Down-regulation of CatSper 1 and CatSper 2 genes by methamphetamine

Abstract

Methamphetamine (METH) is a strong central nervous system stimulant that has toxic effects on the reproductive system. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in gene and protein expression levels of CatSper1, 2, and oxidative stress after exposure to METH in the testis of mice. The mRNA and protein expression levels of CatSper1, 2 decreased in the experimental groups. The administration of METH caused a decrease of SOD and CAT activities and an increase in the MDA level. METH damaged the male reproductive system via the oxidative stress pathway and by reduction of CatSper1, 2 genes and protein expression.

Mini-abstract: Administration of METH damaged the male reproductive system via the oxidative stress pathway and reduction of CatSper1, 2 genes and protein expression.

Keywords:

• Methamphetamine
• CatSper
• fertility
• mice
• spermatozoa

Acknowledgements

This article is based on the results of a Ph.D. thesis that was supported financially by a grant (950073) from the vice chancellor for research, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Hereby, authors want to thank Mrs. Tajik and Mrs. Amini for their technical assistance.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

The results described in this article are based on the results of a Ph.D. thesis that was supported financially by the grant [950073] from the vice chancellor for research, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran.