Heavy metal bioaccumulation triggers oxystress, genotoxicity and immunomodulation in head kidney macrophages of Channa punctatus Bloch.

Studies on heavy metal induced toxicity have been conducted in many water bodies across the globe and such effects have been evaluated in various fish species. The present study was designed to determine the load of some heavy metals in select sites in Southern Assam, India, along with estimating their concentration in tissues of Channa punctatus Bloch. inhabiting those niches. The effect of heavy metals in oxystress generation, genotoxicity and subsequent immune response in fish was also evaluated. In all of these sites, the concentration of Hg, Cd, Pb and Cr were above the permissible ranges while their concentrations were several folds higher in the piscine tissues due to bioaccumulation and possible biomagnification. Kidney showed the highest metal pollution index followed by liver and gills. Generation of ROS was significantly elevated and that in turn triggered oxystress, as is evident from enhanced lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation and respiratory burst activity. These were in association with the compromised antioxidant enzyme levels with concomitant damage to DNA as evident from Comet parameters. The innate immune potential was significantly impaired as evident from the compromised cell adhesion, phagocytosis, intracellular killing activity in head kidney macrophages (HKM) along with decreased release of nitric oxide (NO) and myeloperoxidase (MPO). Immunosuppression was further validated at protein levels where compromised release of cytokines viz. TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-12 and cell signaling molecules iNOS and NF-κß were noted. Thus the present study indicates genotoxicity along with a compromise in immune status of Channa punctatus Bloch. living in a habitat laden with heavy metals.

Photothermal Reshaping of One-Dimensional Plasmonic Polymers: From Colloidal Dispersion to Living Cells.

Cellular internalization of plasmonic metal nanostructured materials has recently become a requisite for biomedical engineering of several intracellular processes that could foster an extensive paradigm to perform desired functions in the living cells. While numerous anisotropic metal nanostructures can be employed to pursue the specific functions, their incorporation becomes restricted due to morphological specificity to be engulfed in the cells. Due to recent advent in the self-assembly strategies, individual gold nanospheres could be interdigitated to one-dimensional plasmonic polymers and undergo subsequent laser-induced photothermal reshaping to rod-like nanostructures. The salient feature of biological significance is merely the variation of particle size within the polymers that engenders a dramatic impact on the radiative and nonradiative properties expressed in the scale of Faraday number (F a) and Joule number (J 0), respectively, as a function of the aspect ratio (α) of the nanorods. The effect on the nonradiative properties augments designing of nanoscale thermometry essential for photothermal applications in living cells. The conception of the colloidal dispersion has been extended to the cellular environment in a mice model; the selective accumulation of the nanostructures in the cells could provide an invading relationship between plasmonic characteristics, temperature distribution, and the biological issues. The critical correlation between optical and thermal characteristics toward biomedical manipulation from both theoretical and experimental perspectives could augment a milestone toward the progress of modern medical sciences.

An Anti-inflammatory Fe3 O4 -Porphyrin Nanohybrid Capable of Apoptosis through Upregulation of p21 Kinase Inhibitor Having Immunoprotective Properties under Anticancer PDT Conditions.

We report the influence of Fe3 O4 nanoparticles (NPs) on porphyrins in the development of photosensitizers (PSs) for efficient photodynamic therapy (PDT) and possible post-PDT responses for inflicting cancer cell death. Except for Au, most metal-based nanomaterials are unsuitable for clinical applications. The US Food and Drug Administration and other agencies have approved Feraheme and a few other iron oxide NPs for clinical use, paving the way for novel biocompatible immunoprotective superparamagnetic iron oxide nanohybrids to be developed as nanotherapeutics. A water-soluble nanohybrid, referred to here as E-NP, comprising superparamagnetic Fe3 O4 NPs functionalised with tripyridyl porphyrin PS was introduced through a rigid 4-carboxyphenyl linker. As a PDT agent, the efficacy of E-NP toward the AGS cancer cell line showed enhanced photosensitising ability as determined through in vitro photobiological assays. The cellular uptake of E-NPs by AGS cells led to apoptosis by upregulating ROS through cell-cycle arrest and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. The subcellular localisation of the PSs in mitochondria stimulated apoptosis through upregulation of p21, a proliferation inhibitor capable of preventing tumour development. Under both PDT and non-PDT conditions, this nanohybrid can act as an anti-inflammatory agent by decreasing the production of NO and superoxide ions in murine macrophages, thus minimising collateral damage to healthy cells.

