Histopathological Changes In Testes Research Articles

Textile dyeing wastewater negatively influences the hematological profile and reproductive health of male Swiss albino mice

Objective: To determine the effects of textile dyeing industrial wastewater on the hematological parameters and reproductive health including histoarchitecture of male gonad (testes) of mice. Methods: Twenty-four Swiss albino mice at 4-weeks old were divided into four groups (n=6 per group). Mice of group 1 supplied with normal drinking water were served as the control group. Mice of group 2, 3 and 4 were supplied normal drinking water mixed with textile dyeing wastewater at 5%, 10% and 20% concentration, respectively. After completing 24 weeks of treatment, different hematological profile, weight of testes, gonadosomatic index (GSI), sperm concentration and morphology were measured. Moreover, histopathological changes in testes were examined. Results: Hematocrit value and hemoglobin concentrations were decreased in all groups of wastewater-treated mice compared to the control group. Likewise, weight of testes, GSI and sperm concentration were decreased significantly in wastewater-treated mice in comparison to the control group. The percentage of morphologically healthy epididymal sperm was significantly reduced in wastewater-treated mice. Histopathological examination revealed degenerative changes in seminiferous tubules, a smaller number of spermatogenic cells, elongation of seminiferous tubules and degenerative changes of seminiferous tubules in wastewater- treated mice. Conclusions: Textile dyeing wastewater has harmful effects on hematological profile and reproductive health of male mice.

Eltroxin and Hesperidin mitigate testicular and renal damage in hypothyroid rats: amelioration of oxidative stress through PPARγ and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway

BackgroundThyroid hormones (THs) regulate growth, development and function of different tissues. Hypothyroidism is a common clinical disorder characterized by deficiency in THs and adversely affects the development and functions of several organs. This work aimed to investigate the ameliorative effect of eltroxin (ELT), a hypothyroidism medication, and hesperidin (HSP), a flavonoid, against testicular and renal toxicity in hypothyroid rats. Twenty-four rats were divided into four groups and treated orally for 12 weeks. Group I (control), group II (hypothyroidism) received 20 mg/kg carbimazole (CBZ), group III received CBZ and 0.045 mg/kg ELT, and group IV received CBZ and 200 mg/kg HSP.ResultsCBZ administration induced biochemical and histopathological changes in testis and kidney. Co-administration of ELT or HSP significantly (P < 0.05) ameliorated THs, reduced urea and creatinine while raised follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), Luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone in serum. Testicular and renal malondialdehyde level as a lipid peroxidation indicator, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased while glutathione content, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione-s-transferase activities were significantly (P < 0.05) increased. The histopathological changes were also diminished. Decreased mRNA and protein expressions of nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma(PPARγ) in hypothyroid rats were up-regulated after ELT or HSP treatment.ConclusionsELT and HSP showed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects against CBZ-induced testicular and renal toxicity, and these effects may be promoted via activating Nrf2/HO-1 and PPARγ signaling pathways.

Stress-responsive MAPK signaling pathway with proliferation and apoptosis in the rat testis after 2100 MHz radiofrequency radiation exposure

Objective: Mobile phone technology has progressed quickly in recent years. Cell phones operate using radiofrequency radiation (RFR), and the complete biological impacts of RFR remain unidentified. Thus, we aimed to investigate the potential effects of 2100 MHz radiofrequency radiation exposure on the stress-responsive JNK/p38 MAPK pathway, apoptosis and proliferation in rat testis. Methods: RFR groups were created with 2100 MHz RFR exposure for acute (2 h/day for 1 week) and chronic (2 h/day for 10 weeks) periods. Sham groups were kept under identical conditions without RFR. The cell apoptosis and histopathological changes in testis were evaluated. Immunolocalization of PCNA, active caspase-3, Bcl-xL, p-JNK and p-p38 were analyzed by immunohistochemistry, the total protein expressions were identified by Western blot. Results: There were no differences between RFR and sham groups by means of histopathology and TUNEL analysis. Also, the expression levels and the immunolocalization patterns of PCNA, active caspase-3 and Bcl-xL proteins were not altered. p-JNK and p-p38 protein expressions were prominently elevated in acute and chronic RFR groups. Conclusion: In conclusion, 2100 MHz RFR exposure had no considerably deleterious consequences on cellular proliferation and apoptosis processes in rat testis. However, increased expression of stress-activated protein kinases, p-JNK and p-p38, suggests the involvement of the MAPK signaling pathway as a critical (may be detrimental) cellular response.

Appraisal of the Pre-Emptive Effect of Lactoferrin Against Chromium-Induced Testicular Toxicity in Male Rats

Lactoferrin (LCF), a potent naturally occurring antioxidant, is a crucial component in preventing potassium dichromate (PDC) toxicity. The goal of the current work was to study the potential efficacy of LCF in preventing PDC(CrVI)-induced testicular toxicity and oxidative injury in rats. Six groups of male rats of Wistar stain were randomly categorized into: group 1, which served as the control; group 2 and 3 received LCF (200 and 300 mg/kg orally, respectively); group 4 received PDC (2 mg/kg i.p.); group 5 and 6 pretreated with LCF, followed by PDC as in group 4 with 90 min apart for 28 days. PDC-intoxicated rats showed a significantly altered spermogram with abnormal sperm morphology. PDC significantly upregulated serum FSH and downregulated testosterone levels. Additionally, PDC decreased the levels of testicular key antioxidant biomarkers (catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH)) with elevated lipid peroxidation marker (TBARS) and testicular chromium content. Moreover, it upregulated testicular proinflammatory cytokines, IL-1, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α, induced histopathological changes in testes with significant immunohistochemical expression of FasL and moderate expression of Nrf2. Pretreatment with LCF significantly mitigated PDC-induced testicular toxicity by enhancing spermogram, improving hormonal levels, restoring testicular oxidant/antioxidant balance, and decreasing testicular IL-1, IL6, IL-10, and TNFα levels, and amending both FasL and Nrf2 immunohistochemical-expression. Additionally, LCF improved testicular histopathological picture and spermatogenesis. Our results highlight the importance of LCF as a superior protective modulator of PDC-induced testicular injury.

Testicular histopathology in rats co-exposed to heat and psychological stressors

ObjectivesThe present study aimed to investigate the effect of co-exposure to heat and psychological stressors on testicular tissue as one of the major male reproductive organs in rats. MethodsForty adult male Wistar rats were divided into four groups of 10 animals each. The first group was exposed to heat stress (Temperature Humidity Index: 57.75 ± 3), the second group was exposed to three psychological stressors including strobe light ultrasonic sound, and tilting cage, and the third group was co-exposed to both heat and psychological stress daily. The order of exposure to various psychological stressors was randomized. Following the last day of the 40 -day exposure, the rats were euthanized and their testicular tissues were fixed in Bouin's solution. Moreover, a tissue processor, a microtome as well as hematoxylin, and eosin staining were used for tissue preparation. ResultsThe co-exposure to psychological and heat stress can cause negative testis histopathological changes including spermatid retention, degeneration of round spermatids and spermatocytes, degeneration and depletion of elongated Spermatid, Sertoli cell status, tubular degeneration/atrophy, Leydig cell atrophy, tubular dilatation, re-tubular dilation, and sclerosis status in a number of rats. Moreover, the histopathological changes were higher in the group exposed to heat stress compared with those exposed to psychological stress. ConclusionsAlthough exposure to either stressor alone can affect testicular tissue as part of the reproductive system, co-exposure to both stressors may result in an increased risk of adverse effects on testicular tissue.

Effects of glibenclamide and troxerutin on the sperm parameters and histopathological changes of testis in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats: An experimental study.

