Volume 109, February 2014, Pages 18–33
Antioxidant mediated ameliorative steroidogenesis by Commelina benghalensis L. and Cissus quadrangularis L. against quinalphos induced male reproductive toxicity
Highlights
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- QP affecting the male reproductive system through ROS generation.
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- Lack of cholesterol in Leydig cells impaired the steroidogenesis.
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- CBE and CQE preventing/restoring oxidative damage by antioxidant activities.
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- Plant extracts treatment regulating the steroidogenic pathway.
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- Among the two plants C. quadrangularis is found to be more potent.
Abstract
Quinalphos
(QP) is speculated to cause endocrine disruption through the generation
of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by oxidative stress (OS). Exposure of
QP decreased testosterone level considerably which resulted in reduced
viable sperms in mice. The QP induced toxicity is initiated by the
formation of free radicals as it is evidenced from the increased Lipid
peroxidation (LPO) and diminution of antioxidant enzymes in testicular
tissue. Increased serum cholesterol and reduced testicular cholesterol
indicated the inhibition of cholesterol transport and biosynthesis in
testicular tissues. Lack of cholesterol in testicular tissue impaired
the steroidogenesis by down-regulating the expression of StAR protein,
Cytochrome P450, 3β-HSD and 17β-HSD leading to reduced testosterone
level. Treatment of Commelina benganlensis (CBE) and Cissus quadrangularis
(CQE) significantly recovered the alterations in antioxidant profiles
as well as increased LPO, thereby recovering the decreased mRNA
expression levels of intermediate enzymes. However, CQE effectively
protected the OS and prevented the inhibition of steroidogenesis thereby
preventing male infertility.
Graphical abstract
Keywords
- Quinalphos;
- C. benghalensis;
- C. quadrangularis;
- Antioxidants;
- Testosterone;
- Oxidative stress
Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
