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A Seminiferous Tubule Squash Technique for the Cytological Analysis of Spermatogenesis Using the Mouse Model
Published on: February 6, 2018
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Melatonin alleviates cisplatin-induced mice spermatogenesis defects
Zhu Peng1, Wang Zhi Xin1, Zhang Yu Sheng2
1Shandong Stem Cell Engineering Technology Research Center, Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China.
Reproductive Toxicology (Elmsford, N.Y.)
|May 6, 2023
Summary
Cisplatin (CDDP) harms male fertility by causing oxidative damage and affecting sperm production. Melatonin (MLT) protects male reproduction by reducing this damage and improving sperm and embryo health.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Toxicology
- Oxidative Stress Research
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cisplatin (CDDP) is a vital chemotherapy drug with known male reproductive toxicity, partly due to oxidative damage.
- Melatonin (MLT), a potent antioxidant, shows promise for mitigating reproductive harm.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the detrimental effects of CDDP on male mice spermatogenesis.
- To evaluate the protective potential of MLT against CDDP-induced reproductive toxicity.
Main Methods:
- Mice were treated with CDDP and/or MLT.
- Evaluated testosterone levels, sperm parameters (vitality, motility), seminiferous tubule morphology, and embryonic development.
- Assessed oxidative stress markers (TAC, SOD, GSH, MDA) and apoptosis-related proteins (BAX/BCL2) in testicular tissue.
- Examined proliferation markers (PCNA) and meiotic proteins (SYCP3, CYP11A1).
Main Results:
- CDDP significantly reduced testosterone, sperm vitality/motility, and altered seminiferous tubule stages.
- MLT treatment ameliorated CDDP-induced testicular damage, improved male fertility, and enhanced in vitro embryonic development.
- CDDP increased oxidative stress and germ cell apoptosis, while MLT reversed these effects.
- CDDP disrupted germ and Leydig cell proliferation (PCNA, SYCP3, CYP11A1), which MLT improved.
Conclusions:
- CDDP impairs male fertility through oxidative damage affecting germ and Leydig cell proliferation.
- MLT effectively attenuates CDDP-induced male reproductive toxicity by reducing oxidative stress and germ cell apoptosis.
