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Wang X, Zhang Y, Peng J, Zhang H, Jiang T, Zhang Z, Yin T, Su X, Zhang T, Shen L, He S, Wang X, Li D, Yue X, Ji D, Zhang D, Dong R, Zou W, Liang D, Liu Y, Du Y, Zhang Z, Cao Y, Liang C, Ji D. Association Between Exposure to Multiple Toxic Metals in Follicular Fluid and the Risk of PCOS Among Infertile Women: The Mediating Effect of Metabolic Markers. Biol Trace Elem Res 2024:10.1007/s12011-024-04236-y. [PMID: 38789898 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-024-04236-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) severely affects women's fertility and accompanies serious metabolic disturbances, affecting 5%-20% of women of reproductive age globally. We previously found that exposure to toxic metals in the blood raised the risk of PCOS, but the association between exposure to toxic metals and the risk of PCOS in the follicular fluid, the microenvironment for oocyte growth and development in females, and its effect on metabolism has not been reported. This study aimed to evaluate the associations between the concentrations of cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), barium (Ba) and arsenic (As) in FF and the risk of PCOS, and to explore the mediating effect of metabolic markers in FF on the above relationship. We conducted a case-control study, including 557 women with PCOS and 651 controls. Ba, Cd, Hg and As levels in FF were measured by ICP-MS, metabolites levels in FF was measured by LC-MS/MS among 168 participants randomly selected from all the participants. Logistic regression models were used to assess the association of a single metal level with the PCOS risk, and linear regression models were used to assess the relationships of a single metal level with clinical phenotype parameters and metabolites levels. Combined effect of metals mixture levels on the risk of PCOS were assessed via weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression and bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR). Medication analysis was performed to explore the role of metabolic markers on the relationship of toxic metals levels with the risk of PCOS. The exposure levels of Cd, Hg, Ba and As in FF were all positively and significantly associated with the PCOS risk (with respect to the highest vs. lowest tertile group: OR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.17 ~ 2.12 for Cd, OR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.22 ~ 2.34 for Hg, OR = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.32 ~ 2.34 for Ba, OR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.05 ~ 1.91 for As). In addition, levels of metal mixture also significantly correlated with the risk of PCOS, Cd level contributed most to it. Moreover, we observed significant positive relationships between Cd level and LH (β = 0.048, 95% CI = 0.002 ~ 0.094), T (β = 0.077, 95% CI = 0.029 ~ 0.125) and HOMA-IR value (β = 0.060, 95% CI = 0.012 ~ 0.107), as well as Hg level with LH, FSH/LH ratio and TC. Furthermore, we revealed that estrone sulfate, LysoPE 22:6 and N-Undecanoylglycine were significantly and positively mediating the association between Cd level and the risk of PCOS (with mediated proportion of 0.39, 0.24 and 0.35, respectively), and between Hg level and the risk of PCOS (with mediated proportion of 0.29, 0.20 and 0.46, respectively). These highly expressed metabolites significantly enriched in the fatty acid oxidation, steroid hormone biosynthesis and glycerophospholipids metabolism, which may explain the reason why the levels of Cd and Hg in FF associated with the phenotype of PCOS. Ba and As in FF was not found the above phenomenon. Our results suggested that exposure to multiple toxic metals (Cd, Hg, Ba and As) in FF associated with the increased risk of PCOS, Cd was a major contributor. Levels of Cd and Hg in FF significantly associated with the phenotype of PCOS. The above association may result from that Cd and Hg in FF related with the disturbance of fatty acid oxidation, steroid hormone biosynthesis and the glycerophospholipids metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Jie Peng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Tingting Jiang
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Zhikang Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Tao Yin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Xun Su
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lingchao Shen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Shitao He
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaolei Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Danyang Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Xinyu Yue
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Duoxu Ji
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Dongyang Zhang
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Rui Dong
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Weiwei Zou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Dan Liang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Yajing Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Yinan Du
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Zhiguo Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
| | - Chunmei Liang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China.
