Testosterone regulates granzyme K expression in rat testes

Abstract

Objective. Testosterone depletion induces increased germ cell apoptosis in testes. However, limited studies exist on genes that regulate the germ cell apoptosis. Granzymes (GZM) are serine proteases that induce apoptosis in various tissues. Multiple granzymes, including GZMA, GZMB and GZMN, are present in testes. Th us, we investigated which granzyme may be testosterone responsive and possibly may have a role in germ cell apoptosis aft er testosterone depletion.Methods. Ethylene dimethane sulfonate (EDS), a toxicant that selectively ablates the Leydig cells, was injected into rats to withdraw the testosterone. Th e testosterone depletion eff ects aft er 7 days post-EDS were verifi ed by replacing the testosterone exogenously into EDS-treated rats. Serum or testicular testosterone was measured by radioimmunoassay. Using qPCR, mRNAs of granzyme variants in testes were quantifi ed. Th e germ cell apoptosis was identifi ed by TUNEL assay and the localization of GZMK was by immunohistochemistry.Results. EDS treatment eliminated the Leydig cells and depleted serum and testicular testosterone. At 7 days post-EDS, testis weights were reduced 18% with increased germ cell apoptosis plus elevation GZMK expression. GZMK was not associated with TUNEL-positive cells, but was localized to stripped cytoplasm of spermatids. In addition, apoptotic round spermatids were observed in the caput epididymis.Conclusions. GZMK expression in testes is testosterone dependent. GZMK is located adjacent to germ cells in seminiferous tubules and the presence of apoptotic round spermatids in the epididymis suggest its role in the degradation of microtubules in ectoplasmic specializations. Th us, overexpression of GZMK may indirectly regulate germ cell apoptosis by premature release of round spermatids from seminiferous tubule lumen.

Amelioration on oxidative stress, testosterone, and cortisol levels after administration of Vitamins C and E in albino rats with chronic variable stress

“…In addition, cortisol is known as one of the primary hormones that define stress conditions, as it has been reported that it increases during stress conditions [9][10][11] and will be affected by the decreased testosterone level. Testosterone is an active hormone that regulates libido and supports spermatid elongation during spermiogenesis [12,13]. As a result, stress has a negative impact on growth rate, feed consumption, body weight, libido, and animal production [14].…”

Soy Formula Is Not Estrogenic and Does Not Result in Reproductive Toxicity in Male Piglets: Results from a Controlled Feeding Study

“…E2 downregulated genes included the immune regulators GZMA and LECT2 [ 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 ]. The most upregulated gene by soy was SMAD6, which is an inhibitor of BMPs and TGF-b signaling, and in vitro experiments showed that SMAD6 overexpression blocks BMPs-induced osteoblast and chondrocyte differentiation [ 46 ].…”