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Li Y, Song P, Zhao J, Zhang W, Liu X, Lv X, Zhao J. Neonatal vitamin A supplementation improves sheep fertility potential. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1370576. [PMID: 38756517 PMCID: PMC11097686 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1370576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the effects of neonatal vitamin A (VA) supplementation on testis development and spermatogenesis. A total of 32 newborn lambs were intramuscularly injected with corn oil (control group) or corn oil + 2500 IU/kg BW VA (VA group). They were slaughtered and sampled at 3 weeks and 8 months of age to analyze spermatogenesis, cell proliferation, hormone secretion, antioxidant status of the testis, and adult sheep sperm parameters. Compared with the control group, the expression of spermatogonial differentiation-related genes in VA group was up-regulated (P < 0.05). Testis weight, seminiferous tubule diameter, number of spermatogonium and spermatocyte, and sperm density increased significantly in VA group at 8 months of age (P < 0.05). Neonatal VA injection upregulated the expression of the cell proliferation marker PCNA and cell cycle-related genes in the testis (P < 0.05). VA increased the concentrations of testosterone (T), luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in the serum and upregulated steroidogenesis-related genes in the testis (P < 0.05). The antioxidant levels in the VA group were maintained at high levels. The total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), antioxidant enzyme content and antioxidant-related genes were increased in the testis (P < 0.05). Furthermore, neonatal VA injection activated retinoic acid (RA) signaling to maintain the blood-testosterone barrier (BTB) in the testis of 3-week-old sheep. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and protein kinase B (AKT) signaling were also modulated in the sheep testis (P < 0.05). Taken together, VA supplementation in newborn rams promotes testis development and spermatogenesis to improve fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yating Li
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, Shanxi, China
| | - Pengkang Song
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, Shanxi, China
| | - Jiamin Zhao
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, Shanxi, China
| | - Weipeng Zhang
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, Shanxi, China
| | - Xiangdong Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Xiaoyang Lv
- International Joint Research Laboratory in Universities of Jiangsu Province of China for Domestic Animal Germplasm Resources and Genetic Improvement, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Junxing Zhao
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, Shanxi, China
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2
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Fang C, You Y, Luo F, Li Z, Shen Y, Wang F, Zhang J, Gan RY, Ye Y. Silk Fibroin Encapsulated Icariin Nanoparticles Mitigate Bisphenol A-Induced Spermatogenesis Dysfunction. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2302899. [PMID: 37940136 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202302899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a prevalent endocrine disruptor found in natural environments. Exposure to BPA has been associated with male infertility. The natural phytochemical icariin (ICA) has demonstrated significant promise for the treatment of male infertility. However, its effectiveness is limited due to its low bioavailability, poor water solubility, and insufficient targeting abilities. Herein, novel nanoparticles are generated from the natural silk fibroin, which are used to load ICA. The efficient drug delivery system (ICA-SNPs) result in significantly focused drug distribution to spermatogonium, enhancing the anti-infertility properties of ICA, and can effectively mitigate spermatogenesis dysfunction induced by BPA, control serum sex hormone levels, and enhance testicular ultrastructure. Additionally, the ICA-SNPs restore spermatogenesis dysfunction primarily via the hormone biosynthesis, spermatogonium meiosis process, and glycerophospholipid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Fang
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, China
- Tea Research Institute, Tea Refining and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, 610066, China
| | - Yaodong You
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Fan Luo
- Tea Research Institute, Tea Refining and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, 610066, China
| | - Zheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Key Laboratory for Sericulture Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Yifeng Shen
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Fangyue Wang
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Jingyi Zhang
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Ren-You Gan
- Principal Scientist, Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation (SIFBI), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 31 Biopolis Way, Singapore, 138669, Singapore
