Accessory Sex Organs Research Articles

Effects of chronic CuNPs treatment followed by termination for two spermatogenic cycles in the testicular functions of mice

The present study investigated the possible effects of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) after discontinuing treatment on testicular activity in a mouse model. The male mice were given continuous CuNPs treatment for 70 days and left untreated for 70 days. The results show that even after the discontinuation of CuNPs treatment, the testicular impairment was persistent till 140 days at a higher dose (200 mg/kg group). The spermatogenesis, sperm parameters, proliferation and antioxidant status were suppressed in the higher dose groups. However, these effects were also observed at moderate levels in the other CuNPs treated groups, such as at 10 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg. The apoptosis was stimulated at a higher dose compared to the other groups. The testosterone, LH levels and AR expression were suppressed in all the CuNPs treated groups, along with slight elevation in the estrogen levels and up-regulated ERβ expression. The fertility data also showed a decline in all CuNPs treated groups with the lowest litter size in the 200 mg/kg treated group. Despite testis, epididymis and accessory sex organs like prostate, seminal vesicle, and vas deferens, histoarchitecture also showed impairment. This is the first report on how CuNPs affect the male reproductive system in mice even after treatment was terminated. The current study also demonstrated possible negative effects on male reproductive function that might last for longer at higher dosages of chronic CuNPs exposure even after termination.

Unique morphology and photoperiodically regulated activity of neurosecretory canopy cells in the pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis

The pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis exhibits clear photoperiodism in egg laying; it lays more eggs in long-day conditions than in medium-day conditions. A key regulator of egg laying is neurosecretory caudo-dorsal cells (CDCs) producing an ovulation hormone in the cerebral ganglia. Paired small budding structures of the cerebral ganglia (viz. the lateral lobe) also promote egg laying in addition to spermatogenesis and maturation of female accessory sex organs. However, it remains unknown which cells in the lateral lobe are responsible for these. Previous anatomical and physiological studies prompted us to hypothesize that canopy cells in the lateral lobe modulate activity of CDCs. However, double labeling of the canopy cell and CDCs revealed no sign of direct neural connections, suggesting that activity of CDCs is regulated either humorally or through a neural pathway independent of canopy cells. In addition, our detailed anatomical re-evaluation confirmed previous observations that the canopy cell bears fine neurites along the ipsilateral axon and extensions from the plasma membrane of the cell body, although the function of these extensions remains unexplored. Furthermore, comparison of electrophysiological properties between long-day and medium-day conditions indicated that the canopy cell’s activity is moderately under photoperiodic regulation: resting membrane potentials of long-day snails are shallower than those of medium-day snails, and spontaneously spiking neurons are only observed in long-day conditions. Thus, canopy cells appear to receive photoperiodic information and regulate photoperiod-dependent phenomena, but not provide direct neural inputs to CDCs.

Salvia officinalis L. Methanolic Extract Reduces Lead and Nicotine-Induced Sperm Quality Degeneration in Male Rats.

The current study is aimed at evaluating the potential health benefits of Salvia officinalis L. (sage)methanol extract on lead and nicotine hydrogen tartrate-induced sperm quality degeneration in male rats and also identifying some of the non-polar volatile bioactive compounds that might be attributed to the bioactivity of S. officinalis extract using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In the study, fifty-four mature male albino rats of about 220 - 250 g [were divided randomly and equally into 9 groups (n=6)]. Sperm quality degeneration was induced through the oral administration of 1.5 g/L of lead acetate in drinking water or peritoneal injection of 0.50 mg/kg (animal weight) nicotine hydrogen tartrate for sixty days. Two doses (200 & 400 mg/kg b.w.) of S. officinalis L. were used. Twelve major compounds were identified. Lead and nicotine toxicity had a great effect on the rats' sperm quality causing a significant (p<0.05) decrease in the quantity of sperm and sperm motility as well as an upsurge in the abnormalities of the sperm and a reduction in the length & diameter of seminiferous tubules and size & weight of sexual organs.The administration of S. officinalis L. methanol extract ameliorates the adversative effects of lead and nicotine.

