understanding the impact of environmental contaminants on various health outcomes may inform the design of future human nutritional studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ozge Yesildemir
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Bursa Uludag University, 16059, Bursa, Türkiye.
| | - Mensure Nur Celik
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ondokuz Mayis University, 55200, Samsun, Türkiye
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Yatera K, Nishida C. Contemporary Concise Review 2023: Environmental and occupational lung diseases. Respirology 2024; 29:574-587. [PMID: 38826078 DOI: 10.1111/resp.14761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Air pollutants have various effects on human health in environmental and occupational settings. Air pollutants can be a risk factor for incidence, exacerbation/aggravation and death due to various lung diseases, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), hypersensitivity pneumonitis or pneumonia (HP), pulmonary fibrosis such as pneumoconiosis and malignant respiratory diseases such as lung cancer and malignant pleural mesothelioma. Environmental and occupational respiratory diseases are crucial clinical and social issues worldwide, although the burden of respiratory disease due to environmental and occupational causes varies depending on country/region, demographic variables, geographical location, industrial structure and socioeconomic situation. The correct recognition of environmental and occupational lung diseases and taking appropriate measures are essential to their effective prevention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiro Yatera
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Chinatsu Nishida
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lockington C, Favetta LA. How Per- and Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances Affect Gamete Viability and Fertilization Capability: Insights from the Literature. J Xenobiot 2024; 14:651-678. [PMID: 38804291 PMCID: PMC11130945 DOI: 10.3390/jox14020038] [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: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
There has been emerging research linking per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to gamete viability and fertility. PFAS, prevalent in the environment and water supplies, undergo slow degradation due to their C-F bond and a long half-life (2.3-8.5 years). In females, PFAS inhibit the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, reducing follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, leading to the inhibition of androgen and estradiol production. PFAS have been found to cause detrimental effects on egg quality through impairing folliculogenesis. In males, PFAS can impair sperm motility and morphology: two fundamental qualities of successful fertilization. PFAS exposure has been proven to inhibit testosterone production, sperm capacitation, and acrosomal reaction. After fertilization, the results of PFAS exposure to embryos have also been investigated, showing reduced development to the blastocyst stage. The aim of this review is to report the main findings in the literature on the impact of PFAS exposure to gamete competency and fertilization capability by highlighting key studies on both male and female fertility. We report that there is significant evidence demonstrating the negative impacts on fertility after PFAS exposure. At high doses, these environmentally abundant and widespread compounds can significantly affect human fertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura A. Favetta
- Reproductive Health and Biotechnology Lab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada;
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Gasparini C, Iori S, Pietropoli E, Bonato M, Giantin M, Barbarossa A, Bardhi A, Pilastro A, Dacasto M, Pauletto M. Sub-acute exposure of male guppies (Poecilia reticulata) to environmentally relevant concentrations of PFOA and GenX induces significant changes in the testis transcriptome and reproductive traits. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 187:108703. [PMID: 38705092 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108703] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are frequently detected in the environment and are linked to adverse reproductive health outcomes in humans. Although legacy PFAS have been phased out due to their toxicity, alternative PFAS are increasingly used despite the fact that information on their toxic effects on reproductive traits is particularly scarce. Here, we exposed male guppies (Poecilia reticulata) for a short period (21 days) to an environmentally realistic concentration (1 ppb) of PFOA, a legacy PFAS, and its replacement compound, GenX, to assess their impact on reproductive traits and gene expression. Exposure to PFAS did not impair survival but instead caused sublethal effects. Overall, PFAS exposure caused changes in male sexual behaviour and had detrimental effects on sperm motility. Sublethal variations were also seen at the transcriptional level, with the modulation of genes involved in immune regulation, spermatogenesis, and oxidative stress. We also observed bioaccumulation of PFAS, which was higher for PFOA than for GenX. Our results offer a comprehensive comparison of these two PFAS and shed light on the toxicity of a newly emerging alternative to legacy PFAS. It is therefore evident that even at low concentrations and with short exposure, PFAS can have subtle yet significant effects on behaviour, fertility, and immunity. These findings underscore the potential ramifications of pollution under natural conditions and their impact on fish populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Gasparini
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/B, I-35131, Padova, Italy; National Biodiversity Future Center, Piazza Marina 61, I-90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - S Iori
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, viale dell'Università 16, I-35020 Agripolis Legnaro (Padova), Italy
| | - E Pietropoli
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, viale dell'Università 16, I-35020 Agripolis Legnaro (Padova), Italy
| | - M Bonato
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/B, I-35131, Padova, Italy
| | - M Giantin
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, viale dell'Università 16, I-35020 Agripolis Legnaro (Padova), Italy
| | - A Barbarossa
