Podophyllotoxin Extracted from Juniperus sabina Fruit Inhibits Rat Sperm Maturation and Fertility by Promoting Epididymal Epithelial Cell Apoptosis

Figure 13

Summary of the possible mechanisms of podophyllotoxin induced apoptosis in rat epididymal epithelial cells. Podophyllotoxin increases the mRNA and secretion level of TNF-α, and TNF-α activates caspase-8 indirectly. Caspase-8 can activate caspase-3 and cleave Bid, leading to cytochrome c release and caspase-9 activation. Both caspase-8 and caspase-9 then activate executioner caspase-3, which orchestrates the removal of cells by programmed cell death.