Effects of Vitamin C and E on PCB (Aroclor 1254) induced oxidative stress, androgen binding protein and lactate in rat Sertoli cells

doi:10.1016/j.reprotox.2004.08.001

Reproductive Toxicology

Volume 19, Issue 2, December 2004, Pages 201-208

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.reprotox.2004.08.001 Get rights and content

Abstract

The effect of Aroclor 1254 and the ameliorative effect of Vitamin C and E on Sertoli cell function were studied in adult male rats. The rats were administered Aroclor 1254 at a dose of 2 mg/kg bw/day intraperitoneally for 30 days. One group of rats received Vitamin C (100 mg/kg bw/day) while the other group received Vitamin E (50 mg/kg bw/day) orally simultaneously with Aroclor 1254 for 30 days. Necropsy was performed at 24 h after the last injection. Sertoli cells were isolated for the estimation of enzymatic antioxidants superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GST), and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT). Lipid peroxidation (LPO), hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radical were estimated. Sertoli cellular androgen binding protein (ABP) and lactate were also quantified. Whereas body weight, testis weight, relative weight of testis, ABP, lactate and specific activities of SOD, CAT, GPx, GR, GST, γ-GT were all decreased, the levels of hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radical and LPO were significantly increased in the Sertoli cells of Aroclor 1254 treated rats. Simultaneous administration of Vitamin C or E restored these parameters to a normal range. Thus, the present study suggests that Aroclor 1254 exposure induces oxidative stress in rat Sertoli cells and furthermore that simultaneous administration of Vitamin C or E ameliorated these effects.

Introduction

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) belong to a family of synthetic chlorinated organic compounds that are persistent environmental pollutants and potent reproductive toxicants [1]. Aroclor 1254, a commercial mixture of PCBs, contains 54% chlorine by weight [2]. These fat-soluble compounds are highly-stable and bioaccumulate in the food chain to undergo biomagnification [3].

Previous studies suggested that PCBs have deleterious effects on male reproduction [4]. PCBs are considered potential endocrine disruptors due to their ability to act as estrogen, antiestrogen and goitrogen. PCBs show a tendency to accumulate in steroid producing organs such as the testis, ovary, and adrenal glands [5], [6]. Previously, we showed in adult male rats that Aroclor 1254 decreased sperm motility and sperm count, altered ventral prostatic and testicular antioxidant systems, and promoted oxidative stress [7], [8], [9]. We also found evidence for PCB-induced decrease of serum thyroid hormones, testosterone and estradiol [8]. Aroclor 1254 exposure may generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decrease the activity of epididymal sperm antioxidant systems in adult rats [10]. Recent findings indicate that the PCB induced toxic manifestations may be associated with production of ROS mechanism [11]. ROS can cause lipid peroxidation, decrease glutathione content and hepatic membrane fluidity, and induce DNA damage in cells [12], [13]. It also causes testicular degeneration and infertility [14].

Sertoli cells play an important role in spermatogenesis maintaining spermatocytes and spermatids in the adluminal compartment of the seminiferous epithelium. Sertoli cells are also sensitive to a number of toxicants. Androgen binding protein (ABP) and lactate are secretory products of Sertoli cells reflect the normal function of the cells. Free radicals such as hydroxyl radical (HO radical dot ), superoxide anion (O₂⁻), hydrogen peroxide, attack lipids, sugars, proteins and DNA. Oxidative damage to these molecules may impair a variety of biomolecular processes [15], [16]. A recent study showed that PCBs impair testicular physiology at least in part by a ROS-dependent mechanism, suggesting that antioxidant enzymes are normally important in the testis [17]. Antioxidants such as Vitamin C [18] and E [19] have been shown to protect tissues against ROS [20]; however, whether the effect of PCBs on Sertoli cellular function is unclear and the hence, the present study was undertaken to delineate the adverse effects of PCBs on the Sertoli cellular function and the protective function of Vitamin C and E.

Section snippets

Animals

Healthy adult male albino rats of Wistar strain Rattus norvegicus weighing 180–200 g (age 90 days) were housed in clean polypropylene cages and maintained in an air-conditioned animal facility with constant 12 h/12 h dark and light cycle. All animal procedures were approved by our institute ethical committee (Ref no. IAEC no. 03/005/02). Rats were dewormed with an oral treatment of albendazole (10 mg/kg bw), before initiation of the experiments. PCB treatment groups were as follows, with 10 rats

Body weight and testis weight

The body weight, absolute weight of testis and relative weight of testis were significantly decreased after Aroclor 1254 exposure. Supplementation of Vitamin C or E has no significance when compared with control animals (Table 1).

Androgen binding protein (ABP) and lactate

Sertoli cellular androgen binding protein was significantly decreased (45%) in Aroclor 1254 treated rats when compared to the control animals; however, simultaneous administration of Vitamin C or E restored it to control levels. The Sertoli cellular lactate

Discussion

Aroclor 1254 (PCB) is an environmental contaminant that is classified by the World Health Organization as moderately hazardous [36]. Reproductive effects, such as decreased fertility, decreased conception and prolonged menstruation have been reported in various studies [37]. In the present study, the body weight [8], absolute and relative weight of testis decreased significantly on Aroclor 1254 exposure, which might be due to the decreased bioavailability and production of androgens due to

Acknowledgement

The financial assistance provided by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), New Delhi, to P. Murugesan (Senior Research Fellow) is gratefully acknowledged.

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Effects of Vitamin C and E on PCB (Aroclor 1254) induced oxidative stress, androgen binding protein and lactate in rat Sertoli cells

Abstract

Introduction

Section snippets

Animals

Body weight and testis weight

Androgen binding protein (ABP) and lactate

Discussion

Acknowledgement

Free Radic Biol Med

J Steroid Biochem

J Biol Chem

J Biol Chem

Biochem Biophys Res Commun

Anal Biochem

J Biol Chem

Biochim Biophys Acta

Fundam Appl Toxicol

J Biol Chem

Comp Biochem Physiol C

Arch Biochem Biophys

J Biol Chem

Mol Cell Endocrinol

Reprod Toxicol

Food Chem Toxicol

Mech Ageing Dev

Toxicol Appl Pharmacol

Toxicology

Poul Sci

Polychlorinated biphenyls

J Occup Med

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and human health: an update

Crit Rev Toxicol

Early postnatal exposure to PCBs: sperm function in rats

Environ Toxicol Chem

Stepping backward to improve assessment of PCB congener toxicities

Environ Health Perspect

Inhibition of rat testicular androgenesis by a polychlorinated biphenyl mixture Aroclor 1248

Biol Reprod

Effect of polychlorinated biphenyl Aroclor 1254 on rat epididymis

Indian J Med Res

Impact of polychlorinated biphenyl (Aroclor 1254) and vitamin C on antioxidant system of rat ventral prostate

Asian J Androl