Antiandrogenic treatment of obsessive compulsive neurosis: A case review

IntroductionObsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental disorder in which patients who suffer from it have repetitive and undesirable thoughts, feelings, ideas, sensations (obsessions) and behaviors that drive them to do something over and over again (compulsions).Often the person tries to get rid of the obsessive thoughts through compulsions, but this only provides short-term relief. Not carrying out the obsessive rituals can cause enormous anxiety and suffering.ObjectivesTo describe a 23-year-old male patient, who suffers from anxiety and mood symptoms, reacts to ego-dystonic obsessive ideas and sexual content, of months of evolution, and who manages to calm down through compulsive masturbation or watching sexual videos on the internet. All this clinic negatively interferes with their quality of life, asking the patient for medical help to calm these ideas.MethodsWe carried out a review in Pubmed with the terms Antiandrogens and TOC, in order to make a better description of the clinical case.ResultsAfter several treatment attempts (Sertraline, Paroxetine, Clomipramine, Clomipramine + SSRI), reaching maximum doses according to clinical guidelines, and with poor therapeutic response, it was decided to discuss the case with the endocrinology department of our hospital, deciding to start treatment with antiandrogens, in order to alleviate the persistent intrusive ideas of a sexual nature. The administration of antiandrogens in men can cause a decrease or increase in the development or involution of secondary sexual characteristics in men, reducing the activity or function of accessory sexual organs, and hyposexuality, with decreased sexual desire or libido.After several weeks, there was improvement in the obsessive symptoms with a decrease in compulsive rituals. However, after the 3rd mo, some symptoms reappeared, but not with the same severity and intensity as before treatment. In addition, we cannot ignore the adverse effects that have occurred, such as involution of secondary sexual characteristics. However, and taking into account the negative repercussion that this clinic had on the patient’s quality of life, the benefit obtained exceeded the risk, having noted clear improvement with this therapy, and maintaining evolutionary controls by both psychiatry and endocrinology.ConclusionsPatients suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder can be effectively treated with anti-androgenic pharmacological agents with various modes of action. The most effective group of such agents is the long-acting analogues of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone. The objective of this review is to elucidate the possibility of using such powerful anti-androgenic agents in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Novel protective effect of diosmin against cisplatin-induced prostate and seminal vesicle damage: Role of oxidative stress and apoptosis

Multiple organ toxicity has been associated with cisplatin (CIS) treatment, limiting its clinical use. The human prostate and seminal vesicles are accessory sex organs with androgen-dependent morphogenesis, growth, and secretion. The present study aimed to investigate, for the first time, the toxic effect of CIS on normal prostate and seminal vesicles in the presence and absence of diosmin (DS). The animals were randomized into 4 groups as follows: control (received vehicle), CIS group (7.5 mg/kg, i.p. on 5th and 12th day), DS group (100 mg/kg, p.o. for 15 days), and DS+CIS group. Histopathological and biochemical analyses were conducted to elucidate the goal of this study. CIS administration significantly induced prostate and seminal vesicle toxicity as evidenced by alteration of serum testosterone, LH, FSH, PSA, steroidogenic HSD17B6 as well as seminal analysis markers. Remarkably, marked histopathological changes in thin and ultrathin structures were observed. Besides, CIS significantly boosted oxidative stress as evidenced by the up-regulation of MDA and down-regulation of TAC. CIS significantly induced tissue apoptosis concomitant with suppression of cellular proliferation and stem cell expression as indicated by up-regulation of activated caspase-3 and Bax expression along with down-regulation of Bcl-2, Ki67, and CD44 expression. Interestingly, DS fixed all disturbances in the prostate and seminal vesicles induced by CIS. Together, CIS could cause prostate and seminal vesicle toxicity by affecting hormonal, steroidogenic, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and proliferation processes, and this effect was reversed by DS administration.

