Improvement Of Spermatogenesis Research Articles

Butea Superba Rosb Extract Pharmacological Assessment for Aphrodisiac Effects

This study conducted a thorough assessment of the aphrodisiac effects of Butea superba Roxb extract, using multiple parameters to evaluate its influence on male reproductive functions. At first, the researchers compared the androgenic activity to testosterone. They found that the ethanolic extracts group showed a significant increase in body weight, testes, epididymis, seminal vesicles weight, and testosterone levels. These findings indicate notable androgenic effects of the extracts, which may be linked to the plant's androgenic properties. An analysis of sexual performance showed a decrease in the time it took for mounting and initiating sexual activity, along with an increase in the frequency of mounting and sexual activity in the group that received ethanolic extracts. The results of the study suggest an improvement in sexual activity among male rats, as evidenced by an increase in the penile erection index. Through behavioral analysis, it was observed that the group treated with the extract displayed increased exploratory behavior and mounting scores. This indicates an overall improvement in response to sexual stimulus. The testis sections were examined histologically and showed a significant improvement in spermatogenesis, similar to the effects of testosterone. The extracts showed an improvement in spermatogenic activity that varied based on the dosage. In addition, the study revealed that the group treated with ethanolic extracts had higher testosterone levels compared to the control and testosterone groups. This suggests a possible boost in testosterone production.

The gut metabolite 3-hydroxyphenylacetic acid rejuvenates spermatogenic dysfunction in aged mice through GPX4-mediated ferroptosis

BackgroundAging-related fertility decline is a prevalent concern globally. Male reproductive system aging is mainly characterized by a decrease in sperm quality and fertility. While it is known that intestinal physiology changes with age and that microbiota is shaped by physiology, the underlying mechanism of how the microbiota affects male reproductive aging is still largely unexplored.ResultsHere, we utilized fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) to exchange the fecal microbiota between young and old mice. Cecal shotgun metagenomics and metabolomics were used to identify differences in gut microbiota composition and metabolic regulation during aging. Our results demonstrated that FMT from young to old mice alleviated aging-associated spermatogenic dysfunction through an unexpected mechanism mediated by a gut bacteria-derived metabolite, 3-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (3-HPAA). 3-HPAA treatment resulted in an improvement of spermatogenesis in old mice. RNA sequencing analysis, qRT-PCR and Western blot revealed that 3-HPAA induced an upregulation of GPX4, thereby restraining ferroptosis and restoring spermatogenesis. These findings were further confirmed by in vitro induction of ferroptosis and inhibition of GPX4 expression.ConclusionsOur results demonstrate that the microbiome-derived metabolite, 3-HPAA, facilitates spermatogenesis of old mice through a ferroptosis-mediated mechanism. Overall, these findings provide a novel mechanism of dysregulated spermatogenesis of old mice, and suggest that 3-HPAA could be a potential therapy for fertility decline of aging males in clinical practice.5pcYmaM61yMj7bgSVcSwU1Video

Photobiomodulation therapy reverses spermatogenesis arrest in hyperthermia-induced azoospermia mouse model.

Testicular heat stress leads to impairment of spermatogenesis in mammals. Involved mechanism in this vulnerability to heat-induced injury remains unclear, and research is being conducted to find an approach to reverse spermatogenesis arrest caused by hyperthermia. Recently, different studies have utilized photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) therapy for the improvement of sperm criteria and fertility. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of PBMT on the improvement of spermatogenesis in mouse models of hyperthermia-induced azoospermia. A total of 32 male NMRI mice were equally divided into four groups consisting of control, hyperthermia, hyperthermia + Laser 0.03 J/cm2, and hyperthermia + Laser 0.2 J/cm2. To induce scrotal hyperthermia, mice were anesthetized and placed in a hot water bath at 43 °C for 20 min for 5 weeks. Then, PBMT was operated for 21 days using 0.03 J/cm2 and 0.2 J/cm2 laser energy densities in the Laser 0.03 and Laser 0.2 groups, respectively. Results revealed that PBMT with lower intensity (0.03 J/cm2) increased succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity and glutathione (GSH)/oxidized glutathione (GSSG) ratio in hyperthermia-induced azoospermia mice. At the same time, low-level PBMT reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential, and lipid peroxidation levels in the azoospermia model. These alterations accompanied the restoration of spermatogenesis manifested by the elevated number of testicular cells, increased volume and length of seminiferous tubules, and production of mature spermatozoa. After conducting experiments and analyzing the results, it has been revealed that the use of PBMT at a dosage of 0.03 J/cm2 has shown remarkable healing effects in the heat-induced azoospermia mouse model.

Novel patented minimally invasive technique for surgical treatment of varicocele: technique overview

Introduction. Many methods have been proposed for the surgical treatment of varicocele, the most of which is of historical significance. At present, there is no consensus in favor of one or another method of surgical treatment of varicocele, which determines the relevance of further research.Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of a new minimally invasive method of surgical treatment of varicocele using the author's method.Materials & methods. The study enrolled 763 patients aged 18 – 46 years (mean age 26.3 years) with varicocele who underwent testicular vein subinguinal ligation according to the author's technique. Inclusion criteria: varicocele grades 1 – 3, aged ≥ 18 years, semen abnormalities according to semen analysis and dilated spermatic cord veins according to ultrasound, retrograde blood flow according to Doppler ultrasound. Exclusion criteria: previously operated patients with recurrent varicocele, patients with May-Thurner syndrome and bilateral varicocele. The examination included eight control points: before surgery and 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months after surgery. Physical scrotal examination with Valsalva test, semen analysis, and Dopper scrotal ultrasound were performed at the control dates.Results. The average surgery time was 15 min (10 – 30 min). All patients were discharged 1 to 2 days after surgery. At follow-up for 60 months, patients showed improvement in spermatogenesis / or no progression of semen abnormalities during follow-up after surgery based on clinical, laboratory and instrumental studies (semen analysis, ultrasound / Doppler ultrasound); no data on testicular hypotrophy, hydrocele were revealed. A scrotal haematoma was detected in one patient in the early postoperative period. Recurrent varicocele (1.4%) was detected in 11 patients during the follow-up period.Conclusion. The technique is effective, easily reproducible, characterised by a low rate of recurrence and postoperative complications.

Human Amnion Membrane-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Conditioned Medium Can Ameliorate X-Irradiation-Induced Testicular Injury by Reducing Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Apoptosis.

Today, infertility affects 15% of couples and half of this rate is due to reproductive problems in men. Radiation-induced damage to the testicles causes sterility depending on the dose. Radiation causes endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and ER stress induces apoptosis. In this study, the effect of human amniotic membrane-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs) and conditioned medium (hAMSCs-CM) on testicular damage induced by ionizing radiation is aimed to be elucidated through ER stress and apoptosis mechanisms. Six gray scrotal irradiation was used to create a testicular injury model. hAMSCs isolated and characterized with immunofluorescence and flow cytometry, while 2.5 × 105 hAMSCs were transplanted into testis and hAMSCs-CM was applied. Fertility assessment was performed. Expressions of ER stress markers GRP78, Ire1, Chop and Caspase-12, and Caspase-3 were determined. TUNEL was performed. Serum FSH, LH, and testosterone were measured. After hAMSC transplantation and administration of hAMSCs-CM, offsprings were obtained. Seminiferous tubule diameter and seminiferous epithelial height increased. The expression of GRP78, IRE1α, CHOP, Caspase-12, and Caspase-3 decreased. Percentages of tunel positive cells decreased. While FSH and LH levels decreased, testosterone increased. After irradiation, both hAMSCs transplantation and paracrine activity of hAMSCs may have a role in reducing ER stress by suppressing the UPR response. Decrease in FSH and LH and increase in testosterone level after MSCs transplantation may have contributed to the improvement of spermatogenesis. Thus, it can be said that MSCs derived from human amniotic membrane can improve ionized radiation-induced testicular damage by reducing ER stress and apoptosis.

Protective effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester on cadmium-induced testicular injury: A crucial role of antioxidant enzymes in male mice infertility

Infertility in men is referred to inability to achieve pregnancy in fertile females after at least one year of regular intercourse. The lack of oxygen in the environment may lead to an imbalance of testes production. Swiss mice were alienated into four groups 10 mice/each. This included one negative normal control group I. The induction of infertility was achieved with injection of cadmium chloride at dose 3 mg/kg body weight for four consecutive days for the rest groups. Group III received vehicle (saline) from the second day of induction for the similar period during the experiment. Infertile mice determined depending on alterations in morphology, motility, and reduced sperm count. Group IV was treated with 3 mg/kg of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) per day, for 6 days from the second day of cadmium intoxication. Data showed effectiveness of CAPE significantly through improving the antioxidant enzymes SOD, GST and GSH in testes homogenate and GSH-Px in mice serum that were treated compared to those in the untreated group II (P˂0.001). The histopathology, DNA analysis showed marked improvement in spermatogenesis and DNA intact pattern in treated mice testis. Overall, the results demonstrated the ability of CAPE to improve spermatogenic cells. The data analysis indicated the possibility for the future use of CAPE as an inhibitory agent of infertility. Clinical trials and further studies are required to evaluate the definite medical effects of CAPE based on abundant experimental studies, with predictive future applications in human clinical trials.

β-carotene Rescues Busulfan Disrupted Spermatogenesis Through Elevation in Testicular Antioxidant Capability.

β-carotene, precursor of vitamin A, is an excellent antioxidant with many beneficial properties. It is a lipid-soluble antioxidant and a very effective quencher of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to reduce the oxidative stress. In contrast to vitamin A, β-carotene is not toxic even consumed in higher amount when it is delivered from natural plant products. Recently, we found that β-carotene acts as a potential antioxidant in the oocyte to improve its quality. Even though many studies have been reported that β-carotene has the beneficial contribution to the ovarian development and steroidogenesis, it is unknown the effects of β-carotene on the spermatogenesis. This investigation aimed to explore the hypothesis that β-carotene could improve spermatogenesis and the underlying mechanism. And we found that β-carotene rescued busulfan disrupted spermatogenesis in mouse with the increase in the sperm concentration and motility. β-carotene improved the expression of genes/proteins important for spermatogenesis, such as VASA, DAZL, SYCP3, PGK2. Moreover, β-carotene elevated the testicular antioxidant capability by the elevation of the antioxidant glutathione and antioxidant enzymes SOD, GPX1, catalase levels. In conclusion, β-carotene may be applied for the infertile couples by the improvement of spermatogenesis, since, worldly many couples are infertile due to the idiopathic failed gametogenesis (spermatogenesis).

The effect of metformin treatment on the basal and gonadotropin-stimulated steroidogenesis in male rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus impairs reproductive functions in men, and important tasks are deciphering the mechanisms of testicular dysfunctions in diabetes and the search of effective approaches to their correction. The purpose was to study the effect of four-week metformin treatment (120mgkg-1 day-1 ) of male Wistar rats with high-fat diet/low-dose streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetes on basal and gonadotropin-stimulated steroidogenesis, intratesticular content of leptin and the leptin and luteinising hormone receptors and on spermatogenesis. Diabetic rats had hyperleptinaemia, androgen deficiency and reduced sperm count and quality, and in the testes, they had the increased leptin level and the decreased content of the leptin and luteinising hormone receptors and 17-hydroxyprogesterone. The stimulating effects of chorionic gonadotropin on testosterone production and expression of steroidogenic genes (Star, Cyp11a1) were decreased. Metformin restored basal and gonadotropin-stimulated blood testosterone levels. In the testes, it restored gonadotropin-stimulated 17-hydroxyprogesterone, androstenedione and testosterone levels, Star expression and the content of leptin and the leptin and luteinising hormone receptors. Metformin also improved epididymal sperm count and morphology. We concluded that metformin treatment normalises the testicular steroidogenesis in diabetic rats, which is due to restoration of the gonadotropin and leptin systems in the testes and is associated with an improvement in spermatogenesis.

History of development tissue therapy and modern prespectives of it’s application in veterinary medicine

Medical products, made of plants, various tissue substrates of animals and humans, have been used for a long time in human and veterinary medicine. Tissue medications of animal origin have been widely used in veterinary science both for prophylactic and therapeutic purposes and as growth factors for fattening of all species. The development of modern biology and some fields of it, human and veterinary medicine in particular, based on the achievements of advanced technologies, provides an opportunity for the appearance of new effective medications in clinical practice. Over time, after the reorganization of the agricultural sector and veterinary medicine as one of its main divisions, tissue medications began to disappear from the range of medical preparations, and they have been almost forgotten and basically not used in recent years. Veterinary medicines market has become overwhelmed with mainly imported synthetic medications and antibiotics. Meanwhile, clinical practice is experiencing an intensive introduction of medications, produced by private factories, which are combinations and mixtures of various existing pharmacological substances. Their annotations indicate a universal and beneficial effect on the body of almost all domestic animals, birds and bees. The paper is aimed at the feasibility study and the restoration necessity of production and use of tissue preparations in veterinary clinical practice. The materials used for the research are the reports published in scientific journals, collections of scientific editions of universities and research establishments, textbooks, newspapers, etc. We have become the first to create tissue medications such as fetoplacentat, made from the uterus and its contents of different pregnancy term of clinically healthy cows, pigs, mares, dogs and cats, and truthenate, made from the larvae of drones aged 5–7 days, for their application in eterinary medicine, obstetrics and gynecology in particular. Production trials of medications carried out on different pregnant animals, have made it possible to identify their corrective effect on the course of pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum period, high preventive activity in the development of functional disorders, subinvolution and inflammatory processes of the genital organs, as well as in the treatment of different forms of infertility in animals and for the improvement of spermatogenesis of male breeders. Further research will focus on the development and implementation of effective methods and measures aimed at elimination of infertility and improvement of the reproduction of farming animals on condition of the use of tissue preparations.

Hepatoprotective effect of the ethanolic extract of <i>Jatropha tanjorensis</i> on acetaminophen-induced toxicity in rat model

The hepatoprotective activity of ethanolic leaf extract of Jatropha tanjorensis (ELEJT) against acetaminophen induced hepatotoxicity using Swiss albino rats was ascertained. The animals were grouped into six with five animals each. Hepatoprotection against acetaminophen-induced toxicity was evaluated using standard methods. Effect on genotoxicity using micronucleus test and spermatogenesis was ascertained. ELEJT significantly (p˂0.05) decreased the levels of serum liver enzymes. At 800 mgkg-1, ELEJT significantly (p˂0.05) reduced triacylglycerol and LDL levels but significantly (p˂0.05) increased the level of HDL compared to the toxin control group. Administration of ELEJT resulted in a dose-dependent increase in the total protein level. Sperm head abnormality was observed more at 800 mgkg -1 while at 400 mgkg -1 binucleated cell and micronuclei cells were detected. ELEJT exhibited hepatoprotective activity against Acetaminophen-induced liver damage using Swiss albino rats. This validates the traditional use of Jatropha tanjorensis in management of liver ailments and improvement of spermatogenesis. However, more work is needed to ascertain its mode of action. Keywords: Spermatogenesis, Hepatoprotective, Genotoxicity, Acetaminophen

Vitamin D3 mediated regulation of steroidogenesis mitigates testicular activity in an aged rat model