- Department of Food Science and Technology, National University of Singapore, 2 Science Drive 2, Singapore, 117542, Singapore
| | - Yulong Ye
- Tea Research Institute, Tea Refining and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, 610066, China
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3
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Ge K, Du X, Liu H, Meng R, Wu C, Zhang Z, Liang X, Yang J, Zhang H. The cytotoxicity of microcystin-LR: ultrastructural and functional damage of cells. Arch Toxicol 2024; 98:663-687. [PMID: 38252150 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-023-03676-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is a toxin produced by cyanobacteria, which is widely distributed in eutrophic water bodies and has multi-organ toxicity. Previous cytotoxicity studies have mostly elucidated the effects of MC-LR on intracellular-related factors, proteins, and DNA at the molecular level. However, there have been few studies on the adverse effects of MC-LR on cell ultrastructure and function. Therefore, research on the cytotoxicity of MC-LR in recent years was collected and summarized. It was found that MC-LR can induce a series of cytotoxic effects, including decreased cell viability, induced autophagy, apoptosis and necrosis, altered cell cycle, altered cell morphology, abnormal cell migration and invasion as well as leading to genetic damage. The above cytotoxic effects were related to the damage of various ultrastructure and functions such as cell membranes and mitochondria. Furthermore, MC-LR can disrupt cell ultrastructure and function by inducing oxidative stress and inhibiting protein phosphatase activity. In addition, the combined toxic effects of MC-LR and other environmental pollutants were investigated. This review explored the toxic targets of MC-LR at the subcellular level, which will provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of multi-organ toxicity caused by MC-LR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangfeng Ge
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Xingde Du
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Haohao Liu
- Department of Public Health, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Ruiyang Meng
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Chunrui Wu
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Zongxin Zhang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Xiao Liang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Jun Yang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Huizhen Zhang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
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4
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Norris AC, Yazlovitskaya EM, Yang TS, Mansueto A, Stafford JM, Graham TR. ATP10A deficiency results in male-specific infertility in mice. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1310593. [PMID: 38415274 PMCID: PMC10896839 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1310593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Over 8% of couples worldwide are affected by infertility and nearly half of these cases are due to male-specific issues where the underlying cause is often unknown. Therefore, discovery of new genetic factors contributing to male-specific infertility in model organisms can enhance our understanding of the etiology of this disorder. Here we show that murine ATP10A, a phospholipid flippase, is highly expressed in male reproductive organs, specifically the testes and vas deferens. Therefore, we tested the influence of ATP10A on reproduction by examining fertility of Atp10A knockout mice. Our findings reveal that Atp10A deficiency leads to male-specific infertility, but does not perturb fertility in the females. The Atp10A deficient male mice exhibit smaller testes, reduced sperm count (oligozoospermia) and lower sperm motility (asthenozoospermia). Additionally, Atp10A deficient mice display testes and vas deferens histopathological abnormalities, as well as altered total and relative amounts of hormones associated with the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Surprisingly, circulating testosterone is elevated 2-fold in the Atp10A knockout mice while luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, and inhibin B levels were not significantly different from WT littermates. The knockout mice also exhibit elevated levels of gonadotropin receptors and alterations to ERK, p38 MAPK, Akt, and cPLA2-dependent signaling in the testes. Atp10A was knocked out in the C57BL/6J background, which also carries an inactivating nonsense mutation in the closely related lipid flippase, Atp10D. We have corrected the Atp10D nonsense mutation using CRISPR/Cas9 and determined that loss of Atp10A alone is sufficient to cause infertility in male mice. Collectively, these findings highlight the critical role of ATP10A in male fertility in mice and provide valuable insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana C Norris
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | | | - Tzushan Sharon Yang
