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Updated: Jun 4, 2026
Fluorimetric Techniques for the Assessment of Sperm Membranes
Published on: November 28, 2018
Fluoride-induced apoptosis and gene expression profiling in mice sperm in vivo
Zilong Sun1, Ruiyan Niu, Bin Wang
1Shanxi Key Laboratory of Ecological Animal Science and Environmental Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
Exposure to fluoride can induce low sperm quality; however, little is known about the molecular mechanisms by which fluoride exerts its toxic effects. This study was conducted to evaluate ultrastructure, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in sperm of mice treated with 150 mg/l NaF for 49 days. Furthermore, microarray analysis was also utilized to characterize the effects of fluoride in gene expression profiling on mice sperm. An increased ROS and a decreased TAC accompanied with distinct morphological changes and significant apoptosis were observed in mice sperm from the fluoride group. Fluoride exposure also significantly elevated the protein expressions of cytochrome c and active caspase-3. In global gene expression profiling, 34 up-regulated and 63 down-regulated genes, which are involved in several sperm biological processes including signal transduction, oxidative stress, apoptosis, electron transport, glycolysis, chemotaxis, spermatogenesis, and sperm capacitation, were significantly differentially expressed. Based on these findings, it was proposed that oxidative stress induced by excessive ROS may trigger sperm apoptosis through mitochondrial impairment, resulting in decreased fertility in mice exposed to fluoride. Microarray analysis also provided several important biological clues for further investigating fluoride-induced damage in sperm morphology and functions.
Insights
Fluoride exposure damages sperm quality by increasing oxidative stress and apoptosis, leading to reduced fertility in mice. Molecular analysis revealed significant changes in gene expression related to sperm function.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Toxicology
- Environmental Health
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Fluoride exposure is linked to reduced sperm quality, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear.
- Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for assessing reproductive risks associated with environmental fluoride.
- Spermatozoa are particularly vulnerable to oxidative damage and apoptosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of sodium fluoride (NaF) on sperm ultrastructure, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in mice.
- To characterize the molecular changes in mouse sperm gene expression following fluoride exposure using microarray analysis.
- To elucidate the mechanisms of fluoride-induced sperm damage and its impact on fertility.
Main Methods:
- Mice were exposed to 150 mg/l NaF for 49 days.
- Sperm were analyzed for ultrastructural changes, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and apoptosis.
- Protein expression of cytochrome c and active caspase-3 was assessed.
- Microarray analysis was performed to profile global gene expression in sperm.
Main Results:
- Fluoride-exposed sperm exhibited increased ROS, decreased TAC, morphological abnormalities, and significant apoptosis.
- Elevated protein levels of cytochrome c and active caspase-3 were observed in the fluoride group.
- Microarray analysis identified 34 up-regulated and 63 down-regulated genes involved in critical sperm functions.
- Affected pathways included signal transduction, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and sperm capacitation.
Conclusions:
- Excessive ROS-induced oxidative stress likely triggers sperm apoptosis via mitochondrial impairment, leading to decreased fertility in fluoride-exposed mice.
- Gene expression profiling provides valuable insights into the molecular pathways affected by fluoride toxicity in sperm.
- These findings highlight the detrimental effects of fluoride on sperm morphology and function, necessitating further investigation.
