Samira Maghraoui1, Adrian Florea2, Ahlem Ayadi3, Horea Matei2,4, Leila Tekaya5. 1. Laboratory of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis (University of Tunis El Manar), 15, Djebel Lakhdar Street, La Rabta, 1007, Tunis, Tunisia. maghraoui.samira@gmail.com. 2. Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, "Iuliu Haţieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 L. Pasteur St, 400349, Cluj-Napoca, Romania. 3. Research Unit: Valorization of Active Molecules, Higher Institute of Applied Biology Medenine (University of Gabes), El Jorf Road - Km 22.5-4119, Medenine, Tunisia. 4. Laboratory of Complementary Investigations, Institute of Legal Medicine, 3-5 Clinicilor St, 400006, Cluj-Napoca, Romania. 5. Laboratory of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis (University of Tunis El Manar), 15, Djebel Lakhdar Street, La Rabta, 1007, Tunis, Tunisia.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Aluminum and indium are widely used in industrial manufacturing, in pharmaceutical products, in medical treatments, and in food packaging, so they could reach organisms by different way. In order to clarify whether these elements are dangerous, we already demonstrated the ultrastructural modifications observed in the testicles, the epididymides, and the seminal vesicles of rat. Their pro-oxidative effect was also confirmed concomitantly to a decrease in anti-oxidant defenses in the blood, the testicles, and the liver. Thus, it seemed very logic to evaluate damages in the reproductive organs, especially on the exocrine and endocrine functions of the testicles. METHODS: Aluminum and indium were intraperitoneally administered to male Wistar rats. Sperm solution was obtained from cauda epididymides. Motility, viability, density, and malformation of spermatozoa solution were assessed. Serum total unconjugated testosterone concentrations were measured using RIA technique. RESULTS: Our results showed a decrease in weight of the testicles, epididymides, and seminal vesicles of indium-treated rats and an increase in the weight of their kidneys. A decrease in motility, viability, and density of epididymides stored sperm as well as generation of many spermatozoa malformations was also observed especially in indium-treated rats. Testosterone levels were increased in indium but were enhanced in aluminum group. This confirmed our previous studies showing that aluminum and indium are toxic for the testicular tissues. This could be explained by the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) affecting strongly the exocrine and the endocrine functions of the testicles. CONCLUSION: Aluminum and indium are disturbing elements for the exocrine and endocrine functions of rat testicles.
BACKGROUND: Aluminum and indium are widely used in industrial manufacturing, in pharmaceutical products, in medical treatments, and in food packaging, so they could reach organisms by different way. In order to clarify whether these elements are dangerous, we already demonstrated the ultrastructural modifications observed in the testicles, the epididymides, and the seminal vesicles of rat. Their pro-oxidative effect was also confirmed concomitantly to a decrease in anti-oxidant defenses in the blood, the testicles, and the liver. Thus, it seemed very logic to evaluate damages in the reproductive organs, especially on the exocrine and endocrine functions of the testicles. METHODS: Aluminum and indium were intraperitoneally administered to male Wistar rats. Sperm solution was obtained from cauda epididymides. Motility, viability, density, and malformation of spermatozoa solution were assessed. Serum total unconjugated testosterone concentrations were measured using RIA technique. RESULTS: Our results showed a decrease in weight of the testicles, epididymides, and seminal vesicles of indium-treated rats and an increase in the weight of their kidneys. A decrease in motility, viability, and density of epididymides stored sperm as well as generation of many spermatozoa malformations was also observed especially in indium-treated rats. Testosterone levels were increased in indium but were enhanced in aluminum group. This confirmed our previous studies showing that aluminum and indium are toxic for the testicular tissues. This could be explained by the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) affecting strongly the exocrine and the endocrine functions of the testicles. CONCLUSION: Aluminum and indium are disturbing elements for the exocrine and endocrine functions of rat testicles.
Authors: Lorena L Sombra; Marta O Luconi; Liliana P Fernández; Roberto A Olsina; María F Silva; Luis D Martínez Journal: J Pharm Biomed Anal Date: 2003-01-01 Impact factor: 3.935
Authors: Jorge L Zurita; Angeles Jos; Ana del Peso; Manuel Salguero; Ana M Cameán; Miguel López-Artíguez; Guillermo Repetto Journal: Sci Total Environ Date: 2007-09-05 Impact factor: 7.963