Biochemical and reproductive effects of gestational/lactational exposure to lead and cadmium with respect to testicular steroidogenesis, antioxidant system, endogenous sex steroid and cauda-epididymal functions

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of gestational and lactational exposure to lead and cadmium on testicular steroidogenesis, antioxidant system and male accessory gland functions in F1 generation rats to understand the biochemical mechanisms involved in endocrine disruptions. Pregnant rats were subcutaneously administered with 0.05 mg kg(-1) body wt\ day(-1) of sodium acetate (control), lead acetate, cadmium acetate and (lead acetate + cadmium acetate) throughout the gestational-lactational period, and all animals from each of the experimental groups were sacrificed by decapitation on post-natal day 56 for performing various biochemical assays. We observed significant reduction in the activities of testicular key steroidogenic enzymes and serum testosterone concentration along with significant depletion in cholesterol, ascorbic acid and reduced glutathione contents in all the metal-treated groups. Reductions in the activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase with concomitant increase in the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance were observed in experimental groups. Both sperm contents and sperm motility patterns were significantly altered in all the metal-treated groups, suggesting the direct/indirect spermotoxic effects of lead and cadmium. The inhibitory effects of lead, cadmium and combined exposure on testicular steroidogenesis machinery, along with the male accessory gland functions, are indicative of multiple targets of lead and cadmium to disrupt male reproductive functions.

Protective role of zinc against the toxicity induced by exposure to cadmium during gestation and lactation on testis development

“…However, the morphology and structure of the testes were significantly altered at pre-pubertal age (PND35) as evidenced by a decrease in the relative testis weight and in plasma testosterone level, indicating interference of Cd with spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis. Similar results were obtained by Pillai et al [5] after gestational and lactational exposure to Cd. Reduction in testicular weight has been, partly, attributed to the necrotic and degenerative Cd-induced changes [41,42].…”

Semen quality and reproductive endocrinal function related to blood lead levels in infertile painters

“…Allouche et al (2009) demonstrated also a significant increase in serum testosterone level. Pillai et al (2012) mentioned similar effects in animal experiments regarding testosterone synthesis and blood levels, in addition to a significant depletion in cholesterol, ascorbic acid and reduced glutathione contents. Also Pandya et al (2012) demonstrated that experimental exposure to lead in animals resulted in decreased activities of testicular 3b-hydroxysteroid and 17b-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases.…”

“…Vitamin C reduced the toxic effect of free radicals induced by Pb and Cd and protected the key testosterone synthesis enzyme activity . Pillai et al (2012) mentioned similar effects in animal experiments regarding testosterone synthesis and blood levels, in addition to a significant depletion in cholesterol, ascorbic acid and reduced glutathione contents.…”

“…Experimental exposure of rats to lead and cadmium has shown significantly decreased testicular and epididymal sperm count as well as epididymal sperm motility and viability. Also reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by Pb and cadmium (Cd) affects the testicular steroidogenesis and male accessory gland functions Pillai et al, 2012). It was, however, observed that humans are more susceptible than the rats to metal toxicity, probably because of the poorer efficacy of the antioxidant defence system (Telisman et al, 2007).…”

Molecular characterization and expression pattern of a novel cadmium resistance gene of tobacco

“…Several studies have reported an inverse relationship between anthropometric measurements of the newborn and the placental or umbilical cord Cd levels (Liu et al, 2013;Llanos et al, 2009;Ronco et al, 2009). Cd exposure exerts inhibitory effects on testicular steroidogenesis (Liu et al, 2013;Pillai et al, 2012).…”