Male Reproductive Glands Research Articles

Transcriptome analyses reveal key features of mouse seminal vesicle during aging

Despite the significant morphological changes that occur in the seminal vesicles with aging, the transcriptomic characteristics remain largely unexplored. To address this, we performed bulk RNA sequencing on seminal vesicle samples from mice aged 3, 13, and 21 months to uncover transcriptomic alterations. Our findings reveal that aged seminal vesicles display cystic dilatation, epithelial hypoplasia, disordered muscle layers, fibrosis, and reduced proliferation capability. A comparison between 3-month-old and 21-month-old mice indicated that leukocyte-mediated immunity and leukocyte migration were the most significantly upregulated biological processes among differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Notably, several DEGs associated with "leukocyte migration," such as Vcam1, Cxcl13, and Ccl8, exhibited an increasing trend in transcriptomic and protein expression at three different time points in the seminal vesicles of mice. Additionally, we identified multiple aging-associated DEGs, including P21 and Tnfrsf1b. Two genes (Cd209f and Ccl8) were consistently upregulated across all six regions of the male reproductive glands (testis, epididymis, and seminal vesicle) in the comparison of bulk RNA datasets from 3-month-old and 21-month-old mice. These analyses highlight an enhanced state of immune and inflammatory response in aged seminal vesicles. This study represents the first exploration of the overall transcriptome landscape of seminal vesicles in a murine model of natural aging, offering new insights into the mechanisms underlying aging-related seminal vesicle dysfunction.

Integrative Assessment of Seminal Plasma Biomarkers: A Narrative Review Bridging the Gap between Infertility Research and Clinical Practice.

Infertility represents a significant global health challenge impacting millions of couples worldwide. Approximately half of all infertile couples exhibit compromised semen quality, indicative of diminished male fertility. While the diagnosis of male infertility traditionally relies on semen analysis, its limitations in providing a comprehensive assessment of male reproductive health have spurred efforts to identify novel biomarkers. Seminal plasma, a complex fluid containing proteins, lipids, and metabolites, has emerged as a rich source of such indicators. Reproduction depends heavily on seminal plasma, the primary transporter of chemicals from male reproductive glands. It provides a non-invasive sample for urogenital diagnostics and has demonstrated potential in the identification of biomarkers linked to illnesses of the male reproductive system. The abundance of seminal proteins has enabled a deeper understanding of their biological functions, origins, and differential expression in various conditions associated with male infertility, including azoospermia, asthenozoospermia, oligozoospermia, teratozoospermia, among others. The true prevalence of male infertility is understated due to the limitations of the current diagnostic techniques. This review critically evaluates the current landscape of seminal plasma biomarkers and their utility in assessing male infertility. Βy bridging the gap between research and clinical practice, the integrative assessment of seminal plasma biomarkers offers a multimodal approach to comprehensively evaluate male infertility.

The evolution of seminal fluid gene expression and postmating reproductive isolation in Drosophila.

Seminal fluid protein (Sfp) genes show, in general, a higher rate of sequence divergence than genes from other categories, which is often attributed to forms of postcopulatory sexual selection or sexual conflict. Recently, the relaxation of selective constraints has been proposed as an alternative explanation for the rapid sequence evolution of Sfps and other genes with sex-limited expression. The expression of Sfp genes is a likely target of selection, but the evolution of differences in their expression levels is less understood. Here, we explore both polymorphism and divergence in Sfp gene expression between Drosophila melanogaster and Drosophila simulans, how selection might have influenced their expression, and whether changes in expression might trigger the evolution of reproductive isolating barriers. In our analysis, Sfp genes showed higher divergence, but not higher polymorphism, in expression than the average male reproductive glands gene. Sfp genes with reproductive-tissue-specific expression were enriched for both directional and stabilizing selection, while relaxed selection was the predominant mode of evolution among Sfp genes with any other nonreproductive tissue-specific or nontissue-specific expression. The knockdown of single genes known to affect intraspecific sperm competition, and with patterns of expression divergence and polymorphism suggestive of directional selection, was not enough to break down postmating reproductive isolation barriers between species. Our results identify the expression of male-specific Sfp genes as an enriched target of selection and suggest a complex molecular relationship between postcopulatory sexual selection on a single gene's expression and its effect on the onset of speciation.

Understanding seminal plasma in male infertility: emerging markers and their implications.

Infertility affects a significant proportion of the reproductive-aged population, with male-associated factors contributing to over half of the cases. However, current diagnostic tools have limitations, leading to an underestimation of the true prevalence of male infertility. While traditional semen parameters provide some insights, they fail to determine the true fertility potential in a substantial number of instances. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate additional molecular targets responsible for male infertility to improve understanding and identification of such cases. Seminal plasma, the main carrier of molecules derived from male reproductive glands, plays a crucial role in reproduction. Amongst its multifarious functions, it regulates processes such as sperm capacitation, sperm protection and maturation, and even interaction with the egg's zona pellucida. Seminal plasma offers a non-invasive sample for urogenital diagnostics and has shown promise in identifying biomarkers associated with male reproductive disorders. This review aims to provide an updated and comprehensive overview of seminal plasma in the diagnosis of male infertility, exploring its composition, function, methods used for analysis, and the application of emerging markers. Apart from the application, the potential challenges of seminal plasma analysis such as standardisation, marker interpretation and confounding factors have also been addressed. Moreover, we have also explored future avenues for enhancing its utility and its role in improving diagnostic strategies. Through comprehensive exploration of seminal plasma's diagnostic potential, the present analysis seeks to advance the understanding of male infertility and its effective management.

Unprecedentedly High Level of Intracellular Vitamin C and DNA Epigenetic Marks in Prostate: Relevant for Male Fertility?

Seminal plasma composition is affected by the physiological state of the prostate, the major male reproductive gland. Semen components, like vitamin C, can modulate sperm function. Vitamin C is an effective scavenger of free radicals and is an essential component of enzymes such as TET proteins involved in the DNA demethylation process. In the present study, a broad range of parameters which may influence the metabolic state of the prostate gland were analysed including blood and prostate tissue vitamin C, epigenetic DNA modifications and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine in DNA of leukocytes and prostate tissues. The experimental material were tissue samples from patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), normal/marginal prostate tissues from prostate cancer patients, leukocytes from healthy donors, and blood plasma from BPH patients and healthy donors. We applied ultra-performance liquid chromatography methods with mass spectrometry and/or UV detection. We found an unprecedentedly high level of intracellular vitamin C in all analysed prostatic tissues (benign prostatic hyperplasia and normal, marginal ones), a value much higher than in leukocytes and most human tissues. DNA epigenetic patterns in prostate cells are similar to other soft tissues like the colon, however, its uniqueness is the unprecedentedly high level of 5-(hydroxymethyl)-2'-deoxyuridine and a significant increase in 5-formyl-2'-deoxycytidine value compared to aforementioned tissues. Moreover, the level of 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine, an established marker of oxidative stress, is significantly higher in prostate tissues than in leukocytes and many previously studied soft tissues. Our results pointed out that prostatic vitamin C (regarded as the main supplier of the vitamin C to seminal plasma) and the DNA modifications (which may be linked to the regeneration of prostate epithelium) may play important role to maintain the prostate health.

In vitro induction of prostate buds from murine urogenital epithelium in the absence of mesenchymal cells

The prostate is a male reproductive gland which secretes prostatic fluid that enhances male fertility. During development and instigated by fetal testosterone, prostate cells arise caudal to the bladder at the urogenital sinus (UGS), when the urogenital mesenchyme (UGM) secretes signals to the urogenital epithelium (UGE). These initial mesenchymal signals induce prostate-specific gene expression in the UGE, after which epithelial progenitor cells form prostatic buds. Although many important factors for prostate development have been described using UGS organ cultures, those necessary and sufficient for prostate budding have not been clearly identified. This has been in part due to the difficulty to dissect the intricate signaling and feedback between epithelial and mesenchymal UGS cells. In this study, we separated the UGM from the UGE and tested candidate growth factors to show that when FGF10 is present, testosterone is not required for initiating prostate budding from the UGE. Moreover, in the presence of low levels of FGF10, canonical WNT signaling enhances the expression of several prostate progenitor markers in the UGE before budding of the prostate occurs. At the later budding stage, higher levels of FGF10 are required to increase budding and retinoic acid is indispensable for the upregulation of prostate-specific genes. Lastly, we show that under optimized conditions, female UGE can be instructed towards a prostatic fate, and in vitro generated prostate buds from male UGE can differentiate into a mature prostate epithelium after in vivo transplantation. Taken together, our results clarify the signals that can induce fetal prostate buds in the urogenital epithelium in the absence of the surrounding, instructive mesenchyme.

