Effects of Subchronic Aluminum Exposure on the Reproductive Function in Female Rats

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aluminum (Al) exposure on the reproductive function in female rats. Forty female Wistar (5 weeks old) rats, weighing 110-120 g, were divided randomly into four groups. They were orally administrated with 0, 64.18, 128.36, and 256.72 mg aluminum chloride (AlCl(3)) per kilogram body weight in drinking water for 120 days. Levels of Al, estrogen (E(2)), progestogen (P), testosterone (T), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) in serum were measured at the end of experiment. The results showed that levels of E(2), P, FSH, and LH were significantly lower and Al concentration was significantly higher in all three Al-treated groups than those in the control group (GC). The level of T was significantly higher in the low- and medium-dose groups (GL and GM) (P < 0.05) but not in high-dose group (GH) compared with GC. The results suggest that the reproductive function of female rats is inhibited under long-term Al exposure in an Al dose-dependent manner.

Systematic review of potential health risks posed by pharmaceutical, occupational and consumer exposures to metallic and nanoscale aluminum, aluminum oxides, aluminum hydroxide and its soluble salts

“…Wang et al (2012a) gave 40 female Wistar (5 weeks old) rats free access to drinking water with AlCl 3 to provide 0, 64.18, 128.36, or 256.72 mg AlCl 3 /kg-day for 120 days. These doses were extrapolated based on generic mean water consumption for a 100 g rat whereas rats that survived to 120 days weighed 250–300g.…”

A link between human papilloma virus vaccination and primary ovarian insufficiency

“…In addition, both hormonal and histological assays demonstrated inhibition of reproductive functions in female rats during subchronic aluminum exposure in drinking water [37,38]. In the latter experiment, aluminum hampered body and ovary weight and suppressed secretions of estradiol, progesterone, lutenizing hormone (LH), and FSH [38]. Another experiment reported that subchronic aluminum exposure in drinking water during a period of 120 days disrupted ovarian structure and function.…”

“…In animal models aluminum has been shown to accumulate in the male and female reproductive systems and was shown to be an endocrine disruptor [34][35][36]. In addition, both hormonal and histological assays demonstrated inhibition of reproductive functions in female rats during subchronic aluminum exposure in drinking water [37,38]. In the latter experiment, aluminum hampered body and ovary weight and suppressed secretions of estradiol, progesterone, lutenizing hormone (LH), and FSH [38].…”

Effect of aqueous <i>Allium cepa</i> extract from red onion on aluminum chloride- induced anemia in female rats

“…There is no known physiological role of aluminum in the living tissues; however, exposure to excess aluminum produces adverse physiological effects. Aluminum is a known environmental toxicant that can cause neurological diseases (Yousef, 2004), reproductive dysfunctions such as, damage of the ovarian structure, ovulation inhibition and testicular dysfunction (Wang et al, 2012;Fu et al, 2014;Ighodaro et al, 2012). It is also known to induce anemia (Mahieu et al, 2000).…”

“…Uremia is usually seen with aluminum-hematotoxicity (Mahieu et al, 2000). Likewise, cardiovascular diseases, cognitive impairment and reduction in quality of life are associated with anemia in kidney diseases (Wang et al, 2012). Erythropoietin deficiency is the predominant cause of anemia in kidney diseases (Babitt and Lin, 2012) due to the fact that kidney is the main source of erythropoietin.…”