Comparative analysis of proliferation and cell death patterns in the ventral prostate of gerbils under the effects of endocrine disruptors bisphenol A and cadmium in androgenic normal conditions and after orchiectomy

Abstract

The prostate is an accessory gland of the genital system responsible for producing an alkaline liquid that provides capacity and survival of spermatozoa. Its development occurs under the influence of a regulated and precise androgenic and estrogenic control, so sensitive interference may predispose the gland to develop diseases such as benign prostatic hyperplasia and cancer during adulthood and senile. Current research has shown that many environmental pollutants, when in contact with the human body, have hormonal activity. Among these environmental chemicals, we highlight the bisphenol A and cadmium. The Bisphenol is a monomer released from plastic polymers widely used today. Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal used in industry and also released by tobacco burning. These two substances can interfere in prostatic morphogenesis, because they mimic estrogens and compete for their receptors. Several studies have demonstrated that intrauterine and neonatal exposure to these endocrine disruptors alters the normal pattern of prostate morphogenesis, favoring the development of lesions in adult and senile. However, little attention has been focused on the effects that exposure to these chemicals may cause in prostate during postnatal development. Puberty is an important period of postnatal development of the prostate, because the androgen testicular secretion initiated in this period induces an outbreak of prostatic growth and differentiation. Therefore, it is fundamental to evaluate how the exposure to this substances acts in the prostate pubertal development, observing what is the relevance of this period for the overall process of gland formation. So, the aim of this study is to evaluate the morphological effects of exposure to bisphenol A and cadmium on the prostate of normal and castrated male gerbils and possible changes in patterns of cell proliferation and cell death in this gland, using a comparative study between markers. To fulfill these purposes will be used morphological, serological, morphometric and immunocitochemical methods. The results obtained from this study will be very important to understanding the performance of these endocrine disruptors in the prostate and its importance in promoting gland pathologies.