Astaxanthin Induces the Expression of CatSper1 Gene and Protects Sperms in Toxicity Induced by Cadmium in Mice

Abstract

Cadmium (Cd) as a heavy metal damages testis and decreases fertility, however, antioxidants can improve sperm parameters and decrease male infertility. In this study we investigated the effect of astaxanthin (AST) on sperm parameters, expression levels of CatSper1 and CatSper2 genes in presence of Cd in mice. Thirty adults’ mice were divided into 4 groups, sham group received olive oil and saline (olive oil is the solvent of AST and saline is the solvent of Cd), Cd group received 1 mg/kg Cdcl2, a group received 10 mg/kg AST and 1 mg/kg Cdcl2 and a group received 10 mg/kg AST. The treatments were done intraperitoneally for 14 days. After 14 days sperm parameters were analyzed. Malondialdehyde level, catalase enzyme activity, the alteration of CatSper1 and CatSper2 genes expression were measured in testis. Results showed that Sperm count, viability, CatSper1 gene expression and catalase activity significantly decreased by Cd compared to sham group. Cd significantly increased sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF), abnormal sperm morphology and malondialdehyd level compared to sham group. AST significantly increased sperm count, viability and CatSper1 gene expression and decreased SDF and abnormal sperm in comparison with Cd group. AST protected testis and decreased oxidative stress induced by Cd. Our findings indicated that AST could protect sperm DNA, enhanced CatSper1 gene expression and sperm quality in presence of Cd. No significant differences were found in CatSper2 expression among treatments. Therefore, AST as a strong antioxidant can help to protect the potential of fertility against Cd toxicity.

Astaxanthin Improved the Quality of Hu Ram Semen by Increasing the Antioxidant Capacity and Mitochondrial Potential and Mitigating Free Radicals-Induced Oxidative Damage

“…Compatible with another study on mice sperm viability, normal morphology, motility index, and antioxidant enzyme activities (T-AOC) were higher in our study due to CatSper1 and CatSper2 gene expression. Conversely, DNA damage and oxidative stress induced by lipid peroxidation (MDA) was significantly lower in our study [48]. Another study in mice demonstrated that AXT significantly restored sperm DNA damage caused by cyclophosphamide testicular toxicity confirmed by histological examination [20].…”

Heavy Metal Exposure: Molecular Pathways, Clinical Implications, and Protective Strategies

“…Free radical scavenging (chain-terminating) antioxidants, such as vitamins E and C, are chemicals with large resonance-stabilized electron clouds that work as electron donors [204] and vitamin C works through the activation of biological antioxidant defenses, such as GSH-linked enzymes [205,206]. Astaxanthin also prevents oxidative stress induced by cadmium [207], copper [208], and cobalt [209] and alleviates cell damage caused by these metals. Selenium [210], and lycopene [211] have been reported as antioxidants against the toxicity of heavy metals, such as cadmium, lead, and chromium.…”