Profertility Effects Research Articles

Pro-fertility effect of Ficus carica fruit extract in streptozotocin-induced male rats

Objective: To explore the impact of Ficus carica fruit aqueous extract on fertility parameters in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced male rats. Methods: Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four different groups. All groups except a normal control group were induced with 50 mg/kg of streptozotocin (STZ) intravenously to induce diabetes. A positive control group was treated with an antidiabetic drug, metformin (500 mg/kg) whereas a negative control group remained untreated throughout the experiment. Meanwhile, another diabetic rat group received treatment with 400 mg/kg of aqueous Ficus carica fruit extract. Rats in the treatment group were administered Ficus carica fruit aqueous extract daily through force-feeding via oral gavage for a 21-day period. Assessments included the sperm quality (count, motility and morphology), histology of the testes, serum testosterone and fasting blood glucose (FBG) level. Results: The FBG level of the Ficus carica-treated rats exhibited a significant decrease compared to the negative control group (P<0.05). Sperm quality analysis also indicated that the aqueous Ficus carica extract had significant positive effects on sperm count and motility (P<0.05). The histology of the testes in Ficus carica- treated rats revealed an improved cell arrangement in the germinal cell layer. Furthermore, serum testosterone level showed an increment in the Ficus carica treatment group in comparison to the negative control group. Conclusions: Our findings provide compelling evidence for the pro-fertility and anti-hyperglycemic properties of aqueous Ficus carica fruit extract in diabetic-induced male rats.

Treatment of Mouse Sperm with a Non-Catalytic Mutant of PLA2G10 Reveals That PLA2G10 Improves In Vitro Fertilization through Both Its Enzymatic Activity and as Ligand of PLA2R1.

The group X secreted phospholipase A2 (PLA2G10) is present at high levels in mouse sperm acrosome. The enzyme is secreted during capacitation and amplifies the acrosome reaction and its own secretion via an autocrine loop. PLA2G10 also improves the rate of fertilization. In in vitro fertilization (IVF) experiments, sperm from Pla2g10-deficient mice produces fewer two-cell embryos, and the absence of PLA2G10 is rescued by adding recombinant enzymes. Moreover, wild-type (WT) sperm treated with recombinant PLA2G10 produces more two-cell embryos. The effects of PLA2G10 on mouse fertility are inhibited by sPLA2 inhibitors and rescued by products of the enzymatic reaction such as free fatty acids, suggesting a role of catalytic activity. However, PLA2G10 also binds to mouse PLA2R1, which may play a role in fertility. To determine the relative contribution of enzymatic activity and PLA2R1 binding in the profertility effect of PLA2G10, we tested H48Q-PLA2G10, a catalytically-inactive mutant of PLA2G10 with low enzymatic activity but high binding properties to PLA2R1. Its effect was tested in various mouse strains, including Pla2r1-deficient mice. H48Q-PLA2G10 did not trigger the acrosome reaction but was as potent as WT-PLA2G10 to improve IVF in inbred C57Bl/6 mice; however, this was not the case in OF1 outbred mice. Using gametes from these mouse strains, the effect of H48Q-PLA2G10 appeared dependent on both spermatozoa and oocytes. Moreover, sperm from C57Bl/6 Pla2r1-deficient mice were less fertile and lowered the profertility effects of H48Q-PLA2G10, which were completely suppressed when sperm and oocytes were collected from Pla2r1-deficient mice. Conversely, the effect of WT-PLA2G10 was not or less sensitive to the absence of PLA2R1, suggesting that the effect of PLA2G10 is polymodal and complex, acting both as an enzyme and a ligand of PLA2R1. This study shows that the action of PLA2G10 on gametes is complex and can simultaneously activate the catalytic pathway and the PLA2R1-dependent receptor pathway. This work also shows for the first time that PLA2G10 binding to gametes’ PLA2R1 participates in fertilization optimization.

Effect of the Aqueous Stem Bark Extract of <i>Schumanniophyton magnificum</i> on Reproductive Functions on Wistar Strain Mature Female Rats

In recent years, the rate of infertility has not stopped increasing in the world. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the aqueous extract of Schumanniophyton magnificum (Rubiaceae) on cyclicity, ovulation and gestation in mature rats. Methods: After a qualitative phytochemical analysis of these aqueous extracts, the experimental studies carried out were based on the evaluation of the pro-fertility effects of this extract in mature rats. For this purpose, 35 rats were used for the estrous cyclicity test and treated for 21 days at the end of which vaginal smears were taken and the duration, as well as the frequency of the appearance of the phases of the cycle, were evaluated. The ovulation test was performed on 80 female rats, which were divided into two groups of 40 animals and treated respectively in the morning and evening with distilled water, β-oestradiol or plant extract at doses of 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg. At the end of estrus, the rats were sacrificed, the ovaries were removed and weighed, the hemorrhagic points counted and the blood samples were taken for hormonal studies. The last phase of the study consisted in evaluating the effects of these plant extracts on the evolution of gestation. Thus, 42 mature rats were treated during the periods from the 1st to the 10th day (1st stage), and from the 11th to the 17th day (2nd stage). At the end of these two phases, a laparotomy was performed and the number of implantation sites and corpus luteum was counted. And finally, at parturition, from the 18th to the 22nd day (3rd stage), the number of living pups was performed and the gestational parameters were calculated. Results: Administration at the beginning of prœstrus allowed a significant increase (p S. magnificum extract. On the other hand, a significant decrease in progesterone levels (p S. magnificum at doses of 200, 800 mg/kg (p S. magnificum when compared to the control (23 ± 0.16 d). Conclusion: It appears from all these investigations that the aqueous extract of S. magnificum promotes fertility in the rat but represents a danger for the good development of gestation. All these results obtained would be closely related to the presence of certain chemical compounds contained in these various extracts; which would justify their use in traditional medicine for the treatment of certain cases of female infertility in Cameroon.

Effect of Methotrexate on Reproductive Function in Female Wistar Rats

This study was designed to investigate the effect of methotrexate on reproductive function in female Wistar rats. Eighteen female rats (120 – 160 g) were used for the estrous cycle and histopathological studies. Methotrexate (0.071 mg/kg) was administered orally on daily basis for 21 and 50 days respectively for the estrous cycle and histological studies. Estrous cycle was carried out using the technique of Marcondes et al., histologies of the ovaries and uteri were also carried out. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and student’s t-test at p=0.05. Treatment of rats for 21 days with methotrexate (0.071 mg/kg) produced significant (p<0.05) reductions in the proestrous and estrous phase of the estrous cycle as well as significant (p<0.05) increments in the metestrous and diestrous phases of the estrous cycle relative to their respective controls. The histopathological study revealed that treatment of rats with methotrexate (0.071 mg/kg) for 50 days presented with ovarian medullary part that is congested and oedematous as well as with multiple foci of hemorrhage within the endometria. It can therefore be concluded that that methotrexate probably has dominant pro-fertility effect, but also probably induced deleterious effects on the ovaries and uteri in female Wistar rats.

Pro-fertility effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Psidium guajava leaves in female Wistar rats

Pro-fertility effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Psidium guajava leaves in female Wistar rats

THE ROLE OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF SYZYGIUM CUMINI STEM BARK ON FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM IN WISTAR RATS

Background: The medicinal plant's role is well established in folklore medicine in India. Among numerous health complications, infertility is a crucial condition that bothers modern society. The traditional practitioners are using various parts of plants to overcome infertility in women. One such plant is Syzygium cumini (stem bark), used by traditional practitioners for pro-fertility in females without the scientific literature endorsing the fact. Material and Methods: Wistar rats approximately six months age and weighing 190-210 g were used for the experimental study. The rats were treated with 500 mg/kg body weight of Syzygium cumini stem bark ethanol extract with a vehicle through oral administration. The ether anaesthesia was given on the day of sacrifice and noted the body weight. The ovaries were carefully dissected, cleaned, weighed and processed for histological studies. Results: The body and ovarian weights were slightly increased in the treated group but not statistically significant. The microscopic structure of the ovary showed a normal histo-architecture. The ovarian corpora lutea number increased and was statistically significant in the treated group when compared to control. Conclusions: So, from the present study, it can be concluded that the ethanolic extract of stem bark of Syzygium cumini brings about the pro-fertility effect on the female reproductive system in Wistar rats. KEY WORDS: Estrous cycle, Hormones, Reproductive system, Syzygium cumini.

