Wanyue Huang, Jialu Zhang, Chenjiao Miao, Huihui Ying, Xuliang Zhang, Miao Song, Yilong Cui, Xichun Wang, Yanfei Li, Ping Cheng
The worldwide prevalence of Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1 ), which contaminates feedstock and food, is on the rise. AFB1 inhibits testosterone (T) biosynthesis, but the mechanism is not yet clear. By establishing in vivo and in vitro models, this study found the number of Leydig cells (LCs), T content, and the expression of T biosynthesis key enzymes were suppressed after AFB1 treatment. AFB1 exposure also increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and promoted mitochondrial injury and mitochondrial pathway apoptosis. Moreover, the AMPK signaling pathway was activated, and using an AMPK inhibitor relieved apoptosis and the suppressed T biosynthesis key enzymes of LCs caused by AFB1 through regulating downstream p53 and Nur77...
March 7, 2024: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry