Histopathological Examination Of Testes Research Articles

Evaluation of the camel milk amelioration, the oxidative stress, fertility and mutagenicity of male albino rats exposed to lead acetate, fipronil, and their mixture

AbstractLead is considered a common old chronic toxicant around the world due to expanded environmental pollution, it is likely an inevitable contaminant in food, dairy products, air etc. Also, fipronil is a wide‐ranging effective N‐phenyl pyrazole insecticide which used commonly in agriculture and public health insect control, but until now no adequate data are available on the oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, and mutagenic influence of fipronil and lead or their mixture subchronic exposure. Both xenobiotics (lead and fipronil) exert a harmful impact on reproduction, prompting the exploration of various foods for functional protection. The present study investigated the effects of camel milk treatments on reproductive problems caused by lead acetate with or without mixing with fipronil in male albino rats. Liver oxidative stress, testicular relative weight, sperm analysis, investigation of chromosomal aberration, and histopathological examination of testis were performed. The results showed that the oxidative stress was elevated in rats treated with fipronil, lead acetate, and their mixture, which were reduced through camel milk treatments. Sperm counts were decreased significantly in lead and/or fipronil exposure but significantly elevated with camel milk intoxicated treated. Sperm morphological abnormalities and chromosomal aberrations in intoxicated groups were reduced significantly in camel milk‐treated animals relative to untreated intoxicated groups. Testicular histopathological results showed moderate common degeneration of seminiferous tubules in lead and/or fipronil‐intoxicated rats which were ameliorated by camel milk treatments. Generally, it can be concluded that lead and fipronil together in a mixture resulted in or induced severe reproductive problems and oxidative stress over lead or fipronil alone. Camel milk treatment significantly decreased the harmful oxidative stress in reproductive as well as the mutagenicity disorder associated with lead and fipronil exposure in male albino rats.

Protective effect of vitamin C against thiamethoxam-induced toxicity in male rats.

Thiamethoxam (THM) is a neonicotinoid insecticide used to control different insect pests on fruits, vegetables, and field crops. The misuse and continuous exposure to THM cause many harmful effects on health and the reproductive system. This work aims to investigate the efficiency of vitamin C (vit C) in reducing or eliminating the harmful effects of THM on the testes, liver, and kidney of male rats. Forty-eight sexually mature male Wister albino rats (weight: 170-190 g; age: 10-11 weeks) were randomly allocated into six groups (8 males/group). The control group was orally given distilled water, vit C group was orally treated with 200 mg/kg b.wt of vit C, group 1/10 of THM LD50 orally treated with 156.3 mg/kg b.wt of THM, group 1/20 of THM LD50 orally treated with 78.15 mg/kg b.wt of THM, group 1/10 of THM LD50 + vit C orally treated with 156.3 mg/kg b.wt of THM + 200 mg/kg b.wt of vit C, and group 1/20 of THM LD50 + vit C orally treated with 78.15 mg/kg b.wt of THM + 200 mg/kg b.wt of vit C. All groups were treated for five days per week for a whole period of 58 days. Blood samples were collected at the end of the experiment, and serum was extracted for liver and kidney functions and antioxidant measurements. Reproductive organs (testis, epididymis, and seminal vesicles) were collected and weighed at the end of the experiment. The results showed that groups exposed to 1/10 and 1/20 of THM LD50 significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the body weight, the reproductive organ weights (testis, epididymis, and seminal vesicles), spermatid count, sperm (count and motility), and testosterone concentration with an increase in abnormalities. In addition, the groups exposed to THM showed a decrease in protein concentration, albumin, and globulin, and caused an increase in glucose concentration. The activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), creatinine, urea, and malondialdehyde (MDA) were increased while caused decrease in total antioxidant capacity (TAC) due to exposure to THM. The co-administration of vit C with HM modulated the harmful effects of the insecticide on testicular, liver, and kidney parameters, which confirmed in histopathological examination of testis. Groups orally treated with vit C showed a significant increase in spermatogenesis, spermatid numbers, and the weight of seminal vesicles. This study showed the importance of vit C in reducing toxic effects from exposure to THM. Accordingly, the intake of vit C by individuals who regularly handle this insecticide will be beneficial in reducing the adverse effects that may occur in the liver and kidney.