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
| | - Dongmei Ji
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
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He Z, Xiao F, Yang D, Deng F, Ding W, He Z, Wang S, Chen Q, Wang H, Chen M, Gao K, Xiong J, Tang Z, Zhang M, Yan T. Protein expression patterns and metal metabolites in a protogynous hermaphrodite fish, the ricefield eel (Monopterus albus). BMC Genomics 2024; 25:500. [PMID: 38773374 PMCID: PMC11106920 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10397-w] [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: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ricefield eel Monopterus albus undergoes a natural sex change from female to male during its life cycle, and previous studies have shown the potential mechanisms of this transition at the transcriptional and protein levels. However, the changes in protein levels have not been fully explored, especially in the intersexual stage. RESULTS In the present study, the protein expression patterns in the gonadal tissues from five different periods, the ovary (OV), early intersexual stage gonad (IE), middle intersexual stage gonad (IM), late intersexual stage gonad (IL), and testis (TE), were determined by untargeted proteomics sequencing. A total of 5125 proteins and 394 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were detected in the gonadal tissues. Of the 394 DEPs, there were 136 between the OV and IE groups, 20 between the IM and IE groups, 179 between the IL and IM groups, and 59 between the TE and IL groups. Three candidate proteins, insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 3 isoform X1 (Igf2bp3), triosephosphate isomerase (Tpi), and Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase isoform X1 [(Cu-Zn) Sod1], were validated by western blotting to verify the reliability of the data. Furthermore, metal metabolite-related proteins were enriched in the IL vs. IM groups and TE vs. IL groups, which had close relationships with sex change, including Cu2+-, Ca2+-, Zn2+- and Fe2+/Fe3+-related proteins. Analysis of the combined transcriptome data revealed consistent protein/mRNA expression trends for two metal metabolite-related proteins/genes [LOC109953912 and calcium Binding Protein 39 Like (cab39l)]. Notably, we detected significantly higher levels of Cu2+ during the sex change process, suggesting that Cu2+ is a male-related metal metabolite that may have an important function in male reproductive development. CONCLUSIONS In summary, we analyzed the protein profiles of ricefield eel gonadal tissues in five sexual stages (OV, IE, IM, IL, and TE) and verified the plausibility of the data. After preforming the functional enrichment of metal metabolite-related DEPs, we detected the contents of the metal metabolites Zn2+, Cu2+, Ca2+, and Fe2+/Fe3+ at these five stages and screened for (Cu-Zn) Sod1 and Mmp-9 as possible key proteins in the sex reversal process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi He
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
- Fish Resources and Environment in Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River Observation and Research Station of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Feng Xiao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Deying Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
- Fish Resources and Environment in Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River Observation and Research Station of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Faqiang Deng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Wenxiang Ding
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Zhide He
- Fish Resources and Environment in Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River Observation and Research Station of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Siqi Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Qiqi Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Haochen Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Mingqiang Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Kuo Gao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Jinxing Xiong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Ziting Tang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
- Fish Resources and Environment in Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River Observation and Research Station of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Mingwang Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
- Fish Resources and Environment in Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River Observation and Research Station of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Taiming Yan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China.
- Fish Resources and Environment in Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River Observation and Research Station of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China.
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Yuan B, Mao J, Wang J, Luo S, Luo B. Naringenin mitigates cadmium-induced cell death, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation in KGN cells by regulating the expression of sirtuin-1. Drug Chem Toxicol 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38647073 DOI: 10.1080/01480545.2023.2288798] [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: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to examine the potential protective role of naringenin against the harmful effects induced by cadmium in KGN cell line. Cell viability was evaluated by cell counting kit-8 assay. Caspase-3/-9 activities were determined by caspase-3/-9 activity assay kits, respectively. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was detected by ROS-Glo™ H2O2 Assay, antioxidant capacity was determined by a total antioxidant capacity assay kit. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), ATP level, and ATP synthase activity were determined by JC-1, ATP assay kit, and ATP synthase activity assay kit, respectively. The mRNA expression was determined by qRT-PCR. Cadmium reduced cell viability and increased caspase-3/-9 activities in a concentration-dependent manner. Naringenin improved cell viability and reduced caspase-3/-9 activities in cadmium-stimulated KGN cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Cadmium diminished the antioxidant capacity, increased ROS production, and induced mitochondrial dysfunction in KGN cells. These effects were ameliorated by naringenin treatment in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, naringenin reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in KGN cells exposed to cadmium. SIRT1 knockdown downregulated its expression in KGN cells and compromised the protective effects of naringenin on cell viability and caspase-3/-9 activities in cadmium-stimulated KGN cells. Naringenin prevented the reduction of MMP, ATP levels, and ATP synthase activity in cadmium-stimulated KGN cells in a concentration-dependent manner. However, these protective effects were significantly reversed by SIRT1 knockdown. In conclusion, this study suggests that naringenin protects against cadmium-induced damage by regulating oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, and inflammation in KGN cells, with SIRT1 playing a potential mediating role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Yuan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Huangshi Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi, China
