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Gomes-Andrade D, Guerra-Carvalho B, Carrageta DF, Bernardino RL, Braga PC, Oliveira PF, de Lourdes Pereira M, Alves MG. Exposure to toxicologically relevant atrazine concentrations impair the glycolytic function of mouse Sertoli cells through the downregulation of lactate dehydrogenase. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2024; 486:116929. [PMID: 38608961 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2024.116929] [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: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Atrazine (ATZ), a widely used herbicide with potent endocrine-disrupting properties, has been implicated in hormonal disturbances and fertility issues. Sertoli cells (SCs) play a crucial role in providing mechanical and nutritional support of spermatogenesis. Herein, we aimed to study the effects of environmentally relevant ATZ concentrations on the nutritional support of spermatogenesis provided by SCs. For that, mouse SCs (TM4) were exposed to increasing ATZ concentrations (in μg/L: 0.3, 3, 30, 300, or 3000). After 24 h, cellular proliferation and metabolic activity were assessed. Mitochondrial activity and endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were evaluated using JC-1 and CM-H2DCFDA probes, respectively. We also analyzed protein levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) using Western Blot and live cells glycolytic function through Seahorse XF Glycolysis Stress Test Kit. ATZ exposure decreased the activity of oxidoreductases in SCs, suggesting a decreased metabolic activity. Although ATZ is reported to induce oxidative stress, we did not observe alterations in mitochondrial membrane potential and ROS production across all tested concentrations. When we evaluated the glycolytic function of SCs, we observed that ATZ significantly impaired glycolysis and the glycolytic capacity at all tested concentrations. These results were supported by the decreased expression of LDH in SCs. Overall, our findings suggest that ATZ impairs the glycolytic function of SCs through LDH downregulation. Since lactate is the preferential energetic substrate for germ cells, exposure to ATZ may detrimentally impact the nutritional support crucial for spermatogenesis, hinting for a relationship between ATZ exposure and male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bárbara Guerra-Carvalho
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, UMIB - Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; LAQV-REQUIMTE and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - David F Carrageta
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, UMIB - Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Raquel L Bernardino
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, UMIB - Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Patrícia C Braga
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, UMIB - Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro F Oliveira
- LAQV-REQUIMTE and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Maria de Lourdes Pereira
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal; CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Marco G Alves
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal; iBiMED - Institute of Biomedicine, University of Aveiro(,) Aveiro, Portugal.
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2
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Lahimer M, Abou Diwan M, Montjean D, Cabry R, Bach V, Ajina M, Ben Ali H, Benkhalifa M, Khorsi-Cauet H. Endocrine disrupting chemicals and male fertility: from physiological to molecular effects. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1232646. [PMID: 37886048 PMCID: PMC10598475 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1232646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The deleterious effects of chemical or non-chemical endocrine disruptors (EDs) on male fertility potential is well documented but still not fully elucidated. For example, the detection of industrial chemicals' metabolites in seminal plasma and follicular fluid can affect efficiency of the gametogenesis, the maturation and competency of gametes and has guided scientists to hypothesize that endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) may disrupt hormonal homoeostasis by leading to a wide range of hormonal control impairments. The effects of EDCs exposure on reproductive health are highly dependent on factors including the type of EDCs, the duration of exposure, individual susceptibility, and the presence of other co-factors. Research and scientists continue to study these complex interactions. The aim of this review is to summarize the literature to better understand the potential reproductive health risks of EDCs in France.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Lahimer
- ART and Reproductive Biology Laboratory, University Hospital and School of Medicine, CHU Sud, Amiens, France
- PERITOX-(UMR-I 01), UPJV/INERIS, UPJV, CURS, Chemin du Thil, Amiens, France
- Exercise Physiology and Physiopathology: from Integrated to Molecular “Biology, Medicine and Health” (Code: LR19ES09), Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Maria Abou Diwan
- PERITOX-(UMR-I 01), UPJV/INERIS, UPJV, CURS, Chemin du Thil, Amiens, France
| | - Debbie Montjean
- Fertilys, Centres de Fertilité, Laval and Brossard, QC, Canada
| | - Rosalie Cabry
- ART and Reproductive Biology Laboratory, University Hospital and School of Medicine, CHU Sud, Amiens, France
- PERITOX-(UMR-I 01), UPJV/INERIS, UPJV, CURS, Chemin du Thil, Amiens, France
| | - Véronique Bach
- PERITOX-(UMR-I 01), UPJV/INERIS, UPJV, CURS, Chemin du Thil, Amiens, France
| | - Mounir Ajina
