Decline In Reproductive Function Research Articles

Semen proteomics reveals alterations in fertility-related proteins post-recovery from COVID-19.

Introduction: Changes to sperm quality and decline in reproductive function have been reported in COVID-19-recovered males. Further, the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants has caused the resurgences of COVID-19 cases globally during the last 2years. These variants show increased infectivity and transmission along with immune escape mechanisms, which threaten the already burdened healthcare system. However, whether COVID-19 variants induce an effect on the male reproductive system even after recovery remains elusive. Methods: We used mass-spectrometry-based proteomics approaches to understand the post-COVID-19 effect on reproductive health in men using semen samples post-recovery from COVID-19. The samples were collected between late 2020 (1st wave, n = 20), and early-to-mid 2021 (2nd wave, n = 21); control samples were included (n = 10). During the 1st wave alpha variant was prevalent in India, whereas the delta variant dominated the second wave. Results: On comparing the COVID-19-recovered patients from the two waves with control samples, using one-way ANOVA, we identified 69 significantly dysregulated proteins among the three groups. Indeed, this was also reflected by the changes in sperm count, morphology, and motility of the COVID-19- recovered patients. In addition, the pathway enrichment analysis showed that the regulated exocytosis, neutrophil degranulation, antibacterial immune response, spermatogenesis, spermatid development, regulation of extracellular matrix organization, regulation of peptidase activity, and regulations of calcium ion transport were significantly dysregulated. These pathways directly or indirectly affect sperm parameters and function. Our study provides a comprehensive landscape of expression trends of semen proteins related to male fertility in men recovering from COVID-19. Discussion: Our study suggests that the effect of COVID-19 on the male reproductive system persists even after recovery from COVID-19. In addition, these post-COVID-19 complications persist irrespective of the prevalent variants or vaccination status.

Traditional Chinese Medicine formula Wubi Shanyao Pills protects against reproductive aging by activating SIRT1/3 to reduce apoptosis

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe study of male reproductive aging and its associated concerns holds significant importance within the realm of health issues affecting the elderly population. Wubi Shanyao Pills (WSP), a traditional Chinese patent medicine originating from the Tang Dynasty, has been recognized for its ability to enhance male sexual functions while also tonifying the kidney and spleen. Nevertheless, the precise effects and underlying mechanisms through which WSP ameliorates the decline in reproductive function among aging men remain uncertain. Aim of the studyThis study elucidated the distinctive impacts of WSP on ameliorating the decline in reproductive function caused by natural aging, as well as its underlying mechanisms. Materials and methodsInitially, male mice at the age of 15 months were administered WSP orally at doses of 0.375, 0.75, and 1.50 g/kg per day for a duration of 8 consecutive weeks. The impact of WSP on age-related manifestations in naturally aging mice was assessed based on their behavioral performance. The renal function of the mice was evaluated by measuring serum biochemical indicators, including Creatinine (CR), Uric acid (UA), and Blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Additionally, Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Malonaldehyde (MDA) levels in renal tissue were determined using applied chemistry methods. Then assessed the levels of Nitric oxide (NO), Total nitric oxide synthase (T-NOS), Guanosine cyclase (GC), and Cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in the penile tissue, as well as the expression of Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and Guanylate Cyclase Activator (GUCA) protein, in order to investigate the erectile function of the penis. Additionally, the quality of epididymal sperm was examined using an electron microscope. Furthermore, the serum sex hormone level and related protein expression were determined through the utilization of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunohistochemistry techniques. Pathological alterations and the ultrastructure of the testis were investigated using hematoxylin-eosin staining and transmission electron microscopy. Subsequently, the apoptosis of spermatogenic cells in the testes was assessed employing TUNEL, immunofluorescence, western blotting, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. ResultsThe administration of WSP has been found to enhance the behavioral performance and sexual behavior in aged mice. It's also could increase in serum levels of CR, UA, and BUN, as well as the elevation of SOD activity in kidney tissue, which subsequently leads to a reduction in MDA levels and an improvement in the structural damage caused by aging in the kidney tissue. Consequently, the renal function is enhanced. Additionally, WSP has been observed to elevate the levels of NO, T-NOS, GC, and cGMP in penile tissue, along with an increase in eNOS and GUCA protein expression, indicating an improvement in penile erectile function. The administration of WSP resulted in a decrease in the occurrence of programmed cell death in testicular germ cells, leading to an enhancement in sperm quality and the overall function of testicular spermatogenesis. This improvement can be attributed to the modulation of hormone levels and the regulation of SIRT1/3, p53, FOXO3, Bax, and Caspase-3 expression. ConclusionCollectively, our findings indicate that the administration of WSP has the potential to impede the occurrence of programmed cell death in testicular cells by modulating the expression of SIRT1/3 and subsequent genes associated with apoptosis. Consequently, this regulatory mechanism facilitates the proliferation of testicular cells and sustains the spermatogenic function of the testes. Consequently, by modulating the levels of sexual hormones in naturally aging mice, WSP ultimately enhances the quality of sperm and reproductive function. Concurrently, it also ameliorates age-related behavioral changes, renal function, and erectile function.

