Increase In Sperm Abnormalities Research Articles

Impacts of n-acetyl cysteine on gibberellic acid-induced testicular dysfunction through regulation of inflammatory cytokines, steroid and antioxidant activity.

In agriculture, gibberellic acid (GA3) is commonly used with extreme dangers for public health. The current research evaluates the improving effects of n-acetyl cysteine (NAC, 150mg/kgbw) co-administered with GA3 (55mg/kgbw) mediated testicular injury. Twenty-four male albino rats were split into 4 groups: Negative control (CNT), NAC group, positive GA3 group and protective group, co-administered NAC plus GA3. On day 21, rats were anesthetised then euthanised by decapitation. Blood samples were collected; testicular samples were taken for semen analysis, serum chemistry, RNA extraction, histological and antioxidants markers examination. Our results revealed a significant decline p<.05 of catalase level and total antioxidant capacity. There was a substantial rise of MDA concentration in GA3-treated rats along with a considerable decrease of the antioxidant markers (SOD, GSH) and serum male reproductive hormones. In GA3-treated rats, an overexpression of the inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β) and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 with boost mRNA expression of nuclear factor-kappa (NFk B) were confirmed. There was downregulation of steroidogenesis genes and decrease in sperm quality and concentration with an increase in sperm abnormalities, all were reported in GA3-treated rats. NAC treatment significantly increased the antioxidant state, testicular function beside structural germ cell and seminiferous tubules histology accompanied by upsurge of steroidogenic mRNA expressions (P450scc and 3β-HSD) and downregulated the pro-inflammatory cytokines mRNA expression (TNF-α, IL-1β). These results confirm the antioxidant capability of NAC and afford robust evidence about the ameliorative effect of the NAC to attenuate the testicular injury induced by GA3 through modulation of the antioxidant defence system, steroidogenic and pro-inflammatory cytokines mRNA expression.

Meta-analysis and experimental validation identified atrazine as a toxicant in the male reproductive system.

Atrazine (ATZ), as a widely used triazine herbicide, is an environmental endocrine disruptor (EDC) that can cause many health problems. Therefore, we conducted this study based on the evidence of rats and mice to figure out the characteristics of ATZ damage to the reproductive system and further evaluate its health effects on the human. PRISMA's guidelines were followed according to the principles recommended by the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Review. Health assessment was performed using the OHAT approach. Our new data were obtained from randomized controlled trials in rats designed in accordance with toxicological guidelines. Exposure to ATZ was significantly associated with decreased testosterone production (SMD = - 0.90, 95% CI - 1.27 to - 0.53), and reduced absolute weights of testis (SMD = - 0.41, 95% CI - 0.61 to - 0.22) and other reproductive organs. The damaging effect of sperm quality was also observed clearly, which included reduction of sperm count both in epididymis (SMD = - 2.32, 95% CI - 2.83 to - 1.81) and testis (SMD = - 1.01, 95% CI - 1.37 to - 0.64), decrease in sperm motility (SMD = - 8.86, 95% CI - 10.88 to - 6.83), and increase in sperm abnormality. Subgroup analysis revealed consistency across different species, life stage, and dosage. In addition, we found that ATZ exposure at a daily dose of 120 mg/kg during adolescence could cause decrease in weight gain and histological damage to the testis. The gene expression levels of Nrf2/HO-1 and Bcl-2/caspase signaling pathways in testis tissues were changed significantly. The results of this SR indicated that exposure to ATZ was associated with impairment of male reproductive system in rodents regardless of species, exposure life stage, and dosage. It is believed that ATZ exposure may have similar effects on male reproductive system of human beings. Pathways related to oxidative stress and apoptosis may be the mechanism leading to testicular damage in rats treated with ATZ.

Mitochondria-Mediated Apoptosis Induced Testicular Dysfunction in Diabetic Rats: Ameliorative Effect of Resveratrol.

