Impairment of male reproduction in adult rats exposed to hydroxyprogesterone caproate in utero

Hydroxyprogesterone caproate is one of the most effective and widely used drugs for the treatment of uterine bleeding and threatened miscarriage in women. Hydroxyprogesterone caproate was administered to pregnant rats in order to assess the effect of intraperitoneal exposure to supranormal levels of hydroxyprogesterone caproate on the male reproductive potential in the first generation. The cauda epididymal sperm count and motility decreased significantly in rats exposed to hydroxyprogesterone caproate during embryonic development, when compared with control rats. The levels of serum testosterone decreased with an increase in follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone in adult rats exposed to hydroxyprogesterone caproate during the embryonic stage. It was suggested that the impairment of male reproductive performance could be mediated through the inhibition of testosterone production.     

Effect of prenatal exposure to hydroxyprogesterone on steroidogenic enzymes in male rats

Pregnant Wistar strain albino rats were administered hydroxyprogesterone and the steroidogenic potential of the testis was analysed in the next generation adult male rats. In utero exposure to supranormal levels (10 mg/kg body weight or 25 mg/kg body weight) of hydroxyprogesterone decreased the activity levels of marker steroidogenic enzymes (3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase) of adult (mature) rat testis. Hydroxyprogesterone mediation in the suppression of rat testicular steroidogenesis is suggested, which can be correlated to the observed decrease in male reproductive potential in mammals exposed to female hormones during embryonic development.     

亚急性镉暴露对雄性黑斑蛙生殖毒性的研究

在实验条件下,将健康性成熟雄性黑斑蛙暴露于2.5、5.0、7.5和10.0mg·L-1浓度的镉溶液中14d,观察和分析黑斑蛙的精子数量、精子畸形率,测定精巢组织中酸性磷酸酶(ACP)、乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)、丙二醛(MDA)、谷胱甘肽(GSH)、超氧化歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)和谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)的水平和活力,以探讨镉对黑斑蛙的雄性生殖毒性及作用机理.结果表明:①镉可引起黑斑蛙精子数量减少和精子畸形率增加,且呈剂量-效应关系;②镉可引起精巢ACP、LDH酶活性的降低,且随染毒剂量的增加而降低;③镉可引起精巢组织MDA、GSH含量的升高,引起抗氧化酶SOD、GSH-Px活性的降低.由此推论,亚急性镉暴露对黑斑蛙精巢有明显的毒性作用,其机制与镉致黑斑蛙精巢组织标志酶活力的降低和精巢脂质过氧化作用有关.     

Long-term exposure to aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonist neburon induces reproductive toxicity in male zebrafish(Danio rerio)

Neburon is a phenylurea herbicide that is widely used worldwide, but its toxicity is poorly studied. In our previous study, we found that neburon has strong aryl hydrocarbon receptor(AhR) agonist activity, but whether it causes reproductive toxicity is not clear. In the present study, zebrafish were conducted as a model organism to evaluate whether environmental concentrations of neburon(0.1, 1 and 10 μg/L) induce reproductive disorder in males. After exposure to neburon for 150 days from embryo...     

Suppression of male reproduction in rats after exposure to sodium fluoride during early stages of development

Sodium fluoride (NaF), a widespread natural pollutant was given to sperm-positive female rats throughout gestation and lactation at a dose of 4.5 and 9.0 ppm via drinking water. The neonates were allowed to grow up to 90 days on tap water, and then sperm parameters, testicular steroidogenic marker enzyme activity levels, and circulatory hormone levels were studied. The sperm count, sperm motility, sperm coiling (hypoosmotic swelling test), and sperm viability were decreased in experimental rats when compared with controls. The activity levels of testicular steroidogenic marker enzymes (3β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 17β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase) were significantly decreased in experimental animals indicating decreased steroidogenesis. The serum testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone levels were also significantly altered in experimental animals. Our data indicate that exposure to NaF during gestation and lactation affects male reproduction in adult rats by decreasing spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis.     

