Cantharidin-induced toxic injury, oxidative stress, and autophagy attenuated by Astragalus polysaccharides in mouse testis

Cantharidin (CTD) is a chemical constituent derived from Mylabris and has good antitumor effects, but its clinical use is restricted by its inherent toxicity. However, few researches have reported its reproductive toxicity and mechanisms. This study aims to assess CTD's toxicity on mouse testes and the protective effect of Astragalus polysaccharides (APS). Briefly, biochemical analysis, histopathology, transmission electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting were used to evaluate the oxidative damage of mouse testicular tissue after exposure to CTD and treatment by APS. Our research suggests a dramatic decrease in testicular index and serum testosterone levels after CTD exposure. The testis showed obvious oxidative damage accompanied by an increase in mitochondrial autophagy, the Nfr2-Keap1 pathway was inhibited, and the blood–testis barrier was destroyed. Notably, these changes were significantly improved after APS treatment. The internal mechanisms of APS ameliorate CTD-induced testicular oxidative damage in mice may be closely connected to regulatory the Nrf2-Keap1 signaling pathway, restraining autophagy, and repairing the blood–testis barrier, providing theoretical support for further study on the reproductive toxicity mechanism of CTD and clinical treatments to ameliorate it.