TBHP-induced oxidative stress alters microRNAs expression in mouse testis
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 25, 2026
Lung microRNA Profiling Across the Estrous Cycle in Ozone-exposed Mice
Published on: January 7, 2019
Nayeralsadat Fatemi1, Mohammad Hossein Sanati, Mehdi Shamsara
1Department of Genetics at Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, P.O. Box: 19395-4644, Tehran, Iran.
Purpose:
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress is one of the main reasons of male infertility. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate multiple intracellular processes. Alterations in miRNAs expression may occur in different conditions and diseases. In this study, the effect of oxidative stress induced by tertiary-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) on the expression of candidate miRNAs in mouse testis was investigated.
Methods:
After determining median lethal dose (LD50), TBHP was intraperitoneally (ip) injected at the dilution of 1:10 LD50 into the adult male mice for 2 weeks, and then testis tissues were removed in order to assay the ROS level. Total RNA was extracted and the expression of five miRNAs was quantified by reverse transcription-real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).
Results:
The flow cytometry analysis showed a significant increase in ROS level in testis. The expression of three out of five selected miRNAs, including miR-34a, miR-181b and miR-122a, showed some degrees of changes following exposure to oxidative stress. These miRNAs are involved in antioxidant responses, inflammation pathway and spermatogenesis arrest.
Conclusions:
In conclusion, TBHP alters the miRNA expression profile of testis which might play a potential role in oxidative and antioxidative responses and spermatogenesis.
Insights
Oxidative stress induced by tertiary-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) significantly increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) in mouse testes. This stress altered the expression of key microRNAs (miRNAs), potentially impacting male fertility and spermatogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Molecular endocrinology
- Oxidative stress research
Background:
- Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and subsequent oxidative stress are significant contributors to male infertility.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial regulators of cellular processes, and their expression patterns can be altered in disease states.
- Understanding miRNA dysregulation in response to oxidative stress is vital for male reproductive health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of oxidative stress, induced by tertiary-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP), on the expression of specific microRNAs (miRNAs) in mouse testes.
- To assess the correlation between ROS levels and miRNA expression changes in testicular tissue.
- To identify candidate miRNAs involved in the testicular response to oxidative stress.
Main Methods:
- Determination of the median lethal dose (LD50) for TBHP in adult male mice.
- Intraperitoneal injection of TBHP (1:10 LD50) for two weeks to induce oxidative stress.
- Measurement of ROS levels in testis tissues using flow cytometry.
- Quantification of five candidate miRNA expression levels via reverse transcription-real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).
Main Results:
- A significant elevation in ROS levels was observed in the testes of mice exposed to TBHP.
- The expression of three out of five tested miRNAs (miR-34a, miR-181b, and miR-122a) exhibited notable changes following oxidative stress.
- These altered miRNAs are implicated in crucial pathways including antioxidant responses, inflammation, and the arrest of spermatogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Tertiary-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) exposure alters the microRNA (miRNA) expression profile in the mouse testis.
- These miRNA expression changes may play a role in the testicular oxidative and antioxidative balance.
- The findings suggest a potential link between altered miRNA expression and spermatogenesis dysfunction under oxidative stress conditions.