Modern therapy for vasomotor symptoms of climacteric syndrome

As a result of the age-related decline in reproductive function, during the perimenopausal and postmenopausal periods female patients experience an estrogen deficiency state. Due to this state, symptoms of estrogen deficiency, which are combined into the concept of “climacteric syndrome”, begin to manifest. Climacteric syndrome is a complex of vegetative-vascular, mental, and metabolic-endocrine disorders that develop in women not only due to decrease in estrogen synthesis, but also the general ageing of the body. Clinical manifestations of the climacteric syndrome have a certain priority of development. With a decrease of the hormonal function of the ovaries, vasomotor disorders step forward. They represent all forms of autonomic regulation disorders, such as hot flashes, arterial pressure and pulse liability, respiratory disorders, hyperhydrosis, chills, and many others. In this article, the greatest emphasis is placed on the issue of vasomotor disorders, in particular hot flashes, in women of the perimenopausal and postmenopausal periods. Attention is paid to the medical and social component of the issue discussed. Given the fact that today the life expectancy of people, including women, is significantly increasing in the developed countries, a large number of females are faced with the issue of menopausal syndrome. The clinical manifestations of menopause not only have an extremely negative impact on the women’s quality of life, but also lay the groundwork for the development of more severe somatic disorders. The article also considers in detail the frequency of hot flashes, and the pathogenetic mechanisms of their development. The “gold standard” for the treatment of patients suffering from vasomotor disorders is particularly detailed. Today, the menopausal hormone therapy is recognized as the most effective therapeutic approach, which, subject to a personalized approach to patients and the absence of contraindications to its prescription, demonstrates high protective capabilities.

Inflammaging of Female Reproductive System: A Molecular Landscape.

Aging is a complex biological process, a major aspect of which is the accumulation of somatic changes throughout life. Cellular senescence is a condition in which cells undergo an irreversible cell cycle arrest in response to various cellular stresses. Once the cells begin to senesce, they become more resistant to any mutagens, including oncogenic factors. Inflammaging (inflammatory aging) is an age-related, chronic, and systemic inflammatory condition realized by cells with the Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP). These recently recognized senescent phenotypes associated with aging have been reported to promote better wound healing, embryonic development, as well as stimulation and extension of the tumor process. It is assumed that cellular senescence contributes to the age-related decline of reproductive function due to the association of senescent cells with aging and age-related diseases. Thus, SASPs have both positive and negative effects, depending on the biological context. SASP cell accumulation in tissues contributes to an age-related functional decline of the tissue and organ state. In this review, the term "cellular senescence" is used to refer to the processes of cells irreversible growth inhibition during their viable state, while the term "aging" is used to indicate the deterioration of tissues due to loss of function. Late reproductive age is associated with infertility and possible complications of the onset and maintenance of pregnancy. Senescent cells express pro-inflammatory cytokines, growth factors, and matrix metalloproteinases and some other molecules collectively called the Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP).

The effect of rapamycin on bovine oocyte maturation success and metaphase telomere length maintenance.

Maternal aging-associated reduction of oocyte viability is a common feature in mammals, but more research is needed to counteract this process. In women, the first aging phenotype appears with a decline in reproductive function, and the follicle number gradually decreases from menarche to menopause. Cows can be used as a model of early human embryonic development and reproductive aging because both species share a very high degree of similarity during follicle selection, cleavage, and blastocyst formation. Recently, it has been proposed that the main driver of aging is the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling rather than reactive oxygen species. Based on these observations, the study aimed to investigate for the first time the possible role of rapamycin on oocyte maturation, embryonic development, and telomere length in the bovine species, as a target for future strategies for female infertility caused by advanced maternal age. The 1nm rapamycin in vitro treatment showed the best results for maturation rates (95.21±4.18%) of oocytes and was considered for further experiments. In conclusion, rapamycin influenced maturation rates of oocytes in a concentration-dependent manner. Our results also suggest a possible link between mTOR, telomere maintenance, and bovine blastocyst formation.

Anti-Mullerian hormone levels in female cancer patients of reproductive age in Indonesia: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Efforts in reproductive preservation for cancer patients have become one of the important aspects of cancer management. In fact, decline in reproductive function is known to occur after exposure to anti-cancer treatments. Measuring anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels is known to be the best parameter in predicting ovarian reserves, which indicates reproductive function. In total, 68% of cancer survivors of reproductive age who underwent anti-cancer treatments suffer from infertility. Meanwhile, ovarian reserves also decrease with increasing age. There is ongoing debate on whether the ovarian reserves of cancer patients could be reduced long before exposure to anti-cancer therapy. Therefore, it is important to know whether ovarian reserves in cancer patients decrease before or after anti-cancer therapy. This can help predict the reproductive function in such cases and the effectiveness of ovarian preservation efforts. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, comparing the AMH levels of 44 female cancer patients of reproductive age before cancer therapy, to 44 non-cancer patients of reproductive age (age matched) .The AMH was determined from blood.The biological ages from both groups were adjusted using the Indonesian Kalkulator of Oocytes. Results: The median age in both groups was 28 years old. The AMH levels in the blood of the cancer group were found to be significantly lower in contrast to those in the non-cancer group (1.11 [0.08-4.65] ng/ml vs. 3.99 [1.19- 8.7]; p- value <0.001). Therefore, the biological age in the cancer group was 10 years older than that of the non-cancer group, indicating that ovarian aging occurs earlier in cancer patients. Conclusions: AMH levels of cancer patients of reproductive age were already reduced before cancer therapy, given an older biological age, in contrast to that of the non-cancer patients. Proper counseling and implementation of fertility-preserving methods is highly recommended in this group of patients.

Anti-Mullerian hormone levels in female cancer patients of reproductive age in Indonesia: A cross-sectional study

