Effects of Vitamin Supplementation on PCB (Aroclor 1254)‐Induced Changes in Ventral Prostatic Androgen and Estrogen Receptors

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the impact of the polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) Aroclor 1254 and vitamin C and E on ventral prostatic testosterone and estradiol receptor concentration. A group of 30 rats were treated with Aroclor 1254 [2 mg/kg body weight (bwt) /day/ip] for 30 days; 10 rats were treated as Aroclor 1254 control. The remaining 20 rats were subdivided into the following two subgroups of 10 animals each. One group was given vitamin C (500 mg/kg bwt/day/oral) for 10 days, whereas the other group was given vitamin E (50 mg/kg bwt/day/oral) for 10 days. Separate controls were also maintained. Ventral prostatic androgen and estrogen receptor concentration in all the groups were quantified. Serum hormonal profiles such as total T3, T4, TSH, testosterone, and estradiol were also estimated in all the groups. Ventral prostatic zinc content and serum zinc concentration were also determined in all the groups. Aroclor 1254 exposure decreased the concentration of both receptors. Decreased serum total T3, T4, testosterone, estradiol, and increased TSH were observed after Aroclor 1254 exposure. Serum and tissue zinc levels were also decreased. Administration of vitamin C or E restored both the receptor concentration and the serum hormone levels with the exception of estradiol. Administration of vitamin C or E restored zinc levels. Vitamin E was more sensitive on ventral prostatic androgen receptors and zinc levels, including serum, in PCB-exposed rats.

Impact of Lycopene on Epididymal Androgen and Estrogen Receptors’ Expression in Polychlorinated Biphenyls–Exposed Rat

“…26 The PCBs, as xenoestrogens, might affect the production of steroidogenic enzymes and alter the rate of synthesis and metabolism of endogenous estrogens. 41 Several animal studies have reported that PCB treatment affects the steroid receptor levels as well as steroid metabolism 1,42 and circulating androgen concentration. 38 The PCBs, especially the higher chlorinated forms, may selectively induce cytochrome P450s 43 as a possible source of ROS 44 or, alternatively, the oxidation of a broad range of endogenous and exogenous substances (including PCBs).…”

Effect of Aroclor 1254 on Sertoli cellular antioxidant system, androgen binding protein and lactate in adult rat in vitro

“…In contrast, Ahmad et al (2003) reported that PCBs treatment significantly decreased testicular size and testosterone levels in plasma and adversely affected spermatogenic activity by disrupting epithelial organization in adult rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulata). Previous studies from our laboratory have shown that Aroclor 1254 decreased sperm motility, sperm count and alters the antioxidant systems of ventral prostate, seminal vesicle and testicular cells (Leydig and Sertoli cells) in adult rats (Anbalagan et al, 2003;Venkataraman et al, 2004aVenkataraman et al, , 2004bSenthilkumar et al, 2004;Sridhar et al, 2004;Vijayababu et al, 2004;Murugesan et al, 2005aMurugesan et al, , 2005b.…”

“…PCBs can act as endocrine disrupters and many of such effects are mediated by sex steroid hormone receptors (Cooper and Kavlock, 1997). PCBs can adversely affect male accessory sex glands such as epididymis, prostate, seminal vesicles, which are neglected by testicular hormones (Kaya et al, 2002;Latchoumycandane and Mathur, 2002;Anbalagan et al, 2003;Venkataraman et al, 2004aVenkataraman et al, , 2004bSenthilkumar et al, 2004;Sridhar et al, 2004;Vijayababu et al, 2004;Murugesan et al, 2005aMurugesan et al, , 2005b.…”

Sexual differentiation of the rodent hypothalamus: Hormonal and environmental influences

“…The detrimental impact of PCBs on the neuro-endocrine system development is due to their ability to interact with the mechanism of action of many hormones, including sex steroids. PCB are able to affect steroid production [42,43], to modulate the expression of their receptors [44], as well as to interfere with hormonal steroid receptor binding either as agonists or antagonists, depending on the structure, type of receptor and target organ [45,46]. Many coplanar PCBs have also a dioxin-like activity, interacting with the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) [47].…”