1
|
Marcu D, Keyser S, Petrik L, Fuhrimann S, Maree L. Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) and Male Reproductive Health: Challenging the Future with a Double-Edged Sword. TOXICS 2023; 11:330. [PMID: 37112557 PMCID: PMC10141735 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11040330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Approximately 9% of couples are infertile, with half of these cases relating to male factors. While many cases of male infertility are associated with genetic and lifestyle factors, approximately 30% of cases are still idiopathic. Contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) denote substances identified in the environment for the first time or detected at low concentrations during water quality analysis. Since CEC production and use have increased in recent decades, CECs are now ubiquitous in surface and groundwater. CECs are increasingly observed in human tissues, and parallel reports indicate that semen quality is continuously declining, supporting the notion that CECs may play a role in infertility. This narrative review focuses on several CECs (including pesticides and pharmaceuticals) detected in the nearshore marine environment of False Bay, Cape Town, South Africa, and deliberates their potential effects on male fertility and the offspring of exposed parents, as well as the use of spermatozoa in toxicological studies. Collective findings report that chronic in vivo exposure to pesticides, including atrazine, simazine, and chlorpyrifos, is likely to be detrimental to the reproduction of many organisms, as well as to sperm performance in vitro. Similarly, exposure to pharmaceuticals such as diclofenac and naproxen impairs sperm motility both in vivo and in vitro. These contaminants are also likely to play a key role in health and disease in offspring sired by parents exposed to CECs. On the other side of the double-edged sword, we propose that due to its sensitivity to environmental conditions, spermatozoa could be used as a bioindicator in eco- and repro-toxicology studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Marcu
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
- Comparative Spermatology Laboratory, Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa;
| | - Shannen Keyser
- Comparative Spermatology Laboratory, Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa;
| | - Leslie Petrik
- Environmental and Nano Sciences Group, Department of Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa
| | - Samuel Fuhrimann
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Liana Maree
- Comparative Spermatology Laboratory, Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa;
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhu S, Zhang T, Wang Y, Zhou X, Wang S, Wang Z. Meta-analysis and experimental validation identified atrazine as a toxicant in the male reproductive system. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:37482-37497. [PMID: 33715114 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-13396-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Atrazine (ATZ), as a widely used triazine herbicide, is an environmental endocrine disruptor (EDC) that can cause many health problems. Therefore, we conducted this study based on the evidence of rats and mice to figure out the characteristics of ATZ damage to the reproductive system and further evaluate its health effects on the human. PRISMA's guidelines were followed according to the principles recommended by the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Review. Health assessment was performed using the OHAT approach. Our new data were obtained from randomized controlled trials in rats designed in accordance with toxicological guidelines. Exposure to ATZ was significantly associated with decreased testosterone production (SMD = - 0.90, 95% CI - 1.27 to - 0.53), and reduced absolute weights of testis (SMD = - 0.41, 95% CI - 0.61 to - 0.22) and other reproductive organs. The damaging effect of sperm quality was also observed clearly, which included reduction of sperm count both in epididymis (SMD = - 2.32, 95% CI - 2.83 to - 1.81) and testis (SMD = - 1.01, 95% CI - 1.37 to - 0.64), decrease in sperm motility (SMD = - 8.86, 95% CI - 10.88 to - 6.83), and increase in sperm abnormality. Subgroup analysis revealed consistency across different species, life stage, and dosage. In addition, we found that ATZ exposure at a daily dose of 120 mg/kg during adolescence could cause decrease in weight gain and histological damage to the testis. The gene expression levels of Nrf2/HO-1 and Bcl-2/caspase signaling pathways in testis tissues were changed significantly. The results of this SR indicated that exposure to ATZ was associated with impairment of male reproductive system in rodents regardless of species, exposure life stage, and dosage. It is believed that ATZ exposure may have similar effects on male reproductive system of human beings. Pathways related to oxidative stress and apoptosis may be the mechanism leading to testicular damage in rats treated with ATZ.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shenhao Zhu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - Tongtong Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - Yuhao Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - Xiang Zhou
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - Shangqian Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210000, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211166, China.