Hydroethanolic extract of Ixora coccinea leaves inhibits testicular and epididymal toxicity associated with antitumor drug Cisplatin in rats

Cisplatin (Cp) is one of the most effective chemotherapy antineoplastic drugs. Nevertheless, it causes numerous injurious effects on numerous organs, precisely the testes. Ixora coccinea (IC) is a well-known medicinal herb and has a long history of medicinal use as a tonic to promote health. This study revealed the inhibitory effects of hydroethanolic extract of IC leaves (HEICL) on CP-induced testicular damage in male Wistar rats. Thirty (30) adult male Wistar rats were used and divided into six groups of five rats. These groups were treated as followed: Group 1(control group) and 2 were administered (0.9% saline) and CP (10 mg/kg. b.wt) intraperitoneal (IP) route respectively, and groups 3 and 4 were administered HEICL at 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg and 5 and 6 were co-treated with Cp + HEICL (150 and 300 mg/kg) respectively. The treatment duration was 28 days. Spermatological profiles and testicular histopathology were assessed. Cp-treated rats showed a significant (p&lt;0.05) reduction in relative organ weight and sperm parameters. On the other hand, Cp treatment increased the percentage of sperm abnormalities relative to the control and the groups administered HEICL only. These results were confirmed by histopathological analysis. Contrarily, there were modulations in cp-induced spermiotoxic and testicular damage following the HEICL pretreatment. Our research showed that CP treatment exerts damaging consequences on sperm parameters, testicular tissues, and accessory sex organs in rats. Pre-treatment with HEICL for 26 days at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg bodyweight had a protective role against testicular damage brought on by CP.

Abstract 5282: Preclinical efficacy of abiraterone plus capivasertib in mouse Pten-deficient prostate cancer

Abstract Prostate tumors are characterized with constitutively activated AKT signaling primarily through the loss of PTEN. Second generation antiandrogens such as abiraterone acetate have improved the survival of prostate cancer patients, however, resistance remains a problem and patients with PTEN-deficient tumors have poorer outcomes to abiraterone treatments. Moreover, PTEN-deficient tumors are also characterized with immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments. In this study we investigate the benefit of adding capivasertib, a potent pan-Akt inhibitor, to abiraterone therapy in a preclinical model of Pten-deficient prostate cancer and examine the antitumor efficacy and its influence on antitumor immunity. The temporal effects of abiraterone and capivasertib alone and as combination therapy were evaluated after one and four weeks of dosing in conditional transgenic mice harboring Pten-deficient prostate tumors. While abiraterone therapy alone reduced genitourinary tract weights, which contain both AR-sensitive normal accessory sex organs and prostate tumor, the treatment had no overall effect on prostate tumor burden. Mice treated with capivasertib monotherapy experienced tumor burden reductions of 8.2% and 15.6% at week 1 and 8, respectively, moreover, the treatment combination of abiraterone + capivasertib significantly improved the therapeutic effect with tumor burden reductions of 35.6% and 37.8% at weeks 1 and 4, respectively versus vehicle control. qRT-PCR analysis of Ar target genes showed decreased expression in mice treated with abiraterone. All treatment combinations showed increased gene expression levels of Casp3 in tumors from mice at week one but were greatest in those treated with abiraterone alone or in combination and increased expression levels were sustained only in the combination cohort at week four. Immunological profiling of tumors from mice treated with abiraterone + capivasertib using qRT-PCR-based panel of immune-related genes revealed enrichments in genes associated with phagocytosis, antigen processing and dendritic cell function. Examination of the tumor draining lymph nodes by flow cytometric analysis showed ~1.5-fold-increases in the abundance of migratory dendritic cells (CD11b+\CD11c+\XCR1+) in all pharmacologically treated mice (versus vehicle control) and remained elevated only in mice receiving capivasertib as monotherapy or combination at week four. Additionally, mice treated with combination therapy also had enrichments in genes sets associated to T cell, NK cell and as well as T cell activation, cytotoxicity, and interferon gamma signature. The findings from this study provide preclinical evidence for the efficacy of combination therapy with abiraterone plus capivasertib and provides insights into its immunomodulatory effects and influence on antitumor immunity. Citation Format: Marco A. De Velasco, Yurie Kura, Naomi Ando, Keiko Kuroka, Kazutoshi Fujita, Eri Banno, Kazuko Sakai, Masahiro Nozawa, Kazuhiro Yoshimura, Kazuto Nishio, Hirotsugu Uemura. Preclinical efficacy of abiraterone plus capivasertib in mouse Pten-deficient prostate cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 5282.

