Reproductive System Of Male Rats Research Articles

Effects of Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) Extract on Male Rat Reproductive System, Pregnancy and Offspring Development.

We recently reported that extract prepared from the aerial part of Cichorium intybus L. (CE) possesses hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic, and hypoglycemic properties. This paper focuses on the effects of CE on the male rat reproductive system and the effects of this treatment on pregnancy and offspring development. The experimental male rats received 100 mg/kg bw/day, 500 mg/kg bw/day, and 1000 mg/kg bw/day of CE orally for 60 consecutive days. Rats that received tap water were used as controls. After treatment, we evaluated the effects of CE on the male reproductive system, fertility, and offspring development. For CE-treated male rats, there was a significant increase in the (1) diameter of seminiferous tubules, (2) spermatogenic index, (3) number of total and motile spermatozoa, and (4) testosterone levels. Additionally, there was a decrease in the pre- and post-implantation death of the embryos in the CE-treated group. All pups born from CE-treated males demonstrated normal development. CE treatment significantly improved male reproductive functions. No adverse effects on pregnancy and offspring development were observed when males were treated with CE. Further clinical evaluation of CE should lead to the development of a safe and effective phytodrug for treating male infertility.

The study of the influence of <i>Thlaspi arvense</i> L. on the characteristics of the reproductive system of male rats

Introduction. The development of new effective and safe herbal medicines capable of having a positive effect on reproductive status is an urgent task of domestic pharmacy. Medicinal plants are considered as alternative therapies aimed at increasing testosterone levels and fertility in men. The arsenal of medicinal plants used in traditional medicine for the treatment of diseases in men is mainly represented by phytoadaptogens, most of which have a small resource potential in Russia, therefore, it is relevant to search for plants with a sufficient raw material base and with the potential for cultivation. Thlaspi arvense L. is a promising medicinal plant, as it is widely used in folk medicine as a diuretic, anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic, antihistamine, hemostatic, astringent, has a positive effect on the processes of spermatogenesis and is widely distributed in our country. However, information on the chemical composition and biological activity of Thlaspi arvense L. they are insufficient, which shows the relevance of its further more detailed study in order to substantiate the possibility of application in practical medicine and solutions to the issues of standardization of medicinal plant raw materials.Aim. The study of the influence of Thlaspi arvense L. on the characteristics of the reproductive system of male rats.Materials and methods. The object of the study was an infusion of herbа Thlaspi arvense L. The features of the reproductive behavior of male rats after 21-day administration of the infusion of grass yarutka field were studied using tests that allow quantifying the severity of sexual motivation and sexual activity of males. The viability of spermatozoa in the ejaculate of rats was assessed, the total number of spermatozoa (ACS, million), degenerative and immobile forms (%) was calculated. Morphophysiological parameters of spermatogenesis of rats of control and experimental groups of animals were studied using classical histological methods. The concentration of testosterone in the blood serum of experimental groups of animals was determined by the enzyme immunoassay.Results and discussion. The results obtained allow us to conclude that the fertility of rats has increased against the background of the course administration of the infusion of herbа Thlaspi arvense L., as evidenced by an increase in the testosterone content in the blood, improvement of spermogram indicators and morphophysiological characteristics of spermatogenesis in the testicles of rats. The use of the infusion of herbа Thlaspi arvense L. has a protective effect on spermatogenesis. An increase in the thickness of the spermatogenic epithelium, the diameter of the cross-section of the convoluted seminal tubules and the index of spermatogenesis compared with the control group of animals was revealed. The positive effect of Thlaspi arvense L. on indicators of sexual motivation and sexual activity of male rats is shown.Conclusion. Thlaspi arvense L. is a promising medicinal plant, as it is able to have a positive effect on libido, the number and mobility of spermatozoa, the production of sex hormones, spermatogenesis, as well as on the pituitary-gonadal axis, which is associated with the content of a complex of biologically active substances in it.

