FOXA2 regulates endoplasmic reticulum stress, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in spermatogonial cells by the Nrf2 pathway under hypoxic conditions

Hypoxia-caused spermatogenesis impairment may contribute to male infertility. FOXA2 has been found to be abundant in spermatogonial stem cells and critical for spermatogenesis. Here we aimed to explore the roles of FOXA2 in regulating spermatogonial cells against hypoxia stimulation. Our results showed that FOXA2 expression was downregulated in hypoxia-stimulated spermatogonial cells. Overexpression of FOXA2 prevented hypoxia-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress with decreased expression levels of associated markers including GRP78, CHOP, and ATF-4. FOXA2 overexpression caused a decrease in MDA content and an increase in activities of SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px in spermatogonial cells under hypoxic conditions, implying its inhibitory effect on oxidative stress. Besides, cell apoptosis under hypoxic conditions was also prevented by FOXA2 overexpression, as shown by reduced apoptotic rate and caspase-3 activity. Moreover, we found that hypoxia stimulation inactivated the Nrf2 pathway, which could be prevented by FOXA2 overexpression. Nrf2 knockdown attenuated the effects of FOXA2 overexpression on hypoxia-induced ER stress, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in spermatogonial cells. In conclusion, FOXA2 exerted protective effects on spermatogonial cells against hypoxia-induced ER stress, oxidative stress, and apoptosis via regulating Nrf2/HO-1 signaling. These findings suggested that FOXA2 might be a therapeutic target for treating hypoxia-induced spermatogenesis impairment.