Number Of Live Fetuses Research Articles

Fertility and teratogenic study of the aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. in female Sprague Dawley rats

Hibiscus sabdariffa (roselle) has long been gaining attention in phytotherapy research due to its medicinal properties. Despite its benefits, there is very scarce information available on the reproductive toxicity of this plant. The aqueous extract of H. sabdariffa (AEHS) was tested in the present study to investigate its potential effects on fertility and teratogenicity in 40 female Sprague Dawley rats. AESH treatment was administered orally by gavage at four different dosages: 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg/day or distilled water (control). Treatment began from pre-mating and continued through mating up to the 19th day of pregnancy periods. Throughout this study, the reproductive parameters were evaluated until the day of sacrifice (day 20th of pregnancy). Results obtained revealed no significant differences in general physical health, behaviours and maternal body weights throughout the treatment period. Furthermore, the mean length of the oestrous cycle was not statistically affected, even though a few rats displayed irregular cycles. In addition, there was no statistical significance in the mating and pregnancy indices, number of corpora lutea and implantation sites, percentages of pre-implantation loss and postimplantation death and reproductive organ weights. Foetal parameters such as the number of live foetuses, sex ratio and body weight were also not statistically affected by AESH. Ultimately, there were no signs of teratogenicity observed since none of the foetuses exhibited congenital malformations. In conclusion, these findings imply that the oral administration of AEHS up to 1000 mg/kg/day did not pose any significant toxicity on the fertility and teratogenicity but slightly affected the oestrous cycle in rats.

The Teratogenic Effect of Dimefluthrin-Based Mosquito Coils on Pregnant Mice (Mus musculus L.)

Dimefluthrin, a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide, claims to be safe and harmless to mammals. However, the potential risk of mosquito coils containing dimefluthrin to pregnant mice remains uncertain. This study aimed to examine the teratogenic effect of dimefluthrin when inhaled by pregnant mice at different stages of gestation. The study used mosquito coils with 0.031% dimefluthrin as the active ingredient and was exposed to pregnant mice at various pregnancy stages. The results revealed that mosquito coils with dimefluthrin had teratogenic effects, reducing the number of live fetuses and increasing the number of dead fetuses, especially from the seventh to the eighteenth day of pregnancy. Additionally, there was a decrease in fetal weight, length, and volume, particularly during the seventh to eighth day of gestation. Hemorrhages were observed as fetal abnormalities and were highest three hr after exposure every day during pregnancy. The conclusion of this research is pregnant mice exposed to mosquito coil smoke containing dimefluthrin experienced a decrease in the number of live fetuses and an increase in fetal mortality. While there was no significant impact on reabsorption, the fetuses showed reduced weight, and size, and an increased incidence of hemorrhages when exposed for three hr daily during pregnancy.

Effect of Dimethoate Insecticide on Female Mice and Their Fetuses

Background and objectives. Organophosphate insecticides (OPIs) including dimethoate are used in agriculture to control the insect pests, increasing the productivity, their frequent use has resulted in detrimental effects on biological systems and public health. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of dimethoate (DM) on fetuses, DNA concentration in ovarian tissues and levels of estradiol and progesterone in female mice. Methods. Female mice were divided into three groups: Group I, serve as control and was given distilled water intraperitoneally, while Group II and III were given (0.1- & 0.2-ml DM/100 ml distilled water) respectively for 7 days. Two treated females were housed with one untreated male for mating. After 7 days of the last dose, 6 female mice of each group were weighed and killed. The ovaries, uteri and liver were extracted and weighed, and ovarian hormones were measured. Also, DNA concentration in each ovary was determined. Results. The results showed a significant decrease in the weights of the liver and ovaries, the level of estradiol hormone, and DNA concentration in the ovary of treated mice as compared to those from the control group. Also, significant changes were observed in the weights of fetuses as well as the number of live fetuses. Conclusion. We found that administration of DM intraperitoneally to female mice for 7 days has influences on ovary weight, estradiol levels, and DNA concentration as well as its impact on the fetuses, therefore, it is better to use safer methods for control the pests and avoid increased use of pesticides.

Phytochemical characterization and antidiabetic analysis of Bauhinia holophylla extract on the maternal-fetal outcomes of rats.

