A two-generational reproductive toxicity study of zinc in rats

A two-generation reproductive toxicity study of zinc chloride (ZnCl₂) was conducted in rats. F_o male and female rats were administered 0.00 (control), 7.50 (low), 15.00 (mid) and 30.00 (high) mg/kg/day of ZnCl₂. Selected F₁ male and female rats were exposed to the same doses received by their parents (F_o). Exposure of F₀ parental rats to ZnCl₂ showed significant reduction in fertility, viability (days 0 and 4), and the body weight of F₁ pups from the high-dose group but caused no effects on litter size, weaning index, and sex ratio. Similarly, the continued exposure of F₁ parental rats to ZnCl₂ also reduced fertility, liter size, viability (day 0), and the body weight of F₂ pups within the high-dose group but caused no effects on weaning index and sex ratio. Exposure of ZnCl₂ to F₀ and F₁ parental males resulted in a significant reduction in their body weights, and the F₀ and F₁ parental females did not show any significant difference in their body weights compared to their control groups. However, the postpartum dam weights of both F₀ and F₁ female rats were significantly reduced compared to their controls. Exposure of ZnCl₂ to F_o and F₁ generation parental rats did not produce any significant change of their clinical signs as well as their clinical pathology parameters, except the alkaline phosphotase (ALK) level, which showed an upward trend in both sexes of both generations. Exposure of ZnCl₂ to F₀ rats resulted in a reduction of brain, liver, kidney, spleen and seminal vesicles weights of males and in the spleen and uterus of females. Similarly, exposure of F₁ rats to ZnCl₂ also resulted in reduction of brain, liver, kidney, adrenal, spleen, prostate and seminal vesicles weights of males and in spleen and uterus of females. ZnCl₂ exposure resulted in grossly observed gastro-intestianla (GI) tract, lymphoreticular/hematopoietic, and reproductive tract lesions in parental rats in both generations. Reduced body fat was also recorded in F₁ parental rats.     

Chronic toxicity of diclofenac,carbamazepine and their mixture to Daphnia magna: a comparative two-generational study

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - The chronic toxicity of diclofenac (DCF) and carbamazepine (CBZ) as separate substances and in conjunction with their mixture on Daphnia magna was...     

Assessment of imidacloprid toxicity on reproductive organ system of adult male rats

In the current study it was aimed to investigate the toxicity of low doses of imidacloprid (IMI) on the reproductive organ systems of adult male rats. The treatment groups received 0.5 (IMI-0.5), 2 (IMI-2) or 8 mg IMI/kg body weight by oral gavage (IMI-8) for three months. The deterioration in sperm motility in IMI-8 group and epidydimal sperm concentration in IMI-2 and IMI-8 groups and abnormality in sperm morphology in IMI-8 were significant. The levels of testosterone (T) and GSH decreased significantly in group IMI-8 compared to the control group. Upon treatment with IMI, apoptotic index increased significantly only in germ cells of the seminiferous tubules of IMI-8 group when compared to control. Fragmentation was striking in the seminal DNA from the IMI-8 group, but it was much less obvious in the IMI-2 one. IMI exposure resulted in elevation of all fatty acids analyzed, but the increases were significant only in stearic, oleic, linoleic and arachidonic acids. The ratios of 20:4/20:3 and 20:4/18:2 were decreased and 16:1n-9/16:0 ratio was increased. In conclusion, the present animal experiments revealed that the treatment with IMI at NOAEL dose-levels caused deterioration in sperm parameters, decreased T level, increased apoptosis of germ cells, seminal DNA fragmentation, the depletion of antioxidants and change in disturbance of fatty acid composition. All these changes indicate the suppression of testicular function.     

Assessment of imidacloprid toxicity on reproductive organ system of adult male rats

In the current study it was aimed to investigate the toxicity of low doses of imidacloprid (IMI) on the reproductive organ systems of adult male rats. The treatment groups received 0.5 (IMI-0.5), 2 (IMI-2) or 8 mg IMI/kg body weight by oral gavage (IMI-8) for three months. The deterioration in sperm motility in IMI-8 group and epidydimal sperm concentration in IMI-2 and IMI-8 groups and abnormality in sperm morphology in IMI-8 were significant. The levels of testosterone (T) and GSH decreased significantly in group IMI-8 compared to the control group. Upon treatment with IMI, apoptotic index increased significantly only in germ cells of the seminiferous tubules of IMI-8 group when compared to control. Fragmentation was striking in the seminal DNA from the IMI-8 group, but it was much less obvious in the IMI-2 one. IMI exposure resulted in elevation of all fatty acids analyzed, but the increases were significant only in stearic, oleic, linoleic and arachidonic acids. The ratios of 20:4/20:3 and 20:4/18:2 were decreased and 16:1n-9/16:0 ratio was increased. In conclusion, the present animal experiments revealed that the treatment with IMI at NOAEL dose-levels caused deterioration in sperm parameters, decreased T level, increased apoptosis of germ cells, seminal DNA fragmentation, the depletion of antioxidants and change in disturbance of fatty acid composition. All these changes indicate the suppression of testicular function.     

