Apoptosis induced by modulation in selenium status involves p38 MAPK and ROS: implications in spermatogenesis

Selenium has been linked to cell survival and apoptosis. Apoptosis plays an important role in spermatogenesis. Evidence suggests that reactive oxygen species induce apoptotic pathways. Although the mechanism by which oxidants mediate apoptosis is not well defined, the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and caspase pathways have been implicated in apoptosis. Thus, this study was designed, keeping in view the critical balance between cell proliferation and apoptosis for normal spermatogenesis, and the requirement of selenium for the maintenance of male fertility. The intracellular selenium status was modulated by feeding selenium-deficient and -excess diet for 8 weeks. Involvement of p38 MAPK and ROS was monitored. Apoptotic factors like caspases and Bcl-2 were also analyzed. It was observed that the selenium levels were altered along with an increase in ROS generation and lipid peroxidation. mRNA expression of p38, caspases 3, and 8 increased, whereas that for Bcl-2 decreased. Western immunoblot analysis and immunohistochemical localization studies for p38 showed a similar increase. Integrity of DNA was altered in the form of apoptotic cells. Thus, the results presented in this study suggest that sodium selenite causes apoptosis and the toxicity of selenite is mediated by increase in ROS. Morevoer, ROS generation is associated with increased expression of p38, caspases 3 and 8, and decreased Bcl-2 expression. Our data indicate that p38 participates in testicular apoptosis and that selenium is required for maintenance of the critical balance between cell death and proliferation.