Eugenol Nanoparticles Ameliorate Doxorubicin-Induced Spermatogenic Dysfunction by Inhibiting the PINK1/Parkin and BNIP3/NIX Signaling Pathways.

PURPOSE

Doxorubicin (DOX) precipitates cell apoptosis in testicular tissues, and it is imperative to develop drugs to alleviate the spermatogenic disorders it causes. Thunb is often used to treat male sexual disorders. Eugenol, a major component of Thunb. has inadequate stability and low solubility, which limits its pharmacological effects. Eugenol nanoparticles (NPs) (ENPs) are expected to overcome these limitations. The protective effects of ENPs against DOX-induced reproductive toxicity were studied in mice.

METHODS

Eugenol was encapsulated in Methoxy-Poly(ethylene glycol)-Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles (mPEG-PLGA-NPs), and their role in ameliorating spermatogenic dysfunction was verified in vivo and in vitro.

RESULTS

We present a promising delivery system that encapsulates eugenol into mPEG-PLGA-NPs and forms them into nanocomposites. In vitro, ENPs significantly reduced doxorubicin-induced ROS and inflammatory factors in GC-1 cells and regulated the expression of the mitochondrial autophagy protein PINK1 and meiosis-related protein SCP3. In vivo, ENPs significantly increased sperm motility in mice, reduced apoptosis and oxidative stress in the testes, inhibited the testicular PINK1/Parkin and BNIP3/NIX signaling pathways, and enhanced the expression of factors associated with meiosis.

CONCLUSION

Given their safety and efficacy, these ENPs have potential application prospects in mitigating doxorubicin-induced spermatogenic dysfunction.