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

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Journal Animals (Basel)
Date 2021 Mar 6
PMID 33673379
Citations 2
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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: , , , and caspases (, and ) was analyzed by qRT-PCR in testicular tissue samples. During non-reproductive season significantly higher expression of two anti-apoptotic genes ( and ) was observed. Additionally, there was a significant higher expression of 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.

Citing Articles

Seasonal Influence on the Impact of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) on Testicular Haemodynamics and Hormonal Responses in Canines: A Comparative Study.

Nadali B, Abdous A, Karami N, Jokar M, Amarloie O, Farhoodi M Vet Med Sci. 2024; 10(6):e70117.

PMID: 39535346 PMC: 11558201. DOI: 10.1002/vms3.70117.


Proliferation and Apoptosis of Cat () Male Germ Cells during Breeding and Non-Breeding Seasons.

Valentini L, Zupa R, Pousis C, Cuko R, Corriero A Vet Sci. 2022; 9(8).

PMID: 36006362 PMC: 9414637. DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9080447.

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