Mechanism of 2,4‐Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid‐induced damage to rat testis via Fas/FasL pathway and the protective effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides

Abstract The herbicide 2,4‐Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4‐D) is widely used to control broadleaved weeds and has been associated with male infertility. We studied the molecular mechanisms of 2,4‐D induced male reproductive system damage and the protective effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) using Sprague Dawley rats and TM4 cells. Treatment with 2,4‐D caused architectural and functional changes in the testis, including collapsed and atrophied seminiferous tubules with reduced number of spermatozoa, scarce sperm in the epididymal duct, low levels of serum testosterone, decreased superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity, high malondialdehyde content, and increased apoptosis in the testis and epididymis. The expression of Fas, FasL, FADD, Pro‐caspase‐8, Cleaved‐Caspase‐8, Pro‐Caspase‐3, and Cleaved‐Caspase‐3 were significantly increased in the testicular tissue of 2,4‐D‐treated rats. The proliferative activity of TM4 cells decreased with an increase in dose and time of 2,4‐D exposure, along with enhanced Fas/Fas ligand expression and a decreased concentration of inhibin B in TM4 cell culture medium. Depletion of Fas by specific shRNA transfection reversed the effects of 2,4‐D in TM4 cells, further confirming the involvement of death receptor pathway in 2,4‐D‐mediated apoptosis of sertoli cells. Treatment with LBP also reversed the effects of 2,4‐D in testicular cells, resulting in improved cell architecture along with enhanced proliferative capacity. Moreover, in response to LBP treatment of Sertoli cells, the content of inhibin B increased, the level of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde decreased, the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase increased, and the rate of apoptosis as well as the expression of Fas/Fas ligand signaling pathway proteins decreased.