We studied the effects of betaine on steroidogenesis, endoplasmic reticulum stress and Nrf2 antioxidant pathways of mice Leydig cells under hyperglycaemia conditions. Leydig cells were grown in low and high glucose concentrations (5 mM and 30 mM) in the presence of 5 mM of betaine for 24 h. Gene expression was determined using a real-time PCR method. The protein levels were determined by Western blot analysis. The testosterone production was evaluated by the ELISA method. Cellular contents of reduced and oxidised glutathione were measured by colorimetric method. Hyperglycaemia caused impaired steroidogenesis and ERS in Leydig cells associated with the down-regulation of 3β-HSD, StAR, P450scc, LH receptor and increased expression of GRP78, CHOP, ATF6 and IRE1. Betaine could improve cell viability, attenuate the ERS, and restore testosterone production in Leydig cells under hyperglycaemia conditions. Betaine can protect Leydig cells against the adverse effects of hyperglycaemia by regulating steroidogenesis, antioxidants, and ERS.
Keyphrases
- induced apoptosis
- endoplasmic reticulum stress
- cell cycle arrest
- oxidative stress
- gene expression
- signaling pathway
- emergency department
- dna methylation
- gold nanoparticles
- transcription factor
- endothelial cells
- adipose tissue
- poor prognosis
- cell proliferation
- high glucose
- metabolic syndrome
- long non coding rna
- smoking cessation
- single molecule
- quantum dots
- anti inflammatory
- monoclonal antibody