Alleviation of Fertility Disorders Based on Probiotics Induced Immune System Improvement: A Review.

Infertility is a worldwide problem affecting a large percentage of the population. Several products and techniques have been adopted to alleviate infertility condition, but the most recent and promising result was obtained through supplementation of probiotics. Continuous research on probiotics opened up a previously unknown area of its role as a modern medicine in improving fertility. New research findings suggest a profertility effect of several probiotics strains through alleviation of various fertility based disorders and modulation of the immune system. The goal of this review is to cover all the major fertility based disorders, particularly highlighting the role of probiotics in improving fertility through alleviation of such fertility based disorders.

Profertility effects of Shilajit on cadmium-induced infertility in male mice.

Shilajit is claimed as a Vajikarak (aphrodisiac) and used for the treatment of male infertility by traditional healers of the Indian subcontinent. Therefore, the present investigation was designed to assess the effectiveness of Shilajit for treatment of male infertility resulting from exposure to perilous chemicals. Effect of daily oral administration (p.o.) of Shilajit (50mg, 100mg and 200mg/Kg BW) was investigated for a single spermatogenic cycle (35days) in cadmium-induced (2mg/Kg BW, p.o. for 35days) infertile adult (12-14week) swiss male mice. Shilajit treatment increased weights of reproductive organs, testicular daily sperm production, activities of testicular Δ5 3β-HSD and 17 β-HSD enzymes and serum level of testosterone. Histopathological evaluation of testis revealed that Shilajit restored spermatogenesis as reflected by a gradual augmentation in germ cell layers with increased doses of Shilajit compared to cadmium-treated mice. Further, Shilajit treatment reverted back the adverse effects of cadmium on motility and concentration of spermatozoa. Secretory activities of the epididymis and seminal vesicle and libido, fertility and the number of litters per female were also improved by Shilajit in cadmium-treated mice. Results thus suggest the potent androgenic nature of Shilajit and its role in fertility improvement against cadmium-induced infertility.

Gynura procumbens Improved Fertility of Diabetic Rats: Preliminary Study of Sperm Proteomic.

Gynura procumbens (GP) is a medicinal herb that has long been known as anti-inflammatory and antihyperglycaemic. Recently, this herbal extract has been associated with a profertility effect, suggesting its applicability in treating both diabetes and male infertility. In this study, the effects of GP aqueous extract (GPAE) on diabetic rats were investigated through evaluating testes histology and androgen hormone levels as well as the implantation sites of female rats on copulation with the treated male rats. Three dosages of GPAE were used (150, 300, and 450 mg/kg), and there were three control groups [normal, diabetic, and metformin-treated diabetic]. Testes histology, androgen hormone levels, and number of implantation sites of the GPAE-treated groups matched those of the normal group in contrast to the diabetic and metformin-treated diabetic controls. Sperm proteomics analysis identified 666 proteins, but only 88 were consistently found in all the control and 450-mg/kg GPAE-treated groups. Four proteins, including cysteine-rich secretory protein 1, carboxylesterase 5A, zona pellucida binding protein, and phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein 1, were significantly upregulated with GPAE treatment compared with the diabetic control, matching the protein levels of the normal group. These proteins were mainly involved in sperm maturation, sperm capacitation, and sperm-egg interaction, suggesting that GP treatment was able to restore the fertility of male diabetic rats at molecular protein level. In conclusion, GP treatment effectively treats infertility of male diabetic rats, possibly through the upregulation of proteins related to sperm maturation and sperm-egg interaction.

