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Published on: August 13, 2019
Age-related decrease in aromatase and estrogen receptor (ERalpha and ERbeta) expression in rat testes: protective
Khaled Hamden1, Dorothee Silandre, Christelle Delalande
1Animal Ecophysiology, Faculty of Sciences, Sfax-3018, Tunisia.
Asian Journal of Andrology
|December 22, 2007
Summary
Caloric restriction, not undernutrition, benefits aging rat spermatogenesis by enhancing antioxidant defenses and preserving testicular function. This dietary approach improves cell protection and reproductive health during aging.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Aging research
- Nutritional science
Background:
- Aging is associated with decreased testicular function and oxidative stress.
- Caloric restriction (CR) and undernutrition (CR2) are dietary interventions with potential impacts on aging.
- Testicular health involves enzymatic antioxidants, lipid peroxidation, and hormone receptor expression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of CR and CR2 on aging rat testicular parameters.
- To assess the impact on enzymatic antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, catalase), lipid peroxidation, and aromatase/estrogen receptor (ER) expression.
- To determine the protective role of dietary interventions against age-related testicular decline.
Main Methods:
- Caloric restriction (CR) and undernutrition (CR2) were implemented in 1-month-old rats until 18 months of age.
- Evaluated testicular weights, sperm count, and motility.
- Measured superoxide dismutase, catalase activities, lipid peroxidation, and aromatase/ER gene expression.
Main Results:
- Control and CR2 groups showed age-related decreases in aromatase/ER expression, testicular weight, and sperm quality.
- Aging increased oxidative stress (decreased antioxidants, increased lipid peroxidation) in control and CR2 rats.
- CR treatment demonstrated a protective effect, mitigating age-related declines in all measured parameters.
Conclusions:
- Caloric restriction, distinct from undernutrition, is beneficial for aging rat spermatogenesis.
- CR appears to enhance cellular antioxidant defense systems, potentially involving aromatase/ER.
- Dietary intervention can improve testicular cell protection and reproductive health during aging.
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