The Effect of Aqueous Lessertia frutescens Extract on TM3 Leydig Cells Exposed to TNF-α in vitro

Background: Extractions of Lessertia frutescens (Lf) are shown to have immune modulation, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, Lf is also cytotoxic, antiproliferative, pro-apoptotic in vitro. Furthermore, extractions may influence steroidogenesis. Nevertheless, the impact on Leydig cell function has not previously been investigated. As tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) known cause dysfunction under inflammatory conditions, it further proposed that extracts protect against negative TNF-α cells. The aim study was investigate effect an aqueous extract (LFE) cells exposed TNF-αin Methods: Human chorionic gonadotrophin-stimulated TM3 were for 24 h (a) (0.1, 1, 10, 100 ng/mL), (b) LFE (0.01, 0.1, (c) co-exposure 10 ng/mL ng/mL). We analyzed viability, cytotoxicity, caspase 3/7 activation, testosterone concentration, intracellular superoxide. Results: exposure decreased increased 3/7, with no significant superoxide When concentrations 0.01–10 tested, we observed improved vitality reduced levels 3/7. At ng/mL, viability cytotoxicity did affect protected TNF-α-induced apoptosis, except at highest concentration. alone co-culture high concentrations. Conclusions: In our model, early experimental concentrations, where cytotoxic. These effects mediated through a change Although investigations warranted, dysfunction.