Transcriptomic analysis of the HPT axis in a model of oligoasthenozoospermia induced by Adenine in rats

Abstract

Male infertility is most commonly caused by oligozoospermia, and its pathogenesis is still poorly understood at the molecular level. This study used RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) technology to identify candidate genes and regulatory pathways that regulate semen quality in the hypothalamic, pituitary, and testicular tissues of healthy rats and Adenine-induced oligozoospermia model rats. Semen quality testing and histological analysis of testicular tissues were performed on both groups of rats. We identified 627, 692, and 437 differentially expressed genes in the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and testes, respectively. Functional analysis indicates that “neuronal projections,” “positive regulation of hormone biosynthetic process,” and “neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathways” are closely related to the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis hormone regulation and sperm production. Seven genes (Pomc, Rxfp1, Tac1, Npy, Insl3, Hsd3b3, Lhcgr) have been identified as key candidate genes responsible for regulating sperm quality within the HPT axis, potentially affecting rat reproductive function by influencing testicular development and testosterone secretion. These data provide a theoretical basis for further understanding the molecular mechanisms of reproductive performance in a rat model of oligoasthenozoospermia.