The Effect of Leptin and Rapamycin on Sperm Count, Sperm Morphology, and Autophagy Proteins ULK1 and LC3 in Rat Testes
Background: The effect of leptin and rapamycin on sperm parameters and autophagy proteins microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3) and UNC-51-like autophagy activating kinase 1 (ULK1) in rat testes was examined. Methods: For this, Sprague–Dawley rats, aged 12–14 weeks, were randomized into...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
World Scientific Publishing
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Fertility & Reproduction |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.worldscientific.com/doi/10.1142/S2661318225500069 |
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| Summary: | Background: The effect of leptin and rapamycin on sperm parameters and autophagy proteins microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3) and UNC-51-like autophagy activating kinase 1 (ULK1) in rat testes was examined. Methods: For this, Sprague–Dawley rats, aged 12–14 weeks, were randomized into control, leptin-, and leptin–rapamycin (mTOR inhibitor)-treated groups. Leptin was given once daily via the intraperitoneal (IP) route at a dose of 60 [Formula: see text]g kg [Formula: see text] body weight for 14 days. Rats in the leptin–rapamycin-treated group received 60 [Formula: see text]g and 2 mg kg [Formula: see text] body weight of leptin and rapamycin, respectively (IP), for 14 days. Controls received 0.1 mL of normal saline (IP). On day 15, the rats were euthanized, and testes and epididymides were collected for sperm count, sperm morphology, LC3, and ULK1 estimation. Data were analyzed using ANOVA. Results: Sperm count was significantly lower, while the fraction of spermatozoa with abnormal morphology was significantly higher in leptin- and leptin–rapamycin-treated rats compared to controls. No significant differences were evident in LC3 and ULK1 levels in testicular tissues between the three groups of rats. Conclusions: It appears that the adverse effects of leptin on sperm and testes in the rat may not involve the mTOR pathway or reduced autophagy. |
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| ISSN: | 2661-3182 2661-3174 |