Fumonisin B1 promotes germ cells apoptosis associated with oxidative stress-related Nrf2 signaling in mice testes

Fumonisins (FBs) are widespread Fusarium toxins commonly found in corn. This study aimed to establish the mechanism of oxidative stress via the Nrf2 signaling pathway associated with FB1-induced toxicity in mice testis. Male mice were fed with 5 mg/kg FB1 diet for 21 or 42 days, the expression of inflammatory related genes, apoptosis related genes and Nrf2 pathway genes were detected by RT-qPCR, Western blot and immunohistochemical. Furthermore, Sertoli cell was treatment with FB1. Cell viability was measured by CCK8 assay, ROS level and apoptosis related genes were detected by immunofluorescence staining. The results showed that FB1 had toxic effects on testis, which could increase the ROS level of Sertoli cells, affect the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway related factors, destroy the oxidative balance of testis, lead to the occurrence of inflammation and the initiation of apoptosis, and finally destroy the testicular tissue structure and affect the formation of sperm.