Reproductive Biology and
Endocrinology
Chronic crude garlic-feeding modified adult male rat testicular
markers: mechanisms of action
Imen Hammami1,2, Souheila Amara2, Mohamed Benahmed2, Mich#232;le V El
May1 and Claire Mauduit*3
Abstract
Background: Garlic or Allium sativum (As) shows therapeutic effects such as reduction of blood
pressure or hypercholesterolemia but side-effects on reproductive functions remain poorly
investigated. Because of garlic's chemical complexity, the processing methods and yield in
preparations differ in efficacy and safety. In this context, we clarify the mechanisms of action of
crushed crude garlic on testicular markers.
Methods: During one month of treatment, 24 male rats were fed 5%, 10% and 15% crude garlic.
Results: We showed that crude garlic-feeding induced apoptosis in testicular germ cells
(spermatocytes and spermatids). This cell death process was characterized by increased levels of
active CASP3 but not CASP6. Expression of the caspase inhibitors BIRC3 and BIRC2 was increased
at all doses of As while expression of XIAP and BIRC5 was unchanged. Moreover, expression of
the IAP inhibitor DIABLO was increased at doses 10% and 15% of As. The germ cell death process
induced by As might be related to a decrease in testosterone production because of the reduced
expression of steroidogenic enzymes (Star, Cyp11a, Hsd3b5 and Hsd17b). Evaluation of Sertoli
markers showed that TUBB3 and GSTA2 expression was unchanged. In contrast, AMH, RHOX5
and CDKN1B expression was decreased while GATA4 expression was increased.
Conclusion: In summary, we showed that feeding with crude garlic inhibited Leydig steroidogenic
enzyme expression and Sertoli cell markers. These alterations might induce apoptosis in testicular
germ cells.
Το σκόρδο επηρεάζει σε κυτταρικό επίπεδο την έκκριση τεστοστερόνης.
Τουλάχιστον αυτό συμβαίνει στα κύτταρα των ζώων που χρησιμοποιήθηκαν για την έρευνα. Επειδή η φυσιολογία των αντίστοιχων κυττάρων με τα ανθρώπινα είναι ίδια , υπάρχει μεγάλη πιθανότητα το ίδιο να συμβαίνει και στον άνθρωπο.
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/pic...tool=pmcentrez
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