Ameliorative effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles against potassium bromate-mediated toxicity in Swiss albino rats

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Potassium bromate (PB) is a commonly used food additive, a prominent water disinfection by-product, and a class IIB carcinogen. It exerts a various...     

The combined effect of titanium dioxide nanoparticles and cypermethrin on male reproductive toxicity in rats

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Titanium nanoparticles and pyrethroid pesticides are now being widely used in industrial, agriculture, and biomedical applications. In recent years,...     

Bioaccumulation and toxicity of zinc in the green alga, Cladophora glomerata

The bioaccumulation and toxicity of zinc in Cladophora glomerata from two populations in the River Roding, Essex, UK, were examined in experimental laboratory flowing-water channels. Plants were subjected to zinc concentrations ranging from 0 to 4.0 mg litre(-1) at current velocities of 20-33 cm s(-1) for up to 3 h. Zinc in algal tissue was then quantified and toxicity was assessed by the ability of the alga to grow in a recovery medium after the experimental treatment. There was little difference in zinc bioaccumulation between Cladophora from the site showing mild organic pollution and that from the site subjected to considerable inputs from urban and motorway runoff. Uptake of zinc increased with increasing concentration in the test solution and was linear and proportional up to 0.4 mg litre(-1). Three stages of uptake were identified with the most dramatic accumulation occurring in the first 10 min. Experimental concentration factors ranged from 1.9-5.2 x 10(3), which were in agreement with those previously obtained in the field. Cellular damage was evident in Cladophora subjected to 0.4 mg litre(-1) zinc, and this increased with increasing zinc concentration, thus leading to the conclusion that, at times, the levels of zinc found in the river could be potentially damaging.     

Comparative toxicity of a zinc salt, zinc powder and zinc oxide to Eisenia fetida, Enchytraeus albidus and Folsomia candida

The pore water zinc concentration and the calcium chloride extracted zinc fraction are higher in the soils spiked with a zinc salt (ZnCl2) compared to soils spiked with zinc oxide or zinc powder. Based on total zinc concentrations in the soil, the acute toxicity of zinc salt to the compost worm Eisenia fetida, the potworm Enchytraeus albidus and the springtail Folsomia candida was lower compared to zinc oxide and zinc powder. However, when expressed on the basis of pore water concentrations or calcium chloride extracted fractions, acute toxicity was higher for zinc salt, which indicated that dermal uptake via the pore water is not the only route of uptake. Chronic toxicity of zinc salt, zinc oxide and zinc powder was similar when based on total concentrations in the soil which again indicates that the pore water route of uptake is not the only route of exposure but that oral uptake is also important.     

Phycobiliproteins extract from Spirulina protects against single-dose cadmium-induced reproductive toxicity in male mice

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Cadmium (Cd) is known for its many toxic effects on male population such as hypogonadism and fertility difficulties, which are oftenly associated with...     

Effect of zinc fertilization on cadmium toxicity in durum and bread wheat grown in zinc-deficient soil

The effect of increasing application of zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd) on shoot dry weight and shoot concentrations of Zn and Cd was studied in bread and durum wheat cultivars. Plants were grown in severely Zn-deficient calcareous soil treated with increasing Zn (0 and 10 mg kg(-1) soil) and Cd (0, 10 and 25 mg kg(-1) soil) and harvested after 35 and 65 days of growth under greenhouse conditions. Growing plants without Zn fertilization caused severe depression in shoot growth, especially in durum wheat and at high Cd treatment. Cadmium treatments resulted in rapid development of necrotic patches on the base and sheath parts of the oldest leaves of both wheat cultivars, but symptoms were more severe in durum wheat and under Zn deficiency. Decreases in shoot dry weight from increasing Cd application were more severe in Zn-deficient plants. Severity of Cd toxicity symptoms in durum and bread wheat at different Zn treatments did not show any relation to the Cd concentrations in shoot. Increasing Cd application to Zn-deficient plants tended to decrease Zn concentrations in Zn-deficient plants, whereas in plants with adequate Zn, concentrations of Zn were either not affected or increased by Cd. The results show that durum wheat was more sensitive to both Zn deficiency and Cd toxicity as compared to bread wheat. Cadmium toxicity in the shoot was alleviated by Zn treatment, but this was not accompanied by a corresponding decrease in shoot concentrations of Cd. Our results are compatible with the hypothesis that Zn protects plants from Cd toxicity by improving plant defense against Cd-induced oxidative stress and by competing with Cd for binding to critical cell constituents such as enzymes and membrane protein and lipids.     

Enhanced resistance of yeast mutants deficient in low-affinity iron and zinc transporters to stannous-induced toxicity

Tin or stannous (Sn²⁺) compounds are used as catalysts, stabilizers in plastic industries, wood preservatives, agricultural biocides and nuclear medicine. In order to verify the Sn²⁺ up-take and toxicity in yeast cells we utilized a multi-elemental analysis known as particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) along with cell survival assays and quantitative real-time PCR. The detection of Sn²⁺ by PIXE was possible only in yeast cells in stationary phase of growth (STAT cells) that survive at 25 mM Sn²⁺ concentration. Yeast cells in exponential phase of growth (LOG cells) tolerate only micro-molar Sn²⁺ concentrations that result in intracellular concentration below of the method detection limit. Our PIXE analysis showed that STAT XV185-14c yeast cells demonstrate a significant loss of intracellular elements such as Mg, Zn, S, Fe and an increase in P levels after 1 h exposure to SnCl₂. The survival assay showed enhanced tolerance of LOG yeast cells lacking the low-affinity iron and zinc transporters to stannous treatment, suggesting the possible involvement in Sn²⁺ uptake. Moreover, our qRT-PCR data showed that Sn²⁺ treatment could generate reactive oxygen species as it induces activation of many stress-response genes, including SOD1, YAP1, and APN1.     

Effects of phosphorothionate on the reproductive system of male rats

Acute and Sub-acute toxic effects of a new pesticide phosphorothionate coded as RPR-V on testis of albino rat were studied. For the acute study, rats received a single dose of 30 mg/kg of RPR-V and sacrificed after 24 hours. For the Subacute study, 1.42 mg/kg/day was administered orally to rats for 10 days and 21 days. Acute exposure of rats to RPR-V brought no change either in the Gonadosomatic Index (GSI) or in the structure of testis or in the serum levels of Testosterone. Similarly, no significant change was observed in the Glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity. But, in testis there was significant increased in the reduced Glutathione (GSH) and Acid Phosphatase (AcP), whereas Alkaline Phosphatase (AkP) levels decreased significantly at 24hr post treatment. On 7th day (withdrawal period) after the cessation of the treatment the GSH, AcP, and AkP levels reached to near control. The sub-acute study revealed a significant post treatment. Due to RPR-V treatment the testis AcP levels increased significantly at 21st day of medication but AkP levels decreased both at 10th and 21st day of post treatment. Histopathological studies showed that after 10th day testis showed considerable loss of spermatozoids and at 21st day complete derangement of cellular organization was observed. Testosterone levels decreased significantly after 10th day and remained significantly low at 21st day. However, withdrawal studies showed a recovery in testis of rat treated with RPR-V. GST, GSH, GSI, AcP and AkP values were recovered, testosterone levels were also recovered but recovery in testis structure remained at a low profile.     

Male reproductive toxicity involved in spermatogenesis induced by perfluorooctane sulfonate and perfluorooctanoic acid in Caenorhabditis elegans

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - As a persistent organic pollutant, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) have gained increasing research attention over...     

Assessment of reproductive toxicity of carbofuran and copper sulfate in male Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - This study’s hypothesis is that carbofuran and copper sulfate have a synergistic harmful impact on the fertility of male Nile tilapia. Hence,...     

Reducing the reproductive toxicity activity of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum: a review of mechanisms and prospects

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Food pollution can cause a variety of negative effects on human health, especially reproductive toxicity. Common food contaminants include biological...     

Ameliorative effects of corn silk extract on acetaminophen-induced renal toxicity in rats

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - The current study aimed to investigate the protective effect of corn silk methanolic extract (CSME) against acetaminophen (APAP)-induced...     

Effects of hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) in zebrafish: general and reproductive toxicity

Mixed-sex populations of young adult zebrafish (~2-month-old) were exposed to measured RDX concentrations of 0, 1 or 9.6 ppm for up to 12 weeks followed by a 15-day rearing period in untreated water. RDX caused high mortality at 9.6 ppm, with most deaths occurring within the first 8 weeks of exposure. RDX at 9.6 ppm caused lower body weights at 4 and 8 weeks of exposure; and at 1 ppm, lower body weight was observed only at 4 weeks. Fish length was not affected by treatment at any time during the exposure period. The bioconcentration factor for RDX seemed to be influenced by time of exposure but not by water RDX concentration; its overall values were 1.01+/-0.13, 0.91+/-0.06 and 2.23+/-0.04 at 4, 8 weeks and 12 weeks, respectively. RDX was not detected in fish collected after the 15-day recovery period. In a separate experiment, adult females and males were separately exposed to RDX at measured concentrations of 0, 0.5 and 3.2 ppm for a period of 6 weeks. Reproductive performance was evaluated by biweekly breeding of the fish and measuring packed-egg volume (PEV) as index of fecundity. At 0.5 ppm, RDX caused elevated PEV levels relative to the control value at 2 weeks but not at 4 or 6 weeks, whereas no significant effects were noted at 3.2 ppm. Egg fertilization and embryo hatching rates were not affected by RDX at any of the concentrations tested. In conclusion, RDX at sublethal concentrations causes short-term negative effects on growth and, at 0.5 ppm, positive effects on fecundity.