Disorders In Male Rats Research Articles

Curcumin-loaded chitosan-protamine nanoparticles: A promising approach to ameliorate nicotine-induced reproductive disorders in male rats

Nicotine (NIC) exposure has been shown to impair male fertility, affecting sperm quality and motility. Curcumin (CUR) has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and has demonstrated potential in treating a range of health conditions, including infertility. The current study aimed to investigate the effects of curcumin encapsulated in chitosan-protamine nanoparticles (CUR-CPNPs) against nicotine-induced reproductive dysfunction in male rats. CUR-CPNPs were chemically prepared and characterized by TEM imaging, Zetasizer, and FT-IR spectroscopy. eight groups (6 rats per each) of male rats were used: first & second groups acted as control, third group received CUR-CPNPs (250 mg/kg), fourth group received CUR (250 mg/kg), fifth group received CPNPs (250 mg/kg), sixth group received 0.6 mg/kg nicotine (NIC). Finally, seventh and eighth groups are received NIC + CUR, NIC + CUR-CPNPs, respectively. After the end of the treatment period, the rats were anesthetized then the relative weight of the reproductive organs, semen analysis, testosterone levels and oxidative stress biomarkers were assessed, and finally a histopathological analysis of the testicular tissue was performed.The impacts of NIC administration resulted in a significant reduction in relative reproductive organs weights, exacerbated oxidative stress, decreased serum testosterone level, and negatively impacted semen count, motility, and viability. Testicular histopathology revealed extensive degenerative alterations. On the other hand, the ameliorative role of CUR-CPNPs clearly reversed the devastating effect caused by nicotine.

The Therapeutic Potential Of Date Palm Pollen For Testicular Disorders Induced By Diabetes In Male Diabetic Rats

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the main cause of large-scale morbidity and mortality. This syndrome has adverse effects on all physiological systems, including the male reproductive system. It affects a large number of men of reproductive age and causes serious reproductive disorders. This study was aimed to examine the protective effect of date palm pollen (DPP) on diabetes-induced testicular disorders in male rats. Rats were divided into 4 groups. The first group represents the negative control, while the second group is the positive control. In contrast, the following two groups represent the treated groups of DPP suspension with a concentration of 130 mg/kg and 160 mg/kg for 4 weeks. At the end of the experiment, the rats were anesthetized, the epididymis and testis were extracted. The positive control group significantly decreased body weight, sex hormones, and sperm count. However, a significant increase in fasting glucose and the number of abnormal sperm. The histological results confirmed tubular degeneration, Leydig cell atrophy, and tubular dilation. Decrease the basement membrane, the semenforuos epithelium, and tubular diameter, while the diameter of the lumen increased. Treatment with DPP suspension showed a significant decrease in the level of fasting glucose and the number of abnormal sperm. While the number of sperm increased significantly. The results of the histological study confirmed that the Seminiferous Tubules treated with DPP were intact, the germinal epithelium dense, seminiferous tubules did not expand. We concluded that the DPP has an influence on protecting testis from diabetes complication.

Repeated restraint stress induced neurobehavioral and sexual hormone disorders in male rats.

Several studies have demonstrated that depression include disruptions not only for mental human disorders but also their healthy living. Rodent-based behavioral tests and models are widely used to understand the mechanisms by which stress triggers anxiety-related behaviors.This present study examined the evidence of a chronic restraint stress (CRS) paradigm in male Wistar rats for the progressive nature of depression alongside with related changes in behavior and functions. The body weight was determined, and the behavior tests, including sucrose preference and the open field test were performed. Theses parameters confirme the presence of anxiety-like and depression-like behaviors beside that we will focus on the response of ACTH and testosterone concentrations in rats.The results obtained during the experiment show that CRS led to decrease the time spent in the field center, a decrease of total distance travelled, in the stressed group compared with the control group. A significant increased of ACTH levels and decreased in testosterone hormone levels in the CRS. According to these results the CRS rodent model has value to validating the development for depression.

Rutin Improves Cardiac and Erythrocyte Membrane-Bound ATPase Activities in Male Rats Exposed to Cadmium Chloride and Lead Acetate.

