Knockdown of ZnT4 Induced Apoptosis, Inhibited Proliferation and testosterone synthesis of TM3 cells

Li, Huanhuan; Li, Yuejia; Liu, Junsheng; Liu, Xuan; Li, Yuanjing; Wang, Shusong; Ma, Jing

doi:10.1007/s11626-023-00804-z

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 27 publications

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“…T biosynthesis is catalyzed by specific sets of steroid enzymes, such as StAR and 3β‐HSD, which are sensitive to external environmental pollutants (Venditti et al, 2021a; Venditti, Romano, et al, 2021; Venditti et al, 2023). Rapa has been shown to increase T levels that are reduced by silencing the zinc transporter family 4 ( ZnT4 ) gene through the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/Akt/mTOR autophagy pathway in TM3 mouse Leydig cells (Li et al, 2023). Considering this, we analyzed the serum T levels and the expression and localization of the 3β‐HSD, an enzyme involved in its biosynthesis.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Melatonin counteracts cadmium‐induced rat testicular toxicity via the mechanistic target rapamycin (mTOR) pathway

Rhouma,

Venditti,

Haddadi

et al. 2024

J Exp Zool Pt A

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The protective action of melatonin (MLT) against the harmful effects of cadmium (Cd) on testicular activity in rats has been documented previously; however, the involved molecular mechanisms have yet to be elucidated. Herein, we investigate the involvement of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) on the ability of MLT to counteract the damage induced by Cd on the rat testicular activity. Our study confirmed that Cd has harmful effects on the testes of rats and the protective action exerted by MLT. We reported, for the first time, that the addition of rapamycin (Rapa), a specific mTOR inhibitor, to animals co‐treated with Cd and MLT completely abolished the beneficial effects exerted by MLT, indicating that the mTOR pathway partially modulates its helpful effects on Cd testicular toxicity. Interestingly, Rapa‐alone treatment, provoking mTOR inhibition, produced altered morphological parameters, increased autophagy of germ and somatic cells, and reduced serum testosterone concentration. In addition, mTOR inhibition also reduced protein levels of markers of steroidogenesis (3β‐Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase) and blood–testis barrier integrity (occludin and connexin 43). Finally, Rapa altered sperm parameters as well as the ability of mature spermatozoa to perform a proper acrosome reaction. Although further investigation is needed to better clarify the molecular pathway involved in MLT action, we confirm that MLT alleviating Cd effects can be used as a supplement to enhance testicular function and improve male gamete quality.

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