Agnieszka Greń

The impact of lead and cadmium on selected motility, prooxidant and antioxidant parameters of bovine seminal plasma and spermatozoa

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) content on basic motility characteristics (motility-MOT, progressive motility-PROG) as well as selected markers of the prooxidant-antioxidant balance (catalase-CAT, glutathione-GSH, malondialdehyde-MDA) in bovine seminal plasma and spermatozoa. Twenty five semen samples were collected from breeding bulls and used in the study. Motility analysis was carried out using the Computer Assisted Sperm Analysis (CASA) system. The samples were centrifuged, fractions of seminal plasma and spermatozoa were separated, lysates were prepared from the sperm cell fractions. Pb and Cd concentrations were determined by the voltametric method (ASV), antioxidants and MDA were analyzed by UV/Vis spectrophotometry. The analysis showed that the average concentration of Pb in the seminal plasma was 0.23 ± 0.02 μg/mL, while its amount in the sperm cells was significantly higher (0.41 ± 0.07 μg/mL; P < 0.05). The average Cd content in bovine seminal fractions was similar and non-significant: 0.09 ± 0.01 μg/mL in the seminal plasma and 0.11 ± 0.01 μg/mL in spermatozoa (P > 0.05). The correlation analysis revealed that both heavy metals were significantly negatively correlated with MOT and PROG (P < 0.05; P < 0.01; P < 0.001), CAT (P < 0.05; P < 0.01) as well as GSH (P < 0.05; P < 0.01) but significantly positively associated with MDA as the marker of lipid peroxidation (P < 0.05; P < 0.01). Moreover the samples were categorized in three quality groups (Excellent, Good, Moderate) according to their motility values. The lowest Pb, Cd and MDA concentrations but the best antioxidant characteristics were found in samples of the best quality, moderate quality samples exhibited the highest Pb, Cd and MDA content together with the worst antioxidant capacity. This study demonstrates that Pb and Cd are serious toxic elements, which are able to increase the risk of seminal oxidative stress development and a subsequent decrease of male fertility.

Protective effect of ascorbic acid after single and repetitive administration of cadmium in Swiss mice.

The aim of the study was to delineate the protective effect of ascorbic acid with plausible mechanism after single and repetitive cadmium administration to Swiss mice. The effects of single high dose administration of CdCl2 (6 mg/kg) or ascorbic acid (AsA) (50 mg/kg) and chronic (three times) administration of Cd at low dose (2 mg/kg) or AsA at same dose (50 mg/kg) were compared in Swiss albino mice. Changes of lipid peroxidation [determined by the malonyldialdehyde (MDA) concentration] were taken as a measure of the oxidative stress intensity. Lipid fatty acid’s unsaturation related to the permeability of cell membranes was also examined. Mobilization of the immune system was determined by analyzing changes in antioxidant concentrations of AsA and glutathione (GSH), and by measuring the activation of antioxidant enzymes SOD, GPx and CAT. In addition, the level of free polyamines and variation in their proportions were examined. In conclusion, exposure to higher levels of cadmium will have more deleterious effects on the body rather than chronic exposure at lower levels with this toxic metal, while this study clearly demonstrated the protective effects of AsA in a mouse model.

Impact of Seminal Chemical Elements on the Oxidative Balance in Bovine Seminal Plasma and Spermatozoa.

Mutual relationships between selected chemical elements (Na, K, Fe, Cu, Mg, and Zn), basic motility characteristics (motility and progressive motility), and markers of the oxidative balance (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, albumin, and malondialdehyde) were investigated in bovine seminal plasma and spermatozoa. Computer assisted sperm analysis was used to assess the motility parameters; mineral concentrations were determined by the voltammetric method and flame absorption spectrophotometry; antioxidants and malondialdehyde were evaluated by UV/VIS spectrophotometry. Concentrations of chemical elements in both seminal fractions were in the following descending order: Na > K > Zn > Mg > Fe > Cu. Higher amounts of all minerals and nonenzymatic antioxidants were detected in the seminal plasma (P < 0.01; P < 0.001), while higher MDA concentration and activity of enzymatic antioxidants were recorded in the cell lysates (P < 0.01; P < 0.001). Na, Fe, Cu, Mg, and Zn were positively correlated with the motility and antioxidant parameters (P < 0.05; P < 0.01; P < 0.001). Inversely, K exhibited the positive associations with malondialdehyde (P < 0.05). This study demonstrates that most chemical elements are integral components of bovine semen and are needed for the protection against oxidative stress development.

Antioxidative effects of α-lipoic acid in the brain, liver and kidneys in selected mouse organs exposed to zymosan.

This study investigated the role of exogenous α-lipoic acid (ALA) in the inflammation caused by zymosan application. Seventy-two adult male white mice were divided into twelve groups: three control groups, three Zymosan groups, three ALA groups and three groups being the combination of Zymosan and ALA. In the experimental groups, the animals were decapitated after 3, 6 and 24 hours after the injection. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were determined in the brain, liver and kidneys of the mice. After the injection of Zymosan, it was found that the activity of SOD, CAT and GSH-Px in the brain, liver and kidneys of mice was significantly lower in all time periods. The administration of ALA resulted in an opposite effect, namely, it increased the activity of the enzymes studied in the selected organs of mice. The Zymosan and ALA combination significantly inhibited the decrease in the activity of the enzymes compared with the values obtained in the groups of animals which received Zymosan only. The results of our study, using the Zymosan-induced inflammation, clearly indicate that ALA is an anti-inflammatory agent.

Influence of the kainic acid on antioxidant status in the brain, liver and kidneys of the mouse

The effect of acute exposure of intraperitoneal injection of kainic acid (KA) on the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx), amount of reduced glutathione (GSH) and content of ascorbic acid (ASC) has been studied in brain, liver and kidneys of male mice. Animals (n = 144) were treated KA with one dose, i.e. 12 mg/kg body weight or saline solution. The influence of KA on the tested parameters after 2, 4, 6 and 24 hours was estimated. After the injection of KA it has been found that the activity of SOD, GSHPx and CAT is very clearly reduced in the brain and to a lesser extent in liver and kidneys. Simultaneously a decrease in the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the brain, liver and kidneys was accompanied by a decrease of the amount of GSH and ASC. A decrease in the activity of SOD, CAT, GSHPx (after 2 and 4 h) and amount of GSH and ASC in the brain, liver and kidneys suggests that oxidative stress plays important role in the pathogenesis of KA in mice. The obtained results suggest that KA not only is toxic to the brain but also for the liver and kidneys of mice.

Seasonal, age and sex fluctuations in aflatoxin B1 content in the liver and kidney of brown hares (Lepus europaeus Pall)

ABSTRACT The goal of this study was to monitor the accumulation of aflatoxin B1 in the liver and kidney of brown hares (Lepus europaeus Pall) in the region of south-western Slovakia. A total of 65 samples were involved for analysis by RIA method. Brown hares were divided into the groups according to age, sex and season (month). The sex was determined visually after shooting, and the age was assigned from dried eye lens. The average concentration of AFB1 in the liver of hares was 0.54 ± 0.053 µg/kg, and lower values were measured in the kidney (0.41 ± 0.038 µg/kg). The significantly (P < 0.05) higher values were found in winter months when compared to summer months. According to the age, juvenile animals showed significant higher accumulation of B1 in both organs than adults (P < 0.05). Wild animals can serve as a good model of real environmental contamination. Thus, monitoring of risk factors such as mycotoxins in the environment is important with regard to public health, as game animals constitute an important part of food chain for humans.