Real-life exposure to toxic metals: impact on thyroid gland function and male reproductive system in rats

Real-life exposure to toxic metals: impact on thyroid gland function and male reproductive system in rats

Effects of oral exposure to iron oxide nanoparticles on reproductive system of male rats

To investigate the effects of oral exposure to iron oxide nanoparticles(Fe_2O_3NPs) on the reproductive system of male rats. Forty male SD rats were randomly divided into control group and low, medium, high dose groups, 10 rats in each group, normal saline and 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg Fe_2O_3NPs suspension were given by gavage, respectively. The volume of gavage was 10 mL/kg for 28 days. The body weight was weighed every three days, and the body weight changes of rats were recorded. After intraperitoneal anesthesia with 10% chloral hydrate, the rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation, and the testis and epididymis were collected. Weigh and calculate the testicular coefficient and epididymal coefficient, the pathological sections of rat testis were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining, the number of epididymal sperm was counted under an optical microscope and the sperm deformity rate was calculated. The activities of acid phosphatase(ACP), alkaline phosphatase(AKP), lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase(γ-GT), the activity of superoxide dismutase(SOD), and the contents of glutathione(GSH) and malondialdehyde(MDA) in rat testis homogenate were detected by kit method. Compared with control group, there was no significant difference in body weight, testicular coefficient and epididymal coefficient in each dose group. In the medium and high dose groups, the arrangement of spermatogenic epithelium was disordered and spermatogenic cells decreased. The number of sperm in high dose group was decreased, and the sperm deformity rate in medium and high dose groups was increased(P<0.01). The activity of ACP in medium and high dose groups increased(P<0.05), and the activity of γ-GT decreased(P<0.01). There was no significant change in the activity of AKP and LDH in testicular homogenate of rats in each group(P>0.05). The level of GSH in medium dose group was increased(P<0.05), and the content of MDA in medium and high dose groups was increased(P<0.01). There was no significant difference in SOD activity among the groups(P>0.05). Under the conditions of this experiment, Fe_2O_3NPs can cause damage to the structure of rat testicular tissue, reduce the number of sperm, increase the rate of sperm deformity, interfere with the activity of marker enzymes in testicular tissue and induce oxidative stress injury, which has a negative impact on the reproductive system of male rats.

Investigation of the role of curcumin against the toxicity induced by bisphenol a on the reproductive system in male rats

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine disruptor and an environmental pollutant; it can produce free radicals, which cause damage in various tissues. Curcumin has been demonstrated to help with a variety of male reproductive diseases, as well as to scavenge free radicals and function as an antioxidant. The aim is to estimate the protective role of Curcumin against the toxic effect of BPA in male rats by determining the levels of antioxidants and sexual hormones, before and after treatment with this herb. The effect of curcumin as a protective role against BPA on the oxidative stress parameters showed that Curcumin could decrease MDA concentration and at the same time increase the concentration of both catalase and SOD. Also, the results revealed that Curcumin could increase the concentration of LH, FSH, and testosterone as compared to the BPA-treated group.

Assessment of reproductive hormones in prepubertal and postpubertal rats (<i>Rattus norvegicus</i>) on chronic exposure to various spectra of artificial light at night

Exposures to Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) is on the increase with resultant varied physiological impact related to the light spectrum via the non-visual pathway. This study examined the effects of various spectra of ALAN on Testosterone (Te), Progesterone (Pr) and Estradiol (Es) in rats exposed to Blue (BL), Green (GL), Yellow (YL), Red (RL), White (WL) and Darkness (DD) light wave-lengths while Ambient light (CL) served as the control. Dams with their post-natal day 1 pups were housed in cages exposed to various light wavelengths for 12 hours: (6:00pm–6:00am) daily for 126 days. At d63 and d126, five rats per treatments were euthanized; blood serum was collected and the serum hormones: Te, Es and Pr were analysed using ELISA. The results showed that light treatments had significant effect on the level of Te at d63 but not at d126 in male rats. At d63, onset of puberty, Te was significantly highest (p < 0.05) under BL. In females exposed to YL and WL at d126, Te was significant high and Es was significantly low. Estradiol was heightened significantly (p < 0.05) in both sexes exposed to RL. In conclusion, BL seemed to stimulate early sexual development in males, WL and GL enhanced post-pubertal male albino rat reproductive system while RL provided the best reproductive environment for females in the long term. Long periods of exposure to YL seemed to pose risks for male and female reproductive function.

