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Imaging Approaches to Assessments of Toxicological Oxidative Stress Using Genetically-encoded Fluorogenic Sensors
Published on: February 7, 2018
OXIDATIVE STRESS IN REPRODUCTIVE TOXICOLOGY
Anthony E Archibong1, Meredith L Rideout1, Kenneth J Harris2
1Department of Physiology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville TN 37208.
Abstract:
Oxidative stress (OS) has been implicated in the causation of environmentally-induced diseases. However, the role of toxicants in the pathophysiology of disorders and diseases affecting the reproductive system are less understood. This review focuses on some of the mechanisms that underlie OS-induced reproductive toxicity at the cellular- and organ levels (germ cell damage and perturbed organ responses to endocrine stimuli). While most of the reproductive and developmental studies conducted in adult animals and transgenerational adult animals point to the involvement of genotoxicity, the part played by epigenetic alterations is accorded a recent recognition, thus warranting more studies in this area. Additionally, metabolomic, proteomic and transcriptomic approaches need to be employed to advance our understanding of key metabolites formed and the expression of anti-OS genes at the molecular level that are necessary for combating reactive oxygen species formation. The resulting data could be analyzed using bioinformatics tools to identify the pathways linked to disease causation and as a consequence, the adoption of therapeutic strategies, including but not limited to administering phytochemicals (many of which possess antioxidant properties) to improve disease outcomes.
Insights
Oxidative stress (OS) contributes to environmentally-induced diseases, particularly impacting reproductive health. Further research into genotoxicity, epigenetics, and molecular mechanisms is crucial for understanding and treating OS-related reproductive toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Environmental toxicology
- Reproductive biology
- Molecular toxicology
Background:
- Oxidative stress (OS) is linked to environmentally-induced diseases.
- The specific role of toxicants in reproductive system disorders is not fully understood.
- OS can cause cellular and organ-level reproductive toxicity, including germ cell damage and altered endocrine responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review mechanisms of OS-induced reproductive toxicity.
- To highlight the roles of genotoxicity and epigenetic alterations.
- To emphasize the need for advanced molecular approaches.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on OS and reproductive toxicity.
- Discussion of cellular and organ-level effects.
- Emphasis on metabolomic, proteomic, and transcriptomic approaches.
Main Results:
- Genotoxicity is implicated in most reproductive and developmental studies.
- Epigenetic alterations are increasingly recognized as a factor.
- Molecular mechanisms require further investigation using omics technologies.
Conclusions:
- OS-induced reproductive toxicity involves complex cellular and molecular pathways.
- Understanding these pathways requires advanced techniques like metabolomics and transcriptomics.
- Phytochemicals show potential as therapeutic agents for improving outcomes.
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