Clinicopathological correlation of various prostatic lesions with serum prostate-specific antigen level – A hospital-based cross-sectional study

Background: The prostate is a male reproductive accessory gland which gives rise to several pathological conditions. The present study aims to study the correlation of histopathology of prostatic diseases with the clinical profile of the patient coming to VSS Medical College (VSSMC), Burla for histopathological reporting of prostatic biopsies. Aim and Objectives: The objectives of this study were as follows: (1) To correlate serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level with various clinical and pathological lesions of the prostrate gland, in a Hospital-based sample of Western Odisha population. (2) As the male gender represents almost half of the entire population, to find out different clinicopathological lesions, percentage-wise, so as to know the frequency of occurrence of such lesions. Materials and Methods: Fifty-seven cases of prostatic diseases were recorded in the Department of Pathology, VSSMC, Burla for histopathological examination of prostatic tissue for 2 years from September 2017 to August 2019. All the samples were fixed in 5 μ sections with 10% neutral buffered formalin. Then Hematoxylin and Eosin stain (H and E stain) was used for staining. Appropriate clinical data comprising signs and symptoms, laboratory findings, and serum PSA levels were recorded. Results: The present study, in the beginning, consisted of 64 patients, out of which seven patients were excluded by exclusion criteria, and finally, 57 cases were analyzed. The most prevalent age group for all prostatic diseases was 61–70 years with a mean of 67 years. The majority of the cases (73.67%) were benign mostly benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) was 12.29% and malignant cases (all adenocarcinoma) were also 12.29%. All patients showed prostatomegaly. About 50% of cases suggestive of malignancy by digital rectal examination (DRE) were confirmed to be carcinoma by histopathological study. Serum creatinine level was raised in 16.27% of benign and 21.42% of premalignant and malignant conditions. Serum PSA level below 4 ng/mL were all benign and above 10 ng/mL were majority malignant conditions. However, at level 4–10 ng/mL, BPH and PIN cases were overlapped with cases of carcinoma. Conclusion: Benign prostatic hyperplasia is the most commonly encountered prostatic lesion. Serum PSA level <4 ng/mL is associated with benign conditions and more than 10 ng/mL is associated more with carcinomas. Although, investigations such as DRE and serum PSA estimation aid in diagnosis, a definitive diagnosis of benign and malignant lesions of prostate can be made by histopathological study of prostatic biopsies.

Cross-talk between down-regulation of steroidogenic genes expression and oxidative and apoptotic biomarkers in testes induced by administration of tramadol and boldenone and their combination in male albino rats.

Objective(s):The testis is the male reproductive gland or gonad having two vital functions: to produce both sperm and androgens, primarily testosterone. The study aimed to investigate the effect of tramadol and boldenone injected alone or in combination for 2 months in rats on testicular function.Materials and Methods:Group 1, normal control; Group 2, tramadol HCl (TRAM) (20 mg/kg bwt.) (IP); Group 3, boldenone undecylenate (BOLD) (5 mg/kg bwt) (i.m); Group 4, combination of TRAM (20 mg/kg bwt.) and BOLD (5 mg/kg); respectively for 2 months. Results:TRAM and BOLD alone and in combination showed deteriorated testicular functions, lowered serum steroid levels (FSH, LH, and testosterone), elevation in oxidative biomarkers (MDA & NO) and reduction in GSH and SOD, down-regulation of StaR and HSD17B3 as well as histopathological testicular assessment using H&E staining revealing massive degenerative changes in the seminiferous epithelium and vacuolar changes of most of the spermatogenic stages in both TRAM and BOLD groups. PAS stain showed an intensive reaction in the interstitial tissue between the tubules in the TRAM group. Masson trichrome stain showed abundant collagen fiber deposits in the tunica albuginea with congested BV in the TRAM group. Conclusion:The study illuminated the hazard of administration of these drugs for a long period as well as the prominent deleterious effects reported on concurrent use of both drugs.

