Mechanism and impact of heavy metal-aluminum (Al) toxicity on male reproduction: Therapeutic approaches with some phytochemicals

Testis metal toxicity remediation by agro-food waste: evidence of a protective effect of melon seed husk extract Cucumeropsis mannii silica nanoparticles on gonadotropin and sex steroid hormones

Male fertility is strongly affected by the overexpression of free radicals induced by heavy metals. The aim of this study was to produce nanoparticles from the agro-food waste, Cucumeropsis mannii melon seed husk extract (MSHE), whose burned seeds in Nigeria become incorporated into the soil contributing to pollution; and to propose a potential remediation biomarker adoptable to a metal-exposed animal model. Sol-gel precipitated melon husk silica nanoparticles were characterized by spectrophotometric and X-ray diffraction analysis. Biochemical and histopathological tests were performed on male albino rats divided into 8 groups orally exposed to Ni, Al, and Ni/Al both alone as well as co-administrated with MSHE at several dosages. Metal exposure reduced levels of plasma gonadotropin hormones follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), and the sex steroid hormone testosterone, but MSHE co-administration increased them. MSHE treatment alone also raised FSH and LH levels compared to the metal-exposed groups. Plasma gonadotropin prolactin (PRL) levels were higher in each group examined, whereas MSHE co-administration significantly lowered them. Additionally, MSHE treatment alone exhibited lower PRL levels than the mixture-exposed groups and increased testosterone levels. Plasma hormonal results were confirmed by regeneration of testis architecture, testis lipid peroxidation decreases, and testis antioxidant increases. Use of agro-food waste nanoparticles has significant implications as evaluated with male albino rat plasma hormone levels. MSHE may ameliorate Ni-Al mixture-induced testicular toxicity and may be a useful future therapeutic tool.

Protective effects of Delonix regia and gum Arabic against aluminum chloride-induced toxicity in male Albino Rats

Background and Aim

Aluminum (AL) is commonly found in food, drinking, air, and soil and it can be a serious contaminant in varying amounts. Therefore, this study investigated the biochemical and histological hazardous reactions to aluminum chloride (AlCl3) and the efficiency of the methanol extract of Delonix regia aerial parts with gum Arabic (GA) as anti-toxic therapies to return to a natural state after AlCl3 exposure.

Materials and Methods

A total of 20 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four equal groups. (i) CG: Served as a control group. (ii) AlCl3: Rats were exposed to 80 mg/kg/body weight (BW) AlCl3. (iii) AlCl3 + D. regia/GA: rats were administered AlCl3 + 100 mg/kg B.W. with 15% BW of D. regia and GA, respectively. (iv) D. regia/GA: Rats were administered 100 mg/kg B.W. with 15% BW D. regia and GA, respectively. The experimental treatment was administered for 30 days. On the 30th day, blood biochemical parameters were assessed, and specimens from the liver and kidney were collected and stored in a neutral buffer with 10% formalin until immediate histopathological examination after euthanasia.

Results

This study revealed a significant increase in white blood cells and platelets after AlCl3 exposure compared with CG, while there was a decrease in red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and mean corpuscular volume. Treatment with D. regia/GA improved lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. Furthermore, the animals exposed to AlCl3 showed a significant increase in aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase compared with CG, whereas AlCl3 + D. regia/GA treatment improved these activities. In addition, the rats exposed to AlCl3 had significantly increased glucose, lipase, amylase, triglyceride, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein levels, and D. regia/GA treatment significantly improved these levels compared with AlCl3. This study reported no significant differences in Ca and Na concentrations among groups, but rats exposed to AlCl3 had elevated K, Cl, and Mg levels, whereas D. regia/GA treatment improved these levels.

Conclusion

The co-administration of the methanolic extract of D. regia with GA can protect against AlCl3 toxicity.

Bioactive Compounds Protect Mammalian Reproductive Cells from Xenobiotics and Heat Stress-Induced Oxidative Distress via Nrf2 Signaling Activation: A Narrative Review

Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body's antioxidant defenses. It poses a significant threat to the physiological function of reproductive cells. Factors such as xenobiotics and heat can worsen this stress, leading to cellular damage and apoptosis, ultimately decreasing reproductive efficiency. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway plays a crucial role in defending against oxidative stress and protecting reproductive cells via enhancing antioxidant responses. Dysregulation of Nrf2 signaling has been associated with infertility and suboptimal reproductive performance in mammals. Recent advancements in therapeutic interventions have underscored the critical role of Nrf2 in mitigating oxidative damage and restoring the functional integrity of reproductive cells. In this narrative review, we delineate the harmful effects of heat and xenobiotic-induced oxidative stress on reproductive cells and explain how Nrf2 signaling provides protection against these challenges. Recent studies have shown that activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway using various bioactive compounds can ameliorate heat stress and xenobiotic-induced oxidative distress and apoptosis in mammalian reproductive cells. By comprehensively analyzing the existing literature, we propose Nrf2 as a key therapeutic target for mitigating oxidative damage and apoptosis in reproductive cells caused by exposure to xenobiotic exposure and heat stress. Additionally, based on the synthesis of these findings, we discuss the potential of therapies focused on the Nrf2 signaling pathway to improve mammalian reproductive efficiency.

Recent Advancements in Fluorometric and Colorimetric Detection of Cd2+ Using Organic Chemosensors: A Review (2019-2024)

In recent decades, heavy metal ions have emerged as a significant global environmental concern, posing threats to the delicate balance of ecosystems worldwide. Their introduction into ecosystems occurs through various activities and poses a serious risk to human health. Among heavy metal ions, Cd2+ is recognized as a highly toxic pollutant. Its widespread use contributes to its accumulation in the environment. Chronic exposure to Cd2+ ions present serious risks to both the environment and human health. Therefore, the detection of these metal ions are very important. Organic fluorometric and colorimetric detection have emerged as promising tools for this purpose, offering advantages such as high sensitivity, selectivity, and sometimes reversibility. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the recent advancements in the fluorometric and colorimetric detection of Cd2+ using organic chemosensors from 2019 to 2024. We delve into key aspects of these studies, including the design strategies employed to design novel chemosensors and the underlying sensing mechanisms. Furthermore, we explore the diverse applications of these organic chemosensors, ranging from environmental monitoring to biomedical diagnostics. By analyzing the latest research findings, this review aims to offer insights into the current state-of-the-art in the field of Cd2+ detection using organic chemosensors. Additionally, it highlights the potential opportunities and challenges that lie ahead, paving the way for future advancements in this important area of research.