Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) expression and prostaglandin synthesis in neonatal rat testicular germ cells: Effects of acetaminophen and ibuprofen

Negative effects of ketoprofen and meloxicam on distal cauda epidydimal duct contractions, testosterone levels, and sperm count in rats

Ketoprofen and meloxicam, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs widely used in clinical practice, lack comprehensive investigation regarding their impact on male reproductive health, particularly on epididymal duct contractions and sperm parameters. Therefore, this study investigated the negative effects of ketoprofen or meloxicam on the contractions of the epididymal duct, sperm parameters, and serum testosterone levels in rats. Firstly, we assessed the in vitro effects of ketoprofen or meloxicam (1-100 μM) on the contractions of the epididymal duct elicited by noradrenaline. Rats were also orally treated with 5 mg/kg ketoprofen or 1 mg/kg meloxicam for 15 days following evaluation of epididymal duct contractions, sperm parameters, and serum testosterone levels. In vitro exposure to meloxicam (100 μM), but not ketoprofen, significantly reduced the maximum effect of noradrenaline in epididymal duct. Moreover, in vivo administration of ketoprofen and meloxicam decreased testosterone levels, sperm production, and sperm count in the caput/corpus region of the rat epididymis. Conversely, the sperm count in the cauda epididymis remained unchanged in animals treated with both ketoprofen and meloxicam. Meloxicam, but not ketoprofen, caused a delay in sperm transit time in the cauda region of the epididymis. In vivo treatment with both ketoprofen or meloxicam hindered the noradrenaline-induced contractions in the epididymal duct. In conclusion, ketoprofen and meloxicam can modify sperm parameters by decreasing testosterone levels and the contractions of the epididymal duct isolated from the distal cauda region of the rat epididymis.

Are Environmental Levels of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs a Reason for Concern? Chronic Life-Cycle Effects of Naproxen in Zebrafish

The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug naproxen (NPX) is among the most consumed pharmaceuticals worldwide, being detected in surface waters within the ng to μg/L range. Considering the limited chronic ecotoxicity data available for NPX in aquatic ecosystems, the present study aimed at evaluating its impact in the model organism Danio rerio, following a full life-cycle exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations (0.1 to 5.0 μg/L). An integration of apical endpoints, i.e., survival, growth, and reproduction, with gonad histopathology and gene transcription (RNA-seq) was performed to provide additional insights into the mode of action (MoA) of NPX. NPX decreased zebrafish growth and reproduction and led to histopathological alterations in gonads at concentrations as low as 0.1 μg/L. At the molecular level, 0.7 μg/L of NPX led to a disruption in gonads transcription of genes involved in several biological processes associated with reproduction, mainly involving steroid hormone biosynthesis and epigenetic/epitranscriptomic machineries. Collectively, these results show that environmentally realistic concentrations of NPX affect zebrafish reproduction and associated signaling pathways, indicating that current hazard and risk assessment data for NPX underestimate the environmental risk of this pharmaceutical.

Hypoxia, NSAIDs, and autism: A biocultural analysis of stressors in gametogenesis

Cultural and generational trends have increasingly favored "anti-inflammatory" action, innovating a new class of analgesic, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the 20th century. The modern human body has been molded over evolutionary time and while acknowledging inflammation can be pathologically entwined, it also serves an important role in healthy folliculogenesis and ovulation, shaping cues that drive needed vascular change. This review argues that because of anti-inflammatory action, the cultural invention of NSAIDs represents a particular stressor on female reproductive-age bodies, interacting with natural, underlying variation and placing limits on healthy growth and development in the follicles, creating potential autism risk through hypoxia and mutagenic or epigenetic effects. Since testes are analogs to ovaries, the biological grounding extends naturally to spermatogenesis. This review suggests the introduction of over-the-counter NSAIDs in the 1980s failed to recognize the unique functioning of reproductive-age bodies, challenging the cyclical inflammation needed for healthy gamete development. NSAIDs are framed as one (notable) stressor in an anti-inflammatory era focused on taming the risks of inflammation in modern human life.

Differential roles of cyclooxygenase enzymes in the regulation of murine juvenile undifferentiated spermatogonia

BACKGROUND

Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are widely administered to babies due to their presumed safety as over-the-counter drugs. However, no reports exist on the effects of cyclooxygenase inhibitors on undifferentiated spermatogonia and spermatogonial stem cells. Infancy represents a critical period for spermatogonial stem cell formation and disrupting spermatogonial stem cells or their precursors may be associated with infertility and testicular cancer formation.

OBJECTIVES

The goal of this study was to examine the molecular and functional impact of cyclooxygenase inhibition and silencing on early steps of undifferentiated spermatogonia (u spg) and spermatogonial stem cell development, to assess the potential reproductive risk of pharmaceutical cyclooxygenase inhibitors.

METHODS

The effects of cyclooxygenase inhibition were assessed using the mouse C18-4 undifferentiated juvenile spermatogonial cell line model, previously shown to include cells with spermatogonial stem cell features, by measuring prostaglandins, cell proliferation, and differentiation, using cyclooxygenase 1- and cyclooxygenase 2-selective inhibitors NS398, celecoxib, and FR122047, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen. Cyclooxygenase 1 gene silencing was achieved using a stable short-hairpin RNA approach and clone selection, then assessing gene and protein expression in RNA sequencing, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and immunofluorescence studies.

RESULTS

Cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitors NS398 and celecoxib, as well as acetaminophen, but not ibuprofen, dose-dependently decreased retinoic acid-induced expression of the spg differentiation gene Stra8, while NS398 decreased the spg differentiation marker Kit, suggesting that cyclooxygenase 2 is positively associated with spg differentiation. In contrast, short-hairpin RNA-based cyclooxygenase 1 silencing in C18-4 cells altered cellular morphology and upregulated Stra8 and Kit, implying that cyclooxygenase 1 prevented spg differentiation. Furthermore, RNA sequencing analysis of cyclooxygenase 1 knockdown cells indicated the activation of several signaling pathways including the TGFb, Wnt, and Notch pathways, compared to control C18-4 cells. Notch pathway genes were upregulated by selective cyclooxygenase inhibitors, acetaminophen and ibuprofen.

CONCLUSION

We report that cyclooxygenase 1 and 2 differentially regulate undifferentiated spermatogonia/spermatogonial stem cell differentiation. Cyclooxygenases regulate Notch3 expression, with the Notch pathway targeted by PGD2. These data suggest an interaction between the eicosanoid and Notch signaling pathways that may be critical for the development of spermatogonial stem cells and subsequent spermatogenesis, cautioning about using cyclooxygenase inhibitors in infants.

The antidepressive mechanism of Longya Lilium combined with Fluoxetine in mice with depression-like behaviors

Traditional Chinese medicine is one of the most commonly used complementary and alternative medicine therapies for depression. Integrated Chinese-western therapies have been extensively applied in numerous diseases due to their superior efficiency in individual treatment. We used the meta-analysis, network pharmacology, and bioinformatics studies to identify the putative role of Longya Lilium combined with Fluoxetine in depression. Depression-like behaviors were mimicked in mice after exposure to the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). The underlying potential mechanism of this combination therapy was further explored based on in vitro and in vivo experiments to analyze the expression of COX-2, PGE2, and IL-22, activation of microglial cells, and neuron viability and apoptosis in the hippocampus. The antidepressant effect was noted for the combination of Longya Lilium with Fluoxetine in mice compared to a single treatment. COX-2 was mainly expressed in hippocampal CA1 areas. Longya Lilium combined with Fluoxetine reduced the expression of COX-2 and thus alleviated depression-like behavior and neuroinflammation in mice. A decrease of COX-2 curtailed BV-2 microglial cell activation, inflammation, and neuron apoptosis by blunting the PGE2/IL-22 axis. Therefore, a combination of Longya Lilium with Fluoxetine inactivates the COX-2/PGE2/IL-22 axis, consequently relieving the neuroinflammatory response and the resultant depression.

TT-10 may attenuate ibuprofen-induced ovarian injury in mice by activating COX2-PGE2 and inhibiting Hippo pathway

Ibuprofen (IBU) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that has been found in recent years to cause ovarian damage. The aim of this study is to explore the molecular mechanisms of IBU damage to the ovary and drugs to combat it. We established in vivo (IBU doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg-day) and in vitro (IBU concentrations of 50, 100 and 200 μM in culture medium) models of ovarian damage in mice simulating clinical doses and found that IBU not only caused ovarian damage in mice in a dose-response relationship, but also decreased estradiol (E2) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels in serum/media with increasing IBU doses. In damaged ovaries, the cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2)-PGE2 pathway is inhibited, the Hippo pathway is activated, circPVT1 is decreased, and miR-149 is elevated. TT-10 is an activator of YES-associated protein (YAP)-transcriptional enhancer factor domain activity. Then, 100 μM IBU-induced ovarian damage model was selected for YAP activation (Hippo pathway inhibition) experiment, and TT-10 was found to interfere with IBU-induced ovarian damage and increase E2 level in the medium, and 10 μM of TT-10 had the best protective effect. TT-10 also inhibited the Hippo pathway, activated the COX2-PGE2 pathway, elevated circPVT1 expression, and decreased miR-149 expression in the ovary. It has been hypothesized that clinical doses of IBU damage mouse ovaries by inhibiting COX2-PGE2 and activating the Hippo pathway, whereas TT-10 protects the ovaries through the inverse regulation of these two pathways.

Dysregulation of Immature Sertoli Cell Functions by Exposure to Acetaminophen and Genistein in Rodent Cell Models

Sertoli cells are essential for germ cell development and function. Their disruption by endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) or drugs could jeopardize spermatogenesis, contributing to male infertility. Perinatal exposure to EDCs and acetaminophen (APAP) disrupts male reproductive functions in animals and humans. Infants can be exposed simultaneously to the dietary soy phytoestrogen genistein (GEN) and APAP used for fever or pain relief. Our goal was to determine the effects of 10-100 µM APAP and GEN, alone or mixed, on immature Sertoli cells using mouse TM4 Sertoli cell line and postnatal-day 8 rat Sertoli cells, by measuring cell viability, proliferation, prostaglandins, genes and protein expression, and functional pathways. A value of 50 µM APAP decreased the viability, while 100 µM APAP and GEN decreased the proliferation. Sertoli cell and eicosanoid pathway genes were affected by GEN and mixtures, with downregulation of Sox9, Cox1, Cox2, and genes relevant for Sertoli cell function, while genes involved in inflammation were increased. RNA-seq analysis identified p53 and TNF signaling pathways as common targets of GEN and GEN mixture in both cell types. These results suggest that APAP and GEN dysregulate immature Sertoli cell function and may aid in elucidating novel EDC and drug targets contributing to the etiology of male infertility.

Mechanism of the improved Fe(III)/persulfate reaction by gallic acid for ibuprofen degradation

Gallic acid (GA), a natural plant polyphenol, was applied as amendment of Fe(III)/persulfate (PS) system for ibuprofen (IBP) degradation in this study. The impacts of all agentia (GA, Fe(III), PS) concentration and initial pH values on IBP removal efficiency were investigated, and their corresponding observed pseudo-first-order rate constants (k_obs) were calculated. The addition of GA has significantly improved elimination efficiency of IBP due to the enhanced Fe(III)/Fe(II) cycle. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) results confirmed that SO₄^•-, HO^• and O₂^•- were involved in GA/Fe(III)/PS system. However, quenching experiments further affirmed the impact of SO₄^•- and HO^• towards IBP decomposition instead of O₂^•-, with contribution ratio to IBP removal was 69.12% and 30.88%, respectively. SO₄^•- was the main radicals formed by directly activation of PS with Fe(II), while HO^• was the transformation product of SO₄^•-. Based on instrumental analysis (stopped-flow UV-vis spectrum and MS) and theoretical calculation, the potential reaction mechanism between GA and Fe(III) in the presence of PS was further proposed. GA complexed with Fe(III) firstly and the Fe(III)-GA complex was then converted into quinone substance, accompanied by the generation of Fe(II). Furthermore, the application of GA extended the optimal pH range to neutral as well, which made it a promising treatment in practical application.

Eicosanoid Biosynthesis in Male Reproductive Development: Effects of Perinatal Exposure to NSAIDs and Analgesic Drugs

Increasing rates of infertility associated with declining sperm counts and quality, as well as increasing rates of testicular cancer are contemporary issues in the United States and abroad. These conditions are part of the Testicular Dysgenesis Syndrome, which includes a variety of male reproductive disorders hypothesized to share a common origin based on disrupted testicular development during fetal and neonatal stages of life. Male reproductive development is a highly regulated and complex process that relies on an intricate coordination between germ, Leydig, and Sertoli cells as well as other supporting cell types, to ensure proper spermatogenesis, testicular immune privilege, and endocrine function. The eicosanoid system has been reported to be involved in the regulation of fetal and neonatal germ cell development as well as overall testicular homeostasis. Moreover, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and analgesics with abilities to block eicosanoid synthesis by targeting either or both isoforms of cyclooxygenase enzymes, have been found to adversely affect male reproductive development. This review will explore the current body of knowledge on the involvement of the eicosanoid system in male reproductive development, as well as discuss adverse effects of NSAIDs and analgesic drugs administered perinatally, focusing on toxicities reported in the testis and on major testicular cell types. Rodent and epidemiological studies will be corroborated by findings in invertebrate models for a comprehensive report of the state of the field, and to add to our understanding of the potential long-term effects of NSAID and analgesic drug administration in infants.

In vitro impact of genistein and mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) on the eicosanoid pathway in spermatogonial stem cells

Perinatal exposures to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) alter the male reproductive system. Infants are exposed to genistein (GEN) through soy-based formula, and to Mono(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate (MEHP), metabolite of the plasticizer DEHP. Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are formed in infancy and their integrity is essential for spermatogenesis. Thus, understanding the impact of EDCs on SSCs is critical. Prostaglandins (PGs) are inflammatory mediators synthesized via the eicosanoid pathway starting with cyclooxygenases (Coxs), that regulate physiological and pathological processes. Our goal was to study the eicosanoid pathway in SSCs and examine whether it was disrupted by GEN and MEHP, potentially contributing to their adverse effects. The mouse C18-4 cell line used as SSC model expressed high levels of Cox1 and Cox2 genes and proteins, and eicosanoid pathway genes similarly to levels measured in primary rat spermatogonia. Treatments with GEN and MEHP at 10 and 100 μM decreased Cox1 gene and protein expression, whereas Cox2, phospholipase A2, prostaglandin synthases transcripts, PGE2, PGF2a and PGD2 were upregulated. Simultaneously, the transcript levels of spermatogonia progenitor markers Foxo1 and Mcam and differentiated spermatogonial markers cKit and Stra8 were increased. Foxo1 was also increased by EDCs in primary rat spermatogonia. This study shows that the eicosanoid pathway is altered during SSC differentiation and that exposure to GEN and MEHP disrupts this process, mainly driven by GEN effects on Cox2 pathway, while MEHP acts through an alternative mechanism. Thus, understanding the role of Cox enzymes in SSCs and how GEN and MEHP exposures alter their differentiation warrants further studies.

Allicin protects against myocardial I/R by accelerating angiogenesis via the miR-19a-3p/PI3K/AKT axis

Objectives: Allicin is an allyl 2-propenethiosulfinate or diallyl thiosulfinate acid with cardioprotective effects in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/R) injury. This study aims to examine the underlying mechanism by which Allicin protects against MI/R.

Methods: C57BL6 mice were subjected to either sham or MI/R surgery, and mice in the Allicin group were injected with Allicin (5 mg/ml) before the induction of ischemia. The cardiac function and histopathology of experimental mice were evaluated by ultrasound quantification and Masson staining. We next measured the capillary angiogenesis of the peri-infarct area by Masson staining and immunohistochemical staining. The miRNA microarray was carried out to examine the expressed miRNAs in MI/R tissues and corresponding normal tissues. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR) was performed to validate the selected miRNA-19α-3p gene expression. Besides, we evaluated the myocardial lactate dehydrogenase and COX-2 by immunofluorescence staining. The western blot analysis was used to evaluate the protein levels of p-AKT, p-PI3K, p-mTOR, COX-2, and VEGF protein in the Allicin and Model group. In vitro study, LPS stimulated Tie2 expressing macrophages were cultured in an ischemic buffer. We evaluated the accumulation of VEGF by fura-2/AM fluorescence. Besides, Western blotting was performed to examine the protein levels of p-PI3K, p-AKT, p-mTOR, VEGF, COX2, and MMP2. The PI3K inhibitor was applied to investigate whether Allicin-induced myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury protection is mediated via the PI3K/AKT pathway. And the miR-19α-3p mimic/inhibitor were transfected to promote/inhibit the expression of miR-19a-3p for verifying the regulation of miR-19a-3p on PI3K pathway.

