Abstract

This study investigated the in vitro effects of sodium fluoride (NaF) on cytotoxicity and oxidative stress in TM3 Leydig cells. Cytotoxicity was determined with cell viability and proliferation rate, and lactate dehydrogenase leakage assay. Oxidative damage was measured by increasing lipid peroxidation product, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreasing cellular enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. Leydig cells were exposed to two different concentrations of NaF (2ppm and 16ppm) for 24h, 48h and 72h which are considered to be the lowest and highest fluoride concentrations based on daily intake of drinking water in Turkey. The present study showed that cell viability and proliferation decreased and oxidative stress increased in NaF-exposed Leydig cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. The findings suggest that fluoride-treatment can cause damage in Leydig cells, especially in antioxidant system of the cells. The results also proved that oxidative stress plays an important role in impairments on Leydig cell function.