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Published on: May 11, 2016
Age-induced apoptosis in the male genital tract of the mouse
M Jara1, R Carballada, P Esponda
1Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, CSIC, Velázquez 144, 28006-Madrid, Spain.
Abstract:
We have examined the effects of ageing on the increase in apoptotic cells numbers in the male genital tract of the house mouse (Mus musculus). We have found that not all organs have the same response. There is an induction of apoptosis in both the epididymis and ventral prostate. However, seminal vesicles and other prostatic lobes remain unaffected. Apoptosis was assessed by several methods: TUNEL, detection of the active fragment of caspase-3 and the pattern of DNA fragmentation on agarose gels. This increase in apoptosis is related to the fall in testosterone levels, although there is only a partial decrease in androgen receptor (AR). AR is still present in all tissues and only moderately reduced in the epididymis and ventral prostate. A more intense increase of lipofuscin granules, which may be indicative of oxidative stress, occurred in these tissues. Finally, testosterone supplementation reverses the changes (both in apoptosis and lipofuscin content in the tissue), suggesting a role of androgens in these processes.
Insights
Aging increases apoptosis in mouse male reproductive organs like the epididymis and ventral prostate, linked to lower testosterone and oxidative stress. Testosterone therapy reversed these age-related changes.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Gerontology
- Cellular biology
Background:
- Aging impacts male reproductive organs.
- Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is a key factor in tissue homeostasis.
- Testosterone and androgen receptors play crucial roles in male reproductive health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of aging on apoptosis in the male mouse genital tract.
- To determine the relationship between apoptosis, testosterone levels, and androgen receptor expression.
- To explore the role of oxidative stress and potential interventions.
Main Methods:
- Assessed apoptosis using TUNEL assay, caspase-3 activation, and DNA fragmentation.
- Measured testosterone levels and androgen receptor (AR) expression.
- Quantified lipofuscin granules as an indicator of oxidative stress.
- Administered testosterone supplementation to observe its effects.
Main Results:
- Apoptosis increased in the epididymis and ventral prostate, but not seminal vesicles.
- Testosterone levels decreased, with moderate AR reduction in affected tissues.
- Increased lipofuscin granules indicated oxidative stress in the epididymis and ventral prostate.
- Testosterone supplementation reversed apoptosis and lipofuscin accumulation.
Conclusions:
- Aging differentially affects apoptosis in male reproductive organs.
- Declining testosterone and oxidative stress contribute to age-related apoptosis.
- Androgens play a protective role against these aging-induced changes.