Ameliorative effect of methanolic extract of Tribulus terrestris L. on nicotine and lead-induced degeneration of sperm quality in male rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe use of herbal and medicinal plants to treat male infertility is well known in history. Tribulus terrestris L. (TT) belongs to the Zygophyllaceae family and it is used in folk medicine to vitalize and also improve both physical performance and sexual function in men in addition to the protective effect of the gross saponins of TT against ischemic stroke and its clinical anti-inflammatory property.Aim of the study: This study aimed to investigate the effects of methanol extract of T. terrestris on nicotine hydrogen tartrate and lead-induced degeneration of sperm quality in male rats and to identify the volatile bioactive non-polar compounds thought to be responsible for its activity using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Materials and methodsThe effect of T. terrestris on nicotine hydrogen tartrate and lead-induced infertility was evaluated in male rats. Fifty-four mature male albino rats weighing 220–250 g body weight were used. The rats were randomly divided into 9 equal groups (n = 6). Infertility was induced by administering nicotine hydrogen tartrate (0.50 mg/kg) through peritoneal injection (i.p.) or lead acetate (1.5 g/L) orally with drinking water for sixty days. Two doses (50 and 100 mg/kg body weight of the animal) of T. terrestris were also used. At the end of the experimental period, the rats were anesthetized and sacrificed. Blood samples were collected. Hormonal analyses were carried out on the serum. The testicle, epididymis, and accessory sex organs (seminal vesical and prostates) were removed for histopathological analysis. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of the methanol extract was also carried out to identify major volatile compounds in T. terrestris methanol extract. ResultsNicotine and lead toxicity caused a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the number of sperm, motility, and an increase in the sperm abnormalities such as the reduction in weight and size of sexual organs (testis, epididymis, and accessory sex glands), reduction of diameter and length of seminiferous tubules. The administration of T. terrestris methanol extract, however, improved the semen quantity and quality, sexual organ weights, and fertility of male rats and, thus, ameliorated the adverse effects of nicotine and lead. Ten major compounds were found from the GC-MS analysis of the extract of T. terrestris methanol extract. ConclusionFindings showed that T. terrestris plant methanolic extracts ameliorated nicotine hydrogen tartrate and lead-induced degeneration of sperm quality in male rats. The GC-MS analysis of the T. terrestris plant methanolic extracts revealed the presence of several important bioactive compounds which were thought to be responsible for the ameliorative effect. Further isolation and evaluation of the individual components would provide relevant lead to finding new drugs.

Neuropeptide Profiles of Mammalian Male Genital Tract: Distribution and Functional Relevance in Reproduction.

Neuropeptides are secretory peptides characterized by small chains of amino acids linked by peptide bonds. They are majorly found in some mammalian neurons and glial cells, where they modulate a variety of physiological homeostasis. In the male genital tract, they are mostly found in the neuronal fibers supplying the vasculature, smooth muscle layer, interstitium, and lamina propria of the tunica mucosa of the various reproductive organs. Functionally, neuropeptides are strongly implicated in vascular temperature regulations, spermatozoa extrusion, epididymal content transportation, and movement of accessory gland secretions. This review provides an overview of neuropeptides with respect to their synthesis, release, and mechanism of actions, with emphasis on the locally acting neuropeptides, such as substance P (SP), neuropeptide Y (NPY), vasoactive intestinal peptides (VIP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), galanin (GAL), cholecystokinin (CCK), C-terminal flanking peptide of NPY (CPON), peptide histidine isoleucine (PHI), and met- and leu-enkephalins (M-ENK and L-ENK) along the male genital tract (i.e., the spermatic cord, testis, epididymis, ductus deferens, and accessory sex organs) of 14 species of mammals and their marked influence on reproduction. This review also revealed from documented reports that the vast majority of neuropeptides present in the autonomic nerve supply to the male genital tract probably coexist with other peptides or with various neurotransmitters (tyrosine hydroxylase, dopamine beta hydroxylase, and 5-hydroxytryptamine). In addition, documented evidence of variation in age, season, and intraspecies differences were identified as notable factors of influence in peptidergic nerve fiber distribution.

