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Published on: February 6, 2018
[DNA damage, Bcl-2, Bax expression and ultrastructure change in spermatogenic cell of mice exposed to cadmium]
Long-jin Jin1, Zhou-xi Fang, Chan Zhang
1Central Laboratory of Biology, Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province 325027, China.
Objective:
To study DNA damage, Bcl-2 and Bax expression, and ultrastructure change in spermatogenic cell of mice by cadmium exposure.
Methods:
Twenty-four male mice were divided into 4 groups: 3 groups treated with cadmium chloride of 1, 5, 10 micromol x kg(-1) x d(-1) i.p. respectively for 5 days, and one normal saline control group. The DNA damage of spermatogenic cell by single-cell gel electrophoresis technology was detected. The expression positive rate of Bcl-2, Bax protein in spermatogenic cell by the immunohistochemical method was assayed, and the ultrastructural change of spermatogenic cell by the transmission electron microscope was observed.
Results:
DNA damage rates of of spermatogenic cell in 1, 5, 10 micromol/kg cadmium chloride groups were higher than that of normal group (P < 0.001). Bcl-2 protein expression positive rates were lower than that of normal group (P < 0.001). Bax protein positive expression rate in 5 micromol/kg group was higher than those in normal group, and 1, 10 micromol/kg groups. The ultrastructure of karyotis, karyotheca, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum in three treated groups had different degree of damage and the degree of ultrastructural change was increasing with rising concentration of cadmium.
Conclusion:
Cadmium exposure will cause the DNA break, Bcl-2 and Bax protein abnormal expression and ultrastructural change in spermatogenic cell.
Insights
Cadmium exposure induces DNA damage and abnormal expression of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins in mouse spermatogenic cells. Ultrastructural changes in these cells also increase with higher cadmium concentrations.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Reproductive Biology
- Cell Biology
Context:
- Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal with known adverse effects on various organs.
- Spermatogenic cells are crucial for male fertility and are susceptible to environmental toxins.
- Understanding cadmium's impact on testicular cells is vital for reproductive health assessment.
Purpose:
- To investigate the effects of cadmium exposure on DNA integrity in spermatogenic cells.
- To analyze the expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins Bcl-2 and Bax following cadmium exposure.
- To evaluate ultrastructural alterations in spermatogenic cells induced by cadmium.
Summary:
- Mice exposed to varying doses of cadmium chloride (1, 5, 10 micromol/kg) exhibited significant DNA damage in spermatogenic cells compared to controls.
- Bcl-2 protein expression decreased, while Bax protein expression increased in a dose-dependent manner with cadmium exposure.
- Transmission electron microscopy revealed dose-dependent ultrastructural damage to the nucleus, mitochondria, and endoplasmic reticulum of spermatogenic cells.
Impact:
- Cadmium exposure leads to significant DNA damage and apoptosis pathway dysregulation in male germ cells.
- The study highlights the potential of cadmium as a reproductive toxicant, affecting sperm production and quality.
- Findings provide cellular-level evidence for cadmium-induced male reproductive toxicity, informing risk assessment and mitigation strategies.