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, via Tolara di Sopra 50, I-40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia (Bologna), Italy; Health Sciences and Technologies-Interdepartmental Centre for Industrial Research (CIRI-SDV), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, I-40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia (Bologna), Italy
| | - A Bardhi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, via Tolara di Sopra 50, I-40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia (Bologna), Italy
| | - A Pilastro
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/B, I-35131, Padova, Italy; National Biodiversity Future Center, Piazza Marina 61, I-90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - M Dacasto
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, viale dell'Università 16, I-35020 Agripolis Legnaro (Padova), Italy
| | - M Pauletto
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, viale dell'Università 16, I-35020 Agripolis Legnaro (Padova), Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Lee WK, Lam TKY, Tang HC, Ho TC, Wan HT, Wong CKC. PFOS-elicited metabolic perturbation in liver and fatty acid metabolites in testis of adult mice. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1302965. [PMID: 38075064 PMCID: PMC10703039 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1302965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Multiple factors can contribute to sub-fecundity, including genetics, lifestyle, and environmental contaminants. PFASs are characterized as "forever chemicals" due to their ubiquitous contamination and their persistence in the environment, wildlife, and humans. Numerous studies have demonstrated that PFAS exposure adversely affects multiple bodily functions, including liver metabolism and gonadal function. It is unclear, however, how the disruption of hepatic fatty acid metabolism affects testicular function. Methods In this study, male mice were administered 0.3 and 3 μg/g body weight of PFOS for 21 days. Results Our data showed that PFOS exposure caused hepatic steatosis, as evidenced by significant increases in triglyceride levels, expression of ATP-citrate lyase, and fatty acid synthase, as well as fasting insulin levels. PFOS perturbed the expression levels of hepatokines, of which fibroblast growth factor-21 (Fgf-21), leukocyte cell-derived chemotaxin-2 (Lect-2), and retinol-binding protein-4 (Rbp-4) were significantly reduced, whereas angiopoietin-like 4 (Angptl4) was noticeably increased. While Rbp-4 and Fgf-21 are known to contribute to spermatogenesis and testosterone synthesis. In PFOS-exposed groups, testicular ATP, and testosterone decreased significantly with a significant increase in the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-coactivator 1α. Mass spectrophotometry imaging revealed the localization of PFOS in testes, along with significant increases in fatty acid metabolites. These included arachidonic acid, dihomo-α-linolenic acid, dihomo-γ-linolenic acid, oxidized ceramide, diacylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, and phosphatidylethanolamine, which are associated with inflammation and post-testicular causes of infertility. Discussion This study revealed potential links between PFOS-elicited changes in hepatic metabolism and their impacts on testicular biology. This study provides insights into alternative targets elicited by PFOS that can be used to develop diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for improving testicular dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wang Ka Lee
- Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Thomas Ka Yam Lam
- State Key Laboratory in Environmental and Biological Analysis, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hiu Ching Tang
- Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tsz Chun Ho
- Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory in Environmental and Biological Analysis, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hin Ting Wan
- Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chris Kong Chu Wong
- Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory in Environmental and Biological Analysis, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Shan L, Chai Y, Gao T, Li K, Yu J, Liang F, Ni Y, Sun P. Perfluorooctane sulfonate and perfluorooctanoic acid inhibit progesterone-responsive capacitation through cAMP/PKA signaling pathway and induce DNA damage in human sperm. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2023:104165. [PMID: 37245612 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2023.104165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are two persistent organic pollutants harmful to human health. They induce negative effects on male reproduction by influencing male hormones, spermatogenesis, and sperm quality. However, their effects and mechanisms on human sperm capacitation and fertilization remain unclear. Here, human sperm were incubated with different concentrations of PFOS or PFOA with progesterone during capacitation. Both PFOS and PFOA inhibited human sperm hyperactivation, sperm acrosome reaction, and protein tyrosine phosphorylation levels. PFOS and PFOA decreased intracellular Ca2+ concentration in the presence of progestrone, and subsequently decreased cAMP level, and PKA activity. PFOS and PFOA increased reactive oxygen species production and sperm DNA fragmentation duing the only 3h capacitation incubation. Conclusively, PFOA and PFOS may inhibit human sperm capacitation via the Ca2+-mediated cAMP/PKA signaling pathway in the presence of progesterone, and induce sperm DNA damage through increased oxidative stress, which is not conducive to fertilization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Shan
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuhao Chai
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tian Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kun Li
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Experimental Animal's & Nonclinical Laboratory Studies, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianmin Yu
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Experimental Animal's & Nonclinical Laboratory Studies, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fei Liang
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Experimental Animal's & Nonclinical Laboratory Studies, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ya Ni
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Experimental Animal's & Nonclinical Laboratory Studies, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Peibei Sun
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Experimental Animal's & Nonclinical Laboratory Studies, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| |
Collapse
|