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Protective effect of beta-carotene against titanium dioxide nanoparticles induced apoptosis in mouse testicular
M Orazizadeh1,2, E Daneshi1, M Hashemitmar1,2
1Cell & Molecular Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
Abstract:
In this study, the effects of beta-carotene (BC) on testicular germ cell apoptosis arising from titanium dioxide nanoparticles (NTiO2 ) have been evaluated. In NTiO2 -treated mice, expression of apoptotic related genes including Bid, FasL, caspase-3 and p38MAPK was significantly increased. Measurement apoptosis using TUNEL method showed significant increase in apoptotic index of germ cells in NTiO2 -treated mice (P < 0.05). TUNEL assessments showed that the increase of apoptotic index of testicular germ cells in NTiO2 -treated mice was reversed by BC. Beta-carotene pre-treatment could also effectively attenuate the expression of apoptotic related genes. The application of BC may serve as a beneficial medication to protect germ cells against apoptosis induced by nanoparticles and be helpful for male fertility.
Insights
Beta-carotene (BC) protects male fertility by reducing nanoparticle-induced testicular germ cell apoptosis. Pre-treatment with BC reversed increased apoptotic gene expression and cell death caused by titanium dioxide nanoparticles (NTiO2).
Area of Science:
- Toxicology and Environmental Health
- Reproductive Biology
- Nanomaterial Safety
Background:
- Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (NTiO2) exposure is a growing concern.
- Nanoparticles may induce oxidative stress and apoptosis in testicular germ cells.
- Understanding protective mechanisms against nanoparticle toxicity is crucial for male reproductive health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the protective effects of beta-carotene (BC) against NTiO2-induced testicular germ cell apoptosis.
- To investigate the impact of BC on the expression of key apoptotic genes.
- To assess the potential of BC as a therapeutic agent for nanoparticle-induced male infertility.
Main Methods:
- Animal model exposed to NTiO2.
- Assessment of apoptotic index using the TUNEL assay.
- Quantitative analysis of apoptotic-related gene expression (Bid, FasL, caspase-3, p38MAPK).
Main Results:
- NTiO2 exposure significantly increased testicular germ cell apoptosis and expression of apoptotic genes.
- Beta-carotene pre-treatment significantly reversed the increase in apoptotic index.
- BC administration effectively attenuated the expression of NTiO2-induced apoptotic genes.
Conclusions:
- Beta-carotene demonstrates a protective effect against titanium dioxide nanoparticle-induced germ cell apoptosis.
- BC may mitigate male fertility issues associated with nanoparticle exposure.
- BC holds potential as a therapeutic strategy to safeguard male reproductive health from nanoparticle toxicity.
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