Autophagy and apoptosis mediated nano-copper-induced testicular damage

Nano-copper has been increasingly employed in various products. In previous studies, we showed that nano-copper caused damage in the rat testis, but it remains unclear whether the toxic reaction can affect the reproductive function. In this study, following 28 d of exposure to nano-copper at a dose...

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Published in:Ecotoxicology and environmental safety 2022-01, Vol.229, p.113039-113039, Article 113039
Main Authors: Chen, Helin, Wang, Yanyan, Luo, Jie, Kang, Min, Hou, Jin, Tang, Ruoping, Zhao, Ling, Shi, Fei, Ye, Gang, He, Xiaoli, Cui, Hengmin, Guo, Hongrui, Li, Yinglun, Tang, Huaqiao
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Akt/ mTOR
Animals
Apoptosis
Autophagy
Copper - toxicity
Male
Nano-copper
Oxidative stress
Rat testicular
Rats
Signal Transduction
Testis
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Summary:Nano-copper has been increasingly employed in various products. In previous studies, we showed that nano-copper caused damage in the rat testis, but it remains unclear whether the toxic reaction can affect the reproductive function. In this study, following 28 d of exposure to nano-copper at a dose of 44, 88, and 175 mg/kg/day, there was a decrease in sperm quality, fructose content, and the secretion of sex hormones. Nano-copper also increased the level of oxidative stress, sperm malformation rate, and induced abnormal structural changes in testicular tissue. Moreover, Nano-copper upregulated the expression of apoptosis-related protein Bax and autophagy-related protein Beclin, and downregulated the expression of Bcl2 and p62. Furthermore, nano-copper (175 mg/kg) downregulated the protein expression of AMPK, p-AKT, mTOR, p-mTOR, p-4E-BP1, p70S6K, and p-p70S6K, and upregulated the protein expression of p-AMPK. Therefore, nano-copper induced damage in testicular tissues and spermatogenesis is highly related to cell apoptosis and autophagy by regulating the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. In summary, excess exposure to nano-copper may induce testicular apoptosis and autophagy through AKT/mTOR signaling pathways, and damage the reproductive system in adult males, which is associated with oxidative stress in the testes. •Exposure to nano-copper cloud decrease sperm concentration and motility and increase sperm malformation.•Exposure to nano-copper induced testicular histopathological aberrations and oxidative stress.•Nano-copper induced testicular apoptosis and autophagy through AKT/mTOR signaling pathways.
ISSN:0147-6513
1090-2414
DOI:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.113039