Survivin Downregulation Is Associated with Vasectomy-Induced Spermatogenic Damage and Apoptosis

Objective: To evaluate the expression of the apoptotic genes survivin, Bax and Bcl-2 in vasectomized rabbits and to determine their relation with vasectomy-induced spermatogenic impairment and germ cell apoptosis. Materials and Methods: Twelve adult rabbits (6–12 months old) were divided into three...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Medical principles and practice 2011-01, Vol.20 (5), p.449-454
Main Authors: Al-Maghrebi, May, Kehinde, Elijah O., Anim, Jehoram T.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Cysteine Proteinase Inhibitors
Gene Expression
Genes, bcl-2 - genetics
Germ Cells
Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins - antagonists & inhibitors
Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins - biosynthesis
Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins - secretion
Male
Original Paper
Rabbits
RNA, Messenger
Spermatogenesis
Testis - cytology
Vasectomy - adverse effects
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Objective: To evaluate the expression of the apoptotic genes survivin, Bax and Bcl-2 in vasectomized rabbits and to determine their relation with vasectomy-induced spermatogenic impairment and germ cell apoptosis. Materials and Methods: Twelve adult rabbits (6–12 months old) were divided into three groups: sham control, unilateral vasectomy or bilateral vasectomy. Six months after vasectomy, testicular tissue was analyzed for germ cell apoptosis and DNA fragmentation by the TUNEL assay and gel electrophoresis, respectively. Spermatogenesis was assessed using the Johnsen score. The relative gene expression of survivin, Bax and Bcl-2 was measured using reverse transcription followed by real-time PCR. Results: Compared to sham animals, a significant decrease in testicular survivin mRNA levels was measured in the two vasectomy animal groups (p < 0.05). This was accompanied by a significant increase in the Bax:Bcl-2 ratio in the vasectomized animals (p < 0.05). In addition, these data showed positive correlation with enhanced apoptotic index, damage to spermatogenesis and DNA fragmentation after vasectomy. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that vasectomy-induced damage to spermatogenesis due to testicular apoptosis may be associated with survivin downregulation and Bax overexpression.
ISSN:1011-7571
1423-0151
DOI:10.1159/000324551