Evaluation of Mn exposure in the male reproductive system and its relationship with reproductive dysfunction in mice. (August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Souza, Tugstênio L.; Batschauer, Amândia R.; Brito, Patricia Manuitt; Leão-Buchir, Joelma; Spercoski, Katherinne Maria; Neto, Francisco Filipak; Martino-Andrade, Anderson J.; Ortolani-Machado, Claudia F.
• Is Part Of: Toxicology. Volume 441(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-08
• Subjects: Oxidative stress -- Metal toxicity -- Sperm analysis -- Leydig cell; Toxicology -- Periodicals; Chemicals -- Physiological effect -- Periodicals; 615.9005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2020.152504
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0300-483X

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: High doses of Mn alter the functional status of male reproductive system. Daily spermatic production and sperm motility were highly affected. Mn alters morphofunction of Leydig cell. Mechanism of oxidative stress in testis of Mn-exposed animals was suggested. Abstract: Manganese (Mn) is essential for animal development and homeostasis. However, anthropogenic activities increase the concentration of Mn in the environment and lead to increased risk of exposure to high doses of the metal. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of high doses of Mn on the male reproductive system of swiss mice. The 22-day old mice were randomly sorted into four groups and exposed to 0 (control), 15, 30 and 60 mg of MnCl2 /kg/day, via daily gavages for 45 days. After the exposure, the mice were euthanized and sperm, hormonal and oxidative stress endpoints were evaluated in the testis, seminal vesicle and hypothalamus. Exposure to Mn promoted weight reduction of androgen-dependent organs, as well as alteration of the levels of fecal androgenic metabolites. Sperm parameters were drastically affected in all treated groups and the antioxidants tested (catalase and glutathione-disulfide reductase activities, and non-protein thiols content) decreased in the testis. However, only a few endpoints were altered in the seminal vesicle. For the hypothalamus, there was a reduction in acetylcholinesterase activity, suggesting a neurotoxic potential of Mn. In conclusion, Mn may affect the hypothalamic-gonadal axis by impairing the development of androgen-dependent organs, testicular redox status and Leydig cell maturation.