Reproductive System Of Male Rats Research Articles

Assessment of dose-dependent reproductive toxicity of diclofenac sodium in male rats

Diclofenac sodium is widely used in the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug in the treatment of pain and inflammation. It is also particularly associated with its adverse effects on avian fauna and linked to environmental issues. The present study was aimed to assess the dose-dependent toxicity of diclofenac sodium on a male reproductive system of rats. Four groups of healthy adult fertile male rats were administered with saline (control) or 0.25 mg/kg, 0.50 mg/kg and 1.0 mg/kg of diclofenac sodium, respectively for 30 days. Alterations in body and organ weight, sperm and testicular cell population dynamics, serum biochemistry, histopathology, and hematology were investigated as per aimed objectives. Diclofenac sodium treatment significantly (p ≤ 0.001) reduced weights of testis, epididymis, ventral prostate and seminal vesicle. Sperm count, sperm density (in epididymis and testis), sperm motility and testicular cell population dynamics were lowered in a dose-dependent manner. Administration of diclofenac exhibited varying degrees of degeneration testis, abnormal histo-architectures, and shrinkages in seminiferous tubules, particularly in higher doses. Diclofenac sodium treatments also altered hepatic and renal function parameters significantly. In conclusion, it may claim that diclofenac sodium treatment altered reproductive metabolic status, androgenic activities and histo-architecture of the testis of male rats and induced hepatotoxicity and renal toxicity.

Combined effects of simultaneous exposure to six phthalates and emulsifier glycerol monosterate on male reproductive system in rats

Human beings are inevitably exposed to ubiquitous phthalate esters (PEs), and simultaneously ingesting high quantities of food emulsifiers via daily diet. Glycerin monostearate (GMS) is a widely used food emulsifier. The purposes of this study were to investigate the combined effects between the mixture of six frequently used PEs (MIXPs) and GMS on male rat reproductive system, and further to explore the underlying mechanisms. Male rats were orally administered either sodium carboxymethyl cellulose as controls or MIXPs at three different low-doses with or without GMS (200mg/kg/d) by gavage. The 15-week exposure of MIXPs caused male reproductive toxicity in a dose- and time-dependent manner, including the decrease of serum testosterone and morphological damage of testis. Metabonomics analyses of urine and Western blotting analyses of steroidogenic proteins (StAR, P450scc, CYP17A1, 17β-HSD and P450arom) indicated that MIXPs exposure down-regulated the expression of steroidogenic proteins, and might alter androgen metabolism. The results also showed that the presence of GMS exacerbated the toxicities of MIXPs to male rat reproductive system. These findings suggest that food emulsifier GMS could enhance the toxic effects of MIXPs on male hormone biosynthesis.

Senecio biafrae defeated Tetracycline-Induced Testicular Toxicity in Adult Male Sprague Dawley Rats.

ObjectiveThe current study focused on the pro-fertility potential of Senecio biafrae (Sb) extract and vitamin C in Male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats with tetracycline-induced infertility.MethodsA total of 36 male and 36 female adult SD rats were used for this investigation. The male rats randomly assigned to Group A (controls) were given normal saline 2ml/kg. Rats in Groups B, C, D, E, and F were respectively administered [30 mg/kg of body weight (bwt) of tetracycline], [30 mg/kg bwt of tetracycline + 50 mg/kg of vitamin C], [30 mg/kg bwt of tetracycline + 500 mg/kg bwt of Sb], [30 mg/kg bwt of tetracycline + 50 mg/kg of vitamin C + 500 mg/kg bwt of Sb], and [30 mg/kg bwt of tetracycline reversal] daily for 28 days via gastric gavage. Tested parameters included sperm parameters, hormonal profile, histology, and fertility test.ResultsSignificant (p<0.05) increases were seen in sperm quality, hormone profile, organ and body weights of the groups treated with vitamin C, Sb, and tetracycline. There was derangement in sperm quality, hormone profile, and organ and body weight of the animals in group B. Histoarchtecture of the testes showed normal cellular composition in the germinal epithelium with sperm cells in the lumen and normal interstitium in groups A, C, D, and E. Group F showed abnormal spermatogenesis and poor association of spermatogenic cells, however there was depletion in the seminiferous epithelium in the group treated with tetracycline.ConclusionSenecio biafrae defeated the deleterious effects of tetracycline on the male reproductive system of rats treated with the drug.

