Protective role of autophagy in triptolide-induced apoptosis of TM3 Leydig cells

Abstract Background and Objectives Triptolide (TP) is known to impair testicular development spermatogenesis in mammals, but the mechanism of side effects still needs be investigated. The aim research confirm whether TP can cause autophagy TM3 Leydig cells potential molecular pathway vitro. Methods are used investigate through Western blot, detection apoptosis, transmission electron microscopy for autophagosomes so on. Results data show that treatment resulted decreasing viability due increased apoptosis. Treated with TP, formation autophagosomes, decrease P62, increase conversion LC3-I LC3-II suggested induction autophagy. has accompanied activation mTOR/P70S6K signal pathway. was further inhibited when they were co-treated inhibitor, chloroquine (CQ). Conclusion All these suggest plays a very important role antagonizing cell apoptosis during exposure.