- Service of Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital Farhat Hached, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Habib Ben Ali
- Laboratory Histology Embryology, Faculty of Medicine Sousse, University of Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Moncef Benkhalifa
- ART and Reproductive Biology Laboratory, University Hospital and School of Medicine, CHU Sud, Amiens, France
- PERITOX-(UMR-I 01), UPJV/INERIS, UPJV, CURS, Chemin du Thil, Amiens, France
| | - Hafida Khorsi-Cauet
- ART and Reproductive Biology Laboratory, University Hospital and School of Medicine, CHU Sud, Amiens, France
- PERITOX-(UMR-I 01), UPJV/INERIS, UPJV, CURS, Chemin du Thil, Amiens, France
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3
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Das S, Sakr H, Al-Huseini I, Jetti R, Al-Qasmi S, Sugavasi R, Sirasanagandla SR. Atrazine Toxicity: The Possible Role of Natural Products for Effective Treatment. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:2278. [PMID: 37375903 DOI: 10.3390/plants12122278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
There are various herbicides which were used in the agriculture industry. Atrazine (ATZ) is a chlorinated triazine herbicide that consists of a ring structure, known as the triazine ring, along with a chlorine atom and five nitrogen atoms. ATZ is a water-soluble herbicide, which makes it capable of easily infiltrating into majority of the aquatic ecosystems. There are reports of toxic effects of ATZ on different systems of the body but, unfortunately, majority of these scientific reports were documented in animals. The herbicide was reported to enter the body through various routes. The toxicity of the herbicide can cause deleterious effects on the respiratory, reproductive, endocrine, central nervous system, gastrointestinal, and urinary systems of the human body. Alarmingly, few studies in industrial workers showed ATZ exposure leading to cancer. We embarked on the present review to discuss the mechanism of action of ATZ toxicity for which there is no specific antidote or drug. Evidence-based published literature on the effective use of natural products such as lycopene, curcumin, Panax ginseng, Spirulina platensis, Fucoidans, vitamin C, soyabeans, quercetin, L-carnitine, Telfairia occidentalis, vitamin E, Garcinia kola, melatonin, selenium, Isatis indigotica, polyphenols, Acacia nilotica, and Zingiber officinale were discussed in detail. In the absence of any particular allopathic drug, the present review may open the doors for future drug design involving the natural products and their active compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srijit Das
- Department of Human and Clinical Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat 123, Oman
| | - Hussein Sakr
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat 123, Oman
| | - Isehaq Al-Huseini
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat 123, Oman
| | - Raghu Jetti
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha 62521, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sara Al-Qasmi
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat 123, Oman
| | - Raju Sugavasi
- Department of Anatomy, Fathima Institute of Medical Sciences, Kadapa 516003, India
| | - Srinivasa Rao Sirasanagandla
- Department of Human and Clinical Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat 123, Oman
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Petrova E, Meierdierks J, Finkel M, Grathwohl P. Legacy pollutants in fractured aquifers: Analytical approximations for back diffusion to predict atrazine concentrations under uncertainty. JOURNAL OF CONTAMINANT HYDROLOGY 2023; 255:104161. [PMID: 36870120 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2023.104161] [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: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
We present novel analytical approximations for the estimation of travel distance and relative height of solute concentration peaks within a single fracture system for pollutants that have been temporarily applied at a constant rate in the past. These approximations are used to investigate the spatiotemporal evolution of the concentration of atrazine, as an example for many other so-called legacy compounds that are still found in the groundwater of fractured rock aquifers even decades after their application has stopped. This is done in a stochastic framework to account for the uncertainty in relevant parameters, focusing on probabilities of exceeding the given legal concentration limit and the expected length of the recovery period. We specifically consider the properties of the Muschelkalk limestone aquifer in the Ammer river catchment in SW Germany, and the three major types of carbonate rock facies: Shoal, Tempestite, and Basinal limestones. Atrazine sorption parameters have been determined in laboratory experiments. The simulations confirm that diffusion-limited sorption and desorption may cause considerable atrazine levels long after application stop. For the properties of the considered rock facies types, and corresponding parameter ranges, atrazine concentration above the legal limit is supposed to be limited to locations referring to only a few years of travel time. If the concentration exceeds the legal limit by the year 2022, it will take decades to centuries until recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Petrova
- Department of Geosciences, University of Tübingen, Schnarrenbergstr. 94-96, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Jana Meierdierks
- Department of Geosciences, University of Tübingen, Schnarrenbergstr. 94-96, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Michael Finkel
