Epididymal Sperm Concentration Research Articles

Berberine alters the gut microbiota metabolism and impairs spermatogenesis.

Berberine (BBR) is used to treat diarrhea clinically. However, its reproductive toxicity is unclear. This study aims to investigate the impact of BBR on the male reproductive system. Intragastric BBR administration for 14 consecutive days results in a significant decrease in the serum testosterone concentration, epididymal sperm concentration, mating rate and fecundity of male mice. Testicular treatment with testosterone propionate (TP) partially reverses the damage caused by BBR to the male reproductive system. Mechanistically, the decrease in Muribaculaceae abundance in the gut microbiota of mice is the principal cause of the BBR-induced decrease in the sperm concentration. Both fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) treatment demonstrate that Muribaculaceae is necessary for spermatogenesis. The intragastric administration of Muribaculaceae intestinale to BBR-treated mice restores the sperm concentration and testosterone levels. Metabolomic analysis reveals that BBR affects arginine and proline metabolism, of which ornithine level is downregulated. Combined analysis via 16S rRNA metagenomics sequencing and metabolomics shows that Muribaculaceae regulates ornithine level. The transcriptomic results of the testes indicate that the expressions of genes related to the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR)-mediated testosterone synthesis pathway decrease after BBR administration. The transcriptional activity of the Ldlr gene in TM3 cells is increased with increased ornithine supplementation in the culture media, leading to increased testosterone synthesis. Overall, this study reveals an association between a BBR-induced decrease in Muribaculaceae abundance and defective spermatogenesis, providing a prospective therapeutic approach for addressing infertility-related decreases in serum testosterone triggered by changes in the gut microbiota composition.

Protective roles of some natural and synthetic aromatase inhibitors in testicular insufficiency caused by Bisphenol A exposure

ABSTRACT In our study, the protective role of synthetic aromatase inhibitors anastrozole (ANS), letrozole (LTZ) and exemestane (EXM) and natural aromatase inhibitors resveratrol (RSV) and apigenin (APG) against testicular failure caused by exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA) was investigated. The epididymal sperm concentration, sperm motility and sperm morphology were determined. Oxidative stress and inflammatory response parameters were examined and histological examinations were performed in testicular tissues. Our results revealed that BPA exposure decreased serum testosterone and estrogen levels, increased FSH and LH levels (p < 0.05). BPA has been found to increase oxidative stress and inflammatory response and disrupt the histological structure. Also, BPA exposure decreased testicular weight, epididymal sperm concentration and motility, and increased abnormal sperm rate (p < 0.05). These results show that ANS, LTZ and RSV treatments reduce the BPA-induced testicular damage.

Pubertal exposure to Microcystin-LR arrests spermatogonia proliferation by inducing DSB and inhibiting SIRT6 dependent DNA repair in vivo and in vitro

The reproduction toxicity of pubertal exposure to Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) and the underlying mechanism needs to be further investigated. In the current study, pubertal male ICR mice were intraperitoneally injected with 2 μg/kg MC-LR for four weeks. Pubertal exposure to MC-LR decreased epididymal sperm concentration and blocked spermatogonia proliferation. In-vitro studies found MC-LR inhibited cell proliferation of GC-1 cells and arrested cell cycle in G2/M phase. Mechanistically, MC-LR exposure evoked excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) and induced DNA double-strand break in GC-1 cells. Besides, MC-LR inhibited DNA repair by reducing PolyADP-ribosylation (PARylation) activity of PARP1. Further study found MC-LR caused proteasomal degradation of SIRT6, a monoADP-ribosylation enzyme which is essential for PARP1 PARylation activity, due to destruction of SIRT6-USP10 interaction. Additionally, MG132 pretreatment alleviated MC-LR-induced SIRT6 degradation and promoted DNA repair, leading to the restoration of cell proliferation inhibition. Correspondingly, N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) pre-treatment mitigated the disturbed SIRT6-USP10 interaction and SIRT6 degradation, causing recovered DNA repair and subsequently restoration of cell proliferation inhibition in MC-LR treated GC-1 cells. Together, pubertal exposure to MC-LR induced spermatogonia cell cycle arrest and sperm count reduction by oxidative DNA damage and simultaneous SIRT6-mediated DNA repair failing. This study reports the effect of pubertal exposure to MC-LR on spermatogenesis and complex mechanism how MC-LR induces spermatogonia cell proliferation inhibition.

