Perfluoro-octanoic acid impairs sperm motility through the alteration of plasma membrane.
J Endocrinol Invest
; 43(5): 641-652, 2020 May.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-31776969
ABSTRACT
CONTEXT Perfluoroalkyl-substances (PFAS) are chemical additives considered harmful for humans. We recently showed that accumulation of perfluoro-octanoic acid (PFOA) in human semen of exposed subjects was associated with altered motility parameters of sperm cells, suggesting direct toxicity. OBJECTIVES:
To determine whether direct exposure of human spermatozoa to PFOA was associated to impairment of cell function. PATIENTS ANDMETHODS:
Spermatozoa isolated from semen samples of ten normozoospermic healthy donors were exposed up to 2 h to PFOA, at concentrations from 0.1 to 10 ng/mL. Viability and motility parameters were evaluated by Sperm Class Analyser. Cell respiratory function was assessed by both mitochondrial probe JC-1 and respiratory control ratio (RCR) determination. Sperm accumulation of PFOA was quantified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Expression of organic ion-transporters OATP1 and SLCO1B2 was assessed by immunofluorescence and respective role in PFOA accumulation was evaluated by either blockade with probenecid or membrane scavenging through ß-cyclodextrin (ß-CD). Plasma membrane fluidity and electrochemical potential (ΔΨp) were evaluated, respectively, with Merocyanine-540 and Di-3-ANEPPDHQ fluorescent probes.RESULTS:
Compared to untreated controls, a threefold increase of the percentage of non-motile sperms was observed after 2 h of exposure to PFOA regardless of the concentration of PFOA, whilst RCR was significantly reduced. Only scavenging with ß-CD was effective in reducing PFOA accumulation, suggesting membrane involvement. Altered membrane fluidity, reduced ΔΨp and sperm motility loss associated with exposure to PFOA were reverted by ß-CD treatment.CONCLUSION:
PFOA alters human sperm motility through plasma-membrane disruption, an effect recovered by incubation with ß-CD.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Motilidad Espermática
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Espermatozoides
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Caprilatos
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Membrana Celular
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Fluorocarburos
Límite:
Humans
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Male
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Endocrinol Invest
Año:
2020
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Italia