Background: Efforts in reproductive preservation for cancer patients have become one of the important aspects of cancer management. In fact, decline in reproductive function is known to occur after exposure to anti-cancer treatments. Measuring anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels is known to be the best parameter in predicting ovarian reserves, which indicates reproductive function. In total, 68% of cancer survivors of reproductive age who underwent anti-cancer treatments suffer from infertility. Meanwhile, ovarian reserves also decrease with increasing age. There is ongoing debate on whether the ovarian reserves of cancer patients could be reduced long before exposure to anti-cancer therapy. Therefore, it is important to know whether ovarian reserves in cancer patients decrease before or after anti-cancer therapy. This can help predict the reproductive function in such cases and the effectiveness of ovarian preservation efforts. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, comparing the AMH levels of 44 female cancer patients of reproductive age before cancer therapy, to 44 non-cancer patients of reproductive age (age matched) . The biological ages from both groups were adjusted using the Indonesian Kalkulator of Oocytes. Results: The median age in both groups was 28 years old. The AMH levels in the cancer group were found to be significantly lower in contrast to those in the non-cancer group (1.11 [0.08-4.65] ng/ml vs. 3.99 [1.19- 8.7]; p- value <0.001). Therefore, the biological age in the cancer group was 10 years older than that of the non-cancer group, indicating that ovarian aging occurs earlier in cancer patients. Conclusions: AMH levels of cancer patients of reproductive age were already reduced before cancer therapy, given an older biological age, in contrast to that of the non-cancer patients. Proper counseling and implementation of fertility-preserving methods is highly recommended in this group of patients.

Anti-Mullerian hormone levels in female cancer patients of reproductive age in Indonesia: A cross-sectional study

Background: Efforts in reproductive preservation for cancer patients have become one of the important aspects of cancer management. In fact, decline in reproductive function is known to occur after exposure to anti-cancer treatments. Measuring anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels is known to be the best parameter in predicting ovarian reserves, which indicates reproductive function. In total, 68% of cancer survivors of reproductive age who underwent anti-cancer treatments suffer from infertility. Meanwhile, ovarian reserves also decrease with increasing age. There is ongoing debate on whether the ovarian reserves of cancer patients could be reduced long before exposure to anti-cancer therapy. Therefore, it is important to know whether ovarian reserves in cancer patients decrease before or after anti-cancer therapy. This can help predict the reproductive function in such cases and the effectiveness of ovarian preservation efforts. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, comparing the AMH levels of 44 female cancer patients of reproductive age before cancer therapy, to 44 non-cancer patients of reproductive age (age matched) . The AMH was determined from blood.The biological ages from both groups were adjusted using the Indonesian Kalkulator of Oocytes. Results: The median age in both groups was 28 years old. The AMH levels in the blood of the cancer group were found to be significantly lower in contrast to those in the non-cancer group (1.11 [0.08-4.65] ng/ml vs. 3.99 [1.19- 8.7]; p- value <0.001). Therefore, the biological age in the cancer group was 10 years older than that of the non-cancer group, indicating that ovarian aging occurs earlier in cancer patients. Conclusions: AMH levels of cancer patients of reproductive age were already reduced before cancer therapy, given an older biological age, in contrast to that of the non-cancer patients. Proper counseling and implementation of fertility-preserving methods is highly recommended in this group of patients.

THE ANXIETY OF PERIMENOPAUSE WOMEN IN FACING MENOPAUSE

Anxiety is an unclear feeling, uncertain, and but is not dangerous. In adults, anxiety is caused by things that threaten their self-concept. For example, women who are facing menopause, they may be anxious due to a decline in reproductive function, so they need social support to prevent anxiety. The purpose of this study was to determine the anxiety level of perimenopausal women in facing menopause. The research method used was descriptive research design with a sample of 105 people. The results showed that 36.19% of perimenopausal women experienced mild anxiety levels, 57.14% experienced moderate anxiety levels, 5.71% experienced severe anxiety levels, and 0.96% of perimenopausal women experienced severe panic anxiety levels. It can be concluded that there are women who experience anxiety in facing menopause. Family support, especially husbands, is needed to set daily food diets such as carbohydrates, reduce protein consumption, reduce consumption of fatty foods, high fiber, vitamin C, and calcium, and exercise to reduce complaints related to menopausal symptoms.Keywords: Anxiety, Menopause, Perimenopause.