Testicular aging leads to a decrease in spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis. Vitamin D plays an important role in reproduction by modulating testicular steroidogenesis. As the role of vitamin D3 in testicular steroidogenesis during aging has not been explored, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of vitamin D3 on testicular functions in d-gal-induced aged rats. Vitamin D3 treatment on d-gal-induced aged rats resulted in significant improvement in sperm parameters, histoarchitecture, serum testosterone, and rostenedione and estrogen levels. The results of both in vivo and in vitro studies showed that vitamin D3 directly regulates testicular steroidogenic markers. Vitamin D3 treatment also increased CYP19A1 and decreased AR expression in the testes of d-gal-induced aged and normal rats. These results suggest that estrogen-mediated action may be responsible for an improvement in spermatogenesis in aged testis. Furthermore, it may be suggested vitamin D3 has a protective role in the aged testis and unaffected spermatogenesis in normal rats treated with vitamin D3 could be due to a balance between estrogen and androgen action

Ameliorative effects of Spirulina maxima and Allium sativum on lead acetate-induced testicular injury in male albino rats with respect to caspase-3 gene expression

The present study was conducted to evaluate the ameliorative effects of Allium sativum (garlic) as well as Spirulina maxima on lead acetate toxicity in rat testes. Forty adult, male, albino rats were divided into four groups (10 rats/each): group I served as the control; group II contained rats that received lead acetate (100 mg/kg); group III contained rats that received both lead acetate (100 mg/kg) and garlic (600 mg/kg); and group IV contained rats that received both lead acetate (100 mg/kg) and spirulina (500 mg/kg). All treatments were performed daily for one month. Serum testosterone levels, oxidative stress parameters, expression of the caspase-3 gene and histological, histo-morphometric and ultrastructure alterations in the testes were investigated. The results revealed that the Pb-treated group exhibited a significant increase in MDA concentration concomitantly with a decrease in serum testosterone levels, antioxidative marker levels and caspase-3 gene expression. Several histological and histo-morphometric alterations were observed in this group. Co-administration with spirulina or garlic caused a significant increase in testosterone levels, testicular SOD and CAT activities, and caspase-3 gene expression and a decrease in MDA levels, with improvement in histological and histo-morphometric alterations. These results suggested that spirulina was more effective at providing protection against Pb-induced reproductive damage in rats than garlic, indicating the beneficial role of spirulina in improvement of spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis after lead exposure.

Modulatory effects of methanolic fruit fraction of Pedalium murex on sulphasalazine-induced male reproductive disruption.

Pedalium murex is widely practiced in Ayurveda for the treatment of sexual disorders, but their detailed scientific evaluations are still unexplored. Therefore, the present study was conducted to assess the effect of methanolic fruit fraction of P.murex (MfPm) against sulphasalazine (SSZ) induced male reproductive disruption. MfPm and Clomiphene citrate were orally administered to SSZ (100mg/kg b.wt) induced infertile rats at the dose of 50 and 10mg/kg b.wt, respectively, for 60days. MfPm treatment promoted a significant (p<0.01) improvement in fertility (~70%), sperm motility (21%), and sperm density (11.20% and 12.30%). MfPm administration restored the serum luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and testosterone levels back to their normal range in a significant (p<0.01) manner and also significantly (p<0.01) altered the level of biochemical parameters in treated rats. Furthermore, histological examination showed an improvement in spermatogenesis, as well as regeneration in the testicular architecture observed with increased germinal and interstitial cell count in response to MfPm treated rats. In conclusion, the results suggest that MfPm showed a significant modulatory effect against SSZ induced male reproductive disruption via possible mode of action such as spermatogenic and androgenic nature, therefore, justifying the traditional use of this plant in the treatment of reproductive disruption.

