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Wu J, Yin Q, Wang Y, Wang R, Gong W, Chen Y, Zhang M, Liu Y, Ji Y. Integrated transcriptome and metabolomic analyses uncover the mechanism of cadmium-caused mouse spermatogonia apoptosis via inducing endoplasmic reticulum stress. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 129:108664. [PMID: 39038763 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108664] [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: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is a well-recognized male reproductive toxicant that can cause testicular germ cell apoptosis. However, the underlying mechanism needs investigation. CG-1 mouse spermatogonia (spg) cells were treated with 20 μM cadmium chloride (CdCl2) for 24 h. Cell apoptosis was measured, and the expressions of key genes and protein biomarkers involved in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress were detected, respectively. Untargeted metabolomics was performed to identify different metabolites, and transcriptome analysis was conducted to screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Our results indicated that CdCl2 exposure caused cell apoptosis, and DEGs were involved in several apoptosis-related pathways. Moreover, CdCl2 exposure apparently increased the mRNA and protein expressions levels of both GRP78 and ATF6α, disrupting the expression of various metabolites, particularly amino acids. Conclusively, our study reveals the pathway of CdCl2 toxicity on mouse spg, providing a deep understanding of CdCl2-induced testicular toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wu
- Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Qizi Yin
- Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Rong Wang
- Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Wenjing Gong
- Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yihang Chen
- Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Mingming Zhang
- Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yehao Liu
- Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.
| | - Yanli Ji
- Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.
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Farag MR, El-Naseery NI, El Behery EI, Nouh DS, El-Mleeh A, Mostafa IMA, Alagawany M, Di Cerbo A, Azzam MM, Mawed SA. The Role of Chlorella vulgaris in Attenuating Infertility Induced by Cadmium Chloride via Suppressing Oxidative Stress and Modulating Spermatogenesis and Steroidogenesis in Male Rats. Biol Trace Elem Res 2024; 202:4007-4020. [PMID: 38114777 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-023-03971-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is an environmental pollutant known as endocrine disruptor . Cd has been reported to induce perturbations of the testicular functions and the subsequent decline of the male fertility of both animals and humans. Chlorella vulgaris (ChV) a species of green microalga has been reported to have multiple beneficial activities such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic effects. Thus, this work was conducted to declare the benefits of Chlorella vulgaris (ChV) (500 mg/kg doses) against cadmium chloride CdCl2 (2 mg/kg doses) toxicity on the main and accessory reproductive organs' weight, structure, and function of male rats. Briefly, 40 adult male rats in 4 groups (n = 10) were used as follows; control, ChV, CdCl2, and CdCl2+ChV. (i) The 1st group was kept as control fed on pellet chow and water ad libitum. (ii) The second group is Chlorella vulgaris (ChV) group fed with C. vulgaris alga for 10 days (500 mg/kg BW). (iii) The third group was administrated CdCl2 (2mg/kg BW) via subcutaneous injection (S/C) daily for 10 days. (iv) The fourth group administered both CdCl2 and ChV with the abovementioned doses daily for successive 10 days. Our observations declared that cadmium exhibited an adverse influence on the testes and prostate gland architecture indicated by seminiferous tubule destruction, testicular edema, degeneration of Leydig cells, and prostate acini damage. All together affect the epididymal semen quality and quantity including sperm viability, motility, and count. Interestingly, ChV could restore the testicular architecture and spermatozoa regeneration accompanied by semen quality improvement and increased reproductive hormones including testosterone. On the other side, ChV suppresses reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation via enhancement the antioxidant-related genes in the testicular tissue including SOD, CAT, GSH, and MDA and maintaining spermatocyte survival via suppression of apoptotic related genes including caspase3 and activating steroidogenic related genes including StAR and HSD17β3 in the cadmium-treated testes. In this study, ChV could enhance male fertility under normal or stressful conditions and ameliorate the adverse effects of hazardous heavy metals that are widely distributed in our environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayada R Farag
- Forensic Medicine and Toxicology Department, Veterinary Medicine Faculty, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt.
| | - Nesma I El-Naseery
- Department of Histology and Cytology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
| | - Eman I El Behery
- Anatomy and Embryology Department, Veterinary Medicine Faculty, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
| | - Doaa S Nouh
- Anatomy and Embryology Department, Veterinary Medicine Faculty, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
| | - Amany El-Mleeh
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkoum, 32511, Egypt
| | - Ismail M A Mostafa
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, 12211, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud Alagawany
- Poultry Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
| | - Alessandro Di Cerbo
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Matelica, Italy
| | - Mahmoud M Azzam
- Department of Animal Production College of Food & Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Suzan A Mawed
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt.
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Fu K, Gao C, Li X, Zhang H, Xue B. 3-chloro-1,2-propanediol induces oxidative stress and promotes testicular damage and infertility in rats through CYP2C9. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 128:108633. [PMID: 38944211 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108633] [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: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
3-chloro-1,2-propanediol (3-MCPD) is a newly discovered food process pollutant with nephrotoxicity. And the mechanism by which 3-MCPD affects male spermatogenesis has not been fully studied. Cell viability, blood-testis barrier (BTB) related protein, progesterone content, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and cell apoptosis were determined by a CCK8 assay, western blot, ELISA, flow cytometry, and TUNEL staining, respectively. Wistar rats were divided into three groups: low-dose 3-MCPD, high-dose 3-MCPD, and control. Sperm parameters, hormonal levels, and biomarkers of oxidative stress in the testis and epididymis were detected by ELISA. Multiple molecular experiments including molecular docking and western blot were used to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. 3-MCPD affects testicular cell activity, and promotes ROS production and apoptosis. Disrupting the integrity of BTB in the body, downregulating sex hormones and sperm quality, and promoting apoptosis. 3-MCPD may function through CYP2C9. This study preliminarily explores the mechanism by which 3-MCPD affects spermatogenesis. It was found that 3-MCPD destroys the structure and function of BTB and damages the testicular function of male mice, thus affecting the process of spermatogenesis via CYP2C9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Fu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 1055 Sanxiang Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215000, China
| | - Chuchu Gao
- Department of Neonatology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Suzhou Municipal Hospital), Suzhou, Jiangsu 215002, China
| | - Xue Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 1055 Sanxiang Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215000, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 1055 Sanxiang Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215000, China
| | - Boxin Xue
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 1055 Sanxiang Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215000, China.
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Liu X, Zhang GH, Zhang G, Yang H, Ling X, Xi J, Wu W, Liu W, Zhou Z, Ren J, Cao J. Trajectory model to analyze the effect of multi-metal exposures on sperm parameters and sex hormones of the MARHCS cohort in China. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 262:119789. [PMID: 39153564 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND At present, several cross-sectional studies have found that exposure to metal/metalloid elements is closely associated with male reproduction. However, the long-term effects of metal exposure on male reproduction have not been explored. METHODS In 2013, 796 volunteers were recruited, followed by first and second follow-ups in 2014 and 2015. Urine, semen, and blood samples were collected at each stage to examine urinary metal/metalloid levels, sperm parameters, and sex hormones. Initially, the latent class trajectory model (LCTM) was utilized to analyze the trajectories of urinary metals. Subsequently, the effects of urinary metal trajectories on semen parameters and sex hormones were examined using the linear mixed model. Finally, the impact of urinary metal trajectories on the classification of semen quality (normal or abnormal) was evaluated using the generalized linear mixed model. RESULTS Among the 18 metals/metalloids studied, trajectories were formed by 6 of them (Li, Al, Fe, Zn, As, Rb). Further analysis using the linear mixed model and the generalized linear mixed model revealed that Li was negatively correlated with semen volume, and sperm motility (P < 0.05). The maximum-decreasing trajectory group had a detrimental effect on semen quality (OR = 1.75, 95%CI: 1.22, 2.53) compared to the minimum-stable trajectory group. Al showed negative associations with sperm concentration, total sperm count, and normal morphology (P < 0.05). Rb was positively associated with progressive motility (P < 0.05). The high-stable trajectory group exhibited a protective effect on semen quality (OR = 0.66, 95%CI: 0.49, 0.90) compared to the low-stable trajectory group. Additionally, Fe was observed to have a negative relationship with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (P < 0.05), and Rb exhibited a negative correlation with progesterone (P) (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Our three-year cohort study provides new evidence that Li and Al have a negative impact on semen quality, whereas Rb is associated with beneficial effects. Additionally, Rb and Fe are endocrine disruptors of sex hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Liu
- Department of Labor Health, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Guang-Hui Zhang
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Guowei Zhang
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Huan Yang
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xi Ling
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Jinyan Xi
- Henan International Collaborative Laboratory for Health Effects and Intervention of Air Pollution, School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Weidong Wu
- Henan International Collaborative Laboratory for Health Effects and Intervention of Air Pollution, School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Wenbin Liu
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Ziyuan Zhou
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China.
| | - Jingchao Ren
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
| | - Jia Cao
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China.
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Qi HY, Zhao Z, Wei BH, Li ZF, Tan FQ, Yang WX. ERK/CREB and p38 MAPK/MMP14 Signaling Pathway Influences Spermatogenesis through Regulating the Expression of Junctional Proteins in Eriocheir sinensis Testis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7361. [PMID: 39000467 PMCID: PMC11242087 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The hemolymph-testis barrier (HTB) is a reproduction barrier in Crustacea, guaranteeing the safe and smooth process of spermatogenesis, which is similar to the blood-testis barrier (BTB) in mammals. The MAPK signaling pathway plays an essential role in spermatogenesis and maintenance of the BTB. However, only a few studies have focused on the influence of MAPK on crustacean reproduction. In the present study, we knocked down and inhibited MAPK in Eriocheir sinensis. Increased defects in spermatogenesis were observed, concurrently with a damaged HTB. Further research revealed that es-MMP14 functions downstream of ERK and p38 MAPK and degrades junctional proteins (Pinin and ZO-1); es-CREB functions in the ERK cascade as a transcription factor of ZO-1. In addition, when es-MMP14 and es-CREB were deleted, the defects in HTB and spermatogenesis aligned with abnormalities in the MAPK. However, JNK impacts the integrity of the HTB by changing the distribution of intercellular junctions. In summary, the MAPK signaling pathway maintains HTB integrity and spermatogenesis through es-MMP14 and es-CREB, which provides insights into the evolution of gene function during barrier evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Yu Qi
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (H.-Y.Q.)
| | - Zhan Zhao
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (H.-Y.Q.)
| | - Bang-Hong Wei
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (H.-Y.Q.)
| | - Zhen-Fang Li
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (H.-Y.Q.)
| | - Fu-Qing Tan
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China;
| | - Wan-Xi Yang
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (H.-Y.Q.)
