Thickness Of Germinal Epithelium Research Articles

Does isotretinoin affect spermatogenesis in the long term? A rat model.

Spermatogenesis, in which cell regeneration continues, can be affected by environmental, chemical, psychological factors or various diseases. There is conflicting information in the literature about the effect of isotretinoin, which is widely used in acne treatment, on testes and spermatogenesis. Therefore, we planned a rat study to evaluate the long-term efficacy of oral isotretinoin on testicular tissues and spermatogenesis. The Group 1 (n = 6) 7.5 mg/kg/day and the Group 2 (n = 6) received isotretinoin at a dose of 30 mg/kg/day dissolved in sunflower oil, the Sham Group (n = 6) received only sunflower oil by gavage, and the control group (n = 6) received standard feed and water for four weeks. After the 4th week, all animals were fed with standard feed and water and followed for the next four weeks. At the end of the 8th week, all animals were sacrificed under deep anesthesia. Seminiferous tubule diameters, epithelial thickness, apoptotic index, sperm number and motility recorded Results: Sperm count, motility, vitality, diameter of seminiferous tubule and germinal epithelium thickness were decreased and apoptotic index increased in the groups received isotretinoin. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of testosterone levels. We consider that further comprehensive studies, including human clinical trials, should be conducted to examine the negative effects of isotretinoin on spermatogenesis in the long term especially when there is a need using isotretinoin in men for various reasons and to eliminate the contradictions in the literature in this regard.

The Protective Effects of Aloe Vera Gel Extract on the Sexual Complications Caused by Diabetes in Male Rats

Introduction: Diabetics usually suffer from chronic complications, including microvascular and macrovascular disorders. The capillaries supplying the sexual organs affect normal sexual functions. The erectile process has been shown to be impaired in diabetics. Vascular damage in diabetics may be associated with decreased testosterone production, sperm count, testicular weight, and seminiferous tubule diameter. In this study, we investigated the effects of Aloe vera gel extract (from Sistan and Baluchistan, Iran) on the male genital system in streptozocin-induced diabetic rats. Methods: A total of 24 male Wistar rats were included in the study. Diabetes was induced in 12 rats by intraperitoneal injection of a single dose of streptozotocin (STZ). The rats were divided into four groups. The first and third groups received saline (NaCl) by gavage daily. The second and fourth groups received Aloe vera gel extract daily by gavage. Treatments were continued for 30 days. At the end of the treatment period, blood samples were taken and serum glucose and testosterone levels were measured by photometric methods. Histological examinations were performed on the prostate and testes. Results: Mean weight index, serum levels of glucose and testosterone, mean sperm count, germinal epithelium (GE) thickness, and seminiferous tubule diameter improved significantly in the diabetes+Aloe vera group. Conclusion: We concluded that consumption of Aloe vera gel extract improved sexual complications in diabetic rats.

Evaluation of the Protective Effect of Human Platelet-Rich Plasma on Spermatogenesis and Sperm Chromatin Condensation Following Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury Due to Spermatic Cord Torsion in Mice

Introduction: Torsion of spermatic cord induces ischemic-reperfusion injury which leads to testicular dysfunction, apoptosis of germ cells, ROS generation and infertility. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a rich source of growth factors and anti-inflammatory cytokines. In this study, the effects of PRP on spermatogenesis and sperm chromatin condensation after ischemia-reperfusion injury were evaluated.
 Methods: Forty adult male mice were procured in the study. Control group, torsion/ detorsion group, negative control group: torsion/ detorsion surgery with intra testicular injection of culture medium, treatment group: torsion/ detorsion surgery with intra testicular injection of PRP. After one cycle of spermatogenesis, histomorphometric evaluation was performed by PAS staining and sperm chromatin condensation was assessed by aniline blue staining. Data was analyzed by using SPSS Statistics and ANOVA followed by Tukey test.
 Results: The mean number of spermatogenic cells, Sertoli, Leydig, Myoid, Johnson score and mean diameter and thickness of germinal epithelium were significantly decreased following ischemia-reperfusion injury. Mean thickness of seminiferous tubules basement membrane as well as sperm percentage with residual histone increased after ischemia-reperfusion injury (P <0.001). After PRP treatment, there was a significant improvement in the histological structure of the tubules, cell viability, and sperm chromatin condensation (P <0.001). While, a significant difference was observed in comparison with control group.
 Conclusion: PRP can partially ameliorate the complications of ischemia-reperfusion injury through its growth factors and anti-inflammatory cytokines involved in angiogenesis and antioxidant activity.

