Ionizing radiation-induced testicular oxidative stress and apoptosis: the role of small GTPase RhoA

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Manisalıgil Y. A., Yurt A., Ural Özkan C., Cilaker Mıçılı S., Şişman G., Çavdar Z., ...More

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RADIATION BIOLOGY, vol.5, pp.1-7, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 5
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/09553002.2025.2552248
  • Journal Name: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RADIATION BIOLOGY
  • Journal Indexes: Scopus, Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Academic Search Premier, BIOSIS, Chemical Abstracts Core, EMBASE, CAB Abstracts, MEDLINE, Veterinary Science Database
  • Page Numbers: pp.1-7
  • Keywords: Apoptosis, RhoA, radiation-induced damage, rat, reactive oxygen species (ROS), testis
  • Open Archive Collection: AVESIS Open Access Collection
  • Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Purpose: The effects of ionizing radiation on living organisms are mainly known as the generation

of reactive oxygen species (ROS), apoptosis, and DNA damage. Small GTPases (RhoA, Rac1, Cdc42)

are known to have roles in the regulation of oxidative stress and apoptosis. The aim of this study

was to investigate the role of the RhoA molecule in testicular tissue damage due to oxidative stress

and apoptosis induced by ionizing radiation.

Material and method: In this study, testicular tissues and blood samples obtained from our

previous study were examined. In that study, rats were exposed to ionizing radiation at three

different doses (0.02 Gy, 0.1 Gy, 5 Gy). Then tissue and blood samples were taken at three different

times (2 hours, 24 hours, and 7 days) after irradiation. Immunohistochemical staining was performed

to evaluate RhoA and cleaved caspase-3 expressions, while RhoA activity was assessed by G-LISA

assay in testicular tissues. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD)

activity were analyzed to evaluate oxidative stress.

Results: The expression and activation of RhoA demonstrated a time-dependent increase across all

levels of radiation doses. Similarly, the expression of cleaved caspase-3 also exhibited a

time-dependent increase, consistent with the effects of radiation-induced damage observed in all

experimental groups. After exposure to radiation, serum levels of MDA increased, while the activity

of SOD decreased.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that RhoA may contribute to radiation-induced testicular tissue

damage by increasing oxidative stress and apoptosis.