Abstract

Fluoride is a widespread environmental pollutant which can induce low sperm quality and fertilizing ability, however, the underlying mechanism is still remaining unclear. Hence, we aimed to investigate the influence of fluoride on sperm fertilizing ability via some key proteins in epididymis. For this, forty adult rats were assigned randomly into four groups. The control group was given distilled water, while the other three groups were given with 25, 50, and 100mg NaF/L via drinking water for 56 d, respectively. Post one day, epididymides were processed for sperm-egg binding, RNA extraction, western blot and immunofluorescence analysis. Fluoride exposure reduced the ability of sperm to break down the egg cumulus cell layer. Further study revealed that fluoride altered the expression levels of genes and proteins related to acrosome reaction in vivo, including SPAM1, ACR, and PRSS21. However, fluoride only affected the expression of ACR protein only in the epididymis, but not in the testis. Fluoride also affected the expression levels of the membrane proteins CD9 and CD81 of epididymosomes in the epididymis. From the results, it can be concluded that fluoride exposure reduced the ability of sperm to break down the egg cumulus cell layer, which could be one of the reason for decreased fertility ability in males treated with Fluoride.. These results provide some theoretical guidance and new ideas for treatments of low fertility, infertility and other reproductive diseases.

• Related Studies :

  • Fluoride reduced CRISP 2 expression in testis and epididymal sperm of rats.

    Fluorine, an active element which is widely distributed in the environment, has been demonstrated to have adverse effects on male reproductive systems at a high dose. The objective of the present study was to explore the key role of cysteine-rich secretory protein (CRISP)2 in fluoride-induced male reproductive toxicity by investigating,

  • Evaluation of vitamin E and calcium effects on fluoride toxicity-induced fertility impairment

    Chronic fluoride (Fl) toxicity is a serious public health problem globally where drinking water contains more than 1 ppm of Fl. Sodium fluoride (NaF) produced male reproductive system toxicity. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the amelioration of Fl toxicity-induced fertility impairment by vitamin E and calcium

  • Effects of fluoride and aluminum on expressions of StAR and P450scc of related steroidogenesis in guinea pigs' testis

    Highlights F and Al changed histological structure of testes, reduced sperm quality. F and Al reduced StAR and P450scc expressions and level of serum testosterone. F toxicity is stronger than Al and Al weakened the toxicity of F. Al had antagonism effects on F. A lot of studies have shown

  • Fluoride exposure changed the structure and the function of sperm in the testis and epididymis of male rats.

    This study systematically investigated the effects of fluoride ion (F)exposure on the male reproductive organ and on spermatogenesis. Twenty male rats were divided into two groups of 10 and treated with 0 or 150 mg F/L in drinking water. After 70 days, the body weight, organ coefficients of the testis

  • Ultrastructural studies of spermiogenesis in rabbit exposed to chronic fluoride toxicity

    OBJECTIVE:  To address the role of fluoride in causing defects to spermatids and epididymal spermatozoa. METHODS:  Male rabbits were treated with 10 mg NaF/kg body weight daily for 18 months and maintained under identical laboratory conditions along with the control rabbits not given NaF. Testis and epididymis (caput) were investigated

• Related FAN Content :

  • Fluoride's Effect on Male Reproductive System - Human Studies

    Consistent with in vitro and animal research, studies of human populations have reported associations between fluoride exposure and damage to the male reproductive system. Most notably, a scientist at the Food & Drug Administration reported in 1994 that populations in the United States with more than 3 ppm fluoride in their water had lower "total fertility rates" than populations with lower fluoride levels.

  • Fluoride's Effect on Male Reproductive System -- The "Sprando/Collins" Anomaly

    In contrast to the findings of over 60 animal studies from other research teams, a series of studies by FDA researchers Sprando & Collins reported virtually no evidence of reproductive toxicity among animals treated with very high levels of fluoride exposure. The reasons for this discrepancy remains unclear. Excerpts from Sprando/Collins' Studies: "This study

  • Fluoride's Effect on Male Reproductive System: Animal Studies

    Over 60 studies on animals (including rats, mice, roosters, and rabbits) have found that fluoride adversely impacts the male reproductive system. These studies have repeatedly found the following effects: (1) decreases in testosterone levels; (2) reduced sperm motility; (3) altered sperm morphology; (4) reduced sperm quantity; (5) increased oxidative stress; (6) and reduced capacity to breed.

  • Fluoride's Effect on the Male Reproductive System -- In Vitro Studies

    Carefully controlled in vitro studies have found that direct exposure of fluoride to the testes or semen inhibits testosterone production and damages sperm. While researchers have known since the 1930s that mega concentrations of fluoride can completely (but reversibly) immobilize sperm, it was not until the 1970s and 1980s that researchers found that relatively modest concentrations of fluoride could cause damage prior to complete immobilization.