The Potential Effect of Zinc Deficiency on Reproductive Profile of Male Rat and its Possible Consequences

Zinc (Zn) has antibacterial and antifungal properties, so, it is being widely used in food and pharmaceutical industries. Transition metal especially Zn deficiency has deleterious effects all over the world due to wide consumption of Zn deficient food byproduct. Several studies have reported that transition elements especially Zinc deficiency affects the endocrine and reproductive system. This overview comprises the information about negative effects of Zn deficiency on reproductive system of male rat and their possible outcomes. Scientific studies indicated that Zn deficiency severely affects the reproductive physiology of male rats. Zn deficiency suppresses the function of male rat testes inclosing spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis by reducing the production of androgen hormone. In addition, Zn deficient rats also indicated testicular atrophy, primary and secondary spermatogonial stem cells disruption, lower number of sperm cells count, sperm quality, motility, viability, enhance in oxidative stress, inhibition of Testosterone (T) level which, in turn may cause infertility. The different consequences in animal models by zinc application are dose and duration dependent. Several studies propose that both higher and lower Zn concentration can effects the rat reproductive function. Therefore, the available outcomes revealed that Zn deficiency might have significant influence on luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone affecting the sperm physiology and histology in certain tissues.

Assessment of the Protective Impact of Vitamin E on Sex Hormones and Sperm Parameters of Formaldehyde-treated Male Rats: A Preliminary Investigation

Background: Lifestyle factors, including environmental and occupational exposure, have a key role in reproductive health status and may impact fertility. Formaldehyde (FA) is a suspected reproductive toxicant, which may cause significant adverse effects on the reproductive system. This study was aimed at detecting the impact of FA and the possible protective role of vitamin E on the male reproductive system in rats. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: control rats, rats treated with vehicle (corn-oil), rats treated with 10 mg/kg/day FA (FAt), and rats treated with FA plus 30 mg/kg/day vitamin E plus vehicle (FAt+ vitamin E) for two weeks. After treatment, sex hor­mone levels were examined using ELISA. Moreover the count, morphology, and motility of sperm, were observed. Results: The sperm count and the percentage of rapid progressive sperm were significantly decreased in rats in the FAt-treated group compared with those in the control and vehicle-treated groups (p&lt;0.05). Vitamin E treatment significantly improved the parame­ters examined in the FAt+ vitamin E group (29.85±8.62 vs. 10.04±4.79 for sperm count and 60.50±5.67 vs. 42.19±8.02 for sperm motility). Moreover, serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels mildly decreased in the FA exposure group, although the difference was not statis­tically significant (p&gt;0.05). Conclusion: The findings of this study revealed that FA exposure had a negative impact on sperm parameters and some reproductive hormones in rats and vita­min E attenuated the deleterious impact of FA on the reproductive system of adult male rats. [GMJ.2017;6(4):330-7] DOI: 10.22086/gmj.v6i4.904

Effect of Stress on Histopathology of Male Reproductive System in Rats

Background: Although relatively little is known about factors affecting fertility. Latest literature suggests that environmental and lifestyle factors play an important role. Recently, oxidative stress has become the focus of interest as potential cause of male infertility. Oxidative stress may play a role in a number of conditions known to be detrimental to male fertility Method: Adult male albino rats weighing 200 – 220 g and aged 12-15 weeks male rats were selected for the study. The rats were randomly analyzed into 3 groups Group 1: Control rat, Group 2: Swimming stress without treatment, Group 3: Treated with vitamin C 30mg/kg/day doses. All rats were subjected to swimming stress daily between 09.00AM to 10.00AM until 50 days. Drugs were administered orally for 50 days half an hour before subjecting to stress. At end of the study the reproductive organs testes, seminal vesicles, Vas deferens and prostate were dissected and the samples were used for the histo-pathological evaluation. Result: In stress group section of testis shows seminiferous tubules showed focial poor spermatogenesis with reduction in number of sperm containing seminiferous tubules and absence of spermatozoa was clearly recognized in some seminiferous tubules. Treatment with antioxidant showed recovery but still some of the seminiferous tubules showed decreased spermatozoa. Stress changes in seminal vesicle: the hyperplasia of epithelial lining, histological features of mucosa severely affected and reduced number of gland. Stress induced changes in vas deferens: produced desquamated ling epithelium with atrophic changes and mild exploited epithelium, degenerated basement membrane of vas deferens. Stress induced changes in prostate: Prostatic acini with many papillary folds, desquamated epithelial cells, epithelial proliferation was seen. Conclusion: Oxidative stress produced deleterious effects on male reproductive system and supplementation of antioxidants such as vitamin C have been shown to be protecting effect against the histological changes produced by the oxidative stress on male reproductive system in rats. KEYWORDS : Stress; Male reproductive organs; Histopathology; Rats