- Department of Geosciences, University of Tübingen, Schnarrenbergstr. 94-96, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Peter Grathwohl
- Department of Geosciences, University of Tübingen, Schnarrenbergstr. 94-96, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
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Marcu D, Keyser S, Petrik L, Fuhrimann S, Maree L. Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) and Male Reproductive Health: Challenging the Future with a Double-Edged Sword. TOXICS 2023; 11:330. [PMID: 37112557 PMCID: PMC10141735 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11040330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Approximately 9% of couples are infertile, with half of these cases relating to male factors. While many cases of male infertility are associated with genetic and lifestyle factors, approximately 30% of cases are still idiopathic. Contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) denote substances identified in the environment for the first time or detected at low concentrations during water quality analysis. Since CEC production and use have increased in recent decades, CECs are now ubiquitous in surface and groundwater. CECs are increasingly observed in human tissues, and parallel reports indicate that semen quality is continuously declining, supporting the notion that CECs may play a role in infertility. This narrative review focuses on several CECs (including pesticides and pharmaceuticals) detected in the nearshore marine environment of False Bay, Cape Town, South Africa, and deliberates their potential effects on male fertility and the offspring of exposed parents, as well as the use of spermatozoa in toxicological studies. Collective findings report that chronic in vivo exposure to pesticides, including atrazine, simazine, and chlorpyrifos, is likely to be detrimental to the reproduction of many organisms, as well as to sperm performance in vitro. Similarly, exposure to pharmaceuticals such as diclofenac and naproxen impairs sperm motility both in vivo and in vitro. These contaminants are also likely to play a key role in health and disease in offspring sired by parents exposed to CECs. On the other side of the double-edged sword, we propose that due to its sensitivity to environmental conditions, spermatozoa could be used as a bioindicator in eco- and repro-toxicology studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Marcu
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
- Comparative Spermatology Laboratory, Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa;
| | - Shannen Keyser
- Comparative Spermatology Laboratory, Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa;
| | - Leslie Petrik
- Environmental and Nano Sciences Group, Department of Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa
| | - Samuel Fuhrimann
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Liana Maree
- Comparative Spermatology Laboratory, Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa;
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6
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Wang M, Chen J, Zhao S, Zheng J, He K, Liu W, Zhao W, Li J, Wang K, Wang Y, Liu J, Zhao L. Atrazine promotes breast cancer development by suppressing immune function and upregulating MMP expression. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 253:114691. [PMID: 36868036 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
There is evidence that the triazine herbicide atrazine, which is used extensively, is present in both surface water and groundwater, and its interfering effect on immune systems, endocrine systems, and tumours has been reported by laboratory and epidemiological studies. This study explored how atrazine affected 4T1 breast cancer cell development in vitro and in vivo. The obtained results showed that after exposure to atrazine, the cell proliferation and tumour volume were significantly increased and the expression of MMP2, MMP7, and MMP9 was upregulated. The thymus and spleen indices, the CD4 + and CD3 + lymphocyte percentages which from the spleen and inguinal lymph nodes, and the CD4 + /CD8 + ratio were noticeably lower than they were in the control group. Importantly, tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes such as CD4 + , CD8 + , and NK cells were decreased while Treg cells were increased. Moreover, IL-4 was increased and IFN-γ and TNF-α were decreased in the serum and tumour microenvironment. These results suggested that atrazine can suppress systemic as well as local tumour immune function and upregulate MMPs to promote breast tumour development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqi Wang
- Department of Gynecology, Second Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China
| | - Junyu Chen
- Department of Gynecology, Second Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China
| | - Shuhua Zhao
- Department of Gynecology, Second Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China
| | - Jingying Zheng
- Department of Gynecology, Second Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China
| | - Kang He
- Department of Rehabilitation, School of Nursing, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Jilin Academy of Environmental Science, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Weixin Zhao
- Department of Gynecology, Second Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China
| | - Jingze Li
- Department of Rehabilitation, School of Nursing, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation, School of Nursing, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Yuru Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation, School of Nursing, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Department of Gynecology, Second Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China.
| | - Lijing Zhao
- Department of Rehabilitation, School of Nursing, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
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Impact of Chronic Multi-Generational Exposure to an Environmentally Relevant Atrazine Concentration on Testicular Development and Function in Mice. Cells 2023; 12:cells12040648. [PMID: 36831314 PMCID: PMC9954248 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040648] [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: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
A common herbicide, atrazine, is associated with poor health. Atrazine acts as an endocrine disruptor at supra-environmental levels. Little research, however, has been conducted regarding chronic exposure to environmental atrazine concentrations across generations. This study utilized comprehensive endpoint measures to investigate the effects of chronic exposure to a conservative atrazine concentration (0.02 ng/mL), measured in Australian waterways, on male mice fertility across two generations. Mice were exposed through the maternal line, from the pre-conception period and through the F1 and F2 generations until three or six months of age. Atrazine did not impact sperm function, testicular morphology nor germ cell parameters but did alter the expression of steroidogenic genes in the F1, down-regulating the expression of Cyp17a1 (Cytochrome P450 family 17, subfamily A member 1; p = 0.0008) and Ddx4 (DEAD-box helicase 4; p = 0.007), and up-regulating the expression of Star (Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein; p = 0.017). In the F2, atrazine induced up-regulation in the expression of Star (p = 0.016). The current study demonstrates that chronic exposure to an environmentally relevant atrazine concentration perturbs testicular steroid-associated gene expression that varies across generations. Future studies through the paternal and combined parental lineages should be undertaken to further elucidate the multigenerational effects of atrazine on male fertility.
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8
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Rashad WA, Saadawy SF, Refaay NE. Mitigating effect of L-carnitine against atrazine-induced hepatotoxicity: histopathological and biochemical analyses in albino rats. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:22034-22045. [PMID: 36282381 PMCID: PMC9938065 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-23568-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Atrazine (ATR) is an extensively used herbicide that is often found in drinking water and waterways. After metabolization and excretion in the liver, ATR residues or its metabolites were found in tissues causing harmful effects mainly to the endocrine system and liver. This study aimed to elucidate the toxic impact of ATR on the liver and possible ameliorative effects of L-carnitine (LC). It utilized 30 adult male albino rats divided into three equal groups; the control group received 0.5 cc distilled water orally for 14 days, an ATR-treated group received ATR in a dose of 400 mg/kg BW dissolved in distilled water by oral gavage daily for 14 days, and a protected group (ATR + LC) received 400 mg/kg BW of ATR dissolved in distilled water, plus 100 mg/kg LC dissolved in distilled water by oral gavage daily for 14 days. At the end of the experiment, the liver tissue was prepared for histological and biochemical analyses and showed significant elevation of liver enzymes and oxidative parameters, altered expression of apoptotic and antiapoptotic genes, and hepatic degenerative changes in the ATR-treated group. In conclusion, atrazine induces oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in the liver of rats, and these toxic effects can be alleviated by L-carnitine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walaa A Rashad
- Faculty of Medicine, Human Anatomy & Embryology Department, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.