Oxidative stress is a major contributor to diabetes mellitus (DM), which leads to testicular damage and infertility. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of glibenclamide (GL) as a chemical medicine and troxerutin (TR) as an herbal agent on sperm parameters and histopathological changes of testis in diabetic male rats. Forty male Wistar rats (230-260 gr) were randomly divided into 5 groups (n = 8/each), including control, diabetic (D), GL, TR, and GL+TR. DM was induced by the administration of 60 mg/kg streptozotocin intraperitoneally. The groups were treated with 5 mg/kg/day of GL or 150 mg/kg/day of TR via oral gavage for 4 wk. In the final stage of the treatment, blood sampling was done for biochemical analysis. The rats were then sacrificed and their left testis and epididymis were dissected for sperm analysis, histopathology, and morphometric assessment. A significant decrease in the number, motility, viability, maturity, and chromatin quality of sperm was found in diabetic rats compared to control group. (p 0.001). DM also increased the malondialdehyde level and decreased the level of the serum's total antioxidant capacity compared to the control group (p 0.001). Furthermore, we observed a significant difference in seminiferous tubule diameter, germinal epithelium height, and testicular histological abnormalities in diabetic rats compared to control group (p 0.001). Administration of GL, TR, and their combination improved the above-mentioned parameters, and treatment with TR provided a higher improvement (p 0.001). According to these findings, it can be concluded that TR plays a more influential role than GL to treat diabetic-induced infertility.

The Protective Effect of Curcumin and Vitamin D on Physiological and Histopathological Changes of Testis in Adult Rats Treated with Methotrexate: An Experimental Study

The Protective Effect of Curcumin and Vitamin D on Physiological and Histopathological Changes of Testis in Adult Rats Treated with Methotrexate: An Experimental Study

Wuzi-Yanzong-Wan prevents oligoasthenospermia due to TAp73 suppression by affecting cellular junction remodeling in testicular tissue in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevanceWuzi-Yanzong-Wan (WZYZW) is a classic Chinese herbal preparation, which has a significant clinical efficacy in tonifying the kidney and benefiting the sperm, and is widely used in the treatment of oligoasthenospermia with a long history. TAp73 inhibition results in the decrease of sperm quality, but the therapeutic mechanism of WZYZW on oligoasthenospermia caused by TAp73 gene inhibition remains elusive. Aims of studyThe purpose of this study is to investigate whether TAp73 suppression leads to oligoasthenospermia and the application of WZYZW treatment in condition of TAp73 suppression. MethodologyC57BL/6 male mice were injected with Pifithrin-α (2.5 mg/kg) intraperitoneally for 30 days to induce TAp73 suppression model, with WZYZW at 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 g/kg were administrated in parallel. The blood, testis and epididymis were collected, with organ coefficient calculated. Makler sperm counter was used to analyze the density, motility, survival and malformation rate of sperm. Apoptosis of sperm was analyzed by flow cytometry. Serum hormone levels were determined using ELISA. HE staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to observe histopathological changes of testis in blood-testis barrier (BTB), ectoplasmic specialization (ES) and other cell junctions. Expressions of cell adhesion factors including TAp73, Integrin-α6, N-cadherin, Nectin-2 and Occludin were determined by RT-PCR and western blotting. ResultsCompared to control mice, TAp73 inhibition dramatically decreased the epididymal coefficient, sperm quality, and serum testosterone (T) level, while increasing apoptosis in sperm in mice. HE staining and TEM showed that the tight junction (TJ) and apical ES structure were seriously abnormal in the testis in mice with TAp73 inhibition. Additionally, the expression of Occludin protein was elevated, while that of TAp73, Integrin-α6, N-cadherin, and Nectin-2 reduced in model mice. WZYZW treatment ameliorated testicular spermatogenic dysfunctions in TAp73 suppressed mice, restoring the decreased sperm quality, serum T level and testicular histopathological changes of TJ and ES, as well as decreasing sperm malformation rate and apoptosis. Moreover, WZYZW reversed the expressions of Occludin, TAp73, Integrin-α6, N-cadherin and Nectin-2 in TAp73 suppressed mice. ConclusionsBy impairing spermatogenesis and maturation, TAp73 inhibition led to oligoasthenospermia in mice. WZYZW could rescue the oligoasthenospermia associated with TAp73 inhibition via affecting the dynamic remodeling of cellular junctions in testicular tissues in mice.

