The effects of iron status on testosterone biosynthesis and testicular antioxidant capacity in male rats

Abstract

Iron is an essential element for almost all living organisms as it participates in a wide variety of metabolic processes, including oxygen transport, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) synthesis, and electron transport. Previous study found that iron deficiency may lead to decreasing spermatozoa vitality, DNA damage, and oxidative stress. However, few studies did describe the relationships between the iron deficiency and testicular functions were not well‐known. The aim of this study is to explore the association between iron deficiency and hypogonadism. Thirty‐two weaning male Wistar rats were divided into iron‐adequate control group (AI), moderate iron‐deficient group (MID), severe iron‐deficient group (ID) and severe iron‐deficient pair‐fed group (IPF). The rats are fed the diet with different content of iron for four weeks and then sacrificed after fasting for 12 hours. Iron deficiency caused a significant reduction in serum testosterone, 3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β‐HSD) and CYP11A1 protein. The expression of Bax/Bcl2 and c‐PARP were induced in the ID group. The hematoxylin‐eosin staining of ID group that the diminished seminiferous tubule sizes and degenerated germinal cells was observed. In addition, SOD (superoxide dismutase) level in testis tissues was also decreased in the ID group. Iron deficiency may lead to reduction of testosterone biosynthesis due to induction the oxidative stress and apoptosis in the testis tissue.Support or Funding InformationMOST 104‐2314‐B‐016‐029, Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan