Short-Term Treatment of Melatonin Improves the Expression of Cell Adhesion Molecules in the Testis of the Mouse Cryptorchidism Model

Arunothai Wanta ^1,2, Kazuhiro Noguchi ², Taichi Sugawara ²

⁰School of Medicine and Cancer and Immunology Research Unit (CIRU), Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand.

The Journal of Histochemistry and Cytochemistry : Official Journal of the Histochemistry Society +

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September 20, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Melatonin treatment combined with orchiopexy surgery improved cell adhesion molecule expression and reduced giant cells, autophagosomes, and apoptosis in a mouse model of cryptorchidism. This suggests a potential therapeutic benefit for male reproductive health.

Area Of Science

Reproductive Biology
Endocrinology
Cell Biology

Background

Melatonin is crucial for the sleep-wake cycle and testosterone production.
Cryptorchidism, an undescended testis condition, can impair male fertility.
The effects of melatonin on spermatogenesis in cryptorchidism models require further investigation.

Purpose Of The Study

To investigate the short-term effects of melatonin treatment on cryptorchidism in mice.
To evaluate the impact of melatonin, orchiopexy, and their combination on testicular parameters and cell adhesion molecules.

Main Methods

Mice were divided into Sham, Orchiopexy, Melatonin, and Orchiopexy + Melatonin groups.
Cryptorchidism was induced, followed by orchiopexy in relevant groups.
Melatonin was administered for 14 consecutive days.
Sperm count, cell morphology, cell adhesion molecule expression (Cadm1, Nectin-2, Nectin-3), autophagosomes, and apoptosis (TUNEL) were analyzed.

Main Results

Both orchiopexy and melatonin groups showed decreased sperm and round-headed sperm.
Increased giant cells and negative Nectin-3 cells were observed.
Altered Cadm1 expression and lack of Nectin-2/Nectin-3 co-expression in abnormal spermatids were noted.
Autophagosomes and multivesicular bodies in Sertoli cells correlated with increased cyclooxygenase-2.
Apoptosis (TUNEL-positive cells) significantly increased in all treatment groups compared to Sham.

Conclusions

Combined orchiopexy and melatonin positively influenced cell adhesion molecules (Cadm1, Nectin-2, Nectin-3) crucial for spermatogenesis.
This combination therapy reduced giant cells, autophagosomes, and apoptosis.
Melatonin may offer a beneficial adjunct therapy in managing cryptorchidism-related testicular dysfunction.

Keywords:

Cadm1 Nectin-2 Nectin-3 cryptorchidism melatonin testis