Keywords:Di-(n-butyl) phthalate Leydig cell Steroidogenesis Male Japanese quails Endocrine disruptionIn the present study, we have investigated the effects of 30-day dietary (pre-pubertal) exposure to different doses (0 (control), 1, 10, 50, 200 and 400 mg/kg bodyweight/day) of di(n-butyl) phthalate (DBP) on Leydig cells of adult male Japanese quails by quantifying the transcript levels for P450 side-chain cleavage (p450scc), P450c17 (CYP17), and 3β-and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (hsd) using quantitative (real-time) poly-merase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). In addition, the plasma testosterone levels were analysed using radioimmuno-assay (RIA) and testis was examined for evidence of gross pathology and histopathology. Our data showed that pre-pubertal exposure to DBP produced alterations in testicular architecture as evident by poorly developed or misshaped testis, and altered spermatogenesis due to tubular degeneration and atrophy of seminiferous tubules especially in the high DBP dose (200 and 400 mg/ kg) treated groups. In addition, DBP altered several key en-zymes involved in testicular steroidogenesis pathways in an apparent dose-dependent manner. For example, bi-phasic effects of DBP were observed for P450scc and 3β-hsd mRNA, that were generally increasing at low dose 10 mg/kg, and thereafter, an apparent dose-dependent decrease between 50 and 400 mg/kg. The steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein was at the lowest detectable limits and therefore not quantifiable. These effects did not parallel the non-significant changes observed for plasma testosterone levels. The present data is consis-tent with previous reports showing that DBP modulates Leydig cell steroidogenesis in several species, with a po-tential negative effect on reproduction in those avian species that are vulnerable to endocrine disrupting chemicals.
Prostate cancer remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in older men. In the majority of cases, suppression of serum testosterone levels is very effective. The level of testosterone suppression is currently under debate, with ideal suppression levels ranging from 20 to 50 ng/dL. Not all LHRH agonist therapy achieves the same degree of testosterone suppression as bilateral orchidectomy. The new leuprorelin acetate (Eligard) appears to achieve a testosterone suppression of 20 ng/dL in 98% of patients, while maintaining a side effect profile comparable to other products in its class.
Di(n‐butyl) phthalates (DBP) are endocrine‐disrupting chemicals (EDCs) implicated in a number of reproductive disorders in humans and rodents. Previously, we have shown that DBP effects is anti‐androgenic and causing alterations in seminiferous tubular histology and impairment of Leydig cell steroidogenesis in the avian model. However, the ultrastructural changes on the Sertoli cell remain unclear. The present study was designed to assess, morphologically, the dose‐dependent toxic effect of pre‐pubertal exposure of the plasticizer‐DBP, on the histology and ultrastructure of the Sertoli cell. DBP was administered to 10‐week old male quail birds by oral gavage, with a control group given corn oil vehicle(1mL/kg) only, while the other five experimental groups were fed (1, 10, 50, 200– and 400mg/kgbwt/d DBP(dissolved in corn oil) , for a period of 30days. Testes were fixed in Bouin's liquid or in a mixture of 2.5% glutaraldehyde and 2% formaldehyde for analysis under light and electron microscopes(TEM), respectively. Histologically, the basal Sertoli cell cytoplasm in high DBP dosage levels (200mg and 400mg/kgbwt/d), increasingly displayed aggregations of lipid droplets, but only a few in the apical Sertoli cell cytoplasm. In addition, there was marked vacuolations in the lining germinal epithelium. Ultrastructurally, there were notable, dose‐dependent changes seen in the Sertoli cell in DBP‐treated birds, with low dosage groups displaying no obvious structural changes, while the DBP high‐dose resulted in a remarkable accumulation of numerous, scattered or usually, closely packed lipid droplets, found predominantly in the basal part of the Sertoli cell cytoplasm. In addition, there were several mis‐shaped or swollen mitochondria with electron lucent areas, indicative of early cellular degeneration. These degenerating mitochondria were characterized by swelling and deformation of the tubular cristae, resulting in a “moth‐eaten” appearance. These findings showed that high dose of DBP (200 and 400mg/kgbwt/d) administered daily for 30days significantly resulted in degenerative characteristics, such as the increase in lipid droplets, intra‐epithelial vacuolations and mitochondrial damage in the Sertoli cell. Thus, this study has provided a clear evidence that alterations in Sertoli cell morphology and function were involved in spermatogenic failure induced by DBP, in this specie.Support or Funding InformationThe research was supported by Ahmadu Bello University Board of Research and grants from the South African Veterinary/Novartis Wildlife Foundation.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
The morphology of tongue in straw-coloured fruit bat from tropical forests was evaluated in relation to frugivorous diets and in comparison with other species that consumes other food types. Gross, stereomicroscopy, scanning electron microscope and histological methods were used. The tongue was relatively long with round tip, which closely fitted into oral cavity. Five types of mechanical papillae included crown-like and trifid filiform papillae. Also bulky, cone-shaped papillae and long conical papillae were identified. These mechanical types also showed variations in shape, size and number of processes of papillae. Transitional forms of these mechanical papillae were present. Fungiform papillae with taste pores were interposed amongst filiform types in apex and body; three ovoid-shaped vallate papillae were in triangular arrangement on root and displayed taste pores. Some bulky, cone-shaped papillae surrounded the vallate papillae. Histologically, mechanical filiform types showed highly keratinized stratified squamous epithelium and dense connective tissue core with secondary papillae. Taste buds appeared in fungiform and vallate papillae. Neutral and acidic secretions were identified in lingual glands of root. The presence of prominent filamentous processes of filiform papillae and conical papillae of the tongue in conjunction with gustatory papillae ensures adaptation to copious fruit diets. The gross morphometric and histometric parameters of the tongue did not differ remarkably from previous values obtained for some fruit bats with comparable weight. This investigation showed similarities with fruit bats such as large flying fox and Egyptian fruit bat and reflect common diet and feeding habits but varied from insectivorous and nectivorous bats.
Fat accumulation in the body has been implicated in the increased generation of ROS and oxidative stress which enhances hepatocellular damage. Increase in serum liver enzymes have been widely used as an index of liver dysfunction and that higher ALT concentrations predicted development of type 2 diabetes. Thirty rabbits were randomly divided into six groups, each of five animals: Group 1 = control (C), Group 2 = cholesterol diet (CD) only, Group 3 = resveratrol 200 mg/kg (R200), Group 4 = resveratrol 400 mg/kg (R400), Group 5 = CD + R200 and group 6 = CD + R400. The preparations were administered for 8 weeks of experimental protocol. Blood glucose level was measured on week zero and the 8th week of the treatment. At the end of the study period, the rabbits were placed under light anesthesia (ketamine) to remain unconscious. Blood sample of about 3ml was drawn via cardiac puncture for serum extraction which were evaluated for serum concentration of liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase ALT, aspartate aminotransferase AST and alkaline phosphatase ALP) and oxidative stress biomarkers (superoxide dismutase SOD, catalase CAT and glutathione peroxidase GPx). Blood glucose level was significantly higher in CD group compared to groups that received resveratrol supplement. Serum Liver enzymes activities showed significant (P < 0.05) decrease in ALT, AST and ALP levels in groups that were administered resveratrol with CD compared with CD alone. Significant decrease in antioxidant enzymes activities (SOD, CAT and GPx) in resveratrol treated groups (P < 0.05) were recorded when compared to CD alone group. In conclusion, the observed decreased in blood glucose level, liver enzymes and biomarkers of oxidative stress with resveratrol administration despite CD consumptions, elucidated the therapeutic potential of resveratrol.Support or Funding Information1. SelfThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Phthalate esters, such as di(n-butyl) phthalate, (DBP), are synthetic chemical pollutants commonly used as plasticizers in the manufacture of plastics. In the present study, we investigated the effects of DBP in the testes of adult male quails (Coturnix cortunix japonica) exposed by oral gavage to variable doses of DBP (0 [control], 1, 10, 50, 200, and 400 mg/kgbw−d), for 30 days during the prepubertal period, using histo-morphometric and ultrastructural techniques. Generally, significant decreases in seminiferous tubular diameter (STD) and epithelial height (SEH) were observed predominantly at the highest DBP doses (200 and 400 mg/kg), as compared to medium (50 mg/kg), and lowest doses (1 and 10 mg/kg) as well as the control group. Ultrastructurally, apparent dose-specific degenerative changes were observed in the Leydig cells. The lowest DBP doses (1 and 10 mg/kg) did not produce significant effects on Leydig cell ultrastructure, whereas, at the highest doses (200 and 400 mg/kg), the Leydig cells were remarkably conspicuous in the interstitium and appeared foamy. There was a preponderance of electron-lucent lipid droplets which crowded out the normal organelles of the cell, as well as increases in the number of dense bodies in the cytoplasm. The smooth endoplasmic reticulum (sER) was less obvious, compacted, and wedged between the abundant lipid droplets and mitochondria. Taken together, these findings indicate that pre-pubertal exposure of precocious quail birds to DBP, produced parameter-specific histometric tubular changes, as well as dose-dependent cyto-structural derangement of the Leydig cells; which consequently may lead to overt reproductive impairments in the adult bird in the environment. Graphical Abstract
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