Anti-Mullerian hormone levels in female cancer patients of reproductive age in Indonesia: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Efforts in reproductive preservation for cancer patients have become one of the important aspects of cancer management. In fact, decline in reproductive function is known to occur after exposure to anti-cancer treatments. Measuring anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels is known to be the best parameter in predicting ovarian reserves, which indicates reproductive function. In total, 68% of cancer survivors of reproductive age who underwent anti-cancer treatments suffer from infertility. Meanwhile, ovarian reserves also decrease with increasing age. There is ongoing debate on whether the ovarian reserves of cancer patients could be reduced long before exposure to anti-cancer therapy. Therefore, it is important to know whether ovarian reserves in cancer patients decrease before or after anti-cancer therapy. This can help predict the reproductive function in such cases and the effectiveness of ovarian preservation efforts. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, comparing the AMH levels of 44 female cancer patients of reproductive age before cancer therapy, to 44 non-cancer patients of reproductive age (age matched) . The biological ages from both groups were adjusted using the Indonesian Kalkulator of Oocytes. Results: The median age in both groups was 28 years old. The AMH levels in the cancer group were found to be significantly lower in contrast to those in the non-cancer group (1.11 [0.08-4.65] ng/ml vs. 3.99 [1.19- 8.7]; p- value <0.001). Therefore, the biological age in the cancer group was 10 years older than that of the non-cancer group, indicating that ovarian aging occurs earlier in cancer patients. Conclusions: AMH levels of cancer patients of reproductive age were already reduced before cancer therapy, given an older biological age, in contrast to that of the non-cancer patients. Proper counseling and implementation of fertility-preserving methods is highly recommended in this group of patients.

Effects of nutrition and genetics on fertility in dairy cows.

Optimal reproductive function in dairy cattle is mandatory to maximise profits. Dairy production has progressively improved milk yields, but, until recently, the trend in reproductive performance has been the opposite. Nutrition, genetics, and epigenetics are important aspects affecting the reproductive performance of dairy cows. In terms of nutrition, the field has commonly fed high-energy diets to dairy cows during the 3 weeks before calving in an attempt to minimise postpartum metabolic upsets. However, in the recent years it has become clear that feeding high-energy diets during the dry period, especially as calving approaches, may be detrimental to cow health, or at least unnecessary because cows, at that time, have low energy requirements and sufficient intake capacity. After calving, dairy cows commonly experience a period of negative energy balance (NEB) characterised by low blood glucose and high non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations. This has both direct and indirect effects on oocyte quality and survival. When oocytes are forced to depend highly on the use of energy resources derived from body reserves, mainly NEFA, their development is compromised due to a modification in mitochondrial β-oxidation. Furthermore, the indirect effect of NEB on reproduction is mediated by a hormonal (both metabolic and reproductive) environment. Some authors have attempted to overcome the NEB by providing the oocyte with external sources of energy via dietary fat. Conversely, fertility is affected by a large number of genes, each with small individual effects, and thus it is unlikely that the decline in reproductive function has been directly caused by genetic selection for milk yield per se. It is more likely that the decline is the consequence of a combination of homeorhetic mechanisms (giving priority to milk over other functions) and increased metabolic pressure (due to a shortage of nutrients) with increasing milk yields. Nevertheless, genetics is an important component of reproductive efficiency, and the incorporation of genomic information is allowing the detection of genetic defects, degree of inbreeding and specific single nucleotide polymorphisms directly associated with reproduction, providing pivotal information for genetic selection programs. Furthermore, focusing on improving bull fertility in gene selection programs may represent an interesting opportunity. Conversely, the reproductive function of a given cow depends on the interaction between her genetic background and her environment, which ultimately modulates gene expression. Among the mechanisms modulating gene expression, microRNAs (miRNAs) and epigenetics seem to be most relevant. Several miRNAs have been described to play active roles in both ovarian and testicular function, and epigenetic effects have been described as a consequence of the nutrient supply and hormonal signals to which the offspring was exposed at specific stages during development. For example, there are differences in the epigenome of cows born to heifers and those born to cows, and this epigenome seems to be sensitive to the availability of methyl donor compounds of the dam. Lastly, recent studies in other species have shown the relevance of paternal epigenetic marks, but this aspect has been, until now, largely overlooked in dairy cattle.