Chemotherapy: Affected Morphological and Morphometry of Testes and Improvement by Antioxidants

Background: Taking into account, the adverse effects of chemotherapy on male fertility, Chemotherapy has been a major area ofconcern for physicians. Chemotherapeutic agent Doxorubicin (DOX) profoundly affect the morphometric of testes that is indicativeof damage to this important reproductive organ. Antioxidants being free radical scavenger could be used in order to ameliorate theUndesirable effect of anti-cancer agentsObjective: To demonstrate change in weight of testes and thickness of germinal epithelium after consumption of Doxorubicin andto observe the effect of ascorbic acid on these changesMaterial and Methods: Experimental study was conducted on mice which were divided in 3 groups A, B and C. They receivedsaline intraperitoneally (IP), DOX IP and DOX + Ascorbic acid per oral respectively. On completion sacrificed animals weredissected and testes were weighed and later sections were selected for morphometric measurement of germinal epithelium andwere observed in H&E stained slides under 40x objective and 10x ocular lenses of light microscopeResult: Ascorbic acid seems to be significantly affecting the declined weight of the organ and on disturbed morphometry ofgerminal epithelium in mice induced with chemotherapeutic agent DOXConclusion: Ascorbic acid seems to be significantly affecting the declined weight of the organ and on disturbed morphometry ofgerminal epithelium in mice induced with chemotherapeutic agent DOXKeyword: Chemotherapy, antioxidant, weight, germinal epithelium, mice.

Opioid replacement therapy with methadone or buprenorphine effects on male mice reproduction.

Opioid use disorders are commonly treated by long-acting agonist opioids including methadone and buprenorphine which could affect various aspects of male reproduction especially spermatogenesis. We aimed to determine whether detoxification with methadone or buprenorphine was associated with reproductive disorders in male mice. We orally induced morphine dependence in NMRI male mice, and then performed detoxification programs using either methadone or buprenorphine. Testis architecture and sperm parameters including sperm nuclear DNA integrity, mitochondrial activity, oxidative stress in seminal plasma, and routine sperm parameters were assessed to find the involved mechanisms. The number of Leydig cells and the thickness of germinal epithelium reduced following morphine use and increased differently after detoxification with methadone or buprenorphine. Morphine dependence and detoxification with methadone and buprenorphine had different effects on sperm parameters. Morphine altered chromatin integrity, mitochondrial activity, and oxidative stress in sperm. Detoxification with methadone improved mitochondrial activity but worsened chromatin integrity, whereas detoxification with buprenorphine improved neither chromatin integrity nor mitochondrial activity. Seminal plasma oxidative stress was higher in the treated groups compared to control groups but was comparable among treatment groups. Our study revealed that long-term morphine use followed by detoxification with methadone or buprenorphine impairs testis structure and sperm parameters. Detoxification from morphine use with methadone and buprenorphine led to different preclinical outcomes in semen quality parameters, including chromatin integrity. Therefore, clinical detoxification protocols should be performed more cautiously, considering the desire of the individuals to reproduce.

Effect of silymarin and metformin on the sperm parameters and histopathological changes of testes in diabetic rats: An experimental study.

BackgroundOxidative stress is a major contributor to diabetes, which can lead to testicular damage and infertility.ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare the effects of metformin as a chemical drug with silymarin as an herbal agent on the sperm parameters and histopathological changes of testes in diabetic rats.Materials and MethodsThirty-two male Wistar rats (250-270 gr) were randomly divided into four groups: 1) control; 2) diabetic; 3) diabetic+metformin 200 mg/kg; and 4) diabetic+silymarin 100 mg/kg. Daily injections were administered intraperitoneally for 56 days. At the end of the treatment, blood sampling was performed for biochemical assessment. Then, the rats were sacrificed and their left testis and epididymis were cut for sperm analysis as well as histopathology and morphometric evaluation.ResultsDiabetes was associated with a reduced sperm count, motility, viability, maturity, and chromatin quality of sperm (p 0.001). It was also associated with a higher malondialdehide level and lower total antioxidant capacity level of serum in comparison with the control group (p 0.001). There was a significant difference in the seminiferous tubule diameter, germinal epithelium height, and testicular histopathological alterations in the diabetic rats compared with the control rats (p 0.001). Treatment with metformin and silymarin improved the above-mentioned parameters and this improvement was more substantial in silymarin-treated animals (p 0.001).ConclusionIn diabetic rats, metformin and silymarin improved sperm parameters, sperm DNA integrity, seminiferous tubule diameter, germinal epithelium thickness, and testicular histopathological complications; this improvement was more substantial in the silymarin-treated group. So, the findings of this study suggest that silymarin is more effective than metformin in treating diabetic-induced infertility.