Osteocalcin improved Spermatogenesis in Azoospermic Mouse Model

Infertility is one of the major health concerns in the world whose globally incidence rate is on the rise. Several hormones are effective in this process, such as testosterone, estrogen and Osteocalcin (OCN). The Osteocalcin has Gprc6a receptors on leydig cells, which promotes the production of testosterone when mounted on these receptors. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the role of Osteocalcin on the improvement of spermatogenesis and expression of Gprc6a receptors on leydig cells in the azoospermic mouse model.Twenty-five mice (4 to 6 weeks) were randomly divided into five groups: control, sham I Group that was initially injected by busulfan solvent (DMSO) at 5 weeks old and then by Osteocalcin solvent (PBS) after 5 weeks for one month, azoospermia Group that received busulfan (40 mg/kg/ip) at 5 weeks old. Sham II Group received busulfan 40mg/kg/ipandt hen after 5 weeks received PBS and experimental group, including azoospermic mice, was administered by Osteocalcin (3ng/g/d) for one month. After the last injection, the tests were dissected and then exposed to the tissue passage. To measure morphological changes, H &amp; E staining was performed on a number of sections to measure the diameter of the seminiferous tubule, thickness of the germinal layer, count the spermatogonial cells, spermatocyte, round spermatid, long spermatid, Sertoli, leydigandmyoid cells. Image J software was used to conduct quantitative studies. Immunohistochemical method was employed to examine the expression of the specific receptor of Osteocalcin, Gprc6α, in the Leydig cell among the groups.The H &amp; E staining showed a significant difference in the count the spermatogonial cells, spermatocytes, round spermatids, long spermatids, the thickness of the germ layer, the seminiferous tubule diameter between the studied groups (P&lt;0.05).There was also no significant difference in the count of Sertoli, leydig, myoid cells and seminiferous tubule diameter between the groups (P&lt;0.05). In the immune histochemistry, no significant difference was found in the count of GpRC6α-positive leydig cells between the groups (P&lt; 0.05).According to the current results, the OCN plays an important role in spermatogenesis, which has a positive effect on the count of spermatocytes and spermatids, and can be further explored as an appropriate therapeutic strategy proposed for the infertility.

Beneficial Effects of Coenzyme Q10 in Reduction of Testicular Tissue Alteration Following Induction of Diabetes in Adult Rats

Abstract Background and Aims: Various types of infertility are associated with uncontrolled hyperglycemia and diabetes. Development of oxidative stress is one the most important factors in the alteration of spermatogenesis in diabetic conditions. Consequently, the reduction of oxidative stress with antioxidant compounds can be effective in the reduction of tissue alterations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of coenzyme Q10 in improvement of spermatogenesis in adult diabetic rats. Material and Methods: 32 adult rats were divided into four groups of control and treatment. Coenzyme Q10 (10 mg/kg body weight - b.w.) was administrated to one control and one diabetic (intraperitoneal injection of 45 mg/kg b.w. of Streptozotocin) groups. Blood concentrations of FSH, LH and Testosterone were measured. Histology of testicular tissue and sperm analysis were considered for evaluation of spermatogenesis. Results: Administration of Coenzyme Q10 led to increase of pituitary gonadotropins levels in diabetic rats. Testosterone levels were not changed significantly. Testicular morphology, spermatogenic indices and sperm analysis were improved in treated diabetic rats. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that the use of Coenzyme Q10 has positive effects in reduction of spermatogenic alterations following induction of experimental diabetes in rats.

The influence of drinking mineral water and magnetic field on the development of compensatory-adaptive reactions in rat testicles under immobilization stress conditions

The experiments were carried out on the white male rats using light and electron microscopy in combination with biochemical methods. It was shown that the combination of consumption of drinking sulfate mineral water (MW) and application of a magnetic field following immobilization stress promotes the development of compensatory-adaptive processes in the rat testicles to a greater degree than drinking mineral water alone. An important contribution to the improvement of spermatogenesis comes from the restoration of structural and functional integrity of the components performing the barrier function in the testicles.

The frequency of heterologous synapsis increases with aging in Robertsonian heterozygous male mice

The house mouse is characterised by highly variable chromosome number due to the presence of Robertsonian (Rb) chromosomes. During meiosis in Rb heterozygotes, intricated chromosomal figures are produced, and many unsynapsed regions are present during the first prophase, triggering a meiotic silencing of unsynapsed chromatin (MSUC) in a similar mode to the sex chromosome inactivation. The presence of unsynapsed chromosome regions is associated with impaired spermatogenesis. Interestingly, in male mice carrying multiple Rb trivalents, the frequency of germ cell death, defective tubules, and altered sperm morphology decreases during aging. Here, we studied whether synapsis of trivalent chromosomes and MSUC are involved in this improvement. By immunocytochemistry, we analysed the frequency of unsynapsed chromosomes and of those positive to γH2AX (a marker of MSUC) labelling in spermatocytes of 3-, 5- and 7-month-old Rb heterozygotes. With aging, we observed a decrease of the frequency of unsynapsed chromosomes, of spermatocytes bearing them and of trivalents carrying γH2AX-negative unsynapsed regions. Our quantitative results show that both synapsis and MSUC processes are better accomplished during male aging, partially accounting for the improvement of spermatogenesis.