Evaluation of profertility effect of probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum 2621 in a murine model.

Background & objectives:Urogenital infections of bacterial origin have a high incidence among the female population at reproductive age, affecting the fertility. Strains of Escherichia coli can colonize the vagina and replace natural microflora. Lactobacillus the predominant vaginal microorganism in healthy women, maintains the acidic vaginal pH which inhibits pathogenic microorganisms. Studies on Lactobacillus have shown that these can inhibit E. coli growth and vaginal colonization. An alternative therapeutic approach to antimicrobial therapy is to re-establish Lactobacillus in this microbiome through probiotic administration to resurge fertility. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine the capability of L. plantarum 2621 strain with probiotic properties, to prevent the vaginal colonization of E. coli causing agglutination of sperms and to evaluate its profertility effect in a murine model.Methods:Screened mice were divided into five groups i.e. control group, E. coli group, Lactobacillus group, prophylactic and therapeutic groups. The control group was infused with 20 µl PBS, E.coli group was administered with 106 cfu/20 µl E. coli, and probiotic group was administered with Lactobacillus (108 cfu/20 µl) for 10 consecutive days. In prophylactic group, the vagina was colonized with 10 consecutive doses of Lactobacillus (108 cfu/20 µl). After 24 h, it was followed by 10 day intravaginal infection with E. coli (106 cfu/20 µl) whereas for the therapeutic group vagina was colonized with (106 cfu/20 µl) E. coli for 10 consecutive days, followed by 10 day intravaginal administration with Lactobacillus after 24 h.Results:Upon mating and completion of gestation period, control, probiotic and the therapeutic groups had litters in contrast to the prophylactic group and the group administered with E. coli.Interpretation & conclusions:Results indicated that Lactobacillus intermitted colonization of pathogenic strains that resulted in reinforcement of natural microflora and resurge fertility.

Profertility effects of aqueous leaf extract of Telfairia occidentalis in adult male Wistar rats

Telfairia occidentalis is a leafy vegetable consumed commonly for its nutritional and medicinal effects. However, few studies have been carried out on its fertility effects in males with most of such studies offering conflicting results. The present study evaluated the effects of aqueous extract of the leaves of T. occidentalis on male fertility in adult wistar rats. The thirty rats used for this study were randomized into groups A, B and C. Rats in groups B & C were treated with 500 and 1000mg/kg.bwt of the leaf extract respectively by gavage for 56 days while group A served as control. The sperm characteristics, male hypothalamo-pituitary gonadal axis hormones and histological studies were carried out according to existing laboratory methods. Results from all the parameters studied showed that the aqueous extract of leaves of T. occidentalis exhibited profertility properties in adult male wistar rats. Further research to determine the components of the leaf extract implicated in the outcomes observed and the mechanism of action would be necessary. Keywords: Profertility, Telfairia occidentali s, Wistar rats

The effect of methanolic extract of Dissotis rotundifolia on cadmium induced testicular damage in whistar rats

Cadmium is one of the most important toxic heavy metals, reported to have damage the testis of many mammals and Dissotis rotundifolia (Melastomaceae) Triana is known to have many uses in ethnomedicine. This present study was carried out to investigate the effect of Dissotis rotundifolia on the histology, sperm parameters, tissue antioxidant parameters on cadmium damaged testis and also to investigate its possible pro-fertility effect. Thirty (30) adult male Wistar albino rats divided into seven (7) groups were used in this research study. Group A received distilled water only, Group B received 2mg/kg b/w of cadmium only. Group C received 2mg/kg bw of cadmium and 50mg/kg bw of extract, Group D received 2mg/kg bw of cadimium and 300mg/kg bw of extract, Group E received 50mg/kg bw of exract only, Group F received 300mg/kg bw of extract only, Group G received 2mg/kg bw of cadmium and 300kg/mg bw of Vitamin E. Administration was done at 0800 hour daily foor 21days. Adminstration of Dissotis rotundifolia on cadmium induced testicular damage on Wistar rats showed signs of amelorative effect on the histology of testis, sperm parameters while on the normal testis it showed signs of pro-fertility effect, improving the histology of testis, enzyme antioxidant levels and sperm parameters at 50mg/kg per bw.

