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Fenvalerate induces germ cell apoptosis in mouse testes through the Fas/FasL signaling pathway

Xian-Feng Zhao1, Qun Wang, Yan-Li Ji

  • 1Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China.

Archives of Toxicology
|February 1, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Fenvalerate exposure significantly increases germ cell apoptosis in male mice testes. This occurs via the Fas/FasL signaling pathway, impacting male reproductive health.

Area of Science:

  • Toxicology
  • Reproductive Biology
  • Cellular Biology

Background:

  • Fenvalerate is an insecticide with known adverse effects on male reproduction.
  • The precise mechanisms underlying fenvalerate's impact on spermatogenesis are not fully understood.
  • Investigating germ cell apoptosis is crucial for understanding male reproductive toxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of fenvalerate exposure on germ cell apoptosis in adult male mice testes.
  • To elucidate the specific molecular pathways involved in fenvalerate-induced germ cell death.
  • To determine the dose-dependent effects of fenvalerate on testicular germ cells.

Main Methods:

  • Adult male mice were administered fenvalerate (15 or 60 mg/kg) via gavage for 28 days.
  • Germ cell apoptosis was quantified using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay.
  • Levels of caspases (caspase-8, caspase-3, caspase-9), Fas, FasL, Bcl-2, Bax, and cytochrome c were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Fenvalerate treatment significantly increased the number of TUNEL+ germ cells in a dose-dependent manner.
  • Apoptotic germ cells were predominantly observed in seminiferous tubule stages VII-VIII and IX-XII.
  • Fenvalerate upregulated active caspase-8 and caspase-3, and increased Fas and FasL expression without altering Bcl-2/Bax or cytochrome c release.

Conclusions:

  • Fenvalerate induces germ cell apoptosis in mouse testes.
  • The Fas/FasL signaling pathway is critically involved in fenvalerate-induced testicular toxicity.
  • These findings highlight a potential mechanism for fenvalerate's adverse effects on male fertility.

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