The molecular mechanism underlying diabetes-induced testicular damage has not been thoroughly elucidated. The present study was conducted to elucidate the role of mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in diabetes-induced testicular dysfunction in rats and to explore the ameliorative effect of resveratrol. Diabetes suppressed sperm count, motility, and viability and increased sperm abnormalities. It decreased serum testosterone level and testicular mitochondrial membrane potential. The level of Bax and caspase-3 and -9 activities were increased in the testicular cytosol, while the level of Bcl-2 was decreased. Diabetes increased the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. The cytochrome C level was decreased in the mitochondrial fraction, while its level was increased in the cytosol, a result that was supported by the immunohistochemistry of cytochrome C. Diabetes resulted in deleterious alterations in the architecture of testicular tissue, suppressed antioxidant enzymes, and increased H2O2 production, protein carbonyl content, and lipid peroxidation. However, administration of resveratrol at a dose of 50 mg kg/day for 4 successive weeks post diabetic induction, successfully ameliorated the testicular dysfunction. In conclusion, these findings strongly reveal that diabetes induces testicular damage, at least in part, by inducing mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis and oxidative stress. Administration of resveratrol to diabetic rats improves the diabetes-induced testicular damage. These impacts could be mediated through resveratrol antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects.

The effects of hesperidin on colistin-induced reproductive damage, autophagy, and apoptosis by reducing oxidative stress.

This study has been conducted to investigate the effect of hesperidin on colistin-induced reproductive damage in male rats. Twenty-four adult male Sprague Dawley rats were used as animal material. They were divided into four groups: control group, received physiological saline for 7days by oral gavage; hesperidin group, received 300mg/kg day hesperidin for 7days; colistin group, received 73mg/kg (total dose) colistin during 7days; and colistin+hesperidin group, received 300mg/kg day hesperidin following the colistin treatment. At the end of the study, routine spermatological parameters and biochemical evaluations were assayed. Also, apoptosis and autophagy biomarkers in testes were evaluated. Colistin increased oxidative stress, apoptosis and autophagy expression levels in testis. Hesperidin supplementation significantly decreased the oxidative stress levels in the testes of the colistin+hesperidin group when compared to the colistin group. The highest apoptosis and autophagy expression levels were detected in the colistin group. These values were statistically lower in the colistin+hesperidin group when compared to the colistin group. Colistin treatment decreased the percentage of sperm motility and increased sperm abnormality. Hesperidin supplementation mitigated significantly mentioned side effects compared to the colistin group. In conclusion, hesperidin supplementation can be a good strategy to mitigate colistin-induced testicular toxicity.

Parents ethanol use impairs ethanol-naive offspring development and reproduction.

Parental ethanol consumption can influence the offspring phenotype. In this way, we analyzed the impairments of maternal and paternal high ethanol consumption during postpuberty on the physical development, feeding pattern, puberty onset and reproductive function of ethanol-naive offspring to birth to adulthood. Female and male UChB rats (voluntary 10%, v/v ethanol consumer) were divided into a control group (C) and an ethanol exposed group (E) from 65 to 80 days of age. The C and E were mated at 100 days. The maternal parameters and offspring development and reproduction parameters were monitored. We observed reduced feeding intake and body weight in the dams of E group throughout gestation and lactation period. Delay in physical development, lower body weight and altered feeding pattern were observed in female and male offspring of E group. In addition, the puberty onset was delayed in both sexes, with lower testosterone levels in the juvenile and pubertal males. There was a prolongation on the estrous and proestrus phases in females from E but the estrous cycle duration did not change between groups. Ovary and uterus weight were reduced in pubertal and adult females from E group. Reduced epididymis and seminal vesicle weight, increased sperm abnormalities, decrease in the daily sperm production and accelerated epididymal transit time were observed in E males. The high maternal and paternal ethanol use on postpuberty impairs the parameters of ethanol-naive offspring inducing alteration on development and reproduction.

Efficacy of Essential Trace Elements Supplementation on Mineral Composition, Sperm Characteristics, Antioxidant Status, and Genotoxicity in Testis of Tebuconazole-treated Rats

ObjectiveThis research was performed to evaluate the effect of tebuconazole (TBZ) on reproductive organs of male rats and to assess the protective role of combined essential trace elements in alleviating the detrimental effect of TBZ on male reproductive function. MethodsFor this purpose, 48 rats were exposed to 100 mg/kg TBZ, TBZ supplemented with zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe), TBZ + (Se + Zn); TBZ + Cu; or TBZ + Fe. The experiment was conducted for 30 consecutive days. ResultsTBZ caused a significant perturbation in mineral levels and reduction in reproductive organs weights, plasma testosterone level, and testicular antioxidant enzyme activities. The TBZ-treated group also showed a significant increase in sperm abnormalities (count, motility, and viability percent), plasma follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone concentrations, lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, and severe DNA degradation in comparison with the controls. Histopathologically, TBZ caused testis impairments. Conversely, treatment with trace elements, in combination or alone, improved the reproductive organ weights, sperm characteristics, TBZ-induced toxicity, and histopathological modifications in testis. ConclusionTBZ exerts significant harmful effects on male reproductive system. The concurrent administration of trace elements reduces testis dysfunction, fertility, and toxicity induced by TBZ.