Oral Nicotine Induces Oxidative Stress and Inflammation but Does Not Subvert Tumor Suppressor and DNA Repair Responses in Mice.

Nicotine, responsible for the addictive properties of tobacco, is widely used in nicotine replacement therapy for tobacco use cessation. We investigated the time-dependent effect of treatment with nicotine on the tumor suppressor, DNA repair and immune responses. Swiss Albino mice (laca strain) of both sexes received nicotine dissolved at a dose of 100 µg/ml in 2% sucrose for 24 weeks, by oral gavage, while age- and gender-matched controls received only 2% sucrose for the same period. Nicotine-treated and control mice were sacrificed 6, 16 and 24 weeks post-treatment, and their tissues evaluated for alterations in histology, oxidative stress, TNF-α levels, nitric oxide (NO) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) release, tumor suppressor response and DNA repair response. Statistical significance of results was determined using Students' t test. The tissues of nicotine treated mice exhibited a large number of multinucleated and binucleated cells, enlarged nuclei and non-uniform distribution of cells, significant increase in expression of TNF-α gene and serum TNF-α, and time-dependent significant increase in lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, NO and MPO release when compared to age-and gender-matched controls. The mRNA expression of the tumor suppressor gene p53, its primary regulator Mdm2, and the DNA repair genes Brca2 and Ape1 were significantly elevated, but the corresponding protein levels remained largely unaltered. In conclusion, treatment with nicotine caused oxidative stress and inflammation which can cause widespread cellular damage from the very onset of treatment, without subverting the tumor suppressor and DNA repair responses.

Cadmium exposure induces inflammation through the canonical NF-κΒ pathway in monocytes/macrophages of Channa punctatus Bloch.

A vast range of research related to the toxicity of the heavy metal cadmium (Cd) has been carried out in a wide variety of fish species. However, Cd induced immunomodulation in monocytes/macrophages of Channa punctatus Bloch. has rarely been explored. The present study was designed to determine Cd induced immune response, role of NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa B) pathway and the subsequent downstream molecular responses in monocytes/macrophages of C. punctatus. Fish were sampled and acclimatized, with one group treated with cadmium chloride (CdCl2) (1.96 mg/L) and another kept as untreated control group, both under observation for 7 days. Exposure to CdCl2 was found to alter hematological profile of C. punctatus in addition to incurring histo-architectural damages in the HK (head kidney) and ultrastructural changes in the monocytes/macrophages. The innate immune potential was found to be significantly compromised as evident from decreased phagocytosis, intracellular killing, cell adhesion and reduced release of nitric oxide (NO) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) in Cd intoxicated group. Also Cd triggered ROS generation, reduced cellular NO levels by forming peroxynitrite along with the upregulated expression of the inflammatory marker iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase) in monocytes/macrophages, both at mRNA and protein levels, indicating inflammation. Inflammation is further verified from the upregulated expression of proinflammatory cytokines viz. TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-12 along with a central inflammatory mediator NF-κΒ and downregulation of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, both at mRNA and protein levels. It can be concluded that, a sub-lethal exposure of Cd in C. punctatus for 7 days caused significant alterations in the hematological, histological and ultrastructural profile in monocytes/macrophages; impaired innate immune parameters, triggers ROS generation and inflammation as validated from the upregulated expression of NF-κΒ, iNOS, TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-12 and IL-10 downregulation.

Cadmium induced oxystress alters Nrf2-Keap1 signaling and triggers apoptosis in piscine head kidney macrophages.

