Expression of Apoptosis-Related Genes in Cat Testicular Tissue in Relation to Sperm Morphology and Seasonality—A Preliminary Study

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Abstract
Apoptosis is a crucial process in spermatogenesis, responsible for the elimination of abnormal sperm cells and testicular regression out of breeding season. The aim of this study was to assess if the expression of apoptosis-related genes in testicular tissue of domestic cats differed: (1) between normozoospermic and teratozoospermic donors, and (2) between reproductive and non-reproductive season. The expression of genes: BCL2L1, BCL2, BAX, BAD, FAS, FASLG, and caspases (CASP3, CASP8, CASP9, and CASP10) was analyzed by qRT-PCR in testicular tissue samples. During non-reproductive season significantly higher expression of two anti-apoptotic genes (BCL2L1 and BCL2) was observed. Additionally, there was a significant higher expression of CASP10 in teratozoospermic cats during non-reproductive than during reproductive season. No differences were noted between normozoospermic and teratozoospermic groups. Upregulation of some genes during the non-reproductive season indicates engagement of apoptotic mechanisms in the seasonal changes of semen quality in cats, however further studies on protein levels and analysis of changes on distinct testicular germinal layers are required. At the same time, teratozoospermia in the general population of cats seems to be not connected with dysregulation of apoptosis in the testes.
Funding Information
  • statutory research and development activity funds assigned to Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences (B030/0047/15 and B030/0045/16)
  • Leading Research Groups support project (subsidy increased for the period 2020–2025 in the amount of 2% of the subsidy referred to Art. 387 (3) of the Law of 20 July 2018 on Higher Education and Science, obtained in 2019)

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