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Decrease in prosaposin in spermatozoon is associated with polychlorinated biphenyl exposure.

Jia-Li Cai1, Ling-Bin Sun1, Zhi-Zhun Guo2

  • 1Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Chenggong Hospital of Xiamen University Xiamen, Fujian 361002, China.

International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology
|June 6, 2015
PubMed
Summary

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) exposure significantly reduces prosaposin (Psap) levels in mouse epididymides and sperm. Psap abundance in sperm may serve as a sensitive biomarker for predicting PCB exposure in both mice and men.

Keywords:
Polychlorinated biphenlyshumanmiceprosaposinsperm

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Toxicology
  • Reproductive Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent organic pollutants linked to male infertility.
  • Prosaposin (Psap) is a protein found in the male reproductive tract.
  • The impact of PCB exposure on Psap expression requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of PCB exposure on prosaposin (Psap) expression in male mice.
  • To determine if Psap levels in sperm can serve as a biomarker for PCB exposure.

Main Methods:

  • Male C57 mice were orally gavaged with Aroclor 1254 (a PCB mixture) at environmentally relevant doses for 50 days.
  • Psap expression was measured in the epididymides, spermatozoa, and testes.
  • Benchmark dose modeling was used to establish BMDs for Psap and sperm motility reduction.
  • Human semen samples from men with detectable PCB exposure were analyzed for Psap expression and semen parameters.

Main Results:

  • PCB exposure significantly decreased Psap expression in mouse epididymides and epididymal spermatozoa in a dose-dependent manner.
  • Psap levels in sperm showed a significant negative correlation with PCB accumulation in the liver.
  • In men, detectable PCB exposure in semen was associated with decreased Psap expression in sperm, while overall semen parameters remained unaffected.
  • A negative association was found between seminal plasma PCB levels and ejaculated spermatozoa Psap levels.

Conclusions:

  • Prosaposin (Psap) expression in sperm is a sensitive indicator of PCB exposure in male mice.
  • Psap abundance in sperm may serve as a predictive biomarker for PCB exposure in humans.
  • PCB exposure negatively impacts Psap levels in sperm, highlighting a potential mechanism for reproductive disruption.