MICROMORPHOLOGICAL CHANGES IN THE ORGANS OF DOGS AFTER THE INFECTION OF DIROFILARIA REPENS

With the widespread infection of Dirofilaria repens in dogs on the territory of the Russian Federation, the morphological changes in this disease are not well described, and the carcinogenic effect of these helminths on the host has not been established. We have carried out a comprehensive study of morphological changes in the tissues of outbred dogs (the mammary gland of two females and the testes of one male) with subcutaneous dirofilariasis. Excised neoplasms were sent for histological examination, as a result, the females were diagnosed with papillary breast cancer with areas of chondroid differentiation, necrosis, diffuse type of growth, fibrocystic non-proliferative mastopathy. In the male, the histological diagnosis corresponded to chronic orchitis, sclerotic changes were expressed in the epididymis with atrophic and cystic changes in the vas deferens. The uniformity of the micromorphological picture of the neoplastic process in the mammary gland in females may have a certain relationship with the invasion of D. repens due to chronic mechanical traumatization of the host tissues by helminths, as well as their toxic and immune effects. The described impact, in our opinion, was the cause of dystrophy of the male reproductive glands. In general, the study of the relationship between infection with D. repens and the oncological process requires further, more in-depth and private study.

Mating, but Not Male Accessory Gland Products, Changes Female Response to Olfactory Cues in Anastrepha Fruit Flies.

Copulation and/or ejaculate components can alter female physiological state and female post-mating behavior. The objective of the present study was to determine if copulation and male reproductive accessory gland products (MAGs) modify the behavior of female Anastrepha ludens (Loew) and Anastrepha obliqua (Macquart; Diptera: Tephritidae) in response to two stimuli: male-emitted pheromone and oviposition host volatiles. Olfactometry studies revealed that mated females of both A. ludens and A. obliqua have a stronger response for host volatiles compared to unmated females, which have a stronger response for male pheromone. We also examined olfactory responses of females mated to testectomized males who could transfer MAGs but not sperm. In both species, MAGs alone did not cause the change in the olfactory response observed after copulation, unlike what has been found in Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann). Females mated to testectomized males responded equally to the male sex pheromone or to host volatiles, thus suggesting that the whole ejaculate is needed to elicit the complete behavioral switch in olfactory response. The function of MAGs is still unknown in these two pests of economic importance. The response for host volatiles by mated females has implications for the development of baits and traps that should preferably attract and target this population.

Proteomic Dissection of the Impact of Environmental Exposures on Mouse Seminal Vesicle Function

Seminal vesicles are an integral part of the male reproductive accessory gland system. They produce a complex array of secretions containing bioactive constituents that support gamete function and promote reproductive success, with emerging evidence suggesting these secretions are influenced by our environment. Despite their significance, the biology of seminal vesicles remains poorly defined. Here, we complete the first proteomic assessment of mouse seminal vesicles and assess the impact of the reproductive toxicant acrylamide. Mice were administered acrylamide (25 mg/kg bw/day) or control daily for five consecutive days prior to collecting seminal vesicle tissue. A total of 5013 proteins were identified in the seminal vesicle proteome with bioinformatic analyses identifying cell proliferation, protein synthesis, cellular death, and survival pathways as prominent biological processes. Secreted proteins were among the most abundant, and several proteins are linked with seminal vesicle phenotypes. Analysis of the effect of acrylamide on the seminal vesicle proteome revealed 311 differentially regulated (FC ± 1.5, p ≤ 0.05, 205 up-regulated, 106 downregulated) proteins, orthogonally validated via immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. Pathways that initiate protein synthesis to promote cellular survival were prominent among the dysregulated pathways, and rapamycin-insensitive companion of mTOR (RICTOR, p = 6.69E-07) was a top-ranked upstream driver. Oxidative stress was implicated as contributing to protein changes, with acrylamide causing an increase in 8-OHdG in seminal vesicle epithelial cells (fivefold increase, p = 0.016) and the surrounding smooth muscle layer (twofold increase, p = 0.043). Additionally, acrylamide treatment caused a reduction in seminal vesicle secretion weight (36% reduction, p = 0.009) and total protein content (25% reduction, p = 0.017). Together these findings support the interpretation that toxicant exposure influences male accessory gland physiology and highlights the need to consider the response of all male reproductive tract tissues when interpreting the impact of environmental stressors on male reproductive function.

