Reproductive Parameters Of Male Rats Research Articles

Natural pesticide, Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (Neem), disrupted reproductive parameters of male rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceNeem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) is native to India and belongs to the Meliaceae family. It has been used for centuries in Eastern medicine, and more recently, as a natural pesticide. Although the use of bioinsecticides is supported by organic food production, further research is needed on each formulation, particularly on their effects on organisms. Aim of the studyThis study evaluated the reproductive toxicity of an aqueous extract of neem leaves in male Wistar rats of reproductive age after eight days of exposure. Materials and methodsFor this study, 20 rats were divided into four groups of five animals each and treated with different concentrations: Group 1 received 10,000 ppm, Group 2 received 7500 ppm, Group 3 received 5000 ppm, and Group 4 served as the control, received distilled water. The animals were observed for eight days for any clinical signs of toxicity. Semen quality, including sperm motility and viability, was analyzed. ResultsNo significant differences in physiological changes were observed between treatments. However, sperm motility and viability were affected in a concentration-dependent manner, with the group that received the highest dose exhibiting inviable spermatozoa. ConclusionThe data suggested that the administered doses had low toxicity. Nevertheless, concerns regarding reproductive toxicity remain because motility and sperm viability are negatively affected at the highest dose. Although bioinsecticides are widely used in organic food production, further research on each formulation, particularly regarding their long-term effects on organisms, is required.

Modulatory Effect of Jatropha tanjorensis Ethanol Leaf Extract and Vitamin E on Some Reproductive Hormone in Lead-Treated Male Wistar Rats

Heavy metals such as Lead (Pb) in the environment could pose serious reproductive health issues resulting in infertility. Jatropha tanjorensis (JT) from previous studies has been proven to enhance reproductive parameters. This study examined the effects of Jatropha tanjorensis alongside vitamin E on some reproductive parameters in male rats. 40 rats male rats were assigned into 8 groups (n=5): Control, Lead treated group, low dose JT, high dose JT, Vitamin E control, lead + low dose JT, lead + high dose JT, lead + vitamin E groups. Administration was done for 14 days. Mean testosterone level was seen to significantly increase (p<0.05) in all treated groups and vitamin E group in combination with lead when compared to normal control group and Pb control. FSH levels was seen to increase significantly (p<0.05) in all JT treated groups and vitamin E treated group when compared to Pb control but no significant difference was observed when all treated groups was compared to normal control. Also from the study, LH level increased significantly (p<0.05) in high dose JT when compared with every other treated groups. JT and vitamin E administration was able to reduce the negative effect exerted by lead on the various reproductive parameters analyzed.

Lactational exposure to venlafaxine provokes late repercussions on reproductive parameters in male rat offspring.

Exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors can affect hormone-dependent processes, such as the brain sexual differentiation. Because the use of these antidepressants cause concern during lactation, we evaluated the possible effects of venlafaxine on lactational exposure and its late repercussions on reproductive parameters in male rats. Lactating rats were exposed to venlafaxine (3.85, 7.7, or 15.4mg/kg/body weight; gavage), from lactational day 1 to 20. Venlafaxine and O-desmethylvenlafaxine residues were found in all milk samples of dams treated, demonstrating the lactational transfer of this antidepressant to the offspring. Although the maternal behavior was normal, the dams presented an increase in urea and uric acid levels in the groups treated with 7.7 and 15.4, respectively, as well as a spleen weight increased in the 3.85 and 15.4 groups. The male offspring showed a decrease in play behavior parameters in the intermediate dose group. Sperm analysis indicated a reduction in sperm motility in all treated groups. The androgen receptor expression in the hypothalamus was decreased in the highest dose group, although the sexual behavior had not been affected. In conclusion, venlafaxine was transferred through breast milk and promoted changes in play behavior, sperm quality, and hypothalamic androgen receptor (AR) content, which may indicate an incomplete masculinization of the brain of male offspring.

Effects of Morphine on Serum Reproductive Hormone Levels and the Expression of Genes Involved in Fertility-related Pathways in Male Rats.

The effects of morphine on serum reproductive hormone levels and markers involved in fertility-related pathways were evaluated. A total of 30 male Wistar rats were divided into three groups (n = 10) and intraperitoneally administered the following substances for 20 days: two single daily doses of morphine (10 mg/kg; morphine group), saline (healthy saline), and intact group. After confirming the morphine dependence of the experimental groups, all the animals were sacrificed and their total testis tissue was extracted and stored at −80 °C until use. Male reproductive parameters (blood serum of testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone) and using Q-PCR and western blot, we evaluated mRNA and protein expression of CREM, TBP, CREB1, HDAC1, and FOS involved in fertility-related pathways were analyzed and compared in the testis samples. The luteinizing hormone and testosterone levels were significantly lower in the morphine-administered group than in the saline and intact groups (P < 0.05). Moreover, the expressions of all five target genes were downregulated in the morphine group (P < 0.05). The protein expression of all five target proteins was downregulated in the morphine group (P < 0.05). We concluded that morphine could decrease the reproductive parameters in male rats.

Chronic Maternal Tobacco Smoke Exposure and/or Alpha-Lipoic Acid Treatment Causes Long-Term Deterioration of Testis and Sexual Behavior in Adult Male Rats

BackgroundTobacco use during pregnancy is known to have several negative effects on the offspring's reproductive health in the long term. The use of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) as a dietary supplement during pregnancy has increased greatly in recent years and has been known to have positive effects on various pregnancy outcomes including miscarriage, diabetic embryopathy, preterm delivery, and congenital malformations. AimTo evaluate the effects of tobacco smoke exposure (TSE) on sexual behavior, reproductive parameters, and testicles in adult male rats and to reveal the possible role of ALA administration on these parameters. MethodsPregnant rats (n = 7 per group) were treated with tobacco smoke (TS), ALA (20 mg/kg), and TS + ALA for a total of 11 weeks. The following parameters were compared with 8 control rats: puberty parameters, sexual behavior; levels of serum gonadotropins and testosterone, total antioxidant status, and total oxidant status; the expression of the apoptotic protease-activating factor-1 and caspase 9 mRNA levels in the testis; and assessment of immunohistochemistry and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay of testis. Main Outcome MeasureSexual behavior, changes in puberty parameters, and hormonal and genetic alterations were the outcomes analyzed in this study. ResultsMaternal TSE caused a significant decrease in the number of intromissions compared to the control group. Similarly, ALA decreased erectile function in sexual behavior by decreasing the number of intromissions and intromission ratio in the ALA group compared to the control group. In addition, TSE and ALA treatment caused an impairment of some consummatory sexual behaviors. Also, in parallel with this inhibitory effect, the age of pubertal onset was significantly delayed in the TS + ALA group compared to other groups. Also, histopathological changes in testicular tissue, oxidative stress markers, apoptotic index, and mRNA levels of apoptosis-related genes increased in all treatment groups. Clinical ImplicationsThe use of ALA and/or tobacco products during pregnancy may adversely affect the reproductive health of male newborns in the long term. Strengths & LimitationsTo the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to show the effects of maternal ALA treatment and/or TSE on the sexual behavior and reproductive parameters in male rats; however, the study is based on an animal model, and the present findings partially reflect the characteristics of human sexual behavior. ConclusionMaternal TSE and/or ALA treatment may impair sexual behavior in adulthood in male rats because of testicular damage caused by oxidative stress during gonadal development.Yardimci A, Akkoc RF, Tektemur A, et al. Chronic Maternal Tobacco Smoke Exposure and/or Alpha-Lipoic Acid Treatment Causes Long-Term Deterioration of Testis and Sexual Behavior in Adult Male Rats. J Sex Med 2020;17:1835–1847.

Impact of timing of the anorexigen sibutramine administration on reproductive end-points of male rats.

Sibutramine is a non-selective serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor orally administered for weight loss. In a previous study, we showed pharmacological mechanisms involved in the reduction of sperm quality and fertility of rats exposed for 30days to this anorexigen in the light phase of the light-dark (l/d) cycle. It is already known that rodents are nightlife animals, with higher metabolic activity during the dark phase than in the light phase of the light-dark (l/d) cycle. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate whether the deleterious effects on reproductive parameters after sibutramine administration would be enhanced after a shorter period of exposure during the dark phase of the l/d cycle. For this, adult male Wistar rats were treated with sibutramine (10mg/kg/d) or vehicle for 15days during the dark phase of the l/d cycle. Sibutramine treatment decreased final body and reproductive organ weights, as well as serum testosterone levels. Sperm transit time through the epididymis was accelerated, and sperm concentration and motility were diminished in the sibutramine-exposed rats. The decrease in sperm concentration was also verified in the epididymal histological sections. In conclusion, the deleterious effects of sibutramine on reproductive parameters of male rats were enhanced when the exposure occurred in the dark phase of the l/d cycle, even after a short exposure duration. Our results reinforce the impact of timing on drug therapeutic action.

Maternal exposure to ibuprofen can affect the programming of the hypothalamus of the male offspring

Ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, inhibits the activity of cyclooxygenase enzyme, leading to reduction in Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production. Due to the importance of PGE2 in promoting the brain masculinization in male fetus, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of in utero and lactational exposure to ibuprofen and their late repercussions on reproductive parameters in male rats. Pregnant rats were exposed to ibuprofen (10, 30 or 60 mg/kg) or vehicle (control group) per gavage daily from gestational day 15 to day 21 after birth, and late reproductive effects were assessed during the sexual development and in the reproductive adult life in the male offspring. Males exposed to ibuprofen had a decrease in body weight and anogenital distance, as well as a delay in the ages of testicular descent and preputial separation. In adulthood, there was a decrease in the Leydig cells nuclei volume, testosterone levels and percentage of normal sperm morphology. All animals exposed to ibuprofen presented male copulatory behavior, however, in the presence of another male, they also presented a female-typical behavior. Maternal exposure to ibuprofen during the sensitive windows of brain development adversely impacted the reproductive parameters of male rats, suggesting an incomplete masculinization of the hypothalamus.

Effects of Carbophos on Rat Testopathy Following Resveratrol Administration: An Experimental Study

Objective: Carbophos (CAR) is an organophosphate that is most capable of producing free radicals and inducing alteration in some of the male reproductive parameters. Resveratrol (RES) is an herbal polyphenol and exerts beneficial antioxidant effects. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of RES against CAR-induced alteration in reproductive parameters of male rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 48 male rats were randomly assigned to eight groups: Group 1: Normal control (saline) group; Group 2: CAR control (250 mg/kg) group; Groups 3–5: 2, 8, and 20 mg/kg RES, respectively, groups; Groups 6–8: CAR plus 2, 8, and 20 mg/kg RES, respectively, groups. The agents were administered intraperitoneally and by gavage daily for 65 days. Sperm parameters, testis malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, total antioxidant capacity, testosterone levels, and germinal layer height were evaluated and compared among these groups. Results: No significant alterations were observed in RES groups (with different doses) compared to the normal control group (P > 0.05). The levels of all parameters except MDA (which decreased) significantly increased in the CAR plus RES (with different doses) groups compared to the CAR control group (P Conclusions: RES attenuates the toxic effect of CAR on some of the male reproductive parameters.

Beneficial effects of Cichorium intybus L. extract on oxidative status and reproductive parameters in male Wistar rats: An experimental study.

