Increased Apoptotic Lymphocyte Population in the Spleen of Young Chickens Fed on Diets High in Molybdenum

Abstract

The experiment was conducted with the objective of examining the effects of high molybdenum (Mo) on the apoptosis of splenic lymphocytes in broilers by the methods of experimental pathology and flow cytometry (FCM). Three hundred 1-day-old avian broilers were divided into four groups of 75 each and were fed on control diet (Mo 13 mg/kg) and high Mo diets (Mo 500 mg/kg, high Mo group I; Mo 1,000 mg/kg, high Mo group II; and Mo 1,500 mg/kg, high Mo group III) for 42 days. The results showed that the relative weight of spleen was decreased, and lymphocytes were histopathologically decreased in high Mo groups II and III. Ultrastructurally, the apoptotic cells showed typical condensed nuclei with dark-round, petal-like, and horseshoe-like shapes. The mitochondria were swelled, and the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi apparatus were dilated in high Mo groups II and III. The statistical analyses by FCM indicated that the percentage of cellular apoptosis was higher in high Mo groups II and III than in control group. Also, the TUNEL staining was consistent with the results of FCM. It was concluded that dietary molybdenum in 1,000 and 1,500 mg/kg caused splenic lesions and lymphocyte apoptosis, which could inhibit the development of spleen and could impair immune function in broilers.

Effect of Dietary High Molybdenum on the Cell Cycle and Apoptosis of Kidney in Broilers

“…In the present work, by using flow cytometry, the effect of Mo on cell population classified by annexin V-FITC and propidium iodide was examined. The results showed that populations of apoptotic renal cells were significantly increased in high Mo groups II and III when compared with those of control group, which was similar to our previous found on splenocytes [5]. The mechanism of apoptosis induced by dietary high Mo was associated with following factors: (1) the fact that a great quantity of renal cells accumulated in the S-phase could be a plausible reason induced apoptosis, which might be a way to eliminate abnormal cells and self-protecting mechanisms for the body.…”

“…Mo toxic effects observed in animals include reproductive effects, growth depression, and decreased hemoglobin and hematocrit [3]. Molybdenumexposed workers from a molybdenite roasting plant showed elevated uric acid concentrations in their blood, simultaneously with clinical symptoms resembling defects in osteogenesis and gout-like syndrome [5].…”

Effect of Molybdenum Nanoparticles on Blood Cells, Liver Enzymes, and Sexual Hormones in Male Rats

“…In addition, an inhibitory effect of molybdenum on mammary carcinogenesis has been reported by Seaborn et al and Wei et al Both groups showed that estrous cycles of female rats treated with Mo were found to be significantly prolonged as compared to nonsupplemented animals [6,7]. Moreover, a study by Yang et al has revealed that high dietary Mo causes splenic lesions and lymphocyte apoptosis, which could inhibit the development of spleen and impair the immune function in broilers [8].…”

Alterations in antioxidant function and cell apoptosis in duck spleen exposed to molybdenum and/or cadmium

“…Mo contamination of agricultural soils as a result of industrial discharge is a serious threat to human and animal health through bioaccumulation in the food chain. High dietary Mo intake can cause spleen damages and lymphocyte apoptosis, which can inhibit spleen development of spleen and impair immune function in young chickens [40]. Mo nanoparticles have induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) changes, cell cycle arrest, and DNA damage [30].…”