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Unexpected Interacting Effects of Physical (Radiation) and Chemical (Bisphenol A) Treatments on Male Reproductive Functions in Mice.
- Source :
-
International journal of molecular sciences [Int J Mol Sci] 2021 Oct 30; Vol. 22 (21). Date of Electronic Publication: 2021 Oct 30. - Publication Year :
- 2021
-
Abstract
- For decades, numerous chemical pollutants have been described to interfere with endogenous hormone metabolism/signaling altering reproductive functions. Among these endocrine disrupting substances, Bisphenol A (BPA), a widely used compound, is known to negatively impact germ and somatic cells in the testis. Physical agents, such as ionizing radiation, were also described to perturb spermatogenesis. Despite the fact that we are constantly exposed to numerous environmental chemical and physical compounds, very few studies explore the impact of combined exposure to chemical and physical pollutants on reproductive health. The aim of this study was to describe the impact of fetal co-exposure to BPA and IR on testicular function in mice. We exposed pregnant mice to 10 µM BPA (corresponding to 0.5 mg/kg/day) in drinking water from 10.5 dpc until birth, and we irradiated mice with 0.2 Gy (γ-ray, RAD) at 12.5 days post-conception. Co-exposure to BPA and γ-ray induces DNA damage in fetal germ cells in an additive manner, leading to a long-lasting decrease in germ cell abundance. We also observed significant alteration of adult steroidogenesis by RAD exposure independently of the BPA exposure. This is illustrated by the downregulation of steroidogenic genes and the decrease of the number of adult Leydig cells. As a consequence, courtship behavior is modified, and male ultrasonic vocalizations associated with courtship decreased. In conclusion, this study provides evidence for the importance of broadening the concept of endocrine disruptors to include physical agents, leading to a reevaluation of risk management and regulatory decisions.
- Subjects :
- Animals
Female
HeLa Cells
Humans
Leydig Cells pathology
Male
Mice
Pregnancy
Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects pathology
Radiation Injuries, Experimental pathology
Benzhydryl Compounds toxicity
Gamma Rays adverse effects
Leydig Cells metabolism
Phenols toxicity
Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects metabolism
Radiation Injuries, Experimental metabolism
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1422-0067
- Volume :
- 22
- Issue :
- 21
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- International journal of molecular sciences
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 34769238
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms222111808