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Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, environmental contamination has strongly affected the reproductive system at all levels, from gametogenesis to embryonic development. This may represent a risk for the survival of Humans and Animals, especially in areas where environmental pollution is higher concentrated. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of the toxic effects induced by various physical and chemical insults on reproduction and development would help the knowledge of basic reproductive processes, as well as improve and increase the strategies to be implemented in defense of humans and animals' reproductive success.

This special issue focuses on all aspects of reproductive toxicology induced by different insults. Potential topics include, but are not limited to, physical and chemical insults and their effects on the endocrine system, gametogenesis, sexual function, embryogenesis, and offspring survival. This special issue focuses on molecular biology and experimental studies in vitro and in vivo. Typical endpoints include infertility, sexual dysfunction, endocrine disruption, embryonic malformations and teratogenesis, behavioral abnormalities and perinatal mortality. This special issue will publish original research articles and comprehensive reviews. The introduction of new techniques to protect and mitigate the impact of insults and improve reproductive fitness is also welcome.

Prof. Dr. Rosaria Scudiero
Guest Editor

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Keywords

cell toxicology
embryogenesis
embryonic gene regulation
endocrine disruption
environmental stressors
gametogenesis
gene expression
larval development
reproductive toxicology
teratogenesis

Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 6732 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Glyphosate Interference in Follicular Organization in the Wall Lizard Podarcis siculus

by Luigi Rosati, Teresa Chianese, Vincenza De Gregorio, Mariailaria Verderame, Anja Raggio, Chiara Maria Motta and Rosaria Scudiero

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(8), 7363; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24087363 - 17 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1228

Abstract

Glyphosate (Gly) is a broad-spectrum herbicide widely used thanks to its high efficiency and low toxicity. However, evidence exists of its toxic effects on non-target organisms. Among these, the animals inhabiting agricultural fields are particularly threatened. Recent studies demonstrated that exposure to Gly markedly affected the morphophysiology of the liver and testis of the Italian field lizard Podarcis siculus. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of the herbicide on the female reproductive system of this lizard in order to have a full picture of Gly-induced reproductive impairment. The animals were exposed to 0.05 and 0.5 μg/kg of pure Gly by gavage for 3 weeks. The results demonstrated that Gly, at both doses tested, profoundly interfered with ovarian function. It induced germ cells’ recruitment and altered follicular anatomy by anticipating apoptotic regression of the pyriform cells. It also induced thecal fibrosis and affected oocyte cytoplasm and zona pellucida organizations. At the functional levels, Gly stimulated the synthesis of estrogen receptors, suggesting a serious endocrine-disrupting effect. Overall, the follicular alterations, combined with those found at the level of the seminiferous tubules in males, suggest serious damage to the reproductive fitness of these non-target organisms, which over time could lead to a decline in survival. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research on Reproductive Toxicity 2.0)

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Review

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38 pages, 1173 KiB

Open AccessReview

Valproic Acid in Pregnancy Revisited: Neurobehavioral, Biochemical and Molecular Changes Affecting the Embryo and Fetus in Humans and in Animals: A Narrative Review

by Asher Ornoy, Boniface Echefu and Maria Becker

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(1), 390; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25010390 - 27 Dec 2023

Viewed by 2802

Abstract

Valproic acid (VPA) is a very effective anticonvulsant and mood stabilizer with relatively few side effects. Being an epigenetic modulator, it undergoes clinical trials for the treatment of advanced prostatic and breast cancer. However, in pregnancy, it seems to be the most teratogenic antiepileptic drug. Among the proven effects are congenital malformations in about 10%. The more common congenital malformations are neural tube defects, cardiac anomalies, urogenital malformations including hypospadias, skeletal malformations and orofacial clefts. These effects are dose related; daily doses below 600 mg have a limited teratogenic potential. VPA, when added to other anti-seizure medications, increases the malformations rate. It induces malformations even when taken for indications other than epilepsy, adding to the data that epilepsy is not responsible for the teratogenic effects. VPA increases the rate of neurodevelopmental problems causing reduced cognitive abilities and language impairment. It also increases the prevalence of specific neurodevelopmental syndromes like autism (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). High doses of folic acid administered prior to and during pregnancy might alleviate some of the teratogenic effect of VPA and other AEDs. Several teratogenic mechanisms are proposed for VPA, but the most important mechanisms seem to be its effects on the metabolism of folate, SAMe and histones, thus affecting DNA methylation. VPA crosses the human placenta and was found at higher concentrations in fetal blood. Its concentrations in milk are low, therefore nursing is permitted. Animal studies generally recapitulate human data. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research on Reproductive Toxicity 2.0)

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