Effect of Estrogen Beta Receptor Polymorphism in Male Infertility: A Review

Infertility is one of the major health problems of reproductive age couples. The suggestion that oestrogen beta receptor polymorphism has unfavorable effects on the male fertility is contentious. This review study aimed to identify the impact of estrogen beta receptor polymorphism on male infertility. The comprehensive literature review focused on the role of estrogen beta receptor (ERβ) in the testis, its effects on sperm motility, longevity, and fertilizing capacity, as well as the relationship between ERβ mutation and male infertility. The review highlighted the critical role of ERβ in sperm function, emphasizing its strong expression in the testis and its significance for sperm motility and fertilizing capacity. The absence of ERβ was found to diminish epididymal sperm content, sperm motility, and fertility, thereby contributing to male infertility. Additionally, the review discussed the influence of environmental, physiological, and genetic factors on male factor infertility and emphasized the need for further molecular studies to determine the implications of ERβ mutation in a multifactorial manner. The literature cited in the review provided insights into the prevalence of male infertility worldwide, with a focus on the African region, where male factor infertility was found to account for a significant percentage of infertility cases. Genetic evaluations and lifestyle changes, including the inclusion of antioxidant vitamins and minerals in treatment regimens to prevent oxidative DNA damage linked to estrogen-induced effects on male reproduction, were recommended. Furthermore, healthy lifestyle choices and the avoidance of tobacco smoking, marijuana, and alcohol use may play central role in preserving male fertility.

MP01-13 E-CIGARETTE VAPOR EXPOSURE NEGATIVELY AFFECTS SPERMATOGENESIS IN MICE

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023MP01-13 E-CIGARETTE VAPOR EXPOSURE NEGATIVELY AFFECTS SPERMATOGENESIS IN MICE Daniel Pelzman, Patrick Walsh, Tatum Tarin, Miguel Brieño-Enriquez, and Kathleen Hwang Daniel PelzmanDaniel Pelzman More articles by this author , Patrick WalshPatrick Walsh More articles by this author , Tatum TarinTatum Tarin More articles by this author , Miguel Brieño-EnriquezMiguel Brieño-Enriquez More articles by this author , and Kathleen HwangKathleen Hwang More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003212.13AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Vaping, or e-cigarette usage, has grown drastically in popularity over the past decade, particularly among teenagers and young adults. The impact of vaping on spermatogenesis has not been established. The primary aim of our study was to assess the effects of e-cigarette vapor exposure on semen parameters, patterns of testicular apoptosis, and meiotic function in mice. METHODS: Outbred CD-1 mice were divided into five cohorts: 5-week experimental, 10-week experimental, 5-week control, 10-week control, and wild-type. Experimental groups were subjected to 200 puffs of e-cigarette vapor over 100 minutes 5 times per week for 5 and 10 weeks. Control groups underwent the same protocol but with 100% glycerol as the aerosolized vapor. Wild type mice were not exposed to either protocol. After completing the protocol, the mice were sacrificed and testes/epididymides were harvested. Epididymal sperm concentration was calculated, TUNEL assay was performed on testicular sections, and meiotic spreads were performed on testicular tissue. The expression and localization of MLH1, RPA, MEIOB, SYCP1, and H2AX were assessed using immunohistochemical staining with >50 cells analyzed per mouse. RESULTS: Epididymal sperm concentration was decreased in both control and experimental groups when compared to wild-type (Figure 1). There were higher numbers of apoptotic cells per seminiferous tubule in the control and experimental groups compared to wild-type (Figure 2). Fewer MLH1 foci per cell and increased autosomal H2AX localization were seen in experimental and control groups compared to wild-type, indicating abnormal DNA repair. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to both aerosolized e-cigarette fluid and 100% glycerol negatively impacted spermatogenesis in mice, possibly via abnormal apoptotic pathways or DNA repair mechanisms. Source of Funding: Funding was provided internally by the UPMC Department of Urology. © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e7 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Daniel Pelzman More articles by this author Patrick Walsh More articles by this author Tatum Tarin More articles by this author Miguel Brieño-Enriquez More articles by this author Kathleen Hwang More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

The effect of aromatase inhibitors against possible testis toxicity in pembrolizumab treated rats.