Glycine protects the male reproductive system against lead toxicity via alleviating oxidative stress, preventing sperm mitochondrial impairment, improving kinematics of sperm, and blunting the downregulation of enzymes involved in the steroidogenesis

Lead (Pb) is a highly toxic heavy metal widely dispersed in the environment because of human industrial activities. Many studies revealed that Pb could adversely affect several organs, including the male reproductive system. Pb-induced reproductive toxicity could lead to infertility. Thus, finding safe and clinically applicable protective agents against this complication is important. It has been found that oxidative stress plays a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of Pb-induced reprotoxicity. Glycine is the simplest amino acid with a wide range of pharmacological activities. It has been found that glycine could attenuate oxidative stress and mitochondrial impairment in various experimental models. The current study was designed to evaluate the role of glycine in Pb-induced reproductive toxicity in male mice. Male BALB/c mice received Pb (20 mg/kg/day; gavage; 35 consecutive days) and treated with glycine (250 and 500 mg/kg/day; gavage; 35 consecutive days). Then, reproductive system weight indices, biomarkers of oxidative stress in the testis and isolated sperm, sperm kinetic, sperm mitochondrial indices, and testis histopathological alterations were monitored. A significant change in testis, epididymis, and Vas deferens weight was evident in Pb-treated animals. Markers of oxidative stress were also significantly increased in the testis and isolated sperm of the Pb-treated group. A significant disruption in sperm kinetic was also evident when mice received Pb. Moreover, Pb exposure caused significant deterioration in sperm mitochondrial indices. Tubular injury, tubular desquamation, and decreased spermatogenic index were histopathological alterations detected in Pb-treated mice. It was found that glycine significantly blunted oxidative stress markers in testis and sperm, improved sperm mitochondrial parameters, causing considerable higher velocity-related indices (VSL, VCL, and VAP) and percentages of progressively motile sperm, and decreased testis histopathological changes in Pb-exposed animals. These data suggest glycine as a potential protective agent against Pb-induced reproductive toxicity. The effects of glycine on oxidative stress markers and mitochondrial function play a key role in its protective mechanism.

Beneficial effects of Salvia officinalis essential oil on vanadium-induced testicular injury, DNA damage and histological alterations in Wistar rats.

Vanadium has been shown to catalyze the generation of reactive oxygen species. Since free radical production and lipid peroxidation are potentially important mediators in testicular physiology and pathophysiology, the present study was conducted to elucidate vanadium-induced oxidative damage in rat testis and the ameliorative role of Salvia officinalis essential oil (SEO) against the adverse effects of this heavy metal. Adult male Wistar rats were treated daily during 10days either with ammonium metavanadate (5mg/kg bw, intraperitoneally), SEO (15mg/kg bw, orally) or their combination. A group of rats receiving daily a saline solution served as a negative control. Vanadium treatment induced a significant decrease in body and reproductive organ weights, serum testosterone level and sperm number and motility. An increase in lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation as well as a marked inhibition in the activities of antioxidant enzymes in the testes and seminal vesicles indicated the occurrence of oxidative stress after vanadium toxicity. Histopathological changes in testis and seminal vesicles were also observed following vanadium administration. However, co-administration of SEO to vanadium-treated rats resulted in an appreciable improvement of these parameters, emphasizing the therapeutic effects of SEO. It can be suggested that SEO mitigates vanadium-induced reproductive damage due to its antioxidant capacity. Thus, we can hypothesize that SEO supplementation could protect against vanadium poisoning.

Reproductive effects of sulfoxaflor in male Sprague Dawley rats

The study objective was to evaluate the potential reproductive toxicity of sulfoxaflor (SFX) insecticide in male Sprague Dawley rats. To attain these objectives, forty male Sprague Dawley rats of 10–12 weeks old were randomly divided into four equal groups; the 1st group was used as a control group; the other three groups were exposed to 25, 100, and 500 mg/kg body weight SFX by oral gavage for 4 weeks. Relative testicular weight, testosterone, FSH, LH, MDA, and GPx levels, sperm viability, sperm morphology, sperm DNA damage, and histopathological changes in testes, epididymis, and seminal vesical of these rats were investigated after 4 weeks. The results showed that SFX exposure resulted in a significant increase in FSH, LH, MDA, and GPx levels as well as the percentage of dead and abnormal sperms and DNA damage in rat sperms. Histopathological examination of testes established testicular degeneration with coagulative necrosis as well as the proliferation of interstitial connective tissue infiltrated with inflammatory cells with congestion of intertubular blood vessels in epididymis and degeneration of lining epithelium of seminal vesicles.