Efficacy of vitamin C and ethanolic extract of Sesamum indicum in promoting fertility in male Wistar rats

AIMS:This study investigates the efficacy of ethanolic extract of Sesamum indicum (EES), vitamin C (VC), and EES + VC in promoting fertility and finding a possible link between their profertility effects and their antioxidant activities.MATERIALS AND METHODS:Forty adult male Wistar rats [Body weight (BW) 186.56 ± 0.465 g] were randomly analyzed into four groups of ten rats each: Control, EESG (EES only), VCG (vitamin C only), and EES + VCG (EES in conjunction with vitamin C). Control was given 5 ml/kg BW/day of normal saline orally; EESG was administered 0.3 g/kg BW/day of EES; VCG was administered 15 mg/kg BW/ day of VC; while EES + VCG was administered both 0.3 g/kg BW/day of EES and 15 mg/kg BW/day of VC. All treatments were for 10 weeks.STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED:Independent-sample T test was used to analyze the obtained results.RESULTS:The results obtained showed that EES, VC, and more importantly EES + VC are capable of significantly increasing BW gain, seminal parameters, testosterone level, and body antioxidant activities.CONCLUSIONS:These findings lead to the conclusion that EES + VC as well as ESS and VC promote fertility due to both their testosterone-increasing effects and their antioxidant effects.

Fertility of Postpartum Dairy Cows after Administration of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone and Prostaglandin F2α: A Field Trial

Our objective was to examine further the potential profertility effects of gonadotropin-releasing hormone and prostaglandin F2α in postpartum Holstein cows. Reproductive performance was monitored in 843 cows milked thrice daily. One group of cows (n=218) was untreated, while three groups received either 100μg gonadotropin-releasing hormone administered once between d 11 and 25 (n=211); 25mg prostaglandin F2α given once between d 11 and 25 (n=215); or 25mg prostaglandin F2α given once between d 25 and 40 postpartum (n=190). No profertility effects were detected in cows, regardless of their health status during the periparturient period, except cows given gonadotropin-releasing hormone between d 11 and 18 had shorter intervals to first estrus and to first service than controls. Cows with reproductive disorders (abnormal health status) in the concurrent lactation had longer intervals from calving to conception after receiving gonadotropin-releasing hormone between d 18 and 25 or prostaglandin F2α between d 33 and 40. Abnormal health status adversely affected every reproductive trait measured. Early postpartum treatments with either hormone failed to improve reproductive performance of dairy cows, in contrast to several reports of profertility effects for gonadotropin-releasing hormone, and a few reports for prostaglandin F2α.

Clomiphene citrate augments follicle-stimulating hormone-induced luteinizing hormone receptor content in cultured rat granulosa cells

Although clomiphene citrate (CC) has been widely used for ovulation induction, the mechanism of its pro-fertility effect is not entirely clear. Because CC augments ovarian aromatase activity, the effect of CC on follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)-induced luteinizing hormone (LH) receptor content was examined in primary cultures of rat granulosa cells. Control cultures contained low LH receptor content, whereas FSH stimulated LH receptor formation in a dose-dependent manner. The concomitant addition of CC enhanced FSH potency as shown by a decrease in the ED50 for FSH by 2.2-fold. Some cells were treated with a low concentration of FSH (12 ng/ml) in the presence or absence of increasing concentrations of CC (10(-8) M to 10(-6) M). The enhancement of FSH-stimulated LH receptor formation was found to be CC dose dependent, with an ED50 of 6 X 10(-8) M. Thus, CC may play a direct ovarian role in the enhancement of FSH-stimulated LH receptors. The gonadal action of this compound may be relevant in understanding the efficacy of CC in ovulation induction.