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