The combination of ginger and zinc supplement could improve lead-induced reproductive dysfunction by inhibiting apoptosis mediated by oxidative damage and inflammation

Zingerone modulates the circulating steroids hormone levels and testicular steroidogenic markers expression in mice: An in vivo and in silico study

Zingerone (4-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-butanone) is a phytochemical with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It has been shown that zingerone protects testis under pathological conditions by its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. However, there is no direct evidence that zingerone specifically affects the testicular steroidogenesis in normal conditions. Therefore, in this study, we have investigated the effects of zingerone on testicular steroidogenesis by using in vivo and silico approaches. The mice were divided into four groups: Control, 10, 25, and 50 mg/kg dosages of zingerone, which were administered orally for 35 days. It was observed that zingerone treatment modulates both circulating hormone levels and the expression of steroidogenic protein markers. Specifically, the higher doses of zingerone resulted in an increase in the circulating estrogen and androstenedione levels, while progesterone, testosterone, and follicle-stimulating hormone levels were reduced. Further, no significant change was observed in the circulating LH level. The higher doses of zingerone resulted in an increased expression and localisation of 3βHSD, CYP19A1, LHR and decreased expression and localisation of StAR, CYP11A1, and 17βHSD protein. Our silico studies showed that the steroidogenic proteins (CYP11A1, 3βHSD, 17βHSD) when double docked with zingerone alongside its native ligands (cholesterol, pregnenolone, androstenedione) showed an increase in the binding affinity. In contrast, StAR, CYP19A1 when double docked with zingerone and its native ligands exhibited a lesser binding affinity compared to when these proteins were single docked with their native ligand and zingerone. In conclusion, in vivo study showed zingerone stimulates androstenedione, estrogen secretion and up-regulates the expression of CYP19A1, LHR and 3βHSD proteins, whereas it down-regulates the expression of StAR, CYP11A1 and 17βHSD proteins and circulating testosterone, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone levels. Furthermore, in silico study has also shown the binding affinities of zingerone with the steroidogenic markers. Thus, zingerone has modulatory effects on testicular steroid biosynthesis in normal mice.

Palliative Effect of Combined Application of Zinc and Selenium on Reproductive Injury Induced by Tripterygium Glycosides in Male Rats

The long-term use of tripterygium glycosides (TG) can lead to male reproductive damage. Research indicates that zinc and selenium exhibit a synergistic effect in the male reproductive system, with the combined preparation demonstrating superior therapeutic effects compared to individual preparations. The purpose of this study was to explore the specific mechanism by which zinc and selenium mitigate reproductive toxicity induced by TG in male rats. Rats were randomly assigned to three groups: control group (C group), model group (M group, receiving TG at 30 mg/kg/day), and model + zinc + selenium group (ZS group). The ZS group was also given TG gavage for the first 4 weeks. Starting from the fifth week until the conclusion of the eighth week, the ZS group received an additional protective treatment of 10 mg/kg/day Zn and 0.1 mg/kg/day Se 4 h after TG administration. Following euthanasia, blood samples, rat testis, and epididymis tissues were collected for further experiments. Combined zinc-selenium treatment corrects the imbalance of zinc-selenium homeostasis in testicular tissue induced by TG. This is achieved by upregulating the expression of metal transcription factor (MTF1) and zinc transporters ZIP8 and ZIP14 and downregulating the expression of ZnT10. Improvement of zinc and selenium homeostasis enhanced the expression of zinc-containing enzymes (ADH, LDH, and ALP) and selenoproteins (GPx1 and SELENOP) in the testis. At the same time, zinc and selenium mitigate TG-induced reproductive damage by promoting the activity of antioxidant enzymes and upregulating the expression of proteins associated with the oxidative stress pathway, including Nrf2, Keap1, HO-1, PI3K, and p-AKT.

Phytochemicals Involved in Mitigating Silent Toxicity Induced by Heavy Metals

Heavy metals (HMs) are natural elements present in the Earth's crust, characterised by a high atomic mass and a density more than five times higher than water. Despite their origin from natural sources, extensive usage and processing of raw materials and their presence as silent poisons in our daily products and diets have drastically altered their biochemical balance, making them a threat to the environment and human health. Particularly, the food chain polluted with toxic metals represents a crucial route of human exposure. Therefore, the impact of HMs on human health has become a matter of concern because of the severe chronic effects induced by their excessive levels in the human body. Chelation therapy is an approved valid treatment for HM poisoning; however, despite the efficacy demonstrated by chelating agents, various dramatic side effects may occur. Numerous data demonstrate that dietary components and phytoantioxidants play a significant role in preventing or reducing the damage induced by HMs. This review summarises the role of various phytochemicals, plant and herbal extracts or probiotics in promoting human health by mitigating the toxic effects of different HMs.