M Sarkar

Bio: M Sarkar is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Spermatogenesis & Copper toxicity. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 1 publications receiving 31 citations.

Dose-dependent effect of copper chloride on male reproductive function in immature rats

Abstract: Background: Copper is essential as a trace element for metabolic processes. Exposure to copper in industries develops toxicity among the workers. Previous findings on adverse effects of copper on male reproductive function in adult albino rats led to investigate the effects of this metal on reproductive function of maturing male rats in the present experiment. Methodology: To study these effects, immature (30 to 35 days old) Wistar strain albino rats weighing about 50-60 g were treated intraperitoneally with copper chloride at doses of 1000, 2000 and 3000 µg/kg body weight/day for 26 days. Result: Significant fall in accessory sex organ weight and inhibition of testicular 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity along with degeneration of testicular growing spermatogenic cells and reduction in serum testosterone, FSH and LH level were observed at the doses of 2000 and 3000µg/kg/day. On the other hand, at the dose of 1000 µg/kg/day significant increase in testicular steroidogenic enzyme activity and stimulation of testicular spermatogenesis along with rise in serum testosterone and LH level were observed, though no significant change was observed in serum FSH level. This suggests that copper has got a dose-dependent effect on testicular steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis and serum testosterone and LH level in maturing male rats.

Environmental and occupational exposure of metals and their role in male reproductive functions.

Abstract: This review summarizes the effects of more than 20 metals that, research has indicated, may influence male reproductive health. Though males lack an apparent, easily measurable reproductive cycle, progress has been made in evaluating tests to identify chemical hazards and estimate reproductive health risks. Some agents discussed in this review are well known to have potential toxic effects on the male reproductive system, whereas some are not so well established in toxicology. This review attempts to cover most of the known toxicants and their effects on male fertility. The literature suggests a need for further research in those chemicals that are reactive and capable of covalent interactions in biological systems, as well as those defined as mutagens and/or carcinogens, to cause aneuploidy or other chromosomal aberrations, affect sperm motility in vitro, share hormonal activity or affect hormone action, and those that act directly or indirectly to affect the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis.

The effects of diazinon on testosterone, FSH and LH levels and testicular tissue in mice.

Abstract: Background: Diazinon (DZN) is an organophosphate insecticide which is used worldwide in agriculture. The exposure to this chemical might lead to damages to the living systems. Objective: The present study was done to investigate the effects of diazinon on the structure of testis and levels of sex hormones in adult male mice. Materials and Methods: For this experiment, the mature male mice divided into three groups; Control (no injection), sham (corn oil injection) and DZN (diazinon was administrated at dose of 30 mg / kg for 30 d five consecutive days per week). Animals were killed 35 days after the latest injection. Testes tissues sections were provided to investigate the histopathological changes. Serum testosterone, LH and FSH concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay. Data were analyzed using of oneway ANOVA. Significance was set at p<0.05. Results: A significant reduction was observed in diameter and weight of testes after DZN administration. Furthermore, DZN brought about significant reduction in sperm counts and spermatogenic, Leydig and Sertoli cells and a decrease in serum testosterone concentration. Histopathological examination of testes showed degenerative changes in seminiferous tubules (p<0.001). The levels of LH and FSH were increased in DZN groups compared to the control and sham groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: DZN is a toxicant for mammals’ spermatogenic cells during the early spermatogenesis. Therefore, application of DZN should be limited to a designed program.

Comparative toxicity and biodistribution assessments in rats following subchronic oral exposure to copper nanoparticles and microparticles

Abstract: Copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs) have great potential in electronics and biomedical fields because of their efficient thermodynamic and anti-microbial properties However, their potential toxic effects and kinetic data following repeated exposure are still unclear We evaluated the physicochemical properties of Cu NPs (25 nm) and copper microparticles (Cu MPs, 14–25 μm) Comparative in vivo toxicity of Cu NPs and Cu MPs was evaluated by conducting a 28-day repeated oral dose study at equivalent dose levels of 0, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/day (vehicle, 1 % hydroxypropyl methylcellulose) We determined Cu levels in the blood, tissues, urine, and feces by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry The solubility of Cu NPs and Cu MPs was 845 and 172 %, respectively, in an acidic milieu; however, they scarcely dissolved in vehicle or intestinal milieus The specific surface area of Cu NPs and Cu MPs was determined to be 147 and 016 m2/g, respectively Cu NPs exhibited a dose-dependent increase of Cu content in the blood and tested organs, with particularly high levels of Cu in the liver, kidney, and spleen Only for liver and kidney increased Cu levels were found in Cu MPs-treated rats Cu NPs caused a dose-related increase in Cu levels in urine, whereas Cu MPs did not affect the urine Cu levels Extremely high levels of Cu were detected in the feces of Cu MPs-treated rats, whereas much lower levels were detected in the feces of Cu NPs-treated rats A comparative in vivo toxicity study showed that Cu NPs caused damages to red blood cells, thymus, spleen, liver, and kidney at ≥200 mg/kg/days, but Cu MPs did not cause any adverse effects even at the highest dose Overall, the in vivo repeated dose toxicity study of Cu NPs and Cu MPs demonstrated that large surface area and high solubility in physiological milieus could directly influence the toxicological responses and biodistribution of Cu particles when administered orally Under these experimental conditions, the no-observed-adverse-effect levels of Cu NPs and Cu MPs were determined to be 100 and ≥400 mg/kg/day, respectively