Curcumin as an indirect methylation inhibitor modulates the effects of Toxoplasma gondii on genes involved in male fertility.

• DOI: 10.17179/excli2020-2052
• Publication Date: 2020-01-01
• Authors: Jasem Saki; Mohamad Sabaghan; Reza Arjmand; Ali Teimoori; Mohammad Rashno; Ghasem Saki; Saeedeh Shojaee
• Keywords: DNMT1; DNA methyltransferase

Toxoplasma gondii is a common protozoan parasite, which infects warm-blooded mammals, including mice and humans, throughout the world. The negative effects of T. infection on human reproductive system have been documented, especially in females. However, only few studies examined male system. Previous research shows that can induce DNA methylation some gene promoters, are key regulators spermatogenesis. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate curcumin activity methyltransferases (DNMTs), as well selected genes, involved spermatogenesis spermatogenic cells. In cells exposed gondii, there was significant increase DNMT1 DNMT3A expression reduction HSPA1A, MTHR, DAZL expression, compared controls. present results showed could regulate changes gondii-mediated expression. effect DNMT also investigated study. A 40 % observed due infection. restored by treatment with 20 μM for eight hours. revealed increases NF-κB activity, control group. induced inhibited curcumin. conclusion, increasing leads an On other hand, reduced methylation, owing its NF-κB-inhibiting properties. curcumin, hypomethylating agent, be potentially used alleviate