Effect of salicylidene salicylhydrazide on testes of albino mice: A histomorphological study.

Objectives: To evaluate salicylidene salicylhydrazide (SCS) for any possible toxicological effects on male reproductive system in Albino male BALB/c mice. Study Design: Experimental study. Study Setting: Department of Histopathology, Khyber Medical College Peshawar and Department of Pharmacy, University of Peshawar, Peshawar were utilized for conducting this study. Period: July, 2020 to December, 2020. Material & Methods: Male BALB/c mice were daily administered with SCS at 5, 25, and 50 mg/kg for 7 and 14 days. The body and testes weights were measured and the testes were subjected to histological tissue processing techniques. Results: The extent of testicular toxicity was evaluated by using modified Johnsen scoring system for assessing the level of spermatogenesis, and morphometric analysis by measuring the diameter of the seminiferous tubules, thickness of germinal epithelium, and area of interstitial cells of Leydig. The body and testes weights showed that the various doses of SCS have no substantial effects after 7 and 14 days. The tested doses of SCS did not produce any distinguishable change in the normal histological features of seminiferous tubules and interstitium after 7 days. However, after 14 days, the 50 mg/kg dose of SCS was associated with vacuolization and loosening of germinal epithelium. These mild-to-moderate histopathological aberrations was confirmed from morphometric analysis in this dose group in which a decrease in the seminiferous tubules’ diameter and reduction in the thickness of germinal epithelium along with an increase in the interstitial area were observed. Conclusion: These findings concluded that SCS is considered to be relatively safe.

Marsilea crenata ethanol extract prevents monosodium glutamate adverse effects on the serum levels of reproductive hormones, sperm quality, and testis histology in male rats

Background and Aim:Marsilea crenata is an aquatic plant that contains high antioxidants level and could prevent cell damages caused by free radicals. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of M. crenata ethanol extract on luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone levels, sperm quality, and testis histology of adult male rats induced by monosodium glutamate (MSG).Materials and Methods:This study randomly divided 48 male rats into eight groups (n=6): control group; MSG group (4 mg/g body weight [b.w.] for 30 days); MS1, MS2, and MS3 groups (4 mg/g b.w. MSG and M. crenata ethanol extract at dose 0.216, 0.432, and 0.648 mg/g b.w., respectively, for 30 days); and S1, S2, and S3 groups (M. crenata ethanol extract at dose of 0.216, 0.432, and 0.648 mg/g b.w., respectively, for 30 days). The blood sample was collected on days 0 and 30 to determine the LH and testosterone levels. The animals were dissected on day 30, and the testes were isolated for morphometric, histology (spermatogenic cell number), and malondialdehyde (MDA) examination. Moreover, semen was collected to determine the sperm quality parameter.Results:The LH and testosterone levels significantly increased (p<0.05) after M. crenata administration at all doses. The higher dose of M. crenata ethanol extract demonstrated a high decrease in MDA level in MSG-treated rat testis; increase of spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids, and Leydig cells number; and increase of seminiferous tubular diameter and germinal epithelium thickness.Conclusion:The ethanol extract of M. crenata can improve the levels of LH, testosterone, sperm quality, number of testis morphometric, spermatogenic, and Leydig cells in MSG-treated male rats.