- Huangshi Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Medicine, Huangshi, China
| | - Junbiao Mao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Huangshi Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi, China
- Huangshi Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Medicine, Huangshi, China
| | - Junling Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Huangshi Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi, China
- Huangshi Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Medicine, Huangshi, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuhong Luo
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Huangshi Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi, China
- Huangshi Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Medicine, Huangshi, China
| | - Bingbing Luo
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Huangshi Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi, China
- Huangshi Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Medicine, Huangshi, China
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Motta CM, Rosati L, Cretì P, Montinari MR, Denre P, Simoniello P, Fogliano C, Scudiero R, Avallone B. Histopathological effects of long-term exposure to realistic concentrations of cadmium in the hepatopancreas of Sparus aurata juveniles. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2024; 268:106858. [PMID: 38325058 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2024.106858] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
In recent decades, cadmium has emerged as an environmental stressor in aquatic ecosystems due to its persistence and toxicity. It can enter water bodies from various natural and anthropogenic sources and, once introduced into aquatic systems, can accumulate in sediments and biota, leading to bioaccumulation and biomagnification in the food chain. For this reason, the effects of cadmium on aquatic life remain an area of ongoing research and concern. In this paper, a multidisciplinary approach was used to assess the effects of long-term exposure to an environmental concentration on the hepatopancreas of farmed juveniles of sea bream, Sparus aurata. After determining metal uptake, metallothionein production was assessed to gain insight into the organism's defence response. The effects were also assessed by histological and ultrastructural analyses. The results indicate that cadmium accumulates in the hepatopancreas at significant concentrations, inducing structural and functional damage. Despite the parallel increase in metallothioneins, fibrosis, alterations in carbohydrate distribution and endocrine disruption were also observed. These effects would decrease animal fitness although it did not translate into high mortality or reduced growth. This could depend on the fact that the animals were farmed, protected from the pressure deriving from having to search for food or escape from predators. Not to be underestimated is the return to humans, as this species is edible. Understanding the behaviour of cadmium in aquatic systems, its effects at different trophic levels and the potential risks to human health from the consumption of contaminated seafood would therefore be essential for informed environmental management and policy decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luigi Rosati
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Patrizia Cretì
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Montinari
- Chair of History of Medicine, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Pabitra Denre
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Palma Simoniello
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Naples Parthenope, Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Fogliano
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
| | - Rosaria Scudiero
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Bice Avallone
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Bautista CJ, Arango N, Plata C, Mitre-Aguilar IB, Trujillo J, Ramírez V. Mechanism of cadmium-induced nephrotoxicity. Toxicology 2024; 502:153726. [PMID: 38191021 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2024.153726] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Heavy metals are found naturally in our environment and have many uses and applications in daily life. However, high concentrations of metals may be a result of pollution due to industrialization. In particular, cadmium (Cd), a white metal abundantly distributed in the terrestrial crust, is found in mines together with zinc, which accumulates after volcanic eruption or is found naturally in the sea and earth. High levels of Cd have been associated with disease. In the human body, Cd accumulates in two ways: via inhalation or consumption, mainly of plants or fish contaminated with high concentrations. Several international organizations have been working to establish the limit values of heavy metals in food, water, and the environment to avoid their toxic effects. Increased Cd levels may induce kidney, liver, or neurological diseases. Cd mainly accumulates in the kidney, causing renal disease in people exposed to moderate to high levels, which leads to the development of end-stage chronic kidney disease or death. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of Cd-induced nephrotoxicity, the mechanisms of Cd damage, and the current treatments used to reduce the toxic effects of Cd exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia J Bautista
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción del Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Tlalpan, Ciudad de México 14080, Mexico
| | - Nidia Arango
- Departamento de Cirugía Experimental del Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Tlalpan, Ciudad de México 14080, Mexico
| | - Consuelo Plata
- Departamento de Nefrología del Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Tlalpan, Ciudad de México 14080, Mexico
| | - Irma B Mitre-Aguilar
- Unidad de Bioquímica del Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Tlalpan, Ciudad de México 14080, Mexico
| | - Joyce Trujillo
- Consejo Nacional de Humanidades, Ciencia y Tecnología, Instituto Potosino de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica A. C. División de Materiales Avanzados (CONAHCYT-IPICYT-DMA), San Luis Potosí, Mexico
| | - Victoria Ramírez
- Departamento de Cirugía Experimental del Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Tlalpan, Ciudad de México 14080, Mexico.