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Fang X, Tiwary R, Nguyen VP, Richburg JH. The blood-testis barrier disruption is a prerequisite for toxicant-induced peritubular macrophage increases in the testis of peripubertal rats. Toxicol Sci 2024; 200:70-78. [PMID: 38565259 PMCID: PMC11199910 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfae043] [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] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Peritubular macrophages (PTMφ) are predominantly localized near spermatogonial stem cells in the testis. We previously revealed that exposure of peripubertal male Fischer rats to mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) leads to increased PTMφs in the testis. The mechanisms that trigger increases in PTMφs in the testis are poorly understood. However, MEHP exposure is known to both induce spermatocyte apoptosis and to perturb the blood-testis barrier (BTB). This study aims to elucidate the association between the disruption of BTB and the increases of PTMφs in the testis by comparing the effects observed with MEHP to 2 other testicular toxicants with variable effects on the BTB and subtype of germ cell undergoing apoptosis. Methoxyacetic acid (MAA) acts directly on spermatocytes and does not affect BTB function, whereas cadmium chloride (CdCl2) induces profound injury to BTB. The results indicated that MAA exposure significantly increased spermatocyte apoptosis, whereas no significant changes in the numbers of PTMφs in the testis occurred. In contrast, CdCl2 exposure disrupted BTB function and increased the abundance of PTMφs in the testis. To further investigate whether MEHP-induced changes in BTB integrity accounted for the increase in PTMφs, a plasmid for LG3/4/5, the functional component of laminin-alpha 2, was overexpressed in the testis to stabilize BTB integrity before MEHP exposure. The results showed that LG3/4/5 overexpression substantially reduced the ability of MEHP to compromise BTB integrity and prevented the increase in PTMφ numbers after MEHP exposure. These results indicate that BTB disruption is necessary to increase PTMφs in the testis induced by toxicants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Fang
- Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Graduate Program, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, USA
- Center for Molecular Carcinogenesis and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, USA
| | - Richa Tiwary
- Center for Molecular Carcinogenesis and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, USA
| | - Vivian P Nguyen
- Center for Molecular Carcinogenesis and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, USA
| | - John H Richburg
- Center for Molecular Carcinogenesis and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, USA
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Hamzaoui A, Feki A, Eleroui M, Boujhoud Z, Kallel R, Magné C, Deschamps N, Nasri A, Pujo JM, Kallel H, Ben Amara I. Protective effects of polysaccharide extracted from green alga Chaetomorpha linum against zinc and copper-induced testicular toxicity in male mice. Toxicol Mech Methods 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38918930 DOI: 10.1080/15376516.2024.2361070] [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: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effects of copper (CuSO4) and zinc (ZnSO4) overload on male reproductive toxicity and the potential of a polysaccharide extracted from green alga Chaetomorpha linum (PS) in mitigating their toxicities. Adult male mice strain of 25 ± 2 g of weight was subdivided into eight groups. Group 1 served as control; group 2 received PS (200 mg/kg), and groups 3 and 4 received intraperitoneally zinc (60 mg/kg b.w) and copper (33 mg/kg b.w), respectively. Group 5 received both zinc (60 mg/kg b.w) and copper (33 mg/kg b.w), group 6 received zinc (60 mg/kg b.w) associated with PS (200 mg/kg), group 7 received copper (33 mg/kg b.w) associated with PS (200 mg/kg), and group 8 received zinc (60 mg/kg b.w) and copper (33 mg/kg b.w) associated with PS (200 mg/kg). Results suggested that ZnSO4 and CuSO4 significantly decreased the functional sperm parameters. Furthermore, extended exposure to these elements increased oxidative stress biomarkers, including malondialdehyde (MDA) as a measure of lipid peroxidation and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) indicating protein oxidative damage. This process also reduces the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), which neutralize and catalyze free radicals. Histopathological changes in mice testis were also studied. However, the co-treatments with PS significantly reduced these effects and promoted the reproductive parameters in male mice. In conclusion, PS exhibited protective effects against zinc and copper-induced reproductive toxicity, making it a potential adjuvant treatment for testicular toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma Hamzaoui
- Laboratory of Medicinal and Environment Chemistry, Higher Institute of Biotechnology, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Amal Feki
- Laboratory of Medicinal and Environment Chemistry, Higher Institute of Biotechnology, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Malek Eleroui
- Laboratory of Medicinal and Environment Chemistry, Higher Institute of Biotechnology, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Zakaria Boujhoud
- Laboratory of Health Sciences and Technologies, Higher Institute of Health Sciences, Hassan First University, Settat, Morocco
| | - Rim Kallel
- Laboratory of Anatomopathology, CHU Habib Bourguiba, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Christian Magné
- Laboratory of Géoarchitecture-Torritoires, Urbanisation, Biodiversité, Environnement, UFR Sciences & Techniques, University of Brest, Cedex, France
| | - Nathalie Deschamps
- Neurology Department, Cayenne General Hospital, Cayenne, French Guiana
- Clinical Investigation Center CIC INSERM 142, Cayenne General Hospital Andrée Rosemon, Guiana University, Cayenne, French Guiana
| | - Amina Nasri
- Neurology Department, Cayenne General Hospital, Cayenne, French Guiana
- Clinical Investigation Center CIC INSERM 142, Cayenne General Hospital Andrée Rosemon, Guiana University, Cayenne, French Guiana
| | - Jean Marc Pujo
- Emergency Department, Cayenne General Hospital, Cayenne, French Guiana
| | - Hatem Kallel
- Tropical Biome and Immunopathology CNRS UMR-9017, University of French Guiana, Cayenne, French Guiana
- Intensive Care Unit, Cayenne General Hospital, Cayenne, French Guiana
| | - Ibtissem Ben Amara
- Laboratory of Medicinal and Environment Chemistry, Higher Institute of Biotechnology, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
- Clinical Investigation Center CIC INSERM 142, Cayenne General Hospital Andrée Rosemon, Guiana University, Cayenne, French Guiana
- Tropical Biome and Immunopathology CNRS UMR-9017, University of French Guiana, Cayenne, French Guiana
- Intensive Care Unit, Cayenne General Hospital, Cayenne, French Guiana
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8
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Zhang Z, Zhang Z, Liu S, Wei S, Wei L, Zhu X, Ding K, Liu Y. Protective effect of selenomethionine on rabbit testicular injury induced by Aflatoxin B1. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 927:171973. [PMID: 38547995 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the alleviating effect of selenomethionine (SeMet) on aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-induced testicular injury in rabbits. Twenty-five 90-d-old rabbits were randomly divided into 5 groups (the control group, the AFB1 group, the 0.2 mg/kg SeMet + AFB1 group, the 0.4 mg/kg SeMet + AFB1 group and the 0.6 mg/kg SeMet + AFB1 group). After 1 d of the experiment, the SeMet-treated groups were fed 0.2 mg/kg SeMet, 0.4 mg/kg SeMet, or 0.6 mg/kg SeMet daily, and the remaining two groups were fed a normal diet for 30 d. On Day 31, all rabbits in the model group and the three treatment groups were fed 0.5 mg/kg AFB1 for 21 d. The levels of testosterone (T), luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) in rabbit plasma were detected. Rabbit semen was collected, and its quality was evaluated. Pathological changes in rabbit testes were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The expression of related proteins in testicular tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and western blot (WB) analysis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were used to detect oxidative stress-related indices and inflammatory factors in testicular tissue. The results showed that AFB1 can induce oxidative stress and inflammation to activate the p38/MSK/NF-κB signalling pathway, mediate apoptosis, inhibit the proliferation and differentiation of testicular cells, destroy the integrity of the blood-testis barrier (BTB) and the normal structure of the testis, and reduce the content of sex hormones and semen quality. SeMet pretreatment significantly alleviated testicular injury oxidative stress, and the inflammatory response in rabbits. Thus, we demonstrated that SeMet restores AFB1-induced testicular toxicity by inhibiting the p38/MSK/NF-κB signalling pathway. In addition, in this study, 0.4 mg/kg SeMet had the most impactful effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhikai Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471000, China
| | - Ziqiang Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471000, China
| | - Shiyang Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471000, China
| | - Shixiao Wei
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471000, China
| | - Lan Wei
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471000, China
| | - Xuemin Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471000, China
| | - Ke Ding
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471000, China
| | - Yumei Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471000, China.
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9
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Thévenod F, Lee WK. Cadmium transport by mammalian ATP-binding cassette transporters. Biometals 2024; 37:697-719. [PMID: 38319451 PMCID: PMC11101381 DOI: 10.1007/s10534-024-00582-5] [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: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Cellular responses to toxic metals depend on metal accessibility to intracellular targets, reaching interaction sites, and the intracellular metal concentration, which is mainly determined by uptake pathways, binding/sequestration and efflux pathways. ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are ubiquitous in the human body-usually in epithelia-and are responsible for the transfer of indispensable physiological substrates (e.g. lipids and heme), protection against potentially toxic substances, maintenance of fluid composition, and excretion of metabolic waste products. Derailed regulation and gene variants of ABC transporters culminate in a wide array of pathophysiological disease states, such as oncogenic multidrug resistance or cystic fibrosis. Cadmium (Cd) has no known physiological role in mammalians and poses a health risk due to its release into the environment as a result of industrial activities, and eventually passes into the food chain. Epithelial cells, especially within the liver, lungs, gastrointestinal tract and kidneys, are particularly susceptible to the multifaceted effects of Cd because of the plethora of uptake pathways available. Pertinent to their broad substrate spectra, ABC transporters represent a major cellular efflux pathway for Cd and Cd complexes. In this review, we summarize current knowledge concerning transport of Cd and its complexes (mainly Cd bound to glutathione) by the ABC transporters ABCB1 (P-glycoprotein, MDR1), ABCB6, ABCC1 (multidrug resistance related protein 1, MRP1), ABCC7 (cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator, CFTR), and ABCG2 (breast cancer related protein, BCRP). Potential detoxification strategies underlying ABC transporter-mediated efflux of Cd and Cd complexes are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Thévenod
- Institute for Physiology, Pathophysiology and Toxicology & ZBAF, Witten/Herdecke University, 58453, Witten, Germany
- Physiology and Pathophysiology of Cells and Membranes, Medical School OWL, Bielefeld University, Morgenbreede 1, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Wing-Kee Lee
- Physiology and Pathophysiology of Cells and Membranes, Medical School OWL, Bielefeld University, Morgenbreede 1, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany.
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10
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Li XW, Li S, Yang Y, Talukder M, Xu XW, Li CX, Zhang C, Li XN, Li JL. The FAK/occludin/ZO-1 complex is critical for cadmium-induced testicular damage by disruption of the integrity of the blood-testis barrier in chickens. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 470:134126. [PMID: 38554509 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is a well-known testis toxicant. The blood-testis barrier (BTB) is a crucial component of the testis. Cd can disrupt the integrity of the BTB and reproductive function. However, the mechanism of Cd-induced disruption of BTB and testicular damage has not been fully elucidated. Here, our study investigates the effects of Cd on BTB integrity and testicular dysfunction. 80 (aged 1 day) Hy-Line white variety chickens were randomly designed into 4 groups and treated for 90 days, as follows: control group (essential diet), 35 Cd, 70 Cd and 140 Cd groups (35, 70 and 140 mg/kg Cd). The results found that Cd exposure diminished volume of the testes and induced histopathological lesions in the testes. Exposure to Cd induced an inflammatory response, disrupted the structure and function of the FAK/occludin/ZO-1 protein complex and disrupted the tight junction and adherens junction in the BTB. In addition, Cd exposure reduced the expression of steroid-related proteins and inhibited testosterone synthesis. Taken together, these data elucidate that Cd disrupts the integrity of the BTB and further inhibits spermatogenesis by dissociating the FAK/occludin/ZO-1 complex, which provides a basis for further investigation into the mechanisms of Cd-induced impairment of male reproductive function and pharmacological protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Wei Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Sheng Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Yu Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Milton Talukder
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Barishal 8210, Bangladesh
| | - Xiang-Wen Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Chen-Xi Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Cong Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, PR China
| | - Xue-Nan Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China; Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China; Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China.
| | - Jin-Long Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China; Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China; Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China.
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11
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Zhang Z, Wang Q, Gao X, Tang X, Xu H, Wang W, Lei X. Reproductive toxicity of cadmium stress in male animals. Toxicology 2024; 504:153787. [PMID: 38522818 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2024.153787] [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: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is a common heavy metal pollutant in the environment, and the widespread use of products containing Cd compounds in industry has led to excessive levels in the environment, which enter the animal body through the food chain, thus seriously affecting the reproductive development of animals. Related studies have reported that Cd severely affects spermatogonia development and spermatogenesis in animals. In contrast, the reproductive toxicity of Cd in males and its mechanism of action have not been clarified. Therefore, this paper reviewed the toxic effects of Cd on germ cells, spermatogonia somatic cells and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG axis) of male animals and its toxic action mechanisms of oxidative stress, apoptosis and autophagy from the perspectives of cytology, genetics and neuroendocrinology. The effects of Cd stress on epigenetic modification of reproductive development in male animals were also analyzed. We hope to provide a reference for the in-depth study of the toxicity of Cd on male animal reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zikun Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Yan'an University, Yan'an, Shaanxi 716000, China; Yan'an Key Laboratory of Ecological Restoration, Yan'an, China
| | - Qi Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Yan'an University, Yan'an, Shaanxi 716000, China; Yan'an Key Laboratory of Ecological Restoration, Yan'an, China
| | - Xiaoge Gao
- College of Life Sciences, Yan'an University, Yan'an, Shaanxi 716000, China; Yan'an Key Laboratory of Ecological Restoration, Yan'an, China
| | - Xu Tang
- College of Life Sciences, Yan'an University, Yan'an, Shaanxi 716000, China; Yan'an Key Laboratory of Ecological Restoration, Yan'an, China
| | - Huan Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Yan'an University, Yan'an, Shaanxi 716000, China; Yan'an Key Laboratory of Ecological Restoration, Yan'an, China
| | - Wenqiang Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Yan'an University, Yan'an, Shaanxi 716000, China; Yan'an Key Laboratory of Ecological Restoration, Yan'an, China.
| | - Xin Lei
- College of Life Sciences, Yan'an University, Yan'an, Shaanxi 716000, China; Yan'an Key Laboratory of Ecological Restoration, Yan'an, China.
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12
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Wang L, Yan M, Bu T, Wu X, Li L, Silvestrini B, Sun F, Cheng CY, Chen H. Map-1a regulates Sertoli cell BTB dynamics through the cytoskeletal organization of microtubule and F-actin. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2024; 22:36. [PMID: 38570783 PMCID: PMC10988971 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-024-01204-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Microtubule-associated protein 1a (Map1a) is a microtubule (MT) regulatory protein that binds to the MT protofilaments in mammalian cells to promote MT stabilization. Maps work with MT cleavage proteins and other MT catastrophe-inducing proteins to confer MT dynamics to support changes in the Sertoli cell shape to sustain spermatogenesis. However, no functional studies are found in the literature to probe its role in spermatogenesis. Using an RNAi approach, coupled with the use of toxicant-induced testis (in vivo)- and Sertoli cell (in vitro)-injury models, RNA-Seq analysis, transcriptome profiling, and relevant bioinformatics analysis, immunofluorescence analysis, and pertinent biochemical assays for cytoskeletal organization, we have delineated the functional role of Map1a in Sertoli cells and testes. Map1a was shown to support MT structural organization, and its knockdown (KD) also perturbed the structural organization of actin, vimentin, and septin cytoskeletons as these cytoskeletons are intimately related, working in concert to support spermatogenesis. More importantly, cadmium-induced Sertoli cell injury that perturbed the MT structural organization across the cell cytoplasm was associated with disruptive changes in the distribution of Map1a and a surge in p-p38-MAPK (phosphorylated p38-mitogen-activated protein kinase) expression but not total p38-MAPK. These findings thus support the notion that p-p38-MAPK activation is involved in cadmium-induced Sertoli cell injury. This conclusion was supported by studies using doramapimod, a specific p38-MAPK phosphorylation (activation) inhibitor, which was capable of restoring the cadmium-induced disruptive structural organization of MTs across the Sertoli cell cytoplasm. In summary: this study provides mechanistic insights regarding restoration of toxicant-induced Sertoli cell and testis injury and male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ming Yan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tiao Bu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaolong Wu
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, China
| | - Linxi Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang 325027, Wenzhou, China
| | - Bruno Silvestrini
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Rome La Sapienza, P. Le Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China.
| | - C Yan Cheng
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Hao Chen
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China.
