Triptolide induces Sertoli cell apoptosis in mice via ROS/JNK-dependent activation of the mitochondrial pathway and inhibition of Nrf2-mediated antioxidant response

Triptolide (TP), an oxygenated diterpene, has a variety of beneficial pharmacodynamic activities but its clinical applications are restricted due to severe testicular injury. This study aimed to delineate the molecular mechanisms of TP-induced testicular injury in vitro and in vivo. TP (5–50000 nmol/L) dose-dependently decreased the viability of TM4 Sertoli cells with an IC50 value of 669.5–269.45 nmol/L at 24 h. TP (125, 250, and 500 nmol/L)...