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Alex Mansueto
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - John M Stafford
- Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN, United States
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Todd R Graham
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
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Wang Y, Su M, Chen Y, Huang X, Ruan L, Lv Q, Li L. Research progress on the role and mechanism of DNA damage repair in germ cell development. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1234280. [PMID: 37529603 PMCID: PMC10390305 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1234280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In the complex and dynamic processes of replication, transcription, and translation of DNA molecules, a large number of replication errors or damage can occur which lead to obstacles in the development process of germ cells and result in a decreased reproductive rate. DNA damage repair has attracted widespread attention due to its important role in the maintenance and regulation of germ cells. This study reports on a systematic review of the role and mechanism of DNA damage repair in germline development. First, the causes, detection methods, and repair methods of DNA damage, and the mechanism of DNA damage repair are summarized. Second, a summary of the causes of abnormal DNA damage repair in germ cells is introduced along with common examples, and the relevant effects of germ cell damage. Third, we introduce the application of drugs related to DNA damage repair in the treatment of reproductive diseases and related surgical treatment of abnormal DNA damage, and summarize various applications of DNA damage repair in germ cells. Finally, a summary and discussion is given of the current deficiencies in DNA damage repair during germ cell development and future research development. The purpose of this paper is to provide researchers engaged in relevant fields with a further systematic understanding of the relevant applications of DNA damage repair in germ cells and to gain inspiration from it to provide new research ideas for related fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, China
- College of Biology & Pharmacy, Yulin Normal University, Yulin, China
| | - Mengrong Su
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, China
- College of Biology & Pharmacy, Yulin Normal University, Yulin, China
| | - Yujie Chen
- College of Biology & Pharmacy, Yulin Normal University, Yulin, China
| | - Xinyu Huang
- College of Biology & Pharmacy, Yulin Normal University, Yulin, China
| | - Lian Ruan
- College of Biology & Pharmacy, Yulin Normal University, Yulin, China
| | - Qizhuang Lv
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, China
- College of Biology & Pharmacy, Yulin Normal University, Yulin, China
| | - Li Li
- College of Biology & Pharmacy, Yulin Normal University, Yulin, China
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6
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Zhang Z, Du X, Zhang S, Liu H, Fu Y, Wang F, Zhang H. Adverse effects of microcystins on sperm: A systematic review. Toxicology 2023; 490:153507. [PMID: 37030550 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2023.153507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Eutrophication of water bodies can lead to cyanobacterial blooms, with the resultant release of microcystins (MCs), posing a threat to the ecosystem and human health. MCs are environmental toxins with male reproductive toxicity. However, there is a dearth of reviews focusing on sperm or spermatogenesis. In this paper, studies on sperm toxicity caused by MCs in recent 20 years were collected and summarized, aiming at revealing the toxic effects and potential mechanisms of MCs on sperm. Based on the previous findings, MCs can decline sperm quality and count, and cause malformation in vertebrates and invertebrates. The reason might be that MCs cause indirect damage to sperm through impairing the structure and function of the testis. The mechanisms of MCs-induced sperm toxicity mainly result from alterations in genetic material, abnormalities in the structure and function of sperm. The epigenetic modifications such as miRNA and piRNA were also involved in MC-LR-induced sperm damage. In conclusion, MCs exposure is harmful to sperm, but its direct effects and mechanisms on sperm are still not known, which remains a significant research direction. Our review will provide a basis for the protection of male reproductive health damage caused by microcystins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongxin Zhang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xingde Du
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Shiyu Zhang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Haohao Liu
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yu Fu
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Fufang Wang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Huizhen Zhang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
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7
