Decreased Sperm Count Research Articles

Modulatory role of Saccharomyces cerevisiae against cadmium-induced genotoxicity in mice

Background/aim Cadmium (Cd) was found to be a major heavy metal utilized in different agricultural and industrial processes. However, exposure to this element was found to cause serious environmental pollution and induce deleterious effects on human and animal health. Therefore, this study was conducted to estimate the protective and therapeutic role of Saccharomyces cerevisiae against Cd genotoxicity. Materials and methods Forty-eight male mice were used in this study by dividing them into six groups (eight animals each): the control group, which was fed a basal diet; a group fed a basal diet contaminated with Cd (0.03 g/kg diet) for 3 weeks; two protection groups fed a basal diet supplemented with S. cerevisiae at low (5%) or high (7.5%) levels along with contamination with Cd; and two therapeutic groups fed a basal diet supplemented with S. cerevisiae at the same levels for 15 days after cessation of contamination with Cd. At the end of the experimental period, genetic and sperm parameters of the mice were evaluated. Genetic parameters included the DNA comet assay, random amplified polymorphic DNA-PCR analysis, micronucleus test, and chromosomal examinations. Sperm parameters involved sperm-shape abnormalities and sperm count. Results The results showed that feeding on a basal diet contaminated with Cd caused significant increases in abnormal genetic parameters and sperm-shape abnormalities as well as significant decrease in sperm count. The utilization of S. cerevisiae yeast as a protective or therapeutic agent significantly improved the genetic and sperm parameters as compared with Cd treatment alone. The best findings were revealed when S. cerevisiae was used as a protective agent, especially treatment at high levels (7.5%). Conclusion This work showed that S. cerevisiae yeast is a strong probiotic agent against Cd detoxification in foods, where the addition of this probiotic to animal diets significantly minimized the deleterious effects caused by Cd on the genetic and sperm parameters of mice.

Use of Exogenous Testosterone for the Treatment of Male Factor Infertility: A Survey of Nigerian Doctors.

Background Though exogenous testosterone is known for its contraceptive effects in men, it is sometimes prescribed by medical practitioners for the treatment of male factor infertility in the mistaken belief that exogenous testosterone improves sperm count. The aim of this study was to evaluate the scope of testosterone use in the treatment of male factor infertility by medical practitioners in Lagos, Nigeria. Methods A survey using a structured questionnaire was carried out amongst doctors attending a regular Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme in Lagos, Nigeria. Results There were 225 respondents. Most of the respondents (69.8%, n = 157) indicated that exogenous testosterone increases sperm count. Only 22 respondents (9.8%) indicated (correctly) that exogenous testosterone decreases sperm count. Seventy-seven respondents (34.2%) had prescribed some form of exogenous testosterone in the treatment of male factor infertility. The vast majority of respondents who had prescribed testosterone (81.8%, n = 63) thought exogenous testosterone increases sperm count. There was no statistically significant difference in the pattern of prescription across the respondents' specialty (p = 0.859) or practice type (p = 0.747). Conclusion The misuse of exogenous testosterone for the treatment of male infertility was common amongst the respondents, with most of them wrongly believing that exogenous testosterone increases sperm count.

EFFECT OF LEAD ON MALE REPRODUCTION IN EXPERIMENTAL ANIMAL MODEL

Introduction: In early 1960's, there is a first evidence of the toxic effects ionizing radiation on elevated oxygen levels in aerobes and proposed that oxygen toxicity is due to free radical formation. An alteration between oxidants and antioxidants in favour of the oxidants, potentially leading to damage is termed 'oxidative stress'. Lead and cadmium do not have any detectable beneficial biological roles rather it produces detrimental effects on biochemical, physiological and behavioral dysfunctions. Even a little lead poisoning can cause serious health problems, and at very high levels, it can be fatal. Mainly it affects the heamopoeitc system, Liver, Kidney, Cardiovascular system and reproductive system. Methodology: Experimental rats, injected intraperitoneally with lead acetate for 15 days at the dosage of 50, 100 mg/kg/day body weight and compared to control rats injected with deionized distilled water instead. At the end of study testis were removed and right testis was used for testicular antioxidant Malandealdehyde (MDA) levels estimation by Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance assay and left testis was used for histopathological analysis. Unpaired t test and ANOVA was used for statistical analysis. Results : The MDA (nmole /gm tissue) levels in control, lead 50mg, lead 100mg groups were 12.16±0.4, 17.06±0.16 and 18.11±0.13. Histopathology examination Lumen showing decreased sperm count and maturation. Some of the lumens showing absence sperm maturation. Conclusion: Study on lead-exposed rat testis have shown that reduction of spermatogenesis formation and sperm maturation. Increased MDA levels indicate that it may be due to oxidative stress. The toxicity of lead was noted at level ≥50mg/kg. Key words: Lead; Lipid peroxidation; Male reproduction; Testicular histology.

Sertraline-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats: evaluation of possible underlying mechanisms.

This study was conducted to clarify the toxic effects of sertraline (SRT) on the reproductive system of male rats and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Rats were treated orally with SRT at doses of 5, 10, and 20 mg kg−1 for 28 consecutive days. At the end of the treatment period, sperm concentration, sperm motility, and sperm morphology were investigated by computer-assisted sperm analysis system whereas sperm DNA damage was detected by comet assay. The oxidative status of the testes was investigated, and a histopathological examination was conducted. Serum testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were measured to determine the effects of SRT on the spermatogenesis process. One-way ANOVA, post-hoc Dunnett's T3 test for the sperm comet assay, and post-hoc Tukey's test for the others were performed for statistical analysis. The results showed that SRT caused an increase in sperm DNA damage and induced histopathological lesions in all groups treated with SRT. There was abnormal sperm morphology and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) in the 10 mg kg−1 treatment group. More dramatic changes were observed in the 20 mg kg−1 treatment group. Decreased sperm count was accompanied by a significant increase in abnormal sperm morphology, DNA damage, and degeneration in cellular-tubular structures. Serum LH and testosterone levels were elevated in the 20 mg kg−1 treatment group. Decreased glutathione (GSH) and increased MDA were signs of enhanced oxidative stress (OS). In conclusion, SRT induced testicular toxicity in a dose-dependent manner and OS is suggested as a crucial mechanism.

Defatted Detarium senegalense seed-based diet alters lipid profile, antioxidants level and sperm morphology in male albino rats

Due to high cost of protein relative to other major nutrients, as part of search for cheaper alternative source for good quality protein for dietary purposes, we evaluated Detarium senegalense seed meal by comparing growth performance, tissue and reproductive toxicity markers in rats with those on soybean. Defatted Detarium senegalense (DDS) ground seed powder was used for feed formulation for test animals while the control group had soybean as protein source for eight weeks. Maximum percentage protein was 19% for all compounded feeds, soybean diet feed rats served as control (T1), T2 had 19% DDS only, while T3 - T6 had 16%, 12%, 8% and 4.8% DDS and protein content was made up to 19% using soybeans. Body weights, lipid profile, markers of liver toxicity, lipid peroxidation, sperm morphology and characteristics as well as tissue histology (liver, kidney and testes) were examined using standard methods. Whole seed residue, DDS seed flour and control diets (soybeans) were analyzed for proximate content. DDS seed residue-based diet (T2) caused decrease in both body and organ weights compared to control rats (T1). DDS residue-based feed caused increase in liver protein concentration while kidney protein content decreased except in groups T5 and T6 on 8% and 4.8% DDS residue. There was no significant variations (P > 0.05) in sperm viability but there was a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in sperm count in group T2 compared to control (T1). Statistically significant morphological changes were observed in head less tail, bent tail, curved tail and bent mid-piece. DDS elicited increase in serum total cholesterol, HDL-c and LDL-c in all test groups compared to control but caused decrease in triglyceride in T2. Serum urea level, AST and ALT were higher in T2 relative to control rats. Histopathological examination showed evidence of liver tissue damage but none in the kidney and testes. Keywords : DDS seed residue feed, growth, antioxidants, lipid profile, sperm morphology, toxicity.

The Effects of l-Carnitine Against Cyclophosphamide-Induced Injuries in Mouse Testis.

In order to explore the possibility of l-carnitine (LC) as a protector of male fertility in chemotherapy, we observed the damage of cyclophosphamide (CTX) to Sertoli cells and the protective effect of LC on the testis Sertoli cells from such damage in this study. Healthy adult male mice were divided into three groups: chemotherapy group were injected intraperitoneally with the CTX; protective agent group were injected both LC and CTX; control group mice were injected only with isochoric physiological saline; all once a day for 5 days. After 5 days, the mice were, respectively, killed at 24 hr after the last injection. The testis and epididymis were removed. Epididymis was for sperm analysis immediately, and immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR and Western blot for the assessments of occludin, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and TGF-β3 mRNA and protein expression. The sperm analysis of epididymis showed that CTX can significantly decrease sperm count and motility; and administration of LC resulted in significant recovery of the sperm count and sperm motility. Compared with control group, the expressions of occludin and GDNF decreased and the expression of TGF-β3 increased significantly (p < 0.05) in the CTX group. In the LC + CTX group, the expressions of occludin and GDNF were higher than those of the CTX group and similar to those of the control group; the TGF-β3 expression was lower (p < 0.05) than that of the CTX group and similar to that of the control group. The results of this study showed that CTX could damage the spermatogenesis and reduce the expression of occludin and GDNF, and increase the expression of TGF-β3 in testis of mouse, which indicates CTX's damage or efficacy to testis Sertoli cells. LC could protect the Sertoli cells of testis from these damages caused by CTX, and promote or protect the spermatogenesis. In conclusion, this study provides meaningful information about the possible damage to male fertility by chemotherapeutics and potential of LC in the protection of male fertility during chemotherapy.

Individual and combined effect of chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin on reproductive system of adult male albino rats.

Commercial mixtures of chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin pesticides are widely used to enhance the toxic effects of cypermethrin on target insects. So, the purpose of the current study was to evaluate the individual and combined toxic effects of chlorpyrifos (CPF) and cypermethrin (CYP) on reproductive system of adult male albino rats. Forty adult male albino rats were randomized into main four groups: group I (control group) included 16 rats, subdivided into negative and positive control; group II (eight rats) received chlorpyrifos 6.75mg/kg b.w./orally∕daily); group III (eight rats) (received cypermethrin 12.5mg/kg b.w./orally∕daily); and group IV (eight rats) (received chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin at the same previously mentioned doses). All treatments were given by oral gavage for 12weeks. We found that single CPF and CYP exposures significantly have adverse effects on reproductive function of adult male albino rats manifested by reduced testicular weight, decreased sperm count, motility and viability, significantly increased percent of morphologically abnormal spermatozoa, and significant increments in sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) with respect to control group. Furthermore, serum follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone levels were decreased significantly compared to control group. This was accompanied with histopathological changes in the testis of rats such as necrosis, degeneration, decreasing number of spermatogenic cells in some seminiferous tubules, edema, congested blood vessels, and exudate in interstitial tissue of the testis. Notably, all these changes were exaggerated in rats treated concomitantly with chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin rendering the mixture more toxic than the additive effects of each compound and causing greater damage on the reproductive system of male albino rats than the individual pesticides.

Effects of camphor on histomorphometric and histochemical parameters of testicular tissue in mice

Background: In traditional medicine of some Asian countries it is believed that camphor could act as a sexual depressant. However, limited studies have been published on this issue. OBJECTIVES: In the current study, effects of camphor on testes, sperm and serum factors, and roles of vitamin E as antioxidant in treatment of toxicity of camphor for testes were studied. METHODS: Fifty adult male mice (20-25 g) were categorized into five groups. Control group, two control sham groups received olive oil and combined vitamin E and olive oil respectively, and two treatment groups received camphor and combined camphor and vitamin E, respectively. Camphor with doses of 30 mg/kg/day and vitamin E with doses of 100 mg/kg/day were prepared. All substances were administered using gavage. After 35 days, blood was collected from the animal heart for serology and testosterone assessment. Sperms were collected and tissue samples were removed and fixed in Bouin and liquid nitrogen. Paraffin embedded and freezing sections were stained with H&E and specific stain and studied. RESULTS: Results showed a significant decrease in sperm count, average proportions of live and mature sperms and major testicular morphometric parameters (p>0.05). Although histochemical changes were seen, no changes were observed in serum testosterone in groups that received camphor. Vitamin E moderated toxicity of camphor in immature sperms, diameter of lumen and TDI index. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that camphor includes adverse effects on parameters of testes and sperm quality. Furthermore, vitamin E, as an antioxidant, can moderate toxicity of camphor.

Influence of Onabotulinumtoxin A on testes of the growing rat.

Onabotulinumtoxin A (onabotA) is gaining wide medical use in children. The present study was planned to investigate the influence of its injection on the maturing testicular structures in rats. Immature rats were injected in the bilateral cremaster muscles by onabotA with three doses of (10, 20, and 40U/kg) three times in a 2-week interval. The effect of these injections on fertility indices was examined. Levels of antisperm antibodies and several apoptosis parameters were also investigated. DNA content in form of ploidy and histopathological alterations were assessed. OnabotA-injected groups showed decreased sperm count and semen quality, while sperm vitality, morphology, and testosterone levels were not significantly affected. Furthermore, DNA flow cytometric analysis confirmed delayed sperm maturation. Apoptosis markers were significantly increased by the injections. In conclusion, onabotA injection in growing rats adversely affected sperm count and maturation. OnabotA testicular effects are mediated, at least partly, by apoptosis.

In Utero Exposure to Benzo[a]Pyrene Increases Mutation Burden in the Soma and Sperm of Adult Mice.

Background:Mosaicism, the presence of genetically distinct cell populations within an organism, has emerged as an important contributor to disease. Mutational events occurring during embryonic development can cause mosaicism in any tissue, but the influence of environmental factors on levels of mosaicism is unclear.Objectives:We investigated whether in utero exposure to the widespread environmental mutagen benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) has an impact on the burden and distribution of mutations in adult mice.Methods:We used the Muta™Mouse transgenic rodent model to quantify and characterize mutations in the offspring of pregnant mice exposed to BaP during postconception days 7 through 16, covering the major period of organogenesis in mice. Next-generation DNA sequencing was then used to determine the spectrum of mutations induced in adult mice that were exposed to BaP during fetal development.Results:Mutation frequency was significantly increased in the bone marrow, liver, brain, and sperm of first filial generation (F1) males. Developing embryos accumulated more mutations and exhibited higher proportions of mosaicism than exposed adults, particularly in the brain. Decreased sperm count and motility revealed additional negative impacts on the reproductive function of F1 males.Conclusion:In utero exposure to environmental mutagens contributes to somatic and germline mosaicism, permanently affecting both the genetic health of the F1 and the population gene pool.Citation:Meier MJ, O’Brien JM, Beal MA, Allan B, Yauk CL, Marchetti F. 2017. In utero exposure to benzo[a]pyrene increases mutation burden in the soma and sperm of adult mice. Environ Health Perspect 125:82–88; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/EHP211

Reversible Anti-Fertility Effects of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Ocimum Sanctum (Linn.) in Male Mice

Present study was undertaken to evaluate the reversible anti-fertility effect of Ocimum sanctum Linn (Tulsi) on male mice. Aqueous leaf extract of Ocimum sanctum was orally administered (0.1ml) for 10 (P < 0.05), 20 (P < 0.01), 30 (P < 0.001), 40 (P < 0.001) and 50 (P < 0.001) days of exposure. Treatment of aqueous leaf extract of Ocimum sanctum showed significant decrease in sperm counts during 10 (P<0.1), 20 (P<0.01), 30 (P<0.01), 40 (P<0.001) and 50 (P<0.001) days treatment than the control. Motility of spermatozoa also declined significantly in treated group after 10 (P<0.01), 20 (P<0.01), 30 (P<0.001) 40 (P<0.001) and 50 (P<0.001) days treatment than the control. However, abnormality of spermatozoa increased significantly in treated group of mice during 10 (P<0.01), 20 (P<0.01), 30 (P<0.001) 40 (P<0.001) and 50 (P<0.001) days treatment than the control. Thus significant decrease in sperm counts, motility and increased abnormality of spermatozoa altered the seminal quality which caused infertility among treated group of mice. Effect of the treatment on reproductive organs and fertility was also investigated. The results revealed that Ocimum treatment caused decrease in the weight of reproductive organs viz., testis (P<0.001), epididymis (P<0.01), seminal vesicle (P<0.001), vas deferens (P<0.01) and ventral prostate (P<0.001) significantly when compared to the control group. The recovery group of animal, which also received 50 days treatment, was maintained for 90 days without any treatment to check the reversibility. All the animals after the recovery period showed normal fertility rate. Thus Ocimum sanctum adversely affects fertility in mice and showed anti-fertility effect among them. From this we can conclude that Ocimum sanctum can be used as a potent anti-fertility agent which is reversible. Key-wordsOcimum sanctum, Anti-fertility, Sperm count, Motility, Sperm abnormality -------------------------------------------------IJLSSR----------------------------------------------INTRODUCTION One of the important concerns today’s is the problem of over population. If the population increase is not controlled or checked, it will lead to several problems (Sailani and Moeini, 2008). The solution to this predicament is population control. India opted for family planning to control the increase in population (Sarkar, 1996). Various methods of contraception were used for fertility control. There are a variety of methods available and are in use for female contraception (Bajaj, 1999). In contrast, except for the barrier method and vasectomy, there are no methods available for male contraception. Thus, there is need to develop multiple male contraceptive methods. The risk obtained by the drugs has triggered the need to develop newer molecules from medicinal plants. Access this article online Quick Response Code: Website: www.ijlssr.com

Hypoxia causes transgenerational impairments in reproduction of fish.

Hypoxia is amongst the most widespread and pressing problems in aquatic environments. Here we demonstrate that fish (Oryzias melastigma) exposed to hypoxia show reproductive impairments (retarded gonad development, decrease in sperm count and sperm motility) in F1 and F2 generations despite these progenies (and their germ cells) having never been exposed to hypoxia. We further show that the observed transgenerational reproductive impairments are associated with a differential methylation pattern of specific genes in sperm of both F0 and F2 coupled with relevant transcriptomic and proteomic alterations, which may impair spermatogenesis. The discovered transgenerational and epigenetic effects suggest that hypoxia might pose a dramatic and long-lasting threat to the sustainability of fish populations. Because the genes regulating spermatogenesis and epigenetic modifications are highly conserved among vertebrates, these results may also shed light on the potential transgenerational effects of hypoxia on other vertebrates, including humans.

THE SIDE EFFECTS OF SULPHATRIM® AMOXI-VET® ON FERTILITY IN NILE TILAPIA FISH.

Nile tilapia, (Oreochromis niloticus) is an important species for freshwater aquaculture and considered to be one of the most important warm-water cultured fish species in the world. This study was conducted to determine the side effect of Sulphatrim® and Amoxi-vet® on fertility in Nile tilapia fish, a total number of 90 fish were divided into 3 equal groups (each of 30 fish). Then each group divided equally to A and B subgroups. Sera , milt and tissue samples were collected. Milt picture (sperm count, motility and vitality % ) were determined as well as some reproductive hormones ( estrogen , progesterone and testosterone ) were measured. As well as the effect of these drugs on the histopathological picture of the sex organs (testes and ovaries ) of the treated fish was determined .It was concluded that Sulphatrim has non significant effect on the milt picture and on the tested reproductive hormone in male and female Nile tilapia fish. However Amoxi-vet caused a significant decrease in sperm count as well as sperm motility and vitality .Moreover the drugs induced a significant decrease in the tested reproductive hormones that was confirmed by the histopathological picture of the examined sex organs.

Mitigating Effect of Vardenafil against Colchicine–Induced Testicular Toxicity in Adult Male Albino Rats Authors

Vardenafil is a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor, preserving and increasing the levels of cGMP (cyclic guanosine monophosphate) in soft muscle of the penis and increasing the erection duration. These vasodilators have protective effects on vascular structures. In this study we evaluated the effect of vardenafil on testicular toxicity induced by colchicine in rats. Forty male adult albino rats were divided into 4 groups of 10 animals each. First group(control) received 1 ml of distilled water orally and injected with 0.2 ml saline subcutaneously (s.c.), second group (Vardenafil) received 1mg/kg /day vardenafil orally, third group (Colchicine) received 25 mg/kg/day of colchicine s.c. and fourth group (Colchicine + Vardenafil) received 25 mg/kg/day colchicine s.c. with vardenafil 1 mg/kg /day orally. The period of the experimental study extended to 28 days. At the end of the study the rats and testes were weighed and testicular toxicity was evaluated by investigating seminal parameters and testicular histopathological changes. Administration of colchicine led to significant decrease in sperm count, motility and viability with significant increase in abnormal sperm forms when compared to control group rats. There was non-significant change regarding both body and testicular weights after administration of colchicine when compared to control group rats. Histopathological changes showed damaged seminiferous tubules, depletion of spermatogenic cells with disruption and thickening of the basement membrane. Some tubules became shrunken and filled with debris of shedded cells and arrested spermatogenesis was noticed in scattered tubules with spermatogenic vacuolations and degenerated mitochondria. Administration of vardenafil with colchicine led to significant decrease of colchicine side effects on seminal parameters and testicular histopathological changes. It is concluded that treatment with vardenafil limits testicular toxicity induced by colchicine.

Masturbation in the light of Islam and Christianity - allowed or not?

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;One of the interesting and intention seeking topic most commonly discussed all over the world regarding its allowance in Islam and Christianity. Masturbation has been thought as one of the means for releasing stress. However, wanking frequently because of lust obviously has some side an effect medically about which a lot of research works still needs to be done. Some medical experts believe that it may lead to infertility if performed frequently; with decreased sperm count, volume and density. Islam has forbidden the act of masturbating and considered it an act of sin. The reason it is called a sin is due to the overwhelming probability that the individual could get involved in adultery. Both religions endorse the fact that marriage helps to avoid adultery. However, masturbating temporarily decreases sperm count, that is why, if you visit fertility clinics for sperm analysis, they ask you not to masturbate or have sexual intercourse for more accurate assessment. The only time where reduction in sperm per ejaculate becomes an issue clinically is if a couple is having difficulty to conceive, in which case the first suggestion a physician would make is for the man to abstain from masturbation between sessions of sexual intercourse (if there is any concern that this is contributing to fertility issues). Frequent masturbation may also lead to auto-erotic asphyxia. Autoerotic or sexual asphyxia, a potentially lethal sexual practice, refers to sexual arousal that is produced while reducing the oxygen supply to the brain.&lt;/p&gt;

Low-dose effect of developmental bisphenol A exposure on sperm count and behaviour in rats.

Bisphenol A is widely used in food contact materials and other products and is detected in human urine and blood. Bisphenol A may affect reproductive and neurological development; however, opinion of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) on bisphenol A (EFSA J, 13, 2015 and 3978) concluded that none of the available studies were robust enough to provide a point of departure for setting a tolerable daily intake for bisphenol A. In the present study, pregnant Wistar rats (n=17-21) were gavaged from gestation day 7 to pup day 22 with bisphenol A doses of 0, 25μg, 250μg, 5mg or 50mg/kg bw/day. In the offspring, growth, sexual maturation, weights and histopathology of reproductive organs, oestrus cyclicity and sperm counts were assessed. Neurobehavioural development was investigated using a behavioural testing battery including tests for motor activity, sweet preference, anxiety and spatial learning. Decreased sperm count was found at the lowest bisphenol A dose, that is 25μg/kg/day, but not at the higher doses. Reproductive organ weight and histology were not affected and no behavioural effects were seen in male offspring. In the female offspring, exposure to 25μg/kg bw/day bisphenol A dose resulted in increased body weight late in life and altered spatial learning in a Morris water maze, indicating masculinization of the brain. Decreased intake of sweetened water was seen in females from the highest bisphenol A dose group, also a possible sign of masculinization. The other investigated endpoints were not significantly affected. In conclusion, the present study using a robust experimental study design, has shown that developmental exposure to 25μg/kg bw/day bisphenol A can cause adverse effects on fertility (decreased sperm count), neurodevelopment (masculinization of spatial learning in females) and lead to increased female body weight late in life. These results suggest that the new EFSA temporary tolerable daily intake of 4μg/kg bw/day is not sufficiently protective with regard to endocrine disrupting effects of bisphenol A in humans.

Biflavonoid fraction from Garcinia kola seed ameliorates hormonal imbalance and testicular oxidative damage by anti-tuberculosis drugs in Wistar rats.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a global health problem. The effects of anti-TB drugs on male reproductive system have not been properly evaluated. We investigated the effects of anti-TB drugs on testicular antioxidant indices, sperm characteristics and hormonal levels in rats, and the protective role of kolaviron (KV), a biflavonoid from Garcinia kola seed. Twenty-eight male Wistar rats were assigned into four groups and orally treated with corn oil (control), anti-TB drugs [4-Tabs=isoniazid (5 mg/kg), rifampicin (10 mg/kg), pyrazinamide (15 mg/kg) and ethambutol (15 mg/kg) in combination], anti-TB drugs +KV and KV alone (200 mg/kg). Anti-TB drugs and KV were given three times per week for 8 weeks. In vitro, reducing power, inhibition of lipid peroxidation (LPO), diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydroxyl radical scavenging effects of KV were examined. KV at 10, 20, 50 and 100 μg/mL showed strong reducing potential and effectively scavenged DPPH and OH radicals in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, KV significantly inhibited LPO in rats' liver homogenate. In vivo, administration of 4-Tabs caused a significant (p<0.05) decrease in body weight gain and weight of testis of rats. Body weight gain and weight of testis decreased by 45% and 36%, respectively, in the 4-Tabs-treated rats. Also, 4-Tabs increased testicular lipid peroxidation by 82%, with a concomitant decrease in antioxidant indices. Testicular reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase decreased by 2.2-, 1.9- and 1.6-folds, respectively. Likewise, 4-Tabs markedly decreased sperm count, motility, luteinizing hormone and testosterone. Co-administration of KV with 4-Tabs normalized body weight, enhanced antioxidant system and improved sperm characteristics. Kolaviron protects male reproductive system from oxidative damage by anti-tuberculosis drugs via the antioxidative mechanism.

Genotoxic effect of the tricyclic antidepressant drug clomipramine hydrochloride in somatic and germ cells of male mice

ObjectiveTo assess the genotoxic potential of the antidepressant drug clomipramine hydrochloride (CH) through different mutagenic end points. MethodsThe study included chromosomal aberration analysis of bone marrow cells, primary spermatocytes, morphological sperm abnormalities and histopathological changes of liver cells using both light and electron microscopy. Three doses (0.195, 0.26 and 0.65 mg/20 g body weight) were tested. Each dose was given orally to mice for different periods of time (the doses are equivalent to the recommended daily intake doses in man). ResultsThe tested doses of CH applied for 5 and 30 days increased the frequencies of chromosomal aberrations with dose and time dependant manner. The two high doses, 0.26 and 0.65 mg/20 g body weight revealed significant effect in comparison to the control. Dose-dependent increase in morphological sperm abnormalities and decrease in sperm count were recorded after CH treatment for 5 consecutive days. Pathological changes in liver tissue reached to sever damage were recorded after treatment with the medium and the high doses for 30 days. Ultrastructural examination showed that the low dose had little differences in liver histological architecture as compared to the control group, while prominent pathological changes in nuclei as well as dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum were observed in mice treated with the medium or the high dose of the drug. ConclusionsIt is concluded that CH has genotoxic effect in somatic and germ cells of mice as well as damaging effect on liver tissue after treatment with the medium and the high doses. However, the usage of low dose (especially for short time, 5 days) can be utilized as a safe therapeutic dose.

Differential roles of estrogen receptors, ESR1 and ESR2, in adult rat spermatogenesis

Estrogens, through their receptors, play an important role in regulation of spermatogenesis. However, the precise role of the estrogen receptors (ESR1 and ESR2) has been difficult to determine as in vivo estradiol treatment would signal through both the ESRs. Hence we had developed in vivo selective ESR agonist administration models in adult male rats to decipher the individual roles of the ESRs. Treatment with both ESR1 and ESR2 agonists decreased sperm counts after 60 days of treatment. The present study aimed to delineate the precise causes of decreased sperm counts following treatment with the two ESR agonists. Treatment with ESR1 agonist causes an arrest in differentiation of round spermatids into elongated spermatids, mainly due to down-regulation of genes involved in spermiogenesis. ESR2 agonist administration reduces sperm counts due to spermiation failure and spermatocyte apoptosis. Spermiation failure observed is due to defects in tubulobulbar complex formation because of decrease in expression of genes involved in actin remodelling. The increase in spermatocyte apoptosis could be due to increase in oxidative stress and decrease in transcripts of anti-apoptotic genes. Our results suggest that the two ESRs regulate distinct aspects of spermatogenesis. ESR1 is mainly involved with regulation of spermiogenesis, while ESR2 regulates spermatocyte apoptosis and spermiation. Activation of estrogen signaling through either of the receptors can affect their respective processes during spermatogenesis and lead to low sperm output. Since many environmental estrogens can bind to the two ESRs with different affinities, these observations can be useful in understanding their potential effects on spermatogenesis.

Testicular Toxicity and Sperm Quality Following Exposure to Solignum: A Permethrin-Containing Wood Preservative in Adult Male Wistar Rats

Background: Permethrin is widely used as a pesticide in agriculture, homes, gardens, and for treatment of ectoparasites such as fleas, lice, and scabies on human and animals. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the testicular toxicity and sperm quality of adult male Wistar albino rats exposed to Solignum® (SOL), a commercial permethrin-containing wood preservative. Materials and Methods: A total number of 32 adult male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups of eight rats per group. SOL mixed with olive oil (1:1) was orally administered to rats daily at concentrations of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg for 28 days while the control received 1 ml of olive oil only. At the end of this study, animals were sacrificed and testes excised, weighed, and processed for histological examination. Results: Rats treated with SOL showed a significant (P ≤ 0.05) decrease in body weight ranging from 127.30 ± 5.95 to 84.50 ± 15.37 g as compared with control group (138.50 ± 6.7 g). Absolute testicular weight, relative testicular weight, and epididymis together with testes decreased significantly (P ≤ 0.05) in treated rats ranging from 0.63 ± 0.44 to 0.22 ± 0.18; 0.49 ± 7.39 to 0.26 ± 1.17, and 1.07 ± 0.75 to 0.37 ± 0.19, respectively, when compared with control groups (0.89 ± 0.27; 0.64 ± 4.00; and 1.40 ± 0.35) for absolute testicular weight, relative testicular weight, and epididymis together with testes, respectively after 28 days. However, there was a significant (P ≤ 0.05) decrease in sperm count, sperm motility, sperm morphology, and sperm viability, whereas sperm debris increased significantly (P ≤ 0.05) in a dose-dependent manner when compared with control group. Furthermore, histological examination of the testes indicated that rats exposed to SOL were characterized by significant degenerative changes when compared with control group. Conclusion: Therefore, exposure to SOL may inhibit spermatogenesis, impair fertility, and generally, have toxicological concerns in the male reproductive system.