| | - Sara F Saadawy
- Faculty of Medicine, Medical Biochemistry Department, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Nehal E Refaay
- Faculty of Medicine, Human Anatomy & Embryology Department, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
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Yin J, Hong X, Wang J, Li W, Shi Y, Wang D, Liu R. DNA methylation 6 mA and histone methylation involved in multi-/trans-generational reproductive effects in Caenorhabditis elegans induced by Atrazine. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 249:114348. [PMID: 36508798 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.114348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Atrazine (ATR), a widely used triazine herbicide, is an environmental endocrine disruptor that can cause health problems. However, whether there are multi/trans-generational reproductive impacts of ATR have not been studied. Therefore, in this study, Caenorhabditis elegans was used as a preferable model organism to identify the multi/trans-generational reproductive toxicity of ATR. Only parental C.elegans (P0) were exposed to different concentrations (0.0004-40 mg/L) for 48 h and the subsequent offspring (F1-F5) were grown under ATR-free conditions and ATR conditions.The results showed that ATR exposure during P0 decreased fecundity, including a reduction in fertilized eggs, oocytes, and ovulation rate, delayed gonadal development, and decreased the relative area of gonad arm and germ cell number. Furthermore, continuous ATR exposure (P0-F5) causes a significant increase in reproductive toxicity in subsequent generations, although no significant toxicity occurred in the P0 generation after exposure to environmental-related concentrations, suggesting that ATR exposure might have cumulative effects. Likewise, parental exposure to ATR caused transgenerational toxicity impairments. Interestingly, only reproductive toxicity, not development toxicity, was transmitted to several generations (F1-F4), and the F2 generation showed the most notable changes. QRT-PCR results showed that genes expression related to DNA methylation 6 mA (damt-1, nmad-1) and histone H3 methylation (mes-4, met-2, set-25, set-2, and utx-1) can also be passed on to offspring. The function of H3K4 and H3K9 methylation were explored by using loss-of-function mutants for set-2, set-25, and met-2. Transmissible reproductive toxicity was absent in met-2(n4256), set-2(ok952), and set-25(n5021) mutants, which suggests that the histone methyltransferases H3K4 and H3K9 activity are indispensable for the transgenerational effect of ATR. Finally, the downstream genes of DNA methylation and histone H3 methylation were determined. ATR upregulated the expression of ZC317.7, hsp-6, and hsp-60. Mitochondrial stress in parental generation dependent transcription 6 mA modifiers may establish these epigenetic marks in progeny.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiechen Yin
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xiang Hong
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jia Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Weixi Li
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yingchi Shi
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Dayong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Ran Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China.
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10
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Mohammadi K, Sani MA, Safaei P, Rahmani J, Molaee-Aghaee E, Jafari SM. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the impacts of glyphosate on the reproductive hormones. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:62030-62041. [PMID: 34453247 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-16145-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Worldwide use of glyphosate is constantly increasing and its residues are detected in drinking water, agriculture, and food products. There are controversial data regarding the potential reproductive adverse effects of glyphosate herbicide. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on the studies in which the alteration of at least one sexual hormone including testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and estradiol was reported as a measured outcome in rats. In November 2020, 284 articles were screened, of which eight were eligible for the meta-analysis. An overall considerable effect of glyphosate exposure was found on decreasing of testosterone (7 studies, WMD = - 1.48 ng/mL; 95% CI, - 2.34 to - 0.61; P = 0.001), LH (3 studies, WMD = - 2.03 mIu/mL; 95% CI, - 3.34 to - 0.71; P = 0.003), and FSH (3 studies, WMD = - 2.28 mIu/mL; 95% CI, - 5.12 to 0.55; P = 0.115). According to our results, glyphosate intake could have major effects on the health of reproductive system. Consequently, strict monitoring of the residual glyphosate content in the drinking water, agricultural crops, and food products is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keyhan Mohammadi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmood Alizadeh Sani
- Division of Food Safety and Hygiene, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Heath, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Payam Safaei
- Division of Food Safety and Hygiene, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Heath, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jamal Rahmani
- Student Research Committee, Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Technology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ebrahim Molaee-Aghaee
- Division of Food Safety and Hygiene, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Heath, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seid Mahdi Jafari
- Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran.
