Genomic instability in the testis of mice exposed to modeled microgravity.
- Paper number
IAC-06-A1.P.1.08
- Author
Dr. James DuMond, Texas Southern University, United States
- Year
2006
- Abstract
The role of microgravity in testes is poorly understood. Previous reports have suggested the space flight reduces testosterone production and minor atrophy of the testis. In this study we have focused on whether exposure to microgravity can produce molecular changes in the testes. More specifically, we are interested in whether the genomic stability in the testes. We have examined the effect of modeled microgravity on the testis of BALB/c male mice. The mice were subjected to the Anti-orthostatic (hind limb) suspension model and remained in this state for one week, after which their testes were harvested. Whole tissue samples of testes were then assay for expression of MnSOD, BAX, BCL2, PCNA, ERCC 1, ERCC 3, ERCC5, ERCC6, OGG1, MYH and XPC genes using quantitative real-time PCR. Our result indicate that the oxidative stress gene MnSOD was significantly increased and at the same time cell proliferation was reduced as evidenced by a significant decrease in PCNA. In addition, DNA repair genes were significantly reduced. The results present here are highly novel and of great interest for the study of space medicine and space-induced carcinogenesis, as increase oxidative stress coupled with a loss of DNA repair could lead to genomic instability.
- Abstract document