Ameliorative potential of α-tocopherol against flubendiamide and copper-induced testicular-insult in Wistar rats

Chlorantraniliprole (Coragen® 20% SC) exposure induced reproductive toxicity mediated by oxidative stress, apoptosis, and sperm quality deficient in male Wistar rats

Pesticides can adversely affect reproduction by causing congenital abnormalities, fetal demise, and infertility. The reproductive toxicity of coragen, a modified ryanodine receptor-targeting insecticide with chlorantraniliprole concentrations of 20%, was examined in male rats. Twenty-one healthy male rats were randomly assigned to one of three groups: the control group, two orally administered with low (500 mg/kg) and high (1000 mg/kg) doses of coragen for 8 weeks. Exposure to coragen resulted in significant, dose-dependent changes in male reproductive hormones, steroidogenic enzymes, and an imbalance in the oxidant-antioxidant system. The treated groups revealed significantly higher lipid peroxidation levels than the control group. The effects were accompanied by damage to testicular tissue, modified testicular lactate dehydrogenase, reduced sperm motility and viability, and heightened sperm abnormalities. Elevated levels of pro-apoptotic proteins (caspase-3 and Bax) and decreased levels of anti-apoptotic protein (Bcl-2) provided evidence of apoptosis in both treatment groups. Moreover, coragen induced substantial DNA damage in the testicular tissue. The results indicate that the reproductive impairment caused by coragen may be ascribed to oxidative stress, hormonal disturbance, apoptosis, and damage to testicular DNA and finally might result in infertility and compromised reproductive function.

Flubendiamide provokes oxidative stress, inflammation, miRNAs alteration, and cell cycle deregulation in human prostate epithelial cells: The attenuation impact of synthesized nano-selenium using Trichodermaaureoviride

Flubendiamide (FBD) is a novel diamide insecticide extensively used with potential human health hazards. This research aimed to examine the effects of FBD on PrEC prostate epithelial cells, including Oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory responses, modifications in the expression of oncogenic and suppressor miRNAs and their target proteins, disruption of the cell cycle, and apoptosis. Additionally, the research investigated the potential alleviative effect of T-SeNPs, which are selenium nanoparticles biosynthesized by Trichoderma aureoviride, against the toxicity induced by FBD. Selenium nanoparticles were herein synthesized by Trichoderma aureoviride. The major capping metabolites in synthesized T-SeNPs were Isochiapin B and Quercetin 7,3',4'-trimethyl ether. T-SeNPs showed a spherical shape and an average size between 57 and 96.6 nm. FBD exposure (12 μM) for 14 days induced oxidative stress and inflammatory responses via overexpression of NF-κB family members. It also distinctly caused upregulation of miR-221, miR-222, and E2F2, escorted by downregulation of miR-17, miR-20a, and P27kip1. FBD encouraged PrEC cells to halt at the G1/S checkpoint. Apoptotic cells were drastically increased in FBD-treated sets. Treatment of T-SeNPs simultaneously with FBD revealed its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor activities in counteracting FBD-induced toxicity. Our findings shed light on the potential FBD toxicity that may account for the neoplastic transformation of epithelial cells in the prostate and the mitigating activity of eco-friendly synthesized T-SeNPs.

Mendelian Randomization Reveals Serum Copper as a Micronutrient is a Risk Factor for Erectile Dysfunction

The cause and effect between serum micronutrients and erectile dysfunction (ED) is not clear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the causal relationship between micronutrients and ED by Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. We used the published genome-wide association study (GWAS) data for two-sample MR analysis. This study utilized inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR egger, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode method to assess the causal relationship between serum micronutrients and ED. IVW is considered the standard method for MR analysis. We used Cochran's Q tests to evaluate the heterogeneity. To investigate horizontal pleiotropy, this study employed the MR Egger method. Additionally, leave-one-out analysis was used to evaluate the influence of individual genetic loci on the results. The results showed that there was a causal relationship between serum copper and ED, and it was positively correlated with ED (OR = 1.115, CI = 1.00-1.24, p = 0.014). There was no significant correlation between other micronutrients and ED. Sensitivity analysis results indicated that our findings exhibit no heterogeneity or pleiotropy, thereby strengthening our conclusions. Serum copper is a risk factor for ED, which provides a new idea for the diagnosis and treatment of ED in the future. However, further experiments are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

A metabolomic perspective on the mechanisms by which environmental pollutants and lifestyle lead to male infertility