Improvement Prospects of Lycopene Supplementation in the L-NAME Toxicity on the Male Wistar Rat Reproductive System

Non-selective nitric oxide synthase inhibitors, such as N (G)-nitro-L-arginine Methyl Ester (L-NAME), are typically prescribed to treat spinal injuries and hypotension. Many physiological processes, including the regulation of reproductive hormones, are ty pically linked to it. Bioactivity in physiological systems is influenced by the antioxidant lycopene. This study sought to determine the imp act of lycopene supplementation and L-NAME administration on gonadal hormones and sperm parameters. Twenty male Wistar rats were used for this study and were divided into four groups containing 5 rats each. L-NAME (5mg/kg) was administered through drinking water and Lycopene (5mg/kg) was supplemented through oral gavage for four weeks. Using established protocols with Elisa Kits, plasma hormone levels were ascertained. Estradiol did not differ substantially across all groups, however, the group that received L-NAME had lower plasma concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, and nitric oxide (NO). Lycopene supplements raised testosterone, FSH, LH, and NO levels while not affecting estradiol. The sperm profile was altered with L-NAME but ameliorated in Lycopene supplementation. We conclude that lycopene has the potential to protect against hormonal imbalance and male infertility resulting from Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibition.

Hypoxia-Like Effect of L-Arginine in Seminal Vesicle and Epididymis of Rats

INTRODUCTION: The effect of L-arginine on metabolic processes is mediated by nitric oxide (II), whose pool is regulated by several enzymes. In the literature, the mutual influence of oxygen deficit and NO production is described. Besides, both processes can be regulated by exogenous L-arginine.
 AIM: To evaluate participation of L-arginine in the development of adaptive response to chronic normobaric hypoxia of tissues of reproductive system of male rats and to study its influence on metabolic changes in normoxia.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: The experiment was conducted on Wistar stock rats (males, n = 8) which were divided to the following groups: (1) animals receiving L-arginine injections of 500 mg/kg of body weight for 10 days; (2) animals of control group receiving 0.9% NaCl solution; (3) animals subjected to chronic normobaric hypoxia in a hermetic chamber, observed once a day for 14 days until the oxygen concentration in the air decreased by 10%; (4) animals of the control group observed in a ventilated chamber; (5) animals subjected to hypoxia and injections of L-arginine. The material for analysis was the mitochondria and mitochondria-free fraction of the cytoplasm of the seminal vesicles, of the head and tail of the epididymis. The parameters were evaluated photometrically using diagnostic and enzyme immunoassay kits.
 RESULTS: The animals receiving L-arginine showed increase in the amount of -subunit of hypoxia-induced factor in the cytoplasm of seminal vesicles by 132% (p = 0.01), in the tail of epididymis by 32% (p = 0.02) and reduction in mitochondria by 45% (p = 0.01) and 60% (p = 0,002), respectively, a decrease in succinate levels by 40% (p = 0.005) and 51% (p = 0.0009), an increase in the concentration of lactic acid in the cytoplasm by 194% (p = 0.03) and 253% (p = 0.018), a decrease in cytochrome oxidase activity from 0.96 [0.66; 1.69] RU/mg of protein to 0.27 [0.23; 0.32] (p = 0.0009) and from 1.04 [0.84; 1.33] to 0.26 [0.14; 0.37] (p = 0.003), relative to the control group. The observed changes are characteristic of the state of hypoxia and are explained by the cell switching over to glycolytic pathway of energy production, in contrast to mitochondrial pathway in normoxia. The combined effect of hypoxia and arginine partially enhanced each other's effects.
 CONCLUSION: L-arginine causes hypoxia-like state in cells through activating -subunit by hypoxia-induced factor, reducing cytochrome oxidase activity, increasing glycolysis, and also partially enhances the effects of chronic normobaric hypoxia.

Effects and possible mechanisms of combined exposure to noise and carbon monoxide on male reproductive system in rats.

Environmental hazards are an increasing concern due to the rapid pace of industrialization. Among these hazards, noise and carbon monoxide (CO) are common risk factors and have been shown to cause serious health problems. However, existing studies focused on the individual effects of noise and CO exposure and the combined effects of these two factors remain poorly understood. Our study aimed to examine the combined effects of noise and CO exposure on testicular function by constructing individual and combined exposure models. Our findings indicated that combined exposure to noise and CO was associated with a higher risk of testicular damage and male reproductive damage when compared to exposure alone. This was evidenced by poorer semen quality and more severe pathological damage to the testis. This combined exposure led to higher levels of oxidative stress and apoptosis in the testes, with bioinformatics analyses suggesting the signaling pathways involved in these responses. Specifically, activation of the P53 signaling pathway was found to contribute to the testicular damage caused by the combined exposure. Encouragingly, pterostilbene (PTE), a novel phytochemical, alleviated combined exposure-induced testicular damage by reducing oxidative stress and germ cell apoptosis. Overall, we identified joint reproductive toxicity resulting from the exposure to noise and CO, and found that PTE is a promising potential treatment for injuries caused by these factors. The cover image is based on the Research Article Effects and possible mechanisms of combined exposure to noise and carbon monoxide on male reproductive system in rats by Yingqing Li et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/tox.23927.

Chronic levamisole exposure in male rats alters sexual behavior and induces apoptosis in the testis

Levamisole is an anti-helminthic drug developed and introduced in veterinary medicine, and it has been used more frequently after the inclusion of its usage in human medicine regarding disorders with immunomodulatory properties. In recent years, it has started to attract attention since it has beneficial effects on the treatment of COVID-19 due to its immunomodulatory properties. To investigate the effects of levamisole on sexual behavior and the reproductive system in male rats, two groups were formed the vehicle (n = 10) and levamisole (n = 10) groups. The vehicle group was given purified water whereas the levamisole group was administered with levamisole (2 mg/kg) by oral gavage daily for 4 weeks. Levamisole treatment significantly increased the mount latency (ML, P < 0.001) as well as the intromission latency (IL, P < 0.01). It also significantly prolonged postejaculatory interval (PEI, P < 0.01), decreased copulatory rate (CR, P < 0.05), and sexual activity index (SAI, P < 0.05). It significantly decreased serum monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) levels (P < 0.05). Additionally, levamisole induced disorganizations of germinal epithelial cells of seminiferous tubules, congestion, edema in the interstitial area, and metaphase arrest in some spermatocytes (P < 0.001), and it significantly increased the immunohistochemical expressions of apoptotic Bax and cytochrome c, which is crucial proapoptotic protein, in the testis (P < 0.001). Also, levamisole significantly upregulated the mRNA levels of the apoptosis-related key regulatory genes, including Bax (Bcl-2-associated X protein, P = 0.05) and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio (P < 0.01) in testis. The current research is the first to show that levamisole may decrease sexual performance, potency, sexual motivation, and libido and induce apoptosis in the testis.

Effects of exposure to the inhalational anaesthetic sevoflurane on the male reproductive system in rats.

