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Effects of Fluoride on SOD and CAT in Testis and Epididymis of Mice
Zilong Sun1,2, Sujuan Li3, Zhenzhen Guo3
1College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, China. sunzilong2000@outlook.com.
Abstract:
Oxidative damage has been implicated to be one of main mechanisms by which fluoride (F) induces toxic effects. Previous studies reported that F destroyed the epididymal structure of mouse and rabbit. Epididymis is the important place for sperm maturation. However, little is known about the effect of F on the oxidative stress status of epididymis. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to explore the changes in the activities and transcriptional levels of CuZn superoxide dismutase (CuZn-SOD, SOD1) and catalase (CAT), as well as the ultrastructure, in testis and epididymis of mice administrated with F. Sixty health Kunming mice were randomly divided into four groups. With one group untreated as controls, the others were treated with 25, 50, and 100 mg NaF/L in drinking water. After 10 weeks administration, mitochondrial ultrastructural changes in testis and epididymis were observed, including the incomplete membrane and the dissolved or disappeared cristae. Compared to the control group, the activities of both SOD1 and CAT in testis and epididymis were significantly reduced by 50 or 100 mg NaF exposure. In addition, the mRNA expressions of testicular SOD1 and CAT were also decreased significantly in 100 mg NaF/L group, while the SOD1 and CAT mRNA expressions in epididymides were significantly reduced in all F treatment groups. The above results suggest that in the presence of F, similar to testis, epididymis also loses the balance between oxidative stress and antioxidative defense, and perhaps more sensitive to F.
Insights
Fluoride exposure damages mouse testes and epididymides, reducing antioxidant enzyme activity and gene expression. The epididymis appears more sensitive to fluoride-induced oxidative stress than the testis.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Reproductive Biology
- Oxidative Stress Research
Background:
- Oxidative damage is a key mechanism in fluoride (F) toxicity.
- Fluoride exposure has been shown to damage the epididymal structure, crucial for sperm maturation.
- The specific effects of fluoride on epididymal oxidative stress remain largely uninvestigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of fluoride exposure on oxidative stress markers in mouse testis and epididymis.
- To evaluate changes in the activity and mRNA expression of antioxidant enzymes, CuZn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) and catalase (CAT).
- To assess alterations in the mitochondrial ultrastructure of the testis and epididymis following fluoride administration.
Main Methods:
- Sixty Kunming mice were divided into four groups: control and three treated with 25, 50, or 100 mg NaF/L in drinking water for 10 weeks.
- Mitochondrial ultrastructure was examined using electron microscopy.
- Enzyme activities and mRNA expression levels of SOD1 and CAT in testis and epididymis were quantified.
Main Results:
- Fluoride exposure led to mitochondrial ultrastructural damage in both testis and epididymis, characterized by incomplete membranes and disrupted cristae.
- Activities of SOD1 and CAT were significantly reduced in the testis and epididymis of mice exposed to 50 or 100 mg NaF/L.
- mRNA expression of SOD1 and CAT decreased significantly in the testis (100 mg NaF/L group) and epididymis (all fluoride treatment groups).
Conclusions:
- Fluoride exposure disrupts the oxidative stress and antioxidant defense balance in both the testis and epididymis.
- The epididymis exhibits heightened sensitivity to fluoride-induced oxidative stress compared to the testis.
- These findings highlight the potential reproductive toxicity of fluoride through mechanisms involving oxidative damage.
