Age-related decrease in aromatase and estrogen receptor (ERalpha and ERbeta) expression in rat testes: protective effect of low caloric diets.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the effects on rat aging of caloric restriction (CR1) and undernutrition (CR2) on the body and on testicular weights, on two enzymatic antioxidants (superoxide dismutase and catalase), on lipid peroxidation and on the expression of testicular aromatase and estrogen receptors (ER).


METHODS
CR was initiated in 1-month-old rats and carried on until the age of 18 months.


RESULTS
In control and CR2 rats an age-related decrease of the aromatase and of ER (alpha and beta) gene expression was observed; in parallel a diminution of testicular weights, and of the total number and motility of epididymal spermatozoa was recorded. In addition, aging in control and CR2 rats was accompanied by a significant decrease in testicular superoxide dismutase, catalase activities, and an increase in lipid peroxidation level (thiobarbituric acid reactive substance), associated with alterations of spermatogenesis. Conversely, caloric restriction-treatment exerted a protective effect and all the parameters were less affected by aging.


CONCLUSIONS
These results indicate that during aging, a low caloric diet (not undernutrition) is beneficial for spermatogenesis and likely improves the protection of the cells via an increase of the cellular antioxidant defense system in which aromatase/ER could play a role.
Hamden
Khaled
K
Animal Ecophysiology, Faculty of Sciences, Sfax-3018, Tunisia.
Silandre
Dorothee
D
Delalande
Christelle
C
El Feki
Abdefattah
A
Carreau
Serge
S
D000367:Age Factors; D000375:Aging / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D001141:Aromatase / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000378:metabolism*; D031204:Caloric Restriction; D002374:Catalase / Q000378:metabolism; D015536:Down-Regulation; D047628:Estrogen Receptor alpha / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000378:metabolism*; D047629:Estrogen Receptor beta / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000378:metabolism*; D015870:Gene Expression; D006801:Humans; D015227:Lipid Peroxidation; D008297:Male; D044342:Malnutrition / Q000378:metabolism*; D023421:Models, Animal; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase / Q000378:metabolism; D013737:Testis / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology
D047628:Estrogen Receptor alpha; D047629:Estrogen Receptor beta; D002374:Catalase; D001141:Aromatase; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase