Restoration of PM2.5-induced spermatogonia GC-1 cellular damage by parthenolide via suppression of autophagy and inflammation: An in vitro study

Abstract

Particulate matter (PM) generated by environmental and air pollution is known to have detrimental effects on human health. Among these, PM2.5 particles (diameter < 2.5 µm) can breach the alveolar-capillary barrier and disseminate to other organs, posing significant health risks. Numerous studies have shown that PMs can harm various organs, including the reproductive system. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the harmful effects of PM2.5 on mouse GC-1 spermatogonia cells (GC-1 spg cells) and to verify the ameliorative effects of parthenolide (PTL) treatment on damaged GC-1 spg cells. We observed a significant dose-dependent reduction in cell proliferation after PM2.5 concentration of 2.5 μg/cm2. Additionally, treatment with 20 μg/cm2 PM2.5 concentration significantly increased the expression of autophagy-related proteins ATG7, the ratio of LC3-II/LC3-I, and decreased phosphorylation of PI3K and AKT. Furthermore, PM2.5 exposure augmented inflammation mediator gene expressions, the phosphorylation of the inflammation-related transcription factor NF-κB p65 at Ser536, and ubiquitination. Treatment of PM2.5-exposed GC-1 spg cells with PTL significantly reduced NF-κB p65 phosphorylation and the expression of autophagy-related proteins ATG7 and LC3-II, leading to a statistically significant recovery in cell proliferation. Together, our findings elucidated the detrimental effects of PM2.5 exposure on male germ cells, and the restorative properties of PTL against air pollutants. © 2023 Elsevier B.V.