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Zhu M, Yan M, Musa M, Li Y, Zhang Y, Zou X. MicroRNA-129-1-3p protects chicken granulosa cells from cadmium-induced apoptosis by down-regulating the MCU-mediated Ca 2+ signaling pathway. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 269:115906. [PMID: 38176135 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115906] [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: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is known as a female reproductive toxicant. Our previous study has shown that Cd can influence the proliferation and cell cycle of granulosa cells and induce apoptosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in the regulation of Cd-induced granulosa cell damage in chickens. However, the mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms by which microRNA-129-1-3p (miR-129-1-3p) regulates Cd-induced cytotoxicity in chicken granulosa cells. As anticipated, exposure to Cd resulted in the induction of oxidative stress in granulosa cells, accompanied by the downregulation of antioxidant molecules and/or enzymes of Nrf2, Mn-SOD, Cu-Zn SOD and CAT, and the upregulation of Keap1, GST, GSH-Px, GCLM, MDA, hydrogen peroxide and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS). Further studies found that Cd exposure causes mitochondrial calcium ions (Ca2+) overload, provoking mitochondrial damage and apoptosis by upregulating IP3R, GRP75, VDAC1, MCU, CALM1, MFF, caspase 3, and caspase 9 gene and/or protein expressions and mitochondrial Ca2+ levels, while downregulating NCX1, NCLX and MFN2 gene and/or protein expressions and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). The Ca2+ chelator BAPTA-AM or the MCU inhibitor MCU-i4 significantly rescued Cd-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, thereby attenuating apoptosis. Additionally, a luciferase reported assay and western blot analysis confirmed that miR-129-1-3p directly target MCU. MiR-129-1-3p overexpression almost completely inhibited protein expression of MCU, increased the gene and protein expressions of NCLX and MFN2 downregulated by Cd, and attenuated mitochondrial Ca2+ overload, MMP depression and mitochondria damage induced by Cd. Moreover, the overexpression of miR-129-1-3p led to a reduction in mtROS and cell apoptosis levels, and a suppression of the gene and protein expressions of caspase 3 and caspase 9. As above, these results provided the evidence that IP3R-MCU signaling pathway activated by Cd plays a significant role in inducing mitochondrial Ca2+ overload, mitochondrial damage, and apoptosis. MiR-129-1-3p exerts a protective effect against Cd-induced granulosa cell apoptosis through the direct inhibition of MCU expression in the ovary of laying hens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingkun Zhu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China; Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, The Sericultural Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang 212100, China.