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13
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Chen N, Wan X, Wang M, Li Y, Wang X, Zeng L, Zhou J, Zhang Y, Cheng S, Shen Y. Cross-talk between Vimentin and autophagy regulates blood-testis barrier disruption induced by cadmium. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 346:123625. [PMID: 38401636 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123625] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
The blood-testis barrier (BTB) plays a vital role in mammalian spermatogenesis by separating the seminiferous epithelium into an adluminal and a basal compartment. Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal that is widely present in the environment. We observed that Cd can induce BTB disruption, leading to apoptosis of testicular cells. However, the molecular mechanisms contributing to BTB injury induced by Cd have not yet been fully clarified. Vimentin (Vim) is an important desmosome-like junction protein that mediates robust adhesion in the BTB. In this study, we investigated how Vim responds to Cd. We found that Cd treatment led to a significant decrease in Vim expression, accompanied by a marked increase in LC3-II expression and a higer number of autophagosomes. Interestingly, we also observed that Cd-induced autophagy was associated with decreased Vim activity and enhanced apoptosis of testicular cells. To further investigate the role of autophagy in Vim regulation under Cd exposure, we treated cells with an autophagy inhibitor called 3-MA. We found that 3-MA treatment enhanced Vim expression and improved the disruption of the BTB under Cd exposure. Additionally, the inhibition of Vim confirmed the role of autophagy in modulating Vim expression. These results reveal a previously unknown regulatory mechanism of Cd involving the interplay between a heavy metal and a protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, PR China
| | - Xiaoyan Wan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510620, PR China
| | - Mei Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei, PR China
| | - Yamin Li
- Department of Woman's Health Care, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei, PR China
| | - Xiaofei Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Yichang Central People's Hospital, The First College of Clinical Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443000, Hubei, PR China
| | - Ling Zeng
- Medical Genetics Center, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430070, PR China
| | - Jinzhao Zhou
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, PR China
| | - Yanwei Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, PR China
| | - Shun Cheng
- College of Zhixing, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430011, PR China
| | - Yi Shen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, PR China.
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14
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El-Aziz GSA, Hindi EA, Aggad WS, Alturkistani HA, Halawani MM, Alyazidi AS. Evaluation of the Potential Protectivity of Both Allium sativum and Zingiber officinale on the Cadmium-Induced Testicular Damage in Rats. J Microsc Ultrastruct 2024; 12:62-70. [PMID: 39006047 PMCID: PMC11245131 DOI: 10.4103/jmau.jmau_81_21] [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: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cadmium (Cd) is a widely spread environmental pollutant, listed among the unsafe metals due to known toxic effects on multiple organs, including the testes. In this study, we aim to evaluate the potential protectivity of garlic and ginger extracts on Cd-induced damage of the testis in rats. Materials and Methods Fifty-six adult male albino rats were alienated into seven groups; control group, garlic-treated group, and ginger-treated group were given garlic and ginger extracts at doses of 250 mg and 120 mg/kg b.wt/day, Cd-treated group received 8.8 mg/Kg b.wt/day of Cd chloride, and the protected groups were given Cd and co-treated with garlic, ginger, or both extracts. The testes were subjected to different procedures to assess the oxidative status and histopathological changes. Results Cd-treated rats showed a significant reduction in the testis weight and morphometric measurements of the seminiferous tubules compared to the control group. Cd administration resulted in a marked drop in the testosterone level and activities of antioxidative enzymes. Moreover, Cd induced histopathological changes in the seminiferous tubules. Co-administration of garlic and ginger extracts with the Cd showed partial improvement in the investigated parameters toward the control figures and improvement in the morphological changes. Co-treating both extracts together and the Cd resulted in complete normalization of these adverse effects of Cd. Conclusion These findings indicated that garlic and ginger extracts could ameliorate the harmful effects of Cd on the testis. This effect was more prominent when garlic and ginger extracts were co-administered together with Cd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gamal Said Abd El-Aziz
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Emad A Hindi
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Waheeb S Aggad
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hani A Alturkistani
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mervat M Halawani
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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15
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Xu YR, Talukder M, Li CX, Zhao YX, Zhang C, Ge J, Li JL. Nano-selenium alleviates cadmium-induced neurotoxicity in cerebrum via inhibiting gap junction protein connexin 43 phosphorylation. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2024; 39:1163-1174. [PMID: 37860879 DOI: 10.1002/tox.24001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) as a ubiquitous toxic heavy metal is reported to affect the nervous system. Selenium (Se) has been shown to have antagonistic effects against heavy metal toxicity. In addition, it shows potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the possible mechanism of brain injury after high Cd exposure and the mitigation of Nano-selenium (Nano-Se) against Cd-induced brain injury. In this study, the Cd-treated group showed a decrease in the number of neurons in brain tissue, swelling of the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, and the formation of autophagosomes. Nano-Se intervention restored Cd-caused alterations in neuronal morphology, endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondrial structure, thereby reducing neuronal damage. Furthermore, we found that some differentially expressed genes were involved in cell junction and molecular functions. Subsequently, we selected eleven (11) related differentially expressed genes for verification. The qRT-PCR results revealed the same trend of results as determined by RNA-Seq. Our findings also showed that Nano-Se supplementation alleviated Cx43 phosphorylation induced by Cd exposure. Based on immunofluorescence colocalization it was demonstrated that higher expression of GFAP and lower expressions of Cx43 were restored by Nano-Se supplementation. In conclusion, the data presented in this study establish a direct association between the phosphorylation of Cx43 and the occurrence of autophagy and neuroinflammation. However, it is noteworthy that the introduction of Nano-Se supplementation has been observed to mitigate these alterations. These results elucidate the relieving effect of Nano-Se on Cd exposure-induced brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Ru Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Milton Talukder
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, P. R. China
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Barishal, Bangladesh
| | - Chen-Xi Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Ying-Xin Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Cong Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Jing Ge
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Jin-Long Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, P. R. China
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, P. R. China
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16
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Behairy A, Hashem MM, Abo-EL-Sooud K, Soliman AM, Mouneir SM, El-Metwally AE, Ismail SH, Hassan BA, Abd-Elhakim YM. Influence of titanium dioxide nanoparticles and/or cadmium chloride oral exposure on testicular morphology, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in rats: Ameliorative role of co-enzyme Q10. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24049. [PMID: 38268588 PMCID: PMC10806338 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and objectives Little is known about the implications of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) and cadmium chloride (Cd) co-exposure on the male reproductive system in mammals. As a result, this study researched the effects of oral TiO2NPs and/or Cd exposure on male reproduction and testicular functions. Additionally, a mitigation trial with co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has also been conducted. Methods In a 60-day experiment, seven experimental groups, each containing 10 male Sprague Dawley rats, were orally given distilled water (control), corn oil (vehicle control), CoQ10 (10 mg/kg b.wt), TiO2NPs (50 mg/kg b.wt), Cd (5 mg/kg b.wt), TiO2NPs + Cd, and TiO2NPs + Cd + CoQ10. Then, sperm quality, male sex hormones, oxidative stress indications, Ti and Cd testicular residues, testes and accessory gland architecture, and apoptotic and inflammatory markers in rat testes were assessed. Results TiO2NPs and/or Cd exposure negatively impacted body weight, weight gain, testicular weights, semen quality, serum reproductive hormones, oxidative stress parameters, and Caspase-3 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) immunoreactions. Histopathological changes were recorded in testicular, seminal vesicle, and prostatic tissues. Yet, co-administration of CoQ10 with TiO2NPs and Cd substantially mitigated these adverse consequences. The most notable aspect is that it effectively lowered testicular tissue Ti and Cd levels. It also improved oxidant status, hormonal profile, and sperm picture. CoQ10 minimized the testicular damage implied by histological examination. Furthermore, CoQ10 significantly diminished TiO2NPs and Cd-induced Caspase-3 and TNF-α immunoexpression in testicular tissue. Conclusion As a result, CoQ10 could be utilized as a safe remedy to protect male reproductive physiology from TiO2NPs and Cd damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amany Behairy
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
| | - Mohamed M.M. Hashem
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt
| | - Khaled Abo-EL-Sooud
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M. Soliman
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt
| | - Samar M. Mouneir
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt
| | - Abeer E. El-Metwally
- Pathology Department, Animal Reproduction Research Institute, Giza 3514805, Egypt
| | - Sameh H. Ismail
- Faculty of Nanotechnology for Postgraduate Studies, Cairo University, Sheikh Zayed Campus, 6th October City, Giza, 12588, Egypt
| | - Bayan A. Hassan
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Future University, Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Yasmina M. Abd-Elhakim
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
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17
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Mostafa Mohammed D, El-Messery TM, Baranenko DA, Hashim MA, Tyutkov N, Marrez DA, Elmessery WM, El-Said MM. Effect of Spirulina maxima microcapsules to mitigate testicular toxicity induced by cadmium in rats: Optimization of in vitro release behavior in the milk beverage. J Funct Foods 2024; 112:105938. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2023.105938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
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18
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Yu W, Zhu H, Huang R, Yan B, Xu B, Shi Y, Mao J, Liu Z, Wang J. Roles of Cyt-c/Caspase-9/Caspase-3/Bax/Bcl-2 pathway in Cd-induced testicular injury in rats and the protective effect of quercetin. Toxicon 2024; 237:107561. [PMID: 38092195 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107561] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) exposure causes oxidative damage to mitochondria, which would adversely affect rat testicular tissue. Quercetin (Que) is a natural antioxidant with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects. However, the mechanism by which Que inhibits Cd-induced apoptosis of testicular cells remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of mitochondrial apoptosis pathway (Cyt-c/Caspase-9/Caspase-3/Bax/Bcl-2 pathway) in inhibiting Cd-induced apoptosis of testicular cells by Que. We used SD rats to simulate Cd chloride exposure by treating all sides of the rats with CdCl2 and/or Que. The levels of GSH and MDA in rat testis were detected using reagent kits. The effects of CdCl2 and/or Que on tissue damage, apoptosis, and gene and protein expression of the Cyt-c/Caspase-9/Caspase-3/Bax/Bcl-2 pathway in rat testis were examined by HE, TUNEL, RNA extraction and reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and Western blot (Wb). The results show that Cd significantly increased the contents of GSH and MDA in rat testis (P < 0.01); conversely, Que significantly reduced the contents of GSH and MDA (P < 0.01). Cd inflicted damage to testicular tissue, and Que addition significantly reduced the damage. Cd increased the number of apoptosis of testicle cells, and Que inhibited testicle-cell apoptosis. In addition, the results of reverse transcription PCR and Wb assays confirmed that, as expected, Cd increased the expression levels of Cyt-c, Caspase-9, Caspase-3, and Bax mRNAs as well as proteins. And at the same time decreased the expression of the anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-2 in the cells. Surprisingly, these effects were reversed when Que was added. Therefore, Que can play an antioxidant and anti-apoptotic role in reducing the testicular tissue damage caused by Cd exposure. This provides a conceptual basis for the later development and utilization of Que as well as the prevention and treatment of tissue damage caused by Cd exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Yu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, No.263, Kaiyuan Avenue, 471023, Luoyang, PR China
| | - Huali Zhu
- Law Hospital, Henan University of Science and Technology, No.263, Kaiyuan Avenue, 471023, Luoyang, PR China
| | - Ruxue Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, No.263, Kaiyuan Avenue, 471023, Luoyang, PR China
| | - Bingzhao Yan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, No.263, Kaiyuan Avenue, 471023, Luoyang, PR China
| | - Bing Xu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, No.263, Kaiyuan Avenue, 471023, Luoyang, PR China
| | - Yaning Shi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, No.263, Kaiyuan Avenue, 471023, Luoyang, PR China
| | - Junbing Mao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, No.263, Kaiyuan Avenue, 471023, Luoyang, PR China
| | - Zongping Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, No.12, East Wenhui Road, 225009, Yangzhou, PR China
| | - Jicang Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, No.263, Kaiyuan Avenue, 471023, Luoyang, PR China.
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19
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Uchewa OO, Chukwuemelie CE, Ovioson AI, Ibegbu AO. Alleviating Effects of Clove Essential Oil Disolved in Dimethyl Sulfoxide (Dmso) Against Cadmium-Induced Testicular and Epididymal Damages in Male Wistar Rats. ARCHIVES OF RAZI INSTITUTE 2023; 78:1728-1737. [PMID: 38828169 PMCID: PMC11139401 DOI: 10.32592/ari.2023.78.6.1728] [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: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Cloves possess antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, among other roles, they can play. This study investigated the effect of clove oil (CLO) on testicular and epididymal changes induced by cadmium chloride (CdCl). A total of 25 rats were randomly assigned to five groups of five rats. Group A was allowed feed and water ad libitum. Group B was given 20mg/kg of CdCl, group C was given 20mg/kg of CdCl and 10mg/kg of CLO, group D was given 20mg/kg of CdCl and 20mg/kg of CLO, and group E was given 20mg/kg of CdCl and 20mg/kg of Di Methyl Sulphur Oxide. After the experiment, the animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation after 24 hours of fasting. The testes and epididymis were harvested, while the right epididymis was homogenized for sperm analysis. The results revealed a significant decrease in progressive motility in group B, while a significant increase was observed in CLO-treated groups (P<0.05). In addition, group B showed a significant reduction in percentage progressive, an increase in percentage non-motile, and a decrease in sperm count. The histological studies showed that the control group displayed normal testicular and epididymal histo-architecture, while the Cadmium group (B) showed a progressive degeneration of the cells and tissues, alleviated by the high dose of CLO in both the testes and epididymis. In conclusion, the current research demonstrated that testicular and epididymal damage induced by Cadmium could decrease fertility, and CLO may be used in alleviating the deleterious effects of CdCl.
