Ameliorative effects of morel mushroom (Morchella esculenta) against Cadmium-induced reproductive toxicity in adult male rats

Cadmium (Cd) is one of the major toxicants, which affects human health through occupational and environmental exposure. In the current study, we evaluated the protective effects of morel mushrooms against Cd-induced reproductive damages in rats. For this purpose, 30 male rats were divided into 6 groups (n=5/group), the first group served as the control group, second group was treated with an intraperitoneal (i.p) injection of 1 mg/kg/day of Cd. Third and fourth groups were co-treated with 1 mg/kg/day of Cd (i.p) and 10 and 20 mg/kg/day of morel mushroom extract (orally) respectively. The final 2 groups received oral gavage of 10 and 20 mg/kg/day of morel mushroom extract alone. After treatment for 17 days, the animals were euthanized, and testes and epididymis were dissected out. One testis and epididymis of each animal were processed for histology, while the other testis and epididymis were used for daily sperm production (DSP) and comet assay. Our results showed that Cd and morel mushrooms have no effect on animal weight, but Cd significantly decreases the DSP count and damages the heritable DNA which is reversed in co-treatment groups. Similarly, the histopathological results of testes and epididymis show that morel mushrooms control the damage to these tissues. Whereas the morel mushroom extract alone could enhance the production of testosterone. These results conclude that morel mushrooms not only control the damage done by Cd, but it could also be used as a protection mechanism for heritable DNA damage.

Study on the mechanism of mitochondrial division and mitochondrial autophagy in the male reproductive toxicity induced by nickel nanoparticles

Male reproductive health is deteriorating, and fertility is largely affected by environmental factors. This study aims to investigate the potential mechanism underlying mitochondrial division and mitochondrial autophagy in the male...

Flurochloridone Induced Abnormal Spermatogenesis by Damaging Testicular Sertoli Cells in Mice

BackgroundFlurochloridone (FLC), a selective herbicide used on a global scale, has been reported to have male reproductive toxicity which evidence is limited and the mechanism is still unclear. The present study was conducted to systematically explore the male reproductive toxicity of FLC, including sperm quality, spermatogenesis process, toxicity targets and possible mechanisms. MethodsMale C57BL/6 mice aged 6-7 weeks received gavage administration of FLC (365/730 mg/kg body weight) for 28 consecutive days. Then the tissue and sperm of mice were collected for analysis. We measured the coefficient of male reproductive organs, and analyzed sperm concentration, motility, malformation rate and mitochondrial membrane potential. Spermatocyte immunofluorescence staining was performed to analyze meiosis processes. At the same time, we performed pathological staining on the testis and epididymis tissue, and performed TUNEL staining, immunohistochemical analysis and ultrastructural observation on the testicular tissue.ResultsThe results showed that FLC caused mice testicular weight reduction, dysfunction and architectural damage, but no significant adverse effect was found in epididymis. The exposure interfered with the proliferation of spermatogonia and the process of meiosis, affecting sperm concentration, motility, kinematic parameters, morphology and mitochondrial membrane potential, leading to sperm quality decline. Furthermore, mitochondrial damage and apoptosis of testicular Sertoli cells were observed in mice treated with FLC. ConclusionWe found that FLC has significant adverse effects on spermatogonia proliferation and meiosis. Meanwhile, apoptosis and mitochondrial damage may be the potential mechanism of Sertoli cell damage. Our study demonstrated that FLC could induce testicular Sertoli cell damage, leading to abnormal spermatogenesis which resulted in sperm quality decline and provided a methodological reference for related studies.

Novaluron Has Detrimental Effects on Sperm Functions

Although novaluron is an insect growth regulator with a low mammalian acute toxicity and a low risk to the environment and nontarget organisms, toxic effects of novaluron have been reported. However, no studies have yet evaluated the effect of novaluron on reproduction. Therefore, we examined the effects of novaluron on sperm functions. The spermatozoa of ICR mice were incubated with various concentrations of novaluron to induce capacitation. Then, sperm motion parameters and capacitation status were evaluated using CASA program and H33258/chlortetracycline staining. In addition, PKA activity and tyrosine phosphorylation were evaluated by Western blotting. After exposure, various sperm motion parameters were significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner. The acrosome reaction was also significantly decreased in the high concentration groups. Sperm viability was significantly reduced at the highest concentration. In addition, PKA activity and tyrosine phosphorylation were also significantly altered. Thus, novaluron affects sperm viability, sperm motility, and motion kinematics during capacitation. Furthermore, it may promote the reduction in acrosome reactions. The physiological suppression of sperm function may depend on abnormal tyrosine phosphorylation via the alteration of PKA activity. Therefore, we suggest that it is necessary to consider reproductive toxicity when using novaluron as a pesticide.

Are "Clean" Cosmetic Products Really Clean? A Pilot Study on the Validity of Cosmetic Labeling

Background As a result of increased demand for environmental and health-conscious cosmetics, retailers have increasingly marketed their products using terms such as “clean” or "non-toxic". Sephora, a popular beauty retailer, implemented a clean seal system to label and promote their products. This study aims to compare the toxicity concerns of clean vs. non-clean products by using the Environmental Working Group (EWG)'s Skin Deep framework. MethodsEWG’s Skin Deep Framework was used to rank products based on their cancer, allergy and immunotoxicity, developmental and reproductive toxicity, and use-restriction concerns, with lower scores indicating a cleaner product (ranging 0- 10). The distributions of EWG scores among clean and non-clean products were investigated and stratified by different types of products (i.e. fragrance, hair, makeup, or skincare). A multivariable linear regression model was further applied to evaluate the association between EWG scores and clean seals, adjusting by types of products, level of toxicity concerns.Results356 products were screened, including 180 (50.56%) clean products and 176 (49.44%) non-clean products. Clean products yielded a higher percentage of low hazard ingredients compared to non-clean products. EWG scores are positively correlated with the levels of toxicity concern for cancer, allergy and immunotoxicity, respectively. Clean products are also associated with a lower EWG score by 0.71 in the regression model. Fragrance products are most hazardous, with a 2.42 increase in EWG score.ConclusionsProducts under the binary “clean beauty” labeling system at Sephora may not necessarily capture the nuances of EWG’s ten-point scoring system and various dimensions of health concerns. It may be insufficient for consumers to solely rely on the presence of the clean seal when purchasing beauty products. Consulting multiple frameworks and sources to inform decision-making is crucial in addressing knowledge gaps. Further research and increased data availability from EWG’s database are necessary as well as public education on the application of Sephora’s clean seal.