Zinc Protects against MDMA-Induced Apoptosis of Sertoli Cells in Mouse via Attenuation of Caspase-3

BACKGROUND: 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) disrupts function of the endocrine system and dif- ferent organs such as heart, blood vessels, kidney, liver and nervous systems. This study was conducted to evaluate impact of MDMA on apoptosis and Zinc in the MDMA-induced apoptosis of cultured Sertoli cells by measuring Caspase-3 gene expression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, Sertoli cells were incubated with MDMA (0, 0.5, 1, 3, 5 mM), Zinc (0, 8, 16, 32, 64 μM) and Zinc (8 μM) prior to adding MDMA (5 mM) for 24 and 48 hours. MTT assay was used for evaluating impacts of these conditions on the viability of Sertoli cells. Caspase-3 gene expression level was detected using quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) in all of the tested groups. RESULTS: Finding showed that cellular viability was decreased and level of Caspase-3 mRNA was increased in MDMA treated cells. Additionally, pre-treatment with Zinc (8 μM) attenuated MDMA-induced apoptosis and down-regulated caspase-3. The mean of caspase-3 mRNA level (fold change ± SE) was 3.98 ± 1.18, 0.31 ± 0.28, and 1.72 ± 0.28 in re- spectively MDMA (5 mM), Zinc (8 μM), and Zinc+MDMA groups vs. control group. The mean of Caspase-3 mRNA (fold change) was not statistically different in the tested groups (P>0.05), unless MDMA (5 mM) group (P = 0.008). CONCLUSION: We suggest that MDMA toxicity could be involved in apoptosis of Sertoli cells. In addition, Zinc could reduce MDMA-induced apoptosis by down-regulation of Caspase-3 mRNA levels.