Excess iodine supplementation aggravates the toxic effects induced by perchlorate on the male reproductive system in rats

Objective: To investigate the toxicity of excess iodine and perchlorate co-exposure on male reproductive system in rats. Methods: Eighteen male Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups. Group 1 received no treatment and served as the control group. Group 2 received perchlorate alone (130 mg/kg body weight), and group 3 received perchlorate (130 mg/kg body weight) plus excess iodine (0.7 mg potassium iodine/100 g body weight) for 45 days. Urinary perchlorate and iodine excretion pattern, testicular iodine concentration, serum testosterone levels, epididymal sperm count, key enzymes of steroidogenic pathway, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species including total antioxidant profiles in testis with electron microscopic ultrastructure analysis of spermatozoa were evaluated. Results: Co-exposure of perchlorate and excess iodine reduced their excretion pattern, reflecting accumulation with reactive oxygen species generation. It was accompanied by higher lipid peroxidation level with imbalance in the pro-/antioxidant status, inhibiting the activities of Δ5 3 β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) and 17 β-HSD rate limiting enzyme activities, and causing reduced synthesis of testosterone, parallel to reduction in testicular and accessory sex organs weight, epididymal sperm-count with deformed ultrastructure of sperm. Perchlorate alone was not a reproductive toxicant; however, in combination with excess-iodine, acute effects were noticed, resulting in a severe deterioration of testicular and spermatozoal structure and function. Conclusions: This study provides a novel insight on the augmentation of the relatively moderate repro-toxic effects of perchlorate to a more severe form in presence of excess iodine on male reproductive physiology, which justifies further investigations.

Safety effect of fermented oyster extract on the endocrine disruptor assay in vitro and in vivo

Oyster (Crassostrea gigas) is a marine bivalve mollusk widely distributed in coastal areas, and have been long widely used in industrial resources. Several studies demonstrated that fermented oyster (FO) extract attribute to bone health, but whether administration of FO play as an endocrine disruptor has not been studied. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the effect of FO on the endocrine system in vitro and in vivo. As the results of the competitive estrogen receptor (ER) and androgen receptor (AR) binding affinities, FO was not combined with ER-α, ER-β, and AR. However, 17β-estradiol and testosterone, used as positive control, were interacted with ER and AR, respectively. Meanwhile, oral administration of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg of FO doesn’t have any harmful effect on the body weight, androgen-dependent sex accessory organs, estrogen-dependent-sex accessory organs, kidney, and liver in immature rats. In addition, FO supplementation has no effect on the serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone, and 17β-estradiol. However, the relative weight of androgen- and estrogen-dependent organs were significantly increased by subcutaneously injection of 4.0 mg/kg of testosterone propionate (TP) and by orally administration of 1.0 μg of 17α-ethynyl estradiol (EE) in immature male and female rats, respectively. Furthermore, TP and EE administration markedly decreased the serum LH and FSH levels, which are similar those of mature Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat. Furthermore, the testosterone and 17β-estradiol levels were significantly enhanced in TP and EE-treated immature rats. Taken together, our findings showed that FO does not interact with ER and AR, suggesting consequentially FO does not play as a ligand for ER and AR. Furthermore, oral administration of FO did not act as an endocrine disruptor including androgenic activity, estrogenic activity, and abnormal levels of sex hormone, indicating FO may ensure the safety on endocrine system to develop dietary supplement for bone health.

Developmental expression patterns of toolkit genes in male accessory gland of Drosophila parallels those of mammalian prostate.

