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Published on: October 13, 2018
Naringenin; a bioflavonoid, impairs the reproductive potential of male mice
Pavitra Ranawat1, Nikita Bakshi1
1a Department of Biophysics , Panjab University, South Campus , Sector-25 , Chandigarh , India.
Abstract:
Present study analyzed the effect of naringenin, a bioflavonoid, on male reproductive function in adult mouse, after intraperitoneal treatment with varying concentrations of naringenin (2, 8 and 20 mg/kg b.wt.) for two weeks. Naringenin increased the generation of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation in the testis with concomitant decrease in sperm count and motility in a dose-dependent manner. Activities of antioxidant enzymes catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and levels of reduced glutathione were found to be decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Also, the levels of oxidized glutathione were increased leading to a shift in redox ratio. Naringenin treatment also led to a dose-dependent increase in the mRNA expression of c-jun, c-fos and NF-κB. The testicular histomorphology was also altered dose dependently. Additionally, the number of apoptotic germ cells increased with increasing doses of naringenin as evident from acridine orange/ethidium bromide costaining and JC-1 staining. In conclusion, our study reveals that naringenin despite being a potent antioxidant with numerous important biological functions may also act as pro-oxidant, thus causing damaging effects in the testicular tissue.
Insights
Naringenin, a bioflavonoid, negatively impacts male mouse reproductive function by increasing oxidative stress and damaging testicular tissue in a dose-dependent manner, revealing a potential pro-oxidant effect.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Toxicology
- Bioflavonoid Research
- Oxidative Stress Mechanisms
Background:
- Naringenin is a widely studied bioflavonoid known for its antioxidant properties.
- Its effects on male reproductive health, particularly its potential dual role as an antioxidant and pro-oxidant, require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of naringenin on male reproductive function in adult mice.
- To determine the dose-dependent effects of naringenin on testicular oxidative stress, sperm parameters, and germ cell apoptosis.
Main Methods:
- Adult male mice were administered intraperitoneal injections of naringenin (2, 8, 20 mg/kg b.wt.) for two weeks.
- Assessed reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzyme activities, glutathione levels, and gene expression (c-jun, c-fos, NF-κB).
- Evaluated testicular histomorphology and germ cell apoptosis using acridine orange/ethidium bromide and JC-1 staining.
Main Results:
- Naringenin treatment led to a dose-dependent increase in reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation in the testis.
- Sperm count and motility decreased, while antioxidant enzyme activities and reduced glutathione levels were diminished.
- Increased oxidized glutathione, altered redox ratio, elevated mRNA expression of c-jun, c-fos, and NF-κB, and increased germ cell apoptosis were observed.
Conclusions:
- Naringenin exhibits pro-oxidant effects in testicular tissue, leading to impaired male reproductive function.
- The study highlights the potential for naringenin to cause testicular damage, contrary to its known antioxidant functions.
