Effects of nonylphenol on prostate cell apoptosis and expressions of caspase-3,caspase-8,and caspase-9 mRNA in male Wistar rats

Objective To evaluate effects of nonylphenol(NP)on rat prostate tissue apoptosis and expressions of caspase-3,caspase-8,and caspase-9 mRNA.Methods Fifty healthy Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups(one olive control group and 4 groups exposed to NP at the doses of 12.5,25,50,and 100 mg/kg)based on body weight.The exposure groups were admimistered 1 mg/kg of NP hypodermic injection once a day for 30 days.The prostate tissue apoptosis was observed with teminal transferase-mediated biotin dUTP nick end labeling(TUNEL)and expressions of caspase-3,caspase-8,and caspase-9mRNA in prostate tissue were detected with real-time reverse transcription PCR(RT-PCR).Results The prostate apoptosis rate in 12.5,25,50,and 100 mg/kg NP group were 3.07±1.31%,5.21±1.47%,6.31±1.29%,and 8.90±0.18%,all lower than that in the control group(12.73±2.19%)(P0.05 for all).The expressions of caspase-3 mRNA,caspase-8 mRNA,and caspase-9 mRNA in all NP exposed groups were lower than those in the control group(P0.05 for all).Conclusion NP decreases the apoptosis of prostate tissue in male Wistar rats,which may be one of the mechanisms for prostate hyperplasia in rats caused by NP.