Effects of Cadmium Exposure on Leydig Cells and Blood Vessels in Mouse Testis

Abstract

Environmental exposure to cadmium (Cd) contributes to a decline in the quality of human semen. Although the testis is sensitive to Cd exposure, the mechanism underlying how cadmium affects the testis remains to be defined. In this study, male mice were treated with intraperitoneal injections of 0, 0.5, 1.5 and 2.5 mg CdCl2/kg/day for 10 days, respectively. Both the testicular weight and the 3β-HSD activity of Leydig cells were significantly reduced with the administration of 2.5 mg CdCl2/kg/day. The height of endothelial cells in the interstitial blood vessels significantly increased with the use of 2.5 mg CdCl2/kg/day compared with the control. Western blot data showed that the protein levels of CD31, αSMA, caveolin and Ng2 increased with cadmium exposure, and this increase was particularly significant with the administration of 2.5 mg CdCl2/kg/day. CD31, αSMA, caveolin and Ng2 are related to angiogenesis. Based on our data, cadmium exposure may stimulate the proliferation of the mural cells and endothelial cells of blood vessels, which may lead to abnormal function of the testis.

Emerging insights into the impacts of heavy metals exposure on health, reproductive and productive performance of livestock

“…Prolonged exposure to elevated levels of these metals has led to various health issues, including gastrointestinal disturbances, liver and kidney damage, and neurological disorders. The presence immune system of animals is also compromised, reducing their resistance to pathogens and making them susceptible to infectious diseases (Villalba et al, 2016;Chen et al, 2022).…”

“…Further, Collaborative efforts between veterinary, environmental, agricultural, and public health agencies are essential to address heavy metal contamination comprehensively. Public awareness campaigns should also be launched to educate farmers and the public about the risks of heavy metal contamination in livestock, while investments in testing facilities and laboratories will bolster monitoring efforts (Chen et al, 2022). Additionally, policy development and implementation, alongside surveillance systems to monitor contamination trends, are crucial for prompt response to outbreaks or incidents of toxicity.…”

“…Metal exposure also initiates testicular damage by altering angiogenesis processes ( Rzymski et al, 2015 ). Cd exposure to Leydig cells increases cytokine production, inducing DNA breaks and reducing testosterone production leading to male infertility ( Yang et al, 2022 ). Cd also stimulates α-adrenergic receptors producing excess glucocorticoids, inhibiting steroidogenesis and causing Sertoli cell damage ( de Angelis et al, 2017 ; Slaby et al, 2019 ).…”

Anthocyanins from Lycium ruthenicum Murray Mitigate Cadmium-Induced Oxidative Stress and Testicular Toxicity by Activating the Keap1/Nrf2 Signaling Pathway

“…Many studies have reported that the mechanisms underlying Cd-induced reproductive toxicity are complex [ 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ]. The presence of Cd significantly increases the expression of blood vessel-related proteins, including CD31, NG2, αSMA, and caveolin-1, which stimulate abnormal proliferation of vascular endothelial cells and result in high blood pressure and vascular damage [ 20 ]. Cd can decrease the continuous expression of crucial integral membrane proteins, including occludin, N-cadherin, and claudin-11, thus compromising the integrity of the blood–testis barrier (BTB) [ 21 ].…”