Cadmium (Cd) with no known functional role in any life-form has myriad of harmful effects. The present study was designed to elucidate the mechanism of Cd-induced oxystress generation and its impact on antioxidant and apoptosis signaling pathways in head kidney macrophage (HKM) of Channa punctatus Bloch. Fish were sampled and acclimatized with one group treated with cadmium chloride (CdCl2) (1.96 mg/L) and another as untreated control group, both kept under observation for 7 days. Exposure to Cd caused ultrastructural changes along with reduced head kidney somatic index (HKSI). Significantly increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), respiratory burst activity, lipid peroxidation, DNA fragmentation and superoxide dismutase were found in the HKM from the treated group as compared to control. In contrast, antioxidant enzymes like catalase and reduced glutathione activity decreased in the Cd exposed group. The suppressed antioxidant activity was further confirmed and corroborated from the altered expression of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) genes, the major player of antioxidant pathway. Cd induced alteration in Nrf2-Keap1 signaling pathway was also validated by the diminished levels of Nrf2 dependent expression of protein like heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). The flow cytometry analysis supported the event of apoptosis in Cd exposed group as compared to control, which was further confirmed by the upregulated expression of caspase-3, caspase-8, caspase-9, TNF-α and p53 genes from the real-time gene expression study. In addition, altered protein level of cytochrome C validates the incidence of apoptosis. Altogether, our results demonstrate that exposure to Cd caused oxidative stress in HKM of Channa punctatus Bloch. by compromising the antioxidant enzyme activities via the down regulation of expression of genes related to antioxidant signaling pathway besides encouraging apoptosis via both mitochondrial and death receptor pathway.

Neurobehavioral responses in swiss albino mice induced by an aqueous leaf extract from a medicinal plant named Heliotropium incanum Ruiz & Pav.

It is of interest to examine the adverse neuro-behavioural responses on mice treated with the aqueous crude extract of Heliotropium incanum (AEHI), which were evaluated using various behavioral paradigms. On the basis of median lethal dose value, doses of AEHI were chosen to be 150mg/kg and 440mg/kg for further experiment. Four groups comprising of five mice each were divided for the 14 days experiment. Group I, the control group, received distilled water; Group II and III received AEHI (150 mg/kg body weight and 440 mg/kg body weight) respectively; Group IV received standard drugs, Diazepam/Fluoxetine, administered orally. On administration of AEHI, it was revealed that dose 440 mg/kg showed less exploration activity in the hole board test; decrease in the number of squares crossed in locomotory test, time period in the open arm in the plus maze test was significantly reduced and the immobility time was significantly extended in comparison to control and standard drugs. The microscopic study of brain revealed damaged hippocampus along with nerve cells degeneration. Consequently, the results concluded that the outcome of the AEHI produced evidences for the anxiogenic activity in mice.

Treatment with the anti-diabetic drug metformin ameliorates betel-nut induced carcinogenesis in a murine model.

BACKGROUND: Metformin, a widely used anti-diabetic drug has gained enormous attention as an anticancer agent. This study seeks to investigate the efficacy of metformin in ameliorating aqueous extract of betel-nut (AEBN) and arecoline induced carcinogenesis in a murine model. METHODS: Swiss albino mice were exposed to AEBN (2 mg ml-1) and arecoline (10 µg ml-1) in drinking water for 16 weeks followed by co-administration of metformin (75 mg kg-1 or 150 mg kg-1) for 4 or 8 weeks. Histological changes and oxidative stress were assessed by haematoxylin and eosin staining, TBARS assay and protein carbonylation assay respectively. Lipid profile was determined using an automated analyzer. Expression of total and phosphorylated AMPK, ACC and p53 were determined by immunoblotting. RESULTS: AEBN and arecoline induced dyslipidemia by downregulating AMPK (Thr-172) and activating ACC (Ser-79); they also downregulated tumor suppressor p53 (Ser-15). Metformin treatment induced AMPK-dependent alleviation of dyslipidemia in a dose and time dependent manner, upregulated p53 (Ser-15), restored tissue architecture and reduced oxidative stress in tissues of AEBN and arecoline treated mice. CONCLUSION: This study establishes that betel nut induces dyslipidemia through its alkaloid, arecoline by inhibition of AMPK (Thr-172) and activation of ACC (Ser-79) and highlights the therapeutic potential of metformin for treatment of betel-nut induced carcinogenesis, indicating the repurposing of the old drug in a new avenue.

Anti-Diabetic Drugs: Cure or Risk Factors for Cancer?

Anti-diabetic drugs are an important group of therapeutics used worldwide. Different anti-diabetic drugs lower blood glucose level by different mechanisms. In recent years, numerous investigations have been performed based on both comparative and cohort studies, in order to establish the relationship between anti-diabetic pharmacotherapy and cancer incidence as well as mortality due to cancer. Some anti-diabetic drugs have been found to exhibit anti-cancer activity while others might increase the risk for cancer. The underlying cause for this disparity is likely to be the varying mechanisms of action of these drugs in controlling blood glucose level. This review discusses the various carcinogenic and/or anti-cancer effects of commonly used anti-diabetic drugs. The information is vital in view of the fact that diabetes mellitus is a commonly occurring disease with a rising incidence rate.