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Guo M, Yang L, Zhao X, Yan P, Zhu M, Ding W, Li D, Han X, Wu J. Microcystin-LR inhibits early pregnancy by impairing the vascular network of luteum: Involvement of the MEK/ERK/SP1/VEGFR2 axis. Food Chem Toxicol 2022; 170:113454. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2022.113454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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8
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Zhang Y, Wu X, Zhu K, Liu S, Yang Y, Yuan D, Wang T, He Y, Dun Y, Wu J, Zhang C, Zhao H. Icariin attenuates perfluorooctane sulfonate-induced testicular toxicity by alleviating Sertoli cell injury and downregulating the p38MAPK/MMP9 pathway. Food Funct 2022; 13:3674-3689. [PMID: 35262540 DOI: 10.1039/d1fo04135e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is widely recognized as causing Sertoli cell injury and testicular toxicity in males. Icariin is a flavonoid from Epimedium, which effectively improves spermatogenesis disturbance induced by several factors in clinic. However, it is unclear whether icariin improves PFOS-induced testicular toxicity. In vivo, fifty-two male mice were randomly separated into four groups: normal control group, model group, and low and high doses of icariin-treated groups, with 13 mice in each group. Except for the normal control group, the mice in the model group and icariin-treated groups were administered PFOS (10 mg kg-1) by gavage daily for 28 consecutive days, and concurrently treated with a diet containing different doses of icariin (0, 5 or 20 mg kg-1). In vitro, TM4 cells were treated with 150 μM PFOS to induce Sertoli cell injury, and were then utilized for icariin treatment. Our results demonstrated that icariin attenuated PFOS-induced testicular toxicity by increasing the testicular, epididymal and seminal vesicle weights, epididymal and seminal vesicle indices, sperm parameters, and seminiferous epithelium height. In addition, icariin improved the PFOS-induced blood-testis barrier (BTB) disruption by alleviating the Sertoli cell junctional injury, but without affecting Sertoli cell numbers in the testis of mice. Moreover, icariin increased the expression levels of tight junction proteins (ZO-1, Occludin and Claudin-11) and gap junction proteins (CX43 and p-CX43), and decreased the expression levels of p-p38MAPK and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) both in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, alleviation of the Sertoli cell injury by icariin exerted similar effects as SB203580 (an inhibitor of p38MAPK) in TM4 cells. This study revealed that icariin effectively reduces PFOS-induced testicular toxicity by alleviating the Sertoli cell injury and downregulating the p38MAPK/MMP9 pathway, indicating that icariin may be an attractive dietary supplement for the intervention of PFOS-induced testicular dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- Third-grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Traditional Chinese Medicine, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, 443002, China.
- Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, 443002, China
| | - Xiaoping Wu
- Third-grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Traditional Chinese Medicine, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, 443002, China.
- Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, 443002, China
| | - Kaili Zhu
- Third-grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Traditional Chinese Medicine, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, 443002, China.
| | - Shangyu Liu
- Third-grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Traditional Chinese Medicine, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, 443002, China.
| | - Yuan Yang
- Third-grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Traditional Chinese Medicine, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, 443002, China.
| | - Ding Yuan
- Third-grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Traditional Chinese Medicine, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, 443002, China.
| | - Ting Wang
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Department of Pharmacy, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430081, China
| | - Yumin He
- Third-grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Traditional Chinese Medicine, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, 443002, China.
| | - Yaoyan Dun
- Third-grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Traditional Chinese Medicine, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, 443002, China.
| | - Jie Wu
- Material Analysis and Testing Center, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, 443002, China
| | - Changcheng Zhang
- Third-grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Traditional Chinese Medicine, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, 443002, China.
- Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, 443002, China
| | - Haixia Zhao
- Third-grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Traditional Chinese Medicine, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, 443002, China.
- Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, 443002, China
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9
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Xu G, Luo Y, Xu D, Ma Y, Chen Y, Han X. Male reproductive toxicity induced by Microcystin-leucine-arginine (MC-LR). Toxicon 2022; 210:78-88. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2022.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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10
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Risk compounds, potential mechanisms and biomarkers of Traditional Chinese medicine‐induced reproductive toxicity. J Appl Toxicol 2022; 42:1734-1756. [DOI: 10.1002/jat.4290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Zheng J, Hu S, Wang J, Zhang X, Yuan D, Zhang C, Liu C, Wang T, Zhou Z. Icariin improves brain function decline in aging rats by enhancing neuronal autophagy through the AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 pathway. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2021; 59:183-191. [PMID: 33556283 PMCID: PMC8871627 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2021.1878238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Icariin (ICA) is the main active ingredient of Epimedium brevicornu Maxim (Berberidaceae), which is used in the immune, reproductive, neuroendocrine systems, and anti-aging. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of ICA on natural aging rat. MATERIALS AND METHODS 16-month-old Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into aging, low and high-dose ICA groups (n = 8); 6-month-old rats were taken as the adult control (n = 8). Rats were fed regular feed (aging and adult control) or feed containing ICA (ICA 2 and 6 mg/kg group) for 4 months. HE and Nissl staining were used to assess pathological changes. Western blot was used to test the expression of autophagy (LC3B, p62, Atg5, Beclin1) and p-AMPK, p-mTOR and p-ULK1 (ser 757). Immunofluorescence was used to detect the co-localization of LC3 and neurons. RESULTS ICA improved neuronal degeneration associated with aging and increased the staining of Nissl bodies. Western blot showed that ICA up-regulated autophagy-related proteins LC3B (595%), Beclin1 (73.5%), p-AMPK (464%) protein (p < 0.05 vs. 20 M) in the cortex and hippocampus of aging rats, down-regulated the expression of p62 (56.9%), p-mTOR (53%) and p-ULK1 (ser 757) (65.4%) protein (p < 0.05 vs. 20 M). Immunofluorescence showed that the fluorescence intensity of LC3 decreased in the aging rat brain, but increased and mainly co-localized with neurons after ICA intervention. CONCLUSIONS Further research needs to verify the expression changes of AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 and the improvement effect of ICA in elderly. These results will further accelerate the applications of ICA and the treatment for senescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zheng
- Medical College of China Three Gorges University, Yichang, P. R. Chinas
| | - Shanshan Hu
- Medical College of China Three Gorges University, Yichang, P. R. Chinas
| | - Jinxin Wang
- Medical College of China Three Gorges University, Yichang, P. R. Chinas
| | - Xulan Zhang
- Medical College of China Three Gorges University, Yichang, P. R. Chinas
| | - Ding Yuan
- Medical College of China Three Gorges University, Yichang, P. R. Chinas
| | - Changcheng Zhang
- Medical College of China Three Gorges University, Yichang, P. R. Chinas
| | - Chaoqi Liu
- Medical College of China Three Gorges University, Yichang, P. R. Chinas
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, New Drug Innovation and Development Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- CONTACT Ting Wang Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, New Drug Innovation and Development Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Zhiyong Zhou
- Medical College of China Three Gorges University, Yichang, P. R. Chinas
- Zhiyong Zhou Medical College of China, Three Gorges University, 8 University Road, Yichang 443002, Hubei, China
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12
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He W, Liu H, Hu L, Wang Y, Huang L, Liang A, Wang X, Zhang Q, Chen Y, Cao Y, Li S, Wang J, Lei X. Icariin improves testicular dysfunction via enhancing proliferation and inhibiting mitochondria-dependent apoptosis pathway in high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2021; 19:168. [PMID: 34753504 PMCID: PMC8576896 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-021-00851-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetes mellitus (DM), a chronic metabolic disease, severely impairs male reproductive function. However, the underpinning mechanisms are still incompletely defined, and there are no effective strategies or medicines for these reproductive lesions. Icariin (ICA), the main active component extracted from Herba epimedii, is a flavonoid traditionally used to treat testicular dysfunction. Whether ICA can improve male reproductive dysfunction caused by DM and its underlying mechanisms are still unclear. In this study, by employing metformin as a comparative group, we evaluated the protective effects of ICA on male reproductive damages caused by DM and explored the possible mechanisms. METHODS Rats were fed with a high fat diet (HFD) and then intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin (STZ) to induce diabetes. Diabetic rats were randomly divided into T2DM + saline group, T2DM + metformin group and T2DM + ICA group. Rats without the treatment of HFD and STZ were used as control group. The morphology of testicular tissues was examined by histological staining. The mRNA expression levels were determined by quantitative real-time PCR. Immunostaining detected the protein levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) in testicular tissues. TUNEL assay was performed to determine cell apoptosis in the testicular tissues. The protein expression levels of HIF-1α and SIRT1 in the testicular tissues were determined by western blot assay. RESULTS ICA