Aflatoxin B1 disrupts blood-testis barrier integrity by reducing junction protein and promoting apoptosis in mice testes

Abstract

Aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) is an unavoidable food and environmental contaminant, which can lead to disorders in spermatogenesis and its mechanism remains unclear. The blood-testis barrier (BTB) is responsible for ensuring normal spermatogenesis in testes. Therefore, we hypothesized that disruption of the BTB was involved in AFB₁-induced spermatogenesis disorders. To confirm our hypothesis, male Kunming mice were orally gavaged AFB₁ (0, 0.375, 0.75, or 1.5 mg/kg) for 30 days. Primarily, we first proved that AFB₁ disrupted the BTB integrity. Then, AFB₁ decreased BTB-related junction protein expression and elevated Sertoli cell apoptosis, which were associated with oxidative stress. Additionally, AFB₁ upregulated the p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK ratio. These results collectively indicated that AFB₁ disrupted the BTB via reducing the expression of BTB-related junction protein and promoting apoptosis in mice testes, which were associated with the oxidative stress-mediated p38 MAPK signaling pathway.

Keywords: Aflatoxin B(1); Apoptosis; Blood-testis barrier; Junction protein; Mice testes.