Male rat exposure to low dose of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate during pre-pubertal, pubertal and post-pubertal periods: Impact on sperm count, gonad histology and testosterone secretion

Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is the most ubiquitous endocrine disruptor in the environment. The present study aimed to investigate the low dose effects of DEHP on the male reproductive system of rats exposed during the pre-pubertal, pubertal and post-pubertal periods. Male Wistar rats were daily gavaged by DEHP from postnatal day (PND) 21 to PND 120 with 0.5, 50 and 5000μg/kgBW/d. A decrease in sperm count of 41%, 24% and 46% was observed at 0.5, 50 and 5000μg/kgBW/d respectively. A decrease of Sertoli cells number was observed at 50 and 5000μg/kgBW/d (22% and 42%, respectively). Non-monotonic dose–response was observed for testosterone levels with a significant increase at 50μg/kgBW/d associated to a notable enhancement of Leydig cells number (35%). In conclusion, our results showed that postnatal exposure to low doses of DEHP affects sperm count, Sertoli and Leydig cells number and testosterone level.

Experimental evaluation of the influence of gold nanoparticles and cerium dioxide on normal and malignant cells and tissues.

The results of experimental studies of the effect of gold nanoparticles ( AuNPs ) on the organs of the reproductive system of male rats, cells and tissues of androgen-dependent prostate cancer (PCa) are presented, as well as the effect of cerium dioxide nanoparticles (CeO 2 NPs ) on the testes and fertility of aging male rats. Addition of polydisperse colloidal solution of AuNPs (10-50 nm) to the culture medium in a final concentration of 10 μg/ml inhibited the growth of the LNCaP culture, PCa cells, while monodisperse solution of AuNPs (20 nm) caused no effect. The polydisperse colloidal solution of AuNPs arrested the growth of PCa xenografts in mice, when administered parenterally at a dose range of 0.64-6.4 μg/kg body weight. The selectivity of the drug effect on the malignant epithelium is confirmed by signs of its destruction and decrease in the epithelial stromal ratio on histological preparations of xenografts. There was no significant damaging effect of poly- and monodisperse AuNPs solutions on the organs of the reproductive system of male rats when administered for up to two weeks. The stimulating effect of a low dose of CeO 2 NPs (1 mg/kg b.w.) administered orally on hormonal function of testes and spermatogenesis, proliferative and secretory processes in the prostate of aging male rats was established. However, fertility of animals was reduced in comparison with the control group due to immaturity of the part of spermatozoa. Thus, metal nanoparticles and their salts can have both a stimulating and destructive effect on organs and tissues, which should be taken into consideration when studying their therapeutic potential and in toxicology.

Gilaburu (Viburnum opulus L.) fruit extract alleviates testis and sperm damages induced by taxane-based chemotherapeutics

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the possible protective effects of gilaburu (Viburnum opulus L., Glb) fruit extract on testis and sperm damages induced by docetaxel (DTX) and paclitaxel (PTX) chemotherapeutics in rats. Sixty adult male Wistar albino rats were divided into 6 equal groups, 10 animals each. The groups were created as control (weekly i.p. saline injection), Glb (weekly i.p. saline injection and daily oral 100mg/kg Glb), DTX (weekly i.p. injection of 5mg/kg DTX), PTX (weekly i.p. injection of 4mg/kg PTX), DTX+Glb (weekly i.p. injection of 5mg/kg DTX and daily oral 100mg/kg Glb) and PTX+Glb (weekly i.p. injection of 4mg/kg PTX and daily oral 100mg/kg Glb). Following 10-week chronic application, spermatological, biochemical, histopathological, cytopathological and immunohistochemical examinations were performed. DTX and PTX caused significant decreases in absolute and relative weights of all reproductive organs, testosterone level, sperm motility, concentration, Bcl-2 anti-apoptotic immunopositive cell scores of testes and spermatozoa as well as catalase activity in epididymal tissue, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities of testicular and epididymal tissues when compared with the control group. Both drugs also significantly increased abnormal sperm rate, testicular and epididymal malondialdehyde level, Bax pro-apoptotic immunopositive cell scores of testes and spermatozoa, and caused remarkable testicular histological and cytological damages. However, Glb consumption mitigated the PTX-induced decreases in absolute weights of epididimis, seminal vesicles, ventral prostate and both taxanes-induced disturbances in sperm characteristics, imbalances in oxidant/antioxidant system, increments in germ cell apoptosis and testicular histo-and cyto-pathological damages. It was concluded that long-term Glb consumption alleviates the taxanes-induced damages in reproductive system of male rats.

