Taurine effects on Bisphenol A-induced oxidative stress in the mouse testicular mitochondria and sperm motility

Abstract

Objectives: This study was performed to investigate the protective effects of taurine (2-aminoethanesulfonic acid, TAU) on oxidative stress in the isolated mouse testicular mitochondria, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), viability and motility of the exposed sperms to the BPA. Methods: We treated epididymal spermatozoa obtained from mice and isolated mouse testicular mitochondria with BPA (0.8 mmol/mL) and various doses of TAU (5, 10, 30 and 50 µmol/L). We used the MTT assay and Rhodamine 123 uptake to assess sperm viability and MMP. We assessed the oxidative stress through measuring ROS (reactive oxygen species), MDA (malondialdehyde), GSH (glutathione), and SOD (super-oxide dismutase) levels in the testicular mitochondrial tissue. Results: BPA significantly elevated ROS, MDA and MMP levels, and markedly reduced SOD and GSH levels in the isolated mitochondria. BPA also considerably impaired spermatozoa viability and motility. Pretreatment with 30 and 50 µmol/L of TAU could considerably suppressed mitochondrial oxidative stress, enhanced MMP, and improved sperm motility and viability. Conclusion: TAU may attenuate the BPA-induced mitochondrial toxicity and impaired sperm motility via decreasing oxidative stress.

Fighting Bisphenol A-Induced Male Infertility: The Power of Antioxidants

“…These results are supported by the study of Rezaee-Tazangi et al that reported that isolated mice testicular mitochondria treated with 800 µM BPA have significantly higher levels of ROS, malondialdehyde (MDA), and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) than the control, as well as reduced SOD and glutathione (GSH) levels [130]. Moreover, BPA considerably impaired epididymal sperm motility and viability, possibly due to the triggering of OS [130]. Indeed, in vitro exposure of human spermatozoa to BPA resulted in mitochondrial dysfunction (decreased MMP and increased mitochondrial generation of O2-) with a consequent reduction in sperm motility and increased DNA oxidative damage [106].…”

“…More recently, using an in vitro experimental model, Rahman and colleagues showed that mice spermatozoa exposed to 100 µM BPA for 6 h have a significant decrease in the percentage of motile spermatozoa and intracellular ATP levels, increased activity of protein kinase-A (PKA), tyrosine phosphorylation and ROS levels [129]. These results are supported by the study of Rezaee-Tazangi et al that reported that isolated mice testicular mitochondria treated with 800 µM BPA have significantly higher levels of ROS, malondialdehyde (MDA), and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) than the control, as well as reduced SOD and glutathione (GSH) levels [130]. Moreover, BPA considerably impaired epididymal sperm motility and viability, possibly due to the triggering of OS [130].…”

“…TAU (2-aminoethanesulfonic acid) is a free amino acid present in several tissues that may act as an antioxidant in sperm. It was shown that pre-treatment with TAU suppressed BPA-induced mitochondrial OS, enhanced MMP and improved sperm viability and motility in a dose-dependent manner [130]. Interestingly, studies performed in other tissues, such heart, showed that the decrease in GPx, SOD, GST, and CAT activities in BPA exposed groups were not reverted by the administration of TAU or curcumin [142], which suggest a tissue/cell-dependent response.…”

“…Recently, Rezaee-Tazangi and colleagues investigated the in vitro effects of taurine (TAU) on BPA-induced OS in testicular mitochondria and on sperm viability and motility [130]. TAU (2-aminoethanesulfonic acid) is a free amino acid present in several tissues that may act as an antioxidant in sperm.…”

Bisphenol A-Induced Epigenetic Changes and Its Effects on the Male Reproductive System

“…Since the increase in ROS (reactive oxygen species) is one of the recognized effects of BPA in male spermatogenesis, causing reduction in sperm viability and motility, due also to mitochondrial dysfunction, a study explored the efficacy of taurine in reversing such events, although not properly epigenetic changes, observing good results in a dose-dependent fashion (71). N-Acetylcysteine also has been evaluated to reduce ROS after BPA exposure, showing amelioration of sperm motility (36).…”