Satyrization in Drosophila fruitflies.

The satyr of Greek mythology was half‐man, half‐goat, with an animal persona signifying immoderate sexual appetites. In biology, satyrization is the disruption of reproduction in matings between closely related species. Interestingly, its effects are often reciprocally asymmetric, manifesting more strongly in one direction of heterospecific mating than the other. Heterospecific matings are well known to result in female fitness costs due to the production of sterile or inviable hybrid offspring and can also occur due to reduced female sexual receptivity, lowering the likelihood of any subsequent conspecific matings. Here we investigated the costs and mechanisms of satyrization in the Drosophila melanogaster species subgroup of fruitflies. The results showed that D. simulans females experienced higher fitness costs from a loss of remating opportunities due to significantly reduced post‐mating sexual receptivity than did D. melanogaster females, as a result of reciprocal heterospecific matings. Reciprocal tests of the effects of male reproductive accessory gland protein (Acp) injections on female receptivity in pairwise comparisons between D. melanogaster and five other species within the melanogaster species subgroup revealed significant post‐mating receptivity asymmetries. This was due to variation in the effects of heterospecific Acps within species with which D. melanogaster can mate, and significant but nonasymmetric Acp effects in species with which it cannot. We conclude that asymmetric satyrization due to post‐mating effects of Acps may be common among diverging and hybridising species. The findings are of interest in understanding the evolution of reproductive isolation and species divergence.

Aedes aegypti Odorant Binding Protein 22 selectively binds fatty acids through a conformational change in its C-terminal tail

Aedes aegypti is the primary vector for transmission of Dengue, Zika and chikungunya viruses. Previously it was shown that Dengue virus infection of the mosquito led to an in increased expression of the odorant binding protein 22 (AeOBP22) within the mosquito salivary gland and that siRNA mediated knockdown of AeOBP22 led to reduced mosquito feeding behaviors. Insect OBPs are implicated in the perception, storage and transport of chemosensory signaling molecules including air-borne odorants and pheromones. AeOBP22 is unusual as it is additionally expressed in multiple tissues, including the antenna, the male reproductive glands and is transferred to females during reproduction, indicating multiple roles in the mosquito life cycle. However, it is unclear what role it plays in these tissues and what ligands it interacts with. Here we present solution and X-ray crystallographic studies that indicate a potential role of AeOBP22 binding to fatty acids, and that the specificity for longer chain fatty acids is regulated by a conformational change in the C-terminal tail that leads to creation of an enlarged binding cavity that enhances binding affinity. This study sheds light onto the native ligands for AeOBP22 and provides insight into its potential functions in different tissues.

La próstata desde una perspectiva inmunológica


 
 
 
 Los procesos inflamatorios e infecciosos que se desencadenan en la próstata, primordial glándula reproductiva masculina, originan las tres principales enfermedades de este órgano: prostatitis, hiperplasia prostática benigna y cáncer. Para entender la relación que existe entre estas tres patologías y los procesos de infección e inflamación, se realizó una revisión de la literatura científica, a conveniencia, en la base de datos PubMed, empleando los términos próstata, prostatitis, hiperplasia prostática benigna y cáncer de próstata. La literatura revisada resalta la importancia del adecuado funcionamiento del sistema inmune en el tejido prostático para eliminar los microorganismos causantes de infecciones, proceso a través del cual se desencadena la inflamación del tejido. Además, infecciones urinarias ascendentes, que culminan en prostatitis crónica, favorecen el desarrollo de la hiperplasia prostática benigna, agrandamiento y fibrosis de la próstata en hombres adultos, e incluso su progresión a cáncer en individuos genéticamente susceptibles. Por otro lado, las limitaciones en el diagnóstico de las alteraciones prostáticas promueven la inflamación crónica, y el uso indiscriminado de antibióticos de amplio espectro para el tratamiento de la prostatitis, impulsa la diseminación sexual de microorganismos multirresistentes al tratamiento. Las alteraciones prostáticas, en especial la prostatitis, continúan siendo patologías enigmáticas de difícil diagnóstico y tratamiento. El estudio de la próstata, sus alteraciones y su relación con el sistema inmune contribuirán a limitar el uso indiscriminado de antibióticos y a reducir los costos en salud y los efectos sobre la calidad de vida de los individuos afectados.
 