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Mukherjee R, Pandya P, Baxi D, Ramachandran AV. Endocrine Disruptors-'Food' for Thought. PROCEEDINGS OF THE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY 2021; 74:432-442. [PMID: 34866764 PMCID: PMC8632730 DOI: 10.1007/s12595-021-00414-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Green vegetables, fruits, cereals, and pulses are all rich sources of antioxidants. Retinoic acid, ascorbate, proanthocyanidins, tannins, saponins, melatonin, curcumin, allicin, and alpha-lipoic acid stand documented in plants as bioactive compounds. The international dietary committee advocates a specific quantum of these natural antioxidants through diet. Interestingly, environmental pollution has indeed affected most of these farm products. The use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and heavy metals in soil has a cumulative effect on human health. Enough evidence is available for the presence of phytoestrogen, xenoestrogen, and a host of other endocrine disruptors in the food. These plant-based nutrients can mimic or enhance the natural hormone's health effects. While endocrine disruptors are found in many everyday products, this review aims to address endocrine disruptors from food in the Asian subcontinent. 'Food for thought' justifies the paradigm shift towards good endocrine health by swaying away from the conventional daily dietary recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raktim Mukherjee
- Shree P.M. Patel Institute of PG Studies and Research in Science, Affiliated to Sardar Patel University, Anand, Gujarat India
| | - Parth Pandya
- Department of Biomedical and Life Sciences, School of Science, Navrachana University, Vadodara, 391410 Gujarat India
| | - Darshee Baxi
- Department of Biomedical and Life Sciences, School of Science, Navrachana University, Vadodara, 391410 Gujarat India
| | - A. V. Ramachandran
- School of Science, Navrachana University, Vadodara, 391410 Gujarat India
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Pereira SP, Santos SMA, Fernandes MAS, Deus CM, Martins JD, Pedroso de Lima MC, Vicente JAF, Videira RA, Jurado AS. Improving pollutants environmental risk assessment using a multi model toxicity determination with in vitro, bacterial, animal and plant model systems: The case of the herbicide alachlor. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 286:117239. [PMID: 33990048 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Several environmental pollutants, including pesticides, herbicides and persistent organic pollutants play an important role in the development of chronic diseases. However, most studies have examined environmental pollutants toxicity in target organisms or using a specific toxicological test, losing the real effect throughout the ecosystem. In this sense an integrative environmental risk of pollutants assessment, using different model organisms is necessary to predict the real impact in the ecosystem and implications for target and non-target organisms. The objective of this study was to use alachlor, a chloroacetanilide herbicide responsible for chronic toxicity, to understand its impact in target and non-target organisms and at different levels of biological organization by using several model organisms, including membranes of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), rat liver mitochondria, bacterial (Bacillus stearothermophilus), plant (Lemna gibba) and mammalian cell lines (HeLa and neuro2a). Our results demonstrated that alachlor strongly interacted with membranes of DPPC and interfered with mitochondrial bioenergetics by reducing the respiratory control ratio and the transmembrane potential. Moreover, alachlor also decreased the growth of B. stearothermophilus and its respiratory activity, as well as decreased the viability of both mammalian cell lines. The values of TC50 increased in the following order: Lemna gibba < neuro2a < HeLa cells < Bacillus stearothermophilus. Together, the results suggest that biological membranes constitute a putative target for the toxic action of this lipophilic herbicide and point out the risks of its dissemination on environment, compromising ecosystem equilibrium and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana P Pereira
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal; CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB - Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, IIIUC - Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Sandra M A Santos
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB - Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, IIIUC - Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | | | - Cláudia M Deus
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB - Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, IIIUC - Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - João D Martins
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal; CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB - Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, IIIUC - Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Maria C Pedroso de Lima
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB - Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, IIIUC - Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | | | - Romeu A Videira
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Amália S Jurado
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal; CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB - Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, IIIUC - Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, Coimbra, Portugal.