Paternal bisphenol A exposure induces testis and sperm pathologies in mice offspring: Possibly due to oxidative stress?

Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine and metabolic disruptor, is widely used to manufacture polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Accumulating evidence suggests that paternal BPA exposure adversely affects male germlines and results in atypical reproductive phenotypes that might persist for generations to come. Our study investigated this exposure on testicular architecture and sperm quality in mouse offspring, and characterised underlying molecular mechanism(s). A total of 18 immature male Swiss albino mice (3.5 weeks old) were randomly divided into three groups and treated as follows: Group I, no treatment (sham control); Group II, sterile corn oil only (vehicle control); Group III, BPA (400 μg/kg) in sterile corn oil. At 9.5 weeks old, F0 males were mated with unexposed females. F0 offspring (F1 generation) were monitored for postnatal development for 10 weeks. At 11.5 weeks old, the animals were sacrificed to examine testicular architecture, sperm parameters, including DNA integrity, and oxidative stress biomarkers. Results showed that BPA significantly induced changes in the body and testis weights of the F0 and F1 generation BPA lineages compared to F0 and F1 generation control lineages. A decrease in sperm count and motility with further, increased sperm abnormalities, no or few sperm DNA alterations and elevated levels of MDA, PC and NO were recorded. Similar effects were found in BPA exposed F0 males, but were more pronounced in the F0 offspring. In addition, BPA caused alterations in the testicular architecture. These pathological changes extended transgenerationally to F1 generation males’ mice, but the pathological changes were more pronounced in the F1 generation. Our findings demonstrate that the biological and health BPA impacts do not end in paternal adults, but are passed on to offspring generations. Hence, linking observed testis and sperm abnormalities in the F1 generation to BPA exposure of their parental line was evident in this work. The findings also illustrate that oxidative stress appears to be a molecular component of the testis and sperm pathologies.

Effect of Visnagin on Altered Steroidogenesis and Spermatogenesis, and Testicular Injury Induced by the Heavy Metal Lead

Lead (Pb) is an environmental pollutant causing serious health problems, including impairment of reproduction. Visnagin (VIS) is a furanochromone with promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects; however, its protective efficacy against Pb toxicity has not been investigated. This study evaluated the protective effect of VIS on Pb reproductive toxicity, impaired steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis, oxidative stress and inflammation. Rats received VIS (30 or 60 mg/kg) and 50 mg/kg lead acetate for 3 weeks and blood and testes samples were collected. Pb intoxication impaired the pituitary-testicular axis (PTA) manifested by the decreased serum levels of gonadotropins and testosterone. Pb decreased sperm count, motility and viability, increased sperm abnormalities, and downregulated the steroidogenesis markers StAR, CYP17A1, 3β-HSD and 17β-HSD in the testis of rats. VIS significantly increased serum gonadotropins and testosterone, alleviated sperm parameters and upregulated steroidogenesis. In addition, VIS decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines, testicular lipid peroxidation and DNA fragmentation, downregulated Bax, and enhanced antioxidants and Bcl-2. These results demonstrate the protective effect of VIS against Pb reproductive toxicity in rats. VIS improved serum gonadotropins and testosterone, enhanced steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis, and attenuated oxidative injury, inflammation and apoptosis. Therefore, VIS is a promising candidate for the protection against Pb-induced reproduction impairment.

Effect of Vitamin C Against Lead Acetate Toxicity on Sperm Count, Sperm Morphology and Testis Tissue in the Rat Before and in Recovery Period

