Lead Induced Oxidative Stress and Affected the Expression of Steroidogenesis -related Genes in Testis of Male Mice
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37506/ijfmt.v16i3.18290Keywords:
Lead; testis; spermatogenesis, oxidative stress; steroidogenesis.Abstract
Background: Lead (Pb) is classified as a major risk factor affecting the male reproductive system; however, its
precise mechanisms of action are poorly understood and inconsistent. This work aimed to investigate the effect of
Pb toxicity on male reproductive function.
Methods: Accordingly, in this study, adult male mice treated with Lead acetate (PbAc) by gavage (200 mg/kg/
day) for 28 days. We analyzed sperm count and morphology, oxidative stress, and the expression of antioxidant
and steroidogenesis -related genes in the testes of male mice.
Results: Pb significantly (P<0.05) showed decreased body weight and sperm count, as well as significantly
(P<0.05) increased the number of abnormal sperms and plasma testosterone level. The activities of superoxide
dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (Cat) were significantly decreased, whereas
the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) was significantly increased in the testis of mice treated by Pb. The mRNA
levels of antioxidant-related genes (SOD1, GPX1, and CAT) were significantly decreased following Pb treatment.
Furthermore, the expression of genes involved in the steroidogenic pathway, including steroidogenic acute
regulatory protein (Star), cytochromeP-450scc (Cyp11a1), 17β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD),
3β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) and cytochrome P450, family 17 (Cyp17), were significantly (P<0.05)
decreased after exposure to Pb.
Conclusion: In conclusion, Pb disrupts male reproductive function by inducing oxidative stress, negatively
regulating the mRNA expressions of steroidogenesis and antioxidant -related genes, and ultimately reducing
sperm quality and quantity.
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