1
|
Erthal-Michelato RP, Quadreli DH, Zaninelli TH, Verri WA, Fernandes GSA. Lower malathion concentrations reduce testosterone biosynthesis by Leydig TM3 cells in vitro by altering cellular redox profile and inducing oxidative damage. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 126:108595. [PMID: 38641014 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108595] [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: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Malathion is an organophosphate pesticide used in agriculture and control of the Aedes aegypti mosquito. As previous reports have indicated the potential of malathion to compromise testosterone production in in vivo models, the objective of this study was to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the impairment of Leydig cell function, considering its critical role in male reproductive function. To this end, murine Leydig TM3 cells were exposed to concentrations of 1, 10, 100 or 1000 μM malathion for 24 h for evaluation of the compound on cell viability. Subsequently, concentrations of 1, 10, and 100 μM malathion were employed for a 24-h period to assess testosterone biosynthesis, levels of cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α, as well as the redox profile. Malathion exerted a concentration-dependent impact on cell viability. Notably, the lower concentrations of malathion (1 and 10 μM) were found to impair testosterone biosynthesis in TM3 cells. While there were changes in IL-1 and TNF-α levels at specific concentrations, no direct correlation with altered hormone production was established. Our investigation revealed that varied malathion concentrations induced oxidative stress by increase in superoxide anion and a compensatory rise in antioxidants. In conclusion, the observed changes in the oxidative profile of TM3 cells were linked to functional impairment, evidenced by reduced testosterone biosynthesis at lower malathion concentrations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela Pires Erthal-Michelato
- Department of General Biology, Biological Sciences Center, State University of Londrina - UEL, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, PR 445, Londrina, Paraná 86057-970, Brazil; Department of General Pathology, Biological Sciences Center, State University of Londrina - UEL, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, PR 445, Londrina, Paraná 86057-970, Brazil.
| | - Débora Hipólito Quadreli
- Department of General Biology, Biological Sciences Center, State University of Londrina - UEL, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, PR 445, Londrina, Paraná 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Tiago Henrique Zaninelli
- Department of General Pathology, Biological Sciences Center, State University of Londrina - UEL, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, PR 445, Londrina, Paraná 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Waldiceu Aparecido Verri
- Department of General Pathology, Biological Sciences Center, State University of Londrina - UEL, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, PR 445, Londrina, Paraná 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Glaura Scantamburlo Alves Fernandes
- Department of General Biology, Biological Sciences Center, State University of Londrina - UEL, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, PR 445, Londrina, Paraná 86057-970, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Erthal-Michelato RP, Frigoli GF, de Aquino AM, Punhagui-Umbelino APF, Scarano WR, Fernandes GSA. Low doses of malathion impair ovarian, uterine, and follicular integrity by altering oxidative profile and gene expression of rats exposed during the peripubertal period. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:21721-21736. [PMID: 38393561 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32494-9] [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: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Malathion serves as a pivotal pesticide in agriculture and the management of the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Despite its widespread use, there is a notable absence of studies elucidating the mechanisms through which malathion may affect the female reproductive system. Consequently, the objective of this investigation was to assess whether exposing juvenile female rats to low doses of malathion during the juvenile and peripubertal periods could compromise pubertal onset, estradiol levels, and the integrity of the ovaries and uterus while also examining the underlying mechanisms of damage. To achieve this, thirty juvenile female rats were subjected to either a vehicle or malathion (10 mg/kg or 50 mg/kg) between postnatal days 22 and 60, with subsequent verification of pubertal onset. Upon completion of the exposure period, blood samples were collected for estradiol assessment. The ovaries and uterus were