Exogenous leptin affects sperm parameters and impairs blood testis barrier integrity in adult male mice.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Serum leptin levels are augmented in obese infertile men and in men with azoospermia. They also correlate inversely with sperm concentration, motility and normal forms. The mechanisms underlying the adverse effects of excess leptin on male reproductive function remain unclear. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of exogenous leptin on sperm parameters in mice and to explore the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

We treated normal adult male mice with saline, 0.1, 0.5 or 3 mg/kg leptin daily for 2 weeks. After treatment, serum leptin levels, serum testosterone levels, sperm parameters and testicular cell apoptosis were evaluated. Blood testis barrier integrity and the expression of tight junction-associated proteins in testes were also assessed. We further

SUBMITTER: Wang X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5984414 | biostudies-literature | 2018 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature