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A High Phosphorus Diet Impairs Testicular Function and Spermatogenesis in Male Mice with Chronic Kidney Disease
Chih-Wei Tsao1, Yu-Juei Hsu2, Ting-Chia Chang3
1Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan.
Abstract:
Hyperphosphatemia is a serious complication in chronic kidney disease (CKD) that occurs due to insufficient excretion of phosphorus during failure of renal function. Both CKD and an excessive phosphorus intake have been reported to increase oxidative stress and result in poor male fertility, but little is known about the reproductive function of the CKD under a poorly controlled phosphate intake. Eight-week-old C57BL/6 mice (n = 66) were randomly divided into four groups: a sham operation group received a chow diet as control (SC group, n = 14), CKD-induced mice received a chow diet (CKDC group, n = 16), control mice received a high phosphorus (HP) diet (SP group, n = 16), and CKD-induced mice received a HP diet (CKDP group, n = 20). CKD was induced by performing a 5/6 nephrectomy. The chow diet contained 0.6% phosphorus, while the HP diet contained 2% phosphorus. Impaired testicular function and semen quality found in the CKD model may result from increased oxidative stress, causing apoptosis and inflammation. The HP diet aggravated the negative effects of testicular damage in the CKD-induced mice.
Insights
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and high phosphorus intake both harm male fertility. A high phosphorus diet worsens testicular damage in CKD mice, impacting semen quality and reproductive function.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Reproductive Biology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Hyperphosphatemia is a common complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD).
- Both CKD and high phosphorus intake are linked to increased oxidative stress and male infertility.
- The combined impact of CKD and poor phosphate control on male reproductive function is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of a high phosphorus (HP) diet on testicular function and semen quality in a mouse model of CKD.
- To determine if an HP diet exacerbates the negative reproductive consequences associated with CKD.
Main Methods:
- Male C57BL/6 mice underwent a 5/6 nephrectomy to induce CKD or a sham operation.
- Mice were fed either a standard chow diet (0.6% phosphorus) or an HP diet (2% phosphorus) for eight weeks.
- Groups included: Sham-Control (SC), CKD-Control (CKDC), Sham-High Phosphorus (SP), and CKD-High Phosphorus (CKDP).
- Testicular function and semen quality were assessed.
Main Results:
- CKD induction led to impaired testicular function and reduced semen quality, associated with increased oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation.
- Mice fed the HP diet exhibited exacerbated testicular damage compared to those on the standard diet.
- The combination of CKD and an HP diet significantly worsened negative effects on testicular function and semen quality.
Conclusions:
- Impaired testicular function in CKD may stem from increased oxidative stress and inflammation.
- A high phosphorus diet significantly aggravates testicular damage and reproductive dysfunction in the context of CKD.
- Managing phosphate levels is crucial for preserving male reproductive health in patients with chronic kidney disease.
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