Reproductive System In Animals Research Articles

Copper oxide nanoparticles impairs oocyte meiosis maturation by inducing mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress

Copper oxides nanoparticles (CuO NPs) are widely used for a variety of industrial and life science applications. In addition to cause neurotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, immunotoxicity, CuO NPs have also been reported to adversely affect the reproductive system in animals; However, little is known about the effects and potential mechanism of CuO NPs exposure on oocyte quality, especially oocyte maturation. In the present study, we reported that CuO NPs exposure impairs the oocyte maturation by disrupting meiotic spindle assembly and chromosome alignment, as well as kinetochore-microtubule attachment. In addition, CuO NPs exposure also affects the acetylation level of α-tubulin in mice oocyte, which hence impairs microtubule dynamics and organization. Besides, CuO NPs exposure would result in the mis-localization of Juno and Ovastacin, which might be one of the critical factors leading to the failure of oocyte maturation. Finally, CuO NPs exposure impairs the mitochondrial distribution and induced high levels of ROS, which led to the accumulation of DNA damage and occurrence of apoptosis. In summary, our results indicated that CuO NPs exposure had potential toxic effects on female fertility and led to the poor oocyte quality in female mice.

Assessment of anti-inflammatory properties of metal nanoparticles as potential means for the correction of pathologies on the reproductive system in animals

An urgent scientific problem is the search for means to correct inflammatory processes, especially reproductive pathologies. The article summarizes information from modern scientific sources regarding the development of drugs with pronounced anti-inflammatory properties based on nanoparticles (NPs) of metals, in particular noble ones – Silver and Gold, which exhibit antimicrobial and antioxidant effects and contribute to the reduction of inflammatory processes in various pathological conditions, which is the scientific basis for their introduction into the practice of reproductive veterinary medicine. On the other hand, the relevance of the study of the anti-inflammatory activity of NPs of rare earth elements (gadolinium, yttrium, lanthanum), which have an antibiotic effect, are able to neutralize toxic radicals, and therefore have a potential ability to correct some links in the pathogenesis of diseases of the reproductive system of inflammatory origin, is substantiated. The use of the above-mentioned metals as anti-inflammatory agents became possible due to the synthesis of compounds based on them in nanoform, as a result of the transition into which they acquire unique properties – the ability to penetrate the cell, overcome histohematiс barriers, have a large surface area and lower toxicity compared to macroergs. It should be noted that the manifestation of anti-inflammatory properties depends on the method of obtaining NPs, their physicochemical characteristics, and therefore there is a need for detailed studies of various NPs to detail the mechanisms of action and assess pharmacological activity

Reproductive Toxicity of Nanoparticles: A Comprehensive Review.

The unique characteristics of nanoparticles (NPs) have captivated scientists in various fields of research. However, their safety profile has not been fully scrutinized. In this regard, the effects of NPs on the reproductive system of animals and humankind have been a matter of concern. In this article, we will review the potential reproductive toxicity of various types of NPs, including carbon nanomaterials, dendrimers, quantum dots, silica, gold, and magnetic nanoparticles, reported in the literature. We also mention some notable cases where NPs have elicited beneficial effects on the reproductive system. This review provides extensive insight into the effects of various NPs on sperm and ovum and the outcomes of their passage through blood-testis and placental barriers and accumulation in the reproductive organs.

Review: Role and regulatory mechanism of inhibin in animal reproductive system.

Inhibin (INH) is a glycoprotein hormone secreted by the gonads that inhibit the synthesis and secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Increasing evidence indicates that INH plays a significant role in the development of the reproductive system including follicle development, ovulation rate, corpus luteum formation and ablation, steroid hormone synthesis and spermatogenesis, subsequently affecting the reproductive capacity of animals such as litter size and egg production. There are currently three main views on how INH inhibits FSH synthesis and secretion: influencing the activity of adenylate cyclase, the expression of follicle-stimulating hormone receptor or gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor, and the competition system of inhibin-activin. This review discusses the current findings on the structure, function, and mechanism of action of INH in the reproductive system of animals.