Gold­manganese oxide nanocomposite suppresses hypoxia and augments pro-inflammatory cytokines in tumor associated macrophages.

The tumor microenvironment, essentially hypoxic, is sustained by the hypoxia inducing factor (HIF), released from the pro-tumorigenic tumor associated macrophages (TAMs), functionally identical to the M2 phenotype macrophages. Stability of HIF mainly depends on molecular oxygen and an iron-dependent enzyme prolyl hydroxylase, while its activity may be inhibited by high levels of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide. The present work showcases a novel approach utilizing the anti-tumorigenic potential of a gold-manganese oxide nanocomposite material in the tumor microenvironment that affects tumor hypoxia, exploring the possibility of restoring the immunoregulatory nature of TAMs from their pro-tumorigenic state. Along with the biochemical markers, ELISA and FACS analyses have also confirmed the potential of these nanoparticles in reverting back the M2 phenotype of TAMs to their classically activated M1 phenotype.

Aqueous Extract of Smokeless Tobacco (gutkha) Deregulates Tumor Suppressor and DNA Repair Response in a Murine Model of Smokeless Tobacco Use.

The effect of smokeless tobacco (gutkha) was investigated by treating male and female Swiss Albino mice with an aqueous extract of smokeless tobacco (AEST). AEST was administered at a dose of 25 mg kg-1 body weight per day for different time periods (6, 12, 16, and 24 weeks), and control animals were provided only drinking water without AEST for the same period. Control and AEST-treated mice were observed for different oxidative stress parameters, nitric oxide (NO) release, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) release, and they were evaluated for alterations in tumor suppressor and DNA repair responses in the liver and spleen. Both male and female mice treated with AEST showed significant increase in lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, and NO and MPO release in the liver and spleen compared to age- and gender-matched controls. The significant decline in tumor suppressor p53 protein levels, likely mediated by concomitantly upregulated levels of Mdm2, was observed. We also observed a significant decline in the levels of DNA repair proteins Brca2 and Ape-1 compared to the respective controls. Thus, AEST induces oxidative stress, inflammation, and significantly lowers tumor suppressor and DNA repair responses. These factors may work in conjunction to increase the risk for certain diseases, including cancer.

Noble metal nanoparticle-induced oxidative stress modulates tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) from an M2 to M1 phenotype: An in vitro approach.

Diagnosis of cancer and photothermal therapy using optoelectronic properties of noble metal nanoparticles (NPs) has established a new therapeutic approach for treating cancer. Here we address the intrinsic properties of noble metal NPs (gold and silver) as well as the mechanism of their potential antitumor activity. For this, the study addresses the functional characterization of tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) isolated from murine fibrosarcoma induced by a chemical carcinogen, 3-methylcholanthrene (MCA). We have previously shown antitumor activity of both gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and silver nanoparticle (AgNPs) in vivo in a murine fibrosarcoma model. In the present study, it has been seen that AuNPs and AgNPs modulate the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) production, suppressing the antioxidant system of cells (TAMs). Moreover, the antioxidant-mimetic action of these NPs maintain the ROS and RNS levels in TAMs which act as second messengers to activate the proinflammatory signaling cascades. Thus, while there is a downregulation of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and Interleukin-10 (IL-10) in the TAMs, the proinflammatory cytokine Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is upregulated resulting in a polarization of TAMs from M2 (anti-inflammatory) to M1 (pro-inflammatory) nature.

Immunomodulatory properties of silver nanoparticles contribute to anticancer strategy for murine fibrosarcoma.

The use of nanotechnology in nanoparticle-based cancer therapeutics is gaining impetus due to the unique biophysical properties of nanoparticles at the quantum level. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been reported as one type of potent therapeutic nanoparticles. The present study is aimed to determine the effect of AgNPs in arresting the growth of a murine fibrosarcoma by a reductive mechanism. Initially, a bioavailability study showed that mouse serum albumin (MSA)-coated AgNPs have enhanced uptake; therefore, toxicity studies of AgNP-MSA at 10 different doses (1-10 mg/kg b.w.) were performed in LACA mice by measuring the complete blood count, lipid profile and histological parameters. The complete blood count, lipid profile and histological parameter results showed that the doses from 2 to 8 mg (IC50: 6.15 mg/kg b.w.) sequentially increased the count of leukocytes, lymphocytes and granulocytes, whereas the 9- and 10-mg doses showed conclusive toxicity. In an antitumor study, the incidence and size of fibrosarcoma were reduced or delayed when murine fibrosarcoma groups were treated by AgNP-MSA. Transmission electron micrographs showed that considerable uptake of AgNP-MSA by the sentinel immune cells associated with tumor tissue and a morphologically buckled structure of the immune cells containing AgNP-MSA. Because the toxicity studies revealed a relationship between AgNPs and immune function, the protumorigenic cytokines TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1ß were also assayed in AgNP-MSA-treated and non-treated fibrosarcoma groups, and these cytokines were found to be downregulated after treatment with AgNP-MSA.

