Upregulation of Neuroglobin Promotes Tm3 Leydig Cell Viability

Abstract

Neuroglobin (NGB) is a globin family member protein expressed in the nerve system and prevents oxidative stress and apoptosis induced death in neurons. The anti-oxidant role of NGB against oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS) brings up its promising protective role in other tissues. The overexpression of NGB in testosterone producing Leydig cells might be a solution to hypoxia related male infertility. In the current study, NGB was overexpressed in Leydig cells by using viral transduction methods and the cell proliferation, gene expression and anti-oxidant enzyme levels were analyzed. Upregulation of NGB increased anti-apoptotic Bcl-2, cell proliferation and anti-oxidant enzyme levels and decreased the expression of apoptotic genes BAX, p53 and caspase 3. In addition, NGB transduced cells proliferated and expressed less apoptotic genes after H2O2 exposure. In conclusion, NGB might be a target for androgen deficiency related male infertility and could be used in clinics in the future.