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Ochratoxin A exposure decreased sperm motility via the AMPK and PTEN signaling pathways

Tian-Yu Zhang1, Rui-Ying Wu2, Yong Zhao3

  • 1College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China.

Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology
|December 24, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Ochratoxin A (OTA) exposure reduces boar sperm motility by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and altering PTEN/AMPK signaling pathways, leading to apoptosis.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Toxicology
  • Environmental Health
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a prevalent mycotoxin impacting male reproductive health.
  • Previous studies indicate OTA decreases sperm quality, but mechanisms are unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of OTA on boar sperm motility and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms.
  • To explore the roles of reactive oxygen species (ROS), PTEN, AKT, and AMPK signaling pathways.

Main Methods:

  • Boar sperm were exposed to 10 and 100μM OTA in vitro for 24 hours.
  • Assessed sperm motility, ROS levels, and the activation status of key signaling proteins (PTEN, AKT, AMPK, ATPase).
  • Utilized PTEN/AMPK inhibitors to validate pathway involvement and examined apoptosis markers.

Main Results:

  • OTA exposure significantly decreased sperm motility, particularly at 100μM.
  • Increased ROS levels were observed in OTA-treated sperm.
  • OTA activated PTEN, inhibited AKT, and modulated AMPK and ATPase activity, impacting motility.
  • PTEN/AMPK inhibitors partially reversed OTA-induced protein changes.
  • Apoptosis markers were elevated in OTA-exposed sperm.

Conclusions:

  • OTA impairs boar sperm motility through ROS generation and dysregulation of the PTEN/AMPK signaling pathway.
  • These molecular alterations contribute to reduced sperm function and increased apoptosis.
Keywords:
AMPK/PTENApoptosisOchratoxin AOxidative stressSperm motility

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