Effect of Ascorbic Acid on Reproductive Function of Male Rats Exposed to Lead Acetate

Background: The anti-oxidant ascorbic acid (AA) is known as a chelating agent in treatment of lead (Pb) toxicity, and has been reported to protect the cells from oxidative stress. Objective(s): This work aims to study the efficiency of ascorbic acid on semen quality, sex hormone, antioxidant parameters and testis histology in rats treated with lead acetate. Methods: A total of 50 male rats were divided into five equal groups; control group (received tap water only), Pb group (received 0.2% lead acetate/kg, BW) and the other three groups (received 500, 1000 and 1500 mg/kg BW AA along with 0.2% lead acetate/kg BW), respectively. Doses (as solutions) were orally administered every day for 8 weeks. Motility, validity, abnormal and dead sperm were assessed. Testosterone, luteinizing (LH) and follicle- stimulating (FSH) hormones were measured. Antioxidant activity [glutathione (GSH), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and the level of nitric oxide (NO)] were determined. Histopathological examination was done for testis. Results: The results showed that Pb caused a significant increase in number of abnormal and dead sperms in Pb group (43.0%, 67.2%) comparing to the control group (6.0%, 18.6%) respectively. Motility and validity of the sperm were significantly decreased in Pb group (16.0%, 32.8%) comparing to the control group (84.2%, 81.4%) respectively. Pb caused a significant increase in FSH (1.99 mIU/L) and LH (1.2 mIU/L) and a decrease in Testosterone hormones (0.86 nmol/L) comparing to the control group (0.64 mIU/L, 1.2 mIU/L, 5.24 nmol/L) respectively. On the other hand, AA caused a significant decrease in numbers of abnormal and dead sperms than in Pb group. AA also caused an increase in motility and viability of the sperms at all levels. Testosterone hormone showed a marked increased with AA and the best effect was found with the high level (1500 mg /kg BW). For antioxidant activity it was found that Pb caused a significant increase in NO and TBARS levels comparing to the control group, while it decreased significantly GSH and TAC levels. The significant effect for AA was found with the high level (1500 mg) on NO (28.5 µmol/ml) and GSH (4.9 µmol/ml). Also, it was found that AA significantly affected TBARS and TAC at all levels. Histopathological examination showed the presence of AA reduced the harmful effect of lead acetate on testis. Conclusion: High daily intake of AA from rich sources or from supplementation can protect reproductive system of male rats from lead toxicity.

P-Alkyl-Benzoyl-CoA Conjugates as Relevant Metabolites of Aromatic Aldehydes With Rat Testicular Toxicity-Studies Leading to the Design of a Safer New Fragrance Chemical.

Several aromatic aldehydes such as 3-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-2-methylpropanal were shown to adversely affect the reproductive system in male rats following oral gavage dose of ≥ 25 mg/kg bw/d. It was hypothesized that these aldehydes are metabolized to benzoic acids such as p-tert-butylbenzoic acid as key toxic principle and that Coenzyme A (CoA) conjugates may be formed from such acids. Here we performed a detailed structure activity relationship study on the formation of benzoic acids from p-alkyl-phenylpropanals and related chemicals in rat hepatocytes in suspension. Formation of CoA conjugates from either p-alkyl-phenylpropanals directly or from their benzoic acid metabolites was further assessed in plated rat hepatocytes using high resolution LC-MS. All of the test chemicals causing reproductive adverse effects in male rats formed p-alkyl-benzoic acids in rat hepatocytes in suspension. Compounds metabolized to p-alkyl-benzoic acids led to accumulation of p-alkyl-benzoyl-CoA conjugates at high and steady levels in plated rat hepatocytes, whereas CoA conjugates of most other xenobiotic acids were only transiently detected in this in vitro system. The correlation between this metabolic fate and the toxic outcome may indicate that accumulation of the alkyl-benzoyl-CoA conjugates in testicular cells could impair male reproduction by adversely affecting CoA-dependent processes required for spermatogenesis. This hypothesis prompted a search for new p-alkyl-phenylpropanal derivatives which do not form benzoic acid metabolites and the corresponding CoA conjugates. It was found that such metabolism did not occur with a derivative containing an o-methyl substituent, ie, 3-(4-isobutyl-2-methylphenyl)propanal. This congener preserved the fragrance quality but lacked the male reproductive toxicity in a 28-day rat study, as predicted from its in vitro metabolism.