PENURUNAN LAJU PENUAAN REPRODUKSI MENCIT JANTAN (Mus muculus.Linn) DENGAN PEMBERIAN EKSTRAK JAHE (Zingiber officinale) DALAM PAKAN

The ginger rhizome contains antioxidants and is chemoprotective, therefore we suspect it can decrease the aging rate in the reproductive system. The purpose of this study, to determine the effect of ginger extract (Zingiber officinale) against reproductive aging of male mice (Mus musculus). This study, using 36 male mice (Mus musculus) aged 12-14 months, divided into three groups each 12 tails. Group 1 as controls, groups 2 and 3 were given 50 mg and 100 mg ginger extract / kg of pellets. The pellet is given for 70 days ad libitum. Next, observed the number of spermatogenic cells, as well as the number and quality of spermatozoa. The results showed that ginger extract had an effect on spermatogenic and spermatozoa (P &lt;0,01) cells of mice. The results of preleptotene spermatocyte, pakhiten and spermatid spermatocyte counts were higher, as were the number of spermatozoa, the percentage of viability and motility, and the normal morphology of spermatozoa were more in the group given ginger extract than control (P &lt;0.01). It was concluded that ginger rhizome extract given to mice entering the aging period could inhibit the rate of decline in reproductive function.

MTORC1/2 Inhibition Preserves Ovarian Function and Fertility During Genotoxic Chemotherapy

(Abstracted from Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017;114:3186–3191) The ovaries have a fixed pool of immature (primordial) follicles at birth known as the ovarian reserve. Activation or loss of follicles in this reserve causes an irreversible decline in reproductive function that culminates in menopause.

РИЗИКИ РЕАЛІЗАЦІЇ РЕПРОДУКТИВНОЇ ФУНКЦІЇ У ЖІНОК ІЗ ПОРУШЕННЯМИ МЕНСТРУАЛЬНОЇ ФУНКЦІЇ НА ТЛІ ХРОНІЧНИХ ГЕПАТИТІВ І ШЛЯХИ ЇХ УСУНЕННЯ.

Реалізація репродуктивної функції є серйозною проблемою сьогодення, оскільки впродовж останнього десятиліття спостерігається від’ємний демографічний показник не лише в Україні, а й у багатьох країнах світу. За оцінкою Державної служби статистики України, станом на 1 квітня 2016 р. чисельність наявного населення України становила 42 708 тис. осіб. Дослідження науковців Інституту демографії та соціальних досліджень свідчать, що кількість померлих компенсується новонародженими лише на 52,6 %, що значно звужує передумови сприятливого демографічного розвитку країни у майбутньому. Причини падіння народжуваності не можна зводити лише до економічних негараздів. Для сучасної демографічної ситуації в Україні характерні: різке зменшення народжуваності, збільшення смертності і відсутність природного приросту; постаріння населення, збільшення «навантаження» на працездатну його частину; скорочення тривалості життя як чоловіків, так і жінок; погіршення здоров’я нації. Одним із вагомих факторів зниження репродуктивної функції є порушення менструальної функції (ПМФ) на тлі хронічних гепатитів (ХГ). Нами обстежено 92 жінки репродуктивного віку, які страждають від ПМФ на тлі ХГ різного генезу. Оцінено стан репродуктивного здоров’я, проаналізовані ризики реалізації репродуктивної функції, визначено шляхи їх усунення.

Positive and negative effects of cellular senescence during female reproductive aging and pregnancy.

