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The Effects of N-acetylcysteine on Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 2 Channels Activation and Expression in
Ahmet Turk1, Mustafa Ulas2, Abdullah Karadag3
1Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Adiyaman University, Adiyaman, TUR.
Introduction:
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common, chronic metabolic disease that has harmful effects on many diverse tissues, including the testis. One of the ways of tissue damage is the modification of transient receptor potential melastatin 2 (TRPM2) channels by increased reactive oxygen species (ROS). In our study for the first time, it was aimed to investigate TRPM2 channel activation in testicular tissues of diabetic rats induced by streptozotosin (STZ) and to examine the efficacy of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) treatment, which is an antioxidant.
Methods:
In our study, 28 Wistar albino male rats aged 8-10 weeks were used, and animals were divided into four groups: control group, NAC group, DM group, and DM + NAC group. The experimental phase was designed as eight weeks. The malondialdehyde (MDA) level, which is an indicator for lipid peroxidation due to oxidative stress, was measured by the spectrophotometric method. The Tunel assay was used to determine apoptosis on testicular tissue. TRPM2 immunoreactivity was determined by the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QPCR) was used to determine TRPM2 expression levels.
Results:
It was seen that MDA levels were significantly increased in the DM group and decreased after NAC treatment. Similarly, it was observed that apoptosis levels, which increased significantly in diabetic rats, decreased to the levels of the control group after treatment. It was seen that TRPM2 activation and expression levels were significantly decreased in the DM group.
Conclusion:
The results of this study show that NAC regulates TRPM2 activation in the testicular tissue of patients with diabetes and has tissue-protective properties.
Insights
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) treatment effectively reduced oxidative stress and apoptosis in the testicular tissues of diabetic rats. NAC also helped regulate the activation and expression of TRPM2 channels, demonstrating its protective effects against diabetes-induced testicular damage.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Reproductive Biology
- Oxidative Stress Research
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disease impacting multiple organs, including the testes.
- Increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) in diabetes can damage testicular tissue by modifying transient receptor potential melastatin 2 (TRPM2) channels.
- TRPM2 channel dysfunction is implicated in diabetes-related testicular damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate TRPM2 channel activation in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat testicular tissue.
- To evaluate the efficacy of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) as an antioxidant treatment for diabetes-induced testicular damage.
Main Methods:
- Wistar albino male rats were divided into control, NAC, DM, and DM + NAC groups for an eight-week study.
- Assessed malondialdehyde (MDA) levels for lipid peroxidation, Tunel assay for apoptosis, and TRPM2 immunoreactivity and expression (QPCR).
Main Results:
- Diabetes significantly increased MDA levels and apoptosis, which were reduced by NAC treatment.
- TRPM2 activation and expression levels were significantly decreased in diabetic rats.
- NAC treatment normalized MDA and apoptosis levels, indicating a protective effect.
Conclusions:
- N-acetylcysteine (NAC) demonstrates significant tissue-protective properties in diabetic rat testes.
- NAC treatment effectively regulates TRPM2 channel activation in diabetic testicular tissue.
- The findings suggest NAC as a potential therapeutic agent for managing diabetes-related testicular complications.
