Suppressive effects of long-term exposure to P-nitrophenol on gonadal development, hormonal profile with disruption of tissue integrity, and activation of caspase-3 in male Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica)

Abstract

P-Nitrophenol (PNP) is considered to be one of nitrophenol derivatives of diesel exhaust particles. PNP is a major metabolite of some organophosphorus compounds. PNP is a persistent organic pollutant as well as one of endocrine-disrupting compounds. Consequently, bioaccumulation of PNP potentiates toxicity. The objectives of the current study were to assess in vivo adverse effects of long-term low doses of PNP exposure on reproductive system during development stage. Twnety-eight-day-old male Japanese quails were orally administered different doses of PNP (0, 0.01, 0.1, 1 mg/kg body weight) daily for 2.5 months. Testicular histopathology, hormones, caspase-3 (CASP3), and claudin-1 (CLDN1) tight junction protein, as well as plasma hormones were analyzed. The results revealed that long-term PNP exposure caused testicular histopathological changes such as vacuolation of spermatogenic cell and spermatocyte with significant testicular and cloacal gland atrophy. PNP activated CASP3 enzyme that is an apoptosis-related cysteine peptidase. Besides, it disrupted the expression of CLDN1. Furthermore, a substantial decrease in plasma concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone was observed after 2 and 2.5 months in the PNP-treated groups. Meanwhile, the pituitary LH did not significantly change. Site of action of PNP may be peripheral on testicular development and/or centrally on the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis through reduction of pulsatile secretion of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone. Consequently, it may reduce the sensitivity of the anterior pituitary gland to secrete LH. In conclusion, PNP induced profound endocrine disruption in the form of hormonal imbalance, induction of CASP3, and disruption of CLDN1 expression in the testis. Hence, it may hinder the reproductive processes.

Green synthesis of manganese oxide nanoparticles for the electrochemical sensing of p-nitrophenol

“…PNP is also released from diesel exhaust particles and as a degradation product of the insecticides [2,3]. Hence, PNP contaminates water and environment.…”

Effect of Long Term Administration of Atonik Compound in Female Rabbits on Hematological and Pathological Changes in Important Functional Body Organ

“…Furthermore, with 75 day, an overall down regulation of the tested genes was observed. In vitro, although a significant overexpression of CYP1A4, 1B1, and HO-1 was observed, CYP1A5 was down regulated [8] (Figures 3 and 4).…”

“…In fact PNP is an intermediate chemical agent wildly used in the manufacture of some drugs, fungicides, dyes, and consider one organic pollutant [7]. High abuse of organ phosphorus lead to bioaccumulation of PNP [8]. Therefore OPs insecticides abuse increases humans, livestock, and wild animals exposure to PNP toxicity, which lead to severe environmental pollution and increase health problem [8,9].…”

“…High abuse of organ phosphorus lead to bioaccumulation of PNP [8]. Therefore OPs insecticides abuse increases humans, livestock, and wild animals exposure to PNP toxicity, which lead to severe environmental pollution and increase health problem [8,9]. PNP has an adverse effect on endocrine system in male via inhibition of androgen and estrogenic activity was record in vitro and in vivo.…”

Early developmental exposure to pentachlorophenol causes alterations on mRNA expressions of caspase protease family in zebrafish embryos

“…Caspase-3 is one of the most attractive members, and almost the only objective in caspase-related studies in realm of environmental toxicology (Ahmed et al, 2015;Al-Assaf et al, 2013;Nadzialek et al, 2010). Considering the common existence of caspase-3 in embryos, they surely played some kinds of essential roles in animal development (Yabu et al, 2001).…”