Pembrolizumab is a monoclonal antibody. Anastrozole is an infertility inhibitor of aromatase. Resveratrol is an antioxidant polyphenol in the reproductive system. This study was planned to demonstrate the protective effects of anastrozole and resveratrol against pembrolizumab-induced reproductive damage. Forty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were used in the study. Groups: The control, Pembrolizumab (PEMB), PEMB + Anastrazol (ANAST), PEMB + Resveratrol (RES), RES, and ANAST groups. At the end of the experiment, rats were euthanased under anaesthesia. Tissue samples were taken from rats for biochemical, histological, and ELISA evaluations. Tissues were subjected to routine tissue follow-up for histological analysis. Biochemically, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels were measured. Sperm motility, abnormal sperm rate, and epididymal sperm concentration were examined spermatologically. Serum testosterone and programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) levels were measured using the ELISA. TBARS levels were significantly increased and GSH, SOD, GPx, and CAT levels were mitigated in PEMB-treated rats. Histologically; Control, ANAST, and RES groups testis samples were observed with normal histological appearance. Histological damage was detected in seminiferous tubule structures in testicular tissue in the PEMB group. In treatment groups, this damage was decreased. In addition, PD-1 and testosterone levels were evaluated by the ELISA method. ANAST and RES have therapeutic effects against reproductive damage caused by PEMB.

Age-related changes in testicular morphometry and function in Egyptian donkeys.

This study aimed to assess the effects of age on testicular morphometry and function in donkeys. Testes and epididymides of 57 donkeys were harvested immediately after slaughtering. The donkeys were grouped: young (1-4 years old, n= 13); adult (5-15 years old, n= 25) and aged (>15 years old, n= 19). Each testis and epididymis were weighed separately. Testicular volume was calculated. Epididymal sperm was harvested by retrograde flushing method, and sperm parameters were evaluated. The testicular parenchyma was immunolabelled for BAX and COX2. Adult and aged donkeys had greater testicular weight and volume than young (p< .05). Epididymal sperm concentration, motility and viability were greater (p< .05) in adults and aged (931.8± 39.3 and 858.2± 33.2 × 106 /ml) than in young animals (316.3± 72.8× 106 /ml). Aged donkeys had a higher percentage of morphological sperm defects than the other categories (p< .05). Histological examination revealed the presence of age-related degenerative changes in testicular tissue of donkeys. Aged donkeys had higher COX2 protein expression than adult and young donkeys. BAX protein was overly expressed in adults than aged or young animals. In conclusion, advancement of age affects the testicular morphometry and function in donkeys.

Evaluation of the Effect of Date Palm [Phoenix dactylifera] Fruit Extract on Methotrexate-Induced Reproductive Toxicity in Male Rats

Background: Phoenix dactylifera L. in the Palmae family (Arecaceae) is commonly known as Date palm. Its fruit is popularly consumed as food and also used as a herbal remedy for fertility enhancing effects in males.&#x0D; Aim: The present study was designed to explore the effect of P. dactylifera fruit extract (PDFE) on methotrexate (MTX)-induced reproductive toxicity in male rat models.&#x0D; Study Design: An experimental study which lasted for 19 days.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences and Animal House, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, between April 2019 and November 2019.&#x0D; Methodology: Sixteen (16) rats were divided into four groups (n=4) namely: Normal control (NC), MTX control, MTX+200mg/kg PDFE and MTX+400mg/kg PDFE. PDFE was administered by oral gavage, once daily, for 10 days. MTX injection (20mg/kg i.p.) was administered to rats in the three test groups on the fifth day. All the rats were sacrificed on Day 11 and the testes and epididymides of all rats were excised and histologically processed for light microscopical examination. Caudal epididymal sperm concentration was also determined.&#x0D; Results: MTX induced a marked depletion and degeneration of spermatogenic series in the testicular tissues of MTX-control rats whereas PDFE treatment offered some cyto-architectural preservation in a dose-dependent manner. Similarly, a decreased number of spermatozoa within the lumen of epididymal tubules was observed with MTX treatment compared to the normal control and PDFE-treated rats. Treatment with PDFE caused a slight improvement in caudal epididymal sperm concentration although not statistically significant (p&gt;0.05) when compared with the controls.&#x0D; Conclusion: Data from the present study has revealed that oral treatment with P. dactylifera fruit extracts ameliorates the deleterious effects of methotrexate-induced reproductive toxicity in rats.