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of lead acetate (LA) (30 mg/Kg B.wt/day), and vitamin C (Vit.C) (100 mg/Kg B.wt/day) against LA toxicity in adult male rats. The design of study included two experiments (exp.). In exp-I rats were divided into 3 groups. Group I: control, group II: received LA, and group III: received LA coadministrated with Vit.C, for 6 weeks. In exp-II rats were divided into 4 groups. Group I: control, group II: received LA, group III: received LA coadministrated with Vit.C, and group IV: received LA. The groups were treated for 6 weeks, then groups II, &amp;III in order to be recover were left without treatment (as control) for additional 6 weeks. While group IV after cessation of LA received Vit.C within recovery period (for 6 weeks). At the end of each experiment rats were sacrificed. Blood samples were collected and used for determination of serum MDA. Histological sections were made from testis. Sperm characteristics included sperm count was determined from caudal epididymis and sperm abnormalities from left vas deferens. In exp-I, LA group showed significantly decreased sperm count, significant increase in sperm abnormalities and MDA, and testicular tissue damage. While in group III Vit.C against LA significantly improved sperm characteristics and testicular tissue as well. In exp-II, Group II showed almost no improvement in sperm characteristics and testicular tissue, whereas MDA was increased non-significantly from control. In group III the coadministrated Vit.C with LA, markedly improved sperm characteristics, and testicular tissue similar to Vit.C against LA in exp-I. Meanwhile, the improvement by Vit.C in group IV was occurred in lesser extent. In conclusions, Vit.C had a protective effect against LA toxicity, and it was markedly more effective when coadministrated along with LA rather than its administration after cessation of LA.

Moringa oleifera leaves extract enhances fresh and cryopreserved semen characters of Barki rams

This study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of Moringa oleifera leaves extract (MOLE) to improve the characters of fresh and cryopreserved semen of Barki rams compared to vitamin E and Selenium combination. Twenty-four mature Barki rams (50–70 Kg) were randomly assigned into three groups, eight rams each. The first group was given distilled water orally. The second group was given MOLE orally daily at a dose of 40 mg/kg. The third group was injected with a combination of vitamin E and selenium at a dose of 3 ml (4.5 mg sodium selenite and 204 mg vitamin E)/head i.m twice a week for 64 days. Moringa oleifera leaves extract increased semen volume, sperm concentration, activities of seminal plasma catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), acid phosphatase (ACP), levels of ascorbic acid and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). In addition, it significantly increased post thawing sperms motility, viability index, membrane integrity, and the activities of post thawing semen antioxidant enzymes. While it decreased seminal plasma concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) and acrosomal defects and DNA fragmentation of sperm in cryopreserved semen. Vitamin E and selenium decreased semin volume, sperm concentration, seminal plasma ascorbic acid, TAC concentrations and activities of antioxidant enzymes while it increased sperm abnormalities, DNA fragmentation and MDA concentration in seminal plasma. This study indicated that Moringa oleifera leaves extract improved the characters of the fresh and cryopreserved semen of Barki rams via improving seminal plasma antioxidant defense mechanism.

Heat stress effects on bovine sperm cells: a chronological approach to early findings.

Testicular heat stress affects sperm quality and fertility. However, the chronology of these effects is not yet fully understood. This study aimed to establish the early sequential effects of heat stress in bull sperm quality. Semen and blood samples of Nellore breed bulls were collected and distributed into control and testicular heat stress (scrotal bags/96h) groups. Semen samples were evaluated for sperm motility, abnormalities, plasma membrane integrity, acrosomal membrane integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential, sperm lipid peroxidation, seminal plasma lipid peroxidation, and DNA fragmentation. Blood plasma was also evaluated for lipid peroxidation. An increase in sperm abnormalities was observed 7days following heat stress. After 14days, sperm lipid peroxidation increased and mitochondrial membrane function, sperm motility, and plasma membrane integrity decreased. Heat stress effects were still observed after 21days following heat stress. An increase in sperm DNA fragmentation was observed as a late effect after 28days. Thus, the initial effects of heat stress (i.e., increasing sperm abnormalities and lipid peroxidation) suggest the presence of oxidative stress in the semen that alters mitochondrial function, sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity, and belatedly, DNA fragmentation. Although sperm abnormalities persisted and increased over time, sperm lipid peroxidation, in turn, increased only until 21days after heat stress. In this regard, these findings provide a greater understanding of the chronological effects of experimentally induced heat stress on bovine sperm, providing valuable insights about spermatogenesis during the first 28days following heat stress.