Results: Allicin pretreatment significantly improved I/R-induced cardiac function damage. Furthermore, Allicin could repress cardiac fibrosis, as evidenced by reduced areas of cardiac fibrosis. Allicin’s effect on the MI/R was associated with increased capillary angiogenesis. Microarray analysis exposed that miR-19a-3p down-regulated PIK3CA (PI3K) expression by directly targeting the PIK3CA gene. The regulation of the angiogenesis pathway and gene miRNA-19a-3p might affect the Allicin-induced MI/R protection. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that COX-2 and myocardial lactate dehydrogenase were significantly increased after Allicin treatment. Furthermore, western blot analysis demonstrated that p-AKT, p-PI3K, p-mTOR, COX-2, and VEGF protein levels were also increased in the Allicin group. In vitro study, the protein levels of p-PI3K, p-AKT, p-mTOR, VEGF, COX2, and MMP2 were significantly increased in the Allicin-treated Tie2 expressing macrophages. These effects were partially reversed by PI3K inhibitor (Wortmannin) treatment. MiR-19α-3p plays an important role in myocardial I/R injury. It could regulate the activity of the PI3K-AKT pathway. And inhibition of miR-19a-3p promoted angiogenesis by regulating PI3K/AKT pathway.

Conclusions: Allicin pretreatment protects against myocardial I/R and activating the miR-19a-3p/PI3K/AKT pathway.

Long-term exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of ibuprofen and aluminum alters oxidative stress status on Danio rerio

Despite the ubiquitous presence of multiple pollutants in aqueous environments have been extensively demonstrated, the ecological impact of chemical cocktails has not been studied in depth. In recent years, environmental studies have mainly focused on the risk assessment of individual chemical substances neglecting the effects of complex mixtures even though it has been demonstrated that combined effects exerted by pollutants might represent a greater hazard to the biocenosis. The current study evaluates the effects on the oxidative stress status induced by individual forms and binary mixtures of ibuprofen (IBU) and aluminum (Al) on brain, gills, liver and gut tissues of Danio rerio after long-term exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations (0.1-11 μg L^-1 and 0.05 mg L^-1- 6 mg L^-1, respectively). Lipid peroxidation (LPO), Protein carbonyl content (PCC) and activity of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), and Glutathione Peroxidase (GPX) were evaluated. Moreover, concentrations of both toxicants and the metabolite 2-OH-IBU were quantified on test water and tissues. Results show that ibuprofen (IBU) and aluminum (Al) singly promote the production of radical species and alters the oxidative stress status in all evaluated tissues of zebrafish, nevertheless, higher effects were elicited by mixtures as different interactions take place.

Pre-pubertal exposure to ibuprofen impairs sperm parameters in male adult rats and compromises the next generation

Ibuprofen is one of the most commonly prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs in pediatric practice. This drug inhibits the cyclooxygenase enzyme, reducing the production of prostaglandin, an important mediator on male reproductive function. We examined if pre-pubertal treatment with ibuprofen in male rats can affect the reproductive parameters of these animals in adult life and on their descendants. Male rats (23 days old) received ibuprofen (0; 2.4; 7.2 or 14.3 mg/kg/day), per gavage, from postnatal day (PND) 23 to 53. At sexual maturity, treated males were placed with untreated females for obtaining the next generation (F1). The highest dose of ibuprofen interfered in sexual behavior and reduced the fertility potential of these animals in adulthood. Additionally, the ibuprofen treatment altered the sperm quantity and quality, as evidenced by a decrease in sperm motility and in the daily sperm production in the testis. Testosterone levels were also reduced by pre-pubertal treatment. The paternal treatment with this drug also influenced the reproductive outcomes of progeny. The male offspring from males treated exhibited acceleration in sperm transit time in the epididymis and the number and volume of Leydig cell nuclei were decreased, while the estrous cyclicity was displayed and the fertility potential reduced in the female offspring. The pre-pubertal ibuprofen-treatment caused negative reproductive impacts in adulthood, compromising sperm quality and quantity, as well as interfered in the reproductive outcomes of the next generation.

