Positive PCNA and Ki-67 Expression in the Testis Correlates with Spermatogenesis Dysfunction in Fluoride-Treated Rats

Abstract

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of fluoride (F) on spermatogenesis in male rats. F at 50 and 100 mg/L was administered for 70 days, after which the testicular and epididymis tissues were collected to observe the histopathological structure under a light microscope. The ultrastructure of the testis and sperm was also examined via transmission electron microscopy. The apoptosis of spermatogenic cells was measured through terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling staining. The expression of proliferation factors, namely, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and Ki-67, in the testicular and epididymis tissues, were assayed through immunohistochemistry. F at 50 and 100 mg/L significantly damaged the structure of the testis and epididymis, and the testis and sperm ultrastructure exhibited various changes, including mitochondrial swelling and vacuolization, and apsilated and raised sperm membrane. F treatment significantly increased spermatogenic cell apoptosis in the testis. PCNA (P < 0.01) and Ki-67 (P < 0.01) also presented positive expression in the testis. By comparison, no significant changes occurred in the epididymis. In summary, excessive F intake results in spermatogenesis dysfunction by damaging the testicular structure and inducing spermatogenic cell apoptosis in male rats. The positive expression level of PCNA and Ki-67 was a good response to spermatogenesis dysfunction.

Possible Role of Selenium Nano-particles on Gentamicin-Induced Toxicity in Rat Testis: Morphological and Morphometric study

“…Ki67 is an antigen that is found during different cell cycle phases of proliferating cells and absent in cells that arrested in the G0 phase [35] . GM effect on testicular cells proliferation was done and assessed by means of Ki67 immunohistochemistry and highest count was measured in SeNPs group indicating cellular proliferation and repair.…”

“…GM effect on testicular cells proliferation was done and assessed by means of Ki67 immunohistochemistry and highest count was measured in SeNPs group indicating cellular proliferation and repair. It was postulated that the positive expression level of Ki-67 is a good response to spermatogenesis dysfunction [35] .…”

Low protein diet and methyl-donor supplements modify testicular physiology in mice

“…Interestingly, tubules from LPD males displayed a trend toward a higher proportion staining positive for the proliferation marker Ki67. Ki67 is recognised as an established marker of active cell division and widely used in analysis of testicular morphology and spermatogenic cell proliferation (Zhao et al 2018). Therefore, our data indicate that the changes in tubule morphology observed in LPD males may be influenced more by increased rates of cellular proliferation as apposed to increased rates of cell loss.…”

Short term chronic toxicity of tributyltin on the testes of adult albino rats and the possible protective role of omega-3

“…Previous studies have used the immunodetection o Ki-67 as a proof of enhanced or suppressed proliferation. 70 –74…”