Oxidative Stress In Rat Testis Research Articles

Effects of in utero benzo[a]pyrene exposure on the testis of rats during puberty and the protective effect of atorvastatin.

Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is a contaminant that is generated in the environment through processes such as smoke, incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, vehicle exhaust emissions, entry into the body is through inhalation, and consumption of contaminated food. It is an omnipresent environmental pollutant with unavoidable exposure. BaP metabolites are observed in the male reproductive system, especially in the testes and epididymis of animals, and are responsible for reduced testicular and epididymal function. The protective effect of atorvastatin (ATV) on testicular damage was investigated previously. The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of ATV on testicular toxicity induced by benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) during pregnancy in Wistar rats. This experimental laboratory study involved 40 adult rats, divided into seven groups and maintained under standard environmental conditions. The groups received different diets [control, corn oil, ATV (10 mg/kg), BaP (10 and 20 mg/kg), and ATV + BaP (10 and 20 mg/kg)] at gestation Days 7-16, orally. Male offspring were examined 10 weeks after birth. Testis and serum samples were collected, and testosterone level, malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH) were measured. Histological and immunohistochemical assays were performed under a light microscope. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS, with analysis of variance and Tukey tests to assess significant differences between groups. ATV significantly reduced MDA, a marker of lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress in rat testes following BaP administration. Treatment with ATV at doses of 10 mg/kg increased GSH levels, correcting disruptions in the antioxidant system caused by BaP. Testosterone concentration in rats treated with ATV and BaP substantially prevented the decrease induced by BaP. Histomorphometry revealed that ATV significantly prevented the detrimental effects of BaP on the thickness of spermatogenic epithelium and the diameter of seminiferous tubules. Under ATV treatment, testicular tissue histopathology improved, and spermatogenesis returned to a almost back to normal state. Caspase-3 expression decreased, and apoptosis activity in testicular tissue improved under ATV treatment, indicating a positive effect of ATV in reducing apoptotic damage caused by BaP. In conclusion, exposure to BaP can induce oxidative stress-related damage to testicular tissue, as evidenced by an increase in MDA levels, which ATV treatment can mitigate. Additionally, ATV enhances intracellular antioxidant GSH and protects the testes against BaP-induced damage while increasing testosterone levels, which are reduced due to exposure to BaP.

Protective Role of Gallic Acid with Rutin or Quercetin on Testicular Glutathione and Histopathology in Rats Exposed to Busulfan

Busulfan (BUS) is an alkylating agent used in chemotherapy that induces oxidative stress and testicular damage. This study investigates the protective effects of co-administering Gallic Acid (GAL) with Rutin (RUT) or Quercetin (QUE) against BUS-induced reductions in testicular glutathione (GSH) in Wistar rats. Thirty-two (32) male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, BUS only, BUS+GAL+RUT, and BUS+GAL+QUE. Over a 56-day treatment period, the rats were assessed for changes in GSH concentration and testicular histopathology. GSH levels were measured to evaluate oxidative stress, while histological evaluations were performed to assess spermatogenic recovery. BUS administration significantly reduced GSH concentration in the testis, indicating oxidative stress. Co-administration of GAL+RUT or GAL+ QUE reversed this decrease, restoring GSH levels to near-control values. Although there were no significant changes in testicular and body weight across groups, the histopathological analysis showed that GAL+QUE improved spermatogenesis recovery more effectively than GAL+RUT. Additionally, GAL+RUT exhibited more mature germ cells and potential for testicular repopulation. The co-administration of GAL+RUT or GAL+QUE effectively mitigates BUS-induced oxidative stress in rat testes, with GAL+QUE demonstrating superior recovery in spermatogenic function. These findings suggest that incorporating these flavonoid combinations could help reduce chemotherapy-induced testicular damage.

Testicular tissue response following a 90-day subchronic exposure to HTP aerosols and cigarette smoke in rats.