BackgroundDuring recent years, increasing concern has been raised about the declining sperm count and human male infertility. Cichorium intybus L. (C. intybus) has traditionally been used in Iranian folk medicine as hepato protective and blood purifier and for its presumed fertility-enhancing properties.ObjectiveA dose-response study was performed to determine the effect of C. intybus ethanolic leave extract on the reproductive parameters in adult Wistar male rats.Materials and MethodsIn this experimental study, 40 healthy adult male Wistar rats (8 wk old, 200-210 gr body weight) were randomly divided (n = 10/each) as control and groups treated with 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg/day of C. intybus extract via gavage for 70 days. Serum hormonal assay, epididymal sperm evaluation, and analysis of morphometrical parameters, antioxidant enzymes, and lipid peroxidation levels of testis were done in each experimental group.ResultsWeights of testis and epididymis increase significantly in male rats treated with 200 mg/kg C. intybus extract. Sperm density and percent of morphologically normal sperm were significantly increased in a dose-related manner with C. intybus treatment.Serum testosterone was higher at 100 and 200 mg/kg C. intybus extract-treated groups. C. intybus significantly reduced malondialdehyde levels and also increased superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity in testicular tissue of rats.ConclusionIt is concluded that C. intybus leave extract improves reproductive parameters in male rats which might be a consequence of both its antioxidant and androgenic properties.

Experimental obesity and diabetes reduce male fertility: Potential involvement of hypothalamic Kiss-1, pituitary nitric oxide, serum vaspin and visfatin

Reproductive dysfunction is a common consequence of both obesity and diabetes. This study investigated the impact of obesity and diabetes, alone or combined, on physiological reproductive parameters in male rats. Twenty-four male Wistar Albino rats were divided into four groups: Control; obese non-diabetic; diabetic; and obese diabetic. Obesity was provoked by consumption of a high-fat diet (HFD) consisting of 40% energy from fat for 90 days. Diabetes was induced by an intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin at a dose of 40 mg/kg/day for three consecutive days. Semen, histopathological, and morphometric analyses were carried out. Serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and vaspin and visfatin were measured using ELISA kits. Hypothalamic Kiss-1 mRNA was detected using qPCR and pituitary nitric oxide (NO) was determined using Griess reagent. Our results showed a decrease in semen quality parameters, testosterone, and LH levels with degenerative changes in the testes in experimental groups when compared to control group. This had a positive correlation with hypothalamic Kiss-1 and a negative correlation with pituitary NO and serum vaspin and visfatin. In addition, adverse effects were more pronounced in animals with obesity and diabetes combined compared to rats who were either diabetic or obese. In conclusion, obesity and diabetes, alone or combined, had a negative impact on male rat fertility. Moreover, obesity and diabetes combined had more harmful effects on male fertility when compared with obesity alone. Hypothalamic Kiss-1, pituitary NO, and serum vaspin and visfatin may play a role in the pathophysiology of male infertility-associated with obesity and diabetes.

Some Toxicological, Hematological, Biochemical, and Reproductive Effects of Berberine In Male Rats

The present study was conducted to estimate the possible adverse effects of Berberine on biochemical, hematological, reproductive parameters in male rats. Thirty mature rats were divided into 2 groups. The first group (control) consists of 5 rats were administered Polyethyleneglycol 20% (PEG) at a dose level of 2ml/kg. B.wt. I/M. daily for 2 weeks. The second group consists of 25 rats were administered with Berberine 46mg/kg. B.wt. I/M. dissolved in PEG 20% daily for 2 weeks. The results showed that administration of Berberine induced a significant (P ≤ 0.05) reduction in Triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol. While, it induced a significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase in glutathione-s-transferase (GST), bilirubin level. While it induced a non-significant change in alanine aminotransferase(ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total protein, albumin, globulin, malondialdehyde (MDA), red blood corpuscles count (R.B.Cs), white blood corpuscle count (W.B.Cs), packed cell volume (PCV%), urea and creatinine. It showed an androgenic activity as it induced a significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase in sperm count, testosterone level. It could be concluded that Berberine is safe and consider a hepato-renal protective drug.

