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Dexamethasone effects on fas ligand expression in mouse testicular germ cells
L S Khorsandi1, M Hashemitabar, M Orazizadeh
1Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Ahwaz Jundi-Shapour University of Medical Sciences, Ahwaz, Iran.
Abstract:
The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of Dex, a widely used GC, on apoptosis and expression of FasL protein in the mouse testicular germ cells. The effects of dexamethasone (Dex) on expression of Fas ligand (FasL), an important proapoptotic protein, in the mouse testicular germ cells were investigated. Six groups, each of 8 male NMRI mice were chosen for the experiment. Experimental groups received one of the following treatments daily for 7 days: 4, 7 and 10 mg kg(-1) Dex. Control groups were treated with equivalent volumes of saline. Experimental and control animals were sacrificed 24 h after the last injection. Immunohistochemical procedure was used to evaluation of FasL expression and the deoxyuridine nick-end labeling (TUNEL) was applied to assessment of the apoptotic germ cells. FasL expression of testicular germ cells were significantly increased in 10 mg kg(-1) Dex treated mice (p < 0.05), particularly at stages VII-VIII of spermatogenic cycle. Apoptotic indexes (AIs) of germ cells were significantly increased in 7 and 10 mg kg(-1) Dex treated mice.
Insights
Dexamethasone (Dex) increases the expression of Fas ligand (FasL) and germ cell apoptosis in mouse testes. These findings suggest Dex may negatively impact male reproductive health by inducing cell death in testicular germ cells.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Endocrinology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Glucocorticoids (GCs) are widely used for their anti-inflammatory properties.
- Dexamethasone (Dex) is a potent synthetic GC.
- Germ cell apoptosis is crucial for maintaining male fertility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of dexamethasone (Dex) on apoptosis and Fas ligand (FasL) expression in mouse testicular germ cells.
- To determine the dose-dependent effects of Dex on these parameters.
Main Methods:
- NMRI mice were treated daily for 7 days with varying doses of Dex (4, 7, 10 mg/kg) or saline (control).
- Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate FasL expression.
- TUNEL assay was performed to assess apoptotic germ cells.
Main Results:
- Dex treatment significantly increased FasL expression in testicular germ cells, particularly at stages VII-VIII of spermatogenesis, at the 10 mg/kg dose (p < 0.05).
- Apoptotic indexes of germ cells were significantly elevated in mice treated with 7 and 10 mg/kg Dex.
Conclusions:
- Dexamethasone exposure increases FasL expression and germ cell apoptosis in mouse testes.
- These findings indicate a potential adverse effect of Dex on male reproductive function through induction of germ cell death.
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