| ObjectiveRecognition of the harmful effects of sodium fluoride (NaF) on humanreproduction is increasing, especially as it relates to female reproduction.However, the effect and mechanism by which NaF interferes with femalereproduction are unclear. The aims of the present study were to investigatethe effects of fluoride exposure on female fertility and to elucidate themechanisms underlying these effects.MethodsFemale Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into three groups: onecontrol group and two NaF-treated groups (100and200mg/L in thedrinking water for12weeks). Several parameters were evaluated in treatedand untreated rats.(1) fluoride concentrations in the serum and uterinetissues,(2) estrogen (E2), progesterone (P), follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone (T) concentrationswere measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,(3)Pathomorphological evaluation of the uteri was conducted after stainingwith hematoxylin-eosin,(4) uterine estrogen receptor alpha protein expression (ERα), and progesterone receptor (PgR) protein expressionwere measured using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting.Results1. Administration of NaF leaded to significant decreases in the fertilityof female rats.2. The concentrations of reproductive hormones (E2,P, FSH, LH andT) were significantly lower in the NaF-treated groups, and theendometrium was damaged.3. Fluoride exposure significantly increased ERα and PgR proteinexpression levels.ConclusionThese results suggest that reproductive hormone abnormalities, and thedown-regulation of related receptor proteins, are important factorsunderlying the decreased fertility observed in female rats that have beenexposed to NaF. |
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