Different Routes of Administration Lead to Different Oxidative Damage and Tissue Disorganization Levels on the Subacute Cadmium Toxicity in the Liver.

The toxic effects of cadmium (Cd) on hepatic parameters are widely described in the literature. Experimental models often make use of the intraperitoneal route (i.p.) because it is easier to apply, while in the oral route, Cd poisoning in humans is best represented by allowing the metal to pass through the digestive system and be absorbed into the bloodstream. Thus, this study investigated the Cd exposure impact on the liver, by comparing both i.p. and oral routes, both in single dose, in addition to the oral route in fractional doses. Swiss adult male mice received CdCl2 1.5 mg/kg i.p., 30 mg/kg oral single dose, and 4.28 mg/kg oral route in fractional doses for 7 consecutive days. Cd bioaccumulation was observed in all animals exposed to Cd. Hepatic concentrations of Ca and Fe increased only in the fractionated oral route. Liver activities of SOD and CAT increased only by oral single dose. GST decreased in all forms of oral administration, while MDA decreased only in i.p. route. Liver weight and HSI increased in the i.p. route, while organ volume increased in all forms of oral administration, and liver density increased in all animals exposed to Cd. In hepatic histomorphometry, the changes were more evident in oral administration, mainly in exposure to metal in a single dose. Thus, the subacute administration of Cd in different routes of administration leads to different changes in liver poisoning.

Euterpe oleracea (Martius) Oil Reverses Testicular Alterations Caused after Cadmium Administration.

Cadmium (Cd) is an environmental pollutant that induces reproductive toxicity by generating reactive oxygen species, which leads to oxidative stress. Euterpe oleracea fruits are known for being rich in oils containing triacylglycerol and phenolic compounds. They are considered as potent antioxidants to be used to counteract Cd effects within the testis. In the present study, adult males Swiss mice were treated with CdCl2 aqueous solution (4.28 mg/kg) by gavage for 7 days. The experimental groups were treated with Euterpe oleracea oil at the doses of 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg, for 42 days. The results showed that Cd intoxication led to increased tubular pathologies, such as reduction in epithelium height and area thus increasing both luminal diameter and tubule-epithelium ratio. Besides, Leydig cell's morphometry indicated reduction in nucleus and cytoplasm volumes of this cell type, which were recovered after E. oleracea oil intake. In addition, serum testosterone levels, testicular Mn and Zn concentrations, SOD and CAT activity, and germ cell viability increased after oil intake. Therefore, E. oleracea oil showed a regenerative effect in the testicular parenchyma negatively affected by Cd, mainly in the animals that received the highest oil concentration (150 mg/kg).

Cadmium-Induced Testicular Toxicity in Mice: Subacute and Subchronic Route-Dependent Effects.

This study aimed to compare Cd exposure by intraperitoneal (i.p.) and oral routes, evaluating the testicular subacute and subchronic effects. Adult male mice were separated into three groups subdivided according to the experimental period (7 and 42 days after Cd exposure: subacute and subchronic effects, respectively): one group received water and two groups received CdCl2 (1.2 mg/kg i.p. and 24 mg/kg oral). The testicular concentration of essential minerals and Cd, activity of antioxidant enzymes and markers of oxidative stress, histology, and testicular histomorphometry were evaluated. The subacute effect of oral Cd showed reduced Fe concentration, while Ca and Cu increased in this route. The subchronic effect promoted decreasing in Mg in i.p. and oral routes, whereas Zn decreased only in the oral, and the Fe concentration did not change. SOD activity decreased in the oral subacute evaluation and in both pathways, i.p. and oral routes, in the subchronic evaluation, while GST activity increased, and MDA concentration decreased. Labeling of apoptotic cells was increased in the subacute and subchronic evaluation. Seminiferous epithelium degeneration, death of germ cells, and Leydig cell damages occurred in i.p. and oral routes. However, these damages were more intense in the oral route, mainly evaluating the subchronic effects. The results confirm that the severity of Cd-induced testicular injury depends on the pathway, as well as the duration of exposure.

Fertility in male rats: Disentangling adverse effects of arsenic compounds.

Arsenic impairs male reproductive functions. However, it is not clear whether different arsenic compounds similarly affect fertility. In this study, we compared the impact of sodium arsenite and arsenate on sperm quality and fertility. After 56 d exposure, male Wistar rats were mated and pregnant females were evaluated by fertility indexes. Clearly, exposure to 10 mg/L arsenite reduced daily sperm production via H2O2 overproduction and germ cells loss. Animals from this group also showed a decrease in epididymal sperm counts and percentage of sperm with intact membranes. Moreover, they presented low fertility potential and high preimplantation loss. In contrast, 10 mg/L arsenate caused oxidative stress in testis, mineral imbalance in epididymis, and sperm membranes damage, with no effects on fertility. Both arsenic compounds at 0.01 mg/L altered reproductive parameters. We concluded that arsenite is more harmful than arsenate to sperm quality and male fertility, with negative influences in early pregnancy.