Effect of experimentally induced prepubertal hyperthyroidism on postubertal reproductive activity in male rats

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of induced prepubertal hyperthyroidism on the reproductive functions of male rats at the pubertal stage. Hyperthyroidism was induced by supplementing thyroxin in drinking water (0.002% w/v) and drenching of 200 μg/kg body weight. Sixty immature males (aged 50 days) were allocated to control and hyperthyroid (PH) groups, administered with distilled water and thyroxin, respectively. Each group was subdivided into three subgroups, sacrificed after 15 days (C15 and PH15), after administration for 15 days and left without treatment for 15 days (C15+ and PH15+), or after 30 days (C30 and PH30). After each period, body weight and relative weight of genital organs were recorded. Serum concentrations of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxin (TT4), triiodothyronine (TT3), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone was assessed. The expression levels of testicular inha and thyroid hormone receptor (THR) genes were analyzed. Histopathological examination of testis was studied. Compared with control, PH group male rats showed decreased body weight gain and genital organ weights at all experimental periods, increased levels of serum TT4, TT3, and LH, decreased levels of TSH, FSH, and testosterone, and lower expression levels of testicular inha and THR genes. Testicular sections of PH group male rats, showed reduced germinal epithelium, vacuolation, and decreased the number of spermatocytes and Sertoli cells compared with control. In conclusion, the disturbed fluctuations of sex steroid hormones due to prepubertal hyperthyroidism might cause retardation of the testes’ development.

Effects of heavy pollution in different water bodies on male rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) reproductive health.

This research aimed to investigate the influence of heavy metals on the reproductive health of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) captured from two locations, Verinag (S1) and Panzath (S2). Sixty (n. 60) mature rainbow trout samples (30 from each site) with body weights ranging from 400 to 650g were collected from Verinag hatchery, which was less polluted (S1), and Panzath hatchery, which was more polluted (S2). The findings revealed significant differences between the two sites, S1 (less polluted) and S2 (more polluted), as well as significant variations within the tissues. Iron (Fe) and Zinc (Zn) were found to be highest in sampling water as well as in fish tissues sampled from S2 sites. Similarly, concerning S1 captured fishes, histopathological examination of testes from S2 captured fish was found. Testicular abnormalities that included disorganization of the seminiferous tubules, reduction in the number of germ cells (sperm cells, spermatozoa), vacuolization, and large empty areas in the seminiferous epithelium were found. In testicular cells, the frequency of apoptotic cells collected from S2 water increased significantly (P < 0.05). SOD, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activity increased in S1 captured fishes but decreased in S2 captured fishes. MDA levels gradually increased in S2 captured fish, and the degree of heavy metal stress was positively correlated (P < 0.05). In male rainbow trout, testosterone and 11-ketotestosterone levels increased substantially in S1 captured fishes. While the fatty acids of testes in S2 fishes decreased with respect to S1 fishes. In conclusion, S2 captured fish suffered more damage due to heavy metals including cellular damage, apoptosis, oxidative damage, and altered steroid hormones when compared to fish from S1 waters.

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.

Dietary Beta-MOS® ameliorated lead induced reproductive toxicity and stress in Nile tilapia

Lead (Pb) is a hazardous pollutant for living creatures including fish. This study addressed the possible ameliorating effect of dietary Beta-MOS® on Pb induced reproductive toxicity in Nile tilapia. One hundred eighty fish (35.43 ± 0.36 g, 8 weeks age) of mixed sex were randomly allocated into 4 equal groups (3 replicates/group). The first group was control and the second group, received 0.3% dietary Beta-MOS®. The third group was exposed to 10 mg Pb acetate L−1 in water. The fourth group was exposed to 10 mg Pb acetate L−1 in water and nourished with 0.3% dietary Beta-MOS®. The treatments were continued for 60 days. Body weight, gonado-somatic index (GSI), estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), cortisol, glucose, gonadal malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant enzymes were measured. Histopathological examination of testes and ovaries was performed. Exposure to Pb caused significant (p < 0.05) reduction in body weight, GSI, estradiol, testosterone, gonadal antioxidant enzymes and elevated cortisol, glucose and gonadal MDA than control. Co-administration of dietary Beta-MOS® with Pb significantly (p < 0.05) ameliorated Pb induced perturbations to the former parameters. The ameliorative effect of Beta-MOS to Pb induced reproductive impairments may be attributed to stress alleviating and antioxidant effects that improved gonadal sex steroids and pathology.