then examined to evaluate histological integrity, oxidative stress, and the expression of genes associated with cell proliferation, antiapoptotic responses, and endocrine pathways. Although estradiol levels and pubertal onset remained unaffected, exposure to malathion compromised the integrity and morphometry of the ovaries and uterus. This was evidenced by altered oxidative profiles and changes in the expression of genes regulating the cell cycle, anti-apoptotic processes, and endocrine pathways. Our findings underscore the role of malathion in inducing cell proliferation, promoting cell survival, and causing oxidative damage to the female reproductive system in rats exposed during peripubertal periods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela Pires Erthal-Michelato
- Department of General Biology, Biological Sciences Center, State University of Londrina (UEL), Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, PR 445, Londrina, Paraná, 86057-970, Brazil
- Department of General Pathology, Biological Sciences Center, State University of Londrina (UEL), Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, PR 445, Londrina, Paraná, 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Giovanna Fachetti Frigoli
- Department of General Biology, Biological Sciences Center, State University of Londrina (UEL), Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, PR 445, Londrina, Paraná, 86057-970, Brazil
- Department of General Pathology, Biological Sciences Center, State University of Londrina (UEL), Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, PR 445, Londrina, Paraná, 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Ariana Musa de Aquino
- Department of Morphology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Sao Paulo, 18618-689, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Franco Punhagui-Umbelino
- Department of General Biology, Biological Sciences Center, State University of Londrina (UEL), Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, PR 445, Londrina, Paraná, 86057-970, Brazil
- Department of General Pathology, Biological Sciences Center, State University of Londrina (UEL), Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, PR 445, Londrina, Paraná, 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Wellerson Rodrigo Scarano
- Department of Morphology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Sao Paulo, 18618-689, Brazil
| | - Glaura Scantamburlo Alves Fernandes
- Department of General Biology, Biological Sciences Center, State University of Londrina (UEL), Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, PR 445, Londrina, Paraná, 86057-970, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Pupim ACE, Basso CR, Machado CCA, Watanabe PS, Fernandes GSA, ErthalL RP, Sodré GBC, Guarnier FA, Simão ANC, Araújo EJA. Long-term and low dose oral malathion exposure causes morphophysiological changes in the colon of rats. Life Sci 2023; 327:121840. [PMID: 37290667 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121840] [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: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malathion (MAL) is an organophosphate insecticide that inhibits cholinesterases, used to control pests in agriculture and to combat mosquitoes that transmit various arboviruses. As acetylcholine is one of the major neurotransmitters of the enteric nervous system (ENS), humans exposed to MAL by ingestion of contaminated food and water can develop symptoms due disfunction of the gastrointestinal tract. Although the deleterious effects after exposure to high doses are recognized, little is known about the long-term and low-dose effects of this pesticide on the structure and motility of the colon. AIMS to evaluate the effects of prolonged oral exposure to low levels of MAL on the wall structure and colonic motility parameters of young rats. MAIN METHODS The animals were divided into three groups: control, and groups that received 10 or 50 mg/kg of MAL via gavage for 40 days. The colon was collected for histological analysis and analysis of the ENS through the evaluation of total neurons and subpopulations of the myenteric and submucosal plexuses. Cholinesterase activity and functional analyzes of the colon were evaluated. KEY FINDINGS MAL treatments (10 and 50 mg/Kg) reduced the butyrylcholinesterase activity, and caused enlargement of faecal pellets, atrophy of muscle layers and several changes in neurons of both myenteric and submucosal plexi. Considering colonic contraction, MAL (50 mg/Kg) increased the number of retrograde colonic migratory motor complexes. SIGNIFICANCE The long-term exposure to low doses of MAL affects colonic morphophysiology, which highlights the need to intensify control and care in the use of this pesticide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A C E Pupim
- Department of Histology, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil.
