Aminocarb Exposure Induces Cytotoxicity and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Mediated Apoptosis in Mouse Sustentacular Sertoli Cells: Implications for Male Infertility and Environmental Health

Abstract

Exposure to pesticides, poses a significant threat to male fertility by compromising crucial cells involved in spermatogenesis. Aminocarb, is a widely used carbamate insecticide, although its detrimental effects on the male reproductive system, especially on sustentacular Sertoli cells, pivotal for spermatogenesis, remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of escalating concentrations of aminocarb on a mouse Sertoli cell line, TM4. Assessments included cytotoxic analysis, mitochondrial biogenesis and membrane potential, expression of apoptotic proteins, caspase-3 activity, and oxidative stress evaluation. Our findings revealed a dose-dependent reduction in the proliferation and viability of TM4 cells following exposure to increasing concentrations of aminocarb. Notably, exposure to 5 μM of aminocarb induced depolarization of mitochondria membrane potential, and a significant decrease in the ratio of phosphorylated eIF2α to total eIF2α, suggesting heightened endoplasmic reticulum stress via the activation of the eIF2α pathway. Moreover, the same aminocarb concentration was demonstrated to increase both caspase-3 protein levels and activity, indicating an apoptotic induction. Collectively, our results demonstrate that aminocarb serves as an apoptotic inducer for mouse sustentacular Sertoli cells in vitro, suggesting its potential to modulate independent pathways of the apoptotic cascade. These findings underscore the deleterious impact of aminocarb on spermatogenic performance and male fertility, highlighting the urgent need for further investigation into its mechanisms of action and mitigation strategies to safeguard male fertility.

Keywords

• male fertility
• carbamates
• sertoli cells
• aminocarb
• ER stress
• apoptosis