Testicular dysfunction induced by aluminum oxide nanoparticle administration in albino rats and the possible protective role of the pumpkin seed oil

BackgroundEven though the widespread of nanoalumina and their benefits in all fields, its potential impacts on male reproductive system have limited information.ObjectiveThe present study was conducted to investigate the testicular dysfunction of nanoalumina and the protective role of pumpkin seed oil (PSO) against potential adverse impacts induced by alumina nanoparticles (Al2O3-NPs) in male rat.MethodologyAl2O3-NPs were administered to the rat orally at a dose of 70 mg/kg body weight once a day for 28 successive days, while pumpkin seed oil was administered to the rat orally at 4 mL/kg b w before administration of Al2O3-NPs, once a day for 28 successive days. After the administration period, sperm concentration, motility, morphology, and DNA damage, as biomarkers of reproductive toxic effects, were evaluated using sperm analysis and comet assays, and histopathological examination of testis was performed. In addition, level of the serum testosterone hormones were estimated, and the levels of oxidative stress biomarkers that take part in the reproductive pathologies such as catalase, glutathione, and malondialdehyde were estimated.ResultsThe present results revealed that Al2O3-NPs induced DNA damage in testicular cells, marked histopathological alterations, and caused a significant elevation in MDA in testicular tissue. There was a significant decline in GSH and CAT activities. Furthermore, there was a significant decline in serum testosterone level in the testicular tissue of Al2O3-NP-administered rats. In contrast, pumpkin seed oil co-administration alleviated DNA damage and improved the histopathological alterations in the testicular tissues. Moreover, pumpkin seed oil co-administration significantly reduced MDA and improved the antioxidant defenses in testicular tissue.ConclusionThe current study concluded that Al2O3-NPs caused testicular dysfunction by generating oxidative injury. Otherwise, PSO co-administration successfully attenuated the adverse impacts of Al2O3-NPs via suppression of oxidative stress and apoptosis as well as enhancement of the antioxidant defense system.

Auricularia polytricha restores altered reproductive parameters in streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rat

BackgroundLocal Nigerian men use Auricularia polytricha (wood ear mushroom) growing in farm lands and dead woods to manage sexual dysfunction and this practice has been going on for ages without supporting evidence from scientific experiments. This study was to investigate the ameliorative effect of ethanolic extract of Auricularia polytricha on male sex hormones (FSH, LH, and testosterone), sperm parameters (sperm count, sperm motility, and morphology), and histopathological examination of testis using Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats as a model.MethodsThe experiment included five groups of adult male Wistar rat, group A (normal control, treated with normal saline), group B (diabetic control treated with 65 mg/kg.bw of STZ), groups C, D, and E (treated with 250 mg/kg.bw, 500 mg/kg.bw, 1000 mg/kg.bw A. polytricha after inducing diabetics). At termination, homogenate was prepared for semen analysis using improved Neubauer’s hemocytometer, serum samples were used for hormonal assay with ELISA (enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay) kit and light microscope was used for histopathological examination.ResultsResults revealed significant (p < 0.05) reduction in sperm count and motility in group B when compared to normal control, values in group C were not statistically significant (p > 0.05) when compared to diabetic control. However, groups D and E recorded sperm count and sperm motility that were significantly (p < 0.05) increased when compared to the diabetic control (group B). Morphological defects in diabetic control rats were significantly (p < 0.05) higher when compared to normal control but there was no statistical significance in group C when compared to the diabetic control, meanwhile values of sperm morphological defects in groups D and E were significantly (p < 0.05) lower when compared to the diabetic control group. All gonadotropic hormones considered in this research were remarkably lower at p < 0.05 when compared to normal control. However, these values were significantly higher in groups D and E when compared to diabetic control. Structural alterations in cytoarchitecture of testes as a result of sustained hyperglycemia were reversed in a dose dependent manner following A. polytricha administration.ConclusionAlterations in sperm parameters, gonadotropic hormones, and histology of testes caused by diabetes were regulated and reversed following administration of graded doses of A. polytricha. This reversal may be attributed to essential phytochemical and therapeutic constituents in A. polytricha which can be found useful in prevention and treatment of diabetes induced testicular dysfunction.