The incidence of male infertility (MI) is rising annually. According to epidemiological studies, environmental pollution (e.g., organic, inorganic, and air pollutants), occupational exposure (e.g., high temperature, organic solvents, and pesticides), and poor lifestyle (e.g., diet, sleep, smoking, alcohol consumption, and exercise) are important non-genetic causative factors of MI. Due to multiple and complex causative factors, the dose-effect relationship, and the uncertainty of pathogenicity, the pathogenesis of MI is far from fully clarified. Recent data show that the pathogenesis of MI can be monitored by the metabolites in serum, seminal plasma, urine, testicular tissue, sperm, and other biological samples. It is considered that these metabolites are closely related to MI phenotypes and can directly reflect the individual pathological and physiological conditions. Therefore, qualitative and quantitative analysis of the metabolome, the related metabolic pathways, and the identification of biomarkers will help to explore the MI-related metabolic problems and provide valuable insights into its pathogenic mechanisms. Here, we summarized new findings in MI metabolomics biomarkers research and their abnormal metabolic pathways triggered by the presented non-genetic risk factors, providing a metabolic landscape of semen and seminal plasma in general MI patients. Then, we compared the similarities and differences in semen and seminal plasma biomarkers between MI patients exposed to environmental and poor lifestyle factors and MI patients in general, and summarized some common biomarkers. We provide a better understanding of the biological underpinnings of MI pathogenesis, which might offer novel diagnostic, prognostic, and precise treatment approaches to MI.

Evaluation of oxidative stress-mediated cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of copper and flubendiamide: amelioration by antioxidants in vivo and in vitro

Present study was designed to evaluate toxic effects of copper (Cu) (@ 33 mg/kg b.wt.) and flubendimide (Flb) (@ 200 mg/kg b.wt.) alone and/or in combination on blood-biochemical indices, oxidative stress, and drug metabolizing enzymes (DMEs) in vivo in male Wistar rats following oral exposure continuously for 90 days and their immunotoxic (cyto-genotoxic and apoptotic) potential in vitro on thymocytes. In in vivo study, ameliorative potential of α-tocopherol was assessed, whereas α-tocopherol, curcumin, resveratrol, and catechin were evaluated for protective effect in vitro. Significantly (P < 0.05) increased AST activity and increment in total bilirubin, uric acid, creatinine, and BUN levels; however, reduction in total protein, GSH content, reduced activities of SOD and GST, and increased lipid peroxidation and GPx activity with severe degenerative changes in histopathological examination of liver and kidney in group of Cu and Flb were observed. Treatment with α-tocopherol improved biochemical variables, redox status, and histoarchitecture of liver and kidney tissues. Reduced hepatic CYP450, CYPb5, APH, UGT, and GST activities observed in both Cu and α-tocopherol alone and their combination groups, whereas significant increment in Flb alone, while α-tocopherol in combination with xenobiotics improved the activities of hepatic DMEs. Primary cell culture of thymocytes (106 cells/ml) exposed to Cu and Flb each @ 40 μM increased TUNEL+ve cells, micronuclei induction, DNA shearing, and comet formation establishes their apoptotic and genotoxic potential, whereas treatment with antioxidants showed concentration-dependent significant reduction and their order of potency on equimolar concentration (10 μM) basis is: curcumin > resveratrol > catechin = α-tocopherol.

Chrysin and flunixin meglumine mitigate overloaded copper-induced testicular and spermatological damages via modulation of oxidative stress and apoptosis in rats

This study aimed to evaluate the possible protective actions of chrysin and flunixine meglumine on testicular and spermatological injuries experimentally stimulated by copper. We separated 36 male Sprague-Dawley rats into six equal groups: control, chrysin, flunixine meglumine, copper, copper +chrysin and copper +flunixine meglumine. Chrysin (50 mg/kg/bw/po), flunixine meglumine (2.2 mg/kg/bw/ip) and copper (500 mg/kg/bw/po) were administered day to day for 21 days. Copper administration caused significant morphological, physiological and biochemical alterations compared to the control group, which are as follows: production of oxidative stress, thanks to rise in testis lipid peroxidation and fall in antioxidant enzyme concentrations, decrease in sperm quality and increase in morphologic sperm abnormalities, suppression of spermatogenesis and prominent alterations in the testis histomorphology and induction of apoptosis in the testis tissues. On the other hand, compared to the copper group, treatment with chrysin or flunixine meglumine significantly attenuated these alterations. In conclusion, chrysin and flunixine meglumine have benefits such as antioxidant, antiapoptotic and anti-inflammatory against copper-induced testicular and spermatological damages in rats via the modulation of oxidative stress and apoptosis. Consequently, chrysin is a natural product which has comparable therapeutic actions to flunixine meglumine on the male reproductive system.