Role of PI3K/Akt-Mediated Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway in Resveratrol Alleviation of Zearalenone-Induced Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in TM4 Cells.

Zearalenone (ZEA) is a common mycotoxin that induces oxidative stress (OS) and affects the male reproductive system in animals. Resveratrol (RSV) has good antioxidant activity and can activate nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) to protect cells through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway. The objective of this study was to investigate the protective effect and the mechanism of RSV on OS and apoptosis in TM4 cells induced by ZEA. Prior to being exposed to ZEA, TM4 cells were pretreated with RSV or the PI3K/Akt inhibitor LY294002. Cell viability was measured by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assays. Flow cytometry was used to determine the level of apoptosis and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). The expression of poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP), caspase-3, BCL2-associated X (Bax)/B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and PI3K/Akt-mediated Nrf2/heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) signaling pathway-related proteins was evaluated by Western blotting. Nrf2 siRNA transfection and LY294002 treatment were used to investigate the role of the Nrf2/HO-1 and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways in RSV alleviation of ZEA-induced OS. The results showed that pretreatment with RSV significantly reduced the expression of apoptosis-related proteins and increased cell viability. Catalase (CAT) activity and glutathione (GSH) levels were also increased, whereas malondialdehyde (MDA) and ROS levels decreased (p < 0.05). RSV also upregulated Akt phosphorylation, Nrf2 nuclear translocation, and HO-1 expression under conditions of OS (p < 0.05). Transfection with Nrf2 siRNA abolished the protective effects of RSV against ZEA-induced cytotoxicity (p < 0.05), ROS accumulation (p < 0.05), and apoptosis (p < 0.05). LY294002 completely blocked the RSV-mediated increase in Nrf2 nuclear translocation (p < 0.05), HO-1 expression (p < 0.05), and cytoprotective activity (p < 0.05). Collectively, the above findings indicate that RSV can protect against ZEA-induced OS and apoptosis in TM4 cells by PI3K/Akt-mediated activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

Biocompatible and functional properties of a microdispersed tissue-specific 3D matrix from decellularized porcine cartilage

In contrast to decellularization of soft tissues for use as tissue-specific matrices in the creation of tissue-engineered constructs, decellularization of cartilage tissue requires several processing techniques, which can negatively affect the biocompatibility and functional properties of the native extracellular matrix (ECM).Objective: to study the biocompatible and functional properties of microdispersed tissue-specific 3D matrix from a porcine cartilage that is decellularized by sequential use of chemical, physical and enzymatic techniques.Materials and methods. For decellularization, microdispersed cartilage particles (MCPs), obtained by cryomilling, were incubated in detergent solutions (sodium dodecyl sulfate and Triton X-100), then treated with supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) with 10% ethanol and DNase I. The Ames test (Salmonella typhimurium reverse mutation assay) was used to determine the genotoxicity of decellularized microdispersed cartilage particles (dMCPs). Local and general toxic effects, as well as resorption of dMCPs were studied in vivo on sexually mature outbred rats. Decellularized MCP specimens (10 mg) were implanted into the thigh muscle tissue. Viability of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (hAdMSCs), when cultured on dMCPs, was analyzed by in vivo microscopy, stained with fluorescent Calcein AM dye. Cell metabolic activity was assessed using PrestoBlue™ Cell Viability Reagent.Results. It has been proven that porcine dMCPs implanted in rat muscle after treatment with scCO2 do not exhibit local and general toxic effects, and do not show genotoxicity and negative effects on the reproductive system of animals. After 6 months of in vivo experiment, most (87%) of the implanted decellularized cartilage was resorbed. It was shown that the resulting matrices are able to support adhesion and proliferation of hAdMSCs. Conclusion. Porcine dMCP specimens are suitable for biocompatible medical products in terms of local and general toxic effects, genotoxicity and reproductive toxicity, and can be used as a matrix for creating cell- and tissue-engineered cartilage constructs.

