Altered expression of testicular SCF and c-kit genes in antiretroviral therapy-induced semen alterations and subfertility
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Date
2019
Authors
Adana, M. Y.
Akang, E. N.
Eche, S.
Ugochukwu, O.
Azu, O. O.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Taylor & Francis Group
Abstract
Background: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been implicated in testicular toxicity observed in HIV patients. Optimal
spermatogenesis has been shown to be dependent on the expression of Stem cell factor (SCF) and c-KIT genes. They are known to be crucial for germ cell development and fertility. The study investigated the effects of ART and Naringenin on the
expression of SCF and c-KIT genes in the testes of Sprague Dawley rats.
Methods: Thirty male rats weighing 200--220g, were randomly assigned into 6 treatment groups- DW: Distilled water, H:
HAART, N40: Naringenin, 40 mg/kg, N80: Naringenin, 80 mg/kg, HN40: HAART+Naringenin, 40 mg/kg and HN80:
HAART+Naringenin, 80 mg/kg. Treatment lasted for a period of 10 weeks. Copulation with adult non-mated females was
allowed to take place. The number of pregnancies and pubs were noted. Rats were sacrificed, testes were harvested and
semen were analysed. Expressions of SCF and c-kit genes were done via real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction. The Animal
Research Ethical Committee, UKZN, South Africa approved this research with a reference number AREC/046/016D.
Results: There was a significantly lower count in group H compared to DW and N40. There were significantly lower
progressive sperms in group H when compared to DW, N40, N80, HN40 and HN80. The fertility index was higher in the DW
than in the H and N40 groups. The number of pubs per group were also higher. The animals in groups H, HN40 and HN80
displayed altered expression of SCF/c-KIT genes when compared to controls.
Conclusion: The study suggests that ART may alter the expression of SCF and c-KIT genes in the testes thereby causing
deleterious effects on testicular function. Naringenin, a bioflavonoid may be a useful adjuvant therapy in protecting against testicular toxicity.
Description
Keywords
antiretroviral therapy, Stem Cell Factor, c-KIT, semen parameters, male infertility
Citation
Adana, M. Y., Akang, E. N., Eche, S., Ugochukwu, O., Azu, O. O. (2019). Altered expression of testicular SCF and c-kit genes in antiretroviral therapy-induced semen alterations and subfertility. Fertility 2019 3-5th January 2019 ICC Birmingham. Downing S. (ed). Human Fertility, 22(1), 46-67. Available online at https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/ihuf20/22/1 (Scopus indexed, Q2)