Crystal structure of 3-iodo-N 2-(2-methyl-1-(methylsulfonyl)propan-2-yl)-N 1-(2-methyl-4-(perfluoropropan-2-yl)phenyl)phthalamide, C23H22F7I1N2O4S1

8[C23H22F7I1N2O4S1], monoclinic, Cc (no. 9), a = 19.762(3) Å, b = 24.690(4) Å, c = 12.106(2) Å, β = 113.696(2)°, V = 5408.8(15) Å3, Z = 1, R gt (F) = 0.0488, wR ref (F 2) = 0.1411, T = 296(2) K.

Protective effects of ethyl acetate extract from Shorea roxburghii against diabetes induced testicular damage in rats

Diabetic mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder that is associated with several complications including testicular dysfunction. This research investigated the protective action of the ethyl acetate extract from Shorea roxburghii (SRE) on diabetes induced testicular damage in rats. Diabetic rats were orally administered with SRE at doses of 100 and 400 mg/kg for 4 weeks. SRE improved the body weight gain, testes weight, testes index and increased serum concentration of testosterone. Furthermore, SRE increased the testicular antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. In addition, SRE ameliorated testicular inflammatory mediators such as myeloperoxidase, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 6, p38 MAPK and nuclear factor kappa B activation and decreased testicular cell apoptosis in the treated diabetic rats. SRE also raised sperm parameters after treatment of diabetic rats. Conclusively, our results suggested that SRE ameliorated diabetes induced testicular damage by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation.

Chronic exposure to multi-metals on testicular toxicity in rats

Despite the availability of sufficient data on the effects of individual metal exposure on living organisms, a critical knowledge gap still exists in predicting effects of multi-metals particularly on the pituitary-testicular axis. Thus, the aim of the present study was to check the effects of individual or combined (binary and ternary) exposure to aluminum, copper, and zinc on (i) sperm and testosterone levels (ii) oxidative stress and (iii) structural changes in testis of male Wistar rats. Animals were exposed to aluminum, copper, and zinc either individually (20 mg/kg, orally, once, daily), binary (10 mg/kg each, orally, once daily) or in ternary combination (5 mg/kg, each, orally, once daily) for 24 weeks. The exposure to aluminum, copper individually and in combination led to a significant decrease in sperm counts and an increased oxidative stress compared to the control group. Exposure to zinc caused significant decrease in oxidative stress and an increase in different sperm variables. The exposure to zinc with aluminum or copper had no toxic effects on testis while concomitant exposure to aluminum, copper, and zinc produced more pronounced testicular injury. In summary, while co-exposure to zinc with aluminum or copper produced reproductive toxicity the co-exposure to all the three metals may lead to a significant testicular toxicity and these changes were related to increase in oxidative stress in rats.

Chronic Copper Exposure Induces Hypospermatogenesis in Mice by Increasing Apoptosis Without Affecting Testosterone Secretion

Chronic copper exposure impaired spermatogenesis in adult male mice. The aim of this study was to determine whether chronic copper exposure can induce apoptosis of testicular cell and hypospermatogenesis via disturbing testosterone synthesis in adult male mice. In the present study, sixty CD-1 male mice were randomly divided into four groups, and were continuously administered for 8 weeks by oral gavage with copper sulfate at a dose of 0, 25, 100, and 150 mg/kg/day, respectively. We determined the content of serum and testicular copper, testicular coefficient, testicular histopathology, sperm count and motility, the mRNA and protein levels of Caspase-3, Bax, and Bcl-2, Leydig cell count, testosterone content, testosterone synthetase, and testosterone synthesis-related genes. The results showed that the copper levels in serum increased in a dose-dependent manner, and the copper levels in testes were significantly related to serum copper levels. Male mice given copper sulfate 100 and 150 dosage groups showed significant decreased in sperm motility and sperm number as well as increased in testes damage, and there was no significant change in testicular coefficient in the four groups. The mRNA levels of Bcl-2 decreased and Caspase-3 increased in 150 dosage group, and Bax increased in two higher dosage groups. Meanwhile, Caspase-3 and Bax proteins increased in 150 dosage group, and Bcl-2 protein decreased in three copper treatment groups. Nevertheless, there were no differences on the levels of testosterone content and testosterone synthetase of 3β-HSD, 17β-HSD, 17α-Hyd, and 20α-Hyd, mRNA levels of Cyp11a1, Cyp17a1, and Star, and quantity of Leydig cells in four groups. Overall, these data showed that chronic copper exposure led to copper residues in the testes, and the doses of 100 and 150 mg/kg/day copper sulfate may induce hypospermatogenesis by increasing apoptosis without affecting testosterone secretion.