Researches have shown that chronic inhalation of cigarette smoke (CS) disrupts male reproductive system, but it is unclear about the mechanisms behind reproductive damages by tobacco toxicants in male rats. This study was designed to explore the effects of heated tobacco products (HTP) aerosols and CS exposure on the testicular health of rats. Experiments were performed on male SD rats exposed to filtered air, HTP aerosols at 10 μg/L, 23 μg/L, and 50 μg/L nicotine-equivalent contents, and also CS at 23 μg/L nicotine-equivalent content for 90 days in five exposure groups (coded as sham, HTP_10, HTP_23, HTP_50 and Cig_23). The expression of serum testosterone, testicular tissue inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α), reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA), NLRP3 inflammasome-related mRNAs and proteins (NLRP3, ASC, and Caspase-1), the degree of pyroptosis and histopathology were investigated. The results demonstrated that HTP_50 and Cig_23 caused varying degrees of oxidative damage to rat testis, resulting in a decrease of sperm quantity and serum testosterone contents, an increase in the deformity rate, expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines, and NLRP3 inflammasome-related mRNA, and an increase in the NLRP3, ASC, and Caspase-1-immunopositive cells, pyroptosis cell indices, and histopathological damage in the testes of rats. Responses from the HTP_10 and HTP_23 groups were less than those found in the above two exposure groups. These findings indicate that HTP_50 and Cig_23 induced oxidative stress in rat testes, induced inflammation and pyroptosis through the ROS/NLRP3/Caspase-1 pathway, and destroyed the integrity of thetesticular tissue structure.

The effect of quercetin on the morphogenesis of the interstitial space in the testes of rats after 90 days with central blockade of luteinizing hormone

Leydig cells are responsible for the production of testosterone in the male testicles when stimulated by luteinizing hormone (LH). Dysfunction of Leydig cells, which occurs during inflammation or oxidative stress, is one of the main causes of male infertility. The purpose of the study is to determine the effect of quercetin on the microscopic organization of rat testes, nitric oxide production and the intensity of oxidative stress in rat testes on the 90th day of the experiment, during the experimental central deprivation of LH synthesis caused by the administration of triptorelin acetate solution. The experiment was conducted on 20 sexually mature male white rats. Rats were divided into 2 groups of 10 animals in each group: control group (I), group with central deprivation of LH + quercetin synthesis (II). Animals from the group with central blockade of LH synthesis were injected subcutaneously with triptorelin acetate at a dose of 0.3 mg of the active substance per kg and quercetin at 100 mg per kg of body weight 3 times a week, while the control group was injected with saline. Our study of the interstitial space in the testes of white rats showed heterogeneity of macrophage populations and variability of structural and functional parameters. Central blockade of LH synthesis by the administration of treptorelin with the parallel administration of quercitin to the studied animals on the 90th day of the experiment causes changes in the structure of the interstitial space of rat testes, which is characterized by high variability both in the populations of interstitial endocrinocytes and macrophages. Biochemical indicators on the 90th day of the experiment indicate an increase in NO production in conditions of central blocking of the synthesis of luteinizing hormone by more than three times, which is ensured by the activity of the inducible isoform of NOS (iNOS). At the same time, the increase in the activity of iNOS with a decrease in the activity of the arginase pathway leads to the polarization of macrophages according to the pro-inflammatory type. The introduction of quercetin protects the testicular tissue of rats from oxidative damage caused by the administration of triptorelin on the 90th day of the experiment by increasing antioxidant protection and reducing reactive oxygen species in the tissue.

Extract-mediated biosynthesis and characterization of gold nanoparticles: Exploring their protective effect against cyclophosphamide-induced oxidative stress in rat testis

The biosynthesis method is essential for minimizing toxic by-products caused by conventional nanoparticle synthesis. Adding a surface biological coating to gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) makes them durable, adaptable, and cost-effective. Herein, Nasturtium officinale leaf extract was used as a reducing and stabilizing agent. UV–vis spectrophotometer, X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and Zeta potential methods were employed to assess the nanoparticles' formation, crystallinity, size, shape, and surface charge properties. Spherical AuNPs were produced with an average size of 64 nm and demonstrated dose-dependent DPPH scavenging property. To achieve the non-toxic dose of the AuNPs, the MTT assay and AO/PI were performed on the rat bone marrow cells. The co-administration of AuNPs and cyclophosphamide intraperitoneally prevented testicular damages in male rats. In cyclophosphamide-induced gonadotoxicity, the AuNPs' cytoprotective effect was depicted by its reversal of hormonal and morphological alterations toward normality. A reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis was accomplished on apoptotic genes' expression (caspase-3, caspase-9, Bax, Bcl2) to confirm that the biosynthesized nanoparticles could act as a fascinating antioxidant and exert protective effects against apoptosis. These positive results can provide a rational and potential source for a novel conjugation system of chemotherapy drugs with AuNPs in cancer treatment with fewer side effects.

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Cisplatin (CP) is a highly efficient remedy in cancer treatment, but it adversely affects the testicular tissue. This work assessed the ameliorative efficacy of Lcarnitine (LC) against CP induced oxidative stress in rat testis, via investigating testosterone level and tissue oxidative/antioxidant parameters, histological alterations, and immunohistochemical expressions of intermediate filaments (IFs) proteins; vimentin (VIM) and cytokeratin 18 (CK18). Twenty-eight rats were assigned into four groups (7 rats each) as follows; groups I and II received saline and LC (100 mg/kg b.wt.) respectively orally once daily for 30 days; group III were injected with a single dose of CP (7.5 mg/kg, IP), 27 days after starting the experiment. Group IV received both LC and CP. Injection of CP significantly decreased serum testosterone and glutathione reductase and catalase in the testicular tissues and elevated malondialdehyde. Histologically, testes of the CP treated group revealed marked degenerative changes. Also, overexpression of both VIM and CK18 in testicular tissues were recorded. However, the administration of LC with CP restored the biochemical parameters, histological and immunohistochemical pictures towards the normalcy. Accordingly, LC is recommended as a supplement with chemotherapy to ameliorate its oxidative stress. This is the first study investigating the immunohistochemical expressions of IFs proteins, VIM and CK18, following administration of LC as a protective agent against CP induced testicular toxicity in rats

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Melatonin protects methotrexate-induced testicular injury in rats.

Melatonin possesses anti-inflammation and anti-oxidant potentials. However, whether NF-E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) pathway are involved in the protective effect of melatonin are unknown. We aim to explore the regulatory effect of melatonin on methotrexate-induced testicular injury. Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned in sham group, methotrexate group and melatonin group, with 8 rats in each group. Testis tissues were collected 10 days after animal procedures. Pathological lesions and cell apoptosis in testis tissues were evaluated using HE (hematoxylin and eosin) staining and TUNEL assay, respectively. Oxidative stress in rat testis was accessed using relative commercial kits. Western blot was performed to detect protein expressions of relative genes in Nrf2 pathway and NF-κB pathway in rat testis tissues. Activities of SOD, GSH, CAT and T-AOC in testis homogenate in melatonin group were remarkably higher than those of methotrexate group (p < 0.05). On the contrary, levels of MDA, ROS and inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and KC-GRO) were markedly decreased after melatonin treatment. Besides, melatonin group showed alleviated pathological lesions and cell apoptosis in testis. Western blot results demonstrated that melatonin treatment upregulated expressions of Nrf2, GSR, GCLm, HO-1 and NQO-1 in testis. However, protein expressions of NF-κB, TNF-α, VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and MCP-1 were downregulated. Melatonin protects methotrexate-induced testicular damage in rats by improving antioxidant capacity and inhibiting inflammatory response via Nrf2 and NF-κB pathways.

P,p\u2019-DDT induces testicular oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in adult rats

BackgroundThe 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethane (p,p’-DDT) is a known persistent organic pollutant and male reproductive toxicant. The present study is designed to test the hypothesis that oxidative stress mediates p,p’-DDT-induced apoptosis in testis.MethodsMale Wistar rats received an intraperitoneal (ip) injection of the pesticide at doses of 50 and 100mg/kg for 10 consecutive days. The oxidative stress was evaluated by biomarkers such lipid peroxidation (LPO) and metallothioneins (MTs) levels. Antioxidant enzymes activities was assessed by determination of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production. In addition, glutathione-dependent enzymes and reducing power in testis was evaluated by glutathione peroxidase (Gpx), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities and reduced and oxidized glutathione (GSH - GSSG) levels. Apoptosis was evaluated by DNA fragmentation detected by agarose gel electrophoresis. Germinal cells apoptosis and the apoptotic index was assessed through the TUNEL assay.ResultsAfter 10 days of treatment, an increase in LPO level and H2O2 production occurred, while MTs level, SOD and CAT activities were decreased. Also, the Gpx, GR, GST, and GSH activities were decreased, whereas GSSG activity was increased. Testicular tissues of treated rats showed pronounced degradation of the DNA into oligonucleotides as seen in the typical electrophoretic DNA ladder pattern. Intense apoptosis was observed in germinal cells of DDT-exposed rats. In addition, the apoptotic index was significantly increased in testis of DDT-treated rats.ConclusionsThese results clearly suggest that DDT sub-acute treatment causes oxidative stress in rat testis leading to apoptosis.