The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of inhalational anaesthetics on the male reproductive system in neonatal rats. Postnatal day 6 (P6) male rat pups were assigned to 2 groups of 40 rats each. The control group did not receive anaesthesia, and the test group was exposed to air containing 3% sevoflurane in a chamber. After sevoflurane exposure, the effects on the male reproductive system in neonatal rats exposed to inhalational anaesthetics were tested. The rats were maintained to P60. The fertility, sperm and spermatid count, sperm motility, organ weights and histological changes in rats were determined. Compared with those of the control group, the sperm count and motility of the sevoflurane group were significantly decreased (p< 0.05), and there was also a decrease in the number of foetal rats from the sevoflurane group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the arrangement of the seminiferous tubule was regular in the control group, whereas the arrangement of the seminiferous tubule was distorted and the spermatocytes were detached and irregularly lined in the sevoflurane group. TUNEL analysis showed that the number of apoptotic cells in the testes of the sevoflurane group was significantly increased (p < 0.05). SOD and MDA analyses showed that SOD was decreased, while MDA expression was increased. These data indicated that young rats suffered as a result of inhalation of the anaesthetic sevoflurane and had reduced reproductive system function during adolescence in males. These studies are useful as a foundation for clinical studies.

Toxic effects of Tripterygium glycoside tablets on the reproductive system of male rats by metabolomics, cytotoxicity, and molecular docking

BackgroundTripterygium glycoside tablets (TGT) is the most common preparation from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F, which is widely used in clinical for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other autoimmune diseases. However, its serious reproductive toxicity limits its application. PurposeThis study aimed to elucidate the toxic effects of TGT on the reproductive system of male RA rats and its potential toxic components and mechanism. MethodsCollagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rat model was established, and TGT suspension was given at low, medium, and high doses. Gonadal index, pathological changes, and the number of spermatogenic cells were used to evaluate the toxic effects of TGT on the reproductive system. Non-targeted metabolomics of testicular tissue was conducted by UHPLC-QTOF/MS. Combined with network toxicology, the key targets of TGT-induced reproductive toxicity were screened and RT-qPCR was used to validation. In vitro toxicity of 19 components of TGT was evaluated using TM3 and TM4 cell lines. Molecular docking was used to predict the interaction between toxic components and key targets. ResultsTGT reduced testicular and epididymis weight. Pathology analysis showed a lot of deformed and atrophic spermatogenic tubules. The number of spermatogenic cells decreased significantly (P<0.0001). A total of 58 different metabolites including platelet-activating factor (PAF), lysophosphatidylcholine (Lyso PC), phosphatidylinositol (PI), glutathione (GSH), and adenosine monophosphate (AMP) were identified by testicular metabolomics. Glycerophospholipid metabolism, ether lipid metabolism, and glutathione metabolism were key pathways responsible for the reproductive toxicity of TGT. Ten key reproductive toxicity targets were screened by network toxicology. The cytotoxicity test showed that triptolide, triptonide, celastrol, and demethylzeylasteral could significantly reduce the viability of TM3 and TM4 cells. Alkaloids had no apparent toxic effects. Molecular docking showed that the four toxic components had a good affinity with 10 key targets. All binding energies were less than -7 kcal/mol. The RT-qPCR results showed the Cyp19a1 level was significantly up-regulated. Pik3ca and Pik3cg levels were significantly down-regulated. ConclusionThrough testicular metabolomics, we found that TGT may cause reproductive toxicity through CYP19A1, PIK3CA, and PIK3CG three target, which was preliminarily revealed. This study laid the foundation for elucidating the toxicity mechanism of TGT and evaluating its safety and quality.

Physiological and Histological Effects of Ginseng Oil on Reproductive Efficiency in Adult Male Rats.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a collection of metabolic illnesses known as chronic hyperglycaemia. It is one of the most common chronic diseases caused by insulin functions or secretions deficiency, which may cause carbohydrate and lipoprotein metabolism to be disrupted. The pituitary-gonadal axis malfunctions, testicular tissue dysfunctions and poor quality of sperms are all symptoms of DM, which is one of the most common causes of reproductive abnormalities. The current study has been designed to demonstrate the impacts of treatment with Ginseng oil oxidative stress-induced physiological and histological alterations in the male reproductive system of rats with subcutaneous (s/c) injection alloxan. The study was done on 30 mature male Wistar rats randomly divided into three equal groups (n=10). The first group, which served as the negative control, the second group (positive control) injection with (s/c) a single alloxan dosage (120 milligrams per kilogram of body weight), the third group was given alloxan and treated with ginseng oil (0.5cc at dosage (5 g /kg body weight daily) for 30 days. The percentage of live sperms increased significantly (P≤0.05) in the group that was given Ginseng oil orally compared to the alloxan group, the percentage of dead sperms and sperm abnormalities dropped, and the total sperm count was decreased. In the rat testis, (s/c) given alloxan (120 mg/kg), aberrant spermatids were present with a decrease in the sperm numbers in the lumens of seminiferous tubules, as well as a division in the irregular germ cells. The current study concluded that Ginseng oil exerted an antioxidant effect on the male reproductive system of rats injected with subcutaneous (s/c) alloxan.