Hypothyroidism: morphological and metabolic changes in the testis of adult albino rat and the amelioration by alpha-lipoic acid

The objective of this study is to evaluate the influence of carbimazole- induced hypothyroidism on the testes of adult albino rats and the probable protective effect of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA). The rats were divided into four groups; control group, ALA group, carbimazole, and carbimazole + ALA groups. Rats were exposed to ALA (60 mg/kg body weight) or carbimazole (1.35 mg/kg body weight), or both, administered via gavages for 30 days. Morphometric analysis revealed a significant decrease in tubular diameter, germinal epithelium thickness, and interstitial space as compared to the controls. Also, rats exposed to carbimazole showed a significant decline in testicular weight, sperm motility, and count. Additionally, deterioration of the testicular architecture was observed. ALA supplementation resulted in a significant improvement in the tubular diameter and germinal epithelium thickness, but no significant improvement regarding interstitial space was observed. Another observation was the significant decline in serum testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in the carbimazole group, indicating reduced steroidogenesis. A significant reduction in reduced glutathione content was detected in the testes of the carbimazole group compared with the controls, while malonaldehyde concentration significantly increased. Conversely, ALA supplementation ameliorated the toxicity induced by hypothyroidism as illustrated by enhanced reproductive organ weights, testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and FSH levels, testicular steroidogenesis, and oxidative stress parameters. Hypothyroidism altered testicular antioxidant balance and negatively affected spermatogenesis. On the other hand, ALA through its antioxidant properties alleviated testicular toxicity in carbimazole-exposed rats.

Protective effects of selenium on electromagnetic field-induced apoptosis, aromatase P450 activity, and leptin receptor expression in rat testis.

Objective(s):Electromagnetic field (EMF) emitted by mobiles may affect the male reproductive system. Selenium, as an antioxidant, may protect against electromagnetic field-induced tissue damage. Theis study aimed to investigate the effects of selenium on rat testis exposed to electromagnetic fields.Materials and Methods:Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into four groups, namely EM group (2100 MHZ), EM/SE group (2100 MHZ + selenium (0.2 mg/kg), SE group (selenium 0.2 mg/kg), CONT (control group). Serum LH, FSH, testosterone, leptin and aromatase levels, testis weight and volume index, sperm parameters (count and abnormal percent), seminiferous tubule diam¬eters, germinal epithelia thickness, immunoreactivity of leptin receptor and caspase-3 (for apoptotic cells in germinal epithelium) were investigated.Results:Our results showed that serum LH, FSH, GnRH, testosterone level, sperm count, germinal epithelium thickness, and seminiferous tubule diameter were significantly declined in the EM group compared with the CONT group (P<0.05). However, in the EM group, the serum leptin level, sperm abnormality, aromatase enzyme level, apoptotic cells, and leptin receptor were increased compared with the CONT group (P<0.05). Furthermore, an increase in sperm count, germinal epithelium thickness, seminiferous diameters, serum LH, FSH, and GnRH, and testosterone levels, and a significant decrease in sperm abnormality, leptin receptor and apoptotic cells in the EM/SE group compared with the EM group were also observed (P<0.05). Conclusion:This study showed that electromagnetic radiation may have detrimental impacts on the male reproductive system, which can be prevented by use of selenium.

Alpha-lipoic acid may ameliorate testicular damage by targeting dox-induced altered antioxidant parameters, mitofusin-2 and apoptotic gene expression.

In the study, the ameliorating effects of alfa lipoic acid (ALA) against doxorubicin-induced testicular apoptosis, oxidative stress and disrupted mitochondrial fusion were investigated in male rats. Rats were divided into four groups as control, doxorubicin (DOX), DOX+ALA and ALA. A single dose of 15mg/kg DOX was administered i.p to the DOX and DOX+ALA groups. 50mg/kg ALA was given to the DOX+ALA and ALA groups by oral gavage every other day. After 28days, rat testes and serum samples were collected and analysed. Administration of DOX alone caused a decrease in body and relative testicular weights, seminiferous tubule diameter and germinal epithelium thickness, Johnsen's score and serum testosterone levels. DOX treatment led to severe testicular damage such as tubular degeneration, and atrophic tubules. Also, the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were reduced, while the level of malondialdehyde was increased in the testis. The mRNA levels of apoptotic-related genes (CASP3, TP53, BAX, BCL2) and apoptotic index were increased, while mitofusin-2 decreased. DOX caused an increase in CASP3 and a decrease in mitofusin-2 immunoreactivities. Treatment with ALA markedly improved all of DOX-induced biochemical, histochemical and molecular alterations in rat testis. Consequently, ALA has a therapeutic role in ameliorating DOX-induced testicular damage in rats.

