Ultrastructural effects of (4S)-2-(4-Hydroxy-3-Methoxyphenyl) Thiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid on zebrafish testicular tissue

Thiazolidinones are heterocyclic organic medicines and the antifungal, antibacterial, and antiproliferative effects were shown in the studies. The aim of the study was to investigate the possible negative effects of (4S)-2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)thiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid in zebrafish testicular tissue on an ultrastructural level. Experimental groups were exposed to different doses (0.2mM, 0.4mM, and 0.6mM) of thiazolidinone for 5 days. Further, no treatment was given to the control group. The testicular tissues were fixed and embedded in epoxy resin. The pathological sections were evaluated with transmission electron microscope. The sertoli, leydig, and spermatogenic cells of the control group showed intact morphology. In experimental groups, mitochondrial swelling, intense cristae loss, and autophagic vacuoles were observed in the Sertoli cells. Dilated perinuclear space, mitochondrial degeneration, and dilated smooth endoplasmic reticulum (sER) were detected in spermatocytes. The spermatids showed separation between genetic material and nuclear membrane. The condensation of genetic material was irregular. Mitochondrial degeneration and dilatation of sER tubules were detected. The Leydig cells showed perinuclear space dilatation, mitochondria degeneration, and dilatation in sER tubules. Our findings suggest that thiazolidinone has degenerative effects on zebrafish testis and this chemical should be carefully used in the pharmaceutical industry.