Reproductive parameters of male rats treated with Pavetta crassipes K.Schum. aqueous leaf extract

Context: There is a growing concern about induction of male infertility resulting from medicinal plant use especially in malaria treatment. Carica papaya and Azadirachta indica are plants with documented antimalarial and anti-fertility effects. Pavetta crassipes leaves are reported to have antimalarial effects but there is no information about its reproductive toxicology. Aim: To evaluate the effects of P. crassipes aqueous leaf extract on male reproductive parameters. Methods: Healthy adult male rats were used for this study. The extract was administered orally at 400, 800 and 1600 mg/kg for two and four weeks, respectively while the control group received 10 mL/kg distilled water. Blood samples were collected for serum hormonal assay. The testes and epididymis were excised for histological examination and seminal fluid analysis. Results: Serum testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels reduced significantly in all treated groups compared to control but this effect was reversed after the respective recovery periods except FSH and LH levels in the group treated with 1600 mg/kg for four weeks. The control group had normal testicular histology while varying degrees of reversible histological changes occurred in the treated groups except persistent irregular basal lamina at 800 mg/kg in the two-week treated group while persistent irregular basal lamina and tubular atrophy occurred at 1600 mg/kg in the four-week treated group. Sperm count reduction at 800 and 1600 mg/kg compared to control (86 x 106 mL-1) in the groups treated for four weeks was irreversible. Conclusions: The aqueous leaf extract of Pavetta crassipes has the potential to cause deleterious effects on male reproductive function in Wistar rats.

Effects of treatment with Hypoxis hemerocallidea extract on sexual behaviour and reproductive parameters in male rats.

Hypoxis hemerocallidea is used in traditional medicine in South Africa, for the treatment of male reproductive ailments and various chronic illnesses. Despite chronic use, its effects on male reproductive system are unknown. Male Wistar rats were treated orally daily for 28 (n=18) and 56days (n=18). Treatment groups (n=6/group) per treatment period were as follows: untreated control, 150mg/kg and 300mg/kg 70% ethanolic extract of H. hemerocallidea. Sexual behaviour observations were performed on days 17 and 42 of the study. Sperm, biochemical and testicular histopathological studies were carried out. Arousal and libido and serum testosterone increased after 56days of treatment. There was an increase in epididymal sperm count at both treatment doses, with the 300mg/kg dose showing a higher sperm count (p<.05) compared to the 150mg/kg treatment group. The higher 300mg/kg dose also showed an increase (p<.05) in sperm motility after 56days of treatment. Histology showed an increase in germinal layer thickness, consistent with the observed increase in sperm count. Testicular oxidative status improved after 56days of treatment. Results suggest that chronic treatment with H. hemerocallidea may improve male sexual function and fertility parameters and may protect testes from oxidative damage.

Perinatal exposure to insecticide fipronil: effects on the reproductive system in male rats.

Fipronil is an insecticide widely used in agriculture, veterinary medicine and public health that has recently been listed as a potential endocrine disrupter. In the present study we evaluated the effects of perinatal exposure to fipronil during the period of sexual brain differentiation and its later repercussions on reproductive parameters in male rats. Pregnant rats were exposed (via gavage) to fipronil (0.03, 0.3 or 3mgkg-1) from Gestational Day 15 until Postnatal Day 7. Fipronil exposure did not compromise the onset of puberty. In adulthood, there was no effect on organ weight or sperm production. Furthermore, there were no adverse effects on the number of Sertoli cells per seminiferous tubule, testicular and epididymal histomorphometry or histopathology or expression patterns of androgen receptor in the testis. Similarly, no changes were observed in the sexual behaviour or hormone levels. However, in rats exposed to fipronil, changes in sperm motility were observed, with a decrease in motile spermatozoa and an increase in non-mobile spermatozoa, which can compromise sperm quality in these rats. Perinatal exposure to fipronil has long-term effects on sperm parameters, and the epididymis can be a target organ. Additional studies should be undertaken to identify the mechanisms by which fipronil affects sperm motility.