Does isotretinoin affect spermatogenesis? a rat study

Aim Inthe literature, studies investigating the effects of isotretinoin on spermatogenesis are controversial and there is no consensus. In this study, the aim was to investigate whether isotretinoin has any effects on spermatogenesis and, if present, whether these effects are dose linked or not.Materials and methods Twenty-two rats were divided into four groups. The first group (n=5) was administered 7.5 mg/kg/day and the second group (n=5) was administered 30 mg/kg/day isotretinoin dissolved in sunflower oil orally for 4 weeks. Group 3, the sham group (n=6), was administered only sunflower oil. Group 4 was the control group and was administered standard feed and water. At the end of the fourth week, all rats were killed and histologic investigation was performed. Sperm motility, sperm count, sperm vitality, seminiferous tubule diameters, germinal epithelium thickness, and apoptotic indices were assessed. Follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone levels were measured in serum.Results There was a significant degree of reduction in sperm motility, sperm viability, seminiferous tubule diameters, and germinal epithelium thickness in the first and second groups compared with the control group. Sperm count was found to be significantly reduced in the second group compared with the other groups. Follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone values were not observed to change in all groups.Conclusion This study concluded that both high-dose and low-dose isotretinoin disrupted spermatogenesis; however, it did not affect the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis.

Protective Effect of Aloe vera Gel against Cisplatin-Induced Testicular Damage, Sperm Alteration and Oxidative stress in Rats.

Background:Cisplatin (CIS) is an effective antineoplastic drug that is used to treat various types of cancers. However, it causes side effects on the male reproductive system. The present study aimed to investigate the possible protective effects of Aloe vera (AL) gel (known as an antioxidant plant) on CIS-induced changes in rat sperm parameters, testicular structure, and oxidative stress markers.Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, forty-eight adult male rats were divided into 6 groups including: control, CIS, AL, metformin (MET), CIS+AL, and CIS+MET. CIS was used intraperitoneally at a dose of 5 mg/kg on days 7, 14, 21, and 28 of the experiment. AL gel (400 mg/kg per day) and MET (200 mg/kg per day) were administered orally for 35 days (started one week before the beginning of the experiment). Testes weight and dimensions, and morphometrical and histological alterations, activities of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), serum testosterone concentration, lipid peroxidation level, and sperm parameters were examined.Results: CIS caused a significant decrease (P<0.05) in relative weight and dimension of the testis, germinal epithelium thickness and diameter of seminiferous tubules, the numbers of testicular cells, and spermatogenesis indexes. The malondialdehyde (MDA) levels increased and antioxidant enzymes activities decreased in the CIS group compared to the control group (P<0.05). Additionally, sperm parameters (concentration, viability, motility, and normal morphology), and testosterone levels reduced significantly in CIS-treated rats (P<0.05). Also, CIS induced histopathological damages including disorganization, desquamation, atrophy, and vacuolation in the testis. However, administration of AL gel to CIS-treated rats attenuated the CIS-induced alterations, mitigated testicular oxidative stress and increased testosterone concentration.Conclusion:The results suggest that AL as a potential antioxidant plant and due to free radicals scavenging activities, has a protective effect against CIS-induced testicular alterations.

Protective Effects of Vitamin E against Methotrexate-Induced Testicular Damage in Rats: Histopathologic and flow cytometric study