| | - Ming Yan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China; Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, The Sericultural Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang 212100, China
| | - Maierhaba Musa
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China; Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, The Sericultural Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang 212100, China
| | - Yurong Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China; Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, The Sericultural Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang 212100, China
| | - Yeshun Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China; Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, The Sericultural Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang 212100, China
| | - Xiaoting Zou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Feed and Nutrition of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in East China, Ministry of Agriculture, The Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
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Niu C, Jiang D, Guo Y, Wang Z, Sun Q, Wang X, Ling W, An X, Ji C, Li S, Zhao H, Kang B. Spermidine suppresses oxidative stress and ferroptosis by Nrf2/HO-1/GPX4 and Akt/FHC/ACSL4 pathway to alleviate ovarian damage. Life Sci 2023; 332:122109. [PMID: 37741320 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122109] [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: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Oxidative stress is considered to be one of the culprits of ovarian dysfunction. Spermidine (SPD) is a natural aliphatic polyamine that is widely present in living organisms and has been shown to exert preventive effects on various ageing-related diseases. This study seeks to investigate the potential preventive and protective effects of SPD on ovarian oxidative damage. MAIN METHODS Ovarian oxidative stress model in C57BL/6 mice was established by 3-nitropropionic acid. Female mice were administrated 10 mg/kg or 15 mg/kg SPD. The estrous cycle, serum hormone levels and mating test were measured to evaluate ovarian function. Follicle counts and AMH levels to assess ovarian reserve. Masson's trichrome to assess ovarian fibrosis. TUNEL analysis to evaluate follicular granulosa cells (GCs) apoptosis. Oxidative stress and autophagy indicators (Nrf2, HO-1, GPX4, LC3B, P62) were measured in vivo and in vitro. RNA-sequencing was performed on SPD-treated GC to study the effects of SPD on Akt and FHC/ACSL4 signaling. KEY FINDINGS SPD supplementation improved ovarian endocrine function and reproductive capacity in oxidative stress mice. SPD regularized the estrous cycle and alleviated oxidative stress. Furthermore, SPD increased the ovarian reserve, reducing GC apoptosis by activating the Nrf2/HO-1/GPX4 pathway. RNA-sequencing showed that SPD induced 230 genes changes in porcine GC, which were mainly involved in oocyte meiosis, arginine biosynthesis and glutathione metabolism pathways. SPD attenuated H2O2-induced ferroptosis by regulating Akt/FHC/ACSL4 signaling. SIGNIFICANCE SPD alleviates oxidative stress and ferroptosis by regulating the Nrf2/HO-1/GPX4 and Akt/FHC/ACSL4 pathway, which may be a novel potential strategy to protect ovarian oxidative damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyang Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Dongmei Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Yongni Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Zelong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Qian Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Xin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Weikang Ling
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Xiaoguang An
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Chengweng Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Shuo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Hua Zhao
- Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Bo Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China.
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Li X, Zang N, Zhang N, Pang L, Lv L, Meng X, Lv X, Leng J. DNA damage resulting from human endocrine disrupting chemical exposure: Genotoxicity, detection and dietary phytochemical intervention. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 338:139522. [PMID: 37478996 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) has posed an increasing threat to human health. EDCs are major risk factors in the occurrence and development of many diseases. Continuous DNA damage triggers severe pathogenic consequences, such as cancer. Beyond their effects on the endocrine system, EDCs genotoxicity is also worthy of attention, owing to the high accessibility and bioavailability of EDCs. This review investigates and summarizes nearly a decade of DNA damage studies on EDC exposure, including DNA damage mechanisms, detection methods, population marker analysis, and the application of dietary phytochemicals. The aims of this review are (1) to systematically summarize the genotoxic effects of environmental EDCs (2) to comprehensively summarize cutting-edge measurement methods, thus providing analytical solutions for studies on EDC exposure; and (3) to highlight critical data on the detoxification and repair effects of dietary phytochemicals. Dietary phytochemicals decrease genotoxicity by playing a major role in the detoxification system, and show potential therapeutic effects on human diseases caused by EDC exposure. This review may support research on environmental toxicology and alternative chemo-prevention for human EDC exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqing Li
- Comprehensive Exposure Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, 116600, China
| | - Ningzi Zang
- Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang, 110847, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Comprehensive Exposure Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, 116600, China
| | - Lijian Pang
- Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang, 110847, China
| | - Ling Lv
- Comprehensive Exposure Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, 116600, China
| | - Xiansheng Meng
- Comprehensive Exposure Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, 116600, China
| | - Xiaodong Lv
- Comprehensive Exposure Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, 116600, China
| | - Jiapeng Leng
- Comprehensive Exposure Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, 116600, China.