Possiple Protective Role of Ascorbic Acid on Ethanol Induced Testicular Toxicity in Male Albino Rats

Background: Exposure to ethanol results in many pathophysiologic changes in the function of the reproductive system caused by the alcohol itself and the effects of its metabolism in recurrent use. Ascorbic acid is a powerful antioxidant that can neutralize harmful compounds and potentiate the antioxidant capacity. Aim: this study was aimed to evaluate the protective effects of ascorbic acid against testicular changes caused by ethanol in adult male albino rats. Materials and Methods: Forty adult male rats were randomly distributed into four groups treated for 63 consecutive days, control group: was treated with distilled water only orally by gastric tube. Ascorbic acid group: was treated with ascorbic acid (100 mg/day/rat) dissolved in distilled water (dilution 50%), once daily orally by gastric tube. Ethanol group: was treated with ethanol (0.7g/kg) dissolved in distilled water (dilution 50% ), once daily orally by gastric tube. Ethanol and ascorbic acid group: was treated with ethanol and ascorbic acid in the same previous doses orally by gastric tube. At the end of the study, rats were weighed then blood samples were obtained from each group to estimate the level of testosterone. Then the rats were sacrificed. The testes were dissected and weighed then used for evaluation of oxidative parameters (GSH and MDA), histopathological examination of testes by light and electron microscope. Results: Concomitant administration of ascorbic acid with ethanol resulted in a highly significant rise in body weight, with increase in mean testosterone level but this rise was insignificant, there was a highly significant decrease in MDA level and there was a highly significant increase in GSH level. Regarding histopathological results in the group of ascorbic acid with ethanol showed improvement in all histopathological changes induced by ethanol. As regard ultrastructure changes, microscopic examination in ethanol group revealed thickening of basement membrane, mitochondrial changes, degenerated spermatid, with decrease in the sperm count results which were improved in the group of ascorbic acid with ethanol. Conclusion: oral administration of ethanol daily for 63 consecutive days in adult albino rats caused various testicular lesions which were significantly reduced with combined administration of ascorbic acid as antioxidant

Reproductive toxic effects and possible mechanisms of zonisamide in male rats.

Zonisamide (ZNS) is an anticonvulsant which is used to treat the symptoms of epilepsy. Although it is frequently used during reproductive ages, studies that investigated the effects of ZNS on reproductive system are limited. Therefore, we aimed to assess the effects of ZNS on male reproductive system by oral administration to rats in 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg doses for 28 days. After the exposure period, sperm concentration, motility, morphology, and DNA damage, as biomarkers of reproductive toxic effects, were determined, and histopathological examination of testis was performed. In addition, levels of the hormones that play a role in the regulation of reproductive functions, such as follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone were measured and the levels of oxidative stress biomarkers that take part in the reproductive pathologies such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and malondialdehyde, were determined. Reproductive toxic effects related to ZNS administration were shown by the significant decrease of sperm concentration and normal sperm morphology in ZNS groups. Additionally, pathological findings were observed in the testicular tissues of ZNS-administered groups dose dependently. In addition, serum LH and testosterone levels were significantly decreased in the ZNS groups. Decreased catalase activities and increased malondialdehyde levels in ZNS groups were evaluated as oxidative stress findings in the testis tissue. It could be expressed that ZNS administration induced dose-dependent reproductive toxic effects in rats, and pathological findings associated with the reproductive system could be the result of that hormonal changes and testicular oxidative stress, which in turn might be considered as possible mechanisms of male reproductive toxicity.

EFFECT OF LYCOPENE IN AMELIORATION OF TESTICULAR AND RENAL TOXICITY INDUCED BY BOLDENONE UNDECYLENATE IN MALE ALBINO RATS

Background: The present study was designed to evaluate the relative ameliorating efficacy of lycopene against the deleterious effects of boldenone, an androgenic steroid, on the rat testis and kidney. Materials and Methods: 40 male albino rats were divided into four groups; control group received intramuscular (i.m) injection of olive oil once a week; lycopene (Lc) group received lycopene (10 mg/kg b.w p.o daily); boldenone (Bol) group received (5 mg/kg b.w i.m once a week); Bol + Lc group received boldenone (5 mg/kg b.w i.m once a week) and lycopene (10 mg/kg b.w p.o daily) all for four weeks. Results: intramuscular injection of boldenone significantly induced lipid peroxidation and DNA fragmentation as well as inhibited total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and catalase (CAT) activity in testis and kidney tissue. Additionally, up-regulation of Bax and down-regulation of Bcl-2 gene expression after Bol injection along with marked increase in serum inflammatory cytokines and decrease in serum testosterone. These alterations were confirmed by the histopathological examination of testis and kidney. On the other hand, lycopene oral administration attenuated the testicular and renal injuries induced by boldenone injection. Conclusion: administration of antioxidants as lycopene effectively ameliorated the adverse effects of boldenone on testis and kidney tissues.&#x0D; Key words: Boldenone undecylenate, lycopene, DNA fragmentation, interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, apoptosis.

