Lead Induced Oxidative Stress and Affected the Expression of Steroidogenesis -related Genes in Testis of Male Mice

Authors

  • Nahla Abdalla Hassan Elsheikh
  • Nagmeldin Abd elwahid. Omer
  • Li-lian
  • Gen-Lin Wang

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37506/ijfmt.v16i3.18290

Keywords:

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.

Author Biographies

Nahla Abdalla Hassan Elsheikh

 Assistant Professor, Faculty of Science and Information Technology, University of Nyala.

Nagmeldin Abd elwahid. Omer

Assistant Professor, Faculty of Allied health, University of Nyala,

Li-lian

Associate Professor, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing,

Gen-Lin Wang

Full Professor, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing

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Published

2022-07-04

How to Cite

Nahla Abdalla Hassan Elsheikh, Nagmeldin Abd elwahid. Omer, Li-lian, & Gen-Lin Wang. (2022). Lead Induced Oxidative Stress and Affected the Expression of Steroidogenesis -related Genes in Testis of Male Mice. Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, 16(3), 248–254. https://doi.org/10.37506/ijfmt.v16i3.18290

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 3 (2022): Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology

Section

Articles

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