Comparison of male reproductive parameters in mice with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

ObjectiveThe differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T1DM and T2DM) in terms of their adverse effects on male reproductive parameters have never been elucidated. This study aimed to distinguish between the effects of the DM types in mice treated with multiple low doses of streptozotocin (STZ) to mimic human T1DM and coadministered a high-fat diet (HFD) to mimic human T2DM.MethodsThe T1DM mice were intraperitoneally injected with STZ (40 mg/kg body weight) for 5 days. The T2DM mice received an HFD for 14 days prior to STZ injection (85 mg/kg body weight), followed by continuous feeding of an HFD. Male reproductive parameters were evaluated.ResultsThe reproductive organs of the DM mice weighed significantly less than those of controls, and the seminal vesicles plus prostates of the T1DM mice weighed less than those of the T2DM mice. Increased sperm abnormalities and incomplete DNA packaging were observed in the DM groups. Sperm concentration and the proportion of normal sperm were significantly lower in the T1DM group. The seminiferous histopathology of DM mice was classified into seven types. The penises of the DM mice were smaller than those of the controls; however, tunica albuginea thickness and the amount of penile collagen fibers were increased in these mice. Round germ cells were abundant in the epididymal lumens of the mice with DM.ConclusionT1DM adversely affected reproductive parameters to a greater extent than T2DM.

Investigation the Anti-Sterility Role of Ubiquinone-10 Against Procarbazine-Induced Infertility in Male Rats

Procarbazineis cytotoxic chemotherapy drug with obvious deleterious effects on male fertility. The present study aimed to investigate protective method via co-administration of Ubiquinone-10 with procarbazine to reduce harmful effects of procarbazine. Twenty- eight adult healthy male rats (3 months in age and weighing 250-300g) were randomly divided into four equal groups as following: animals of first group were received propylene glycol 20% orally and phosphate-buffered saline solution (PBS) intraperitoneally as control group while of second , third and fourth group were received procarbazine (30mg/ kg), Ubiqunone-10 (10 mg/kg) and combination of Ubiqunone-10 with procarbazine respectively, all treatments were lasted for 9 weeks. Results revealed that procarbazine induces significant increase in serum FSH and LH level while Testosterone level was significantly decreased .Similar decrease were also noticed in levels of glutathione (GSH)&nbsp;,as well as activity of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in testis . Moreover, procarbazine caused significant decrease in sperm count, motility and viability and significant increase in sperm abnormality. On the other hand, Co-administration of Ubiqunone-10 with procarbazine lead to ameliorate levels of hormone as well as to improve testicular catalase activity in addition to glutathione and superoxide dismutase levels.

Concurrent detection of bovine viral diarrhoea virus and bovine herpesvirus-1 in bulls’ semen and their effect on semen quality

ABSTRACT Reproductive diseases may have destructive effects on the fertility of cattle. Bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) and bovine herpes virus-1 (BoHV-1) are potent viral pathogens linked to reproduction. Thus, the aim of this study was to utilize raw semen samples for conventional and molecular detection of BVDV and BoHV-1, simultaneously. Additionally, the effect of virus infection on the semen quality of naturally infected bulls has been investigated. Therefore, 40 bulls were employed for semen collection, evaluation and testing for both viruses by virus isolation, direct fluorescent antibody technique (FAT) and SYBR Green real-time PCR assay. In virus isolation results, no cytopathic effect (CPE) was observed for BVDV on cell culture whereas, eight (20%) samples displayed characteristic grape-like clusters of cells for BoHV-1. By direct FAT, 12 (30%) positive BVDV and 8 (20%) positive BoHV-1 samples were confirmed. SYBR Green real-time PCR analysis using 48 h inoculated semen samples revealed 14 (35%) and 8 (20%) positive samples for BVDV and BoHV-1, respectively. Statistical analysis of semen evaluation parameters showed a significant difference between viral-infected and free groups represented by increased sperm abnormalities and decreased sperm motility, liveability and concentration. However, there was no significant difference among BVDV, BoHV-1 and mixed-infected groups. The study concluded that BVDV and/or BoHV- 1 infected bulls expressed low semen quality. Real-time PCR was confirmed to be the ideal laboratory assay for detection of both viruses in semen.

A Comparative Analysis of Fluoride-Contaminated Groundwater and Sodium Fluoride-Induced Reproductive Toxicity and Its Reversibility in Male Rats.

