Epididymal Histology Research Articles

Transcriptome and Metabolome Analyses Reveal High-Altitude Adaptation Mechanism of Epididymis Sperm Maturation in Tibetan Sheep.

In this study, the epididymal histology, caepididymal sperm physiological parameters, serum reproductive hormones, and antioxidant enzyme SOD levels of Tibetan sheep at a 2500 m and 3500 m altitude were compared by using a combination of transcriptome and metabolomics methods. This was conducted to investigate the effects of a high-altitude environment on spermatogenesis and the maturation of Tibetan sheep. The results showed that compared to the low-altitude group, the high-altitude group had a smaller epididymal lumen, thicker epididymal wall, significantly decreased sperm survival rate, and significantly increased sperm deformation rate, but no difference in sperm motility and sperm respiratory intensity. With increasing altitude, Tibetan sheep showed a decreasing trend in serum reproductive hormones (FSH and T), while the antioxidant enzyme SOD activity was significantly reduced. Transcriptomic analysis revealed 139 differentially expressed genes in the Tibetan sheep epididymis under high-altitude conditions. The SYCP2 gene is involved in multiple biological processes related to reproduction and plays an important role in the regulation of epididymal function and sperm quality in Tibetan sheep. Genes like ADCYAP1R1, CABP2, CALN1, and ATP6V1B1 can help maintain sperm viability and maturation by regulating the cAMP signaling pathway, calcium ion homeostasis, and cellular signaling. Metabolomic analysis found that the high-altitude group had increased adenosine content and decreased prostaglandin I2 content in the epididymis. These metabolites are involved in spermatogenesis, motility, fertilization, and early embryonic development. The integrated omics analysis suggests that Tibetan sheep adapt to the high-altitude hypoxic environment by regulating cAMP signaling pathway genes like ADCY and PRKACA, as well as metabolites like adenosine and prostaglandin I2, to maintain epididymal function and sperm motility. These genes and metabolites play an important role in maintaining normal epididymal function and sperm motility at high altitudes.

Hydroxytyrosol Ameliorates Busulfan-Induced Oligozoospermia in a Mouse Model

Objective Hydroxytyrosol (HT), a polyphenolic component identified in olive oil and leaves, represents one of the most extensively investigated natural phenol due to its diverse beneficial biological properties. Recent studies have shown that HT exhibits protective effects on reproductive function and can improve sperm quality. However, the precise effect and underlying mechanism of HT on oligozoospermia remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the effect and mechanism of HT across varying concentrations on oligozoospermia. Methods Oligozoospermia was induced in ICR male mice via intraperitoneal injection of busulfan (BUS, 30 mg/kg). The mice were randomly categorized into five groups as Normal, BUS, HT 10 mg/kg, HT 30 mg/kg and HT 50 mg/kg. The efficacy of HT on oligozoospermia was assessed through sperm concentration and motility using a computer-assisted sperm analysis system. Testicular and epididymal histology was examined via hematoxylin-eosin staining, while cytoskeletal integrity was evaluated by immunofluorescence. Hormone levels, along with reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were examined by ELISA kits. Differentially expressed genes were identified through RNA sequencing, and the expression levels of key genes were validated by qPCR. Results The results indicated that HT (50 mg/kg) significantly increased sperm concentration, promoted morphological recovery of testicular tissue, heightened the levels of serum testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, as well as decreased the accumulation of ROS and MDA in mice with oligozoospermia. RNA sequencing analysis and RT-qPCR results revealed that HT could restore spermatogenesis and ameliorate oligozoospermia by up-regulating genes related to cilium organization, microtubule-based movement, and spermatid differentiation and development. Conclusions HT demonstrates therapeutic efficacy against busulfan-induced oligozoospermia. The mechanism of HT on oligozoospermia may be related to its influence on cilium and microtubule-based movement, along with the differentiation and development of spermatids. HT shows potential as a prospective therapeutic intervention for the treatment of oligozoospermia.

CircCamsap1 is dispensable for male fertility in mice.