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Affiliation(s)
- O O Uchewa
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Alex Ekwueme, Federal University, Ndufu-AlikeIkwo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - C E Chukwuemelie
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Alex Ekwueme, Federal University, Ndufu-AlikeIkwo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - A I Ovioson
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Edo University, Uzaze, Edo State
| | - A O Ibegbu
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Alex Ekwueme, Federal University, Ndufu-AlikeIkwo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
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20
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Basal WT, Issa AM, Abdelalem O, Omar AR. Salvia officinalis restores semen quality and testicular functionality in cadmium-intoxicated male rats. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20808. [PMID: 38012170 PMCID: PMC10682483 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45193-1] [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: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study investigated the potential ability of Salvia officinalis, one of the oldest medicinal plants, to protect male rats against cadmium reproductive toxicity. Twenty-eight healthy male rats were randomly allocated into four groups (n = 7); control, Salvia-extract treated group, cadmium treated group and a group treated with both Cd and Salvia. Administration of cadmium reduced the relative testis to body weight and significantly affected sperm parameters by decreasing motility, viability, count and increasing morphological aberrations. Comet assay was used to detect DNA fragmentation in sperms of the rats exposed to Cd. Serum levels of testosterone T, follicle stimulating hormone FSH, and luteinizing hormone LH were significantly decreased. The biochemical analysis of testicular tissue showed a significant rise in Malondialdehyde MDA level coupled with a decrease in the activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase SOD, glutathione peroxidase GPx and catalase CAT). The histological examination of testis sections after Cd administration revealed severe degeneration of spermatogenic cells. Seminiferous tubules were filled with homogenous eosinophilic fluid associated with atrophy of other seminiferous tubules. Co-treatment with the Salvia officinalis extract restored the oxidative enzymes activities and decreased the formation of lipid peroxidation byproduct, which in turn ameliorated the effect of Cd on sperm parameters, DNA damage and testis histopathology. Taken together, it can be concluded that the synergistic antioxidant and radical savaging activities of Salvia officinalis prevented the effect of Cd on semen quality, sperm DNA damage, along with the oxidative stress and histological abnormalities in the testis tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wesam T Basal
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, 12613, Egypt.
| | - Aliaa M Issa
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, 12613, Egypt
| | - Omnia Abdelalem
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, 12613, Egypt
| | - Amel R Omar
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, 12613, Egypt
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21
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Sulayman Aboulqassim NS, Hazem SH, Sharawy MH, Suddek GM. Roflumilast extenuates inflammation and oxidative stress in cadmium-induced hepatic and testicular injury in rats. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 124:111027. [PMID: 37832240 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Roflumilast (ROF), a highly selective phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor, has proven anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects on the pulmonary system. However, the protective effects of ROF on cadmium (Cd)-induced hepatic and testicular injury has never been investigated. Adult male Sprague Dawley rats were acutely intoxicated with CdCl2 (3 mg/Kg, ip, qd, for 5 days). In treatment groups, ROF was administered in two doses (1.5 & 3 mg/Kg, po, qd, for 5 days) 2 h prior to CdCl2 intoxication. The results demonstrated that the therapeutic potential of ROF can extend beyond the pulmonary system. The histopathological manifestation of Cd in the liver and testes were evidently mitigated by ROF prophylaxis. This study unraveled the multi-faceted ROF protective mechanisms, these comprise (i) reviving normal liver and testicular architecture, (ii) lessen immune cell infiltration in injured tissues (iii) restoration of cellular oxidant status (GSH, SOD, NO and MDA), (iv) shielding pro-inflammatory signaling pathways (NF-κB, NLRP3, IL-1β axis), (v) dampening endoplasmic reticulum stress (IRE-1), (vi) mitigating apoptotic injury (caspase-3), (vii) restoring the integrity of blood testes barrier (Cathepsin-D) and (viii) promoting the regenerative potentials of injured testes (SDF-1). In conclusion, ROF is a promising anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative candidate in Cd-induced hepatic and testicular injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naeimah S Sulayman Aboulqassim
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt; Department of Pharmacology &Toxicology Faculty of Pharmacy, Derna university, Derna, Libya.
| | - Sara H Hazem
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt.
| | - Maha H Sharawy
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt.
| | - Ghada M Suddek
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt.
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22
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Gao X, Li G, Pan X, Xia J, Yan D, Xu Y, Ruan X, He H, Wei Y, Zhai J. Environmental and occupational exposure to cadmium associated with male reproductive health risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis based on epidemiological evidence. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2023; 45:7491-7517. [PMID: 37584848 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-023-01719-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
There is an abundance of epidemiological evidence and animal experiments concerning the correlation between cadmium exposure and adverse male reproductive health outcomes. However, the evidence remains inconclusive. We conducted a literature search from PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science over the past 3 decades. Pooled r and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were derived from Cd levels of the type of biological materials and different outcome indicators to address the large heterogeneity of existing literature. Cd was negatively correlated with semen parameters (r = - 0.122, 95% CI - 0.151 to - 0.092) and positively correlated with sera sex hormones (r = 0.104, 95% CI 0.060 to 0.147). Among them, Cd in three different biological materials (blood, semen, and urine) was negatively correlated with semen parameters, while among sex hormones, only blood and urine were statistically positively correlated. In subgroup analysis, blood Cd was negatively correlated with semen density, sperm motility, sperm morphology, and sperm count. Semen Cd was negatively correlated with semen concentration. As for serum sex hormones, blood Cd had no statistical significance with three hormones, while semen Cd was negatively correlated with testosterone. In summary, cadmium exposure might be associated with the risk of a decline in sperm quality and abnormal levels of sex hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Gao
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Guangying Li
- Department of Public Affairs Administration, School of Health Management, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Heifei, 230032, China
| | - Xingchen Pan
- School of the First Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Heifei, 230032, China
| | - Jiajia Xia
- Department of Public Affairs Administration, School of Health Management, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Heifei, 230032, China
| | - Di Yan
- Department of Public Affairs Administration, School of Health Management, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Heifei, 230032, China
| | - Yang Xu
- School of the First Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Heifei, 230032, China
| | - Xiang Ruan
- School of the First Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Heifei, 230032, China
| | - Huan He
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Yu Wei
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Jinxia Zhai
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Hefei, 230032, China.
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23
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Zhou L, Chen Y, Sun Y, Li N, Liu Y, Tan W, Zhang L. Cadmium induces apoptosis of mouse spermatocytes through JNK activation and disruption of autophagic flux. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 265:115505. [PMID: 37742578 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium has been reported to accumulate primarily in spermatogonia and spermatocytes. Exposure to cadmium results in male reproductive toxicity via germ-cell apoptosis and impaired autophagy. Apoptosis and autophagy are two physiologically conserved events that maintain cellular homeostasis. However, the precise role of autophagy in cadmium-induced apoptosis of male germ cells has yet to be addressed. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of cadmium exposure on the cytotoxicity of GC-2 spd cells, a mouse spermatocyte cell line. The results showed that cadmium exposure caused apoptotic cell death and the accumulation of autophagosomes, along with the up-regulation of ATG proteins in GC-2 spd cells. It was demonstrated that the cadmium-induced accumulation of autophagosomes contributes to the apoptosis of GC-2 spd cells. This notion is supported by the findings that the autophagy inhibitor 3-MA reduced accumulation of autophagosomes and apoptotic cell death. Conversely, the apoptosis inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK inhibited apoptosis but had little effect on the accumulation of autophagosomes. Cadmium may impede the fusion of autophagosomes with lysosomes, leading to the autophagosome buildup. Additionally, we found that the JNK pathway mediates transcriptional induction of several autophagy-related (ATG) genes involved in autophagosome formation. The cadmium-activated JNK pathway regulates apoptosis by mediating the autophagosome formation. Treatment of cells with the JNK inhibitor SP600125 attenuated the accumulation of autophagosomes, the upregulated expression of autophagosome-associated proteins and apoptotic cell death induced by cadmium. Overall, these findings suggest that cadmium enhances apoptosis of GC-2 spd cells by activating the JNK pathway and inhibiting autophagic flux.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhou
- School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health and Occupational Medicine, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430065, China
| | - Yong Chen
- Emergency Department, Taikang Tongji (Wuhan) Hospital, Wuhan 430050, China
| | - Yu Sun
- School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health and Occupational Medicine, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430065, China
| | - Nayu Li
- School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health and Occupational Medicine, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430065, China
| | - Yunhao Liu
- School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health and Occupational Medicine, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430065, China
| | - Wei Tan
- Public Health Department, Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430065, China.
| | - Ling Zhang
- School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health and Occupational Medicine, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430065, China.
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24
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Qi HY, Li ZF, Wang LM, Zhao Z, Wang JM, Tan FQ, Yang WX. Myosin VI stabilizes intercellular junctions in the testis through the LHR and MAPK signalling pathway during spermatogenesis in Eriocheir sinensis. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 248:125842. [PMID: 37454996 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
The myosin motor protein myosin VI plays an essential role in mammalian spermatogenesis, however, the effects of myosin VI on male reproduction in Crustacea remain obscure. We identified the macromolecule es-Myosin VI in Eriocheir sinensis, and studied it by multiple methods. It co-localized with F-actin and was highly expressed in the testis. We interfered es-Myosin VI using dsRNA in vivo, an apparent decrease in spermatozoa count was detected. We also found that the MAPK signalling pathway was changed, subsequently causing disruption of intercellular junctions and damage to the functional hemolymph-testis barrier. We observed that luteinizing hormone receptor es-LHR was located within seminiferous tubules, which was different from the expression in mammals. Es-LHR could bind with es-Myosin VI in testis of E. sinensis, its localization was significantly altered when es-Myosin VI was deleted. Moreover, we obtained consistent results for the MAPK signalling pathway and spermatogenesis defects between the es-LHR and es-Myosin VI knockdown groups. In summary, our research demonstrated that knockdown of es-Myosin VI disturbed the intercellular junction and HTB function via the MAPK signalling pathway by changing the localization of es-LHR in the testis of E. sinensis, which was the potential reason for its negative impact on spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Yu Qi
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhen-Fang Li
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Lan-Min Wang
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhan Zhao
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jia-Ming Wang
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Fu-Qing Tan
- The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Wan-Xi Yang
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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25
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Xiong YW, Li DX, Ling ZJ, Tan LL, Zhang YF, Zhang J, Li H, Chang W, Zhu HL, Zhang J, Gao L, Xu DX, Yang L, Wang H. Loss of Atg5 in Sertoli cells enhances the susceptibility of cadmium-impaired testicular spermatogenesis in mice. Food Chem Toxicol 2023; 179:113967. [PMID: 37506864 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2023.113967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd), one of the most common contaminants in diet and drinking water, impairs testicular germ cell development and spermatogenesis. Autophagy is essential for maintaining Sertoli cell function and Sertoli-germ cell communication. However, the role of Sertoli cell autophagy in Cd-caused spermatogenesis disorder remains unclear. Here, the mice of autophagy-related gene 5 (Atg5) knockouts in Sertoli cells were used to investigate the effect of autophagy deficiency on Cd-impaired spermatogenesis and its underlying mechanisms. Results showed that Sertoli cell-specific knockout of Atg5 exacerbated Cd-reduced sperm count and MVH (a specific marker for testicular germ cells) level in mice. Additionally, Sertoli cell Atg5 deficiency reduced the number of spermatocytes and decreased the level of meiosis-related proteins (SYCP3 and STRA8) in Cd-treated mouse testes. Loss of Atg5 in Sertoli cell exacerbated Cd-reduced the level of retinoic acid (RA) and retinal dehydrogenase (ALDH1A1 and ALDH1A) in mouse testes. Meanwhile, we found that the level of transcription factor WT1 was significantly downregulated in Atg5-/- plus Cd-treated testes. Further experiments showed that Wt1 overexpression restored Cd-decreased the levels of ALDH1A1 in Sertoli cells. Collectively, the above data suggest that knockout of Atg5 in Sertoli cell enhances the susceptibility of Cd-impaired testicular spermatogenesis. These findings provide new insights into autophagy of Sertoli cell preventing environmental toxicants-impaired testicular spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Wei Xiong
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Dai-Xin Li
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Zheng-Jia Ling
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China; Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, 214002, Wuxi, China
| | - Lu-Lu Tan
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Yu-Feng Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Wei Chang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Hua-Long Zhu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Lan Gao
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - De-Xiang Xu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, China
| | - Lan Yang
- Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, 214002, Wuxi, China.
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, China.