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.

Modulatory Effect of Lawsonia inermis Linn. Leaves on Andrological Parameters and Histopathological Changes of Testes in Streptozocine Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has been known to be a major health challenge that have harmful effects on the quality of life globally as a result of its numerous complications. One of the most prevalent secondary complication of the disease is male reproductive system dysfunction. Oral hypoglycaemic drugs are used for managing diabetes but their use has been reported to possess side effects on male reproductive organ leading to significant alteration of spermatogenesis. Lawsonia inermis Linn are used in the treatment of both infectious and non-infectious diseases like poliomyelitis, measles, menorrhagia, vaginal discharge and leucorrhoea. Lawsonia inermis leaves were sectioned using N-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol. Fractions obtained were assessed for their modulatory effect. Thirteen groups of diabetic rats (n=5) were orally administered 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg of each of the three partitioned fraction, metformin (500 mg/kg), glibenclamide (5 mg/kg), while untreated hyperglycaemic and normoglycaemic rats received distilled water for 28 days. Sperm parameters showed significant (p&lt;0.05) decreased motility in most treatment group compared to normoglycaemic control but significant improvement was observed in sperm parameters when compared to untreated diabetic control. The sperm volume and live/dead ratio of diabetic treated rats showed little or no significant alteration in all the administered dosage compared to both diabetic and non-diabetic controls. Methanol fraction at 100mg/kg presented non-significant (p&gt;0.05) decreased total abnormal sperm cell compared to normoglycemic control. Diabetic and non-diabetic control had a greater number of spermatozoa with tailless head abnormality compared to Lawsonia inermis treatment groups. Histopathology result of diabetic untreated testes showed histological abnormality represented by degenerated seminiferous tubules when compared to normoglycemic control cases. Treatment groups with fractions of Lawsonia inermis presents normal histological appearance. We concluded that this study showed that Lawsonia inermis has significant modulatory or ameliorative effect on various sperm abnormalities and testicular degeneration seen in diabetic ones.

The possible protective role of Coenzyme Q10 on the testis of rats treated with cisplatin

Background: Cisplatin is an anti-cancer drug that is associated with testicular toxicity because of its induction of excessive reactive oxygen species. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has been found to express antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Aim: This study aims to investigate if CoQ10 can counter the testicular tissue toxicity caused by cisplatin. Methods: Animals were weighed and randomly divided into four groups (n = 10/each). In group I (control group), rats were received 1% of Tween-80 through intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection for 15 days. Group II (CoQ10 group) was i.p. treated for 15 days with CoQ10 in 1% tween-80 at a dosage of 10mg/kg/day for 15 days. Rats in group III (Cisplatin group) were i.p. treated with a single i.p. injection of cisplatin at a dosage of 7mg/kg on the 5th day of the experiment. Group IV (CoQ10/cisplatin) were i.p. treated with CoQ10 at a dosage of 10mg/kg/day for 15 days and cisplatin at a dosage of 7mg/kg on the 5th day of the experiment. The weight and dimensions of the testes were measured. Biochemical measurements, as well as histological and immunohistochemical morphometric, were done. Results: CoQ10 diminished cisplatin-induced oxidative stress by reducing lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide levels and increasing the levels of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase and glutathione dehydrogenase. Moreover, CoQ10 significantly decreased the inflammatory response to cisplatin administration by decreasing the proinflammatory mediator tumor necrosis factor-α and increasing the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Treatment with CoQ10 also induced significant improvement in histopathological changes in testes. Conclusion: CoQ10 could protect testes against cisplatin-induced injury.

Effect of Filgrastim on adult male rats' fertility and reproductive performance.