Peptides from the croceine croaker (Larimichthys crocea) swim bladder attenuate busulfan-induced oligoasthenospermia in mice

Context The swim bladder of the croceine croaker is believed to have a therapeutic effect on various diseases. However, there is no research about its effect on mammalian spermatogenesis. Objective We investigated the swim bladder peptides (SBPs) effect on busulfan-induced oligoasthenospermia in mice. Materials and methods We first extracted SBP from protein hydrolysate of the croceine croaker swim bladder, and then five groups of ICR male mice were randomly assigned: control, control + SBP 60 mg/kg, busulfan, busulfan + SBP 30 mg/kg and busulfan + SBP 60 mg/kg. Mice received bilateral intratesticular injections of busulfan to establish oligoasthenospermia model. After treatment with SBP for 4 weeks, testis and epididymis were collected from all mice for further analysis. Results After treatment with SBP 30–60 mg/kg for 4 weeks, epididymal sperm concentration and motility increased by 3.9–9.6- and 1.9–2.4-fold than those of oligoasthenospermia mice induced by busulfan. Meanwhile, histology showed that spermatogenic cells decreased, leading to increased lumen diameters and vacuolization in the busulfan group. These features were reversed by SBP treatment. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that, compared with the busulfan group, Lin28b and Igf2bp1 expression related to germ cell proliferation, increased with a >1.5-fold change after SBP treatment. Additionally, PGK2 and Cfap69 mRNAs associated with sperm motility, also increased with a >1.5-fold change. Furthermore, these findings were validated by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting. Discussion and conclusions This is the first reported evidence for the therapeutic effect of SBP on oligoasthenospermia. SBP may be a promising drug for oligoasthenospermia in humans.

Effects of tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate on epididymal sperm parameters in adult male rats.

Tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP) is widely used as a flame retardant and is known to exhibit anti-androgenic effects in vitro and in vivo. To assess the reproductive toxicity potency of TDCIPP, we investigated the effects of 7 days of TDCIPP oral administration on epididymal sperm motion and concentration in adult male Wistar–Imamichi rats. Thirty-five days after the final administration, sperm parameters were evaluated by computer-assisted sperm analysis. Results showed that sperm swimming progression and vigor and sperm concentration in TDCIPP-treated rats were unexpectedly higher than those in control rats. TDCIPP did not significantly affect the percentage of motile sperms or sperm swimming pattern. These results contribute to the understanding of the biological effects of TDCIPP.

Poplar-type propolis provides protection of blood cells, testosterone levels and sperm motility in cisplatin-induced toxicity

Cisplatin is a frequently used chemotherapeutic in many types of cancer, especially urological cancers. Despite its efficacy in the treatment of cancer, it causes various toxic side effects such as nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity and ototoxicity. The aim of this study was to determine the protective role of olive oil extract of propolis (OEP) with biochemical and histopathological approaches to cisplatin induced toxicity. Sixty-four adult male Wistar rats were divided into eight groups, control, propolis (100 and 200 mg/kg, orally daily for 10 days) and combined therapy (propolis 10 days before and after CP injection). Haematological (Wbc, Rbc, Mpv, Hgb, Htc, Mcv, Mch, Mchc, Lym, Neu), biochemical (triglyceride, total cholesteol, HDL and LDL-cholesterol, glucose, BUN, uric acid and testosterone level), epididymal sperm concentration, sperm motility, and histological parameters were analyzed. According to the results, cisplatin has negative effects on hematological, biochemical parameters, and sperm motility compared to control group. Administration of pre-cisplatin propolis ameliorated wbc, hct, mcv, mchc, neu levels. The administration of OEP prior to CP normalized the increased BUN and uric acid levels induced by CP. Interestingly it was also revealed that the testosterone levels increased in the OEP groups compared to the control group. Additionally, the combined administration of CP with OEP normalized the decreased testosterone levels induced by CP, particularly pre-treatment OEP. As a result, propolis, a natural product with numerous useful biological effects, was shown to a have protective as well as amelioration and normalizing effect on CP-induced damage.

Wild Garlic Allium triquetrum L. Alleviates Lead Acetate-Induced Testicular Injuries in Rats.

The current study investigates the potential alleviating activity of bulbs (B) and leaves (L) of Allium triquetrum aqueous extract (ATE) on repro-toxicity induced by lead acetate (Pb) in male Wistar rats administrated orally for 3 consecutive weeks. Eighteen groups of rats were divided into the control, Pb (500mg/kg body weight/day), positive controls of B and L (2g, 3g, 4g, 6g/kg body weight/day), in addition to four mixtures of each of Pb-B (Pb-B1, Pb-B2, Pb-B3, Pb-B4) and Pb-L (Pb-L1, Pb-L2, Pb-L3, Pb-L4). The two extracts were subjected to phytochemical screening and HPLC analysis. Sperm characteristics were evaluated by CASA system, as well as the serum testosterone, testicular and epididymal levels of glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and malondialdehyde (MDA). The phytochemical screening proved that bulbs' and leaves' extracts were rich in various compounds and the HPLC showed that leaves contain more tannins. Results revealed a significant decrease in the testicular and in the epididymal weights, sperm concentration, motility, testosterone, velocity, vitality, round cells, GSH, and GPx levels in the Pb-intoxicated rats compared to the control, with the exception of MDA concentration that was significantly increased. However, the co-administration of garlic extracts (Pb-B and Pb-L) exhibited a significant increase in all mentioned markers, except for the MDA level which was reduced. Likewise, Pb caused histological injuries in the testicular seminiferous of rats, while the co-administration of wild garlic has reduced such effect, especially in the higher doses. Both extracts of Pb-B and Pb-L have attenuated Pb toxicity in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, aqueous extracts of A. triquetrum have the potential to reduce Pb testicular injuries by boosting sperm characteristics and ameliorating oxidative stress markers.

Dried bovine placenta improves spermatozoa count in a rat model of male reproductive aging.

Background and Aim:In the male reproductive system, the aging process can lead to infertility. Recently, placenta and its derivatives have been researched as regenerative agents. This study aimed to describe the basic components of dried bovine placenta powder and its potential effects as a regenerative agent in a rat model of male reproductive aging with D-galactose induction.Materials and Methods:We divided 15 male Wistar rats, 2 months of age, into three groups: A, the health control group; B, the D-galactose induction group, and C, the D-galactose induction and 10% dried bovine placenta supplementation group. We measured epididymal sperm concentration and testicular weight and volume and analyzed these using one-way analysis of variance.Results:Dried bovine placenta was rich in nutrients, with 61.98% protein, 21.25±2.07 carbohydrates, 8.58% water, 4.93% ash, and 3.27% fat. The mean epididymal spermatozoa concentration of the rats in Groups A, B, and C was 3026×106/mL, 1492.8×106/mL, and 2732.5×106/mL, respectively. The average total testicle weights were 2.44 g, 2.72 g, and 2.57 g, respectively. The average total testicle volumes were 2.29 cm3, 2.49 cm3, and 2.33cm3, respectively.Conclusion:Dried bovine placenta powder is rich in nutrients, especially protein. Supplementation with dried bovine placenta can improve epididymal spermatozoa concentration that is important in fertility.

Evaluation of post-adolescence exposure to bisphenol A on reproductive outcomes of male rodent models

The effect of post-adolescence bisphenol A (BPA) exposure on the reproductive system is not well-defined. We therefore performed this meta-analysis to elucidate the associations between post-adolescence BPA exposure and reproductive-related outcomes. A search was performed on the PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of science databases to identify relevant literature. The standardized mean differences (SMDs) and the 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were measured by fixed-effects or random-effects models. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots and Egger's regression test. A total of 40 studies were included in the final analysis. The results showed that post-adolescence BPA exposure was negatively associated with reproductive-related organ weighty (Testis weight: SMD: -0.61; 95 % Cl: -0.85, -0.36; epididymis weight; SMD: -0.43; 95 % Cl: -0.69, -0.17; seminal vesicles weight; SMD: -0.77; 95 % Cl: -1.05, -0.49) and sperm parameters (Sperm motility: SMD: -1.44; 95 % Cl: -1.95, -0.93; epididymal sperm concentration: SMD: -2.26; 95 % Cl: -2.79, -1.72; and abnormal sperm morphology: SMD: 2.41; 95 % Cl: 1.41, 2.86). Moreover, BPA exposure decreased the level of testosterone (T) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), but increased the ratio of serum estradiol (E2) to T. This systematic review demonstrates that post-adolescence exposure to BPA may adversely affect reproductive functions in male rodents.

Human umbilical cord perivascular cells prevent chemotherapeutic drug-induced male infertility in a mouse model

To study whether intratesticular (IT) administration of 2 sources of human umbilical cord perivascular cells (HUCPVC), rich and potent sources of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC), before chemotherapy can prevent infertility in a mouse model. Two control groups of CD1 male mice without busulfan (BUS) administration (untreated and IT media injection groups) were included. Experimental groups included IT administration of media, first trimester (FTM) HUCPVCs or term HUCPVCs (n = 5 each) injected 3 days before BUS treatment (20 mg/kg). All groups were included in a mating time course study over 6 months. Preclinical study in a fertility center research laboratory. Not applicable. IT delivery of FTM or term HUCPVC before BUS treatment. Pregnancies, litter sizes, and gross morphology of offspring were monitored. Caudal epididymal sperm concentration, motility, and progressive motility were assessed by computer-assisted sperm analysis. Spermatogenesis was also assessed histologically in testicular tissue sections. FTM and term HUCPVC displayed an MSC-associated immunophenotype and expressed transcripts encoding paracrine factors known to regulate the testicular cell niche. IT administration of FTM and term HUCPVC before chemotherapy promoted the recovery of spermatogenesis and fertility compared with BUS-treated animals that received a media injection. Although the total number of pups sired over 6 months by males treated with FTM or term HUCPVC was reduced compared with untreated or media-injected controls, litter size and sperm parameters in fertile animals did not differ between control and cell-treated groups. HUCPVC represent a promising source of MSC-based therapy to prevent gonadotoxic chemotherapeutic drug-induced infertility.

Chronic Atrazine Exposure Beginning Prenatally Impacts Liver Function and Sperm Concentration With Multi-Generational Consequences in Mice.

Atrazine is a commonly used herbicide frequently detected in waterways and drinking water around the world. Worryingly, atrazine is an endocrine and metabolic disruptor but there is a lack of research regarding the effects of long-term exposure beginning in utero. In this study we investigated how chronic exposure to atrazine (5 mg/kg bw/day) in drinking water from E9.5 until 12 or 26 weeks of age affected metabolic and reproductive characteristics in male mice. We then examined whether mating these males to unexposed females altered in vitro embryo characteristics. Atrazine exposure caused a decrease in liver weight and changes in both liver and testis gene expression, specifically in genes involved in lipid uptake and fatty acid metabolism in the liver, as well as androgen conversion in the testis. Notably, atrazine exposure decreased epididymal sperm concentration and subsequent embryo cell numbers generated from the 12-week cohort males. Collectively, these data suggest that atrazine exposure, beginning prenatally, affects both metabolic and reproductive characteristics, and highlights the importance of assessing atrazine effects at different life stages and over multiple generations. The continued widespread use of atrazine warrants further studies, as it is essential to understand the health risks for all species, including humans.

