Antioxidant enzyme expression of mRNA and protein in the epididymis of finasteride-treated male rat offspring during postnatal development

INTRODUCTION: We verify whether finasteride had a transgenerational effect on the epididymal expression of antioxidant enzymes, and the correlation between these enzymes and blood androgen concentrations in male offspring (F1:Fin) of females fertilized by finasteride-treated male rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The expression of CAT, SOD1, GPX5, GR on the mRNA and protein levels was evaluated in the epididymis at postnatal day (PND) 7, 14, 21, 28 and 90. Levels of T and DHT were correlated with mRNA levels of enzymes by Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. RESULTS: A change in the levels of transcripts was noted in F1:Fin rats: CAT decreased at PND 28 (p < 0.01) and increased at PND 90 (p < 0.01); SOD1 increased at PND 7 (p < 0.0001), 21 (p < 0.001), 90 (p < 0.0001) and decreased at 14 PND (p < 0.01); GPX5 increased at PND 14 and 21 (p < 0.0001); GR decreased at PND 21 and 28 (p < 0.0001). Altered immunolocalization of enzymes within the epididymal epithelium was observed. Negative correlations between GPX5 mRNA with androgens (T, p = 0.0002; DHT, p = 0.0009) were visible in the control rats, and positive correlation between DHT and CAT mRNA (p = 0.03), in opposite to F1:Fin group were was negative for both androgens (T, p = 0.044 and DHT, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Finasteride treatment of adult male rats may cause changes in antioxidant defense system in the epididymis of their offspring, leading to improper ROS concentrations that can affect post-testicular sperm maturation.