Filgrastim is a recombinant protein used in treatment neutropenia caused by myelosuppressive medications for patients with non-myeloid cancer. However, its effect in male fertility is not clear. So, the current work aims to clarify the effect of Filgrastim on the reproductive state in Wistar rats. Eighteen (18) male Wistar rats were divided into three groups (6/each). Group (I) where the rats were injected with 0.5 ml/kg/day of distilled water and served as Control Group. The Group (II) animals received intraperitoneal injection of therapeutic dose of 30.83 mcg/kg/day of Filgrastim for one week. The Group (III) rats received the same dose by the same route of Filgrastim for two weeks. Sera of blood samples were processed for serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone (TS). Semen analysis and resazurine reduction test (RRT) were performed. Assaying for malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) was done. The testes were retrieved for histopathological and immunohistochemical studies for caspase-3 detection. Our results revealed that filgrastim affects sperm morphology, significantly decreased the RRT and the reproductive hormones level, elevated the oxidative stress status and induced several histopathological changes in testes with an increased in immunoexpression of caspase-3 in testes tissues. The results of this work demonstrated that Filgrastim may had a deleterious effect on male fertility.

Toxic impacts of a mixture of three pesticides on the reproduction and oxidative stress in male rats

The present study investigated the toxic effect of a mixture of three pesticides (cypermethrin, mancozeb, and metalaxyl) on reproduction and oxidative stress parameters in male Wistar rats. Animals were treated at doses 1/60, 1/30, and 1/10 LD50 of each pesticide daily in the diet for 08 weeks. At the end of the treatment period, animals were sacrificed by decapitation. The results indicate a decrease in the absolute weight of testes and epididymis, the serum of testosterone hormone, and cholesterol levels. These parameters were significant reduced in males exposed to the mixed pesticides. A reduction in sperm concentration, motility, and viability also was observed. Besides, the ingestion of mixed pesticides at all three concentrations caused a significant decrease in GSH, GPx levels and an increase in MDA levels compared to the control group. This was accompanied by histopathological changes in testis and epididymis of rats such as seminiferous tubules degeneration, decreasing number of spermatogenic cells, edema, expansion of interstitial spaces, cell necrosis, and reducing the diameter of the epididymal tube compared to the control group. Thus, we strongly suggest that the mixture of pesticides causes damages to the male reproductive system.

Effects of selenium deficiency on testis development and autophagy in chicks

To investigate the effects of Selenium (Se) deficiency on testis development and autophagy in chicks. 20 1-day old cocks were randomly divided into two groups, named the control check (CK) group [a basic diet (containing 0.333 mg Se/kg) was fed] and the Se-deficiency (Low Se) group [a selenium deficiency diet (containing 0.033 mg Se/kg) was supplied]. After 30 days, the body and testicle weights of the chicks were measured, and the organ coefficient was calculated. While haematoxylin–eosin staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, colorimetric method was used to assess the histopathological changes of testis, the changes of sex hormone levels, and antioxidant enzyme activities in two groups of chicks, respectively, the mRNA and protein expression of autophagy-related factors in the testes was determined by using quantitative PCR and western blotting. We found that Se deficiency resulted in a significant decrease in body and testicle weights of the chicks, a reduction in organ coefficients, and damaged testis tissue. The levels of sex hormone testosterone, oestradiol, the activities of serum antioxidant enzymes T-AOC, GSH-ST and GSH-PX in the Low-Se group were significantly lower than those in the CK group. Furthermore, the level of autophagy was significantly increased in the Low-Se group compared with the CK counterpart. The mRNA levels of Beclin1, Dynein, ATG-4B, ATG5, LC3-A and LC3-B genes in the Low-Se group were significantly higher than those in the CK group, while the protein expression of ATG5 and LC3-B was significantly increased in the Low-Se group compared with the CK counterpart. These data indicates dietary selenium-deprived chicks exhibit poor testicular development, impaired sex hormone synthesis, reduced antioxidant enzyme activity, and increased mRNA and protein expression of autophagy-related factors. HIGHLIGHTS Se-deprived chicks display poor testicular development, impaired sex hormone synthesis, reduced activity of antioxidant enzymes, and increased mRNA and protein levels of autophagy-related factors.

Ameliorative Role of Green Tea and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Complex Against Monosodium Glutamate-Induced Testicular Toxicity in Male Rats.