 
 

Mating induces switch from hormone-dependent to hormone-independent steroid receptor-mediated growth in Drosophila secondary cells.

Male reproductive glands like the mammalian prostate and the paired Drosophila melanogaster accessory glands secrete seminal fluid components that enhance fecundity. In humans, the prostate, stimulated by environmentally regulated endocrine and local androgens, grows throughout adult life. We previously showed that in fly accessory glands, secondary cells (SCs) and their nuclei also grow in adults, a process enhanced by mating and controlled by bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signalling. Here, we demonstrate that BMP-mediated SC growth is dependent on the receptor for the developmental steroid ecdysone, whose concentration is reported to reflect sociosexual experience in adults. BMP signalling appears to regulate ecdysone receptor (EcR) levels via one or more mechanisms involving the EcR’s N terminus or the RNA sequence that encodes it. Nuclear growth in virgin males is dependent on ecdysone, some of which is synthesised in SCs. However, mating induces additional BMP-mediated nuclear growth via a cell type–specific form of hormone-independent EcR signalling, which drives genome endoreplication in a subset of adult SCs. Switching to hormone-independent endoreplication after mating allows growth and secretion to be hyperactivated independently of ecdysone levels in SCs, permitting more rapid replenishment of the accessory gland luminal contents. Our data suggest mechanistic parallels between this physiological, behaviour-induced signalling switch and altered pathological signalling associated with prostate cancer progression.

Cultivation of mammals early male germ cells in a semi liquid medium

Spermatogenesis is one of the most complex processes of cell differentiation. The ability to cultivate early male germ cells and subject them to differentiation to produce mature gametes in vitro is an important task for both biology and veterinary and regenerative medicine. In vivo, spermatogenesis is known to occur in a three-dimensional structure, in the convoluted seminiferous tubules of the male reproductive glands, and Sertoli cells and the extracellular matrix have a significant impact on the survival, proliferation and differentiation of early germ cells. At present, methods of creating a microenvironment, similar to the native, are being actively developed to support spermatogenesis in vitro. This paper reflects research on the use of semi-fluid media as a three-dimensional matrix for the cultivation of early male gametes of mammals. These culture systems have been shown to support the differentiation of early germ cells to the stage of elongated spermatids with the subsequent formation of spermatozoa. However, it is necessary to continue research to create a culture system that can induce and maintain complete spermatogenesis.

Influence of Ethanolic Extracts of Spondias mombin (Anacardiaceae) Leaves on Pituitary- Gonadal Axis of Male Wistar Rats

Background: Spondias mombin is one of the tropical plants used locally to treat various kinds of ailment, its use as an anti-conceptive remedy in our locality had been reported.
 Objective: The aim of this study was to establish a dose-dependent or duration effect of ethanolic leaf extract of Spondias mombin on the anterior pituitary cells, testes and epididymides of Wistar rats of Wistar rats.
 Materials and Methods: A total of thirty (30) matured male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups (n=5). Group 1 animals served as control and received vehicle (distilled water). Groups 2 and 3 were administered with 250 mgkg-1 body weight of extract for 4 and 6 weeks respectively, while groups 4 and 5 received 500 mgkg-1 body weight of extract for 4 and 6 weeks also. Animals were anaesthetized with chloroform and sacrificed at the end of the administration. Body weight, weights of reproductive organs and vital organs were evaluated. Blood was taken from the animals for haematological and biochemical analysis. The pituitary gland, male reproductive and accessory glands were excised and fixed in 10% formalin for routine histological examination.
 Results: The influence of ethanolic extract of Spondias mombin leaves on the pituitary cells and reproductive organs of male Wistar rats given 250 and 500 mgkg-1 body weight for 4 and 6 weeks showed loss of cytoplasmic contents and free spaces of pituitary cells, desquamation of seminiferous epithelial cells, degradation of seminiferous tubules and reduction in cells. The epididymis of the test groups showed abundant immature cells and cell debris in their lumen. The accessory glands showed homogenous pinkish fluid, glandular degeneration of the prostate and seminal vesicles with decreased structural integrity. The organ weights of the experimental animals were not significantly affected, however, a significant (P<0.05) decrease in reproductive organ weights was recorded. Ethanolic extract of Spondias mombin on liver enzymes showed significant protection against hepatobiliary damage. 
 Conclusion: These results suggest that Spondias mombin has a dose-dependent and duration deleterious effect on the pituitary and reproductive organs at their cellular levels rather than on the tissue as a whole.