Mechanisms of chromium hexavalent-induced apoptosis in rat testes.

Hexavalent chromium (CrVI)-containing compounds, present in industrial settings and in the environment, are known as carcinogens and mutagens. The present study is designed to test the hypothesis that oxidative stress mediates CrVI-induced apoptosis in testis. Male Wistar rats received an intraperitoneal injection of potassium dichromate at doses of 1 and 2 mg kg-1. Superoxide anion production was assessed by the determination of the reduction of cytochrome c and iodonitrotetrazolium, lipid peroxidation (LPO), metallothioneins (MTs), and catalase (CAT) activity. Apoptosis was evaluated by DNA fragmentation detected by agarose gel electrophoresis. Germinal cells apoptosis was detected by toluidine blue staining. The expression of Bax and Bcl-2 proteins (Pts) was also investigated. After 15 days of treatment, an increase of LPO and MT levels occurred, while CAT activity was decreased. Testicular tissues of treated rats showed pronounced degradation of the DNA into oligonucleotides as seen in the typical electrophoretic DNA ladder pattern. Intense apoptosis was observed in germinal cells of Cr-exposed rats. Bax Pt expression was induced in spermatogonia and spermatocytes cells of CrVI-treated rats. In contrast, Bcl-2 Pt was occasionally observed in germ cells of CrVI-exposed rats. These results clearly suggest that CrVI subacute treatment causes oxidative stress in rat testis leading to apoptosis.

Regucalcin counteracts tert-butyl hydroperoxide and cadmium-induced oxidative stress in rat testis.

Regucalcin (RGN) is a calcium (Ca2+ )-binding protein with multiple physiological roles and has also been linked to the suppression of oxidative stress. It is widely known that oxidative stress adversely affects spermatogenesis, disrupting the development of germ cells, and interfering with sperm function. The present study aims to analyze the role of RGN modulating testicular oxidative stress. To address this issue, seminiferous tubules (SeT) from transgenic rats overexpressing RGN (Tg-RGN) and wild-type (WT) were cultured ex vivo for 24 h in the presence/absence of pro-oxidant stimuli, tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP, 250 and 500 μM) and cadmium chloride (Cd, 10 and 20 μM). Noteworthy, SeT from Tg-RGN animals displayed a significantly higher antioxidant capacity and diminished levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances relatively to their WT counterparts, both in control and experimental conditions. Regarding the antioxidant defense systems, a significant increase in the activity of glutathione-S-transferase was found in the SeT of Tg-RGN whereas no differences were observed in superoxide dismutase activity throughout experimental conditions. The activity of apoptosis executioner caspase-3 was significantly increased in the SeT of WT rats treated with 250 μM of TBHP or 10 μM of Cd, an effect not seen in Tg-RGN animals. These results showed that the SeT of Tg-RGN animals displayed lower levels of oxidative stress and increased antioxidant defenses, exhibiting protection against oxidative damage and apoptosis. Moreover, the present findings support the antioxidant role of RGN in spermatogenesis, which may be an important issue of further research in the context of male infertility. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Comparative Evaluation of Antioxidative Properties and Effects of Aqueous Extracts of Cola Nitida and Vitex Doniana on Fe2+ - Generated Oxidative Stress in Rat Testes in Vitro