This study was designed to estimate the long-term effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles/green tea (ZnONPs/GTE) complex against monosodium glutamate (MSG). The antioxidant/oxidative status, testosterone levels, DNA damage, and histopathological changes of testis were evaluated. The rats were divided into eight groups that were treated as follows: saline, the lower dosage of MSG (6.0 mg/kg), the higher dosage of MSG (17.5 mg/Kg), GTE, ZnONPs, ZnONPs/GTE and the last two groups were treated with the lower dosage of MSG or the higher dosage of MSG with ZnONPs/GTE complex. The data showed minimal toxicity in testicular tissue after the administration of ZnONPs. The MSG treatment in the adult male rats reduced testosterone levels and disrupted testicular histology, which revealed dose-dependence of MSG. Also, ZnONPs induced testicular dysfunction through the interference of antioxidant/oxidant balance and suppression of testosterone levels as well as induction of cellular damage of testis. The combination of ZnONPs with GTE complex significantly protects against MSG or ZnONPs toxicity by decreasing the DNA damage, oxidative stress, and enhancement of antioxidant as well as histological structure of testis. We could recommend using ZnONPs/GTE complex to reduce the toxicity of ZnONPs and MSG on the testis at the cellular and oxidative stress levels.

Gum Arabic improves the reproductive capacity through upregulation of testicular glucose transporters (GLUTs) mRNA expression in Alloxan induced diabetic rat

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder and an endemic disease of the twenty-first century. DM-induced tissue damage is associated with testicular deregulation resulting in reduction of fertility. Gum Arabic (GA) is reported to improve reproductive function. In this study, 60 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 3 groups (n = 20 of each): control group, diabetic group which were injected with Alloxan, and diabetic group which was given 10% GA in drinking water for 10 weeks. The effect of GA on sperm quality blood glucose, serum testosterone and 17β-estradiol levels were investigated. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities together with testis histopathological changes were measured. LDH and glucose transporters (GLUTs) genes mRNA were also evaluated. GA treatment significantly (P < 0.05) decreased food intake and blood glucose level compared to control and diabetic groups. GA Treatment significantly (P < 0.05) increased semen quality and serum testosterone levels compared to control and diabetic groups. Likewise, GA treatment significantly (P < 0.05) increased testicular LDH activity compared to the control group. Moreover, GA treatment significantly (P < 0.05) increased testicular GLUT1 and GLUT3 mRNA expression. Similarly, GA significantly (P < 0.05) increased testicular 3β-HSD and LDH mRNA expression compared to control. However, no effects were found in GLUT8 and GLUT9 mRNA expression. Diabetic rat's testis displayed obvious degeneration whereas; slight degeneration was seen in GA treated rats when compared to diabetic control group. These findings suggest that GA may improve reproductive function via enhancement of testicular GLUT1 and GLUT3 mRNA expression which may ameliorate diabetic fertility problems and complications.

Low dose lead exposure at the onset of puberty disrupts spermatogenesis-related gene expression and causes abnormal spermatogenesis in mouse

Implications of lead (Pb) exposure in dysregulated spermatogenesis in sexually active individuals during adulthood is well established; however, the effect of Pb exposure on spermatogenesis in the early stages of puberty is not clear yet. Moreover, the mechanism of Pb mediated dysregulation of spermatogenesis in adults is also poorly understood. Exposure to environmental toxicants during puberty may cause serious consequences in adulthood causing developmental retardations, especially in the reproductive system. Here we investigated the effects of lead exposure on spermatogenesis at the onset of puberty and the underlying mechanisms of these effects. Male ICR mice were exposed to low (50 mg/L) and high (200 mg/L) doses of Pb through the drinking water for 90 days. At the end of this period, the blood Pb level of the low-dose and high-dose exposure groups were found 6.14 ± 0.34 μg/dL and 11.92 ± 2.92 μg/dL respectively which were in agreement with the US CDC-recommended (5 μg/dL) and Chinese CDC-recommended (10 μg/dL) reference blood Pb level for the children. Although no visible toxicity was observed in either group, Pb exposure caused considerable histopathological changes in testis and epididymis; increased sperm DNA fragmentation indices as well as disrupted sperm heads and head-neck conjunctions. Moreover, both low and high-dose Pb exposures caused aberrant expressions of several important spermatogenesis-related genes in epididymis and testis. These results suggest that although the blood Pb levels are close to the recommended-reference values, low dose Pb exposure at the onset of puberty can disrupt spermatogenesis-related gene expression and cause abnormal mouse spermatogenesis.