miR-542-3p reduces antioxidant capacity in goat caput epididymal epithelial cells by targeting glutathione peroxidase 5 (GPx5)

The mammalian epididymis provides an optimal and antioxidative fluid microenvironment for post-testicular sperm maturation by secretion of antioxidant scavengers and removal of excessive ROS. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are expressed in the epididymis and involved in the regulation of epididymis physiology and functions. However, whether miRNAs are involved in regulating the antioxidant capacity and oxidative damage in the epididymis is not well understood. This study was designed to investigate the role of miR-542–3p in the regulation of antioxidant capacity and oxidative damage in the epididymis of goats. Firstly, we determined the expression of miR-542–3p and glutathione peroxidase 5 (GPx5) in the epididymis of young and adult goats using RT-qPCR assay, and found that miR-542–3p and GPx5 exhibited inverse expression levels. Our results showed that the expression level of miR-542–3p in epididymis was upregulated (P