Cardiovascular diseases have been associated with cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb). Impaired Ca2+ and Na+/K+-ATPase activities have also been linked to hemolytic and cardiovascular disorders. This study investigated the effect of rutin on Cd and/or Pb-induced cardiac and erythrocyte disorders in male rats. Twenty-five (25) male Wistar rats were treated as (n=5): Control, Pb (60 mg/kg, p.o), Cd (5 mg/kg, p.o), Pb + Cd, Rutin + Pb + Cd (50 mg/kg Rt, 60 mg/kg Pb, 5 mg/kg Cd, p.o). Plasma electrolyte and Ca2+- and Na+/K+-ATPase activities in the erythrocyte and heart of the rats were assayed. There was an increased and decreased activity of cardiac and erythrocyte Na+/K+-ATPase in Pb- (172%) and Cd- (33.7%) treated groups, respectively. However, rutin increased erythrocyte Na+/K+-ATPase activity in Cd + Pb when compared with Cd and Cd + Pb groups. Erythrocyte Ca2+-ATPase activity was decreased in the Pb (68%), Cd (68%) and Cd + Pb (55.3%) groups. Cardiac Na+/K+-ATPase activity was not altered in Pb and Cd groups while it decreased in Cd + Pb. Rutin increased the activity of the pump in Cd +Pb-treated rats compared to the Cd+Pb group. Therefore, rutin reversed cadmium- and lead-induced impaired cardiac and erythrocyte membrane Ca2+- and Na+/K+-ATPase activities. Graphical Abstract Dotted lines-decrease activity, curved lines-increased activity (created with BioRender.com ).

Potential therapeutic effects of Ulva lactuca water fraction on monosodium glutamate-induced testicular and prostatic tissue damage in rats.

Male infertility is considered one of the most critical health problems that are expected to expand worldwide. Ulva lactuca is a species of green seaweeds which is known to be a rich source of many important nutrients. Accordingly, this study is designated to investigate the therapeutic role of Ulva lactuca water fraction (UL) against monosodium glutamate (MSG)-induced male reproductive system disorders in male rats. Ulva lactuca methanolic crude extract was prepared firstly, and then water-dissolved compounds of this crude methanolic extract were separated. Ulva lactuca water fraction active phenolic compounds were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Thirty-two male rats were divided equally into four groups; male infertility was induced in sixteen experimental animals by MSG at dose of 15mg/Kg for 45days. Eight infertile animals were treated with 100mg/Kg of Ulva lactuca water fraction for 30days. The rest of the animals were divided into two control groups; one control group (eight animals) was used to study the effect of UL on healthy rats at dose of 100mg/Kg for 30days and healthy control group (eight animals). Semen quality parameters (concentration and motility ratio), serum testosterone, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and phosphatases were estimated by using standard protocols. Moreover, prooxidants and endogenous antioxidant enzymes were measured in prostate and testis homogenates. In addition, relative expression of pro-inflammatory genes (inducible nitric oxide synthase (i-NOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor-α alpha (TNF-α), and tumor protein (P53)) were assessed in testicular and prostatic tissues. Finally, histological alterations were measured by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stain. Results revealed that Ulva lactuca water fraction contains active phenolic constituents responsible for its antioxidant bioactivity. Oral administration of MSG significantly induced histological alterations. Oxidative stress was observed with elevated levels of nitric oxide (NO), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and xanthine oxidase (XO) activity in both testis and prostate tissues. MSG adversely affected prostate function via elevation of PSA, prostatic acid phosphatases (PAPs), and total acid phosphatases (TAPs). In addition, it upregulated pro-inflammatory genes in testis and prostate tissues. Meanwhile, MSG reduced serum testosterone, semen quality, and antioxidant enzyme activities (glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-s-transferase (GST), and superoxide dismutase (SOD)). Treatment with UL notably ameliorated the state of oxidative stress and downregulated the expression of pro-inflammatory gene markers. This study highlighted the potential efficacy of Ulva lactuca water fraction on MSG-induced male infertility in rats. Therapeutic effect of UL on oxidative stress and inflammation induced by MSG in testicular and prostatic tissues.

Artemisia judaica L. diminishes diabetes-induced reproductive dysfunction in male rats via activation of Nrf2/HO-1-mediated antioxidant responses.

Diabetes mellitus is a well-known danger element for the progression of male reproductive dysfunctions. Available evidence supports oxidative stress to be the underlying mechanism for the manifestation of testicular dysfunctions during diabetes, and this relation represents an attractive target to antagonize these complications. Artemisia judaica L. is known to have antidiabetic and antioxidant characteristics. The possible protective effect of Artemisia judaica against diabetes-induced testicular disorders was not explored. In this investigation, we planned to estimate the possible protective effect of Artemisia judaica extract against diabetes-induced testicular disorders in male rats. The blood levels of insulin, glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, testosterone, luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone were evaluated in rats after 12weeks of Artemisia judaica treatment. Further, oxidative stress markers were determined in their testicular tissue. Epididymal fluid and testicular histological changes were also assessed. Expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen has been evaluated in testis. Testicular mRNA expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and heme oxygenase-1 as the significant transcription factors in controlling antioxidant system were evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Artemisia judaica extracts have the ability to ameliorate the elevation in the serum glucose and blood glycosylated hemoglobin and the reduction in insulin, testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone caused by streptozotocin-induced diabetes. It induced a significant recovery of the testicular oxidative stress markers, sperm characteristics and improved histopathological findings of the testes. Treatment with Artemisia judaica extracts led to an increase in proliferating cell nuclear antigen protein expression. Reduction of testicular oxidative stress potential in streptozotocin-treated groups was confirmed by upregulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and heme oxygenase-1.

Synergic effects of aerobic exercise and eugenol supplement on germ cell development and testicular tissue structure in chlorpyrifos-treated animal model.

Insecticide chlorpyrifos (CPF) with increased oxidative stress, structural destruction, and hemostasis of testicular tissue leads to male infertility. The present study investigated the protective effect of exercise (Exe) and eugenol supplementation (Sup) on CPF-induced testicular spermatogenic disorders in male rats. In this experimental study, 21 adult male albino rats were divided into seven groups, control (Co: 6weeks), CPF (6weeks), Co + Oil (2weeks healthy food and 4weeks oil), Co + Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO: 6weeks), CPF + Sup (2weeks CPF and 4weeks CPF + Sup), CPF + Exe (2weeks CPF and 4weeks CPF + Exe), and CPF + Exe + Sup (2weeks CPF and 4weeks CPF + Exe + Sup) group. All treatments were done intraperitoneally (5days a week). Exe groups were subjected to run at moderate exercise intensity for 5days per week over 6weeks. DMSO groups were administered to the equal volume of vehicle for 6 consecutive weeks. Finally, the animals were sacrificed with Co2 gas and then alterations in testicular histology and sperm parameters were evaluated. Protein expression of PLZF and IGFα in the CPF group showed a significant decrease compared with the control group (p˂0.001 for both). It was shown that CPF + Exe + Sup (p˂0.001) and CPF + Sup (p˂0.01) groups had a significant increase in protein expression of PLZF, but the protein expression of IGFα showed a significant increase just in the CPF + Exe + Sup group (p˂0.001). Also, CPF caused a significant decrease in Leydig counts, Sertoli cell count, spermatogonium counts, spermatocyte cell count, spermatid cell count, and tunica thickness as well as a significant increase in testicle diameter (p˂0.01) and ducts diameter compared with the control group. It seems that aerobic exercise with eugenol supplementation suppresses the disruption effects of CPF on testicular tissue (cellular and structural) by increasing the antioxidant capacity and improving the secretion of sex hormones. Therefore, the aerobic exercise with supplement of the eugenol has potential therapeutic targets for male infertility that need further study.

Reproductive disorders in male rats induced by high-fructose consumption from juvenile age to puberty.

There is compelling evidence that a hypercaloric, high-fructose diet can cause metabolic syndrome (MetS) and a whole range of other metabolic changes. In the context of androgen deficiency, MetS in boys merits special attention, but the effects of fructose-rich diet in youth on future male reproductive function are still poorly evidenced. The aim of this study was to address this issue and analyse the effects of high-fructose intake starting from weaning to puberty (postnatal day 23 up to 83) on the reproductive function of male rats. For this purpose juvenile male Wistar rats were divided in two groups: control and the group receiving 10 % fructose solution instead of drinking water. Reproductive function was evaluated in terms of fertility, sperm count, testes/epididymis morphology, and serum sex hormones. The fructose-treated group showed a decrease in testosterone and twofold increase in luteinising and follicle-stimulating hormone levels in the serum. This was accompanied with lower testis/epididymis weights, sperm count, and changed testis/epididymis morphology. Their fertility remained unchanged, but the fertility of females mating with these males diminished. In addition, pre-implantation and post-implantation embryonic death rate rose in these females. Our results have confirmed that high fructose consumption from early age until puberty can impair the reproductive function of male rats, and call for further animal and epidemiological investigation.

Protective effects of coenzyme Q10 against sodium fluoride-induced reproductive disorders in male rats

This study was conducted to investigate the possible protective role of (CoQ10) on reproductive dysfunction of male rats induced by sodium fluoride (NaF). thirty two rats were divided into four even groups and treated for 56 days as follows: the first group served as control (C) The second group (G1) received coenzyme Q10 at dose of 10 mg/Kg.B.W; while third group (G2) received 100ppmsodium fluoride in drinking water and fourth groups (G3) received NaF 100 ppm and CoQ10 10 mg/Kg.B.W for 56 days. The results showed that exposure of rats to NaF caused decrease in serum testosterone (T) and luteinizing hormones (LH) concentrations. Whereas Administration of CoQ10 caused an increase the concentrations of theses hormones in group G3 as compared with group G2. Testicular morphometric and histopathological alterations were observed in group G2 in the form of marked microvacuolation in the basal level of germinal cells, amyloid deposited within seminiferous tubules with disarrangement and depletion of germ cells. Whereas testicular histological alterations were improved in rats treated with CoQ10. In conclusion, the results of the present study showed that use of Co Q10 can alleviating the deleterious effects on male reproductive function following exposure to NaF, may be via improvement the testicular functions or other related endocrine glands.

The Preventive/Protective Effect of Testosterone on Haloperidol-Induced Extrapyramidal Disorders in Male Rats

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Many non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease such as depression are associated with testosterone deficiency. On the other hand, the effect of testosterone therapy on the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease is unknown. Therefore, the present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of testosterone on haloperidol-induced extrapyramidal disorders. METHODS: In this experimental study, 60 male Wistar rats weighing 180–220 g were randomly divided into 10 groups of 6. Rats were intraperitoneally pretreated with saline, polyethylene glycol, flutamide (10 mg/kg) or testosterone (1 mg/kg) for 1 or 7 consecutive days and before administration of haloperidol. The effects of testosterone and flutamide on catalepsy and motor disorder caused by haloperidol were measured by bar test and rotarod test, respectively. FINDINGS: Haloperidol (1 mg/kg) significantly (p<0.004) resulted in catalepsy (170±17.25) and balance impairment (52±8). Pretreatment with testosterone for 7 days had a preventive effect on haloperidol-induced extrapyramidal disorders and improved catalepsy (55±8) (p<0.001) and balance impairment (178±8) (p<0.05) in mice, whereas co-administration of flutamide prevented the ameliorative effects of testosterone on extrapyramidal disorders. CONCLUSION: The results of the study showed that pretreatment with testosterone has a significant effect on the improvement of catalepsy. © 2018, Babol University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved.

Therapeutic Potential of Date Palm Pollen for Testicular Dysfunction Induced by Thyroid Disorders in Male Rats.

Hyper- or hypothyroidism can impair testicular function leading to infertility. The present study was designed to examine the protective effect of date palm pollen (DPP) extract on thyroid disorder-induced testicular dysfunction. Rats were divided into six groups. Group I was normal control. Group II received oral DPP extract (150 mg kg-1), group III (hyperthyroid group) received intraperitoneal injection of L-thyroxine (L-T4, 300μg kg-1; i.p.), group IV received L-T4 plus DPP extract, group V (hypothyroid group) received propylthiouracil (PTU, 10 mg kg-1; i.p.) and group VI received PTU plus DPP extract. All treatments were given every day for 56 days. L-T4 or PTU lowered genital sex organs weight, sperm count and motility, serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone (T), testicular function markers and activities of testicular 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD). Moreover, L-T4 or PTU increased estradiol (E2) serum level, testicular oxidative stress, DNA damage and apoptotic markers. Morphometric and histopathologic studies backed these observations. Treatment with DPP extract prevented LT4- or PTU induced changes. In addition, supplementation of DPP extract to normal rats augmented sperm count and motility, serum levels of LH, T and E2 paralleled with increased activities of 3β-HSD and 17β-HSD as well as testicular antioxidant status. These results provide evidence that DPP extract may have potential protective effects on testicular dysfunction induced by altered thyroid hormones.

A study on the effects of the hydroalcholic extract of the aerial parts of Alhagi camelorum on prolactin and pituitary-gonadal activity in rats with hypercholesterolemia.

Although endocrine disorders are not a common cause of infertility, in some cases, testing thyroid function, and hypothalamus - pituitary - gonadal axis can determine the cause of infertility. We aimed to investigate the effect of the aerial parts of Alhagi camelorum extract on prolactin, cortisol and pituitary - gonadal axis activities in rats with hypercholesterolemia. In this study, 35 male wistar rats in 5 groups (n = 7) were assigned as: control group with normal diet, the sham group with fat diet and three experimental groups of hypercholesterolaemic animals which received Alhagi camelorum extract at a minimum dose of 100 mg/kg, average dose of 200 ml/kg and maximum dose of 300 mg/kg over a period of 21 days. At the end of the period, blood samples were collected from all groups and blood factors were then measured and analyzed. In the sham group compared to the control, cholesterol levels increased and FSH levels decreased, whereas cholesterol levels reduced in the experimental groups. Alhagi camelorum extract also reduced testosterone level and increased prolactin and gonadotropins. Alhagi camelorum extract at low and average doses reduced cortisol, testosterone and cholesterol and increased gonadotropins. So it can cause reproductive disorders in male rats. The extract at maximum dose can increase cortisol and prolactin. As these two hormones work together to produce milk, this plant can help to boost breastfeeding.

Protective effect of melatonin against zonisamide-induced reproductive disorders in male rats.

IntroductionZonisamide (ZNS) is a modern antiepileptic drug (AED) that is distinguished from other AEDs by its unique structure and broad mechanistic profile. The pineal hormone melatonin is involved in the regulation of reproductive function, including the timing of the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge. The aim of the present work was to study the protective effect of melatonin against the potential suppression impact of ZNS on reproductive activity.Material and methodsNinety adult albino male rats were allocated to several groups treated with melatonin (10 mg/kg BW), ZNS (10, 20 and 50 mg/kg BW) and 10 mg/kg of melatonin plus ZNS (10, 20 or 50 mg/kg BW, respectively). Reproductive hormones (testosterone, LH and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)) levels were measured in animal serum. Sperm abnormalities and DNA fragmentation in testis tissues as well as expression alteration of several reproductive-related genes were analyzed.ResultsThe results revealed that ZNS decreased the levels of serum free testosterone, LH, and FSH and expression of their encoding genes in male rats. In addition, ZNS treatment increased the sperm abnormalities and DNA fragmentation and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in testis tissues as well as GABA level in liver tissues. However, melatonin supplementation inhibited the negative symptoms of ZNS in which it increased the levels of reproductive hormones and expression of their encoding genes in the ZNS-treated rats. Moreover, melatonin decreased the sperm abnormalities, DNA fragmentation, iNOS activity and GABA level in ZNS-treated rats.ConclusionsThe data obtained in this study suggest that melatonin administration confers protection against toxicity inflicted by ZNS, and support the contention that melatonin protection is achieved by its ability as a scavenger for free radicals generated by ZNS.

Radioprotective effect ofCurcuma longaextract on γ-irradiation-induced oxidative stress in rats

This study was conducted to evaluate the modulatory effect of aqueous extract of Curcuma longa (L.) against γ-irradiation (GR), which induces biochemical disorders in male rats. The sublethal dose of GR was determined in primary hepatocytes. Also, the effect of C.longa extract was examined for its activity against GR. In rats, C.longa extract was administered daily (200mg/kg body mass) for 21days before, and 7days after GR exposure (6.5 Gy). The lipid profile and antioxidant status, as well as levels of transaminases, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumour necrosis factorα (TNFα) were assessed. The results showed that in hepatocytes, the aqueous extract exhibited radioprotective activity against exposure to GR. Exposure of untreated rats to GR resulted in transaminase disorders, lipid abnormalities, elevation of lipid peroxidation, trace element alterations, release of IL-6 and TNF, and decrease in glutathione and protein level of superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD-1) and peroxiredoxin-1 (PRDX-1). However, treatment of rats with this extract before and after GR exposure improved antioxidant status and minimized the radiation-induced increase in inflammatory cytokines. Changes occurred in the tissue levels of trace elements, and the protein levels of SOD-1 and PRDX-1 were also modulated by C.longa extract. Overall, C.longa exerted a beneficial radioprotective effect against radiation-induced oxidative stress in male rats by alleviating pathological disorders and modulating antioxidant enzymes.

Acute administration of the organochalcogen 3‐methyl‐1‐phenyl‐2‐(phenylseleno)oct‐2‐en‐1‐one induces biochemical and hematological disorders in male rats

Organochalcogens are extensively produced and employed by industry and agriculture, and the risk of occupational and environmental toxicity to them has been poorly understood. Here, we investigated the acute effect of a new organochalcogen 3-methyl-1-phenyl-2-(phenylseleno)oct-2-en-1-one on biochemical and hematological parameters in male Wistar rats. The animals were treated with a single intraperitoneal injection of the organochalcogen at doses of 125, 250 or 500 µg·kg(-1). After 60 min, the animals were sacrificed by decapitation, and the trunk blood was collected for determination of glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, urea, creatinine, C-reactive protein, red blood cells, hematocrit, hemoglobin and white blood cells (WBC). Our results showed a reduction in cholesterol levels in all treated groups, an increase in ALT activity at doses of 250 and 500 µg·kg(-1), a decrease of hemoglobin and an increase in WBC in animals that received 250 and 500 µg·kg(-1) of the organoselenium. In addition, we observed an increase in neutrophil counts at 125 µg·kg(-1) dose and a decrease at 500 µg·kg(-1) dose. We also verified an increase in lymphocyte counts at the dose of 500 µg·kg(-1). Thus, the present study shows that the acute treatment with this new organochalcogen causes biochemical changes and hematological disorders in male rats.

Interactive effect of arsenic and fluoride on cardio-respiratory disorders in male rats: possible role of reactive oxygen species

Epidemiological evidence demonstrates positive correlation between environmental and occupational arsenic or fluoride exposure and risk to various cardio-respiratory disorders. Arsenic-exposure has been associated with atherosclerosis, hypertension, cerebrovascular diseases, ischemic heart disease, and peripheral vascular disorders, whereas Fluoride-exposure manifests cardiac irregularities and low blood pressure (BP). Present study aims to study the combined effects of these toxicants on various cardio-respiratory variables in male rats. Single intravenous (i.v.) dose of arsenic (1, 5, 10 mg/kg) or fluoride (5, 10, 20, 36.5 mg/kg) either alone or in combination were administered. Individual exposure to arsenic or fluoride led to a significant depletion of mean arterial pressure, heart rate (HR), respiration rate and neuromuscular (NM) transmission in a dose-dependent manner. These changes were accompanied by increased levels of blood reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreased glutathione (GSH) concentrations. An increase in the blood acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) activity was observed in both arsenic or fluoride exposed rats. These changes were significantly more pronounced in arsenic-exposed animals than in fluoride. During combined exposure to arsenic (5 mg/kg) + fluoride (20 mg/kg) or arsenic (10 mg/kg) + fluoride (36.5 mg/kg) the toxic effects were more pronounced compared to individual toxicities of arsenic or fluoride alone. However, combined exposure to arsenic (5 mg/kg) + fluoride (36.5 mg/kg) resulted in antagonistic effects on variables suggestive of altered cardio-respiratory function and oxidative stress. The results from the present study suggest that arsenic or fluoride individually demonstrate cardio-respiratory failure at all doses whereas during combination exposure these toxins show variable toxicities; both synergistic and antagonistic effects depending upon the dose. Moreover, it may be concluded that arsenic and/or fluoride cardio-respiratory toxicity may be mediated via oxidative stress. However, these results are new in the discipline thus requires further exploration.

Effects of Tributyltin Chloride on the Reproductive System in Pubertal Male Rats

Detrimental effects of tributyltin (TBT) chloride on the reproductive system were investigated in pubertal male rats. Sixty Sprague-Dawley rats aged with 35 days were assigned to six different groups; negative control receiving vehicle, positive control receiving methyltestosterone (10 mg/kg B.W.), TBT chloride (5 mg/kg B.W., 10 mg/kg B.W., and 20 mg/kg B.W.), and a combination of TBT chloride (10 mg/kg B.W.) and flutamide (10 mg/kg B.W). The animals were treated with test compounds by oral gavage daily for 10 days and sacrificed on the next day of the final treatment. The treatment with TBT chloride at the doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg B.W. significantly decreased seminal vesicle weights, compared to the negative control. The combined treatment of TBT chloride and flutamide caused a significant decrease in accessory sex organ weights, compared to the control and TBT chloride treatments. The treatment with TBT chloride or in the combination with flutamide increased detached debris and sloughed cells in the tubules of epididymis and narrowed seminal vesicles. In addition, the combined treatment with TBT chloride and flutamide caused a noticeable increase in serum androgen level, compared to the negative control. These results suggest that TBT chloride exposed during pubertal period cause partial reproductive disorders in male rats.

Arsenic in Urine and Drinking Water

LetterOpen AccessArsenic in urine and drinking water. A H Smith, and C M Steinmaus A H Smith Search for more papers by this author and C M Steinmaus Search for more papers by this author Published:1 November 2000https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.108-a494cCited by:4AboutSectionsPDF ToolsDownload CitationsTrack Citations ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InReddit "Arsenic in urine and drinking water.." Environmental Health Perspectives, 108(11), pp. A494–A495FiguresReferencesRelatedDetailsCited By Luo S, Chen G, Truica C, Baird C, Leitzel K and Lazarus P (2017) Role of the UGT2B17 deletion in exemestane pharmacogenetics, The Pharmacogenomics Journal, 10.1038/tpj.2017.18, 18:2, (295-300), Online publication date: 1-Mar-2018. Flora S, Pachauri V, Mittal M and Kumar D (2011) Interactive effect of arsenic and fluoride on cardio-respiratory disorders in male rats: possible role of reactive oxygen species, BioMetals, 10.1007/s10534-011-9412-y, 24:4, (615-628), Online publication date: 1-Aug-2011. Rivera-Núñez Z, Meliker J, Linder A and Nriagu J (2010) Reliability of spot urine samples in assessing arsenic exposure, International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health, 10.1016/j.ijheh.2010.03.003, 213:4, (259-264), Online publication date: 1-Jul-2010. Nuntharatanapong N, Chen K, Sinhaseni P and Keaney J (2005) EGF receptor-dependent JNK activation is involved in arsenite-induced p21 Cip1/Waf1 upregulation and endothelial apoptosis , American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology, 10.1152/ajpheart.00901.2004, 289:1, (H99-H107), Online publication date: 1-Jul-2005. Vol. 108, No. 11 November 2000Metrics About Article Metrics Publication History Originally published1 November 2000Published in print1 November 2000 Financial disclosuresPDF download License information EHP is an open-access journal published with support from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health. All content is public domain unless otherwise noted. Note to readers with disabilities EHP strives to ensure that all journal content is accessible to all readers. However, some figures and Supplemental Material published in EHP articles may not conform to 508 standards due to the complexity of the information being presented. If you need assistance accessing journal content, please contact [email protected]. Our staff will work with you to assess and meet your accessibility needs within 3 working days.