The protective role of adiponectin in restoring spermatogenesis in mice fed on methionine-choline deficient diet

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: The process of spermatogenesis requires a continuous supply of nutrients for producing normal sperms. Methionine and choline are considered important amino acids in transport of energy substrates, redox balance, and in DNA methylation while the protein adiponectin is known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic function. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of methionine and choline on mice testis when fed with a methionine choline deficient diet (MCDD) as well as the protective effect of adiponectin on mice testis. Materials and Methods: This study comprised of 25 mice, which were divided into three groups: Control (n=5); M1 (n=10 that were fed with MCDD for three weeks) and M2 (n=10 that were fed with MCDD for three weeks and in the third week were administered with daily injections of adiponectin for one week). Results: The present study revealed MCDD caused a significant reduction in body weight and increase in the incidence of apoptosis where P value was 0.001; caspase-3 expression was higher than that of Bcl2 in group M1. Adiponectin therapy in the last week showed the potential to restore body weight, reduce apoptotic rate, and the expression of Bcl2 which was higher than that of caspase-3. Conclusion: A diet lacking in methionine and choline not only significantly reduced body weight in mice, but also increased the apoptosis rate of spermatogenic cells. Adiponectin therapy in MCDD fed mice reduced the apoptotic rate and restored spermatogenesis.