Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus helveticus modulate SIRT1, Caspase3 and Bcl-2 in the testes of high-fructose-fed rats

Abstract

Background and Aims: The influence of a high-fructose diet and probiotics on the male reproductive system and the testicular apoptotic pathway has been poorly documented. In this study, we aimed to investigate the influence of Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus helveticus supplementation on apoptotic factors such as sirtuin1, caspase3 and bcl-2 on the testicular tissue of high-fructose-fed rats. Methods: Fructose was given to the rats as a 20% solution in drinking water for 15 weeks. Gene expressions were established by real-time PCR. Protein levels were determined by Western blot analysis. Results: Fructose consumption did not change mRNA expression of SIRT1, but did resulted in a decreased protein level. Dietary fructose reduced bcl-2 mRNA and protein expressions, whereas no changes were observed in the gene and protein expression levels of factor caspase-3. Both Lactobacillus supplementations increased SIRT1 protein expression without changing the mRNA levels in fructose-fed rats. The supplementations with both probiotics produced a significant downregulation on caspase3 mRNA and protein levels. Bcl-2 proetin level increases with both probiotics supplementation while, mRNA level did not show difference in L.plantarum, but increased in L. helveticus supplementation. Conclusion: Treatments with L.plantarum and L.helveticus can reduce testicular apoptosis induced by dietary high-fructose in rats via suppressing caspase3 and promoting sirt1 and bcl-2 protein expressions.