Sophora pachycarpa Root Extract Improves Testicular Damage in Carbon-Tetrachloride Intoxicated Rats

Background: Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is an industrial solvent that causes kidney, lung, testicles, brain, and blood diseases. In the present study, we investigated protective effects of Sophora pachycarpa extracts on testicular histopathology damage in rats intoxicated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Methods: In this study, divided into six experimental groups (n = 6): 3 groups as pre-treatment, received extract of S. pachycarpa at 50 mg/kg/day, 100 mg/kg/day, and 250 mg/kg/day doses by gavage procedure for 21 days before intraperitoneal injection of 500 μL/kg CCl4 on the day of 21, control group receiving 500 μL/kg CCl4 on the day of 21, post-treatment group received 100 mg/kg/day extract for 10 days and 12 h after injection of 250 μL/kg CCl4. The testicular tissues were samples at the end of the treatments for histological examination. Results: Histopathological examination of testis in CCl4-treatment group showed degeneration in seminiferous tubules and germ cells, intercellular dehiscence, and loss of cells into the lumen. Treatment of S. pachycarpa extract (250 mg/kg) resulted in remarkable improvement in testicular histopathological alterations caused by CCl4 in testis sections. Conclusions: Based on the findings, it is concluded that the extract of Sophora pachycarpa can improve the adverse effects of CCl4 on testicular tissue, possibly via its bioactive compounds having antioxidant effects.

دراسة الدور المحتمل للخصائص الغذائية والخصوبة لبعض الحبوب والمكسرات في ذكور الجرذان البينو التجريبية المسمومة بالنيكوتين

على مر السنين ، كانت خصوبة الرجال في انخفاض بسبب العوامل البيئية والخلقية. بحثت هذه الدراسة في التأثير الغذائي للشعير والشوفان والجوز واللوز والبندق والفول السوداني على التقييم البيولوجي ، وتحليل السائل المنوي ، وهرمونات الخصوبة ، والفحص المرضي للخصية. يتغذى 48 من ذكور الجرذان الناضجة على النظام الغذائي الممزوج بالحبوب (الشعير والشوفان 10٪) والمكسرات (الجوز واللوز والبندق والفول السوداني 2.5٪) من كل مجموعة بعد 30 يومًا من حقن النيكوتين. أظهرت النتائج انخفاضًا معنويًا في وزن الجسم ، ونسبة كفاءة التغذية ، ووزن الأعضاء النسبي ، ونسبة الحركة ، والنسبة المئوية التقدمية ، وعدد الحيوانات المنوية ، والتغيرات النسيجية المرضية للخصية نتيجة حقن النيكوتين. لكن النظام الغذائي المكمّل بالحبوب والمكسرات حسّن البيانات السابقة نحو المستوى الطبيعي مقارنة بمجموعة النيكوتين. لذلك ، أكدت هذه النتائج أنه يمكن استخدام مكملات الحبوب والمكسرات لتحسين العقم ضد تسمم النيكوتين بين ذكور الجرذان والمدخنين بسبب تناول كميات كبيرة من النيكوتين.

The Antioxidative Action of Dehydroepandrosterone (DHEA) on the Testicular Histology in adult mice treated with two doses of Nitrofu-rantoin

The antioxidant role of Dehydroepiandrosterone(DHEA) was investigated against two dose of Nitrofurantoin (NFT). Seventy-two adult albino mice were divided in to six equal groups. (G1) control, (G2) received 2 mg/kg B.w of DHEA, (G3) received oral dose of 1.5 mg/kg B.W NFT, (G4) received oral dose of 3 mg/kg B.W of NFT,(G5) received DHEA and 1.5 mg kg/B.w NFT and (G6) received DHEA and 3 mg/kg B.w NFT. Histopathological examination of testes was studied after 30 and 60 day of the experiment and revealed a great number of testicular damage including interstitial hemorrhage and vacuoles, abnormal immature spermatozoa, atrophy in germ cells with severe damage and necrosis of tubules in Nitrofuantoin treated mice. In conclusion, this study showed that NFT has deleterious effect on the reproductive function of male mice and DHEA can protect this system against this harmful effect induced by NFT through its antioxidative activity.