Annona muricata (Soursop) leaves extract mitigates cyclophosphamide induced reproductive toxicity in male Wistar rats

Background: Cyclophosphamide (CP) is an anticancer and immunosuppressive agent commonly used in men of reproductive age. Annona muricata(soursop) is a tropical plant with a widely acclaimed history of various therapeutic properties. Objective: This study was aimed at determining the effect of the ethanolic leaf extract of Annona muricata on the reproductive system of male rats treated with cyclophosphamide. Materials and Methods: Twelve (n-12) male wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups of four rats each. Group 1 served as control and received only feed and water. Group 2 was administered a single dose of CP (100 mg/kg body weight) intraperitoneally on the 15th day, while group 3 was administered 100 mg/kg body weight of ethanolic extract of Annona muricata for 14 days and a single intraperitonealdose of CP on the 15th day. At the end of the experiment, the animals were sacrificed under anaesthesia, blood and tissue samples were collected for biochemical and histological evaluations respectively. Result: The result showed that serum concentrations of LH and FSH were significantly increased (p&lt;0.05) in group 2 (5.53±1.28 and 10.95±1.44) when compared to the control group (1.38±1.02 and 4.97±1.53) and decreasedin group 3(1.14±0.93 and 4.97±1.45) when compared to the control group (1.38±1.02 and 4.97±1.53). Serum testosterone level decreased significantly in group 2 (1.31±1.08) when compared to the control group (5.08±1.02) andincreasedin group 3 (4.95±1.23) when compared to the control group (5.08±1.02). Testicular SOD and MDA was significantly decreased in group 2 (3.23±0.41 and 1187.71±1.21) when compared to the control group (6.00±1.65 and 371.91±1.47) and slightly elevated in group3 (6.05±0.97 and 371.97±1.47). The histology of the testicular tissue shows markedly shrunken seminiferous tubules with severe germ cell aplasia and basement membrane thickening following cyclophosphamide administration which was restored to normal after treatment with aqueous extract of Annona muricata. Conclusion: The study reveals that Annona muricata possess protective effect against cyclophosphamide-induced reproductive toxicity in male wistar rats.

Silymarin effect as an antioxidant to improve damages induced by CCl4 on some characteristics of male rats reproductive system

This study was conducted to investigate if silymarin can prevent the adverse effect of oxidative stress induced by carbon tetrachloride(CCl4) on some characters of male rat reproductive system. Twenty male albino rats were divided into 4 groups, 5 for each included, control group, CCl4 group, silymarin group and silymarin plus CCl4 group. Groups with silymarin received dose (150mg/kg) and group with CCl4 received (3ml/kg) at the end of experiment. The period of the study was 35 days. CCl4 can induce male reproductive toxicity through damage testis structure, weights, reduction in epididymis, sperm count, morphology, viability and motility. Silymarin plays its antioxidant role with scavenging free radical resulted by CCl4 and showed significant increasing in body and testis weight, normal sperms counting and vital sperms in compared to CCl4 group.