Effects of Gold and Silver Nanoparticles on Kisspeptin-Mediated Regulation of the Hypothalamo-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis

The features of morphofunctional reactions (changes in the size of the nuclei of neurocytes) were examined in neurons of the arcuate and preoptic nuclei (AN and PON, respectively) of the rat hypothalamus. These reactions were caused by the introduction of nanoparticles (NPs) of gold and silver (AuNPs and AgNPs, respectively) under conditions of activation and blocking of kisspeptin-mediated signaling in one- and six-month-old rat males. The intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of both AuNPs and AgNPs caused decreases in the size of the mentioned neuronal nuclei in animals of both age groups. These effects indicate that systemic introductions of NPs of both metals suppress the activity of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis. Upon combined introduction of NPs with intracerebroventricular injections of an activator or a blocker of kisspeptinergic signaling, independent actions of the applied agents on the PON neurons were observed. Arcuate neurons of young rats in the case of combined injections retained the susceptibility to injections of kisspeptin but not to those of its antagonist; such neurons in adult rats responded in the opposite way. The obtained results demonstrated that both AuNPs and AgNPs exert nonspecific toxic effects on the functioning of the central regulator of the reproductive system in male rats.

Inhibition of autophagy aggravated 4-nitrophenol-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in NHPrE1 human normal prostate epithelial progenitor cells

4-Nitrophenol (PNP), a well-established human carcinogen, has been proven to have detrimental effects on reproductive system of male rats in previous studies. The molecular mechanisms involved PNP-induced damage remain to be established. Autophagy can exert protective effects on various cytotoxic factors that induce injury. In the present study, we aim to investigate whether autophagy is induced by PNP and the function of autophagy in PNP-induced injury in NHPrE1, a normal human prostate epithelial progenitor cell line. Our results indicate that PNP induced oxidative stress as evidenced by increased MDA levels and decreased activity of SOD and GSH-Px. PNP also increased apoptosis of NHPrE1 cells as evidenced by western blot and Hoechst 33258 staining and activated autophagy in NHPrE1 cells detected by RT-PCR and western blot. Inhibition of autophagy by 3-MA further increased PNP-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis of NHPrE1 cells. We also found that PNP-induced apoptosis was suppressed by N-acetylcysteine, suggesting oxidative stress may play an important role in PNP cytotoxicity. Furthermore, phosphorylation of mTOR protein was inhibited by PNP, indicating that PNP might induce autophagy in NHPrE1 cells via inhibiting mTOR pathway. In conclusion, these results suggest that activation of autophagy should play a protective role in PNP-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis of NHPrE1 cells, which might be mediated through mTOR pathway.

Effects of six priority controlled phthalate esters with long-term low-dose integrated exposure on male reproductive toxicity in rats

Human beings are inevitably exposed to ubiquitous phthalate esters (PEs) surroundings. The purposes of this study were to investigate the effects of long-term low-dose exposure to the mixture of six priority controlled phthalate esters (MIXPs): dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), di(n-butyl) phthalate (DBP), butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), di(2-ethyhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and di-n-octyl phthalate (DNOP), on male rat reproductive system and further to explore the underlying mechanisms of the reproductive toxicity. The male rats were orally exposed to either sodium carboxymethyl cellulose as controls or MIXPs at three different low-doses by gavage for 15 weeks. Testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) in serum were analyzed, and pathological examinations were performed for toxicity evaluation. Steroidogenic proteins (StAR, P450scc, CYP17A1 and 17β-HSD), cell cycle and apoptosis-related proteins (p53, Chk1, Cdc2, CDK6, Bcl-2 and Bax) were measured for mechanisms exploration. MIXPs with long-term low-dose exposure could cause male reproductive toxicity to the rats, including the decrease of both serum and testicular testosterone, and the constructional damage of testis. These effects were related to down-regulated steroidogenic proteins, arresting cell cycle progression and promoting apoptosis in rat testicular cells. The results indicate that MIXPs with long-term low-dose exposure may pose male reproductive toxicity in human.