Male sexual dysfunction (MSD) might be produced by multifactorial determinants which include psychological disorders, androgen deficiencies, chronic medical conditions, vascular insufficiency, penile disease, pelvic surgery, neurological disorders, drugs, life style, aging and systemic diseases. This study sought to assess the antioxidant properties of the water-extractable component of the leaves of Black plum (Vitex doniana) and bark of Kola nut (Cola nitida),evaluate their effect on pro-oxidant generated lipid peroxidation in rat’s testes; and examine the effect on arginase which is among the major enzymes associated with Erectile dysfunction. The results of the total phenol, total flavonoid of aqueous extracts of Cola nitida and Vitex doniana revealed that Cola nitida (10.64 mgGAE/g) had significantly (P<0.05) more total phenol content than Vitex doniana (4.68 mgGAE/g). The result also revealed that Vitex doniana (2.1 mgQE/g) had significantly (P<0.05) higher total flavonoid content than Cola nitida (1.3 mgQE/g). Also, Vitex doniana (20.24 mgAEE/g) had significantly (p<0.05) higher reducing property than Cola nitida (17.43 mgAEE/g). The results of the 2, 2’-azino-bis (3-ethylbenthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS*) radical mopping up capacity of the water extractable component of Vitex doniana and Cola nitida also showed that the extracts are able to scavenge ABTS* radicals, however, Vitex doniana (1.8 Mmol TEAC/100g) had significantly (P<0.05) higher ABTS* mopping up capability than Cola nitida (1.2 Mmol TEAC/100g). Furthermore, the DPPH* result revealed that Cola nitida and Vitex doniana extracts scavenged DPPH* radicals in a concentration-dependent pattern. However, Vitex doniana (IC50 = 1.28mg/ml) had a significantly (P<0.05) higher DPPH* mopping up capability than Cola nitida (IC50 = 0.83 mg/ml). Both extracts were able to inhibit FeSO4-generated lipid peroxidation at a dose-dependent manner; however, Vitex doniana (IC50 = 1.07 mg/ml) had a higher inhibitory action of Fe2+ induced lipid peroxidation than Cola nitida (IC50 = 1.01 mg/ml). Vitex doniana (IC50 = 0.38mg/ml) has the higher arginase inhibitory activity than Cola nitida (IC50 = 0.34mg/ml). High phenolic content and strong antioxidant properties could be part of the mechanisms through which the water extractable phytochemicals of Cola nitida (bark) and Vitex doniana (leaves) exhibits its preventive measure of erectile function. However, Vitex doniana displayed a stronger effect on Male reproductive function than Cola nitida.

Hepatotoxicity, Nephrotoxicity and Oxidative Stress in Rat Testis Following Exposure to Haloxyfop-p-methyl Ester, an Aryloxyphenoxypropionate Herbicide.

Haloxyfop-p-methyl ester (HPME) ((R)-2-{4-[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridyloxy]phenoxy}propionic acid), is a selective aryloxyphenoxypropionate (AOPP) herbicide. It exerts phytotoxicity through inhibition of lipid metabolism and induction of oxidative stress in susceptible plants. This study investigated the toxicological potentials of HPME in rats. Twenty-four male Wistar rats (170–210 g) were randomized into four groups (I–IV). Group I (control) received 1 mL of distilled water, while animals in Groups II, III and IV received 6.75, 13.5 and 27 mg/kg body weight HPME, respectively, for 21 days. There was a significant (p < 0.05) increase in renal and hepatic function biomarkers (urea, creatinine, total bilirubin, ALP, ALT, AST) in the plasma of treated animals compared to control. Levels of testicular antioxidants, ascorbic acid and glutathione, and activities of glutathione-S-transferase, superoxide dismutase and catalase were reduced significantly after 21 days of HPME administration in a dose-dependent manner. The testicular malondialdehyde level increased significantly in the HPME-treated rats relative to the control. A significant decrease in testicular lactate dehydrogenase, acid phosphatase and γ-glutamyl transferase was also observed in HPME-treated animals. Testicular histology revealed severe interstitial edema and sections of seminiferous tubules with necrotic and eroded germinal epithelium in the HPME-treated rats. Overall, data from this study suggest that HPME altered hepatic and renal function and induced oxidative stress and morphological changes in the testis of rats.