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a large class of RNAs present in mammals. Among these, circCamsap1 is a well-acknowledged circRNA with significant implications, particularly in the development and progression of diverse tumors. However, the potential consequences of circCamsap1 depletion in vivo on male reproduction are yet to be thoroughly investigated. The presence of circCamsap1 in the mouse testes was confirmed, and gene expression analysis was performed using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. CircCamsap1 knockout mice were generated utilizing the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Phenotypic analysis of both the testes and epididymis was conducted using histological and immunofluorescence staining. Additionally, fertility and sperm motility were assessed. Here, we successfully established a circCamsap1 knockout mouse model without affecting the expression of parental gene. Surprisingly, male mice lacking circCamsap1 (circCamsap1-/-) exhibited normal fertility, with no discernible differences in testicular and epididymal histology, spermatogenesis, sperm counts or sperm motility compared to circCamsap1+/+ mice. These findings suggest that circCamsap1 may not play an essential role in physiological spermatogenesis. Nonetheless, this result also underscores the complexity of circRNA function in male reproductive biology. Therefore, further research is necessary to elucidate the precise roles of other circRNAs in regulating male fertility.

The preventive effect of heat-killed Lactobacillus plantarum on male reproductive toxicity induced by cholestasis in rats

This study investigated the preventive effect of heat-killed Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) on cholestasis-induced male reproductive toxicity in rats. Rats were divided into control normal, sham control, bile duct ligation (BDL) control, and BDL with heat-killed L. plantarum supplementation groups. The effects on sexual hormones, testicular and epididymal histology, sperm parameters, oxidative stress markers, and inflammatory gene expression were evaluated. Compared to the BDL control group, the BDL + heat-killed L. plantarum group showed higher levels of normal sperm, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, total antioxidant capacity, and catalase activity, indicating improved reproductive function. Conversely, markers of oxidative stress, such as total oxidative status, oxidative stress index, and carbonyl protein, were lower in the BDL + heat-killed L. plantarum group. The expression levels of inflammatory genes tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 were reduced, while interleukin-10 gene expression was increased in the BDL + heat-killed L. plantarum group. Histological evaluation confirmed the positive effects of heat-killed L. plantarum intervention on testicular parameters. In conclusion, heat-killed L. plantarum supplementation protects against cholestasis-induced male reproductive dysfunction in rats, as evidenced by improvements in hormonal balance, sperm quality, oxidative stress, and inflammation.

P-084 Oral antioxidant supplementation ameliorates the deleterious effects of plasticizers Bisphenol AF (BPAF) and Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP) on mouse sperm DNA integrity

Abstract Study question Do common chemicals in plastic, BPAF and DBP, negatively impact sperm parameters and DNA integrity, and can oral antioxidant supplementation mitigate their impact? Summary answer Short-term, low-dose exposure to BPAF or DBP did not impact testicular/epididymal histology but caudal epididymal sperm parameters, particularly DNA integrity was significantly compromised. What is known already Plasticizers are among the most commonly produced chemicals worldwide with 90% of people showing detectable levels in their urine. As endocrine disruptors (EDCs), they act as estrogen mimetics but can also induce oxidative stress and form DNA adducts. Numerous studies have linked exposure to EDCs to impaired spermatogenesis, sperm DNA damage and male infertility. Limited studies suggest antioxidants may alleviate the reproductive toxicity of EDCs. This study measured the effects of short-term exposures to two common environmental EDCs (BPAF & DBP) on the post-testicular compartment epididymis and investigate the efficacy of an oral antioxidant supplement to safeguard sperm DNA integrity. Study design, size, duration Adult male CD1 mice were exposed to low doses (50mg/kg) of BPAF or DBP with or without co-administration of antioxidant supplementation (Fertilix®) for 14 days and evaluated after euthanasia. Participants/materials, setting, methods All experiments were performed at the University Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France. Mice were supplemented with BPAF, DBP or/and Fertilix® in their drinking water. The results of exposure of males were evaluated against controls and included: testicular and epididymal histology, epididymal ROS status via 4-HNE levels in caput protein extracts, general semen parameters: (count, motility, viability, acrosome integrity), sperm nuclear/DNA parameters [decondensation (Toluidine blue stain), fragmentation (TUNEL test), oxidation (8-OHdG residue level)]. Main results and the role of chance The histology of the testis and epididymis was unaffected by the exposure conditions used. An oxidative stress situation was evident by the EDC exposures, demonstrated by increased level of 4-HNE adducts in the epididymal caput protein extracts. Viability, total and progressive motility, and acrosome integrity of caudal epididymal spermatozoa remained unaltered in exposed animals compared with controls. Exposure to BPAF but not DBP significantly decreased sperm count. Sperm nuclear/DNA integrity assessed by the percentages of sperm with decondensed and oxidized nuclei was significantly increased in EDC-exposed animals. Sperm DNA fragmentation did not significantly increase in any group of exposed animals. Co-administration with Fertilix® significantly corrected the defective sperm parameters (nuclear decondensation and DNA base oxidation) with the exception of sperm count which did not return to control levels in BPAF+ Fertilix® treated animals. These data confirm that even at low doses and short-term exposures, epididymal spermatozoa are susceptible to DNA damage induced by environmental ROS-generating EDCs, confirming its association with male infertility. Limitations, reasons for caution The translation of these findings to humans needs to be confirmed, although the nuclear compartment of human sperm is more susceptible to oxidative alterations than that of the mouse. Wider implications of the findings These data demonstrate the susceptibility of post-testicular sperm cells to common environmental chemicals. They also support the use of appropriate antioxidant supplementation as an effective therapeutic choice for individuals with multiple exposures to environmental stressors such as ROS-generating EDCs. Trial registration number not applicable

Safety evaluation of ondansetron after gestational exposure on male reproductive parameters in rats

Ondansetron is a 5HT3 receptor antagonist widely used to treat hyperemesis gravidarum, although its safety is still questionable. Since 5HT3 receptors, which are the target of this drug, can interfere with brain development through changes in neurotransmitter levels, this study evaluated whether the prenatal exposure to this drug could compromise reproductive and behavioral parameters in male offspring. Pregnant rats were treated with ondansetron (1.7 and 2.5 mg/kg/body weight; gavage), from gestational day 1–21. No exposure-related changes in clinical signs, body weight, food consumption, pregnancy length, and necropsy findings were observed in dams. Ondansetron exposure did not alter the anogenital distance or age of preputial separation in male offspring. Similarly, males exposed to therapeutic doses of ondansetron did not exhibit changes in play behavior. In adulthood, there were no changes in sperm parameters, as well as in testosterone level, sexual behavior and fertility. Furthermore, ondansetron did not interfere with testicular and epididymal histology, and with androgen receptor expression in hypothalamus. In conclusion, prenatal exposure to ondansetron did not cause maternal toxicity, as well as did not interfere with reproductive parameters of male offspring, indicating its safety after gestational exposure in rats.

Cellular Changes and Effect on DNA Integrity of the Epididymal Cells of Swiss Albino Mice Post Exposure to High Dose of Cyclophosphamide: A Histological and TUNEL Assay Study

Background: Many studies done in past literature focuses on gonadal toxicity of Cyclophosphamide, but very less studies are done on the epididymis post exposure to this drug. Hence a sincere attempt is made in present study to look into the cellular changes in the epididymis through histology and TUNEL Assay. Subjects & Methods: Healthy male Swiss albino adult mice, were obtained from Central Animal Research Facility, Manipal were used for the study. The adult as well as prepubertal male mice were divided into control and test groups. In test group, the mice were injected with Cyclophosphamide at variable doses. From each group certain no. of mice was sacrificed on different days. A control group was kept for each intervals. The epididymal tissue was then extracted and used in histological and Tunnel Assay study. Results: Even though there was no significant change in the number of basal cells, the apical cells decreased marginally at higher doses of CP. A TUNEL assay was performed in the epididymal sections to understand its effect on the DNA integrity. Up to 100 mg/kg, CP did not induce any significant increase in the TUNEL positive tubules. However, at 200 mg/kg dose and above, there was an increase in the number of tubules with TUNEL positive cells indicating its DNA damaging effect. However, this increase was statistically not significant Conclusion: The present study highlights the need for looking into the cellular damage of the cells after exposure to one of the commonly used anticancer drug- cyclophosphamide. Keywords: Epididymal Histology, Tunnel Assay, Cyclophosphamide, Swiss Albino mice.

