Work

Lactobacillus reuteri protects against heat stress-induced testicular dysfunction by modulating oxidative stress and autophagy pathways in rats

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To investigate the potential of Lactobacillus reuteri (Lr) in ameliorating heat stress (HS)-induced testicular damage through modulation of oxidative stress and autophagy. DESIGN: Experimental controlled study involving adult male Wistar rats exposed to HS and/or probiotic treatment. SUBJECTS: Adult male Wistar rats divided into six groups: control, Lr-only (LrP-sole), HS-only (37 °C and 40 °C), and Lr-treated HS groups. INTERVENTION: CFU/mL) was administered orally throughout the experimental period. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Sperm count, motility, viability, nuclear maturity, and deoxyribonucleic acid integrity; testicular histopathology; total antioxidant capacity and total oxidant status; expression of autophagy-related genes (p62, Atg7, Beclin-1, and LC3-I) by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction; and LC3-I/II protein levels by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Heat stress significantly impaired spermatogenesis, spermiogenesis, and sperm quality, with elevated oxidative and autophagic stress, particularly at 40 °C. L. reuteri probiotic treatment significantly improved sperm parameters, restored spermatogenic activity, reduced total oxidant status, and enhanced antioxidant capacity. Moreover, Lr modulated the expression of p62, Atg7, Beclin-1, and LC3-I/II, indicating regulation of autophagic pathways and mitigation of oxidative stress within the testicular microenvironment. CONCLUSION: Lactobacillus reuteri confers robust protection against HS-induced testicular dysfunction, likely through modulation of oxidative stress and autophagy. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of probiotics as a noninvasive intervention to counteract heat-induced male infertility.

Source: F&S Science

DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2025.10.004

Authors: Samira Parsaeinejad, Vahid Nejati, Mazdak Razi, Amir Tokmechi

Institution: Urmia University

Language: English

Topic: Sperm and Testicular Function

Subfield: Reproductive Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,500