Cholestasis Alters miR-34c-5p Expression in the Testes of Male Wistar Rats, Gene, Cell and Tissue

Background: Cholestasis is a pathophysiological condition, significantly reducing spermatozoa production. MiR-34c is highly expressed in adult male testicles and controls different stages of spermatogenesis. Objectives: Here, we aimed to investigate miR-34c expression in the testes of rat models of cholestasis. The expressions of THY-1, FGF-2, and CASP-3 genes, that are targeted by mirR-34c were also investigated. Methods: Cholestasis was induced in six adult rats via bile duct ligation. Four weeks after cholestasis induction, sera and testicular tissues were collected for further examinations. The levels of liver enzymes were measured using the ELISA. The structure of the testes was evaluated by histological examination. Total RNA was extracted from testes using a special kit and converted to cDNA. The expressions of miR-34c-5p, THY-1, FGF-2, and CASP-3 genes were determined by Real-Time PCR. Results: The serum levels of ALP, AST, and ALT were significantly elevated in the rat models of cholestasis (P < 0.001). Real-Time PCR revealed that the expressions of miR-34c-5p, THY-1, and FGF-2 genes decreased while CASP-3 gene was upregulated in the testes of cholestatic animals (all differences were significant at P < 0.05). Conclusions: Our study indicated that cholestasis was associated with reduced expression of miR-34c and altered expression of its target genes in the testis. Our results highlight the potential effects of cholestasis, a hepatobiliary disease, on testicular tissue function and male fertility.

Cholestasis Alters miR-34c-5p Expression in the Testes of Male Wistar Rats, Gene, Cell and Tissue

Gene, Cell and Tissue

Adverse effect of rheumatoid arthritis on male Wistar rat's fertility: protective role of Costus extract

Activation of miR-34a-5p/Sirt1/p66shc pathway contributes to doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity

Cadmium exposure-induced rat testicular dysfunction and its mechanism of chronic stress - ScienceDirect

MicroRNA-210 is upregulated in NOA patients and expressed in early

Zinc Ameliorates Tripterygium Glycosides–Induced Reproductive Impairment in Male Rats by Regulating Zinc Homeostasis and Expression of Oxidative Stress–Related Genes

The Lack of FXRa Alters Spermatogenesis Process (A) Testicular mRNA

Cholestasis Alters miR-34c-5p Expression in the Testes of Male Wistar Rats, Gene, Cell and Tissue

Hanieh JALALI, Professor (Assistant), Ph.D, Kharazmi University, Tehran, KHU, Department of Animal Science Biology

The primer sequences used for Real-time RT-PCR

The primer sequences used for Real-time RT-PCR

Homa KOUCHESFEHANI, phD, Kharazmi University, Tehran, KHU, Animal Biology

Therapeutic Effect of Stem Cells on Male Infertility in a Rat Model: Histological, Molecular, Biochemical, and Functional Study