Egg white-derived peptides prevent male reproductive dysfunction induced by mercury in rats

Oxidative stress in known to contribute to the male reproductive dysfunction induced by mercury (Hg). Our study tested the hypothesis that the egg white hydrolysate (EWH), a potent antioxidant in vitro, is able to prevent the effects of prolonged Hg exposure on male reproductive system in rats. For this, rats were treated for 60 days with: a) Untreated - saline solution (i.m.); b) Hydrolysate - EWH (1 g/kg/day, gavage); c) Mercury - HgCl2 (1st dose 4.6 μg/kg, subsequent doses 0.07 μg/kg/day, i.m.); d) Hydrolysate-Mercury. At the end of the treatment, sperm motility, count and morphological studies were performed; Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) levels, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant capacity, histological and immunohistochemical assays on testis and epididymis were also carried out. As results, HgCl2-treatment decreased sperm number, increased sperm transit time in epididymis and impaired sperm morphology. However, these harmful effects were prevented by EWH. HgCl2-treatment also increased ROS levels, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant capacity in testis and epididymis as well as promoted testicular inflammation and histological changes in epididymis. EWH improved histological and immunohistochemical alterations, probably due to its antioxidant property. In conclusion, the EWH could represent a powerful natural alternative to protect the male reproductive system against Hg-induced sperm toxicity.

392 Effect of Sleep Deprivation on the Male Reproductive System in Rats

392 Effect of Sleep Deprivation on the Male Reproductive System in Rats

Protective Effects of Pleurotus tuber-regium on Carbon- Tetrachloride Induced Testicular Injury in Sprague Dawley Rats.

The high rate of male infertility and the meager resources to manage same in sub Saharan Africa have necessitated the search for cost effective and available alternatives. Mushrooms have been used traditionally in folk medicine and as nutraceuticals. This study has investigated the effect of the wild mushroom Pleurotus tuber-regium on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) deleterious effects on the reproductive system of male rats. Thirty six rats were divided into six groups of six animals each. Group I (negative control) received 10 ml/kg olive oil intraperitoneal weekly in addition to feed and water ad libitum. Group II (positive control) received CCl4 10 ml/kg (30% in Olive oil) weekly. Group III, IV, and V received 100 mg, 20 0mg, and 500 mg P. tuber-regium (33.3% in feed) daily in addition to 10 ml/kg CCl4 weekly. Group VI received 500 mg P. tuber-regium (33.3% in feed) daily. After 4 weeks, sperm motility, epididymal count and vitality were determined. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA), testosterone, Luteinizing hormone (LH), Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin and oestradiol were estimated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Histopathologic examinations of the testis were carried out. Carbon tetrachloride significantly reduced the sperm motility (54.33 ± 3.79%), epididymal count (28.73 ± 2.86 × 106/ml, vitality (4.96 ± 0.62), LH (0.88 ± 0.14), FSH (2.04 ± 0.33), and Testosterone (2.02 ± 0.24) when compared with control (89.33 ± 9.01), 91.91 ± 1.92 × 106/ml, 13.12 ± 0.19, 2.74 ± 0.32, 3.64 ± 0.62, and 4.16 ± 0.23, respectively, which were reversed by P. tuber-regium administration. Co-administration of P. tuber-regium plus CCl4 significantly reduced MDA level. P. tuber-regium showed dose dependent ameliorative activity against CCl4 deleterious action on the testis and may be beneficial in the management of male infertility.

Sertraline-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats: evaluation of possible underlying mechanisms.

This study was conducted to clarify the toxic effects of sertraline (SRT) on the reproductive system of male rats and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Rats were treated orally with SRT at doses of 5, 10, and 20 mg kg−1 for 28 consecutive days. At the end of the treatment period, sperm concentration, sperm motility, and sperm morphology were investigated by computer-assisted sperm analysis system whereas sperm DNA damage was detected by comet assay. The oxidative status of the testes was investigated, and a histopathological examination was conducted. Serum testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were measured to determine the effects of SRT on the spermatogenesis process. One-way ANOVA, post-hoc Dunnett's T3 test for the sperm comet assay, and post-hoc Tukey's test for the others were performed for statistical analysis. The results showed that SRT caused an increase in sperm DNA damage and induced histopathological lesions in all groups treated with SRT. There was abnormal sperm morphology and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) in the 10 mg kg−1 treatment group. More dramatic changes were observed in the 20 mg kg−1 treatment group. Decreased sperm count was accompanied by a significant increase in abnormal sperm morphology, DNA damage, and degeneration in cellular-tubular structures. Serum LH and testosterone levels were elevated in the 20 mg kg−1 treatment group. Decreased glutathione (GSH) and increased MDA were signs of enhanced oxidative stress (OS). In conclusion, SRT induced testicular toxicity in a dose-dependent manner and OS is suggested as a crucial mechanism.

Investigation of the Effects of Bisphenol A on the Histology and Ultrastructure of Prostate and Seminal Vesicle Glands in Rats

Background: Bisphenol A is a xenoestrogen, synthesized in large quantities for the production of polymers (polycarbonates, epoxy resins) and thermal paper, and is widely used in products of everyday use (packaging, containers and bottles). Data concerning the occurrence of BPA in food, water and indoor environments as well as its appearance in tissues and body fluids of the human body are available in the literature. Male accessory sex glands are also vulnerable to environmental endocrine disruptors with adverse effects in adulthood. The developing prostate gland is particularly sensitive to estrogens and high-dose exposures during a critical developmental window results in intraepithelial prostatic neoplasia (PIN) in adult rodent models. Bisphenol A is also an endocrine disruptor. High levels of BPA exposure correlate with increased risk of mammary gland, brain and prostate cancers and have adverse effects on the tissues of the prostate and seminal vesicles. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of BPA doses on the histological structure and ultrastructure of prostate and seminal vesicle glands. Methods: Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10): A control group and three treatment groups, receiving BPA at doses of 10, 50 and 100 µg/kg. Bisphenol A was administrated intraperitoneally for 15 days. As the prostate and seminal vesicle glands were dissected on the day 16, the structure and ultrastructure histological parameters were analyzed, using light and electron microscopes. Results: The main pathological finding observed in the prostrate and seminal vesicle glands, using light microscope, revealed congestion in the connective tissue and vacuolization in the secretory units of epithelial cells and epithelium rupture at 50 and 100 µg/kg doses of BPA. Ultrastructure study showed vacuolization of mitochondria, condensation of nuclei and disappearance of nucleus in the prostate tissue. Pathological changes showed the vacuolization and dilation of endoplamic reticulum (ER) and secretory glands and disappearance of microvilli. They also showed an increase in collagen fibers around the cells in the seminal vesicle tissue in the treatment group that received 100 µg/kg BW BPA. Conclusions: This study revealed that BPA has adverse effects on the reproductive system in male rats. The results also revealed that BPA has destructive effects on the prostate and seminal vesicle glands.

Differential expression of apolipoprotein D in male reproductive system of rats by high-fat diet.

Apolipoprotein D, a 29-kDa secreted glycoprotein that belongs to the lipocalin superfamily, is widely expressed in various tissues and associated with lipid metabolism as a component of high-density lipoproteins. Although Apolipoprotein D binds to small hydrophobic ligands including cholesterol, little is known about effects of high-fat diet with cholesterol on expression of Apolipoprotein D in the male reproductive tract. Therefore, we investigated Apod expression in penises, prostate glands, and testes from rats fed a high-fat diet including a high amount of cholesterol. Our previous research indicated that a high-fat diet induces dyslipidemia leading to histological changes and dysfunction of male reproduction in rats. Consistent with these results, Apod mRNA expression was significantly (p<0.001) decreased in penises and prostate glands (p<0.01) and testes (p<0.01) from rats fed a high-fat diet as compared with normal diet. In addition, Apod mRNA and protein were detected predominantly in urethral epithelium and penile follicle from rats. Moreover, changes in expression of specific microRNAs (miR-229b-3p, miR-423-3p, and miR-490-3p) regulating Apod in the penises and prostate glands were negatively associated with Apod expression. Collectively, results of this study suggest that Apod is a novel regulatory gene in the male reproductive system, especially in penises of rats fed a high-cholesterol diet, and that expression of Apod is regulated at the posttranscriptional level by target microRNAs.