effectively improved male reproductive dysfunction of diabetic rats. ICA administration significantly decreased fasting blood glucose (FBG) and insulin resistance index (IRI). In addition, ICA increased testis weight, epididymis weight, sperm number, sperm motility and the cross-sectional area of seminiferous tubule. ICA recovered the number of spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes and Sertoli cells. Furthermore, ICA upregulated the expression of PCNA, activated SRIT1-HIF-1α signaling pathway, and inhibited intrinsic mitochondria dependent apoptosis pathway by upregulating the expression of Bcl-2 and downregulating the expression of Bax and caspase 3. CONCLUSION These results suggest that ICA could attenuate male reproductive dysfunction of diabetic rats possibly via increasing cell proliferation and decreasing cell apoptosis of testis. ICA potentially represents a novel therapeutic strategy against DM-induced testicular damages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiguo He
- grid.412017.10000 0001 0266 8918Clinical Anatomy and Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001 China
| | - Huiqing Liu
- grid.412017.10000 0001 0266 8918Clinical Anatomy and Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001 China
| | - Linlin Hu
- grid.460081.bReproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000 China
| | - Yaohui Wang
- grid.417409.f0000 0001 0240 6969School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000 China
| | - Lane Huang
- grid.412017.10000 0001 0266 8918Clinical Anatomy and Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001 China
| | - Aihong Liang
- grid.412017.10000 0001 0266 8918Clinical Anatomy and Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001 China
| | - Xuan Wang
- grid.412017.10000 0001 0266 8918Clinical Anatomy and Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001 China
| | - Qing Zhang
- grid.417409.f0000 0001 0240 6969School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000 China
| | - Yi Chen
- grid.417409.f0000 0001 0240 6969School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000 China
| | - Yi Cao
- grid.417409.f0000 0001 0240 6969School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000 China
| | - Suyun Li
- grid.412017.10000 0001 0266 8918Clinical Anatomy and Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001 China
| | - Junli Wang
- grid.460081.bReproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000 China
| | - Xiaocan Lei
- grid.412017.10000 0001 0266 8918Clinical Anatomy and Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001 China
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13
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Zhou Y, Xue M, Jiang Y, Zhang M, Wang C, Wang X, Yu G, Tang Z. Beneficial Effects of Quercetin on Microcystin-LR Induced Tight Junction Defects. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:733993. [PMID: 34566654 PMCID: PMC8462518 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.733993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Quercetin has numerous functions including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The beneficial effect of quercetin against microcystin-LR (MC-LR)-induced testicular tight junctions (TJs) defects in vitro and in vivo were investigated. Significant reductions in transepithelial electrical resistance, occludin, and zonula occludens-1(ZO-1) levels were detected in the MC-LR-treated TM4 cells, and quercetin attenuated these effects. Interestingly, quercetin suppressed MC-LR-induced phosphorylation of protein kinase B (AKT). It effectively inhibited the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells stimulated by MC-LR. In addition, ROS inhibitors blocked the TJ damage that is dependent on the AKT signaling pathway induced by MC-LR. In conclusion, our results suggest that alleviates MC-LR-impaired TJs by suppressing the ROS-regulated activation of the AKT pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Zhou
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Mei Xue
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine·College of Intergrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yunfei Jiang
- Department of Emergency, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Miaomiao Zhang
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Changming Wang
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuyang Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated 6th People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Guang Yu
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zongxiang Tang
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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14
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The role of different compounds on the integrity of blood-testis barrier: A concise review based on in vitro and in vivo studies. Gene 2021; 780:145531. [PMID: 33631249 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2021.145531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Sertoli cells are "nurturing cells'' in the seminiferous tubules of the testis which have essential roles in the development, proliferation and differentiation of germ cells. These cells also divide the seminiferous epithelium into a basal and an adluminal compartment and establish the blood-testis barrier (BTB). BTB shields haploid germ cells from recognition by the innate immune system. Moreover, after translocation of germ cells into the adluminal compartment their nutritional source is separated from the circulatory system being only supplied by the Sertoli cells. The integrity of BTB is influenced by several organic/ organometallic, hormonal and inflammatory substances. Moreover, several environmental contaminants such as BPA have hazardous effects on the integrity of BTB. In the current review, we summarize the results of studies that assessed the impact of these agents on the integrity of BTB. These studies have implications in understanding the molecular mechanism of male infertility and also in the male contraception.