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Chang J, Liang C, Wang W, Yong L, Mao W, Yang H, Jia X, Liu Z, Song Y. Toxic effects of atrazine on immune function in BALB/c mice. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:37978-37994. [PMID: 33728608 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-13360-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This study was aimed to evaluate the toxic effects of different concentrations (23, 90, 360 mg/kg BW) of atrazine (ATZ) on immune function in BALB/c mice. Some parameters of general immunotoxicity, humoral immunity, cellular immunity, and non-specific immunity were tested. The studies showed that the high-dose ATZ induced a significant reduction in the final body weight of mice, the absolute and relative weights of spleen, the counts of white blood cell (WBC), lymphocyte (LYM), monocyte (MON), and the number of splenocyte. An increase in the level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and cholesterol (CHO) in the high-dose ATZ group was observed. Pathological examination showed that the medium- and high-doses of ATZ caused atrophy and destruction of thymus, spleen, and hepatorenal toxicity. The serum interleukin-5(IL-5) level of mice and the number of plaque-forming cell (PFC) in spleen cells in the high-dose ATZ group decreased significantly while there was a significant increase of the serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) in the high-dose ATZ group when compared to the negative control group. In the high-dose ATZ group, the proliferation ability of T and B lymphocytes as well as the delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response were significantly decreased. The low-dose ATZ (23 mg/kg BW) caused a significant decrease in the number of WBC and neutrophil (NEUT), as well as the proportion of polychromatic and normoblast. In summary, we thought the low-dose ATZ has a slight effect on the immune system; it can be preliminarily concluded that the lowest observed adverse effect level (LOAEL) of atrazine is 23 mg/kg BW in mice. Atrazine can cause immunotoxicity mainly through cellular and humoral immunity pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiongjiong Chang
- Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, 37 Guangqu Road Building 2, Beijing, 100022, China
- Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750001, China
| | - Chunlai Liang
- Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, 37 Guangqu Road Building 2, Beijing, 100022, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, 37 Guangqu Road Building 2, Beijing, 100022, China
| | - Ling Yong
- Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, 37 Guangqu Road Building 2, Beijing, 100022, China
| | - Weifeng Mao
- Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, 37 Guangqu Road Building 2, Beijing, 100022, China
| | - Hui Yang
- Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, 37 Guangqu Road Building 2, Beijing, 100022, China
| | - Xudong Jia
- Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, 37 Guangqu Road Building 2, Beijing, 100022, China
| | - Zhaoping Liu
- Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, 37 Guangqu Road Building 2, Beijing, 100022, China
| | - Yan Song
- Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, 37 Guangqu Road Building 2, Beijing, 100022, China.
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Atrazine impairs testicular function in BalB/c mice by affecting Leydig cells. Toxicology 2021; 455:152761. [PMID: 33766575 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2021.152761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Several studies have reported the effects of atrazine on the gonads of many experimental models. However, the short-term effects of in vivo exposure to atrazine on the testes of mice are not well clarified. Here we reported that adult BalB/c mice exposed to atrazine (50 mg kg-1 body weight) by gavage for three consecutive days have reduced numbers of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase positive Leydig cells (LCs), associated with increased in situ cell death fluorescence and caspase-3 immuno-expression in the testes. Consequently, immunostaining for cell cycle gene regulators showed increased expressions of p45, accompanied with increased expressions of cyclin D2 and E2. Histological observations of the gonads showed reduced number of germ cells in particular areas, sloughed seminiferous epithelium, presence of giant apoptotic cells close to the seminiferous tubule lumen and in the epididymal lumen along with low numbers of Leydig cells in the testicular interstitial areas. Similarly, LCs isolated from the testes of BalB/c mice that were exposed to atrazine (0.5, 25, 50 mg kg-1 body weight) in the same manner as in the first experiment presented dose-dependent increased caspase-3 activity, decreased cell viability, intratesticular and serum testosterone concentrations and LCs testosterone secretion. In summary, atrazine appears to directly decrease the number of testosterone secreting LCs in mice through apoptosis.
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