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Gonzalez-Martin R, Grau-Perez M, Sebastian-Leon P, Diaz-Gimeno P, Vidal C, Tellez-Plaza M, Dominguez F. Association of blood cadmium and lead levels with self-reported reproductive lifespan and pregnancy loss: The national health and nutrition examination survey 1999-2018. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 233:116514. [PMID: 37392826 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116514] [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: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium and lead are known to interfere with the endocrine function. Thus, hormonally regulated processes such as menarche, menopause and pregnancy are likely influenced by chronic exposure to these metals. In US post-menopausal women, who already completed their reproductive lifespan, we evaluated the association between blood cadmium and lead levels with self-reported reproductive lifespan and personal history of pregnancy loss. We selected 5317 post-menopausal women participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 1999-2018. Blood cadmium and lead levels were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Reproductive lifespan was defined as the number of years between self-reported age at menarche and menopause. Personal history of pregnancy loss was defined as number of self-reported pregnancy losses out of the self-reported number of pregnancies. The fully adjusted mean difference in reproductive lifespan (95% confidence interval [CI]) comparing the 80th to the 20th percentiles of blood cadmium and lead distributions was, respectively, 0.50 (0.10, 0.91) and 0.72 (0.41, 1.03) years. Ever smoker showed stronger association of blood lead with reproductive lifespan. For self-reported pregnancy loss, the corresponding fully adjusted relative prevalence (95% CI) was 1.10 (0.93, 1.31) for cadmium and 1.10 (1.00, 1.21) for lead, and remained similar after additional adjustment for reproductive lifespan. In never smokers, the relative prevalence was 1.07 (1.04, 1.11) and 1.16 (1.05, 1.28) for blood cadmium and lead, respectively. These findings suggest that blood cadmium and lead exposures increase reproductive lifespan and prevalence of pregnancy loss in the general population. Additional studies are needed to improve the understanding of mechanisms and prevention potential of metals-related pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Gonzalez-Martin
- IVI Foundation/ISS LaFe Biomedical Research Institute, Avenida Fernando Abril Martorell, 106, 46026, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Maria Grau-Perez
- Area of Cardiometabolic and Renal Risk. Instituto de Investigacion Sanitaria Hospital Clinic de Valencia INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
| | - Patricia Sebastian-Leon
- IVI Foundation/ISS LaFe Biomedical Research Institute, Avenida Fernando Abril Martorell, 106, 46026, Valencia, Spain
| | - Patricia Diaz-Gimeno
- IVI Foundation/ISS LaFe Biomedical Research Institute, Avenida Fernando Abril Martorell, 106, 46026, Valencia, Spain
| | - Carmen Vidal
- IVI Foundation/ISS LaFe Biomedical Research Institute, Avenida Fernando Abril Martorell, 106, 46026, Valencia, Spain; IVI/RMA Valencia, Plaza de la Policía Local, 3. 46015, Valencia, Spain
| | - Maria Tellez-Plaza
- Area of Cardiometabolic and Renal Risk. Instituto de Investigacion Sanitaria Hospital Clinic de Valencia INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain; Department of Chronic Diseases Epidemiology, National Center for Epidemiology, Carlos III Health Institutes, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Dominguez
- IVI Foundation/ISS LaFe Biomedical Research Institute, Avenida Fernando Abril Martorell, 106, 46026, Valencia, Spain
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Toxic Effects of Cadmium on the Female Reproductive Organs a Review. FOLIA VETERINARIA 2022. [DOI: 10.2478/fv-2022-0038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is a common environmental pollutant present in soil and associated with many modern industrial processes. Cadmium may adversely influence the health of experimental animals and humans and exert significant effects on the reproductive tract morphology and physiology. During embryonic development, cadmium suppresses the normal growth and development of the ovaries, and in adults it disrupts the morphology and function of the ovaries and uterus. The exposure to cadmium has adverse effects on the oocyte meiotic maturation affecting the structure of ovarian tissue. The distribution of follicles and corpus luteum in the ovarian tissues has been shown to be disrupted, affecting the normal growth and development of the follicles. In the ovarian cortex, the number of follicles at different stages of maturation decreased, and the number of atretic follicles increased. In the medulla, oedema and ovarian haemorrhage and necrosis appears at higher doses. Granulosa cells exposed to cadmium exhibited morphological alterations. Oocyte development was inhibited and the amount of oocyte apoptosis was higher. Cadmium exposure also caused changes in the structure of the ovarian blood vessels with reduction in the vascular area. Cadmium effects included increased uterine weight, hyperplasia and hypertrophy of the endometrial lining. Exposure to cadmium had specific effects on gonadal steroidogenesis by suppressing steroid biosynthesis of the ovarian granulosa cells and luteal cells. Progesterone, follicle stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone decreased significantly after CdCl2 administration. Cadmium can suppress the female’s ovulation process and cause temporary infertility.
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