Effects of l-carnitine Administration on Sperm and Sex Hormone Levels in a Male Wistar Rat Reproductive System Injury Model in a High-Altitude Hypobaric Hypoxic Environment

The plateau environment impacts male reproductive function, causing decreased sperm quality and testosterone levels. l-carnitine can improve the semen microenvironment. However, the role of l-carnitine in a high-altitude environment remains unclear. In our study, we investigated the effects of l-carnitine administration in a male Wistar rat reproductive system injury model in the context of a simulated high-altitude environment. Rats were randomly divided into a normal control group (group A1, A2-low dose and A3-high dose) and high-altitude model groups (group B, C-low dose and D-high dose) with 20 rats in each group. With the exception of the normal control group exposed to normoxic conditions, the other groups were maintained in a hypobaric oxygen chamber that simulated an altitude of 6000 m for 28 days. In the experimental period, the low-dose groups (A2 and C) were administered 50 mg/kg l-carnitine via intraperitoneal injection once a day, and the high-dose groups (A3 and D) were given 100 mg/kg. After the feeding period, blood samples were collected to assess blood gas, serum hormone levels and oxidative stress. Sperm from the epididymis were collected to analyse various sperm parameters. After obtaining the testicular tissue, the morphological and pathological changes were observed under a light microscope and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The impact of the simulated high-altitude environment on the rat testis tissue is obvious. Specifically, a decreased testicular organ index and altered indices of arterial blood gas and serum sex hormone levels caused testicular tissue morphological damage, reduced sperm quality, increased sperm deformity rate and altered malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) concentrations. The results demonstrate that l-carnitine can be administered as a preventive intervention to reduce the reproductive damage caused by high-altitude hypobaric and hypoxic environments and improve semen quality in a rat model.

Treatment with topiramate in rats during childhood causes testicular structural impairment at adulthood.

Topiramate (TOP) is a psychotropic drug prescribed for the treatment of epilepsy in children older than 2 years of age and for migraine prophylaxis in adolescents. There is evidence that TOP promotes negative effects on the reproductive system of male rats. This study aimed to evaluate the immediate and late treatment effects of TOP during childhood and adolescence on the male rat reproductive system. Two experimental groups received 41 mg/kg of TOP daily, by gavage, from postnatal day (PND) 16 to 28 (TOPc group) or from PND 28 to 50 (TOPa group). Control groups (CTRc group or CTRa group) received water daily. Half of the anim-als were evaluated 24 h after the end of treatment (PND 29 and PND 51, respectively) and the remainder were evaluated in adulthood (PND120). The following parameters were determined: anogenital distance, sperm evaluation, testis' histomorphometry and plasma testosterone concentration. At PND 120, the volume (CTRc:62.58 ± 2.13; TOPc: 54.54 ± 2.10*%, p = 0.018) and total length (CTRc: 25.48 ± 1.61; TOPc: 18.94 ± 2.41*, p = 0.035) of seminiferous tubules were decreased and the volume of interstitial tissue (CTRc:37.41 ± 2.13; TOPc: 45.45 ± 2.09*%, p = 0.018) and number of Leydig cells/testis (CTRc: 277.00 ± 36.70; TOPc: 400.20 ± 13.23*, p = 0.013) were increased in the TOPc group. The other parameters remained similar between the groups. Therefore, the present study contributes to our understanding that childhood treatment with TOP has an impact on the rat reproductive system in adulthood, suggesting that this period is more sensitive to TOP exposure than adolescence.

Zearalenone damages the male reproductive system of rats by destroying testicular focal adhesion.

Zearalenone (ZEA), a common mycotoxin in animal feed, is harmful to public health and causes huge economic losses. The potential target proteins of ZEA and its derivatives were screened using the PharmMapper database and the related genes (proteins) of the testis were obtained from Genecards. We obtained 144 potential targets of ZEA and its derivatives related to the testis using Venn diagrams. The PPI analysis showed that ZEA had the most targets in testis, followed by ZAN, α-ZAL, β-ZEL, α-ZEL, and β-ZAL. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) analyses evaluated the metabolic and cancer pathways. We further screened four hub genes: RAC3, CCND1, EP300, and CTNNB1. Eight key biological processes were obtained by GO analysis, and four important pathways were identified by KEGG analysis. Animal and cell experimental results confirmed that ZEA could inhibit the expression of four key KEGG pathway protein components and four hub proteins that interfere with cell adhesion by inhibiting the focal adhesion structure of the testis, Leydig cells, and Sertoli cells. Collectively, our findings reveal that the destruction of the focal adhesion structure in the testis is the mechanism through which ZEA damages the male reproductive system.