This study aims to evaluate the phytochemical properties of Bauhinia holophylla (Bong.) Steud leaf extract, and their impact on maternal reproductive and fetal development in diabetic rats. For this, adult female Wistar rats (100 days of life) received streptozotocin (40 mg/Kg, intraperitoneal) for induction of diabetes, were mated and distributed into four groups: Nondiabetic; Nondiabetic given B. holophylla; Diabetic; and Diabetic given B. holophylla. The plant extract was given by gavage at increasing doses: 200, 400, and 800 mg/Kg. At day 21 of pregnancy, liver and blood samples were obtained for oxidative parameters and biochemical analysis, respectively. The uterus was removed for maternal-fetal outcomes. Phytochemical analysis showed a high content of phenolic components and biogenic amines. B. holophylla extract did not alter the glycemic levels but improved the lipid profile in diabetic animals. Besides that, the number of live fetuses and maternal weight gain were decreased in Diabetic group, and were not observed in animals treated. The group Diabetic treated presented a higher percentage of fetuses classified as adequate for gestational age compared to the Diabetic group. However, the treatment with plant extract caused embryo losses, fetal growth restriction, and teratogenicity in nondiabetic rats. Thus, the indiscriminate consumption requires carefulness.

Effect of Yunkang Oral Solution on pregnant mice with spleen deficiency syndrome

This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of Yunkang Oral Solution on the improvement of spleen deficiency and pregnancy outcomes in pregnant mice with spleen deficiency syndrome induced by irregular diet and over consumption of cold and bitter foods. To simulate human irregular diet and over consumption of cold and bitter foods leading to spleen deficiency, the pregnant mice with spleen deficiency syndrome were prepared using an alternate-day fasting and high-fat diet combined with oral administration of Sennae Folium. During the experiment, spleen deficiency-related indicators and diarrhea-related parameters were measured. Gastric and intestinal motility(gastric emptying rate and intestinal propulsion rate) were evaluated. The levels of serum ghrelin, growth hormone(GH), gastrin(Gas), total cholesterol(TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-c), chorionic gonadotropin β(β-CG), progesterone(P), and estradiol(E_2) were measured. Intestinal barrier function in pregnant mice with spleen deficiency syndrome was assessed. Conception rate, ovarian coefficient, litter-bearing uterine coefficient, number of live fetuses, average fetal weight, and fetal length were calculated. The results showed that Yunkang Oral Solution significantly improved spleen deficiency-related indicators and diarrhea in pregnant mice with spleen deficiency syndrome, increased gastric emptying rate and intestinal propulsion rate, elevated the levels of gastrointestinal hormones(ghrelin, GH, and Gas) in the serum, and reduced lipid levels(TC and LDL-c), thereby improving lipid metabolism disorders. It also improved colonic tissue morphology, increased the number of goblet cells, and promoted the mRNA and protein expression of occludin and claudin-1 in colonic tissues, thereby alleviating intestinal barrier damage. Yunkang Oral Solution also regulated the levels of pregnancy hormones(β-CG, P, and E_2) in the serum of pregnant mice with spleen deficiency syndrome. Moreover, it increased the conception rate, ovarian coefficient, litter-bearing uterine coefficient, number of live fetuses, average fetal weight, and fetal length. These findings suggest that Yunkang Oral Solution can improve spleen deficiency-related symptoms in pregnant mice before and during pregnancy, regulate pregnancy-related hormones, and improve pregnancy outcomes.

Influence of maternal hyperglycemia on rat daughters and granddaughters

This study evaluated the influence of maternal diabetes on the reproductive outcomes of adult daughters during full-term pregnancy in rats. The local ethics committee approved all experimental protocols. The adult female pups of nondiabetic (control – CP) and diabetic (DP) mothers were subjected to mating with healthy male rats for reproductive analysis. On day 17 of pregnancy, both groups underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) to evaluate glucose tolerance. At the end of pregnancy, the rats were anesthetized for laparotomy and exposure of maternal organs. Uterine horns, ovaries, fetuses, and placentas were weighed to classify fetal weight and placental efficiency. P<0.05 was considered a statistically significant limit, and Pearson's correlation was used. Higher maternal fasting blood glucose was correlated with a lower number of live fetuses and, consequently, with a lower litter weight. Thus, maternal fasting glucose during pregnancy is a relevant biomarker related to the poor reproductive outcome of daughters of rats. Furthermore, these findings show the detrimental effects of fetal programming induced by maternal diabetes in adulthood in the subsequent generation.

Abortifacient activity of <em>Aegle marmelos</em> and <em>Laurus nobilis</em> leaf extracts

Rapid elevation of population in India is the one of the major problems, which directly influence the economy of country and may lead to poverty. Government implemented number of family planning programs through the various surgical operations (tubectomy and laproscopy) and oral contraceptives. Usage of oral contraceptive pills may lead serious complications, and may induce congenital abnormalities. The primary goal of this research is to assess the abortifacient activity in rat models of two historically used medicinal plants, Laurus nobilis L. and Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr. Restructure the paragraph as the study included 18 female wistar rats (150-200 g) and six male wistar rats (male wistar rats were used only for copulation). Female rats in proestrous phase were isolated and allowed to mate with males of proven fertility using the mass mating technique in a 3:1 ratio for an overnight. Control animals received an equivalent volume of the dosing vehicle (1% tween 80) orally. Aqueous extract of Laurus nobilis (AQLN) leaves and Ethanolic Extract of Aegle Marmelos leaves (EEAM) at doses of 175 mg/kg and 250 mg/ kg of were orally administrated daily for 10 days from day 0 of pregnancy to day 9. On day 20th of pregnancy, all the animals were sacrificed under euthanasia and the uterine horns were isolated, later they were examined for number of abortifacient sites and deformities of fetuses. The number of live fetuses in animals treated with EEAM at two doses was substantially lower in Group-4 at 175mg/kg (2.63 + 0.36) and Group-5 at 250mg/kg (1.87 + 0.40) compared to the vehicle control group (p 0.05, p 0.01). The survival ratio decreased considerably from 52.2% to 28.8% as the dose increased. Similarly, the abortion rate was higher in group 5 compared to Group-4. AQLN demonstrated to have 100% abortifacient efficacy at 250mg/kg, while EEAM has 83.3%.

High Vitamin D Level in Female Mice Increases the Number of Live Fetuses.

Little is known about the impact of high-normal range of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] on reproductive function. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different dose vitamin D supplementation in female mice on the pregnancy outcomes. Three groups of female mice were fed with fodder containing different dose of vitamin D at both pre-gestational and gestational stages. Serum 25(OH)D and calcium concentrations were monitored. The expression levels of vitamin D receptor (VDR) mRNA and protein in placenta were determined by real-time RT-PCR and western blot. Pregnancy outcomes were evaluated and compared among the three groups. Compared with the medium and low dose groups, serum 25(OH)D concentration was significantly increased and approximated to high-normal range in the high dose group (pre-gestational: 81.3±5.75 vs 52.8±6.24 and 25.0±3.99 ng/mL; gestational: 86.8±5.99 vs 52.6±9.29 and 27.9±4.96 ng/mL, respectively; all p<0.001). Interestingly, the average number of live fetuses per litter was much larger in the high dose group than in other two groups (19.8±5.31 vs 13.8±1.30 and 12.8±3.55 respectively, both p<0.05). However, no significant differences of the expression levels of VDR mRNA and protein in placenta were identified among the three groups. Supplementation of high dose vitamin D can enhance the female mice reproductive function. Further study is warranted to explore the mechanism by which high level of 25(OH)D in female mice increases the number of fetuses.

Developmental and reproduction toxicity studies of Biolimus A9 in SD rats

Biolimus A9 (BA9) is a novel rapamycin derivative. In this report we evaluated the potential toxicity of BA9 in a developmental and reproduction toxicity study (segment Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ). In segment I, body weight gains in F0 rats receiving 0.80 mg/kg/day were decreased. A lower fertility index of males was observed and females failed to become pregnant in the 0.80 mg/kg/day group. The number of live fetuses and implantations were decreased while the number of dead fetuses, resorptions, and implantation losses were increased in the 0.12 mg/kg/day group. In segment Ⅱ, maternal toxicity: body weight gains in F0 females receiving 0.036 and 0.090 mg/kg/day group were decreased. Embryo toxicity: In the 0.090 mg/kg/day group, weights and body lengths of fetuses were decreased, the numbers of viable fetuses was decreased and resorbed fetuses increased. Teratogenic effects: The percent of visceral variations and skeletal variations were both increased in the 0.090 mg/kg/day group. In segment Ⅲ, dosing F0 rats with BA9 at dose levels of 0.12 and 0.80 mg/kg/day resulted in reproductive and maternal toxicity, consisting of prolonged labor, dystocia, increased mortality, along with reductions in lactation food consumption. F1 rats in the 0.12 mg/kg/day group showed reproductive and developmental toxicity consisting of body weight decreases, decreased food consumption after weaning and a reduction in the gestation index of pregnant rats. Based on these findings, the no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) of BA9 toxicity in segment Ⅰ and Ⅲ was 0.02 mg/kg/day. The NOAEL in segment Ⅱ was 0.015 mg/kg/day.

Influence of maternal periuterine and periovarian fat on reproductive performance and fetal growth in rats.

We aimed to evaluate how high-fat diet consumption can interfere with rat reproductive performance and fetal development. High-fat diet (HFD) was initiated in 30-day-old rats, distributed into two groups (n=7 animals/group): Rats receiving a standard diet and rats receiving HFD. At adulthood, the rats were mated, and on day 21 of pregnancy, the females were anesthetized, decapitated, and submitted to laparotomy to obtain visceral and periovarian adipose tissue. The uterine horns were exposed for analysis of maternal reproductive performance. The fetuses and placentas were weighed and analyzed. Pearson's correlation test was used, and p<0.05 was considered significant. There was a significant positive correlation (HFD consumption x increased periovarian fat) and a negative correlation with the implantation, live fetus numbers and lower litter weight. Furthermore, the increased relative weight of periuterine fat was related to the lower number of live fetuses and litter weight. Regarding the fetal weight classification, there was a negative correlation between the relative weight of periovarian fat and the percentage of fetuses appropriate for gestational age and large for gestational age. Therefore, our findings show that HFD maternal intake negatively influenced on reproductive performance and fetal growth.

Ulinastatin ameliorates preeclampsia induced by N(gamma)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester in a rat model via inhibition of the systemic and placental inflammatory response.

The pathogenesis of preeclampsia (PE) is associated with inflammation and endothelial damage. Ulinastatin (UTI) mainly inhibits proteolytic activity and significantly reduces the release of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) from macrophages. It also ameliorates vascular endothelial damage in pathological conditions. Hence, we investigated the effects of UTI in a rat model of PE induced using N(gamma)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). Although inducing PE in a rat model, 5000 U/kg of UTI were injected daily. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and protein levels in the urine were measured. Renal function, and serum concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6, placental growth factor (PLGF), and von Willebrand factor (vWF) were evaluated. The number and weight of live fetuses as well as the weight of placentas were measured. Placentas were collected for western blot and pathological analysis. UTI slightly ameliorated proteinuria and the increases in SBP, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and serum creatinine. Furthermore, UTI improved serum and placental protein expression levels of TNF-α, IL-6, vWF, and PLGF. Pathological analysis revealed that vascular density and blood flow perfusion was enhanced, vessel wall thickening and neutrophil infiltration were diminished, and the weight and number of live fetuses as well as the weight of the placentas were improved with UTI. Preventive use of UTI in the PE rat model induced by L-NAME partially alleviated hypertension, proteinuria, and impaired renal function; improved fetal growth restriction; diminished vascular endothelial injury; and ameliorated placental vasculogenesis abnormality and malperfusion by inhibiting the systemic and placental inflammatory response, suggesting that UTI is a potential drug for PE prevention or treatment.