In utero exposure to low doses of genistein and di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) alters innate immune cells in neonatal and adult rat testes

BACKGROUND

Although humans are exposed to mixtures of endocrine disruptor chemicals, few studies have examined their toxicity on male reproduction. We previously found that fetal exposure to a mixture of the phytoestrogen genistein (GEN) and the plasticizer di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) altered gene expression in adult rat testes.

OBJECTIVES

Our goal was to investigate the effects of fetal exposure to GEN-DEHP mixtures at two doses relevant to humans on testicular function and transcriptome in neonatal and adult rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Pregnant SD rats were gavaged with vehicle, GEN or DEHP, alone or mixed at 0.1 and 10 mg/kg/day, from gestation day 14 to birth. Fertility, steroid levels, and testis morphology were examined in neonatal and adult rats. Testicular transcriptomes were examined by gene array and functional pathway analyses. Cell-specific genes/proteins were determined by quantitative real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

GEN-DEHP mixtures increased the rates of infertility and abnormal testes in adult rats. Gene array analysis identified more genes exclusively altered by the mixtures than individual compounds. Altered top canonical pathways included urogenital/reproductive developmental and inflammatory processes. GEN-DEHP mixtures increased innate immune cells and macrophages markers at both doses and ages, more strongly and consistently than DEHP or GEN alone. Genes exclusively increased by the mixture in adult testis related to innate immune cells and macrophages included Kitlg, Rps6ka3 (Rsk2), Nr3c1, Nqo1, Lif, Fyn, Ptprj (Dep-1), Gpr116, Pfn2, and Ptgr1.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

These findings demonstrate that GEN-DEHP mixtures at doses relevant to human induce adverse testicular phenotypes, concurrent with age-dependent and non-monotonic changes in testicular transcriptomes. The involvement of innate immune cells such as macrophages suggests immediate and delayed inflammatory responses which may contribute to testicular dysfunction. Moreover, these effects are complex and likely involve multiple interactions between immune and non-immune testicular cell types that will entail further studies.

Protective Role of Peroxiredoxins against Reactive Oxygen Species in Neonatal Rat Testicular Gonocytes

Peroxiredoxins (PRDXs) are antioxidant enzymes that protect cells from oxidative stress and play a role in reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated signaling. We reported that PRDXs are critical for human fertility by maintaining sperm viability and regulating ROS levels during capacitation. Moreover, studies on Prdx6^−/− mice revealed the essential role of PRDX6 in the viability, motility, and fertility competence of spermatozoa. Although PRDXs are abundant in the testis and spermatozoa, their potential role at different phases of spermatogenesis and in perinatal germ cells is unknown. Here, we examined the expression and role of PRDXs in isolated rat neonatal gonocytes, the precursors of spermatogonia, including spermatogonial stem cells. Gene array, qPCR analyses showed that PRDX1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 transcripts are among the most abundant antioxidant genes in postnatal day (PND) 3 gonocytes, while immunofluorescence confirmed the expression of PRDX1, 2, and 6 proteins. The role of PRDXs in gonocyte viability was examined using PRDX inhibitors, revealing that the 2-Cys PRDXs and PRDX6 peroxidases activities are critical for gonocytes viability in basal condition, likely preventing an excessive accumulation of endogenous ROS in the cells. In contrast to its crucial role in spermatozoa, PRDX6 independent phospholipase A₂ (iPLA₂) activity was not critical in gonocytes in basal conditions. However, under conditions of H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress, all these enzymatic activities were critical to maintain gonocyte viability. The inhibition of PRDXs promoted a two-fold increase in lipid peroxidation and prevented gonocyte differentiation. These results suggest that ROS are produced in neonatal gonocytes, where they are maintained by PRDXs at levels that are non-toxic and permissive for cell differentiation. These findings show that PRDXs play a major role in the antioxidant machinery of gonocytes, to maintain cell viability and allow for differentiation.