Immunomodulation of intestinal macrophages by mercury involves oxidative damage and rise of pro-inflammatory cytokine release in the fresh water fish Channa punctatus Bloch.

Mercury and its compounds have been parts of widespread pollutants of the aquatic environment. The present study was designed to assess the effect of mercury on fish immune responses. Since the metal is absorbed by fish and passed up the food chain to other fish-eating species, it not only affects aquatic ecosystems but also humans through bioaccumulation. In the present study, it was found that innate immunity of the fresh water fish Channa punctatus Bloch. was significantly debilitated after a periods of exposure to a sub-lethal concentration of mercury (0.3 mg/L). After 7 days of exposure, phagocytosis, cell adhesion and intracellular killing activity were found to decrease significantly along with significant decreases in nitric oxide (NO) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) production from macrophages as compared to the control group indicating intracellular damages. Levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-6 were found to be significantly more in mercury treated groups than that of control group indicating inflammatory damage. This included significant ultrastructural changes like fragmented epithelium, lesions in mucosal foldings, degenerated mitochondria, reduction in the number of goblet cells and disoriented microvilli as evident from transmission electron micrographs.

Novel water soluble neutral vanadium(IV)-antibiotic complex: Antioxidant, immunomodulatory and molecular docking studies.

A novel water soluble five coordinate oxovanadium(IV) complex, [VO(C16H15N4O8S)HSO4] incorporating cefuroxime, a cephalosporin group of antibiotic have been prepared from an interaction of vanadyl sulfate and cefuroxime in aqueous solution. The compound was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), CHN microanalyses, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), fast atom bombardment (FAB) mass spectrometry and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Density Functional Theory (DFT) computation using Gaussian 09 program at B3LYP level revealed a distorted square pyramidal energy optimized geometry for the vanadyl(IV) complex. The molecular docking studies show that the interaction between the vanadium complex and protein receptor, clathrin is dominated by hydrophobic forces. The experimental (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) features of the analogous Zn(II) complex matched well with the theoretically computed values further affirming the distorted square pyramidal geometry for the vanadyl(IV) complex. Cyclic voltammetry revealed a metal centered single-electron oxidation-reduction response for VO(IV)/VO(V) couple. The antioxidant activity of the vanadium(IV)-complex vis-à-vis the antibiotic has been assessed by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. The vanadium complex showed comparatively better radical scavenging ability compared to the antibiotic cefuroxime. The antimicrobial activity of the compound has been assayed for five different microbial strains using minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method. Immunomodulatory studies carried out using phagocytosis index, myeloperoxidase release and cytokine assay indicated the vanadium(IV)-complex to be immunosuppressant. The cytotoxicity of the compound was evaluated by MTT (3-(4, 5-dimethyl thiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) reduction assay.

Bactericidal activity of selected medicinal plants against multidrug resistant bacterial strains from clinical isolates.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the antibacterial effect of Curcuma longa (C. longa), Zingiber officinale (Z. officinale) and Tinospora cordifolia (T. cordifolia) against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis and Proteus mirabilis of clinical origin. METHODS: The antimicrobial efficacy of said medicinal plants and establishment of multidrug resistant character of these bacteria were carried out using disc diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) methods. RESULTS: The results of MIC and MBC showed that these clinical bacterial isolates were phenotypically multidrug resistant against standard antibiotics (>500 µg/mL). Compared to standard antibiotics, C. longa, Z. officinale and T. cordifolia were more effective in killing these microbes as evident from MIC and MBC values (5 to 125 µg/mL). Moreover, C. longa had highest antibacterial efficacy compared to Z. officinale and T. cordifolia. CONCLUSIONS: The result thus obtained suggests that bioactive principles of these plants can be used particularly against these multidrug resistant bacteria of clinical origin.