Effects of methotrexate exposure on medaka (Oryzias latipes) testes.

For the purpose of clarifying the histopathological effects of methotrexate (MTX) on medaka testes, wild-type and homogenic p53-deficient male medaka at 4 to 6 months post-hatching were exposed to 0.25 mg/ml of MTX for 96 h with histopathological examination of testes at 24, 48, 72 and 96 h. At 72 and 96 h after the start of MTX exposure, numerous apoptotic cells were observed in the spermatogonia and spermatocytes, and the pyknotic cell rate and the TUNEL-positive and cleaved caspase-3-positive rates in the spermatogonia and spermatocytes of MTX-treated wild type medaka were higher compared with those in the control wild-type medaka. Starting at 48 h, the phospho-histone H3-positive rate in the spermatogonia and spermatocytes of was significantly lower in MTX-treated wild-type medaka than in control wild-type medaka. In homogenic p53-deficient medaka, apoptosis was not induced in the spermatogonia and spermatocytes by exposure to MTX. Starting at 48 h, the phospho-histone H3-positive rate in spermatogonia and spermatocytes of MTX-treated homogenic p53-deficient medaka was lower than in control homogenic p53-deficient medaka. Throughout the entire experimental period, there were no significant differences in phospho-histone H3-positive rates in the spermatogonia and spermatocytes between the MTX-treated homogenic p53-deficient medaka group and the MTX-treated wild-type medaka group. In the present study, spermatogonia and spermatocytes of medaka testes were sensitive to MTX at 0.25 mg/ml in the culture water, and MTX-induced apoptosis in the testes was dependent on p53 expression; however, inhibition of MTX-induced cell proliferation was independent of p53 expression.

Some Toxicological and Histopathological Changes Induced By Long- Term Administration of Tramadol in Male Rats

The present study investigated the effects of repeated tramadol administration on 60 male rats. The animals were randomly divided into 6 equal groups (n=10/group). The first group served as control and received saline solution only during the study. the second, third, fourth , fifth and sixth groups were given oral doses of tramadol ( tramadol HCL) suspended in saline solution equal to 40, 80, 120,160 and 200 mg/kg daily for 60 days. Liver and kidney functions, sex hormones activity, some neurochemical parameters in addition to some histopathological changes of the rat testis and brain tissues were studied. The results of the present experiment revealed a significant gradual increase in the serum ALT, AST and creatinine by increasing the dose of tramadol, the same result was obtained for PRL and E2 in male rats. Tramadol significantly reduced serum LH, FSH and testosterone levels gradually, where 200 mg/kg showed the lowest levels. Repeated administration of tramadol also increased the density of α1–adrenoceptors in the rat brain cortex, as measured by saturation analysis of [3H]prazosin binding resembling the effects induced by conventional antidepressants. The histopathological examination of testis revealed severe diffused testicular degeneration, which was aggravated till testicular tissues calcification with increasing dose of tramadol (40, 80, 120, 160 and 200 mg/ kg.b.wt.). Brain tissues in all treated groups showed slight congestion of sub-meningeal blood vessels and neural degeneration. These findings suggest increased hepatic, renal and neurological damage and sexual dysfunction evoked by repeated administration of tramadol for long periods.

Morphology of rat testis preserved in three different fixatives

Histopathological examination of testes is important in assessing spermatogenesis and testicular function. Modified Davidson's fluid (mDF) has been proposed as a superior substitute for Bouin's fluid (BF) for fixation of adult animal testes. Besides, 4% paraformaldehyde (PFA) has been commonly used to fix testes with convenience. We compared the morphology of the rat testis fixed in 4% PFA, mDF, or BF using hematoxylin and eosin (HE)-stained sections. Fixation in 4% PFA resulted in obvious tissue shrinkage artifacts, especially between seminiferous epithelium cells. Shrinkage artifacts were also observed in the central area of the testes fixed in BF. Use of mDF did not cause shrinkage artifacts between seminiferous tubules, though a small amount can be observed in seminiferous tubules between germ cells. Clarity of nuclear detail in testes fixed in mDF and BF is better compared to 4% PFA. Our study demonstrated that fixation in mDF provided better morphologic details in the rat testis as compared with 4% PFA and BF.

