Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and protocatechuic acid alleviate heat stress-induced testicular damage

Testicular hyperthermia induced by unhealthy living habits and pathological or occupational factors can cause spermatogenic dysfunction with an outcome of sub-fertility or even infertility. Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G) is the most typical anthocyanin in foods that has been recognized as an antioxidant with promising protection for male reproduction. However, its specific effect against testicular hyperthermia and the mechanisms involving its primary gastrointestinal metabolite protocatechuic acid (PCA) are still unexplored. In the present study, testicular hyperthermia in mice was established by employing a single hot water bath at 43 degrees C for 30 min. C3G and PCA were intragastrically given to investigate their prevention ability against heat stress-induced testicular damage. It was found that C3G and PCA restored the external diameter and thickness, and alleviated atrophy and vacuolation of seminiferous tubules. Simultaneously, C3G and PCA enhanced testicular heat stress tolerance through reducing superfluous eIF2 alpha phosphorylation and stress granule formation. C3G and PCA effectively improved the testicular antioxidant system and regulated the IRE1 alpha-XBP1 pathway, contributing to mitigatory spermatogenesis dysfunction and testicular damage. This finding revealed that anthocyanins were the novel compounds for alleviating testicular damage, and provided a reliable theoretical basis for improving male fertility disturbed by heat stress.

Automated summary

Testicular hyperthermia caused by unhealthy living habits and occupational factors can lead to spermatogenic dysfunction and reduced fertility. Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G) is an antioxidant found in food that can protect male reproduction. In this study, mice were subjected to testicular hyperthermia and given C3G and its metabolite protocatechuic acid (PCA) to investigate their effects on preventing testicular damage. C3G and PCA improved testicular structure and reduced damage caused by heat stress. They also enhanced testicular heat stress tolerance and improved the antioxidant system, contributing to the mitigation of spermatogenesis dysfunction. These findings highlight the potential of anthocyanins in alleviating testicular damage and improving male fertility affected by heat stress.