The present study was undertaken to investigate the toxic effect of sodium fluoride (NaF)- and fluoride (F)-contaminated groundwater on male reproduction and it's reversibility in male rats. Adult male rats were orally treated with different concentrations of NaF- (1mg, 5mg, and 10mg/kg/bw/rat) and F-contaminated groundwater for 52days and after the confirmation of F-induced damage, the rats were allowed for recovery studies for 52days. Exposure of NaF- and F-contaminated groundwater caused significant decline in total sperm count, sperm motility, serum concentration of testosterone, activities of testicular 3β-HSDH, counts of type A spermatogonia, preleptotene spermatocytes, midpachytene spermatocytes, elongated spermatids and round spermatids, activities of testicular and spermatozoa SOD and CAT, and increase in sperm abnormality and concentration of MDA of testis and spermatozoa compared to controls. Further, significant histological alterations characterized by shrunken seminiferous tubules and degeneration of different stages of spermatogonial cellswere observed in rats treated with NaF of 10mg/kg/bw and F-contaminated groundwater Majority of parameter studied showed severe damage in 10mg/kg/bw of NaF-treated rats compared to that of F-contaminated groundwater. Further, dose-dependent alterations were observed with increase in concentration of NaF in most of the parameters. In recovery group rats of NaF- and F-contaminated groundwater, all the parameters were restored to control levels. The present study revealed the toxic effect ofNaF and F-contaminated groundwater on male reproductive system ofrats and the effects induced by NaF were dose-dependent. In addition, the study clearly revealed that F-induced toxicity on male reproduction is reversible in short-term exposure.

Evaluation by re-derivation of a paternal line after 18 generations on seminal traits, proteome and fertility

Males from a paternal line selected for growth traits were used to produce semen doses at insemination centres and farms in a breeding scheme for rabbit meat production. The aim of this study was to assess whether a program of selection by daily gain in fattening period changed the seminal traits, plasma and sperm proteome and the fertility of semen when used in artificial insemination. Thirty-nine males from a paternal line were obtained by re-derivation from vitrified embryos with a difference of 18 generations (G21V and G39V). Sperm production parameters, morphological traits, sperm motility parameters and viability were evaluated from ejaculates. Seminal plasma and sperm proteome of three pool ejaculates from 10 mature males of each group were analysed and semen doses were used to inseminate 311 females. Only the percentage of abnormal sperm showed significant differences, with G21V presenting fewer abnormal sperm than G39V (10.5 ± 2.63 vs 23.8 ± 1.98). The discriminant analysis (DA-PLS) showed a clear effect of the generation for plasma and sperm proteome. In seminal plasma, 643 proteins were reported and 64 proteins were differentially expressed, of which 56 were overexpressed in G39V (87.5%). Sperm proteome reported 1360 proteins with 132 differentially abundant proteins. Of the total, 89 proteins were overexpressed in G39V (67.4%). From the 64 and 132 differentially abundant proteins of plasma and sperm, 19 and 26 had a FC>1.5, 12 and 13 of them belonging to the Oryctolagus cuniculus taxonomy, respectively. Despite observing differences in important proteins related to capacitation, sperm motility or immunoprotection and consequently to the fertilization process (TMPRSS2, Serpin family, Fam71f1, ATPase H+ transporting accessory protein 2, carbonic anhydrase 2, UDP-glucose glycoprotein glucosyltransferase 2), no differences in fertility and prolificacy were detected when commercial seminal doses were used for insemination from both male groups. However, overabundance of KIAA1324 protein can be related to the increase in abnormal sperm after selection by growth rate.

Oxidative Stress Induced DNA Damage and Reproductive Toxicity in Male Albino Mice Orally Exposed to Sorbitol

Abstract In this study, the potential DNA damage and reproductive toxicity of sorbitol was investigated using bone marrow micronucleus (MN), sperm morphology, and sperm count in mice. Five doses of 90, 45, 20, 10 and 1 mg/kg/day, defined by allometry, and approximately corresponding to 1.5g, 750mg, 330mg, 165mg and 16mg of sorbitol daily consumption by a 70kg human, respectively, were used. MN analysis showed a dose-dependent induction of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes and other nuclear abnormalities across the treatment groups. Assessment of sperm shape showed a significant (p &lt; 0.05) increase in sperm abnormalities with significant (p &lt; 0.05) decrease in mean sperm count in treated groups. The result of the oxidative stress biomarkers showed induction of significant (p &lt; 0.05) increase in liver catalase, MDA and serum ALT and AST activities with concomitant decrease in SOD activities in exposed mice. A significant increase in weight of exposed mice were recorded when compared with the negative control. The results of this study showed the genotoxicity and reproductive effects of sorbitol.

Sodium Fluoride and Fluoride Contaminated Ground Water Induced Altered Reproductive Performances in Male Rats.