Evaluation of androgenic and aphrodisiac activity of Orchis latifolia L. in male albino rats

The bulbous rhizomes of Orchis latifolia (Orchidaceae) are used traditionally in Indian subcontinent, especially in the Northern region and Nepal as aphrodisiac and sexual stimulant. It holds the reputation of being a nutritive and restorative tonic. Lyophilized aqueous extract of roots were characterized using HPTLC, HPLC and LC-MS analysis. Aqueous extract was further used to study the effect of oral administration on sexual behavior, androgenic potential and spermatogenesis in male Wistar albino rats. A dose dependent effect was observed with the highest effect observed at 200mg/Kg body weight administration of lyophilized extract. There was a pronounced anabolic and spermatogenic effect in treated animals (p&lt;0.05) as evidenced by weight gains in the body and reproductive organs and histological studies. Serum testosterone levels as well as nitrous oxide levels were also found to be significantly increased (p&lt;0.5). The treatment also markedly affected sexual behavior of animals as reflected in reduction of mount latency, ejaculation latency, post ejaculatory latency, intromission latency and an increase of mount frequency and attraction towards female (p&lt;0.05). Furthermore, a pronounced improvement in spermatogenesis was observable by histological examination of testicular tissues. The present study thus validates the Ayurvedic claims of denoting O. latifolia as an aphrodisiac.

Efecto sobre la gravidez, la prolactina y hormonas sexuales en ratas del sub extracto metanólico de hojas de tagetes filifolia “Anisillo"

Tagetes filifolia Asteraceae de uso medicinal, según datos etnobotánicos indican los usos para aliviar afecciones de las vías digestivas, para la secreción láctica y la fertilidad. Factores ambientales y estresantes ocasionan problemas de fertilidad, por ello es necesario buscar productos que regulen la fertilidad, que mejoren la espermatogénesis y la ovulación. Se evaluó el efecto de los componentes del subextracto metanólico de hojas de anisillo sobre la fertilidad en ratas, mediante el método de Rani Srivastava S. et al (2004) con modificaciones. 36 ratas normales cepa Holtzmann de 150 + 20 g adquiridas del INS, se distribuyeron al azar en tres grupos de 12 animales, seis machos y seis hembras, juntos desde el inicio de la administración de las sustancias, por vía oral durante 18 días: Grupo 1, suero fisiológico 2 mL/kg; Grupo 2, anisillo 200 rng/kg; y, Grupo 3 metoclopramida 15 mg/kg; los indicadores de evaluación fueron en machos: testosterona expresado en ng/ dL; en hembras: estado de la gravidez, prolactina (ng/mL), estrógenos (pg/mL), progesterona (ng/rnL). El subextracto de anisillo administrado en ratas machos, mostraron variaciones mínimas de testosterona (p&lt;0,418); en hembras: hubo más ratas grávidas (p

Changes in the Plasma Testosterone Level and Testicular Superoxide Dismutase Activity of 5 Azoospermic Beagles after GnRH Analogue Injections

The peripheral blood plasma testosterone (T) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were measured in 5 azoospermic (AZ-) beagles. The mean values in the AZ-dogs were significantly lower than in 7 control beagles (P<0.001). Subcutaneous injections of 1 mug/kg GnRH analogue three times weekly in the AZ-dogs induced significant increases in mean T level and SOD activity (P<0.05) and improvement in spermatogenesis. Thus, spermatogenic function in the dog appears to be maintained by T and normal SOD activity in the testis.