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26
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de Angelis C, Galdiero G, Menafra D, Garifalos F, Verde N, Piscopo M, Negri M, Auriemma RS, Simeoli C, Pivonello C, Colao A, Pivonello R. The environment and male reproductive system: the potential role and underlying mechanisms of cadmium in testis cancer. Crit Rev Toxicol 2023; 53:412-435. [PMID: 37737155 DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2023.2250387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium is a known human carcinogen, and has been shown to profoundly affect male reproductive function, at multiple levels, by exerting both endocrine and non-endocrine actions. Nevertheless, the potential role of cadmium in the etiology of testis cancer has been scantly investigated in humans, and, currently, available epidemiological observational studies are insufficient to draw definitive conclusions in this regard. On the contrary, experimental studies in laboratory animals demonstrated that cadmium is a strong inducer of testis tumors, mostly represented by benign Leydig cell adenoma; moreover, malignant transformation was also reported in few animals, following cadmium treatment. Early experimental studies in animals proposed an endocrine-dependent mechanism of cadmium-induced testis tumorigenesis; however, more recent findings from cell-free assays, in vitro studies, and short-term in vivo studies, highlighted that cadmium might also contribute to testis tumor development by early occurring endocrine-independent mechanisms, which include aberrant gene expression within the testis, and genotoxic effects, and take place well before the timing of testis tumorigenesis. These endocrine-independent mechanisms, however, have not been directly investigated on testis tumor samples retrieved from affected, cadmium-treated animals so far. The present review focuses on the relationship between cadmium exposure and testis cancer, by reporting the few epidemiological observational human studies available, and by providing animal-based experimental evidences of cadmium implication in the pathogenesis and progression of testis tumor. Moreover, the relevance of experimental animal studies to human cadmium exposure and the translational potential of experimental findings will be extensively discussed, by critically addressing strengths and weaknesses of available data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina de Angelis
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Diabetologia ed Andrologia, Unità di Andrologia e Medicina della Riproduzione e della Sessualità Maschile e Femminile (FERTISEXCARES), Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Giacomo Galdiero
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Diabetologia ed Andrologia, Unità di Andrologia e Medicina della Riproduzione e della Sessualità Maschile e Femminile (FERTISEXCARES), Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Davide Menafra
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Diabetologia ed Andrologia, Unità di Andrologia e Medicina della Riproduzione e della Sessualità Maschile e Femminile (FERTISEXCARES), Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Garifalos
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Diabetologia ed Andrologia, Unità di Andrologia e Medicina della Riproduzione e della Sessualità Maschile e Femminile (FERTISEXCARES), Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
- Department of Public Health, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Nunzia Verde
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Diabetologia ed Andrologia, Unità di Andrologia e Medicina della Riproduzione e della Sessualità Maschile e Femminile (FERTISEXCARES), Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Mariangela Piscopo
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Diabetologia ed Andrologia, Unità di Andrologia e Medicina della Riproduzione e della Sessualità Maschile e Femminile (FERTISEXCARES), Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Mariarosaria Negri
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Diabetologia ed Andrologia, Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Renata Simona Auriemma
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Diabetologia ed Andrologia, Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Simeoli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Diabetologia ed Andrologia, Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Annamaria Colao
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Diabetologia ed Andrologia, Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
- Unesco Chair for Health Education and Sustainable Development, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosario Pivonello
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Diabetologia ed Andrologia, Unità di Andrologia e Medicina della Riproduzione e della Sessualità Maschile e Femminile (FERTISEXCARES), Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
- Unesco Chair for Health Education and Sustainable Development, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
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27
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Ozoani H, Ezejiofor AN, Okolo KO, Orish CN, Cirovic A, Cirovic A, Orisakwe OE. Zinc and selenium attenuate quaternary heavy metal mixture-induced testicular damage via amplification of the antioxidant system, reduction in metal accumulation, inflammatory and apoptotic biomarkers. Toxicol Res 2023; 39:497-515. [PMID: 37398573 PMCID: PMC10313602 DOI: 10.1007/s43188-023-00187-z] [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: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Heavy metals (HMs) such as cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg) are highly toxic elements. They are often found together in nature as a heavy metal mixture (HMM) and are known to contribute to subfertility/infertility as environmental pollutants. This study aims to evaluate the potential benefits of treating HMM-induced testicular pathophysiology with zinc (Zn) and/or selenium (Se). Six-week-old male Sprague Dawley rats were grouped into 5 (n = 7). The control group received deionized water, while the other groups were treated with PbCl2 (20 mg kg-1), CdCl2 (1.61 mg kg-1), HgCl2 (0.40 mg kg-1), and Na2AsO3 (10 mg kg-1) in deionized water for 60 days. Additionally, groups III to V received Zn, Se, and Zn/Se, respectively, for 60 days. The study evaluated testis weight, metal accumulation, sperm analysis, FSH, LH, testosterone, prolactin, oxidative stress, antioxidants, pro-inflammatory and apoptotic markers, and presented structural changes in the testis as micrographs. HMM caused a significant increase in testis weight, metal accumulation, prolactin, oxidative stress, and pro-inflammatory and apoptotic markers, while significantly decreasing semen analysis, FSH, LH, and testosterone. Histology showed decreased spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis, as evidenced by the structure of the germ cells and spermatids. However, Zn, Se, or both ameliorated and reversed some of the observed damages. This study provides further evidence for the mitigative potential of Zn, Se, or both in reversing the damage inflicted by HMM in the testis, and as a countermeasure towards improving HM-induced decrease in public health fecundity. Graphical abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Harrison Ozoani
- African Centre of Excellence for Public Health and Toxicological Research (ACE-PUTOR), University of Port Harcourt, PMB, 5323, Port Harcourt, Choba Nigeria
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Science and Technology, Nsukka, Enugu State Nigeria
| | - Anthonet N. Ezejiofor
- African Centre of Excellence for Public Health and Toxicological Research (ACE-PUTOR), University of Port Harcourt, PMB, 5323, Port Harcourt, Choba Nigeria
| | - Kenneth O. Okolo
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Science and Technology, Nsukka, Enugu State Nigeria
| | - Chinna N. Orish
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, PMB, 5323, Port Harcourt, Choba Nigeria
| | - Ana Cirovic
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Aleksandar Cirovic
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Orish E. Orisakwe
- African Centre of Excellence for Public Health and Toxicological Research (ACE-PUTOR), University of Port Harcourt, PMB, 5323, Port Harcourt, Choba Nigeria
- Provictoire Research Institute, Port Harcourt, Rivers State Nigeria
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28
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Anđelković M, Djordjevic AB, Vukelić D, Đukić-Ćosić D, Aćimović M, Bojanić N, Bartolović D, Bulat P, Antonijević B, Bulat Z. Cadmium and lead implication in testis cancer; is there a connection? CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 330:138698. [PMID: 37062390 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Testis cancer (TC) is the most common malignancy of young men. Current evidence from studies, alongside genetics and hormonal status, suggests a significant role of toxic metals, cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb), in the origin and development of TC. Besides oxidative stress and endocrine disruption, interaction with bioelements is one of the critical mechanisms of Cd and Pb toxicity and malign transformation. This study aimed to investigate metal levels in blood, healthy, and tumor testis tissue and to reveal hormone, oxidative status, and bioelements levels in patients with TC. The study enrolled 52 patients with TC and 61 healthy volunteers. Toxic metals and bioelements levels were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) while electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) and spectrophotometry methods were used for hormone and oxidative parameters evaluation. Significantly higher blood Cd levels were depicted in TC cohort. Furthermore, blood Cd elevation was associated with a 1.98 higher probability of TC developing. However, a metal concentration between healthy and tumor testis tissue did not differ significantly. Lower levels of estradiol and testosterone, established in a cohort of TC patients, followed the significant role of hormones in TC development. At the same time, ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) has been recognized as a parameter with very good accuracy as a potential diagnostic marker for TC. The study revealed different distribution patterns of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in the three compartments of the patients, as well significant correlation between essential metals Cu/Zn and toxic metals Cd/Pb indicating metal-metal interactions as pivotal mechanisms of metals toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Anđelković
- University Hospital Medical Center Kosovska Mitrovica, Kosovska Mitrovica, Serbia; Department of Toxicology "Akademik Danilo Soldatović", University of Belgrade - Faculty of Pharmacy, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Aleksandra Buha Djordjevic
- Department of Toxicology "Akademik Danilo Soldatović", University of Belgrade - Faculty of Pharmacy, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dragana Vukelić
- Department of Toxicology "Akademik Danilo Soldatović", University of Belgrade - Faculty of Pharmacy, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Danijela Đukić-Ćosić
- Department of Toxicology "Akademik Danilo Soldatović", University of Belgrade - Faculty of Pharmacy, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Miodrag Aćimović
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia; Institute of Urology and Nephrology, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nebojša Bojanić
- Institute of Urology and Nephrology, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Daniela Bartolović
- Institute of Urology and Nephrology, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Petar Bulat
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia; Serbian Institute of Occupational Health "Dr Dragomir Karajović", Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Biljana Antonijević
- Department of Toxicology "Akademik Danilo Soldatović", University of Belgrade - Faculty of Pharmacy, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Zorica Bulat
- Department of Toxicology "Akademik Danilo Soldatović", University of Belgrade - Faculty of Pharmacy, Belgrade, Serbia
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Venditti M, Santillo A, Latino D, Ben Rhouma M, Romano MZ, Haddadi A, Di Fiore MM, Minucci S, Messaoudi I, Chieffi Baccari G. Evidence of the protective role of D-Aspartate in counteracting/preventing cadmium-induced oxidative stress in the rat testis. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 259:115067. [PMID: 37244200 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd), by producing oxidative stress and acting as an endocrine disruptor, is known to cause severe testicular injury, documented by histological and biomolecular alterations, such as decreased serum testosterone (T) level and impairment of spermatogenesis. This is the first report on the potential counteractive/preventive action of D-Aspartate (D-Asp), a well-known stimulator of T biosynthesis and spermatogenesis progression by affecting hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, in alleviating Cd effects in the rat testis. Our results confirmed that Cd affects testicular activity, as documented by the reduction of serum T concentration and of the protein levels of steroidogenesis (StAR, 3β-HSD, and 17β-HSD) and spermatogenesis (PCNA, p-H3, and SYCP3) markers. Moreover, higher protein levels of cytochrome C and caspase 3, together with the number of cells positive to TUNEL assay, indicated the intensification of the apoptotic process. D-Asp administered either simultaneously to Cd, or for 15 days before the Cd-treatment, reduced the oxidative stress induced by the metal, alleviating the consequent harmful effects. Interestingly, the preventive action of D-Asp was more effective than its counteractive effect. A possible explanation is that giving D-Asp for 15 days induces its significant uptake in the testes, reaching the concentrations necessary for optimum function. In summary, this report highlights, for the first time, the beneficial role played by D-Asp in both counteracting/preventing the adverse Cd effects in the rat testis, strongly encouraging further investigations to consider the potential value of D-Asp also in improving human testicular health and male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Venditti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate, Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli, 16-80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Alessandra Santillo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Via Vivaldi, 43-81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Debora Latino
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Via Vivaldi, 43-81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Mariem Ben Rhouma
- LR11ES41: Génetique, Biodiversité et Valorisation des Bioressources, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie, Université de Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Maria Zelinda Romano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate, Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli, 16-80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Asma Haddadi
- LR11ES41: Génetique, Biodiversité et Valorisation des Bioressources, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie, Université de Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Maria Maddalena Di Fiore
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Via Vivaldi, 43-81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Sergio Minucci
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate, Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli, 16-80138 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Imed Messaoudi
- LR11ES41: Génetique, Biodiversité et Valorisation des Bioressources, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie, Université de Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Gabriella Chieffi Baccari
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Via Vivaldi, 43-81100 Caserta, Italy
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Ijaz MU, Shahzadi S, Hamza A, Azmat R, Anwar H, Afsar T, Shafique H, Bhat MA, Naglah AM, Al-Omar MA, Razak S. Alleviative effects of pinostrobin against cadmium-induced renal toxicity in rats by reducing oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1175008. [PMID: 37342552 PMCID: PMC10278233 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1175008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cadmium (Cd) is a highly toxic heavy metal that can be found everywhere in the environment and can have harmful effects on both human and animal health. Pinostrobin (PSB) is a bioactive natural flavonoid isolated from Boesenbergia rotunda with several pharmacological properties, such as antiinflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, and antiviral. This investigation was intended to assess the therapeutic potential of PSB against Cd-induced kidney damage in rats. Methods In total, 48 Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups: a control, a Cd (5 mg/kg), a Cd + PSB group (5 mg/kg Cd and 10 mg/kg PSB), and a PSB group (10 mg/kg) that received supplementation for 30 days. Results Exposure to Cd led to a decrease in the activities of catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GSR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), whereas levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) increased. Cd exposure also caused a substantial increase in urea, kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), and creatinine levels. Moreover, a noticeable decline was noticed in creatinine clearance. Moreover, Cd exposure considerably increased the levels of inflammatory indices, including interleukin-1b (IL-1b), tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a), interleukin-6 (IL-6), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-kB), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity. Cd treatment decreased the expression of the antiapoptotic markers (Bcl-2) while increasing the expression of apoptotic markers (Bax and Caspase-3). Furthermore, Cd treatment substantially reduced the TCA cycle enzyme activity, such as alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase, and isocitrate dehydrogenase. Moreover, mitochondrial electron transport chain enzymes, succinatedehydrogenase, NADH dehydrogenase, cytochrome c-oxidase, and coenzyme Q-cytochrome reductase activities were also decreased following Cd exposure. PSB administration substantially reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential while inducing significant histological damage. However, PSB treatment significantly reduced Cd-mediated renal damage in rats. Conclusion Thus, the present investigation discovered that PSB has ameliorative potential against Cd-induced renal dysfunction in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Umar Ijaz