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15
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Zhang S, Du X, Liu H, Losiewic MD, Chen X, Ma Y, Wang R, Tian Z, Shi L, Guo H, Zhang H. The latest advances in the reproductive toxicity of microcystin-LR. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 192:110254. [PMID: 32991922 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is an emerging environmental pollutant produced by cyanobacteria that poses a threat to wild life and human health. In recent years, the reproductive toxicity of MC-LR has gained widespread attention, a large number of toxicological studies have filled the gaps in past research and more molecular mechanisms have been elucidated. Hence, this paper reviews the latest research advances on MC-LR-induced reproductive toxicity. MC-LR can damage the structure and function of the testis, ovary, prostate, placenta and other organs of animals and then reduce their fertility. Meanwhile, MC-LR can also be transmitted through the placenta to the offspring causing trans-generational and developmental toxicity including death, malformation, growth retardation, and organ dysfunction in embryos and juveniles. The mechanisms of MC-LR-induced reproductive toxicity mainly include the inhibition of protein phosphatase 1/2 A (PP1/2 A) activity and the induction of oxidative stress. On the one hand, MC-LR triggers the hyperphosphorylation of certain proteins by inhibiting intracellular PP1/2 A activity, thereby activating multiple signaling pathways that cause inflammation and blood-testis barrier destruction, etc. On the other hand, MC-LR-induced oxidative stress can result in cell programmed death via the mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum pathways. It is worth noting that epigenetic modifications are also involved in reproductive cell apoptosis, which may be an important direction for future research. Furthermore, this paper proposes for the first time that MC-LR can produce estrogenic effects in animals as an environmental estrogen. New findings and suggestions in this review could be areas of interest for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyu Zhang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xingde Du
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Haohao Liu
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Michael D Losiewic
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, St Mary's University, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Xinghai Chen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, St Mary's University, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Ya Ma
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Rui Wang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Zhihui Tian
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Linjia Shi
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Hongxiang Guo
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
| | - Huizhen Zhang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
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16
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Zhao H, You X, Chen Q, Yang S, Ma Q, He Y, Liu C, Dun Y, Wu J, Zhang C, Yuan D. Icariin Improves Age-Related Testicular Dysfunction by Alleviating Sertoli Cell Injury via Upregulation of the ER α/Nrf2-Signaling Pathway. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:677. [PMID: 32528279 PMCID: PMC7247842 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cells play crucial roles in spermatogenesis and are impaired by aging. Icariin, a flavonoid from Epimedium, has been reported to exhibit anti-aging effects and improve testicular dysfunction in the clinical setting. However, whether icariin improves age-related degeneration of testicular function via protection from Sertoli cell injury remains unclear. In the present study, we evaluated the protective effect of icariin on Sertoli cell injury and explored the possible mechanism(s) in vivo and in vitro. Dietary administration of icariin for 4 months significantly ameliorated the age-related decline in testicular function by increasing testicular and epididymal weights and indices, sperm count and sperm viability, testicular testosterone and estradiol concentrations, and seminiferous tubule diameters and heights. In addition, icariin protected age-related Sertoli cells from injury as evidenced by an analysis of Sertoli cell number, ultrastructure, and function. Such changes were accompanied by upregulation of ERα and Nrf2 signaling in Sertoli cells. Parallel in vitro studies also demonstrated that icariin inhibited untoward effects on the TM4 mouse Sertoli cell line with concomitant upregulation of ERα and Nrf2 signaling. Conversely, ERα siRNA reversed icariin-mediated protection of Sertoli cell injury. Our data suggest that icariin effectively ameliorates age-related degeneration of testicular function by alleviating Sertoli cell injury via the ERα/Nrf2 signal-transduction pathway. Thus, mitigating Sertoli cell damage via the ERα/Nrf2 signaling pathway likely represents a promising strategy for the prevention of age-related testicular dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixia Zhao
- College of Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China.,Third-Grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Chinese Medicine Approved by State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Xu You
- College of Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Qian Chen
- College of Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China.,The Second People's Hospital of Yichang, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Siqi Yang