Background: Methotrexate (MTX) can cause oxidative stress-related tissue damage.Vitamin E neutralizes lipid peroxidation arising from the effect of free oxygen radicals.In this study, the protective effect of vitamin E against possible MTX-related testicular damage was analyzed.&#x0D; Method: Thirty two mature male Spraque dawley rats were grouped as MTX, Vitamin E, MTX+Vitamin, Control groups. 20 mg/kg MTX intraperitoneal (i.p.) was applied to MTX Group in the first day; 100mg/kg i.p. vitamin E was applied to Vitamin E Group for 5 days; 20 mg/kg i.p. MTX in the first day and 100 mg/kg i.p. vitamin E for 5 days were applied to MTX+Vitamin E Group;2 ml physiological saline solution (i.p.) was applied to Control Group for 5 days. Histopathology, flow cytometry and apoptosis were evaluated on testicular tissue. &#x0D; Result: Apoptotic Index (%) and testicular damage were highest for MTX Group, and significant decrease was observed for MTX+Vitamin E Group compared to MTX Group.Seminiferous tubule size significant decreased in MTX Group and it increased in MTX+Vitamin E Group compared to MTX Group. No significant difference was found between MTX and MTX+Vitamin E Groups regarding germinal epithelium thickness and testicle weights.&#x0D; Conclusion: The results show that MTX can cause structural disruptions in testicles and vitamin E can rehabilitate MTX-related testicular damage.

Supplementation of various zinc sources modify sexual development and testicular IGF family gene expression in pre-pubertal male Japanese quail

Zinc plays an important role in the regulation of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I). IGF system, in turn, has a key role in the development and functions of the reproductive organs. This research was performed to investigate the effects of different sources of zinc on IGF-I gene expression and testicular development in pre-pubertal male Japanese quail. A total of 512 unsexed day-old Japanese quail chicks were randomly divided into 16 groups (4 dietary treatments × 4 replicates) and kept for 35 days. The control group diet was not supplemented with zinc whereas the diets of three groups were supplemented with 25 mg kg−1 zinc oxide (ZnO), zinc oxide nanoparticle (ZnON), and zinc-methionine (Zn-Met). On days 28 and 35, one birds from each subgroup were weighed, bled, and euthanized to evaluate gonado-somatic index (GSI), testicular histology, serum testosterone concentration, cloacal gland index (CGI), and the testicular IGF family gene expression. The results showed that GSI was higher in ZnON (2.307) than control (1.619) on day 35 (P < .05). Germinal epithelium thickness was higher in ZnON (78.88 μm) and Zn-Met (79.73 μm) than control (67.73 μm) on day 35 (P < .05). On day 35, the testosterone concentration was lowest in the control (5.830 ng/ml, P < .05). The CGI of 35-day-old birds was higher in Zn-Met (411.28) than the control (307.59, P < .05). IGF-IR mRNA expression was highest in Zn-Met group on day 28. Therefore, supplementation of diet with Zn-methionine is superior to other sources of zinc for diet supplementation in immature Japanese quail.

Assessment of the effect of sodium hydrogen sulfide (hydrogen sulfide donor) on cisplatin-induced testicular toxicity in rats.

Cisplatin (CIS) is an antineoplastic drug able to produce free radicals that are capable to induce various side effects in different tissues. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has notable antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effects in different systems but its role in male reproductive system is not fully understood. In the present research, the effect of sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) on cisplatin-induced testicular toxicity in male rats was studied. Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were equally divided into 4 groups. The control group was treated with normal saline by intraperitoneal injection. The NaHS group received NaHS (200μg/kg/day) intraperitoneally for 15days. The CIS group received single dose of cisplatin (5mg/kg) intraperitoneally, while the combination of CIS and NaHS was given to the CIS+ NaHS group. At the end of the study, body and testicular weights, plasma testosterone level, histological and morphometrical alterations, inflammation via IL-1β protein, lipid peroxidation, and activity of antioxidant enzymes (including glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase) of testicular tissue were evaluated. CIS injection revealed a significant decrease (p < 0.01) in body and testis weights, plasma testosterone concentration, diameter of seminiferous tubules, germinal epithelium thickness, the number of Sertoli cells, spermatogonia and spermatocyte, Johnsen's testicular score, and testicular antioxidant enzymes, whereas it caused a significant increase (p < 0.01) in lumen diameter of the seminiferous tubules, level of lipid peroxidation, and IL-1β protein expression when compared with the control group. NaHS administration to CIS-treated rats provided marked improvement (p < 0.05) in all biochemical, histological, and morphometrical changes induced by CIS. The beneficial effects of NaHS were mediated, at least partly, by its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Testicular development induced by GnRH-IS in budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus).

Nowadays, the third part of parrots in the world is endangered or vulnerable; an alternative for their preservation is assisted reproduction in captivity through hormonal manipulation. In birds, GnRH is the main hormone which controls reproductive physiology, it is known there are three types: GnRH-I, GnRH-II and GnRH-III, involved in the release or inhibition of luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulant hormone to control gonadal and gametic development. The objective of this study was, to evaluate the effect of administrating synthetic GnRH-I in the testicular development of Melopsittacus undulatus. Twenty-eight adult budgerigars were randomly divided in two groups: control (n=14) and treated (n=14) with a unique dose of synthetic GnRH-I. Testicular development was assessed through ultrasonography and density was evaluated with pixels. Germinal diameter and thickness of germinal epithelium were determined with histology; there were identified and countified different cellular strains in seminiferous tubules therefore spermatobioscopy. Results. Ecographic density was: control group: 76 ± 7 pixels, treated group 41 ± 3 pixels. Thickness of germinal epitellium, 51.5 ± 2.9µm and 73.1 ± 3.1µm, for control group and treated group respectively. Sperm concentration in the treated group was 300% superior than in control group. It is concluded that the administration of synthetic GnRH-I, is a viable alternative to be used as part of the assisted reproductive techniques to induce reproduction.

Investigation of the effect of diazinon on CatSper 1 gene expression, sperm motility and germinal epithelium thickness in adult male mice

Investigation of the effect of diazinon on CatSper 1 gene expression, sperm motility and germinal epithelium thickness in adult male mice

Protective effect of crocin on electromagnetic field-induced testicular damage and heat shock protein A2 expression in male BALB/c mice.

Objective(s):Exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) emitted from mobile phones may cause a deleterious effect on human health and may affect the male reproductive system. Crocin, a carotenoid isolated from Crocus Sativus L. (Saffron), is a phar¬macologically active component of saffron. So, this study was conducted to investigate the protective effect of crocin on the male reproductive system of 60 day old mice after EMF exposure. Materials and Methods:Twenty-four male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: 1. Em group (2100 MHZ); 2. Cr group (50 mg/kg); 3. Em+Cr group (2100 MHZ+50 mg/kg), and 4. Control group. Sperm parameters (count, and abnormal percent), testis weight index, testis volume, seminiferous tubule diam¬eter, germinal epithelium thickness, LH, FSH and testosterone serum level, testicular Heat shock protein A2 (HspA2) immunoreactivity, and apoptosis were evaluated.Results:HspA2 immunoreactivity, apoptosis in the germinal epithelium and abnormal sperm were increased in Em group compared with the control group (P<0.05). Sperm count, LH, and testosterone serum level were decreased in the Em group compared with the control group (P<0.05). These parameters were improved in the Em+Cr group compared with Em group significantly (P<0.05).Conclusion:our findings revealed that EMF exposure leads to harmful impressions on the male reproductive system, while crocin can attenuate EMF-induced destructive effects.

The effect of green tea extract on the sperm parameters and histological changes of testis in rats exposed to para-nonylphenol

BackgroundPara-nonylphenol (p-NP), an environmental contaminant, can generate free radicals that disturbs the reproductive properties. Green tea extract (GTE) is an antioxidant which may prevent the adverse effects of free radicals. Objective: The aim was to investigate the effect of GTE on sperm parameters and testis tissue in p-NP-treated rats.Materials and Methods24 adult male Wistar rats (215 20 gr) were randomly divided into four groups (n = 6/each) – including control, p-NP (200 mg/kg/day), GTE (200 mg/kg/day), and p-NP + GTE – and orally treated for 56 days. The right testes and left caudal epididymis were used to evaluate selected parameters. In addition, the concentration of serum malondialdehyde was calculated.ResultsA significant decrease in the sperm number, motility, viability and morphology (p 0.001) was observed in the rats treated with p-NP compared to the control ones. The diameter of seminiferous tubules (p 0.001), thickness of germinal epithelium (p = 0.018), total volume of testis (p = 0.009), volume of seminiferous tubules (p 0.001), and testis weight (p = 0.017) decreased in the p-NP group in contrast with the other groups. Moreover, a significant increase of the malondialdehyde concentration was seen in the p-NP group when compared with the controls (p = 0.043). The majority of adverse effects of p-NP could be recovered following the administration of GTE.ConclusionIt seems GTE can be used as a potent antioxidant in the case of p-NP toxication.