ABSTRACTConservation of genetic toolkits in disparate phyla may help reveal commonalities in organ designs transcending their extreme anatomical disparities. A male accessory sexual organ in mammals, the prostate, for instance, is anatomically disparate from its analogous, phylogenetically distant counterpart – the male accessory gland (MAG) – in insects like Drosophila. It has not been ascertained if the anatomically disparate Drosophila MAG shares developmental parallels with those of the mammalian prostate. Here we show that the development of Drosophila mesoderm-derived MAG entails recruitment of similar genetic toolkits of tubular organs like that seen in endoderm-derived mammalian prostate. For instance, like mammalian prostate, Drosophila MAG morphogenesis is marked by recruitment of fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) – a signalling pathway often seen recruited for tubulogenesis – starting early during its adepithelial genesis. A specialisation of the individual domains of the developing MAG tube, on the other hand, is marked by the expression of a posterior Hox gene transcription factor, Abd-B, while Hh-Dpp signalling marks its growth. Drosophila MAG, therefore, reveals the developmental design of a unitary bud-derived tube that appears to have been co-opted for the development of male accessory sexual organs across distant phylogeny and embryonic lineages.This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.

Evaluation of Triclosan-induced reproductive impairments in the accessory reproductive organs and sperm indices in the mice

Highly effective antimicrobial properties of triclosan (TCS) make its use as a widely used preservative in different types of consumer products. TCS is reported as an emerging endocrine disruptor causing reproductive impairments in the males as well as in the females. The present study describes the adverse effects of various doses of TCS (40, 80, 160 and 320 mg/kg BW/day, for 42 consecutive days) on the weights and histopathology of the epididymis and seminal vesicle, sperm indices (motility, viability, count and morphology), concentrations of epididymal sialic acid and seminal vesicular fructose, along with TCS accumulated in these accessory reproductive organs of the laboratory mouse. TCS induced significant reductions in the weights of the epididymis and seminal vesicle along with noticeable histopathological alterations in these organs. TCS caused significant reductions in the count, percentage of motile and viable spermatozoa while a significant increase in the percentage of abnormal spermatozoa in the epididymis. Concentrations of epididymal sialic acid and seminal vesicular fructose declined significantly in the treated mice. A significant increase was noticed in the concentration of TCS, accumulated in the epididymis and seminal vesicle following TCS exposure at a high dose (320 mg/kg BW/day). The results thus suggest that the accessory sex organs are also affected deleteriously following TCS exposure, leading to impairment in the male reproductive health.

Growing Up Under Constant Light: A Challenge to the Endocrine Function of the Leydig Cells.

The factors influencing Leydig cell maturity and the acquisition of functional capacity are incompletely defined. Here we analyzed the constant light (LL) influence on Leydig cells’ endocrine function during reproductive maturation. Rats were exposed to LL from P21 to P90. Data were collected at juvenile (P35), peri/pubertal (P42, P49), and adult (P90) stages of life. The results proved the effect of LL on rats’ physiology by changing of bimodal voluntary activity pattern into free-running. Additionally, the peripheral clock in Leydig cells changed in LL condition, indicating disturbed rhythm: the positive element (Bmal1) increased in pre-/pubertal but decreased in the adult period, while negative elements (Per2 and Reverba) were increased. The effects of LL were most prominent in puberty: pituitary genes encoding gonadotropic hormones (Cga, Lhb, Fshb) decreased; serum corticosterone increased, while serum androgens and mass of testicular and sex accessory organs reduced; markers of Leydig cells maturity/differentiation (Insl3, Lhcgr) and steroidogenesis-related genes (Scarb1, Star, Cyp11a1, Cyp17a1) decreased; the steroidogenic and energetic capacity of the Leydig cell mitochondria decreased; the mtDNA copy number reduced, and mitochondrial dynamics markers changed: fusion decreased (Opa1 and Mfn2), and mitophagy increased (Pink1). In adults, the negative effect of LL on mitochondrial function and steroidogenic capacity persists in adult Leydig cells while other parameters reached control values. Altogether, the results indicate that LL slows down Leydig cells’ maturation by reducing the endocrine and energy capacity of cells leading to the delay of reproductive development.

