Phytoremediation Potential of Maná-Cubiu (Solanum sessiliflorumDunal) for the Deleterious Effects of Methylmercury on the Reproductive System of Rats

Abstract

Methylmercury, organic form of mercury, can increase the number of abnormal sperm and decrease sperm concentration and testosterone levels possibly due to the damage caused by reactive species to germ and Leydig cells. Maná-cubiu (Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal) is a native fruit from Amazon rich in iron, zinc, niacin, pectin, and citric acid, used in foods, beverages, and medicinal purposes, since it has been useful for treatment of various diseases caused by oxidative stress or nutritional deficiency. Therefore, this study evaluated the phytoremediation potential of this fruit on damages caused by exposure to MeHg on sperm quantity and quality and the histological aspect of the testis and epididymis. Wistar male rats (n = 20) were randomly allocated into four groups: Control group (received distilled water), MeHg group (140 μg/Kg), Solanum group (1% of fruit Maná-cubiu on chow), and Solanum plus MeHg group (same treatment as MeHg and Solanum group). The organs were weighted, histopathology; sperm morphology and counts were obtained. The results showed reduction in body weight gain, testis weights, reduced sperm production, and increased histopathological abnormalities in the MeHg-treated group. However, treatment with Solanum plus MeHg revealed a protective effect of this fruit on damages caused by MeHg.

Fish pollutants MeHg and Aroclor cause permanent structural damage in male gonads and kidneys after prepubertal exposure

“…These data are different from those of Frenedoso da Silva et al (2014) who observed histological alterations in testes of mouse exposed to MeHg (140 lg/kg, during 100 days) and from those of Pal and Ghosh (2012) who reported disorganization of cell plates and sinusoidal congestion in liver of rats treated with MeHg at 5 mg/kg for 15 days. These data are different from those of Frenedoso da Silva et al (2014) who observed histological alterations in testes of mouse exposed to MeHg (140 lg/kg, during 100 days) and from those of Pal and Ghosh (2012) who reported disorganization of cell plates and sinusoidal congestion in liver of rats treated with MeHg at 5 mg/kg for 15 days.…”

“…In the same way, no adverse effects were observed in histopathology of seminiferous epithelium, epididymis and liver of treated rats in both studied ages. These data are different from those of Frenedoso da Silva et al (2014) who observed histological alterations in testes of mouse exposed to MeHg (140 lg/kg, during 100 days) and from those of Pal and Ghosh (2012) who reported disorganization of cell plates and sinusoidal congestion in liver of rats treated with MeHg at 5 mg/kg for 15 days. These differences occurred probably due to the peculiarities of experimental design adopted in our study, including juvenile male rats together with the use of low doses.…”

Towards Therapeutic Alternatives for Mercury Neurotoxicity in the Amazon: Unraveling the Pre-Clinical Effects of the Superfruit Açaí (Euterpe oleracea, Mart.) as Juice for Human Consumption

“…Moreover, it was hypothesized that the consumption of Amazonian fruits would protect exposed populations, reducing the accumulation of mercury in humans [19]. Despite of that, studies with Amazonian fruits and MeHg intoxication are relatively scarce, being mainly limited to fruits such as guaraná, maná-cubiu, burití and açaí [20,21,22,23,24]. Although guaraná ( Paullinia cupana , Mart.)…”

“…However, maná-cubiu ( Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal), burití ( Mauritia flexuosa L.) and açaí ( Euterpe oleracea , Mart.) were already tested in rodent models of MeHg intoxication showing protection against the deleterious effects of the metal on reproductive system, memory acquisition and visual function, respectively [22,23,24].…”

Evaluation of the testis function of mice exposed in utero and during lactation to Pfaffia glomerata (Brazilian ginseng)

“…The present findings show that P. glomerata exposure does not change body weight. Changes in body weight are indicative signs of systemic toxicity, and its reduction may be related to the effects of exposure to toxic substances (Clegg, Perreault, & Klinefelter, ; Frenedoso da Silva et al, ). Moreover, P. glomerata extract at a dose of 1,000 mg/kg, given directly via gavage, in the post‐natal period (Pnd1–Pnd15) with euthanasia at 70, decreased testis weights, possibly due to the toxic effects of the extract on this organ.…”