Effect of feeding linseed diet on testis development, antioxidant capacity, and epididymal cauda sperm concentration in Chinese Hu lamb

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are essential for mammalian testis development and sperm function. However, PUFAs that are contained in linseed oil are easily oxidized in the diet and biohydrogenated in the rumen. In this study, we investigated the effect of linseed as a source of PUFAs on the antioxidant capacity and testis development in Hu lamb. Seventy-five 3-month-old lambs were randomly assigned to three groups. Within each treatment group, 25 lambs were allocated to five pens (five lambs per pen). The lambs in the control group were fed a control diet without linseed for 42 days from D22 to D63. Group I (BS28) was fed a control diet from D22 to D35 and 8% linseed diet from D36 to D63. Group II (BS42) was fed an 8% linseed diet for 42 days from D22 to D63. After 63-day feeding trial, all lambs except the heaviest and lightest in each pen were humanely slaughtered and investigated. Results revealed that feeding linseed did not affect the body weight, scrotal circumference, and testis weight, whereas feeding linseed for 42 days increased the epididymis weight (37.85 ± 1.61 g vs. 32.09 ± 1.06 g, P < 0.05) compared with the control group. Feeding lambs with linseed for 42 days also significantly upregulated the expression of antioxidative (glutathione peroxidase 4 and copper-zinc superoxide dismutase), steroidogenesis (3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and steroid acute regulatory protein), and PUFA metabolism-related genes (fatty acid desaturase 2 and elongation of very long-chain fatty acid protein 2) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen mRNA (P < 0.05). It also increased the relative expression of mitochondrial DNA (P < 0.05), total antioxidant capacity (0.230 ± 0.019 mmol/mgprot vs. 0.175 ± 0.011 mmol/mgprot, P < 0.05), and superoxide dismutase (1661.467 ± 147.117 U/mgprot vs. 1158.891 ± 98.850 U/mgprot, P < 0.05) in testicular tissue but decreased the cholesterol concentration (0.331 ± 0.073 mmol/mgprot vs. 0.671 ± 0.092 mmol/mgprot, P < 0.05) compared with the control group. Therefore, feeding lambs with linseed for 42 days stimulated seminiferous tubule development and increased the number of Sertoli cells (20.71 ± 0.89 vs. 17.6 ± 0.73, P < 0.05), epididymal cauda lumina diameter (638.26 ± 22.32 μm vs. 444.41 ± 34.80 μm, P < 0.05), and the number of sperm in the epididymal cauda (68.91 ± 7.06 × 108/g vs. 36.61 ± 7.50 × 108/g). All these results suggested that feeding linseed in the early reproductive development stage of lambs upregulated the expression of antioxidative, steroidogenesis, and PUFA metabolism-related genes; increased the antioxidant capacity in lamb’s testis; and contributed to testis development and spermatogenesis.

Two resveratrol analogs, pinosylvin and 4,4′-dihydroxystilbene, improve oligoasthenospermia in a mouse model by attenuating oxidative stress via the Nrf2-ARE pathway

Two synthesized resveratrol analogs from our laboratory, namely pinosylvin (3,5-dihydroxy-trans-stilbene, PIN) and 4,4′-dihydroxystilbene (DHS), have been carefully evaluated for treatment of oligoasthenospermia. Recent studies have demonstrated that PIN and DHS improved sperm quality in the mouse. However, the mechanism of action of PIN and DHS on oligoasthenospermia remains unknown. Herein, we investigated the mechanistic basis for improvements in sperm parameters by PIN and DHS in a mouse model of oligoasthenospermia induced by treatment with busulfan (BUS) at 6 mg/kg b.w.. Two weeks following busulfan treatment, mice were administered different concentrations of PIN or DHS daily for 2 consecutive weeks. Thereafter, epididymal sperm concentration and motility were determined, and histopathology of the testes was performed. Serum hormone levels including testosterone (T), luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were measured using corresponding specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Testicular mRNA expression profiles were determined by RNA sequencing analysis. These findings were validated by quantitative real-time PCR, western blotting and ELISA. Both PIN and DHS improved the epididymal sperm concentration and motility, enhanced testosterone levels, and promoted testicular morphological recovery following BUS treatment. PIN treatment was found to significantly reduce oxidative stress via the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-antioxidant response element (ARE)-dependent antioxidant, glutathione peroxidase 3. DHS treatment significantly reduced oxidative stress via the Nrf2-ARE-dependent antioxidants glutathione S-transferase theta 2 and glutathione S-transferase omega 2. In summary, PIN and DHS ameliorated oligoasthenospermia in this mouse model by attenuating oxidative stress via the Nrf2-ARE pathway.