Effects of Methanol Extract of Senna Podocarpa leaf on the Reproductive Parameters of Male Wistar Rats Following lead Acetate Toxicity

Background: Lead and its compounds have been implicated to be reprotoxic by inducing testicular damage and causing hormonal imbalance. Senna podocarpa has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and wound healing potentials. This study investigated the effects of the methanol extract of Senna podocarpa leaf (MESP) on the reproductive activities of male Wistar rats following the induction of reproductive toxicity using lead acetate. Methods: Thirty male rats with body weights between 170g - 200g (10 - 12 weeks) were used for the study. The rats were divided into 6 equal groups as follows; Group 1 rats received 1 ml/kg of Tween 80 only while group 2 rats received 15 mg/kg lead acetate only. Rats in group 3 received 15 mg/kg lead acetate and 500mg/kg of MESP concurrently while rats in group 4 received 15 mg/kg lead acetate and 1000mg/kg of MESP concurrently. Groups 5 and 6 rats received only 500 mg/kg and1000 mg/kg of MESP respectively. Lead acetate was administered intraperitoneally while MESP and Tween 80 were administered orally. All treatments were for 14 days. Results: It was observed from the results that administration of lead acetate for 14 days induced male reproductive toxicity which was evidenced by testicular and epididymal degeneration, significant decrease in sperm parameters, reproductive hormone and antioxidant level. However, concomitant administration of MESP especially at 1000 mg/kg ameliorated the toxic effect of lead acetate as shown by improved testicular and epididymal histology as well as increased sperm parameters. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that MESP may be used as herbal remedy in cases of reproductive toxicity caused by lead acetate.

Knockout of the family with sequence similarity 181, member A (Fam181a) gene does not impair spermatogenesis or male fertility in the mouse.

Family with sequence similarity 181 (Fam181 ) is a gene family with two paralogues (Fam181a and Fam181b ) found among vertebrates. Fam181a exhibits dynamic and stage-specific expression during murine embryo development. Furthermore, searching in the National Center for Biotechnology Information database revealed predominant expression of Fam181a in mouse and human testes, implying that it may have essential roles in spermatogenesis. In this study we investigated the invivo function of Fam181a in mouse spermatogenesis and fertility by generating Fam181a -/- mice using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated (Cas) 9 genome editing technology. The resulting Fam181a -/- mice exhibited normal growth and development. In addition, the mice were completely fertile, with no obvious differences in the testis-to-bodyweight ratio, epididymal sperm count or sperm motility compared with wild-type mice. Further examination of testicular and epididymal histology of Fam181a -/- mice found an intact seminiferous tubule structure and the presence of all types of germ cells, from spermatogonia to mature spermatozoa, similar to wild-type littermates. Similarly, analysis of meiotic prophase I progression revealed normal populations of each substage of prophase I in Fam181a +/+ and Fam181a -/- testes, suggesting that this gene is dispensable for male fertility. These negative findings will help avoid research overlap, save time and resources and allow researchers to concentrate on genes that are critical for male fertility and spermatogenesis.

Exonuclease 5 is dispensable for meiotic progression and male fertility in mouse.

Exonuclease 5 (Exo5) belongs to a class of bi-directional, ssDNA-specific exonucleases that mainly involved in the DNA repair pathways. Exo5 has been reported to be crucial for DNA- DNA mismatch repair (MMR) in several human cell lines. However, its in vivo function in mammals still needs to be explored. Thus, to study the in vivo role of Exo5 in spermatogenesis, Exo5 knockout mice were generated using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Unexpectedly, we found that the knockout mice are fertile despite a slight decrease in sperm count. Furthermore, Exo5-/- mice showed no detectable developmental anomalies, exhibited no remarkable differences in the epididymal histology and testis/body weight ratio. Moreover, cytological investigations on meiocytes revealed non-significant differences in chromosomal synapsis, recombination, and meiotic progression of prophase I, further demonstrating that Exo5 has no essential role in spermatogenesis in mice under normal breeding conditions. Collectively, these data indicate that Exo5 is dispensable for meiotic progression and fertility in mice.

Evidence of Regeneration of Testicular and Epididymal Tissue Structure and Function Following Withdrawal from Sub-chronic Khat Exposure: Studies in the Rabbit Animal Model

Khat, Catha edulis, use is rampant in Eastern Africa and Middle East countries with associated reports of reproductive function impairment in the body of the user. Reports on recovery post long-term khat exposure are obscure. The present study investigated evidence of restoration of testicular and epididymal structure and function during withdrawal from cytotoxic damage caused by sub-chronic exposure of khat extract. Twenty-eight male rabbits were divided into 7 groups of 4 rabbits each. Group I (control) was administered normal saline while groups II, III and IV were administered 1.0 g/kg, 10 g/kg and 20 g/kg body weight of khat extract, respectively, via oral gavage on alternate days of the week for 12 weeks. Blood samples from animals were collected for hormonal assays followed by euthanasia using 26.4 mg/kg body weight of Sagatal sodium intramuscularly for testicular and epididymal histology. Group V, VI and VII were administered 1.0 g/kg, 10 g/kg and 20 g/kg body weight of khat extract, respectively, orally on alternate days of the week for 12 weeks followed by 1-month withdrawal period, blood samples collected for hormone assays and animals sacrificed for testicular and epididymal histology. High khat dose, 20 g/kg body weight, at sub-chronic exposure caused degeneration in spermatogenic cells with accompanying decrease in plasma FSH and testosterone. Histological output of Sertoli cells, Leydig cells and epididymal epithelium appeared unaffected in treatment groups. Post withdrawal data showed apparent regeneration of seminiferous epithelium and restoration of plasma FSH and testosterone comparable to control. It appears khat extract preferentially affected germ cell spermatogonia and subsequent daughter cells while stem cell spermatogonia were unaffected and contributed to regeneration of germinal epithelium and endocrine function.

Histomorphological and Redox Delineations in the Testis and Epididymis of Albino Rats Fed with Green-Synthesized Cellulose.

It has also become increasingly necessary to diversify the production of cellulose for biomedical applications. In this study, cellulose-green-synthesized from Sesamum indicum (GSC)—was administered orally to rats for 14 days as follows: control, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg GSC. The impact of GSC on the antioxidant status and histomorphology of the testes and epididymis were studied. GSC had no effects on organ weights and organosomatic indices. In the testes, GSC caused nonsignificant changes in superoxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione and nitric oxide levels, whereas it significantly decreased glutathione peroxidase and malondialdehyde levels. In the epididymis, GSC significantly decreased superoxide dismutase and nitric oxide levels, but caused a significant increase in glutathione peroxidase and reduced glutathione levels. Furthermore, at ×200 magnification, testicular morphology appeared normal at all doses, however, extravasation of the germinal epithelium of the epididymis was observed at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg GSC. Conversely, at ×400 magnification, spermatogenic arrest (testes) and chromatolytic alterations (epididymis) were observed at the higher doses (200 and 400 mg/kg GSC). This study reports on the effect of green-synthesized cellulose on testicular and epididymal histology and redox status and further extends the frontiers of research on cellulose.

Mageb4 , a Testis-Specific Gene, is Dispensable for Mouse Spermatogenesis

Objective: It has recently been shown that the melanoma antigen gene (MAGE) family is expressed in various tumor cell lines but silent in normal tissues, except germ cell lines. Mageb4, a member of the MAGE family, is highly expressed in the testis and homologous in humans and mice. Whole-exome sequencing studies have identified Mageb4 as a possible X-linked cause of inherited male infertility. However, the function of Mageb4 protein remains largely unknown. Methods: Using clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) 9 technology, we generated a Mageb4 knockout mouse model (Mageb4−/Y) to explore the role of this gene in spermatogenesis. Results: First, immunostaining of testicular cells showed that Mageb4 is localized in the cytoplasm of spermatogonia. Second, Mageb4−/Y male mice displayed significant increases in apoptosis. However, Mageb4−/Y male mice showed normal fertility, including normal sperm concentration, sperm motility, and testicular and epididymal histology. Conclusions: These findings suggest that, despite testis-exclusive expression, Mageb4 is dispensable for mouse spermatogenesis. Future research should focus on the role of this gene in apoptosis, aiming to provide clinical guidance regarding male infertility.

Trihoney ameliorates hypercholesterolemia-induced epididymal histopathological changes in male rabbits

Hypercholesterolemia has been linked to weight change and histopathological alteration of male reproductive organs. The epididymis was suggested to be an early target of lipid-related infertility and can be dramatically affected by excess intake of a high cholesterol diet. On the other hand, the interest has been increased towards the use of honey as a prophylactic and therapeutic agent for various diseases. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of Trihoney (a mixture of Trigona, Mellifera and Tualang) on epididymal weight change and histopathological alterations in hypercholesterolemic male rabbits and compare its effects with atorvastatin. Forty-eight mature male New Zealand white rabbits were divided into 6 groups. Two groups received standard rabbit pellet with 0 and 0.6 g/kg/day of Trihoney respectively while the other four groups received 1% cholesterol diet with 0, 0.3, 0.6 g/kg/day of Trihoney, and 2 mg/kg/day of atorvastatin. After 12 weeks, the rabbits were sacrificed and the epididymides were harvested for evaluation of weight and histopathological changes. Administration of 1% cholesterol diet either alone or in combination with atorvastatin caused a significant reduction in the epididymal weight and epididymal atrophy. Supplementation of Trihoney particularly at the dose of 0.6 g/kg/day improved epididymal weight, regained the normal architecture of the epididymal histology and increased the number of mature sperm inside the tubules of the epididymis. Based on these results, Trihoney exhibited its potential health benefit as a protective agent against epididymal weight reduction and histopathological alterations in hypercholesterolemic rabbits.

The heat shock protein family gene Hspa1l in male mice is dispensable for fertility.

BackgroundHeat shock protein family A member 1 like (Hspa1l) is a member of the 70kD heat shock protein (Hsp70) family. HSPA1L is an ancient, evolutionarily conserved gene with a highly conserved domain structure. The gene is highly abundant and constitutively expressed in the mice testes. However, the role of Hspa1l in the testes has still not been elucidated.MethodsHspa1l-mutant mice were generated using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Histological and immunofluorescence staining were used to analyze the phenotypes of testis and epididymis. Apoptotic cells were detected through TUNEL assays. Fertility and sperm motilities were also tested. Quantitative RT-PCR was used for analyzing of candidate genes expression. Heat treatment was used to induce heat stress of the testis.ResultsWe successfully generated Hspa1l knockout mice. Hspa1l-/- mice exhibited normal development and fertility. Further, Hspa1l-/- mice shown no significant difference in spermatogenesis, the number of apoptotic cells in testes epididymal histology, sperm count and sperm motility from Hspa1l+/+ mice. Moreover, heat stress does not exacerbate the cell apoptosis in Hspa1l-/- testes. These results revealed that HSPA1L is not essential for physiological spermatogenesis, nor is it involved in heat-induced stress responses, which provides a basis for further studies.

The Exacerbation of Aging and Oxidative Stress in the Epididymis of Sod1 Null Mice

There is growing evidence that the quality of spermatozoa decreases with age and that children of older fathers have a higher incidence of birth defects and genetic mutations. The free radical theory of aging proposes that changes with aging are due to the accumulation of damage induced by exposure to excess reactive oxygen species. We showed previously that absence of the superoxide dismutase 1 (Sod1) antioxidant gene results in impaired mechanisms of repairing DNA damage in the testis in young Sod1−/− mice. In this study, we examined the effects of aging and the Sod−/− mutation on mice epididymal histology and the expression of markers of oxidative damage. We found that both oxidative nucleic acid damage (via 8-hydroxyguanosine) and lipid peroxidation (via 4-hydroxynonenal) increased with age and in Sod1−/− mice. These findings indicate that lack of SOD1 results in an exacerbation of the oxidative damage accumulation-related aging phenotype.

Saccharum officinarum molasses adversely alters reproductive functions in male wistar rats

The widely reported anti-androgenic effects of refined sugar led to the exploration of safer alternatives. Saccharum officinarum molasses (SOM), a byproduct of sugar processing is gaining popularity as a substitute. This study investigated the effects of SOM and compared them to those of refined sugar on male reproductive functions. Blackstrap® Saccharum officinarum molasses were subjected to phytochemical screening and proximate analysis and fractionated to obtain methanol (SOMMF) and aqueous (SOMAqF) fractions. Twelve groups (n = 5) of adult male Wistar rats received distilled water (Control); 0.8, 2.5, 7.9 g/kg SOM; 0.0064 g/kg sugar (Dangote®); 0.0064 g/kg sugar+7.9 g/kg SOM; 1.0, 3.2, 10.0 g/kg SOMMF and 0.6, 2.0, 6.4 g/kg SOMAqF, respectively. Administrations were done daily by oral gavage for eight weeks. Sperm profile and testicular and epididymal histology were assessed using microscopy. Serum testosterone was quantified using ELISA. Testicular malondialdehyde (MDA) was assayed by spectrophotometry. Data were analyzed using ANOVA at p < 0.05 significance. Sperm count and viability reduced with 7.9 g/kg SOM, Sugar, 3.2 and 10.0 g/kg SOMMF, 2.0 and 6.4 g/kg SOMAqF. Abnormal sperms increased with 7.9 g/kg SOM, Sugar, 2.0 and 6.4 g/kg SOMAqF. Testosterone level reduced with 6.4 g/kg SOMAqF. Testicular MDA increased with SOM, 3.2 and 10.0 g/kg SOMMF and 6.4 g/kg SOMAqF. Seminiferous tubules and epididymal ducts of 7.9 g/kg SOM, Sugar and SOMAqF-treated rats showed anomalies. Saccharum officinarum molasses altered testicular and epididymal integrity via lipid peroxidation, thus reducing sperm quality and androgen levels in male Wistar rats.