Enhanced hepatotoxicity induced by repeated exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin in combination in male rats

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin(TCDD) and polychlorinated biphenyls(PCBs) are among persistent polyhalogenated aromatic hydrocarbons that exist as complex mixtures in the environment worldwide.The present study was attempted to investigate the hepatotoxicity following repeated exposure to TCDD and PCBs in combination in male rats,and to reveal the involvement of potential mechanisms.Male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to TCDD(10 μg/kg) and Aroclor 1254(10 mg/kg,a representative mixture of PCBs) alone ...     

双酚A类似物的雄性生殖毒性研究进展

聚焦BPA类似物对雄性动物的生殖毒性研究,分析双酚S、双酚F、双酚AF、双酚B和双酚E对哺乳类实验动物睾丸及组织结构、附睾重量及组织学结构、激素水平、精子参数等常规指标的影响,考察关于鱼类和两栖类动物的研究.研究发现,不管暴露剂量高低、暴露方式的差异或是动物种属的不同,所有BPA类似物的暴露都显示阳性结果,这与BPA雄...     

Exposure to difenoconazole inhibits reproductive ability in male marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma)

Difenoconazole(DFZ) is a triazole fungicide which has been detected in the aquatic environment, including estuaries and embayments. However, few studies addressing the reproductive toxicity and transgenerational effects of DFZ on marine fishes are available.The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of DFZ on male marine medaka(Oryzias melastigma). After exposure of the embryo to 1, 10, 100 and 1000 ng/L DFZ for180 days, the gonadosomatic index was significantly decreased in the 1000 ng/L treatment.The number of sperm was reduced while the abundances of spermatocytes and spermatogonia in the testes were increased in all the treatments. The m RNA levels of salmontype gnrh(sgnrh), the luteinizing hormone(lhβ) and the follicle-stimulating hormone(fshβ)genes in the brain all exhibited a significant down-regulation, the expression of androgen receptors(arα and arβ) was decreased and that of estrogen receptor β and cytochrome P450 aromatase(cyp19 B) was increased in the testes. The expression levels of cyp19 A and cyp19 B were increased in the liver. The decrease of ars m RNA levels might be one of the reasons causing the reduction of sperm. The down-regulation of sgnrh, lhβ and fshβ m RNA levels suggested that DFZ might impact the spermatogenesis via the brain–pituitary–gonad pathway. The decrease of the fertilization success, the hatch ability and the swim-up success in the F1 generation indicated that DFZ pollution at environmental levels might cause a decrease of wild fish populations.     

壬基酚对大鼠5-羟色胺分解代谢通路的影响

为探讨壬基酚对5-羟色胺(5-HT)代谢网络分解代谢通路的毒性作用机制,将24只SD雄性大鼠分为阴性对照组和壬基酚低、中、高剂量组[30,90,270mg/(kg·bw)],隔日玉米油灌胃染毒28d后检测大鼠血浆及肝匀浆中单胺氧化酶(MAO)活性和血浆中5-HT含量,并称量肝、肾和睾丸重量.结果显示,壬基酚暴露高剂量组大鼠体质量增量极显著低于对照组(P<0.01);染毒至第3周起,各组大鼠平均食物利用率有统计学意义(P<0.05);与对照组相比,高剂量组肝脏、肾脏脏器系数均有统计学意义(P<0.01),中、高剂量组睾丸脏器系数均有统计学意义(P<0.05);中、高剂量组血浆MAO酶活性极显著低于对照组(P<0.01),中、高剂量组肝匀浆MAO酶活性显著低于对照组(P<0.05);中、高剂量组血浆5-HT含量极显著高于对照组(P<0.01).壬基酚暴露剂量与大鼠体内MAO酶活性及5-HT水平均呈剂量-效应关系,壬基酚可通过分解代谢通路影响5-HT的代谢网络.     

二噁英暴露对成年男性血清类固醇激素的影响

为了解二噁英（PCDD/DFs）对成年男性类固醇激素水平的影响,采用高分辨气相色谱法/高分辨质谱联用法（HRGC/HRMS）及液相色谱-质谱联用法（LC-MS/MS）分析二噁英污染地区成年男性（n=50）及非污染地区成年男性（n=48）血清中9种类固醇激素水平和17种二噁英同类物浓度.结果显示成年男性血清中双氢睾酮、睾酮、雌二醇的水平与部分二噁英同类物浓度存在显著性相关.污染地区成年男性双氢睾酮、睾酮、雌二醇的水平与年龄呈显著性正相关.以上结果表明二噁英暴露导致成年男性类固醇激素中的性激素变化异常.     