- Department of Zoology, Wildlife and Fisheries, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Sabahat Shahzadi
- Department of Zoology, Wildlife and Fisheries, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Ali Hamza
- Department of Zoology, Wildlife and Fisheries, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Rabia Azmat
- Department of Zoology, Wildlife and Fisheries, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Haseeb Anwar
- Department of Physiology, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Tayyaba Afsar
- Department of Community Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Huma Shafique
- Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Mashooq Ahmad Bhat
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed M. Naglah
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed A. Al-Omar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Suhail Razak
- Department of Community Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Pappalardo C, Cosci I, Moro G, Stortini AM, Sandon A, De Angelis C, Galdiero G, Trifuoggi M, Pivonello R, Pedrucci F, Di Nisio A, Foresta C, Ferlin A, De Toni L. Seminal cadmium affects human sperm motility through stable binding to the cell membrane. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1134304. [PMID: 37274747 PMCID: PMC10232869 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1134304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Environmental pollutants are claimed to be major factors involved in the progressive decline of the fertility rate worldwide. Exposure to the heavy metal Cadmium (Cd) has been associated with reproductive toxicity due to its ionic mimicry. However, the possible direct accumulation of Cd in human sperm cells has been poorly investigated. In this study, we aimed to clarify the possible direct effect of Cd exposure on sperm function through the analysis of its cell accumulation. Semen samples from 30 male subjects residing in high environmental impact areas and adhering to the "Exposoma e Plurifocalità nella Prevenzione Oncologica" campaign for testis cancer prevention were compared with semen samples from 15 males residing in low exposure areas. Semen levels and cell Cd content were quantified by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectroscopy. Cell Cd distribution was assessed by scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). The impact of Cd on sperm function was evaluated by the in vitro exposure to the heavy metal, whilst possible scavenging approaches/agents were assessed. In addition to higher values of semen Cd, exposed subjects showed a reduction in total motile sperm fraction compared to not-exposed controls (59.6% ± 13.6% vs. 66.3% ± 7.3%, p = 0.037). Semen Cd levels were also significantly correlated with SEM-EDS signals of Cd detected on the head and neck of sperm (respectively p = 0.738, p < 0.001 and ρ = 0.465, p < 0.001). A total of 2 h of in vitro exposure to 0.5 μM Cd was associated with a significant reduction of sperm progressive motility. Scavenging approaches with either hypo-osmotic swelling or 10 μM reduced glutathione were ineffective in blunting cell Cd and restoring motility. The reduction of exposure levels appears to be the main approach to reducing the reproductive issues associated with Cd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Pappalardo
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Ilaria Cosci
- Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV—IRCCS, Padova, Italy
| | - Giulia Moro
- Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca’ Foscari University of Venezia, Venezia, Italy
| | - Angela Maria Stortini
- Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca’ Foscari University of Venezia, Venezia, Italy
| | - Annalisa Sandon
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering—ICEA—Laboratories, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Cristina De Angelis
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Unità di Andrologia e Medicina della Riproduzione e della Sessualità Maschile e Femminile (FERTISEXCARES), Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Giacomo Galdiero
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Unità di Andrologia e Medicina della Riproduzione e della Sessualità Maschile e Femminile (FERTISEXCARES), Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Trifuoggi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosario Pivonello
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Unità di Andrologia e Medicina della Riproduzione e della Sessualità Maschile e Femminile (FERTISEXCARES), Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
- Staff of Unesco Chair for Health Education and Sustainable Development, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Federica Pedrucci
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Di Nisio
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Carlo Foresta
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Alberto Ferlin
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Luca De Toni
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Wang Y, Wu J, Zhang M, OuYang H, Li M, Jia D, Wang R, Zhou W, Liu H, Hu Y, Yao Y, Liu Y, Ji Y. Cadmium exposure during puberty damages testicular development and spermatogenesis via ferroptosis caused by intracellular iron overload and oxidative stress in mice. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 325:121434. [PMID: 36907243 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is a widespread environmental pollutant and a reproductive toxicant. It has been proved that Cd can reduce male fertility, however, the molecular mechanisms remain unveiled. This study aims to explore the effects and mechanisms of pubertal Cd exposure on testicular development and spermatogenesis. The results showed that Cd exposure during puberty could cause pathological damage to testes and reduce sperm counts in mice in adulthood. Moreover, Cd exposure during puberty reduced GSH content, induced iron overload and ROS production in testes, suggesting that Cd exposure during puberty may induce testicular ferroptosis. The results in vitro experiments further strengthened that Cd caused iron overload and oxidative stress, and decreased MMP in GC-1 spg cells. In addition, Cd disturbed intracellular iron homeostasis and peroxidation signal pathway based on transcriptomics analysis. Interestingly, these changes induced by Cd could be partially suppressed by pretreated with ferroptotic inhibitors, Ferrostatin-1 and Deferoxamine mesylate. In conclusion, the study demonstrated that Cd exposure during puberty maybe disrupted intracellular iron metabolism and peroxidation signal pathway, triggered ferroptosis in spermatogonia, and ultimately damaged testicular development and spermatogenesis in mice in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Wang
- Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jie Wu
- Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Mingming Zhang
- Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Huijuan OuYang
- Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Mengyuan Li
- Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Didi Jia
- Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Rong Wang
- Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Weiyi Zhou
- Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Hao Liu
- Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yuan Hu
- Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yuyou Yao
- Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yehao Liu
- Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - YanLi Ji
- Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.
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Lu T, Mortimer M, Li F, Li Z, Chen L, Li M, Guo LH. Putative adverse outcome pathways of the male reproductive toxicity derived from toxicological studies of perfluoroalkyl acids. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 873:162439. [PMID: 36848992 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Adverse outcome pathway (AOP) as a conceptual framework is a powerful tool in the field of toxicology to connect seemingly discrete events at different levels of biological organizations into an organized pathway from molecular interactions to whole organism toxicity. Based on numerous toxicological studies, eight AOPs for reproductive toxicity have been endorsed by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Task Force on Hazard Assessment. We have conducted a literature survey on the mechanistic studies on male reproductive toxicity of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), a class of global environmental contaminants with high persistence, bioaccumulation and toxicity. Using the AOP development strategy, five new AOPs for male reproductive toxicity were proposed here, namely (1) changes in membrane permeability leading to reduced sperm motility, (2) disruption of mitochondrial function leading to sperm apoptosis, (3) decreased gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) expression in hypothalamus leading to reduced testosterone production in male rats, (4) activation of the p38 signaling pathway leading to disruption of BTB in mice, (5) inhibition of p-FAK-Tyr407 activity leading to the destruction of BTB. The molecular initiating events in the proposed AOPs are different from those in the endorsed AOPs, which are either receptor activation or enzyme inhibition. Although some of the AOPs are still incomplete, they can serve as a building block upon which full AOPs can be developed and applied to not only PFAAs but also other chemical toxicants with male reproductive toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingyu Lu
- College of Life Science, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China.
| | - Monika Mortimer
- Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; College of Quality and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China.
| | - Fangfang Li
- Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; College of Quality and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China.
| | - Zhi Li
- College of Life Science, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China.
| | - Lu Chen
- College of Life Science, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China.
| | - Minjie Li
- College of Quality and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China.
| | - Liang-Hong Guo
- Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; College of Quality and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China.
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Zhang J, Campion S, Catlin N, Reagan WJ, Palyada K, Ramaiah SK, Ramanathan R. Circulating microRNAs as promising testicular translatable safety biomarkers: current state and future perspectives. Arch Toxicol 2023; 97:947-961. [PMID: 36795116 PMCID: PMC9933818 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-023-03460-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Drug-induced testicular injury (DITI) is one of the often-observed and challenging safety issues seen during drug development. Semen analysis and circulating hormones currently utilized have significant gaps in their ability to detect testicular damage accurately. In addition, no biomarkers enable a mechanistic understanding of the damage to the different regions of the testis, such as seminiferous tubules, Sertoli, and Leydig cells. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs that modulate gene expression post-transcriptionally and have been indicated to regulate a wide range of biological pathways. Circulating miRNAs can be measured in the body fluids due to tissue-specific cell injury/damage or toxicant exposure. Therefore, these circulating miRNAs have become attractive and promising non-invasive biomarkers for assessing drug-induced testicular injury, with several reports on their use as safety biomarkers for monitoring testicular damage in preclinical species. Leveraging emerging tools such as 'organs-on-chips' that can emulate the human organ's physiological environment and function is starting to enable biomarker discovery, validation, and clinical translation for regulatory qualification and implementation in drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangwei Zhang
- Drug Safety Research & Development, Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development & Medical, 10777 Science Center Dr, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Sarah Campion
- Drug Safety Research & Development, Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development & Medical, 445 Eastern Point Rd., Groton, CT, USA
| | - Natasha Catlin
- Drug Safety Research & Development, Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development & Medical, 445 Eastern Point Rd., Groton, CT, USA
| | - William J Reagan
- Drug Safety Research & Development, Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development & Medical, 445 Eastern Point Rd., Groton, CT, USA
| | - Kiran Palyada
- Drug Safety Research & Development, Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development & Medical, 10777 Science Center Dr, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Shashi K Ramaiah
- Drug Safety Research & Development, Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development & Medical, 1 Portland St., Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Ragu Ramanathan
- Drug Safety Research & Development, Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development & Medical, 445 Eastern Point Rd., Groton, CT, USA.
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Shen Y, You Y, Zhu K, Li G, Huang X, Chen D, Yang F, Dong L, Li J, Yu X. The traditional Chinese medicine Qiangjing tablet prevents blood-testis barrier injury induced by CdCl 2 through the PI3K/Akt/Rictor signaling pathway. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2023; 38:591-603. [PMID: 36370150 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Environmental contaminants such as cadmium (Cd) may have a deleterious impact on sperm and reduce male fertility by compromising the blood-testis barrier (BTB). Hence, the effects of the traditional Chinese medicine Qiangjing tablet (QJP) on sperm quality and BTB alterations induced by Cd in mouse testes were examined. METHODS Adult KM mice challenged with Cd chloride were examined, QJP was administered to mice as an oral drug by gavage, and the experiments lasted 2 weeks. Testicular and epididymal weights, sperm quality, anti-sperm antibodies (AsAb), hormone levels, and histology were evaluated. Changes in the levels of N-cadherin, occludin, ZO-1, claudin-11, F-actin, and β-tubulin and their mRNAs were evaluated. The effects of QJP on the PI3K/Akt/Rictor pathway were evaluated. RESULTS CdCl2 decreased reproductive organ weight, sperm quality, and testosterone (T) levels; increased AsAb, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels; induced structural damage in testicles with BTB disruption; increased BTB permeability; and decreased N-cadherin, occludin, ZO-1, claudin-11, F-actin, and β-tubulin expression. After treatment, QJP blocked the effects of Cd on reproductive organ weight, sperm quality, and T; mitigated germinal epithelium compartment alterations; decreased AsAb, FSH, and LH levels; and preserved BTB ultrastructure and function. In addition, QJP induced increases in N-cadherin, occludin, ZO-1, claudin-11, F-actin, and β-tubulin levels and the expression of their mRNAs through the PI3K/Akt/Rictor pathway. After the application of JRAB2011, the levels of a specific mTORC2 suppressor, Rictor, and the BTB-protective effect of QJP were greatly reduced. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated the effect of QJP against Cd-induced damage to the BTB, and the results indicate that QJP may play a significant role in opposing the effects of Cd through the PI3K/Akt/Rictor pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifeng Shen
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yaodong You
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Kun Zhu
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Guangsen Li
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaopeng Huang
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Diang Chen
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Fang Yang
- Reproductive & Women-Children Hospital, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Liang Dong
- Reproductive & Women-Children Hospital, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Junjun Li
- Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital/The Fifth People's Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xujun Yu
- Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital/The Fifth People's Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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Combined Protective Effects of Quercetin, Rutin, and Gallic Acid against Cadmium-Induced Testicular Damages in Young-Adult Rats. Andrologia 2023. [DOI: 10.1155/2023/9787664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic metal that damages several tissues of animals and humans including the testis. The ameliorative effects of quercetin (QUE), rutin (RUT), and gallic acid (GAL) at 20 mg kg-1 body weight alone or in combination against testicular injury induced by Cd (24 mg kg-1 body weight) in male Wistar rats were evaluated in this study. Forty-two (42) rats were randomly grouped into six (6) groups: (1) vehicle control group, (2) Cd group, (3) RUT+Cd group, (4) GAL+Cd group, (5) QUE+Cd group, and (6) RUT+GAL+QUE+Cd group. At the end of the oral gavage of the tested chemicals, the rats were sacrificed, blood samples were collected, and testes were harvested and processed for biochemical assays. Cd exposure damaged the testis (smaller epithelium thickness and spermatogenesis index and sloughing of the epithelium); increased lipid peroxidation, glutathione S-transferase activity, and DNA fragmentation; and diminished glutathione reductase activity and serum testosterone level 40 days posttreatment. Treatment with the phenolics separately or in combination attenuated the effect of Cd on serum testosterone, glutathione reductase and glutathione S-transferase activities, lipid peroxidation, and percent fragmented DNA. The increased nitric oxide concentration in the QUE+Cd group was attenuated to control values in the combined (RUT+GAL+QUE+Cd) exposure group. Coadministration of the phenolics appears to have more substantial protective effects than their single effects against Cd-induced testicular DNA damage, glutathione S-transferase activity, and the recovery of testosterone levels and spermatogenesis index. Overall, the tested phenolics can reduce testicular damage more efficiently in their combined form than individual administration.