Toxicity of cadmium salts on indicators of embryogenesis of rats

Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal which is considered a dangerous environmental pollutant and has a detrimental effect on the organs of the reproductive system, the period of implantation and the development of embryos. The experiment presented in this article established the effect of cadmium salts (chloride and citrate) on the general progress of embryogenesis. For this purpose, 60 rats were randomly divided into three groups: control, experimental group with cadmium chloride exposure and experimental group with cadmium citrate exposure. Cadmium chloride solvent, cadmium citrate solvent at a dose of 1.0 mg/kg and distilled intragastric water were injected from the first to the thirteenth (first subgroup) and from the first to the twentieth days of embryogenesis (second subgroup). When cadmium chloride was injected, total embryonic (by 4.24 and 3.67 times), pre-implantation (by 6.50 and 14.03 times) and post-implantation mortality (by 3.07 and 2.49 times) increased with a reduction of the number of surviving fetuses by 24.0% and 25.9% compared with the control group on the 13th and 20th days of embryogenesis respectively. At the same time, during exposure to cadmium citrate, indicators of total embryonic mortality increased by 4.02 and 3.52 times, pre-implantation mortality by 6.04 and 13.03 times, and post-implantation mortality by 3.09 and 2.26 times, and indicators of the number of live fetuses decreased by 18.3% and 22.2% in relation to the control group. When determining the accumulation of cadmium in embryos on the 20th day of gestation, polyelement analysis of biological materials using the atomic emission method with electric arc atomization revealed a 15.83-fold increase in cadmium chloride and 9.00 times in cadmium citrate relative to the control group. Embryolethality rates increased in animals of both experimental groups while the number of live fetuses per female decreased, which indicated an obvious embryotoxic effect of cadmium compounds. It is would be useful to conduct histological studies, which will help detect changes at the tissue level and possibly explain the level of embryonic mortality.

Commelina benghalensis (Wandering Jew) Linn exhibits abortifacient potentials and hepatotoxicity in pregnant Wistar rats via elevating indicators of oxidative stress and activating proinflammatory cytokines

Ethnopharmacological relevanceCommelina benghalensis Linn is a perennial plant with upright stems reaching a height of 1 m. Its stem is commonly used to induce abortion in traditional medicine. However, there are insignificant scientific data to evaluate such a claim. Aim of the studyThe study was conducted to determine the abortifacient and toxicological potential of ethanol extract of Commelina benghalensis Linn stem (EECBS) via selected proinflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in pregnant Wistar rats. Materials and methodsTo determine the phytochemicals responsible for EECBS's toxicity and abortifacient effects, high-performance liquid chromatography–photodiode array detection (HPLC-PDA) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used. The abortion rate was determined by monitoring the markers of reproductive system failure in the experimental model. To assess rat hepatotoxicity, biochemical markers and immunohistopathological parameters were used. ResultsResults demonstrated the presence of isomeric benzene-mesitylene compounds in EECBS. Also, EECBS significantly altered the markers of liver function and oxidative damage while eliciting a significantly reduced (P < 0.05) number of live fetuses, number of corpora lutea, progesterone, estradiol, and luteinizing hormone, whereas the number of dead fetuses percentage vaginal opening, and post-implantation loss increased significantly (P < 0.05). Estrogenicity studies indicated a significant (P < 0.05) increase in uterine weight, uterine glucose, and ALP dose-dependently. Moreover, EECBS also caused a vaginal hemorrhage preceding the parturition. Also, EECBS treatment significantly increased levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and significantly elevated the expression of COX-2 protein in the liver. ConclusionThe current investigation established Commelina benghalensis Linn stem's abortifacient activity. Continuous use, on the other hand, may cause liver damage in pregnant rats by disrupting antioxidant defense mechanisms, promoting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and increasing COX-2 expression. Hence, caution should be excised while consuming this plant's stem for medication purposes, especially during the gestational period.