| | - C R Basso
- Department of Histology, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - C C A Machado
- Department of Histology, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - P S Watanabe
- Department of Histology, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - G S A Fernandes
- Department of General Biology, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - R P ErthalL
- Department of General Biology, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - G B C Sodré
- Department of Histology, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - F A Guarnier
- Department of Pathological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - A N C Simão
- Department of Pathology, Clinical Analysis and Toxicology, State University of Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - E J A Araújo
- Department of Histology, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Malathion exposure during juvenile and peripubertal periods downregulate androgen receptor and 17-ß-HSD testicular gene expression and compromised sperm quality in rats. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2023; 14:286-293. [PMID: 36336997 DOI: 10.1017/s2040174422000599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Malathion is an insecticide that is used to control arboviruses and agricultural pests. Adolescents that are exposed to this insecticide are the most vulnerable as they are in the critical period of postnatal sexual development. This study aimed to evaluate whether malathion damage can affect sperm function and its respective mechanisms when adolescents are exposed during postnatal sexual development. Twenty-four male Wistar rats (PND 25) were divided into three experimental groups and treated daily for 40 d: control group (saline 0.9%), 10 mg/kg (M10 group), or 50 mg/kg (M50 group) of malathion. At PND 65, the rats were anesthetized and euthanized. Testicles were collected for the evaluation of gene expression. Sperm cells from the epididymis were used for evaluation of the oxidative profile or spermatic function. Data showed that a lower dose of malathion downregulated the gene expression of androgen receptors and testosterone converter enzyme 17-β-HSD in the testis. The acrosomal integrity of sperm cells was compromised in the M50 group, but not the M10 group. The mitochondrial activity was not impaired by exposure. Finally, although no alterations in malondialdehyde and glutathione levels were observed, malathion, at both doses, increased antioxidant enzyme catalase activity and, at a higher dose, superoxide dismutase activity. The present study showed that low doses of malathion considered to be inoffensive are capable of impairing sperm quality and function through the downregulation of testicular genic expression of AR enzyme 17-β-HSD and can damage the spermatic antioxidant profile during critical periods of development.
Collapse
|
5
|
Garcia-Laguna G, Gerena-Cruz MF, Sánchez AY, Monroy-Gomez J, Dueñas Z. Chronic stress caused by maternal separation is a possible risk factor for the development of 7,12-dimethyl benzo anthracene-induced breast tumors in rats. Physiol Behav 2021; 235:113399. [PMID: 33766603 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2021.113399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic stress has been investigated as a risk factor for breast cancer. Maternal separation (MS) of rats has been used as a chronic stress model that alters certain systemic functions, such as the immune response. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine the possible effect of MS on the development of breast tumors induced by 7,12-dimethyl benzo anthracene (DMBA). METHODOLOGY postnatal day (PND) 1 female Wistar rats were divided into four experimental groups that either were or were not subjected to MS and either received or did not receive DMBA. For MS, PND 1 to 21 pups were separated from their mothers for 360 min/day. On PND 30, carcinomas were induced in mammary glands using DMBA. Body weight was evaluated, and the injected region was palpated. In addition, the mammary glands were subjected to histological examination, and corticosterone levels were determined in all groups. RESULTS DMBA-induced groups had significantly lower body weight gain compared with the non-DMBA-induced groups. Maternal separation increased the incidence of preneoplastic changes and breast carcinogenesis in DMBA-treated animals compared with control animals. Corticosterone levels were increased in both DMBA-induced and MS groups without interaction. CONCLUSION MS is a possible risk factor for DMBA-induced preneoplastic changes and breast tumors in rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Garcia-Laguna
- Universidad del Rosario, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la salud, Grupo de investigación Ciencias de la Rehabilitación, Centro de Estudios en Medición de la Actividad Física (CEMA), Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - María Fernanda Gerena-Cruz
- Grupo de Investigación Neurobiología y Comportamiento - Facultad de Medicina - Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia
| | - Angel Yobany Sánchez
- Grupo de Patología - Facultad de Medicina - Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia
| | - Jeison Monroy-Gomez
- Grupo de Investigación Capacidades Humanas, Salud e Inclusión - Institución Universitaria Escuela Colombiana de Rehabilitacion, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia
| | - Zulma Dueñas
- Grupo de Investigación Neurobiología y Comportamiento - Facultad de Medicina - Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia
| |
Collapse
|