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Corpuz-Hilsabeck M, Culty M. Impact of endocrine disrupting chemicals and pharmaceuticals on Sertoli cell development and functions. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1095894. [PMID: 36793282 PMCID: PMC9922725 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1095894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cells play essential roles in male reproduction, from supporting fetal testis development to nurturing male germ cells from fetal life to adulthood. Dysregulating Sertoli cell functions can have lifelong adverse effects by jeopardizing early processes such as testis organogenesis, and long-lasting processes such as spermatogenesis. Exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is recognized as contributing to the rising incidence of male reproductive disorders and decreasing sperm counts and quality in humans. Some drugs also act as endocrine disruptors by exerting off-target effects on endocrine tissues. However, the mechanisms of toxicity of these compounds on male reproduction at doses compatible with human exposure are still not fully resolved, especially in the case of mixtures, which remain understudied. This review presents first an overview of the mechanisms regulating Sertoli cell development, maintenance, and functions, and then surveys what is known on the impact of EDCs and drugs on immature Sertoli cells, including individual compounds and mixtures, and pinpointing at knowledge gaps. Performing more studies on the impact of mixtures of EDCs and drugs at all ages is crucial to fully understand the adverse outcomes these chemicals may induce on the reproductive system.
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Lee YM, Kim Y, Park H, Hong YC, Ha M, Kim YJ, Ha EH. Association of paternal cadmium and other heavy metal exposure to birth outcomes using propensity score matching. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 311:136792. [PMID: 36272631 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136792] [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: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human exposure to cadmium has various effects on health, especially on male reproductive organs. Although it is widely known that prenatal maternal cadmium exposure can affect birth outcomes, the effect of paternal exposure to cadmium remains unclear. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to evaluate the effect of paternal cadmium exposure on fetal growth by considering maternal cadmium exposure and exposure to other heavy metals, namely mercury and lead. METHODS The Mothers and Children's Environmental Health (MOCEH) study is a prospective birth cohort study in Korea. Overall, 1313 families (father-mother-child triple) without child abnormalities and who completed paternal whole blood cadmium assessments were included in this study. Families were divided into two subgroups based on the blood sampling periods, namely early and late pregnancy. Subjects were selected as follows: one family triple with a high level of paternal cadmium and two triples with low levels of paternal cadmium, using the method of propensity score matching. And linear regression analyses were performed. RESULTS The group with high paternal cadmium exposure (80% or more; 1.93 μg/L) had lower birth weight infants compared to the group with low cadmium concentrations (β(se) = -0.21(0.10); p-value = 0.0283). After stratification by infant sex, prenatal paternal cadmium exposure significantly reduced the birth weight of females in subgroups of different sampling times, namely early pregnancy (β(se) = -0.52 (0.22); p-value = 0.0170) and late pregnancy (β(se) = -0.43 (0.18); p-value = 0.0160). Finally, after performing propensity score matching in the early pregnancy measurement group, it was found that the prenatal exposure of father to cadmium significantly reduced birth weight in females (β(se) = -0.72(0.25); p-value = 0.0047). CONCLUSION This study assessed the effect of paternal cadmium exposure on birth outcomes in family units consisting of a father, mother, and child. Prenatal paternal cadmium exposure negatively affected birth weight, especially that of female, considering covariates and other heavy metals exposure, namely mercury and lead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Min Lee
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yangho Kim
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyesook Park
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Ewha Medical Research Center, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Graduate Program in System Health Science and Engineering, Ewha Womans University, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun-Chul Hong
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mina Ha
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Ju Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Hee Ha
- Graduate Program in System Health Science and Engineering, Ewha Womans University, Republic of Korea; Department of Environmental Medicine, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Asiwe JN, Daubry TME, Okon IA, Akpotu AE, Adagbada EO, Eruotor H, Agbugba LC, Buduburisi BR. Ginkgo biloba Supplement Reverses Lead (II) Acetate-Induced Haematological Imbalances, Hepatic and Renal Dysfunctions in Male Wistar Rat. Biol Trace Elem Res 2022; 200:5134-5144. [PMID: 35037154 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-022-03098-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Lead is a heavy metal abundant in nature that causes haematological imbalances, and hepatic and renal dysfunction, and this imbalance has been linked to oxidative stress. Several reports have shown that natural products are implicated in ameliorating metal poisonings. Ginkgo biloba is a flavonoid-rich natural herbal supplement with several pharmacological properties. The present study investigated effect of Ginkgo biloba supplement (GBS) on lead-induced toxicity. Animals were given a lead dose of 25 mg/kg for 14 days orally and then given Ginkgo biloba supplements of 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg orally for 14 days. Animals given GBS had significantly improved haematological and rheological parameters. GBS showed a protective impact in terms of improved kidney and liver histology, anti-oxidant enzyme activity (CAT, SOD, GSH, and MDA), organ function indices, and a lower rate of erythrocyte osmotic fragility. Conclusively, Ginkgo biloba supplementation attenuated lead toxicity by normalization of haematological imbalances, and hepatic and renal dysfunction as well as maintaining erythrocyte membrane integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerome Ndudi Asiwe
- Department of Physiology, PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Port-Harcourt, Nigeria.
- Department of Physiology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
| | | | - Idara Asuquo Okon
- Department of Physiology, PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Port-Harcourt, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Harrison Eruotor
- Department of Physiology, University of Port-Harcourt, Port-Harcourt, Nigeria
| | - Linda Chinyere Agbugba
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
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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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Rachamalla M, Chinthada J, Kushwaha S, Putnala SK, Sahu C, Jena G, Niyogi S. Contemporary Comprehensive Review on Arsenic-Induced Male Reproductive Toxicity and Mechanisms of Phytonutrient Intervention. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10120744. [PMID: 36548577 PMCID: PMC9784647 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10120744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Arsenic (As) is a poisonous metalloid that is toxic to both humans and animals. Drinking water contamination has been linked to the development of cancer (skin, lung, urinary bladder, and liver), as well as other disorders such as diabetes and cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, neurological, and developmental damage. According to epidemiological studies, As contributes to male infertility, sexual dysfunction, poor sperm quality, and developmental consequences such as low birth weight, spontaneous abortion, and small for gestational age (SGA). Arsenic exposure negatively affected male reproductive systems by lowering testicular and accessory organ weights, and sperm counts, increasing sperm abnormalities and causing apoptotic cell death in Leydig and Sertoli cells, which resulted in decreased testosterone synthesis. Furthermore, during male reproductive toxicity, several molecular signalling pathways, such as apoptosis, inflammation, and autophagy are involved. Phytonutrient intervention in arsenic-induced male reproductive toxicity in various species has received a lot of attention over the years. The current review provides an in-depth summary of the available literature on arsenic-induced male toxicity, as well as therapeutic approaches and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahesh Rachamalla
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E2, Canada
| | - Joshi Chinthada
- Facility for Risk Assessment and Intervention Studies, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, S.A.S Nagar 160062, India
| | - Sapana Kushwaha
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Transit Campus, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Raebareli, Lucknow 226002, India
| | - Sravan Kumar Putnala
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E2, Canada
| | - Chittaranjan Sahu
- Facility for Risk Assessment and Intervention Studies, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, S.A.S Nagar 160062, India
| | - Gopabandhu Jena
- Facility for Risk Assessment and Intervention Studies, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, S.A.S Nagar 160062, India
| | - Som Niyogi
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E2, Canada
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E2, Canada
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Ali W, Ma Y, Zhu J, Zou H, Liu Z. Mechanisms of Cadmium-Induced Testicular Injury: A Risk to Male Fertility. Cells 2022; 11:cells11223601. [PMID: 36429028 PMCID: PMC9688678 DOI: 10.3390/cells11223601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cadmium is a heavy toxic metal with unknown biological functions in the human body. Over time, cadmium accretion in the different visceral organs (liver, lungs, kidney, and testis) is said to impair the function of these organs, which is associated with a relatively long biological half-life and a very low rate of excretion. Recently studies have revealed that the testes are highly sensitive to cadmium. In this review, we discussed the adverse effect of cadmium on the development and biological functions of the testis. The Sertoli cells (SCs), seminiferous tubules, and Blood Testis Barrier are severely structurally damaged by cadmium, which results in sperm loss. The development and function of Leydig cells are hindered by cadmium, which also induces Leydig cell tumors. The testis's vascular system is severely disturbed by cadmium. Cadmium also perturbs the function of somatic cells and germ cells through epigenetic regulation, giving rise to infertile or sub-fertile males. In addition, we also summarized the other findings related to cadmium-induced oxidative toxicity, apoptotic toxicity, and autophagic toxicity, along with their possible mechanisms in the testicular tissue of different animal species. Consequently, cadmium represents a high-risk factor for male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waseem Ali
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Yonggang Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Jiaqiao Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Hui Zou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Correspondence:
| | - Zongping Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
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43
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Kolosova II, Shatorna VF. Toxicity of cadmium salts on indicators of embryogenesis of rats. REGULATORY MECHANISMS IN BIOSYSTEMS 2022. [DOI: 10.15421/022243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal which is considered a dangerous environmental pollutant and has a detrimental effect on the organs of the reproductive system, the period of implantation and the development of embryos. The experiment presented in this article established the effect of cadmium salts (chloride and citrate) on the general progress of embryogenesis. For this purpose, 60 rats were randomly divided into three groups: control, experimental group with cadmium chloride exposure and experimental group with cadmium citrate exposure. Cadmium chloride solvent, cadmium citrate solvent at a dose of 1.0 mg/kg and distilled intragastric water were injected from the first to the thirteenth (first subgroup) and from the first to the twentieth days of embryogenesis (second subgroup). When cadmium chloride was injected, total embryonic (by 4.24 and 3.67 times), pre-implantation (by 6.50 and 14.03 times) and post-implantation mortality (by 3.07 and 2.49 times) increased with a reduction of the number of surviving fetuses by 24.0% and 25.9% compared with the control group on the 13th and 20th days of embryogenesis respectively. At the same time, during exposure to cadmium citrate, indicators of total embryonic mortality increased by 4.02 and 3.52 times, pre-implantation mortality by 6.04 and 13.03 times, and post-implantation mortality by 3.09 and 2.26 times, and indicators of the number of live fetuses decreased by 18.3% and 22.2% in relation to the control group. When determining the accumulation of cadmium in embryos on the 20th day of gestation, polyelement analysis of biological materials using the atomic emission method with electric arc atomization revealed a 15.83-fold increase in cadmium chloride and 9.00 times in cadmium citrate relative to the control group. Embryolethality rates increased in animals of both experimental groups while the number of live fetuses per female decreased, which indicated an obvious embryotoxic effect of cadmium compounds. It is would be useful to conduct histological studies, which will help detect changes at the tissue level and possibly explain the level of embryonic mortality.
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Bakr AG, Hassanein EHM, Ali FEM, El-Shoura EAM. Combined apocynin and carvedilol protect against cadmium-induced testicular damage via modulation of inflammatory response and redox-sensitive pathways. Life Sci 2022; 311:121152. [PMID: 36336125 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.121152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Adel G Bakr
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch, Assiut 71524, Egypt
| | - Emad H M Hassanein
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch, Assiut 71524, Egypt
| | - Fares E M Ali
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch, Assiut 71524, Egypt.