РАДИОПРОТЕКТОРНЫЙ ЭФФЕКТ ЭРАКОНДА НА СПЕРМАТОГЕНЕЗ ПРИ ВОЗДЕЙСТВИИ ОДНОКРАТНОГО ВНЕШНЕГО ОСТРОГО γ-ОБЛУЧЕНИЯ

Purpose: Experimental evaluation of the radioprotective effect of Erakond on spermatogenesis in BALB/c mice under external acute γ-irradiation. Material and methods: Single external γ-irradiation of males at a dose of 1 Gy was carried out at the IGUR facility (137Cs, dose rate 0.85 Gy/min). Erakond was administered orally for 6 days followed by irradiation 2 weeks later. Violation of spermatogenesis and its correction by eracondas in irradiated animals was assessed by the morphofunctional state of the testes, spermatozoa and the reproductive function of males. Results: In mice on days 16, 24, 48 after irradiation, the number of seminiferous tubules with destructive changes in the spermatogenic epithelium increases from 2.4 to 5.4; 10.2 8.3 % respectively. Erakond contributed to the reduction in the number of seminiferous tubules with destruction to 3.2; 5.1 and 3.5 % respectively. On the 24th, 48th day after irradiation, the number of spermatozoa with an abnormal head increases from 2.8 to 4.8 and 4.5 %; and tail pathology from 4.2 to 8.2 and 7.5 %, respectively, the number of live spermatozoa decreases from 58.1 to 40.5 and 20.0 %, respectively. Erakond contributed to a decrease in the number of spermatozoa with an abnormal head to 3.0; 3.5 %, with tail pathology up to 6.1; 5.3 % and an increase in the number of live sperm up to 50.8; 35.5 % respectively. In mice, on days 16, 24, and 48 after irradiation, the spermatogenea index decreased from 3.4 to 1.5; 0.9 and 2.1, respectively, Erakond contributed to an increase in the spermatogenesis index to 1.9; 2.1 and 2.9 respectively. In mice after irradiation, pre-implantation death at the stages of mature spermatozoa, spermatids, spermatocytes and spermatogonia increased from 24.1 to 41.0; 39.8 and 44.7; 42.0 %, respectively, and post-implantation death at the stages of mature sperm, spermatids, spermatocytes from 16.9; up to 26.5; 27.1 and 38.4 % respectively. The number of live fetuses per female decreased from 5.8 to 3.0; 3.9 and 3.7 respectively. Erakond statistically significantly contributed to the reduction of pre-implantation death at the stages of mature sperm, spermatids, spermatocytes and spermatogonia to 35.6; 33.4; 37.5 and 34.1, respectively, and a decrease in post-implantation death at the stages of mature sperm, spermatids and spermatocytes to 21.6; 20.5 and 28.2 respectively. Conclusion: The data obtained indicate the possible preventive use of Erakond as an effective dietary supplement for the correction of spermatogenesis disorders when exposed to ionizing radiation.

Associations between maternal vitamin D status and porcine litter characteristics throughout gestation

Emerging evidence suggests an important role of vitamin D in the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy, and the regulation of foetal growth across mammalian species. However, the temporal changes in maternal vitamin D status throughout gestation in the pig and the relationship between maternal vitamin D status and litter characteristics of interest across gestation remain poorly understood and under-investigated. The abundance of 25(OH)D in maternal plasma was quantified by HPLC–MS/MS at gestational days (GD) 18, 30, 45, 60 and 90 (n = 5–11 gilts/GD). Maternal plasma 25(OH)D concentrations significantly increased between GD18 and GD30 (P < 0.05). The relationship between maternal vitamin D metabolite concentrations and litter characteristics of interest including gilt weight, ovulation rate, mean litter weight, number of live foetuses, percentage prenatal survival, and sex ratio of the litter was assessed. Maternal 25(OH)D (P = 0.059) concentrations tended to be positively associated with percentage prenatal survival on GD60. On GD90, maternal 25(OH)D (P < 0.05) concentrations were inversely associated with gilt weight. Maternal plasma 25(OH)D concentrations were inversely associated with the percentage of male foetuses in the litter on GD90 (P < 0.05). This study has provided novel insights into temporal changes in maternal vitamin D status throughout gestation and the relationship between maternal vitamin D status and the economically important litter characteristics of gilt weight, percentage prenatal survival and percentage of male foetuses in the litter. Improving the understanding of the role of vitamin D across important developmental timepoints in relation to foetal growth is essential to improve reproductive success in livestock species.

THE IMPACT OF CHOLECALCIFEROL ON THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM FUNCTION IN RATS MALES WITH EXPERIMENTAL GONADOPATHY

Actuality. Nowadays, the disturbances of men’s reproductive function are the important problem which often accompany sex glands diseases. During last years, scientific researchers are taking into consideration vitamin D with aim to create safe medicines or treatment schemes for therapy hypofertility developed due to gonadopathies. It is thought, Vitamin D may improve not only spermogramm, but, probably, acts on men’s reproductive ability by influencing fertility. The correction of reproductive disturbances requires the experimental grounding of vitamin D and its complex schemes using on the infertility experimental models. The aim of this investigation was to determine the condition of rat males’ reproductive system with experimental damage of testicles during correction by vitamin D3. Materials and methods. The correction by vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) as a monotherapy or together with Tribestan® has been carried out in Vistar rats with experimental gonadopathy induced by Serotonin hydrochloride. The drug of comparison Tribestan® has been introduced per os in dose of 68 mg/kg body mass three days before Serotonin hydrochloride introduction; under the condition of serotonin obtaining (14 days) and during three days after its last injection once a day. Vitamin D3 has been given according to the same scheme in value of 0,5 ml in dose of 4000 IU (per os). The male fertility has been determined according to fertility and fecundity indices of rats’ females fertilized by experimental rats’ males. Due to results of mating with intact females the integral index of average realized fecundity (fertility) of rats’ males has been calculated. The researches of spermatogenesis has been carried out in epididymis’s suspension, the morphometric indices were studied on the histological sections. Results. Under the condition of serotonin induced gonadopathy the disturbance of all indices of fertility and reproductive function has been observed. The introduction of cholecalciferol as a monotherapy during three weeks has statistically increased the part of motile epididymal sperms relative to gonadopathy, but not reaching the intact animals level; the number of spermatogonia and index of spermatogenesis have been normalized. However, the vitamin D using hasn’t influenced general number and percentage of pathological forms of sperm cells in rats with modelled testicles damage; hasn’t improve males’ fertility. The introduction of vitamin D3 together with Tribestan to rats mails with serotonin induced testicles damage has positively affected all the spermogramm and gonads morphometric indices. The fecundity, as an embryonic losses level, has almost declined to Control rats’ values, whereas, the number of alive fetuses in thus group has been statistically higher than in groups with pathology as well as in those animals which obtained only cholecalciferol or referent medicine separately. The index of realized fecundity Fi has normalized in rats obtained vitamin D3 together with Tribestan. Fi in this group was higher than in other experimental animals. Conclusions. The using of cholecalciferol in complex schemes of treating of reproductive system disturbances due to gonads damage has led to improving of reproductive function and may be considered being pathogenetic therapy due to influence the different chains of reproductive health.

In vitro-Generated MDSCs Reduce the Pregnancy Complications in an Abortion-Prone Murine Model.

Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is one of the major pregnancy-related complications. The roles of different immune cells have been studied in pregnancy complications. The current study aimed to investigate myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in a murine abortion model and introduce a therapeutic approach by using in vitro-generated MDSCs in this model. CBA/J × DBA/2 (abortion prone) and CBA/J × Balb/C (normal pregnancy) mice were used. The frequency of granulocytic MDSCs, monocytic MDSCs, and Tregs was checked in the bone marrow and uteroplacental tissue of mice on three gestational days (gd9.5, gd13.5, and gd17.5) using the flow cytometry approach. MDSCs were generated in vitro from bone marrow-isolated cells using GM-CSF and IL-6 cytokines. Abortion-prone mice were injected intravenously with in vitro-generated MDSCs at gd0.5, and pregnancy outcomes were recorded in treated mice. The frequency of G-MDSCs and M-MDSCs in the bone marrow of abortion-prone mice was decreased at gd9.5 (p = 0.026 and p = 0.05, respectively). In uteroplacental tissue, the frequency of G-MDSCs was significantly lower at gd9.5 and gd13.5 (p = 0.001, p = 0.029, respectively), while M-MDSCs only showed decreased number at gd9.5 (p = 0.05) in abortion-prone mice. Injection of in vitro-generated MDSCs resulted in the increased fetus and placenta weights (p = 0.049 and p = 0.012, respectively) but showed no effect on the number of live fetuses and abortion rate. The reduced frequency of both G-MDSCs and M-MDSCs in the bone marrow and at the feto-maternal interface is associated with pregnancy complications. In vitro-generated MDSCs could be considered as a potential approach to reduce these complications.

EFFECT OF QUARTZETIN TREATMENT ON MALE REPRODUCTIVE FUNCTION UNDER CONDITIONS OF EXPERIMENTAL CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE

The aim of the study – to evaluate the effect of five-fold treatment of quercetin on thereproductive function of males in mice under conditions of experimental chronic kidneydisease (EChKD), namely: 1) the number of sperm (sperm concentration (million/ml)) andthe number of abnormal sperm (%)); and provided that such males are mated with intactfemales to assess: 2) the values of embryonic mortality before and after implantation;3) the number of live fetuses per female mouse.Materials and methods. The study was performed in two series of experiments on maleand female mice with EChKD, a model of which was created by immunizing animals withkidney homogenate.Quercetin (QUR, Sigma, USA) (50 mg / kg) was administered intraperitoneally oncedaily, five times according to the immunization schedule after the fourth immunization(the last, 3 weeks after the start of the experiment).The first series of experiments is devoted to the study of: the number of sperm (spermconcentration (million/ml)) and the number of abnormal forms of sperm.Fertile qualities of males were evaluated in the second series of experiments, afterreplanting them to intact females. Pre- and post-implantation embryonic mortality andthe number of living fetuses per female mouse have been investigated.Results. The treatment of QUR does not change the number of sperm, pre- and postimplantation embryonic mortality and the number of live newborns (pups) compared tosuch values in the control. The treatment of QUR in experimental chronic kidney disease leads to a decrease (1.60 times) in the number of abnormal sperm and the magnitude(1.37 times) of postimplantation mortality of embryos, as well as an increase (1.47 times)in the number of live newborns (pups).Conclusions. The treatment of Quercetin in experimental chronic kidney disease leads toa decrease in the number of abnormal sperm and postimplantation mortality of embryos,as well as an increase in the number of live fetuses per female.Quercetin may be recommended for the correction of spermatogenesis in chronic kidneydisease and to clarify new strategies for its treatment.

Toxicological effects of the Morinda citrifolia L. fruit extract on maternal reproduction and fetal development in rats

Morinda citrifolia L., also known as Noni, is widely used plant in folk medicine for various therapeutic purposes. However, reports on its effects during pregnancy are limited. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the M. citrifolia fruit extract on maternal performance and fetal development during pregnancy in rats. Pregnant Wistar rats (n = 12/group) were treated from gestational days (GD) 0–21 with water (control group) or the aqueous extract of M. citrifolia fruit at doses of 200, 400, or 750 mg/kg, orally. During pregnancy, clinical signs of toxicity, maternal weight, feed intake, and water consumption were noted. On GD 21, the rats were anesthetized and blood was collected to evaluate various biochemical parameters. During laparotomy, reproductive performance parameters were recorded, and fetuses were weighed and the anomalies analyzed. Reduced placental efficiency and fetal growth restriction were observed in the group treated with 400 mg/kg of M. citrifolia extract. The highest dose (750 mg/kg) augmented aspartate aminotransferase concentration and preimplantation losses, while reducing the number of live fetuses. Furthermore, both doses (400 and 750 mg/kg) of the plant extract caused fetal anomalies. In conclusion, consumption of high doses of the M. citrifolia aqueous extrac during pregnancy leads to maternal hepatotoxicity, anti-implantation effects, intrauterine growth restriction and fetal abnormalities, indicating that the plant fruit extract can be harmful to both the mother and the fetus.

Study of embryotoxic and teratogenic properties of Medicine No. 60 and evaluation of its effect on the reproductive function of rats.

Intramuscular administration of medicine No. 60 at a dose of 1.281 mg/kg (30 times the estimated highest daily dose for humans) when diluted with 1:5 saline solution to pregnant rats from Day 1 to Day 19 of pregnancy does not affect the indicators of pre- and postimplantation death of baby rats. The body weight of the rats exposed to the medicine No. 60 during the prenatal period of development did not differ from the indicators in the control group. The development of offspring in the experimental group during the entire observation period took place without deviation from the terms characteristic of the normal physiological development of animals of this species. As a result of the studies conducted, it was found that intramuscular administration of drug No. 60 at a dose of 1.281 mg/kg in a 1:10 dilution with saline solution, which was 30 times the estimated maximum daily therapeutic dose for humans, did not affect the sexual activity of animals, reproductive indicators (number of live fetuses, body weight of embryos, their craniocaudal size, number of yellow bodies, implantation sites, resorption), or the neonatal development of baby rats. Thus, there was no effect of medicine No. 60 in the test dose of 1.281 mg/kg on the reproductive function of healthy mature rats and does not exhibit embryotoxic and teratogenic activity.