P-37: (+)-Pulegone Reduced Cyp19 GeneExpression and Reduced Leydig CellsSteroidogenic Activity

Background: Pulegone (PGN) is a clear colorless oily liquid, which is widely used in different areas for flavoring foods, drinks, and dental products. There are several reports indicating that the metabolites of the PGN affect cytochrome-P450 family expression and activities. The cytochromes-P450 (cyp19) are involved in Leydig Cells aromatization. Therefore, present study was performed in order to evaluate the PGN-induced changes in cyp19 gene expression and Leydig cells steroidogenesis activities. Materials and Methods: Twenty four mature mice were randomly divided into four groups as control-sham (received 0.3mL normal saline, ip) and test groups including: low dose (25 mg/kg, ip), medium dose (50 mg/kg, ip) and high dose (100 mg/kg, ip)-PGNreceived groups. After 35 days, the Leydig cells steroidogenic activity was assessed by using special staining for steroid foci under epifluorescent microscope assay. The mRNA level of cyp19 was evaluated by using semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Results: Observations showed that Medium and high dose administration of PGN reduced mRNA expression of cyp19. However, the animals in low dose PGN-treated group showed increased level of cyp19. Moreover, the animals in PGN-treated groups exhibited a remarkable reduction in number of Leydig cells/one mm2 of connective tissue with intra-cytoplasmic steroid foci. Accordingly, the animals in high dose PGN-treated groups showed the lowest reaction sites for intra-cytoplasmic steroids. Conclusion: PGN negatively impacted the Leydig cells aromatization that in turn down-regulated the testicular endocrine status.