The Old and the New: Discovery Proteomics Identifies Putative Novel Seminal Fluid Proteins in Drosophila

Seminal fluid proteins (SFPs), the nonsperm component of male ejaculates produced by male accessory glands, are viewed as central mediators of reproductive fitness. SFPs effect both male and female post-mating functions and show molecular signatures of rapid adaptive evolution. Although Drosophila melanogaster, is the dominant insect model for understanding SFP evolution, understanding of SFP evolutionary causes and consequences require additional comparative analyses of close and distantly related taxa. Although SFP identification was historically challenging, advances in label-free quantitative proteomics expands the scope of studying other systems to further advance the field. Focused studies of SFPs has so far overlooked the proteomes of male reproductive glands and their inherent complex protein networks for which there is little information on the overall signals of molecular evolution. Here we applied label-free quantitative proteomics to identify the accessory gland proteome and secretome in Drosophila pseudoobscura,, a close relative of D. melanogaster,, and use the dataset to identify both known and putative novel SFPs. Using this approach, we identified 163 putative SFPs, 32% of which overlapped with previously identified D. melanogaster, SFPs and show that SFPs with known extracellular annotation evolve more rapidly than other proteins produced by or contained within the accessory gland. Our results will further the understanding of the evolution of SFPs and the underlying male accessory gland proteins that mediate reproductive fitness of the sexes.

MORPHOFUNCTIONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF TESTES IN WHITE RATS TREATED WITH BISPHENOL A AND TRICLOSAN

We studied the effect of unstable ubiquitous endocrine disrupters bisphenol A (BPA) and triclosan (TCS) on the reproductive function of adult male Wistar rats. BPA and TCS concentrations were measured directly in testicular tissue by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Comparison groups were found to be statistically significantly different in the concentrations of bisphenol A and triclosan in testicular tissues. The study showed that bisphenol A and triclosan have a negative effect on the morphofunctional state of the male reproductive glands of sexually mature rats, causing a decrease in testicular mass, a decrease in parenchyma, the number and diameter of the seminiferous tubules, an increase in the number of convoluted seminiferous tubules with desquamated epithelium, and a decrease in sperm cells on the background of an increase in their atypical forms.

Androgen Receptor and Ultrastructural Features of Nigella sativa Oil and Nicotine-Treated Male Rat Reproductive Glands

Nicotine is claimed to increase free radicals, DNA damage and lipid peroxidation in male reproductive organs. Nigella sativa has been identified to ameliorate these adverse effects due to nicotine intake. This study was conducted to evaluate potential protective effects of N. sativa oil on the adverse effects of nicotine on androgen receptors (AR) and ultrastructural features of rat seminal vesicles and prostate glands. Twenty four Sprague Dawley male rats, 7-9 weeks of age and 200-250 g body weight (BW) were randomly divided into; Group 1 Saline (S), forced fed with 0.1 mL/100 g BW of 0.9% normal saline; Group 2 Nicotine (N), intramuscularly injected with 0.5 mg/100 g BW of nicotine; Group 3 N. sativa (NS), forced fed with 6.0 μL/100 g BW of N. sativa and Group 4 Nicotine-N. sativa (NNS), co-administered with 0.5 mg/100 g BW of nicotine and 6.0 μL/100 g BW of N. sativa. The seminal vesicles and prostate glands were extracted after 100 days of treatment. The seminal vesicle and prostate gland were processed for ultrastructural study and androgen receptor detection. The epithelial cells in prostate gland and seminal vesicle of the N group showed weaker brown staining intensity as compared to that of in the NS and NNS groups. This was consistent with the presence of some ultracellular changes observed in the prostate gland and seminal vesicle tissues of the N group. Findings from this study suggested that administration of N. sativa results in ameliorating effects on both the prostate gland and seminal vesicle structures and functions of the nicotine-treated rats.