Aqueous extracts of ripe red pepper and tomato fruits inhibit Fe2+-induced oxidative stress in rat testes and kidney

Objective: Tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) and red pepper fruits (Capsicum annuum L) are important vegetables usually consumed as vegetable foods, as the spice added to food fresh, dried, refined, ground, and as the principal or incidental ingredient in sauces. This study sought to investigate the inhibitory effect of the aqueous extract of ripe tomato and red pepper fruits on Fe2+-induced lipid peroxidation in rat testes and kidney. Methods: The aqueous extract of ripe tomatoes and red pepper were prepared. Then, the total phenolic content and the antioxidant activities of the extracts were evaluated using various spectrophotometric methods. Result: The aqueous extract of tomato had the highest total phenolic, flavonoid and vitamin C contents, as well as 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and hydroxyl radical scavenging ability while the Fe2+ chelating ability of the two extracts were almost the same. Furthermore, the two extracts caused a significant decrease in the malondialdehyde contents in testes and kidney with aqueous extract of tomato having the highest inhibitory effect on Fe2+-induced lipid peroxidation. Conclusion: This protective effect of the extracts on Fe2+-induced lipid peroxidation in rat testes and kidney could be attributed to their phenolic compounds and, the possible mechanism may be through their antioxidant activities. Therefore, ripe tomato and red pepper seem to have potential for the management/prevention of Fe2+-induced oxidative stress in the testes and kidney; among both, ripe tomato presented a greater ability than ripe red pepper.

Protective effects of melatonin against arsenic-induced apoptosis and oxidative stress in rat testes

This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of melatonin against arsenic-induced apoptosis and oxidative stress in rat testes. A total of 27 male rats were divided into 3 groups: control (saline: 5 ml kg(-1) day(-1), intragastrically), arsenic (sodium arsenite (NaAsO2): 5 mg kg(-1) day(-1), intragastrically), and arsenic + melatonin (sodium arsenite (NaAsO2): 5 mg kg(-1) day(-1), intragastrically and melatonin: 25 mg kg(-1) day(-1), intraperitoneally) group. At the end of 30 days, the rats were killed under anesthesia. Histopathological examination showed that testicular injury mediated by arsenic was ameliorated by the administration of melatonin. The number of apoptotic germ cell was increased, and the number of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-positive germ cell was decreased in testis after arsenic administration. Our data indicate a significant reduction in the activity of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling, and there was a rise in the expression of PCNA in testis of arsenic + melatonin group. The decreased superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities as well as increased malondialdehyde levels in testis due to arsenic administration were also counteracted by melatonin. These data suggested that melatonin has beneficial effects against arsenic-induced testicular damage by decreasing morphological damage, germ cell apoptosis, lipid peroxidation, and oxidative stress. Our results suggest that melatonin plays a protective role against arsenic-induced testicular apoptosis and oxidative stress.

Blueberries prevent the effect of intermittent hypobaric hypoxia in rat epididymis

Intermittent hypobaric hypoxia (IHH) induced a decrease in sperm count and oxidative damage in epididymis. We have previously demonstrated that a blueberry-enriched polyphenol extract (BB-4) reduced the adverse effects of oxidative stress in rat testis under hypobaric hypoxia. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether BB-4 could reverse oxidative stress in epididymis. To evaluate the protective role of BB-4 in epididymis, male rats were exposed to IHH. Lipid peroxidation, (LPO) expression and activity of glutathione reductase (GR) were evaluated. Our results showed a reduction in LPO and a decrease in GR activity in rat epididymis exposed to IHH. These results suggest that BB-4 can prevent the effects of IHH in rat epididymis.

The prophylactic effect of vitamin C on induced oxidative stress in rat testis following exposure to 900 MHz radio frequency wave generated by a BTS antenna model

Radio frequency wave (RFW) generated by base transceiver station (BTS) has been reported to make deleterious effects on reproduction, possibly through oxidative stress. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of RFW generated by BTS on oxidative stress in testis and the prophylactic effect of vitamin C by measuring the antioxidant enzymes activity, including glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase, and malondialdehyde (MDA). Thirty-two adult male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into four experimental groups and treated daily for 45 days as follows: sham, sham+vitamin C (l-ascorbic acid 200 mg/kg of body weight/day by gavage), RFW (exposed to 900 MHz RFW) ‘sham’ and ‘RFW’ animals were given the vehicle, i.e., distilled water and the RFW+vitamin C group (received vitamin C in addition to exposure to RFW). At the end of the experiment, all the rats were sacrificed and their testes were removed and used for measurement of antioxidant enzymes and MDA activity. The results indicate that exposure to RFW in the test group decreased antioxidant enzymes activity and increased MDA compared with the control groups (p < 0.05). In the treated group, vitamin C improved antioxidant enzymes activity and reduced MDA compared with the test group (p < 0.05). It can be concluded that RFW causes oxidative stress in testis and vitamin C improves the antioxidant enzymes activity and decreases MDA.

N-acetyl cysteine attenuates diazinon exposure-induced oxidative stress in rat testis

The aim of this study was to investigate the gonadotoxic effects of diazinon and its mechanism of action with special reference to its possible reactive oxygen species generating potential in rat testis and the protective effect of N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) on the exposure of diazinon. The vehicle was given orally to the control group and NAC, diazinon, combination of NAC and diazinon were given to three treatment groups for 4weeks. Testis lipid peroxidation levels were higher in diazinon group than in control although lipid peroxidation levels were lower in diazinon+NAC group than in diazinon group. The reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were lower in diazinon group than in control and NAC group although its levels were higher in diazinon+NAC group than in diazinon group. Vitamin C, Vitamin E and β-carotene concentrations were also lower in diazinon group than in control and NAC groups. Vitamin E and β-carotene concentrations were higher in diazinon+NAC group than diazinon group. Glutathione peroxidase activity and vitamin A concentrations in the testis did not show any difference between the four groups. In conclusion, we observed that NAC treatment modulated diazinon-induced oxidative injury in the rat testis. These findings suggest that NAC supplementation can be useful in testis oxidative injury caused by the organophosphate insecticides.

Short-term levosimendan treatment protects rat testes against oxidative stress

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of short-term levosimendan exposure on oxidant/antioxidant status and trace element levels in the testes of rats under physiological conditions. Twenty male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into two groups of 10 animals each. Group 1 was not exposed to levosimendan and served as control. Levosimendan (12 µg/kg) diluted in 10 mL 0.9% NaCl was administered intraperitoneally to group 2. Animals of both groups were sacrificed after 3 days and their testes were harvested for the determination of changes in tissue oxidant/antioxidant status and trace element levels. Tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) was significantly lower in the levosimendan group (P < 0.001) than in the untreated control group and superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels were significantly higher in the levosimendan group (P < 0.001). Carbonic anhydrase, catalase and GSH levels were not significantly different from controls. Mg and Zn levels of testes were significantly higher (P < 0.001) and Co, Pb, Cd, Mn, and Cu were significantly lower (P < 0.001) in group 2 compared to group 1. Fe levels were similar for the two groups (P = 0.94). These results suggest that 3-day exposure to levosimendan induced a significant decrease in tissue MDA level, which is a lipid peroxidation product and an indicator of oxidative stress, and a significant increase in the activity of an important number of the enzymes that protect against oxidative stress in rat testes.

Antioxidant role of propolis extract against oxidative damage of testicular tissue induced by insecticide chlorpyrifos in rats

Pesticides induce oxidative stress leading to generate free radicals and alternate the antioxidant or oxygen free radical scavenging enzyme system. This study was conducted to investigate the oral toxicity of chlorpyrifos toward male rat and the oxidative stress of the sub-lethal dose (9mg/kg; 1/25 LD50) on the lipid peroxidation level (LPO), reduced glutathione content (GSH) and antioxidant enzymes; catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities of testicular tissue. Also, the protective effects of propolis extract (50mg/kgb.w.) alone or in combination with chlorpyrifos were investigated. The oral administration of chlorpyrifos significantly caused elevation in LPO level by 1.79-fold as compared to control. The activities of antioxidant enzymes including CAT, SOD, GPx and GST were decreased significantly (23.66%, 27.75%, 29.13% and 11.52%) as well as the level of GSH decreased by 21.97% in testicular tissue as compared to control animals. Co-administration of propolis extract with chlorpyrifos or alone in male rats decreased LPO level, normalized CAT, SOD GPx and GST activities, while GSH content was increased in testicular tissue. We conclude that propolis extract significantly reduces chlorpyrifos-induced oxidative stress in rat testis and the protective effect of the pre-treatment with propolis extract as attenuating agent could be due to its antioxidant properties.