Lead toxicity on non-specific immune mechanisms of freshwater fish Channa punctatus.

Lead has no known role in the body that is physiologically relevant, and its harmful effects are myriad. Lead from the atmosphere and soil ends up in water bodies thus affecting the aquatic organisms. This situation has thus prompted numerous investigations on the effects of this metal on the biological functions of aquatic organisms, particularly on immune mechanisms in fish. This paper addresses the immunotoxicologic effects of lead acetate in intestinal macrophages of freshwater fish Channa punctatus. Fish were exposed to lead acetate (9.43mg/l) for 4 days. When checked for its effects on macrophages, it was noted that lead interfered with bacterial phagocytosis, intracellular killing capacity and cell adhesion as well as inhibited release of antimicrobial substances like nitric oxide (NO) and myeloperoxidase (MPO). On giving bacterial challenge with Staphylococcus aureus to intestinal macrophages of both control and lead treated groups, the macrophages showed significantly higher concentration of viable bacteria in the intracellular milieu in lead treated group as compared to control. We also report that in vivo exposure to lead acetate inhibits phagocytosis, which is evident from a reduced phagocytic index of treated group from that of the control. The amount of MPO and NO released by the control cells was also reduced significantly upon in vivo lead treatment. The property of antigenic adherence to the macrophage cell membrane, a vital process in phagocytosis, was significantly decreased in the treated group as compared to control. Severe damage in intestinal epithelium, disarrangement and fragmentation of mucosal foldings was observed in lead treated group when compared with the untreated group. The present results also showed decreased tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) level upon metal exposure in sera as well as cell lysate of lead exposed fish thus, implicating both MAPK signaling pathways as well as NFκß signaling. We thus conclude that lead affects the general immune status of C. punctatus and renders the fish immunocompromised and susceptible to pathogens.

Functional status of testicular macrophages in an immunopriviledged niche in cadmium intoxicated murine testes.

PROBLEM: The present study investigates the extent of immunomodulatory effects associated with semenological alterations in the testes, after exposure to cadmium (in vivo) in male Swiss albino mice. Despite residing in an immunopriviledged site, testicular macrophages have immunogenic functions. METHODS OF STUDY: Experimental animals were divided into two groups: (i) control (isotonic saline) and (ii) treated (0.35 mg/kg b.w of cadmium chloride) intraperitoneally for 15 days. Murine testicular macrophages were isolated and the cell function studies such as morphological alteration and tumor-necrosis factor (TNF-α) release assay were performed. Among the semenological parameters, sperm count, sperm motility, sperm morphology and the testosterone levels in the epididymal semen samples from both groups were determined. RESULTS: The present work shows that cadmium is responsible for a significant alteration, degenerative changes and reduced cell function in testicular macrophages probably by increasing oxidative damage. Such oxidative stress also causes a parallel dysfunction of the semenological parameters. CONCLUSION: TNF-α which is probably unable to bind with the surface receptor in testicular macrophages as because of altered structural morphology with reduction of cell function, render the animals more prone to infection and ultimately causes subfertility.

Human sperm and other seminal constituents in male infertile patients from arsenic and cadmium rich areas of Southern Assam.

In the present study the occurrence of two heavy metals, arsenic and cadmium, have been reported in the drinking water and seminal plasma of infertile male patients as compared to a control group. The study originated from a survey of geogenic groundwater contamination with the heavy metals arsenic and cadmium in Southern Assam, India as an increase in the incidence of male infertility was being reported from these areas. According to WHO protocol, patients with sperm concentration < 20 x 10(6)/ml were selected as cases (oligozoospermic and azoospermic), and those with > 20 x 10(6)/ml, without any extreme pathological disorders and having fathered a child within 1-2 years of marriage were the control (normozoospermic) group. The study reports an inverse relationship between total sperm count and heavy metal content in drinking water as well as seminal plasma of the subjects. Moreover, a high correlation between altered semenological parameters and lower expression of accessory sex gland markers like fructose, acid phosphatase, and neutral α-glucosidase in the seminal plasma of patients is reported. The study also highlights significant differences of the sperm function parameters like hypo-osmotic swelling, acrosome reaction, and nuclear chromatin decondensation in the patient group as compared to controls. These findings are significant as they address a likely association between heavy metal stress and altered sperm function as well as seminal enzyme inhibition.