Present study was undertaken to investigate the toxic effect of sodium fluoride (NaF)- and fluoride (F)-contaminated ground water on reproductive performances of male rats. Healthy adult male rats were categorised into three groups, first group of rats were served as control, whereas secondgroup of rats wereorally intubated with NaF (10mg/kgbw/1ml/rat) and third group of rats wereallowed to drink F-contaminated ground water (5mg/L)through drinking water bottles for 52days. Exposure of NaF- and F-contaminated ground water caused significant decline in sperm motility, serum concentration of testosterone, and increase in sperm abnormality compared with controls. Further, significant histological alterations characterized with shrunken seminiferous tubules and degeneration of different stages of spermatogonial cells wereobserved in rats treated with NaF- and F-contaminated ground water. After the confirmation of toxic effect of F, these NaF- and F-contaminated ground water-treated male rats were allowed to mate with proven fertile untreatedfemale rats to study the reproductive performances of male rats. There was a decline in parturition index, fertility index of male and female, gestation index and number of pups delivered in NaF-treated male rats compared with controls. However, gestation index and number of pups delivered were declined in F-contaminated ground water-treated male rats compared with controls. These results clearly indicate that F exposure affected the reproductive performances of male rats. The present study further revealed the fact that F-induced decline in testosterone levels, reduced sperm motility, and loss of spermatogonial cells affected the reproductive performances of male rats.

Amelioration of titanium dioxide nanoparticle reprotoxicity by the antioxidants morin and rutin.

The present study aimed to examine the ameliorative effects of morin and rutin on the reproductive toxicity induced by titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) in male rats. A total of seventy adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into seven groups, each comprising ten rats. Nanoreprotoxicity was induced by treating rats with TiO2NPs at a dosage of 300 mg/kg body weight for 30 days. Morin (30 mg/kg body weight) and rutin (100 mg/kg body weight) were co-administered with or without TiO2NPs to rats either individually or combined. Only distilled water was administered to the control group. The results showed that TiO2NPs enhanced oxidative stress, indicated by reduced levels of antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH) in testicular tissues, and increased levels of the lipid peroxidation marker malondialdehyde (MDA). TiO2NPs significantly reduced the levels of sex hormones (testosterone, FSH, and LH), reduced sperm motility, viability, and sperm cell count, and increased sperm abnormalities, in addition to damaging the testicular histological architecture. TiO2NPs resulted in the downregulation of 17β-HSD and the upregulation of proapoptotic gene (Bax) transcripts in the testicular tissues. Conversely, morin and/or rutin had a protective effect on testicular tissue. They effectively counteracted TiO2NP-induced oxidative damage and morphological injury in the testis by conserving the endogenous antioxidant mechanisms and scavenging free radicals. Thus, we suggest that morin and rutin could be used to alleviate the toxicity and oxidative damage associated with TiO2NP intake.

Role of JNK and ERK1/2 MAPK signaling pathway in testicular injury of rats induced by di-N-butyl-phthalate (DBP)

BackgroundDi-N-butyl-phthalate (DBP) is an endocrine disrupting substance. We investigated the adverse effect of DBP on testis of male rat and reveal its potential mechanism of MAPK signaling pathway involved this effect in vivo and in vitro. Gonadal hormone, sperm quality, morphological change and the activation status of JNK, ERK1/2 and p38 was determined in vivo. Primary Sertoli cell was established and cultivated with JNK, ERK1/2 inhibitors, then determine the cell viability, apoptosis and the expression of p-JNK, p-ERK1/2. Data in this study were presented as mean ± SD and determined by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Bonferroni’s test. Difference was considered statistically significant at P < 0.05.ResultsIn vivo experiment, DBP impaired the normal structure of testicular tissue, reduced testosterone levels in blood serum, decreased sperm count and increased sperm abnormality, p-ERK1/2 and p-JNK in rat testicular tissue increased in a dose-dependent manner. In vitro studies, DBP could decrease the viability of Sertoli cells and increase p-ERK1/2 and p-JNK. Cell apoptosis in SP600125 + DBP group was significantly lower than in DBP group (P < 0.05). p-JNK was not significantly decreased in SP600125 + DBP group, while p-ERK1/2 was significantly decreased in U0126 + DBP group.ConclusionsThese results suggest that DBP can lead to testicular damage and the activation of ERK1/2 and JNK pathways, the JNK signaling pathway may be primarily associated with its effect.