Cellular senescence is a phenomenon occurring when cells are no longer able to divide even after treatment with growth stimuli. Because senescent cells are typically associated with aging and age-related diseases, cellular senescence is hypothesized to contribute to the age-related decline in reproductive function. However, some data suggest that senescent cells may also be important for normal physiological functions during pregnancy. Herein, we review the positive and negative effects of cellular senescence on female reproductive aging and pregnancy. We discuss how senescent cells accelerate female reproductive aging by promoting the decline in the number of ovarian follicles and increasing complications during pregnancy. We also describe how cellular senescence plays an important role in placental and fetal development as a beneficial process, ensuring proper homeostasis during pregnancy.

Cadmium-Induced Testicular Toxicity, Oxidative Stress and Histopathology in Wistar Rats: Sustained Effects of Polyphenol-Rich Extract of Vernonia Amygdalina (Del.) Leaf

Background: Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal of both environmental and occupational concerns. The health impact of ethno-botanical approaches in attempts to ameliorate its deleterious effects in biological systems should be an area of scientific interest since established therapies are often burdened with undesirable side effects. Aim: To determine the effects of polyphenol-rich extract of the leaf of Vernonia amygdalina (PEVA) on Cd-induced testicular toxicity, oxidative stress, and histopathology in Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: A total of twenty five (25) male Wistar rats were divided into five groups as follows: Group 1 (Control) received distilled water (0.2 ml/100 g i.p.) for 5 consecutive days and thereafter left untreated for 28 days. Group 2 received Cd alone at 5 mg/kg (i.p.) for 5 consecutive days. Group 3 was pre-treated with Cd as Group 2 and thereafter left untreated for a period of 28 days, whereas Groups 4 and 5 were pre-treated with Cd as Group 2 and thereafter received PEVA (orally) at two dose levels (200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively) for 28 days. Results: Cd administration induced reproductive toxicity as evidenced by lowered level of follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone (P < 0.05); perturbation of sperm characterization (P < 0.05); deleterious disruptions of the antioxidant system as evidenced by lowered levels of reduced glutathione and superoxide dismutase as well as elevation in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances level (P < 0.05); decrease in relative testicular weight (P < 0.05); and severe disseminated necrosis of the seminiferous tubules with terminally undifferentiated/necrotic cells as revealed by the histopathological examination. These conditions were sustained following administration of the two dose levels of PEVA. Conclusion: PEVA administration is not a suitable therapeutic choice for fertility enhancement in male Wistar rat model of Cd-induced decline in reproductive function.

Morphological and functional state of liver of sex matured females of white rats in the conditions of experimental toxic hepatitis

&lt;p&gt;Parafunctions of organs of the reproductive system occupy one of the main places among gynaecological diseases&lt;br /&gt;and are the issue of the day, because they result not only in the loss of capacity but also decline of reproductive function.&lt;br /&gt;Concomitant diseases play a considerable role in the development of this pathology. Women of reproductive age&lt;br /&gt;often have combination of violations of menstrual function with chronic hepatitis of different genesis. With the aim of&lt;br /&gt;the detailed study and analysis of the indicated problem an experimental study was undertaken. We made a model&lt;br /&gt;of chronic toxic hepatitis for the sex matured females of white rats. There were studied the results of morphological&lt;br /&gt;changes in the liver of experimental animals, state of enzymatic, protein-synthesizing liver functions in the conditions&lt;br /&gt;of experimental toxic hepatitis and their correlation with the results of clinical and biochemical researches. 50 sex&lt;br /&gt;matured females of white rats were examined whom chronic toxic hepatitis (CT H) was modelled.&lt;/p&gt;

Aging Results in Molecular Changes in an Enriched Population of Undifferentiated Rat Spermatogonia1

