Title:Response of Male Reproductive System Against Ionizing Radiation and Available Radio-protective Agents: Cellular and Molecular Insight
Volume: 18
Issue: 1
Author(s): Ronit Parashar, Sanwar Mal Yadav, Priyadarshi Meena, Raj Kumar, Kuldeep S Jheeta, Priya Saini and Dev Dutt Patel*
Affiliation:
- Department of Zoology, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, 302004, Rajasthan, India
Keywords:
DNA repair, electromagnetic radiation, molecular markers, radiofrequency, spermatogonial stem cells, testes.
Abstract:
Background: The reproductive organ, housing spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs),
undergoes ongoing division impacted by the irradiation dosage and exposure duration. Within
the male reproductive organ, germ stem cells (spermatogonia) and somatic cells (Sertoli and
Leydig cells) are present. Lower doses of ionizing (>4-6 Gy) and non-ionizing radiation (radiofrequency
and microwave range 900 MHz - 2.45 GHz) may cause sperm-related issues, while
higher doses (15 Gy) may affect Leydig cells and testosterone production. Response to radiation
varies with age and pubescence. Spermatogonial stem cells, crucial for regenerating the spermatogenic
lineage, express molecular markers like Estrogen receptor, FSH (Follicular Stimulating
Hormone) receptor, TLR-4 (Toll-like Receptor-4), TLR-5 (Toll-like Receptor-5), FGF2 (Fibroblast
Growth Factor-2), KIT (Receptor Tyrosine Kinase), AT-1 (Angiotensin II Type-1 Receptor),
LXRs-γ (Liver X Receptor-γ), TNF-β (Tumor Necrosis Factor-β), and PCNA (Proliferating
Cell Nuclear Antigen), influencing stem cell activity in testes.
Objective: This study aimed to review the various available radioprotective agents and their efficacy
in targeting the male reproductive system from the available literature.
Result: Various radioprotective herbal/synthetic/microbial/metallic extracts/formulations/
drugs [Septilin, Silymarin, Organic Turmeric, Oestrogen, Melatonin, Febuxostat, SQGD (Semiquinone
glucoside derivative), Rapamycin, Entolimod, Zinc, Selenium, etc.] have been investigated
up to exposure, but owing to effectiveness issues, they are unable to fulfil the aim to the
fullest of restoring male fertility and normal testosterone levels during such eventuality.
Conclusion: Further study is needed to optimize these tactics and fill knowledge gaps. Also, the
effective components of herbal, synthetic drugs, etc., should be isolated and tested up to clinical
levels, paving the way for successful radioprotection and radiomitigation strategies in the male
reproductive system.