Behavioural and physiological consequences of male reproductive trade-offs in edible dormice (Glis glis)

Testosterone mediates male reproductive trade-offs in vertebrates including mammals. In male edible dormice (Glis glis), reproductivity linked to high levels of testosterone reduces their ability to express torpor, which may be expected to dramatically increase thermoregulatory costs. Aims of this study were therefore to analyse behavioural and physiological consequences of reproductive activity in male edible dormice under ecologically and evolutionary relevant conditions in the field. As we frequently encountered sleeping groups in the field, we hypothesized that social thermoregulation should be an important measure to reduce energy expenditure especially in sexually active male edible dormice. Our results revealed that the occurrence of sleeping groups was negatively influenced by male body mass but not by reproductive status or ambient temperature. In reproductive as in non-reproductive males, the number of individuals huddling together was negatively influenced by their body mass. Thus in general males with a high body mass were sitting in smaller groups than males with a low body mass. However, in reproductive males group size was further negatively affected by ambient temperature and positively by testes size. Thus breeders formed larger sleeping groups at lower ambient temperatures and males with larger testes were found in larger groups than males with smaller testes. Measurements of oxygen consumption demonstrated that grouping behaviour represents an efficient strategy to reduce energy expenditure in edible dormice as it reduced energy requirements by almost 40%. In summary, results of this field study showcase how sexually active male edible dormice may, through behavioural adjustment, counterbalance high thermoregulatory costs associated with reproductive activity.     

Assessment of potential dermal and inhalation exposure of workers to the insecticide imidacloprid using whole-body dosimetry in China

In China, although improvements to the pesticide registration process have beenmade in last thirty years, no occupational exposure data are required to obtain a commercial license for a pesticide product. Consequently, notably little research has been conducted to establish an exposure assessment procedure in China. The present study monitored the potential dermal operator exposure from knapsack electric sprayer wheat field application of imidacloprid in Liaocheng City, Shandong Province and in Xinxiang City, Henan Province, China, using whole-body dosimetry. The potential inhalation exposure was determined using a personal air pump and XAD-2 sample tubes. The analytical method was developed and validated, including such performance parameters as limits of detection and quantification, linear range, recovery and precision. The total potential dermal and inhalation exposures were 14.20, 16.80, 15.39 and 20.78 mL/hr, respectively, for the four operators in Liaocheng and Xinxiang, corresponding to 0.02% to 0.03% of the applied volume of spray solution. In all trials, the lower part (thigh, lower leg) of the body was the most contaminated, accounting for approximately 76% to 88% of the total exposure. The inhalation exposure was less than 1% of the total exposure. Such factors as the application pattern, crop type, spray equipment, operator experience and climatic conditions have been used to explain the exposure distribution over the different parts of the body. As indicated by the calculated Margin of Exposure, the typical wheat treatment scenarios when a backpack sprayer was used are considered to be safe in terms of imidacloprid exposure.     

Assessment of potential dermal and inhalation exposure of workers to the insecticide imidacloprid using whole-body dosimetry in China

In China, although improvements to the pesticide registration process have been made in la thirty years, no occupational exposure data are required to obtain a commercial license for pesticide product. Consequently, notably little research has been conducted to establish a exposure assessment procedure in China. The present study monitored the potential derm operator exposure from knapsack electric sprayer wheat field application of imidacloprid Liaocheng City, Shandong Province and in Xinxiang City, Henan Province, China, usin whole-body dosimetry. The potential inhalation exposure was determined using a person air pump and XAD-2 sample tubes. The analytical method was developed and validate including such performance parameters as limits of detection and quantification, linear rang recovery and precision. The total potential dermal and inhalation exposures were 14.20, 16.815.39 and 20.78 m L/hr, respectively, for the four operators in Liaocheng and Xinxian corresponding to 0.02% to 0.03% of the applied volume of spray solution. In all trials, the low part(thigh, lower leg) of the body was the most contaminated, accounting for approximate76% to 88% of the total exposure. The inhalation exposure was less than 1% of the tot exposure. Such factors as the application pattern, crop type, spray equipment, operat experience and climatic conditions have been used to explain the exposure distribution ov the different parts of the body. As indicated by the calculated Margin of Exposure, the typic wheat treatment scenarios when a backpack sprayer was used are considered to be safe terms of imidacloprid exposure.     

妊娠期全氟辛酸染毒对子代雄鼠发育毒性的研究

探讨妊娠期染毒全氟辛酸(perfluorooctanoic acid,PFOA)对子代雄鼠发育毒性的影响.将50只妊娠0 d小鼠随机分5组,每组10只,妊娠0~17 d每天按0、1、2.5、5和12.5 mg·kg~(-1)BW饲喂PFOA,产后仔鼠正常饲养,记录仔鼠存活数.产后21 d,检测仔鼠血清睾酮水平并计算睾丸指数;HE染色观察睾丸组织结构变化;RT-PCR法检测睾丸组织Dlk1-Dio3印记基因簇各目的基因mRNA的表达情况.结果显示,随PFOA染毒剂量增加,仔鼠存活数显著降低,血清睾酮含量极显著性降低(p0.01);睾丸指数无统计学意义;睾丸组织有不同程度的损伤并呈剂量依赖性;Dlk1-Dio3印记基因簇各目的基因的表达量都有降低趋势,其中Gtl2、Rian、Dio3均显著性降低(p0.05).结果表明,妊娠期染毒PFOA能够降低仔鼠存活数,损伤睾丸组织结构,并能够扰乱生殖激素,降低睾丸组织Dlk1-Dio3印记基因簇各目的基因mRNA的表达.     

内质网应激在氟暴露致小鼠睾丸损伤中的作用

探讨了内质网应激在亚慢性氟暴露致小鼠睾丸损伤中的作用及分子机制.选用健康初断乳ICR雄性小鼠30只,随机分为对照组（C）、低氟组（LF）和高氟组（HF）,分别饮用自来水、5、30 mg·L^-1氟化钠水溶液90 d.亚慢性氟暴露结束后,以睾丸脏器系数、睾丸组织氧化/抗氧化酶和形态结构、精子质量、睾丸细胞凋亡、葡萄糖调节蛋白78（GRP78）、CCAAT/增强子结合蛋白同源蛋白（CHOP）、半胱氨酸天冬氨酸蛋白酶12（CASPASE-12）、半胱氨酸天冬氨酸蛋白酶3（CASPASE-3）为观测点.结果表明,与对照组比,LF组和HF组LDH、SOD、T-AOC活性下降,MDA含量上升,HF组GSH-PX活性下降,差异有统计学意义（p<0.05或p<0.01）;LF组可见细胞层次减少、间隙变大,成熟精子数量减少,HF组细胞溶解、层次紊乱,空泡化严重,少见成熟精子;LF组和HF组小鼠的精子活力降低,HF组小鼠精子数量下降,畸形率上升,差异有统计学意义（p<0.05或p<0.01）;LF组和HF组睾丸细胞凋亡指数上升,差异有统计学意义（p<0.01）;LF组和HF组Grp78、Caspase-12、Caspase-3基因表达水平上升,差异有统计学意义（p<0.05或p<0.01）.结果提示,除氧化应激以外,Caspase-12和Caspase-3基因表达异常可能是氟暴露致小鼠睾丸细胞凋亡异常的分子机制之一.     

天津地区人群对多环芳烃的暴露

以天津地区PAHs各介质浓度的实测数据和文献中相关参数为基础资料,采用多介质-多途径暴露模型,估算了天津市人群对环境中16种PAHs的暴露水平.计算结果说明,天津地区居民终生日均暴露量为3.3μg·kg-1·d-1,其中儿童、青少年和成人亚群的暴露水平分别是4.3、3.8和3.1μg·kg-1·d-1.膳食摄入约占总暴露量的75%,呼吸贡献为20%,皮肤接触约占5%.8种致癌PAHs的终生日均暴露量为0.38μg·kg-1·d-1,其中3个亚群的暴露水平分别为0.48、0.45和0.36μg·kg-1·d-1.