Effects of environmental endocrine disruptors, including insecticides used for malaria vector control on reproductive parameters of male rats.

The male reproductive system is sensitive to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) during critical developmental windows. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed in utero-, during lactation- and directly to 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane (DDT), 1,1,-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene (DDE) and a mixture of DDT, deltamethrin (DM), p-nonylphenol (p-NP) and phytoestrogens, at concentrations found in a malaria-area. After dosing for 104 days, histological assessments and reproductive-endpoints were assessed. The anogenital distance (AGD) (P=0.005) was shorter in the mixture-exposed group, while the prostate mass (P=0.018) was higher in the DDT-exposed group. A higher testicular mass and abnormal histology was observed in the DDT-(P=0.019), DDE-(P=0.047) and mixture-exposed (P<0.005) groups. This study shows that in utero-, lactational- and direct exposure to EDCs present in a malaria-area negatively affects male reproductive parameters in rats. These findings raise concerns to EDC-exposures to mothers living in malaria-areas and the reproductive health of their male offspring.

Effects of repeated administration of methylphenidate on reproductive parameters in male rats

Methylphenidate (MPH) is a psychostimulant drug which acts by blocking the dopamine and norepinephrine transporters and is the main drug used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents. During puberty, changes in neurotransmitter systems (including dopaminergic system) are engaged on the release of gonadal hormones and the development of cephalic structures responsible for reproductive function. This study investigated the effects of repeated treatment with methylphenidate during development on reproductive parameters of adult male rats. Wistar rats received MPH 2.5mg/kg, MPH 5.0mg/kg, or distilled water (gavage) from postnatal day (PND) 21 to PND 60. At PND 100, an increase in percentage of abnormal tail morphology sperm in MPH 2.5 and increase in testicular interstitial tissue volume in MPH groups as well as in the number of type A spermatogonia in MPH 5.0 group were observed. This study demonstrated that repeated administration of methylphenidate during periods corresponding childhood to early adulthood interfered on testicular function in rats at adult life.

Effect of long-term exposure of 2.4 GHz radiofrequency radiation emitted from Wi-Fi equipment on testes functions

The aim of this study was to investigate long-term effects of radiofrequency radiation (RFR) emitted from a Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) system on testes. The study was carried out on 16 Wistar Albino adult male rats by dividing them into two groups such as sham (n: 8) and exposure (n: 8). Rats in the exposure group were exposed to 2.4 GHz RFR radiation for 24 h/d during 12 months (1 year). The same procedure was applied to the rats in the sham control group except the Wi-Fi system was turned off. Immediately after the last exposure, rats were sacrificed and reproductive organs were removed. Motility (%), concentration (×106/mL), tail defects (%), head defects (%) and total morphologic defects (%) of sperms and weight of testes (g), left epididymis (g), prostate (g), seminal vesicles (g) were determined. Seminiferous tubules diameter (μm) and tunica albuginea thickness (μm) were also measured. However, the results were evaluated by using Johnsen’s score. Head defects increased in the exposure group (p < 0.05) while weight of the epididymis and seminal vesicles, seminiferous tubules diameter and tunica albuginea thickness were decreased in the exposure group (p < 0.01, p < 0.001, p < 0.0001). However, other alterations of other parameters were not found significant (p > 0.05). In conclusion, we observed that long-term exposure of 2.4 GHz RF emitted from Wi-Fi (2420 μW/kg, 1 g average) affects some of the reproductive parameters of male rats. We suggest Wi-Fi users to avoid long-term exposure of RF emissions from Wi-Fi equipment.