- College of Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Qiongyan Ma
- College of Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Yumin He
- College of Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China.,Third-Grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Chinese Medicine Approved by State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Chaoqi Liu
- College of Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Yaoyan Dun
- College of Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Jie Wu
- Material Analysis and Testing Center, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Changcheng Zhang
- College of Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China.,Third-Grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Chinese Medicine Approved by State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Ding Yuan
- College of Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
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17
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Zhou Y, Sun M, Tang Y, Chen Y, Zhu C, Yang Y, Wang C, Yu G, Tang Z. Responses of the proteome in testis of mice exposed chronically to environmentally relevant concentrations of Microcystin-LR. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2020; 187:109824. [PMID: 31654863 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2019.109824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 10/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Microcystin-LR (MC-LR), a widespread environmental contaminant, has been shown to have potent acute testicular toxicity. However, magnitudes of toxic effects, induced by MCs, depend on route and magnitude of exposure to the toxin. In the present study, male mice were orally exposed 1, 10 or 100 μg/L MC-LR for 90 or 180 days, and pathological approach and the isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ)-based proteomics were employed with testes. Proteomics revealed that a number of differentially altered proteins may be involved in MC-LR-induced chronic testicular toxicity. The biological process analysis indicated the altered proteins played an important role in biological adhesion, cellular process, response to stimulus or rhythmic process. The cellular component analysis revealed that most of the proteins with altered expression associated with cell part, extracellular region, extracellular region part, membrane, membrane part, organelle or organelle part. The molecular function showed that these proteins were critical in molecular transducer activity. Integrity analyses provide first compelling evidence that MC-LR significantly cause dysfunction of blood-testis barrier (BTB) through affecting tight junctions and gap junctions. Moreover, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT eventually contributed to injury result from chronic low-level MC-LR treatment. Identification of proteins in testis responsive to MC-LR provides insights into molecular mechanisms of chronic toxicity of MCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Menghan Sun
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ye Tang
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Research Center of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditonal Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chan Zhu
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Changming Wang
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guang Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Zongxiang Tang
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China.
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18
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Protective effects of betaine on diabetic induced disruption of the male mice blood-testis barrier by regulating oxidative stress-mediated p38 MAPK pathways. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 120:109474. [PMID: 31585299 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.109474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blood-testis barrier (BTB) impairments is one of the major secondary complications of diabetes. Betaine (BET) is the important active ingredients isolated from Lycium barbarum, which exhibits numerous pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-inflammatory effects. This study aimed to establish whether BET contributes to the recovery from BTB dysfunction in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic mice. METHODS BET (200, 400, 800 mg/kg) was orally administered to diabetic mice for 8 weeks. Testis tissues were collected for histopathological and biochemical analysis, the reproductive organ weight was estimated. Antioxidant enzyme activity and BTB associated protein expressions were determined with their corresponding assay kits and western blot analysis. The results revealed that BET significantly improved the weight of the reproductive organs and testicular morphology in diabetic mice. Furthermore, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly reduced, and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH), markedly increased in the testicular tissue after SAL treatment. In addition, our data also showed a marked down-regulated the expressions of p38 MAPK phosphorylation and up-regulation the protein expressions of ZO-1, Occludin, Claudin-11, N-cadherin, and Connexin-43 after BET administration compared with the diabetic group. In conclusion, these results demonstrated that BET exerts protective effects on diabetes-induced BTB dysfunction, which may be through regulating oxidative stress-mediated p38 MAPK pathways.
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