Effect of lead acetate and the role of Nigella sativa in the fertility of male rat

Thirty male rats were divided into six groups , The first and second group were divided into six groups , the first and second group were administrated with lead at dose ( 2 , 6 ) mg / kg of body weight respectively . Extract of Nigella sativa was ingested in drinking water at dose ( 200 ) mg drinking water to third group , the fourth group was ingested extract of Nigella sativa at dose 200 mg / kg drinking water and administrated with lead at dose ( 2 ) mg / kg of body weight while fifth group was ingested extract of Nigella sativa at dose ( 200 ) mg / L drinking water and administrated with lead at dose ( 6 ) mg / kg of body weight .The sixth group considered as a control group so it was not given extract of Nigella sativa or lead .Experiment continued for four weeks .Animals were weighted and anesthetized . Blood samples were collected and serum isolated to measure testosterone level . Testis , epididymis , seminal vesicle and prostate were removed total sperm count , sperm motility and sperm abnormality were calculated . Histological sections were prepared for testis to measure the number of spermatogenesis cells and diameters of seminiferous tubules .Results showed significant decrease in weights ( testis , epididymis , seminal vesicle and prostate ) testosterone level and sperms parameters in first and second as compared with all other groups in the experiment , while there was significant increase in testosterone level in third group as compared with other groups . Results of histological study demonstrated significant decrease in all types of spermatogenic cells and diameter of seminferus tubules in first and second groups as compared with the other groups .While there was significant increase in these histological testes in third group in comparison with other groups . In fourth and fifth groups there were insignificant improvement in these testes as compared with first and second groups .In this study it is concluded that the treatment with extract of Nigella sativa decreased the toxic effects of lead in the reproductive system of male rats .

Molecular Hydrogen Reduces Electromagnetic Pulse-Induced Male Rat Reproductive System Damage in a Rodent Model.

Infertility has got to be a broadly concerned social issue these days, in which the malefactor cannot be overlooked. Numerous studies have shown that electromagnetic pulse (EMP) radiation may have seriously damaging effects on reproductive health, through nonthermal effects and oxidative stress. Molecular hydrogen, a selective hydroxyl radical scavenger, explains the protective effects against many diseases closely associated with oxidative damage, such as ionizing radiation (IR). We sought to characterize the beneficial effects of molecular hydrogen on the male reproductive system in a rodent EMP exposure model. The 8-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to EMP (peak intensity 1000 kV/m, pulse edge 20 ns, pulse width 200 ns, 1 Hz, and 200 pulses), with or without hydrogen-rich water. The pathological structure of the testis, the rate of apoptosis of the testis, the serum testosterone level, the sperm parameters, and the activity of the antioxidant enzymes of the testis were measured. Then, transcriptomic and untargeted metabolomic analyses were applied to uncover the underlying mechanism. Exposure to EMP increased testicular apoptosis rate and apoptosis protein level, decreased sperm viability and motility, decreased serum testosterone levels, and diminished testicular antioxidant capacity. Molecular hydrogen-alleviated damage decreased the testicular apoptosis rate and apoptosis protein level, increased sperm motility, increased serum testosterone levels, and improved antioxidative capacity. Omics results showed that molecular hydrogen has a strong influence on metabolic pathways, and EMP affects mainly oxidative phosphorylation, TNF signaling pathways, and cytokine-receptor interactions. The mechanism of molecular hydrogen's effect may be related to the reversal of some metabolite levels. These observations warrant molecular hydrogen as an innovative approach for potential protection against EMP.