Anatomy and Physiology of Animal Model Rats in Biomedical Research

A distinguishing feature of rodents, including rats, is the absence of canines and thepresence of prominent incisors. Rats are monophydontic, meaning they grow one setof teeth in their lifetime. The enamel of the rodent incisor contains iron, which givesit its yellow-orange color. Rats are mammals and as such, possess many similaritieswith other mammals. Only the peculiarities of the rat’s anatomy are addressed. Malerats reach puberty at 40 - 60 days of age. Descent of the testes usually occursbetween days 30 - 60. Sperm counts vary by strain. The male rat has an os penis.Male rats have the following accessory sexual organs: ampulla, seminal vesicles,prostate, bulbourethral glands, coagulating glands, and preputial glands. Thecoagulating gland and prostatic and vesicular secretions are responsible for thecopulation plug, a firm plug deposited in the vagina of the female after copulation.(This plug, when found outside the female rat, is capsuleshaped and approximately5 mm long.) The male rat has no nipples. The adult male rat has a prominentscrotum and a longer anogenital distance than the female rat.

Sindrom testikularne disgeneze i izloženost ftalatima - pregled literature

Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that interfere with the body's endocrine system and cause adverse effects in biological systems. Phthalates are a group of man-made chemicals which are mainly used as plasticizers and classified as endocrine disruptors. They are also used in cosmetic and personal care products as color or smell fixators. Moreover, phthalates are present in inks, adhesives, sealants, automobile parts, tools, toys, carpets, medical tubing and blood storage bags, and food packages. Pathological condition known as "testicular dysgenesis syndrome" (TDS) or "phthalate syndrome" is usually linked to phthalate exposure and is coined to describe the rise in alterations in reproductive health in men, such as reduced semen quality (decrease in sperm counts, sperm motility and increase in abnormal sperms), hypospadias, cryptorchidism, reduced anogenital distance and early-life testicular cancer. Phthalates are suggested to cause direct effect on gonadal and non-gonadal tissues, impair the differentiation and morphogenesis of seminiferous tubules and accessory sex organs and testicular cells (both Sertoli and Leydig cells), alter estradiol and/or testosterone levels, decrease insulin-like 3 (INSL3) peptide production, impair spermatogenesis and lead to epigenetic alterations, all of which may lead to TDS. This review will mainly focus on phthalates as causes of TDS and their mechanisms of action.

Lophira lanceolata protects testicular and spermatological damages induced by cisplatin in male Wistar rats

sBackgroundChemotherapy is associated with male infertility. Cisplatin (CP), an antineoplastic agent has been successfully used for the treatment of diverse kinds of malignancies, however, the use of this effective agent could induce oxidative stress injury, nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and testicular damage. Combined CP chemotherapy with plant extracts can diminish the toxicity and enhance the antitumor efficacy of the drug. The objective of the study was to determine the protective effect Lophira lanceolata leaf extract (LLLE) on CP-induced toxicity on male reproductive organs.MethodsThe study was carried out with 30 (n = 30) male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus). The rats were randomly assigned into 6 groups of 5 rats each. Rats in group 1 (Control) were administered distilled water per os. Rats in group 2 were administered 5 mg/kg of CP intraperitoneally (i.p). Rats in groups 3 and 4 were administered per os LLLE at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight and rats in groups 5 and 6 were administered 5 mg/kg body weight of CP + LLLE at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight respectively.ResultsThe results showed a significant decrease in the sperm parameters in the group treated with CP alone when compared with the control and there in the sperm parameters in the groups administered CP + LLLE. The body and organ weights of the rats were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in the CP treated group relative to the control. However, there was an increase in the weight of the organs in the LLLE pretreated groups. The photomicrographs showed degenerative changes in the testicular tissues of the rats administered CP alone whereas the group pretreated with the LLLE showed amelioration induced by the CP. Our study revealed that CP treatment has deleterious effects on sperm parameters and testicular tissues and the accessory sex organs (Epididymis, prostate, seminal vesicles) of the rats. Oral administration of LLLE at 200 and 400 mg/kg bodyweight for 26 days conferred protective effects against testicular damage induced by CP.ConclusionThis study revealed that pretreatment with LLLE protected against CP-induced testicular toxicity.

