Effect of lactoferrin on murine sperm apoptosis induced by intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide

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Takahiro Aya1, Yukiko Tomioka1, Takashi Takeuchi1

  • 1Department of Laboratory Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Tottori University, Tottori 680-8553, Japan.

The Journal of Veterinary Medical Science
|June 14, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Lactoferrin (LF) may protect sperm from bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced apoptosis, a factor in infertility. Studies show LF reduces sperm cell death and related gene expression when exposed to LPS.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive biology
  • Immunology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Genital bacterial infections are a significant cause of male infertility.
  • Sperm express Toll-like receptors (TLRs) that trigger apoptosis upon bacterial recognition.
  • Bacterial components like lipopolysaccharide (LPS) can induce sperm cell death.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the protective potential of lactoferrin (LF) against sperm apoptosis induced by bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

Main Methods:

  • Sperm apoptosis was induced using LPS.
  • The effect of LF treatment was assessed using the TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay.
  • Apoptosis-associated gene expression was quantified using real-time RT-PCR.

Main Results:

  • The TUNEL assay revealed significantly fewer TUNEL-positive sperm cells in the group treated with both LF and LPS compared to the LPS-only group.
  • Real-time RT-PCR showed reduced mRNA expression of apoptosis-related genes in sperm treated with LF and LPS.

Conclusions:

  • Lactoferrin (LF) demonstrates a protective effect against LPS-induced sperm apoptosis.
  • LF treatment of semen may be a viable strategy to mitigate bacterial-induced sperm damage and potentially improve fertility outcomes.
Keywords:
Toll-like receptorapoptosisbacterialactoferrinsperm

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