The Effect of Cordycepin on Steroidogenesis and Apoptosis in MA-10 Mouse Leydig Tumor Cells.

Abstract

Cordycepin is a natural pure compound extracted from Cordyceps sinensis (CS). We have demonstrated that CS stimulates steroidogenesis in primary mouse Leydig cell and activates apoptosis in MA-10 mouse Leydig tumor cells. It is highly possible that cordycepin is the main component in CS modulating Leydig cell functions. Thus, aim of the present study was to investigate the steroidogenic and apoptotic effects with potential mechanism of cordycepin on MA-10 mouse Leydig tumor cells. MA-10 cells were treated with cordycepin at different doses and time courses. Steroid production, protein and gene expressions were then determined. Results illustrated that cordycepin stimulated progesterone production in dose- and time-dependent manners. Adenosine receptor (AR) subtype agonists were further used to treat MA-10 cells, showing that A1, A2A, A2B, and A3, AR agonists could stimulate progesterone production. However, StAR promoter activity and protein expression remained no difference among all cordycepin treatments, suggesting that cordycepin might activate AR, but not stimulated StAR protein to regulate MA-10 cell steroidogenesis. Meanwhile, cordycepin could also induce apoptotic cell death in MA-10 cells. Moreover, four AR subtype agonists induced cell death in a dose-dependent manner, and four AR subtype antagonists could all rescue cell death under cordycepin treatment in MA-10 cells. In conclusion, cordycepin could activate adenosine subtype receptors and simultaneously induce steroidogenesis and apoptosis in MA-10 mouse Leydig tumor cells. (poster)