| | - Zengjun Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Marouani N, Tebourbi O, Cherif D, Hallegue D, Yacoubi MT, Sakly M, Benkhalifa M, Ben Rhouma K. Effects of oral administration of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) on reproductive parameters in male Wistar rats. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:519-526. [PMID: 27734311 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-7656-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2015] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is used worldwide in agriculture as a selective herbicide. It has been shown to produce a wide range of adverse effects on the health of both animals and humans from embryotoxicity and teratogenicity to neurotoxicity. In the present study, we have examined the effect of 2,4-D on male reproductive function of rats. Male Wistar rats received daily by force-feeding 100 or 200 mg of 2,4-D/kg body weight for 30 consecutive days. Rats exposed to 100 and 200 mg of 2,4-D/kg showed a significant decrease in body weights only after 24 days of treatment and in relative weights of testis, seminal vesicles and prostate at killing day, when compared with controls. Moreover, a decrease in testosterone and an increase in FSH and LH serum levels were detected in treated rats. Besides, exposure to this herbicide induced pronounced testicular histological alterations with enlarged intracellular spaces, tissue loosening and dramatic loss of gametes in the lumen of the seminiferous tubules. In addition, a decreased motility and a number of epididymal spermatozoa with an increased sperm abnormality rate were found in treated rats in comparison with control. With the highest dose, histological observations of seminal vesicles indicated a considerable decrease of secretions in the lumen, a thinness of the muscle layer surrounding the epithelium with branched mucosal crypts and reduced luminal space. In prostate, the heights of the cells decreased while acinar lumen were enlarged and they lost the typical invaginations. Our results suggest that a subacute treatment of 2,4-D promotes reproductive system toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neila Marouani
- Laboratory of Integrated Physiology, Faculty of Sciences, Carthage University, Bizerte, Jarzouna, Tunisia
| | - Olfa Tebourbi
- Laboratory of Integrated Physiology, Faculty of Sciences, Carthage University, Bizerte, Jarzouna, Tunisia
| | - Donia Cherif
- Laboratory of Integrated Physiology, Faculty of Sciences, Carthage University, Bizerte, Jarzouna, Tunisia
| | - Dorsaf Hallegue
- Laboratory of Integrated Physiology, Faculty of Sciences, Carthage University, Bizerte, Jarzouna, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Tahar Yacoubi
- Department of Anatomy and Pathological Cytology, Farhat Hached University Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Mohsen Sakly
- Laboratory of Integrated Physiology, Faculty of Sciences, Carthage University, Bizerte, Jarzouna, Tunisia
| | - Moncef Benkhalifa
- Reproductive Medicine and Medical Cytogenetics Department, University Hospital, Amiens, France
- School of Medicine, Picardie University Jules Verne, Amiens, France
| | - Khemais Ben Rhouma
- Laboratory of Integrated Physiology, Faculty of Sciences, Carthage University, Bizerte, Jarzouna, Tunisia.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Santos T, Cancian G, Neodini DNR, Mano DRS, Capucho C, Predes FS, Barbieri R, Oliveira CA, Pigoso AA, Dolder H, Severi-Aguiar GDC. Toxicological evaluation of ametryn effects in Wistar rats. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 67:525-32. [PMID: 26310382 DOI: 10.1016/j.etp.2015.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2015] [Revised: 06/25/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