A strong correlation exists between increasing paternal age and a decline in reproductive function. Testis aging is associated with testicular atrophy, increased DNA damage, and de novo mutations. It is unclear whether these problems arise from the spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), a buildup of anomalies as older germ cells progress through spermatogenesis, or both. We hypothesize that with the continual divisions of SSCs that maintain the germ cell population, an alteration of these cells occurs over time. To test this, we utilized young (4-mo-old) and aged (18- and 21-mo-old) transgenic rats that express GFP in germ cells only. We first examined the number and activity of SSCs from the different age groups by transplantation. Aged rats had numerically fewer SSCs than young rats (<50%; not significant) despite the lack of testicular atrophy, and 21-mo-old rats show a significant reduction in colony length, suggesting that the quality of SSCs also deteriorates. To evaluate any molecular changes occurring in the early cells of spermatogenesis with age, we isolated an SSC-enriched population of CD9-positive (CD9(+)) cells using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (confirmed by transplantation studies) and extracted RNA for microarray analysis. In the aged CD9(+) cells, 60 transcripts were upregulated and more than 500 downregulated compared to the young cells. An altered expression was found for transcripts involved in mitosis and in DNA damage response. These results suggest molecular alterations in the SSC-enriched population of aged CD9(+) cells, implying that reproductive aging originates in the undifferentiated cells of spermatogenesis.

A new approach to evaluate aging effects on human oocytes: Fourier transform infrared imaging spectroscopy study

To characterize from a vibrational point of view the alterations caused by aging on human oocytes. Reproductive biology. Private assisted reproductive technology clinic, synchrotron beam line, and university infrared laboratory. Twenty women of different ages (30 ± 2 and 39 ± 2 years) selected on the basis of detailed inclusion criteria and submitted to controlled ovarian stimulation according to a specific protocol. Collection of 68 supernumerary oocytes that were not used during the IVF cycle from the above cited consenting patients. Focal Plane Array Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis of human oocytes. Specific spectral differences were highlighted in the two experimental groups of oocytes. In particular, in oocytes of 39-year-old women, the occurrence of peroxidative processes and a decrease in the amount of carbohydrates were observed, together with alterations in the phospholipid membrane, proteic pattern, and nucleic acids content. For the first time, FTIR spectroscopy was applied to human oocytes, leading to strong evidence of damage from aging in the gametes of mature women, which could be related to a decline in reproductive function. All the information obtained may be considered useful to improve the scientific knowledge on human reproduction and to exploit new strategies for detecting oocyte aging.

Mitochondrial energy metabolism dysfunction involved in reproductive toxicity of mice caused by endosulfan and protective effects of vitamin E

The experiment was designed to study the mechanism of reproductive toxicity caused by endosulfan in mice and protective effects of vitamin E. The experiment was composed of three groups: the control group did not receive any endosulfan and vitamin E; the endosulfan exposed group received 0.8mg/kg/d endosulfan and 0mg/kg/d vitamin E; and the endosulfan+vitamin E group received 0.8mg/kg/d endosulfan and 100mg/kg/d vitamin E. The results showed that vitamin E significantly reversed the decline of the concentration and motility rate of sperm, and inhibited the increase of sperm abnormality rate caused by endosulfan. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), and lactate dehydrogenase-C4 (LDH-C4) and the level of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the endosulfan+vitamin E group were higher while the malondialdehyde (MDA) content was significantly lower than those of the endosulfan exposed group. The results from pathology and electron microscope observed showed vitamin E decreased the cavities formation by desquamating of spermatogenic cells, stopped the ruptures and disappearances of mitochondrial cristaes in spermatogenic cells, and prevented the breakages and partial dissolvings of sperm tails induced by endosulfan. It is likely that endosulfan could directly damage sperm structures by oxidative stress, leading to a decrease in sperm quantity and quality. It also could indirectly cause a decline in reproductive function by damaging the structure of mitochondria, resulting in energy metabolism dysfunction, which could be one of the mechanisms behind the reproductive toxicity induced by endosulfan. It was inferred that vitamin E helps maintain the structural integrities of sperm architecture and prevent mitochondrial dysfunction through inhibiting oxidative stress, and thereby prevent the reproductive dysfunctions caused by endosulfan.