Zearalenone and 17 β-estradiol induced damages in male rats reproduction potential; evidence for ERα and ERβ receptors expression and steroidogenesis

The estrogen receptors (ERs)-dependent effects of Zearalenone (ZEA) on structure and function of the testis as well as sperm parameters were compared with 17-beta estradiol as endogenous substance. For this purpose, 30 mature male rats were assigned into five groups as; control (appropriate volume of normal saline, i. p.), ZEA-received (1, 2 and 4 mg/kg, b. w., i. p.) and 17 beta-estradiol (E-2)-received (appropriate dose of 0.1 mg/kg, i. p.). Following 28 days, the mRNA levels of estrogen receptor alpha (ER alpha) and estrogen receptor beta (ER(3) in the testis and sperms and the expression of them at protein levels in testicles were estimated. Mitochondrial content of germinal epithelium, Leydig cells steroid foci, sperm quality parameters and serum level of testosterone were assessed. Fluorescent techniques were used for analyzing apoptosis and mRNA damage in necrotic cells. ZEA reduced the mRNA and protein levels of ERa in ktesticles while up-regulated the ER beta expression. The mRNA level of ER alpha decreased in sperms of ZEA and E-2 -received animals. No remarkable changes were found for ER beta expression in sperms from ZEA and E-2 received animals. ZEA reduced the Leydig cells steroidogenesis, mitochondrial content of germinal cells and elevated cellular apoptosis and necrosis dose-dependently. E-2 reduced the testosterone concentration, enhanced the apoptosis and reduced sperm quality. Our data suggest that ZEA-induced detrimental effects in the structure and function of testis, may attribute to changing the ERs expression at mRNA and translational level. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.