Aflatoxin B1 disrupts blood-testis barrier integrity by reducing junction protein and promoting apoptosis in mice testes

Abstract

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is an unavoidable food and environmental contaminant, which can lead to disorders in spermatogenesis and its mechanism remains unclear. The blood-testis barrier (BTB) is responsible for ensuring normal spermatogenesis in testes. Therefore, we hypothesized that disruption of the BTB was involved in AFB1-induced spermatogenesis disorders. To confirm our hypothesis, male Kunming mice were orally gavaged AFB1 (0, 0.375, 0.75, or 1.5 mg/kg) for 30 days. Primarily, we first proved that AFB1 disrupted the BTB integrity. Then, AFB1 decreased BTB-related junction protein expression and elevated Sertoli cell apoptosis, which were associated with oxidative stress. Additionally, AFB1 upregulated the p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK ratio. These results collectively indicated that AFB1 disrupted the BTB via reducing the expression of BTB-related junction protein and promoting apoptosis in mice testes, which were associated with the oxidative stress-mediated p38 MAPK signaling pathway.