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Characterization of the effect of deoxynivalenol on selected male reproductive endpoints
Robert L Sprando1, Thomas F X Collins, Thomas N Black
1Food and Drug Administration, Division of Toxicology and Nutritional Product Studies, Office of Applied Research and Safety Assessment, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Laurel, MD 20708, USA. rsprando@cfsan.fda.gov
Abstract:
The effect of deoxynivalenol (DON) exposure on male reproductive function was assessed in the rat. Male rats were divided into a control group (n=15 rats) and four treatment groups (0.5 mg/kg, n=15; 1.0 mg/kg, n=15; 2.5 mg/kg, n=15; and 5.0 mg/kg DON, n=16) and exposed to DON daily for 28 days via gastric intubation. Both body weight gain and the final body weight of animals in the 5.0 mg/kg dose group and feed consumption in animals in the 2.5 mg/kg and 5.0 mg/kg dose groups were significantly reduced compared to controls. Fluid consumption was not affected in any of the treated groups. Epididymal and seminal vesicle weights expressed per gram of body weight and brain weight were significantly reduced, compared to control weights, in animals from the 2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg dose groups while prostate weight expressed per gram of brain weight and body weight was significantly lower than controls only in the 5.0 mg/kg dose group. A statistically significant, dose-related decrease in homogenization resistant testicular spermatid counts, spermatid numbers, absolute cauda epididymal sperm numbers and cauda epididymal sperm numbers per gram of cauda epididymis was observed in the 5.0 mg/kg DON treatment group. Sperm tail abnormalities (broken tails) in the 5.0 mg/kg dose group were significantly higher than in the control group. Sperm swimming speed (VSL and VCL) was significantly increased only in the 2.5 mg/kg dose group. Serum FSH and LH concentrations were increased in a dose dependent manner across all treated groups while serum testosterone concentrations were decreased in a dose-related manner across all dose groups. An increase in germ cell degeneration, sperm retention and abnormal nuclear morphology was observed in the 2.5 mg/kg and 5.0 mg/kg dose groups. Treatment related effects included lesions in the non-glandular stomach, thymic lymphoid depletion and splenic hematopoiesis in the 5.0 mg/kg treatment group.
Insights
Deoxynivalenol (DON) exposure negatively impacts male rat reproductive health, causing reduced body weight, organ size, and sperm quality. Hormonal imbalances and testicular damage were observed, highlighting DON
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Reproductive Biology
- Animal Science
Background:
- Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a common mycotoxin found in grains.
- DON exposure can lead to various health issues in animals and humans.
- Understanding DON's effects on male reproductive function is crucial for risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of daily deoxynivalenol (DON) exposure on male rat reproductive parameters.
- To determine dose-dependent effects of DON on body weight, organ weights, sperm quality, and hormone levels.
- To identify specific reproductive and non-reproductive toxicities associated with DON exposure.
Main Methods:
- Male rats were exposed to varying doses of DON (0.5-5.0 mg/kg) daily for 28 days via gastric intubation.
- Body weight, feed consumption, fluid consumption, and organ weights were measured.
- Sperm counts, morphology, and motility were assessed.
- Serum levels of FSH, LH, and testosterone were analyzed.
- Histopathological examination of reproductive organs and other tissues was performed.
Main Results:
- DON exposure significantly reduced body weight gain, feed consumption, and weights of reproductive organs (epididymis, seminal vesicle, prostate) in a dose-dependent manner.
- Spermatid counts, epididymal sperm numbers, and sperm motility parameters were negatively affected at higher DON doses (5.0 mg/kg).
- DON exposure led to increased germ cell degeneration, abnormal sperm morphology, increased FSH and LH, and decreased testosterone levels.
- Non-reproductive effects included stomach lesions, thymic lymphoid depletion, and splenic hematopoiesis at the highest dose.
Conclusions:
- Deoxynivalenol (DON) exposure significantly impairs male rat reproductive function through reduced organ weights, decreased sperm quality, and altered hormone profiles.
- DON exhibits dose-dependent toxicity, affecting both reproductive and systemic health.
- These findings underscore the potential reproductive risks associated with DON contamination in animal feed and food products.