Deleterious effect of short-term gavage of an ethanol extract of cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica L.) roots on testis and epididymal sperm quality

Background and Aim:Cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica L.) (CGG) is a herbal medicine that could be developed into a male antifertility agent. The present study aims to determine the effect of an ethanol extract of CGG roots on mice testicular activity, reproductive hormone levels, and epididymal sperm quality.Materials and Methods:This study was designed as completely randomized with three different doses, such as an ethanol extract of CGG roots at 0 (control), 90, and 115 mg/kg body weight. In total, 21 male DDY mice strain were treated with the CGG extract (by gavage) for 14 days, followed by an evaluation of reproductive organs, epididymal sperm quality, testis histology, histomorphometry, and reproductive hormone assays. All quantitative data were analyzed by analysis of variance, followed by Tukey’s post hoc test at α=0.05.Results:The results showed that the administration of the CGG root ethanol extract disrupted the testis interstitial area and seminiferous tubules, resulting in decreased epididymal sperm quality as well as serum testosterone levels in a dose-dependent pattern.Conclusion:Oral administration of a CGG root ethanol extract induced testicular damage, decreased epididymal sperm quality, and impaired testosterone secretion.

Experimental dapsone administration induces infertility in male Wistar rats: Mechanisms and clinical implications

Dapsone (4, 4′-diaminodiphenylsulfone, DDS) is a potent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial compound which has been used in the treatment of leprosy, vasculitis and dermatitis herpetiformis, lupus erythematosus profundus and even as an antimalarial in combination with proguanil. This study investigated the effect of the administration of dapsone on the reproductive activities of male rats using in vivo and in vitro techniques. In the in vivo study, dapsone was administered orally to male Wistar rats for 5 days or 6 weeks after which their body weight, relative reproductive organ weights, sperm parameters and reproductive hormones were determined while testicular and epididymal histology were also assessed. Data were compared using analysis of variance and Students-Newman-Keuls multiple comparison test. For the in vitro study, Sertoli cells were cultured and treated with varying doses of dapsone at different durations, thereafter Sertoli cell viability and nuclei integrity were determined. Also, the genetic expressions of Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and transferrin were assessed. The results obtained from the in vivo study showed a duration-dependent significant decrease in body and reproductive organ weights, sperm parameters and serum testosterone concentration. Testicular and epididymal histology also showed duration-dependent degenerative changes. However, all these changes were restored towards control values in the recovery experiment. The viability and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) integrity of the treated Sertoli cells showed dose and duration-dependent adverse effects while GDNF and transferrin showed normal genetic expressions. These results suggest that dapsone could induce male reproductive stress by affecting testicular and epididymal structure and function.

Maternal BDE-209 exposure during lactation causes testicular and epididymal toxicity through increased oxidative stress in peripubertal mice offspring

Decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209), a flame retardant, interferes with thyroid homeostasis and androgen biosynthesis. BDE-209 evokes hyperglycemia through impaired glucose homeostasis in rat liver. This study is in continuation to our earlier work for a better understanding of whether or not BDE-209 affects testicular and epididymal physiology in relation to oxidative status in peripupertal mice offspring. Lactating female Parkes mice were orally gavaged with 500 and 700 mg/kg body weight of BDE-209 in corn oil from postnatal day (PND) 1 to PND 28. Male pups of lactating dams were sacrificed at PND 42. Maternal BDE-209 exposure during lactation increased apoptosis and oxidative status with altered expressions of various cell survival (Bcl-2), apoptotic (Bax and caspase-3) and oxidative stress (Nrf2 and HO-1) markers in testes and epididymis of peripubertal mice offspring. Testicular glucose and lactate concentrations were markedly reduced in these pups with down-regulation in GLUT3 and GLUT8 expressions and decreased LDH activity. Maternal BDE-209 exposure markedly affected fertility potential, epididymal histology, sialic acid concentration and sperm quality with decreased expression of epididymal Cx43 and AR in these mice offspring. Results thus suggest that maternal BDE-209 exposure during lactation causes reproductive toxicity in peripubertal mice offspring.