Autophagy and apoptosis mediated nano-copper-induced testicular damage

• Published in: Ecotoxicology and environmental safety Vol. 229; p. 113039
• Main Authors: Chen, Helin, Wang, Yanyan, Luo, Jie, Kang, Min, Hou, Jin, Tang, Ruoping, Zhao, Ling, Shi, Fei, Ye, Gang, He, Xiaoli, Cui, Hengmin, Guo, Hongrui, Li, Yinglun, Tang, Huaqiao
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier Inc 01.01.2022; Elsevier
• Subjects: Akt/ mTOR; Animals; Apoptosis; Autophagy; Copper - toxicity; Male; Nano-copper; Oxidative stress; Rat testicular; Rats; Signal Transduction; Testis; Oxidative stress; GSH-px; p70S6K; AKT; MDA; p62; Autophagy; Rat testicular; T; PI3K; Nano-copper; Bcl2; mTOR; AMPK; FSH; T-SOD; 4E-BP1; LH; GSH; LC3; Atg5; HPMC; Apoptosis; Akt/ mTOR
• ISSN: 0147-6513; 1090-2414
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.113039

Nano-copper has been increasingly employed in various products. In previous studies, we showed that nano-copper caused damage in the rat testis, but it remains unclear whether the toxic reaction can affect the reproductive function. In this study, following 28 d of exposure to nano-copper at a dose of 44, 88, and 175 mg/kg/day, there was a decrease in sperm quality, fructose content, and the secretion of sex hormones. Nano-copper also increased the level of oxidative stress, sperm malformation rate, and induced abnormal structural changes in testicular tissue. Moreover, Nano-copper upregulated the expression of apoptosis-related protein Bax and autophagy-related protein Beclin, and downregulated the expression of Bcl2 and p62. Furthermore, nano-copper (175 mg/kg) downregulated the protein expression of AMPK, p-AKT, mTOR, p-mTOR, p-4E-BP1, p70S6K, and p-p70S6K, and upregulated the protein expression of p-AMPK. Therefore, nano-copper induced damage in testicular tissues and spermatogenesis is highly related to cell apoptosis and autophagy by regulating the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. In summary, excess exposure to nano-copper may induce testicular apoptosis and autophagy through AKT/mTOR signaling pathways, and damage the reproductive system in adult males, which is associated with oxidative stress in the testes. •Exposure to nano-copper cloud decrease sperm concentration and motility and increase sperm malformation.•Exposure to nano-copper induced testicular histopathological aberrations and oxidative stress.•Nano-copper induced testicular apoptosis and autophagy through AKT/mTOR signaling pathways.