The effects of aspirin and fenugreek seed on the testes of white mice

Background: Fenugreek seeds are used as food ingredient in traditional medicines; also aspirin is an incredible chemical with many useful benefits in the medical field. The objective was to study the effect of aspirin and fenugreek on testes of mice.Method: 20 white male mice weighing (18-23gm) were divided into four groups 5 each. Group 1, represented control, group 2, mice treated with fenugreek seed (100mg/KgB.W), group 3 mice treated with aspirin (10mg/Kg B.W), group 4 mice treated with aspirin and fenugreek seed for 21 days. Body weight and testes weights were recorded. Histopathological examination of testes was carried out.Results: a significant decrease (P&lt;0.05) in body weight of mice treated with aspirin when compared to the other groups. A significant decrease (P&lt;0.001) in testicular weight of mice treated with aspirin as compared to control and other groups was noted. Structural changes in testes have shown that: aspirin administration caused a decrease in seminiferous tubules diameter associated with increase in connective tissue between them and basement membrane thickness of seminiferous tubules. While fenugreek seed reverse these changes.Conclusion: fenugreek seeds exhibited antioxidant property that could ameliorate the alternations induced in mice treated with aspirin. Further studies are needed to be done on mammals to support our findings.

Effects of Marjoram Volatile Oil and Grape Seed Extract on Ethanol Toxicity in Male Rats

Natural dietary antioxidants are extensively studied for their ability to protect cells from miscellaneous damages. Marjoram volatile oil (Origanum majorana L., Lamiaceae) and grape seed extract (Vitis vinifera L., Vitaceae) are potent antioxidants. Effects of administration of marjoram volatile oil or grape seed extract on oral administration of ethanol, simultaneously, daily for 10 weeks were studied through determining epididymal spermatozoal analysis, serum testosterone level, weight and histopathological examination of testis, liver and brain. Glutathione level and lipid peroxidation content as malondialdehyde in the testis, liver and brain were measured. The repeated intake of a great amount of ethanol (10 ml/kg body weight, 25% v/v) was followed by fertility disturbances with low sperm count, impaired sperm motility and decrease in serum testosterone level. Moreover, ethanol toxicity induced significant alterations in the histological structures of the testis, liver and brain. The results revealed a significant increase in lipid peroxidation and decrease in the level of glutathione in the testis, liver and brain in the ethanol-treated group. However, co-administration of the extracts of protective plants resulted in minimizing the hazard effects of ethanol toxicity on male fertility, liver and brain tissues. It may be concluded that marjoram volatile oil and grape seed extract are useful herbal remedies, especially for controlling oxidative damages.

Effect of α-tocopherol and simvastatin on male fertility in hypercholesterolemic rats

The effect of α-tocopherol, simvastatin and both on male fertility in hypercholesterolemic rats was studied. Induction of hypercholesterolemia was done by feeding rats on a diet containing 1% cholesterol for 30 days. Hypercholesterolemic rats were orally given α-tocopherol (3 mg kg −1 BW) or simvastatin (1 mg kg −1 BW) or both for 65 days. Fertility index, serum testosterone level, sex organs weight, semen analysis and histopathological examination of testes, seminal vesicles and prostate glands were the parameters used to evaluate the reproductive efficiency of rats. In hypercholesterolemic rats (control +ve), there was a marked decrease in fertility index, testicular weight, sperm cell count, and percentages of sperm motility and viability associated with a significant increase in sperm cell abnormalities. Oral administration of either α-tocopherol or simvastatin to hypercholesterolemic rats for 65 days significantly improved the fertility index, testicular weight and semen quality. Concomitant administration of α-tocopherol and simvastatin to hypercholesterolemic rats markedly increased fertility index and sperm motility and viability associated with a significant reduction of sperm cell abnormalities. Histopathological examination revealed that testes of hypercholesterolemic rats (control +ve) had degenerated, non-functioning and atrophied seminiferous tubules associated with arrest of spermatogenesis. Oral administration of α-tocopherol and simvastatin concomitantly to hypercholesterolemic rats resulted in active mature and full functioning seminiferous tubules. In conclusion, concomitant administration of α-tocopherol and simvastatin to hypercholesterolemic male rats improved their reproductive efficiency and produced additional protection against reduced fertility induced by hypercholesterolemia.