Two Male-Specific Antimicrobial Peptides SCY2 and Scyreprocin as Crucial Molecules Participated in the Sperm Acrosome Reaction of Mud Crab Scylla paramamosain.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) identified in the reproductive system of animals have been widely studied for their antimicrobial activity, but only a few studies have focused on their physiological roles. Our previous studies have revealed the in vitro antimicrobial activity of two male gonadal AMPs, SCY2 and scyreprocin, from mud crab Scylla paramamosain. Their physiological functions, however, remain a mystery. In this study, the two AMPs were found co-localized on the sperm apical cap. Meanwhile, progesterone was confirmed to induce acrosome reaction (AR) of mud crab sperm in vitro, which intrigued us to explore the roles of the AMPs and progesterone in AR. Results showed that the specific antibody blockade of scyreprocin inhibited the progesterone-induced AR without affecting intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis, while the blockade of SCY2 hindered the influx of Ca2+. We further showed that SCY2 could directly bind to Ca2+. Moreover, progesterone failed to induce AR when either scyreprocin or SCY2 function was deprived. Taken together, scyreprocin and SCY2 played a dual role in reproductive immunity and sperm AR. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the direct involvement of AMPs in sperm AR, which would expand the current understanding of the roles of AMPs in reproduction.

Placental Cryoextract Corrects the Level of Thyroid Hormones in Rats

Effectiveness of cryopreserved placental drug ‘Placental cryoextract’ to correct the reproductive system disorders, occurring against the background of low levels of thyroid hormones, was studied in 50 male rats with mercazolyl hypothyroidism. Using standard test systems for animals, the level of total and free forms of thyroid hormones, total testosterone and estradiol was determined. The morphofunctional state of sperm (number, motility, pathological forms) was traditionally assessed. It was shown that the introduction of the biological product (at a dose of 50–150 μl / kg) restored the functional activity of the thyroid gland of animals, and the lowest dose was more effective. Placental cryoextract also had a dose-dependent effect on the reproductive system of animals with hypothyroidism: the most effective dose was 150 μl / kg, which maximally restored the morphofunctional parameters of sperm and stimulated testosterone production as well as normalized the Ts / E2 ratio. Cryopreserved placenta extract can be considered as a potential drug for the correction of hypothyroidism and reproductive disorders of endocrine origin in male rats.

TET1 mediated male reproductive toxicity induced by Bisphenol A through Catsper-Ca2+ signaling pathway

Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure has many adverse effects on the reproductive system in animals and humans. Ten-eleven translocation 1 (TET1) is closely related to a variety of biological processes through regulating the dynamic balance of DNA demethylation and methylation. However, the role and mechanism of TET1 during BPA induced reproductive toxicity are largely unknown. In this study, mouse spermatogonia cell line GC-2 was treated with BPA in the final concentration of 0, 20, 40 and 80 μM for 72 h. The cell model of differential TET1 gene expression was established to explore the role and mechanism. We found that the growth rate of GC-2 cells, and the intracellular calcium level decreased significantly with the increase of BPA dose, while TET1 and Catsper1-4 expression level decrease with a dose-dependent relationship. Furthermore, TET1 overexpression promoted the proliferation of GC-2 cell, the increase of calcium ion concentration, and the expression level of Catsper1-4, while knockdown of TET1 leads to the opposite results. Mechanistically, TET1 expression promoted the hydroxymethylation of Catsper1-4 and reduced their methylation level. In addition, the expression level of Catsper1-4 was positively correlated with TET1 gene expression level in semen samples of the population. Our study revealed for the first time that TET1 gene regulates the expression of related molecules in the Catsper calcium signal pathway through its hydroxymethylation modification to affect the calcium level, thereby participating in the process of BPA induced damage. These results indicated that TET1 gene may be a potential biomarker of BPA induced male reproductive toxicity.