Protective effects of curcumin on antioxidant status, body weight gain, and reproductive parameters in male rats exposed to subchronic 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of curcumin (CUR) on antioxidant status, body weight (BW) gains, and some reproductive parameters in male rats exposed to subchronic doses of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Thirty-two rats were divided into four groups. The first group was kept as control. The second group (TCDD group) was given TCDD at a dose of 50 ng·kg−1 BW per day; the third group (CUR group) was treated with CUR at a dose of 80 mg·kg−1 BW per day. The fourth group (TCDD + CUR group) was given TCDD and CUR at the same doses simultaneously. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly increased in the TCDD group. In addition, TCDD exposure decreased liver superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, catalase (CAT) activities of kidney and brain, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities of liver, kidney, and brain, and glutathione levels of liver, kidney, and heart. However, CUR treatment with TCDD exposure decreased MDA levels in all tissues and increased SOD activities of liver, kidney, and brain, CAT activity of heart, and GSH-Px activities of heart and brain. TCDD caused a decrease in BW gain, and CUR partially eliminated this effect of TCDD. In addition, while reproductive organ weights, sperm concentration, and sperm motility tended to decrease with TCDD exposure, these effects tended to be close to normal levels by CUR treatment. In conclusion, CUR was seen to be effective in the treatment and prevention of toxicity induced by subchronic TCDD exposure.

The role of local propolis extract against harmful effects of acrylamide on some male reproductive parameters in rats

Propolis is a natural resinous substance obtained from bee hives living on various plant sources. The present experiment was designed to investigate the protective role of ethanolic extract of local propolis against the possible reproductive harmful effects induced by acrylamide when administered orally in male rates. A total of Thirty sexually mature male albino rats were randomly divided equally into three different groups (n = 10) , the first one : served as normal control , the second group received acrylamide alone (150 mg / Kg BW) , the third group received acrylamide in same dose and treated with local propolis extract (200 mg / Kg BW) twice daily. Doses were given by drenching for four weeks. The result of study revealed that administration of acrylamide induced significant decrease in the sperm concentration , sperm motility , rate of viability and normal sperms as well as decrease in weights of testes , epidydemis ,prostate gland , seminal vesicles , serum testosterone , FSH , LH levels with significant increase in sperm abnormalities compared with control group. Treatment with local propolis extract improved the harmful effects of acrylamide on reproductive parameters in male rats toward the normal values.

Grape juice concentrate protects reproductive parameters of male rats against cadmium-induced damage: a chronic assay

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of long-term grape juice concentrate (GJC) consumption, in two dosages, on the reproductive parameters of cadmium-exposed male rats. The effects of the concentrate on body mass gain, plasma testosterone levels, reproductive organ weights, daily sperm production, sperm morphology, testis histopathological and histomorphometrical parameters, and testicular antioxidant markers were investigated. Wistar rats (n 54) were distributed into six groups: CdCl2; cadmium and grape juice I (1·18g/kg per d); cadmium and grape juice II (2·36g/kg per d); grape juice I (1·18g/kg per d); grape juice II (2·36g/kg per d); control. A single dose of CdCl2 (1·2mg/kg body weight (BW)) was injected intraperitoneally and the grape juice was administered orally for 56d. The results indicated that cadmium changed all reproductive and antioxidant parameters. At dosage I (1·18g/kg BW), GJC consumption did not show the effects against cadmium-induced damages. In contrast, at dosage II (2·36g/kg BW), the GJC improved the gonadosomatic index (P=0·003), serum testosterone levels (P=0·001), the relative weight of epididymis (P=0·013) and ventral prostate (P=0·052), the percentage of normal sperm (P=0·001), and histopathological and histomorphometrical parameters. In addition, at this dosage, normalisation of the enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase (P=0·001) and of testicular levels of glutathione (P=0·03) were observed. The parameters of the non-exposed rats did not depict significant alterations. In conclusion, the product was able to act as a protector of reproductive function against cadmium-induced damage. Such a property was expressed in a dose-dependent manner as the more effective dose was dosage II. The GJC acted possibly by antioxidant mechanisms.