The Immune Characteristics of the Epididymis and the Immune Pathway of the Epididymitis Caused by Different Pathogens.

The epididymis is an important male accessory sex organ where sperm motility and fertilization ability develop. When spermatozoa carrying foreign antigens enter the epididymis, the epididymis shows “immune privilege” to tolerate them. It is well-known that a tolerogenic environment exists in the caput epididymis, while pro-inflammatory circumstances prefer the cauda epididymis. This meticulously regulated immune environment not only protects spermatozoa from autoimmunity but also defends spermatozoa against pathogenic damage. Epididymitis is one of the common causes of male infertility. Up to 40% of patients suffer from permanent oligospermia or azoospermia. This is related to the immune characteristics of the epididymis itself. Moreover, epididymitis induced by different pathogenic microbial infections has different characteristics. This article elaborates on the distribution and immune response characteristics of epididymis immune cells, the role of epididymis epithelial cells (EECs), and the epididymis defense against different pathogenic infections (such as uropathogenic Escherichia coli, Chlamydia trachomatis, and viruses to provide therapeutic approaches for epididymitis and its subsequent fertility problems.

Testosterone recuperates deteriorated male fertility in cypermethrin intoxicated rats.

The present study investigates the protective effects of testosterone against reproductive toxicity induced by cypermethrin (50mg/kg body weight) in rats. Significant reduction in the testicular and accessory sex organ weights were observed in cypermethrin-treated rats over controls. Cypermethrin intoxication significantly reduced testicular daily sperm count, epididymal sperm count, sperm motility, sperm viability and HOS-tail coiled sperm accompanied by significant reduction in the activity levels of testicular steroidogenic enzymes such as 3β- and 17β- hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases in rats as compared to controls. Further, qPCR studies indicated that the mRNA expression levels of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) significantly decreased in cypermethrin-treated rats over controls. Molecular docking analysis indicated that the binding affinity of cypermethrin (-11.2kcal/mol) towards StAR protein was greater as compared to its natural ligand, cholesterol (-8.2kcal/mol) suggesting improper cholesterol channeling across the testis. Significant reduction in the circulatory levels of testosterone was also recorded in cypermethrin-exposed rats. An increase in pre- and post-implantation loss was observed in rats cohabited with cypermethrin-treated rats. On the other hand, testosterone (4.16mg/kg body weight) treatment ameliorated cypermethrin-induced reprotoxic effects in rats. To conclude, cypermethrin-induced deterioration of suppressed reproductive performance in male rats could be linked to its antiandrogenic effects and on the other hand, testosterone-mediated protection of male reproductive health in cypermethrin-treated rats at least in part occurs via restoration of testosterone biosynthesis, spermatogenesis and sperm maturation events.

Casein- and pea-enriched high-protein diet can take care of the reprotoxic effects of arsenic in male rats.

Arsenic toxicity is a significant health problem featured with several incidents of male reproductive dysfunctions. We studied the protective effects of a casein- and pea-enriched formulated high-protein diet (FHPD) on arsenic-mediated testicular dysfunctions in rats. Adult male rats sustained on either a benchmark diet (n=8) or an isocaloric FHPD (n=8) were gavaged with arsenic trioxide (3mg/kg body wt/rat/day) for 30 consecutive days. A vehicle-fed group (n=8) maintained on the standard diet served as control. The arsenic-treated group continued on the standard diet had a significantly reduced testicular and accessory sex organs weights. They exhibited decreased count, motility, viability and disrupted plasma membrane integrity of caudal spermatozoa with a higher incidence of gross morphological anomalies and DNA damage. Attenuated steroidogenic enzyme activities and low serum testosterone level vouched for a compromised state of testicular steroidogenesis. An increased testicular malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl contents coupled with impaired activities of antioxidant enzymes and free radical scavengers mirrored a situation of exacerbated testicular oxidative imbalance and disrupted redox homeostasis. FHPD, by and large, countermanded testicular steroidogenesis and antioxidant defence system and revoked the ill effects of arsenic. We conclude that specific protein-enriched diet may serve as prospective weaponry in encountering the arsenic-threatened testicular functions.