Mitochondria-targeted antioxidant SkQ1 improves spermatogenesis in Immp2l mutant mice

Previous studies have confirmed that spermatogenesis in homozygous Immp2l mutant male mice was normal at the age of 6 months, but was significantly abnormal at the age of 13 months. Meanwhile, oxidative stress is reported to be involved in spermatogenic impairment in old mutant mice. However, it is unclear whether antioxidant treatment is a suitable intervention for improving spermatogenesis in old mutant mice. This study sought to investigate the effect of mitochondria-targeted antioxidant SkQ1 on spermatogenesis in homozygous Immp2l mutant mice. Immp2l mutant mice were treated with the mitochondria-targeted antioxidant SkQ1 from the age of 6 weeks until 13 months. SkQ1 treatment significantly improved spermatogenesis in old Immp2 l mutant mice. Moreover, SkQ1 treatment improved the morphology of testicular seminiferous tubules, significantly reduced the apoptosis of germ cells and increased the level of GPX4 expression in old Immp2 l mutant mice. In conclusion, our data suggest that the mitochondria-targeted antioxidant SkQ1 is effective in improving spermatogenesis in Immp2 l mutant mice and might be used for the treatment of male infertility.