In vitro and in vivo effects of flubendiamide and copper on cyto-genotoxicity, oxidative stress and spleen histology of rats and its modulation by resveratrol, catechin, curcumin and α-tocopherol

BACKGROUND

Living organisms are frequently exposed to more than one xenobiotic at a time either by ingestion of contaminated food/fodder or due to house-hold practices, occupational hazards or through environment. These xenobiotics interact individually or in combination with biological systems and act as carcinogen or produce other toxic effects including reproductive and degenerative diseases. Present study was aimed to investigate the cyto-genotoxic effects of flubendiamide and copper and ameliorative potential of certain natural phyotconstituent antioxidants.

METHOD

In vitro cytogenotoxic effects were evaluated by employing battery of assays including Propidium iodide staining, Tunel assay, Micronuclei, DNA fragmentation and Comet assay on isolated splenocytes and their prevention by resveratrol (5 and 10 μM), catechin (10 and 20 μM), curcumin (5 and 10 μM) and α-tocopherol (5, 10 and 20 μM). In vivo study was also undertaken daily oral administration of flubendiamide (200 mg/kg) or copper (33 mg/kg) and both these in combination, and also all these concurrently with of α-tocopherol to Wistar rats for 90 days.

RESULTS

Flubendiamide and copper produced concentration-dependent cytotoxic effects on splenocytes and at median lethal concentrations, flubendiamide (40 μM) and copper (40 μM) respectively produced 71 and 81% nonviable cells, higher number of Tunel+ve apoptotic cells, 7.86 and 9.16% micronucleus and 22.90 and 29.59 comets/100 cells and DNA fragmentation. In vivo study revealed significant (P < 0.05) increase in level of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and decrease in glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in groups exposed to flubendiamide or copper alone or both these in combination. Histopathological examination of rat spleens revealed depletion of lymphoid tissue, separation of splenocytes and rarification in splenic parenchyma of xenobiotic(s) treated groups.

CONCLUSION

Flubendiamide and copper induce oxidative stress and produce cytogenotoxic effects along with histoarchitectural changes in spleen. All four tested natural antioxidants (resveratrol, catechin, curcumin and α-tocopherol) reduced flubendiamide and copper-induced cytotoxic effects in rat splenocytes. Rat splenocytes are very sensitive to flubendiamide and copper-induced cytogenotoxicity, therefore, these can be effectively employed for screening of compounds for their cytogenotoxic potential. α-tocopherol was effective in restoring alterations in oxidative stress biomarkers and preventing histoarchitectural lesions in spleen.

Pesticide residues in tomato and tomato products marketed in Majmaah province, KSA, and their impact on human health

Over 22 samples of tomato, tomato paste, and ketchup collected from local markets, located in Majmaah Province, Saudi Arabia, were tested for the presence of 412 pesticide residues using the modified QuEChERS method, followed by LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS. About eight pesticide residues were detected in 36% of analyzed samples. The amount and frequency of detected pesticide residues were higher in tomato samples. All detected residues were below the maximum residue limits (MRLs). Multiple residues were detected in 27% of analyzed samples. Of the pesticides, cypermethrin was the most detected one followed by carbendazim. The average daily intake and health risk indices for Majmaah region population were estimated. The results showed that consumption of tomato and its products do not represent a risk to human health in this region. However, the presence of multiple residues in some samples necessitates regular monitoring of pesticide residues in tomato crop.

Bee glue (propolis) improves reproductive organs, sperm quality and histological changes and antioxidant parameters of testis tissues in rats exposed to excess copper

This study was designed to determine the effects of propolis on the sperm quality, antioxidant and histological parameters in the testicular tissues of male Sprague Dawley rats exposed to excessive copper (Cu). In this aim, 24 rats were randomly divided into four groups as follows: the control, Cu, Propolis and Cu+Propolis. When compared to control group, Cu administration significantly decreased sperm motility and concentration, increased total abnormal sperm rate. It caused a significant induction the malondialdehyde (MDA), and reduction the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) in testicular tissues. Also, it caused loss, disorganisation and vacuolation of the germinal epithelium, oedema of the interstitial tissues, proliferation of the interstitial cells, spilled immature spermatogenic cells in the lumen of some seminiferous tubules. A large number of active caspase-3-positive stained apoptotic cells and a significant decrease in Johnsen's testicular score were determined. However, significant ameliorations were observed in all sperm characteristics, MDA, SOD, CAT, GSH, seminiferous tubules, number of apoptotic cells and Johnsen's testicular score in Cu+Propolis group. Our results showed that oral supplementation of propolis had curative effect on the sperm quality, antioxidant and histological parameters in the testicular tissues of male Sprague Dawley rats exposed to Cu.

Total flavonoids of Epimedium ameliorates testicular damage in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats by suppressing inflammation and oxidative stress

Testicular damage is the anomaly that will often accompany diabetes mellitus. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the role that total flavonoids of Epimedium (TFE) played against streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic testicular dysfunction and to elucidate the mechanism of action. The diabetic rat model was induced by vein injection of STZ in healthy rats. Thirty male healthy Spraque-Dawley rats were randomly divided into following groups: the control group, the diabetic group, and the diabetic + TFE group. Gastrointestinal administration begins at fifth week of TFE for 6 weeks. After TFE administration, all animals were euthanized. Testicular tissue samples and blood samples of rats were collected for histopathological examination and for determination of levels of various biomarkers including blood glucose, testosterone, testicular enzymes, and oxidative stress indicators. All testes were weighted to calculate the testicular organ index. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used for observing the testis and epididymis pathological changes. Protein expression (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, transforming growth factor-beta-1, interleukin-6, and 3-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase) was detected by immunohistochemistry and western blot techniques. There was a significant difference in the changes between the diabetes group and the control group. As a result of treat with TFE, the blood glucose decreased but there was no significant difference, and other indicators showed significant improvement. TFE may protect against STZ-induced testicular injury by suppressing inflammation and oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress-induced skeletal muscle injury involves in NF-κB/p53-activated immunosuppression and apoptosis response in copper (II) or/and arsenite-exposed chicken

The adverse effects of environmental toxicants such as copper and arsenic occur due to the generation of reactive oxygen species. Recent study also reported that both copper (Cu) and arsenic (As) may alter muscle regeneration. In order to assess the toxic effects of copper and arsenic on chicken skeletal muscle, chickens were subjected by different toxicologically relevant concentrations of copper or arsenic and their combination in diets for 12 weeks. Upon comparative analysis, a significantly higher malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydroxy radical content were observed in Cu or/and As exposed chicken skeletal muscle, which confirmed the strong lipid peroxidation nature of these two heavy metals. In addition, the depleted activity of catalase and glutathione peroxidase suggested the strong association of copper and arsenic with oxidative stress. Moreover, the higher elevation of pro-inflammatory mediators (NF-κB et al.) and Th1 bias immune system, suggested that exposure to Cu or/and As induces inflammation via NF-κB mediated response pathway. These results further coincided with inflammatory infiltration and nuclear condensation. Further, the execution of apoptosis machinery were characterized by a considerably elevated pro-apoptotic response and apoptotic index. In conclusion, the increased p53 levels detected in Cu or/and As treated chickens suggest the possibility that the NF-kB/p53 axis might lead to the impairment of immune-apoptosis cross talk in the present model.

Diabetes Mellitus induces alterations in metallothionein protein expression and metal levels in the testis and liver

Objective

To investigate the effect of diabetes with and without vitamin E treatment on testicular metallothionein (MT) and metal (zinc, copper and iron) changes.

Methods

Diabetes was induced with a single intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) of streptozotocin in rats, and diabetic rats were given Vitamin E by i.p. every other day for 4 weeks. MT protein was measured by the cadmium-haeme assay and metal levels were detected by an atomic absorption spectrophotometer.

Results

Diabetes did not change testicular MT protein, but significantly increased hepatic MT protein. Diabetes significantly decreased testicular copper, but not hepatic copper. Zinc and iron levels were unchanged in both diabetic testis and liver. Vitamin E significantly enhanced both testicular and hepatic MT, and zinc levels in diabetic rats. Vitamin E slightly decreased the copper levels, but did not change the testicular and hepatic iron in diabetic rats.

Conclusions

Testicular MT protein expression was not increased, even though hepatic MT significantly increased independent of metal changes, in diabetic rats. Vitamin E enhanced testicular and hepatic MT, which correlated with increased zinc levels.