Preventive role of Crataegus monogyna on sperm quality and testis oxidative stress against copper-induced toxicity

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible beneficial use of common hawthorn Crataegus monogyna aqueous extract at 1.5g/Kg bw/day against chronic copper sulfate intoxication (100mg/Kg bw) in Wistar rats. Material and Method: Animals were divided into 6 groups; the untreated control (C), 2 positive controls treated respectively with hawthorn fruits (F) and leaves (L), 1 group treated with copper (Cu) and 2 combined treatment groups treated with Cu and hawthorn-fruits (CuF) and Cu and hawthorn-leaves (CuL). After 30 days of oral administration, testis weight and plasma testosterone levels were evaluated, in addition to the epididymal sperm concentration, motility, vitality, velocity (VCL, VSL and VAP), the amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH), and the beat cross frequency (BCF). Testicular glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were also evaluated. Result and Discussion: Cu exposure reduced testosterone, sperm concentration, live sperm, VCL, VSL, VAP, ALH, BCF, GSH, and GPx levels compared to control groups. Dead sperm and MDA levels were increased in rats of Cu group compared to the untreated control. When compared to the Cu group, levels of testosterone, sperm concentration, sperm motility, live sperm, VCL, VSL, VAP, ALH, BCF, GSH, and GPx were much higher in the CuF and CuL groups, along with a significantly lower MDA concentration. In conclusion, hawthorn, when co-administered as an aqueous extract with Cu, protected most biological markers against copper toxicit, while positive control (s) boosted sperm concentration and velocity (VCL and VAP).

Hormonal changes and redox imbalance in nicotine-induced testicular toxicity: the mitigating influence of D-ribose l-cysteine

BackgroundThe effects of D-ribose l-cysteine on nicotine-induced testicular toxicity in male Wistar rats were examined in this study. Twenty healthy adult male Wistar rats with an average weight of 200 g were grouped as normal control, nicotine (2 mg/kg), D-ribose l-cysteine (30 mg/kg) + nicotine (2 mg/kg), and D-ribose l-cysteine (30 mg/kg). The animals were administered intraperitoneally for 35 days consecutively. Epididymal sperm concentration, motile count, total counts, morphology, and progressive assessment were estimated. Antioxidant levels, tissue protein and testicular histology were also assessed.ResultsThis study showed reduced antioxidant levels (catalase, super-dioxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase) and increased malondialdehyde levels in the nicotine group relative to normal control group, D-ribose l-cysteine group and D-ribose l-cysteine + nicotine group. This study also showed significant reduction in testicular mass, sperm motile count, concentration, total count, and morphology in nicotine group (p < 0.05) compared to normal control group and D-ribose l-cysteine groups. There was improvement in sperm motility, viability, morphology, counts, in group co-treated with D-ribose l-cysteine, and nicotine relative to nicotine group. Likewise, the degenerative seminiferous tubule histoarchitecture due to nicotine was improved by D-ribose l-cysteine. Notably, the D-ribose l-cysteine group showed superlative values in all investigated parameters relative to the other groups.Conclusion: This study demonstrated the ability of D-ribose L-cysteine to mitigate the toxic effects of nicotine on reproductive functions in male Wistar rats. It also demonstrated the pro-spermatogenic properties of the compound in boosting andrological parameters.