| | - Ehab A M El-Shoura
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch, Assiut 71524, Egypt
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Blanco Muñoz J, Lope V, Fernández de Larrea-Baz N, Gómez-Ariza JL, Dierssen-Sotos T, Fernández-Tardón G, Aragonés N, Amiano P, Gómez-Acebo I, Tardón A, Grau-Pérez M, García-Barrera T, Kogevinas M, Pollán M, Pérez-Gómez B. Levels and determinants of urinary cadmium in general population in Spain: Metal-MCC-Spain study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 210:112959. [PMID: 35189102 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.112959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cadmium is a ubiquitous and persistent metal, associated with different harmful health effects and with increased morbidity and mortality. Understanding the main sources of exposure is essential to identify at risk populations and to design public health interventions. OBJECTIVE To evaluate cadmium exposure in a random-sample of general adult population from three regions of Spain, assessed by the urinary cadmium (U-Cd) concentration, and to identify its potential determinants and sex-specific differences, including sociodemographic, lifestyle and dietary factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS We measured U-Cd (μg/g creatinine) in single urine spot samples from 1282 controls enrolled in the multicase-control study in common tumors in Spain (MCC-Spain) with inductively coupling plasma-mass spectrometry equipped with an octopole reaction systems (ICP-ORS-MS). The association between sociodemographic, lifestyle, and dietary characteristics and U-Cd concentrations was evaluated using geometric mean ratios (GMR) estimated by multiple log-linear regression models. RESULTS Overall, geometric mean U-Cd concentration was 0.40 (95%CI: 0.38, 0.41) μg/g creatinine. Levels were higher in women than in men (GMR]: 1.19; 95%CI: 1.07, 1.32), and increased with age in males (ptrend< 0.001). Cigarette smoking was clearly associated to U-Cd levels (GMRformer vs non-smokers: 1.16; 95%CI: 1.05, 1.29; GMRcurrent vs non-smokers: 1.42; 95%CI: 1.26, 1.60); the relationship with secondhand tobacco exposure in non-smokers, was restricted to women (pinteraction = 0.02). Sampling season and region also seemed to influence U-Cd concentrations, with lower levels in summer (GMRsummer vs average: 0.79; 95%CI: 0.71, 0.88), and higher levels in North-Spain Asturias (GMRAsturias vs average: 1.13; 95%CI: 1.04, 1.23). Regarding diet, higher U-Cd concentration was associated with eggs consumption only in men (pinteraction = 0.04), just as rice intake was associated in women (pinteraction = 0.03). CONCLUSION These results confirmed that tobacco exposure is the main modifiable predictor of U-Cd concentrations, and remark that the role of dietary/sociodemographic factors on U-Cd levels may differ by sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Blanco Muñoz
- Department of Environmental Health. Centro de Investigación en Salud Poblacional, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública. Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Virginia Lope
- Department of Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases, National Center for Epidemiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Av/Monforte de Lemos, 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III. Av/Monforte de Lemos, 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Nerea Fernández de Larrea-Baz
- Department of Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases, National Center for Epidemiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Av/Monforte de Lemos, 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III. Av/Monforte de Lemos, 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Luis Gómez-Ariza
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Campus El Carmen, University of Huelva. Research Center for Natural Resources, Health and the Environment, Campus El Carmen, University of Huelva, Av. del Tres de Marzo, 3, 21007, Huelva, Spain
| | - Trinidad Dierssen-Sotos
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III. Av/Monforte de Lemos, 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain; Universidad de Cantabria - IDIVAL, 39011, Santander, Spain
| | - Guillermo Fernández-Tardón
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III. Av/Monforte de Lemos, 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain; Institute of Health Research of the Principality of Asturias (ISPA)/University of Oviedo, 03301, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Nuria Aragonés
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III. Av/Monforte de Lemos, 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain; Epidemiology Section, Public Health Division, Department of Health of Madrid, Madrid, Spain. C/San Martín de Porres, 6, 28035, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Amiano
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III. Av/Monforte de Lemos, 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain; Sub-Directorate for Public Health and Addictions of Gipuzkoa, Ministry of Health of the Basque Government, 20013, San Sebastian, Spain; Epidemiology and Public Health Area, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, 20014, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Inés Gómez-Acebo
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III. Av/Monforte de Lemos, 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain; Universidad de Cantabria - IDIVAL, 39011, Santander, Spain
| | - Adonina Tardón
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III. Av/Monforte de Lemos, 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain; Institute of Health Research of the Principality of Asturias (ISPA)/University of Oviedo, 03301, Oviedo, Spain
| | - María Grau-Pérez
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid/ IdiPAZ, 28049, Madrid, Spain; Cardiometabolic and Renal Risk Unit, Biomedical Research Institute INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
| | - Tamara García-Barrera
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Campus El Carmen, University of Huelva. Research Center for Natural Resources, Health and the Environment, Campus El Carmen, University of Huelva, Av. del Tres de Marzo, 3, 21007, Huelva, Spain
| | - Manolis Kogevinas
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III. Av/Monforte de Lemos, 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Salud Global de Barcelona (ISGlobal), 08003, Barcelona, Spain; Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marina Pollán
- Department of Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases, National Center for Epidemiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Av/Monforte de Lemos, 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III. Av/Monforte de Lemos, 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Pérez-Gómez
- Department of Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases, National Center for Epidemiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Av/Monforte de Lemos, 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III. Av/Monforte de Lemos, 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
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46
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Ikokide EJ, Oyagbemi AA, Oyeyemi MO. Impacts of cadmium on male fertility: Lessons learnt so far. Andrologia 2022; 54:e14516. [PMID: 35765120 DOI: 10.1111/and.14516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most dangerous heavy metals in the world. Globally, toxicities associated with cadmium and its attendant negative impact on humans and animals cannot be under-estimated. Cd is a heavy metal, and people are exposed to it through contaminated foods and smoking. Cd exerts its deleterious impacts on the testes (male reproductive system) by inducing oxidative stress, spermatogenic cells apoptosis, testicular inflammation, decreasing androgenic and sperm cell functions, disrupting ionic homeostasis, pathways and epigenetic gene regulation, damaging vascular endothelium and blood testes barrier. In association with other industrial by-products, Cd has been incriminated for the recent decline of male fertility rate seen in both man and animals. Understanding the processes involved in Cd-induced testicular toxicity is vital for the innovation of techniques that will help ameliorate infertility in males. In this review, we summed up recent studies on the processes of testicular toxicity and male infertility due to Cd exposure. Also, the usage of different compounds including phytochemicals, and plant extracts to manage Cd reprotoxicity will be reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Joseph Ikokide
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Ademola Adetokunbo Oyagbemi
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
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47
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Branca JJV, Carrino D, Paternostro F, Morucci G, Fiorillo C, Nicoletti C, Gulisano M, Ghelardini C, Di Cesare Mannelli L, Becatti M, Pacini A. The Protection of Zinc against Acute Cadmium Exposure: A Morphological and Molecular Study on a BBB In Vitro Model. Cells 2022; 11:cells11101646. [PMID: 35626683 PMCID: PMC9140137 DOI: 10.3390/cells11101646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is a well-known occupational and environmental pollutant worldwide, and its toxicity is widely recognised. Cd is reported to increase the permeability of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and to penetrate and accumulate in the brain. Although many lines of evidence show that Cd toxicity is induced by different mechanisms, one of the best known is the Cd-dependent production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Zinc is a trace element known as coenzyme and cofactor for many antioxidant proteins, such as metallothioneins and superoxide dismutase enzymes. To date, very little is known about the role of Zn in preventing Cd-induced blood–brain barrier (BBB) alterations. The goal of this study was to test the Zn antioxidant capacity against Cd-dependent alterations in a rat brain endothelial cell line (RBE4), as an in vitro model for BBB. In order to mimic acute Cd poisoning, RBE4 cells were treated with CdCl2 30 µM for 24 h. The protective role of ZnCl2 (50 µM) was revealed by evaluating the cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) quantification, cytochrome C distribution, and the superoxide dismutase (SOD) protein activity. Additionally, the effectiveness of Zn in counteracting the Cd-induced damage was investigated by evaluating the expression levels of proteins already known to be involved in the Cd signalling pathway, such as GRP78 (an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress protein), caspase3 pro- and cleaved forms, and BAX. Finally, we evaluated if Zn was able to attenuate the alterations of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), one of the tight-junction (TJ) proteins involved in the formation of the BBB. Our data clearly demonstrate that Zn, by protecting from the SOD activity impairment induced by Cd, is able to prevent the triggering of the Cd-dependent signalling pathway that leads to ZO-1 dislocation and downregulation, and BBB damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo J. V. Branca
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Histology and Anatomy Section, University of Firenze, 50134 Firenze, Italy; (J.J.V.B.); (D.C.); (F.P.); (C.N.); (M.G.)
| | - Donatello Carrino
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Histology and Anatomy Section, University of Firenze, 50134 Firenze, Italy; (J.J.V.B.); (D.C.); (F.P.); (C.N.); (M.G.)
| | - Ferdinando Paternostro
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Histology and Anatomy Section, University of Firenze, 50134 Firenze, Italy; (J.J.V.B.); (D.C.); (F.P.); (C.N.); (M.G.)
| | - Gabriele Morucci
- Department of Translational Research and New Technology in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Claudia Fiorillo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences ‘Mario Serio’, University of Firenze, 50134 Firenze, Italy; (C.F.); (M.B.)
| | - Claudio Nicoletti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Histology and Anatomy Section, University of Firenze, 50134 Firenze, Italy; (J.J.V.B.); (D.C.); (F.P.); (C.N.); (M.G.)
| | - Massimo Gulisano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Histology and Anatomy Section, University of Firenze, 50134 Firenze, Italy; (J.J.V.B.); (D.C.); (F.P.); (C.N.); (M.G.)
| | - Carla Ghelardini
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Firenze, 50139 Firenze, Italy; (C.G.); (L.D.C.M.)
| | - Lorenzo Di Cesare Mannelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Firenze, 50139 Firenze, Italy; (C.G.); (L.D.C.M.)
| | - Matteo Becatti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences ‘Mario Serio’, University of Firenze, 50134 Firenze, Italy; (C.F.); (M.B.)
| | - Alessandra Pacini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Histology and Anatomy Section, University of Firenze, 50134 Firenze, Italy; (J.J.V.B.); (D.C.); (F.P.); (C.N.); (M.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-055-2758067
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Yang Y, Li Q, Huang R, Xia H, Tang Y, Mai W, Liang J, Ma S, Chen D, Feng Y, Lei Y, Zhang Q, Huang Y. Small-Molecule-Driven Direct Reprogramming of Fibroblasts into Functional Sertoli-Like Cells as a Model for Male Reproductive Toxicology. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2022; 6:e2101184. [PMID: 35212192 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202101184] [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: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Sertoli cells (SCs) are vital to providing morphological and nutritional support for spermatogenesis. Defects in SCs often lead to infertility. SCs transplantation is a promising potential strategy to compensate for SC dysfunction. However, isolation of SCs from testes is impractical due to obvious and ethical limitations. Here, a molecular cocktail is identified comprising of pan-BET family inhibitor (I-BET151), retinoic acid, and riluzole that enables the efficient conversion of fibroblasts into functional Sertoli-like cells (CiSCs). The gene expression profiles of CiSCs resemble those of mature SCs and exhibit functional properties such as the formation of testicular seminiferous tubules, engulfment of apoptotic sperms, supporting the survival of germ cells, and suppressing proliferation of primary lymphocytes in vitro. Moreover, CiSCs are sensitive to toxic substances, making them an alternative model to study the deleterious effects of toxicants on SCs. The study provides an efficient approach to reprogram fibroblasts into functional SCs by using pure chemical compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Yang
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Quan Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Rufei Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Huan Xia
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yan Tang
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Wanwen Mai
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Jinlian Liang
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Siying Ma
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Derong Chen
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yuqing Feng
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.,Department of Pharmacology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yaling Lei
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Qihao Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yadong Huang
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
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49
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Jeng HA, Sikdar S, Huang YL, Pan CH. Mixture analysis of associations between exposure to low levels of multiple metals and semen quality and sperm DNA integrity. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART A, TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2022; 57:318-326. [PMID: 35389820 DOI: 10.1080/10934529.2022.2061256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to assess the association of exposure to metal mixtures with semen quality and sperm DNA integrity of coke oven workers (n = 96). Urinary six metals (cadmium, lead, arsenic, zinc, selenium, and copper) were quantified using inductively coupled-mass spectrometry. Semen quality parameters included sperm concentration, sperm concentration, sperm motility, sperm morphology, and sperm viability. Sperm DNA fragmentation and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodGuo) adducts served as biomarkers for assessing sperm DNA integrity. Bayesian kernel machine regression with the hierarchical variable selection process was used for analyzing both individual and joint effects of the metal mixture on the outcomes of semen samples, while adjusting for age, smoking, alcohol consumption, job length, and body mass index. The metal mixture was associated with reduced sperm concentration, motility, viability, and normal morphology. It was novel that a dose-response relationship was observed between exposure of the metal mixture and semen quality. Among the metals tested, cadmium had a reverse relationship with sperm motility, viability, and normal morphology, and a non-linear relationship with sperm viability and sperm motility. The metal mixture and individual metals were not associated with sperm DNA fragmentation and 8-oxodGuo. In conclusion, exposure to metal mixtures and cadmium may exert an association with semen quality and had no association with sperm DNA breakages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hueiwang Anna Jeng
- School of Community and Environmental Health, College of Health Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Sinjini Sikdar
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, College of Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Yeou-Lih Huang
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Hon Pan
- Institute of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health, Ministry of Labor, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- School of Public Health, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
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50
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Panchal H, Sachdeva SN, Bhardwaj JK. Ultrastructural analysis of cadmium-induced toxicity and its alleviation by antioxidant quercetin in caprine testicular germ cells in vitro. Ultrastruct Pathol 2022; 46:259-267. [PMID: 35377831 DOI: 10.1080/01913123.2022.2060396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Increasing evidence has demonstrated that cadmium (Cd), a common environmental toxicant, has been associated with testicular toxicity. Quercetin, an efficient flavonoid, has been shown to exert cytoprotective effect in numerous pathological processes. The current study has employed ultrastructural analysis to examine the Cd-induced toxicity in goat testicular tissue along with the ameliorative action of quercetin in a dose- and time-dependent manner in-vitro. Results of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that at lower selected concentrations (10 and 50 µM), Cd induced apoptosis-mediated cytotoxicity in testicular tissue as supported by presence of various morphological attributes of apoptosis in testicular germ cells such as condensed and marginated chromatin followed by breakdown of chromatin material, swollen mitochondria, and vacuolization. At 100 µM concentration, along with apoptosis, Cd-induced cytotoxicity in testicular tissue was associated with induction of necrosis also. However, the simultaneous supplementation of antioxidant quercetin has markedly abrogated the testicular cytotoxicity as shown by restoration of Cd-evoked aberrant ultrastructure of testicular germ cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, providing a basis for future studies to involve quercetin in management of Cd-induced reproductive toxicity in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harish Panchal
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, India
| | - Som Nath Sachdeva
- Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Kurukshetra and Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, India
| | - Jitender Kumar Bhardwaj
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, India
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