Ionizing radiation-induced damage(IRD)to and repair mechanisms of the male reproductive system:Report of testicular function changes in a case of IRD
10.13263/j.cnki.nja.2024.08.003
- VernacularTitle:电离辐射诱导的男性生殖系统损伤、修复机制探索:1例电离辐射损伤患者睾丸功能变化的报告
- Author:
Neng-Liang DUAN
1
;
Hua-Pei WANG
;
Yuan-Shuai RAN
;
Zhi-Xiang GAO
;
Feng-Mei CUI
;
Qiu CHEN
;
Yu-Long LIU
;
You-You WANG
;
Bo-Xin XUE
;
Xiao-Long LIU
Author Information
1. 苏州大学附属第二医院泌尿外科,江苏苏州 215000
- Keywords:
radiation;
testis;
single-cell RNA-seq;
Leydig cells;
macrophages;
lipid metabolism
- From:
National Journal of Andrology
2024;30(8):687-695
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective:To investigate the impact of ionizing radiation(IR)on the structure and function of the testis and pro-vide some strategies for the prevention and treatment of IR-induced damage(IRD).Methods:Using radiation dose simulation,se-men analysis,hormone testing,electron microscopy and single-cell transcriptome sequencing,we assessed and analyzed a case of IRD.We established a mouse model of IRD to validate the results of single-cell sequencing,and investigated the specific biological mecha-nisms of IRD and potential strategies for its intervention.Results:IR at 1-2 Gy significantly reduced sperm concentration and mo-tility,which gradually recovered after 12 months but the percentage of morphologically normal sperm remained low.It also caused im-balanced levels of various steroid hormones,decreased testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate,increased progesterone,prolac-tin,luteinizing hormone,and follicle-stimulating hormone.Electron microscopy revealed damages to the testis structure,including loss of germ cells,atrophy of the seminiferous tubules,nuclear membrane depression of the spermatocytes,mitochondrial atrophy and de-formation,and reduction of mitochondrial cristae.Single-cell sequencing indicated significant changes in the function of the Leydig cells and macrophages and disrupted lipid-related metabolic pathways after IRD.Administration of L-carnitine to the mouse model im-proved lipid metabolism disorders and partially alleviated IRD to the germ cells.Conclusion:Ionizing radiation can cause disorders of testicular spermatogenesis and sexual hormones and inhibit lipid metabolism pathways in Leydig cells and macrophages.Improving lipid metabolism can alleviate IRD to germ cells.
