Adeogun A E, Ogunleye O D, Akhigbe T M, Oyedokun P A, Adegbola C A, Saka W A, Afolabi O A, Akhigbe R E
Department of Physiology, Babcock University, Ilishan Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria.
Reproductive Biology and Toxicology Research Laboratory, Oasis of Grace Hospital, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria.
Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol. 2025 Feb;398(2):1283-1297. doi: 10.1007/s00210-024-03452-6. Epub 2024 Sep 17.
Arsenic is a ubiquitous metalloid and heavy metal that contributes to the global decline in human fertility. Humans are constantly exposed to arsenic through biotic and abiotic sources, especially ingestion of arsenic-contaminated food and water. Its exposure is associated with several adverse health challenges, including reproductive toxicity. In spite of its reported adverse effects, arsenic exposure remains a global challenge. Hence, this study provides a comprehensive review of the literature on the impact and mechanism of arsenic on male and female reproductive function. Additionally, a review of the potential therapeutic strategies is presented. Evidence from the literature reveals that arsenic upregulates reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation which mediates arsenic-induced suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and inactivation of 3β-HSD and 17β-HSD activities, leading to reduced gonadal steroidogenesis. Through several oxidative stress-dependent signaling, arsenic induces the apoptosis of the germ cells, thus contributing to the development of infertility. At the moment, there is no specific treatment for arsenic-induced reproductive toxicity. However, increasing data form the scientific literature reveals the benefits of antioxidants in ameliorating arsenic-induced reproductive toxicity. These molecules suppress ROS generation and maintain optimal activities of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, leading to optimal steroidogenesis and gametogenesis as well as improved germ cells. Overall, this study revealed the impact and associated mechanism of arsenic-induced reproductive toxicity. It also provides evidence from the literature demonstrating potential therapeutic measures in managing arsenic-induced reproductive toxicity.
砷是一种普遍存在的类金属和重金属，它导致了全球人类生育能力的下降。人类通过生物和非生物来源不断接触砷，尤其是摄入受砷污染的食物和水。砷的接触与多种不良健康挑战相关，包括生殖毒性。尽管有报道称其有不良影响，但砷的接触仍然是一个全球性挑战。因此，本研究全面综述了关于砷对男性和女性生殖功能的影响及机制的文献。此外，还介绍了潜在的治疗策略。文献证据表明，砷上调活性氧（ROS）的生成，这介导了砷诱导的下丘脑 - 垂体 - 性腺轴的抑制以及3β - HSD和17β - HSD活性的失活，导致性腺类固醇生成减少。通过多种氧化应激依赖性信号传导，砷诱导生殖细胞凋亡，从而导致不孕的发生。目前，对于砷诱导的生殖毒性尚无特异性治疗方法。然而，科学文献中越来越多的数据表明抗氧化剂在改善砷诱导的生殖毒性方面具有益处。这些分子抑制ROS的生成并维持下丘脑 - 垂体 - 性腺轴的最佳活性，导致最佳的类固醇生成和配子发生以及改善生殖细胞。总体而言，本研究揭示了砷诱导的生殖毒性的影响及相关机制。它还提供了文献证据，证明了在管理砷诱导的生殖毒性方面的潜在治疗措施。
