T-2 toxin-induced cytotoxicity and damage on TM3 Leydig cells

Zhihang Yuan1, Froilan Bernard Matias2, Jin-e Yi1

  • 1Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan 410128, PR China.

Insights

T-2 toxin, a mycotoxin from Fusarium, severely harms male reproductive cells (TM3 Leydig cells) by causing cytotoxicity and oxidative stress. Trolox treatment mitigated these harmful T-2 toxin effects, suggesting a potential protective strategy.

Area of Science:

  • Toxicology
  • Reproductive Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • T-2 toxin is a potent mycotoxin produced by Fusarium species.
  • It is known to negatively impact the male reproductive system.
  • Understanding its cellular effects is crucial for assessing reproductive health risks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the dose-dependent cytotoxic effects of T-2 toxin on TM3 Leydig cells.
  • To evaluate the role of oxidative stress in T-2 toxin-induced reproductive cell damage.
  • To assess the protective potential of Trolox against T-2 toxin toxicity.

Main Methods:

  • Assessed T-2 toxin cytotoxicity by measuring cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and malondialdehyde (MDA).
  • Measured antioxidant activity including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX).
  • Evaluated DNA damage and apoptosis in TM3 Leydig cells exposed to T-2 toxin, with and without Trolox treatment.

Main Results:

  • T-2 toxin demonstrated significant dose-dependent cytotoxicity on TM3 Leydig cells.
  • T-2 toxin exposure led to increased oxidative stress markers and DNA damage.
  • Trolox treatment significantly reduced oxidative damage, DNA damage, and apoptosis induced by T-2 toxin.
  • T-2 toxin induced significant apoptosis in TM3 Leydig cells.

Conclusions:

  • T-2 toxin is highly cytotoxic to TM3 Leydig cells, impacting male reproductive health.
  • Oxidative stress is a key mechanism underlying T-2 toxin's reproductive toxicity.
  • Trolox exhibits protective effects against T-2 toxin-induced cellular damage, highlighting its potential therapeutic relevance.