São Paulo state, Brazil, is one of the main areas of sugar cane planting in the world. Extensive use of ametryn, a triazine herbicide, in sugar cane agriculture and the properties of this herbicide suggest it could be present in the environment as a potential contaminant of soil, surface water, groundwater, and river sediment. In order to clarify the mechanism through which ametryn could be toxic, an in vivo study with Wistar rats was conducted using hematological, biochemical, molecular, morphological and genotoxic approaches. For this purpose, two sub-lethal ametryn concentrations (15 mg and 30 mg/kg/day) were administered to 42 rats divided into three groups (n=12) by gavage during 56 days, whereupon blood, liver and bone marrow were collected. The results showed ametryn genotoxic activity by in vivo micronuclei testing. This event probably occurred as consequence of oxidative stress induction demonstrated by GSTM1 transcript levels increase (indicating complexation between ametryn and/or metabolites with GSH) and by SOD activity decrease. Also, Mn-SOD transcripts were increased, probably avoiding mtDNA damage caused by EROS. These mechanisms displayed hepatic stellate cell (HSCs) activation because two major biomarkers were regulated, connexin and cadherin. N-cad transcripts were increased on both exposed groups while E-cad decreased in the T1 group, indicating epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. In addition, Cx43 transcripts were decreased suggesting an increase in collagen content. Volumetric proportion of sinusoids was significantly decreased in T1 group and no significant alteration in hepatocyte volume was observed, indicating an increase in the space of Disse, due to fibrosis. Hepatocyte nuclei showed significant decrease in diameter and volume. Few hematological alterations were found. We emphasize the importance of other approaches, such as cell death and proliferation assays, so that ametryn toxicity can better be understood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamires Santos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biomédicas, Centro Universitário Hermínio Ometto, UNIARARAS, Avenida Dr. Maximiliano Barutto, n° 500, Jd. Universitário, Araras, São Paulo, Brazil, CEP 13607-339
| | - Graziela Cancian
- NUCISA - Núcleo de Ciências da Saúde, Centro Universitário Hermínio Ometto, UNIARARAS, Avenida Dr. Maximiliano Barutto, n° 500, Jd. Universitário, Araras, São Paulo, Brazil, CEP 13607-339
| | - Daniella N R Neodini
- NUCISA - Núcleo de Ciências da Saúde, Centro Universitário Hermínio Ometto, UNIARARAS, Avenida Dr. Maximiliano Barutto, n° 500, Jd. Universitário, Araras, São Paulo, Brazil, CEP 13607-339
| | - Deiviston R S Mano
- NUCISA - Núcleo de Ciências da Saúde, Centro Universitário Hermínio Ometto, UNIARARAS, Avenida Dr. Maximiliano Barutto, n° 500, Jd. Universitário, Araras, São Paulo, Brazil, CEP 13607-339
| | - Cristina Capucho
- NUCISA - Núcleo de Ciências da Saúde, Centro Universitário Hermínio Ometto, UNIARARAS, Avenida Dr. Maximiliano Barutto, n° 500, Jd. Universitário, Araras, São Paulo, Brazil, CEP 13607-339
| | - Fabrícia S Predes
- Universidade Estadual do Paraná- UNESPAR/Campus Paranaguá, Rua Comendador Correa Junior, 117, Centro, Paranaguá, Paraná, Brazil, CEP 83203-560
| | - Renata Barbieri
- NUCISA - Núcleo de Ciências da Saúde, Centro Universitário Hermínio Ometto, UNIARARAS, Avenida Dr. Maximiliano Barutto, n° 500, Jd. Universitário, Araras, São Paulo, Brazil, CEP 13607-339
| | - Camila A Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biomédicas, Centro Universitário Hermínio Ometto, UNIARARAS, Avenida Dr. Maximiliano Barutto, n° 500, Jd. Universitário, Araras, São Paulo, Brazil, CEP 13607-339
| | - Acácio A Pigoso
- NUCISA - Núcleo de Ciências da Saúde, Centro Universitário Hermínio Ometto, UNIARARAS, Avenida Dr. Maximiliano Barutto, n° 500, Jd. Universitário, Araras, São Paulo, Brazil, CEP 13607-339
| | - Heidi Dolder
- Laboratório de Biologia da Reprodução, Departamento de Biologia Estrutural e Funcional, Universidade Estadual de Campinas - UNICAMP,CP. 6109, Campinas, São Paulo, Brasil, CEP 13083-863
| | - Grasiela D C Severi-Aguiar
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biomédicas, Centro Universitário Hermínio Ometto, UNIARARAS, Avenida Dr. Maximiliano Barutto, n° 500, Jd. Universitário, Araras, São Paulo, Brazil, CEP 13607-339; Laboratório de Biologia da Reprodução, Departamento de Biologia Estrutural e Funcional, Universidade Estadual de Campinas - UNICAMP,CP. 6109, Campinas, São Paulo, Brasil, CEP 13083-863.
| |
Collapse
|