Citrinin impairs pig oocyte maturation by inducing oxidative stress and apoptosis

Citrinin (CTN) is a polyketide mycotoxin produced by several strains of Penicillium, Monascus, and Aspergillus. While CTN poses various toxic effects on the female reproductive system in animals, its direct effects on germ cell development are unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of increasing concentrations of CTN (0,20,40,80,100 μM) on porcine oocyte in vitro maturation. Our results indicate that CTN supplementation inhibited polar body extrusion in a dose-dependent manner. Actin and spindle assembly were also disrupted after treatment, indicating that CTN affects the cytoskeleton of porcine oocytes. Oxidative stress and apoptosis were observed under CTN treatment to explore the cause of meiotic maturation failure in porcine oocytes. The results showed that reactive oxygen species levels, cathepsin B activity, and caspase-3 activity were increased in the treated group, indicating that CTN induced oxidative stress and apoptosis. In conclusion, CTN exposure could reduce porcine oocyte maturation by affecting cytoskeletal dynamics, oxidative stress, and apoptosis.

Plastic pollution: why is it a public health problem?

Plastic pollution: why is it a public health problem?

Effects of Polychlorinated Biphenyls on Animal Reproductive Systems and Epigenetic Modifications.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a group of highly toxic endocrine-disrupting chemicals comprising 209 homologs. PCBs are extensively found in the environment and can induce typical estrogenic and profound, long-lasting effects on animals. In this article, the introduction of PCB residues into the environment and the pathways of PCB enrichment in animals are described. PCBs are widely deposited and eventually accumulate in human tissues and body fluids through biomagnification. PCBs can significantly decrease animal fertility and interfere with endocrine processes, leading to the development of various diseases and even cancer. The effects of PCBs on the reproductive systems of animals can also be passed to their offspring, indicating that PCBs may affect the epigenetic modification process. There is currently no treatment to effectively inhibit the toxicity of PCBs in organisms; therefore, the severity of PCB toxicity needs to be widely recognized.

Associations of Blood Trihalomethanes with Repeated Measurements of Semen Quality among 1199 Healthy Chinese Men Screened as Potential Sperm Donors

TPS 931: Water and foodborne chemicals, Exhibition Hall, Ground floor, August 28, 2019, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM Background: Trihalomethanes (THMs) have demonstrated adverse effects on male reproductive system in animals, but human evidence has been limited and divergent. Most studies to date used small sample size and were limited by inadequate individual exposure estimation. Objectives: To investigate the association of blood THMs with repeated measurements of semen quality parameters among 1199 healthy men screened as potential sperm donors. Methods: From April to December 2017, healthy men who came to the Hubei Province Human Sperm Bank for donation screening were recruited. Those who met the donation criteria were required to provide 8-15 additional semen samples at different time points over an approximately 3-month period; those who did not meet the criteria were asked to provide 2-4 samples for further screening. Each man had a blood sample drawn, which was analyzed for 4 THMs [chloroform (TCM), bromodichloromethane (BDCM), dibromochloromethane (DBCM) and bromoform (TBM)]. We used linear regressions to assess the cross-sectional associations of categorical concentrations of blood THMs with semen quality parameters tested at enrollment, and mixed-effect models to estimate differences in repeated measures of semen quality in relation to blood THMs, accounting for various confounders. Results: In the cross-sectional analysis, suggestively or significantly inverse dose-relationships were found between blood TCM concentrations and sperm count, total motility and progressive motility, and between blood DBCM, Br-THMs (sum of BDCM, DBCM and TBM) and total THMs (TTHMs; sum of TCM and Br-THMs) and sperm count and concentration (all p for trend < 0.10). In the repeated analysis, the inverse association of blood TCM, DBCM, Br-THMs and TTHMs with sperm count were further confirmed. Conclusion: Our results suggest that exposure to THMs from drinking water may contribute to decreased semen quality in humans.

AMPA receptor expression in mouse testis and spermatogonial GC-1 cells: A study on its regulation by excitatory amino acids.

Excitatory amino acids (EAAs) are found present in the nervous and reproductive systems of animals. Numerous studies have demonstrated a regulatory role for Glutamate (Glu), d-aspartate ( d-Asp) and N-methyl- d-aspartate (NMDA) in the control of spermatogenesis. EAAs are able to stimulate the Glutamate receptors, including the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR). Here in, we assess expression of the main AMPAR subunits, GluA1 and GluA2/3, in the mouse testis and in spermatogonial GC-1 cells. The results showed that both GluA1 and GluA2/3 were localized in mouse testis prevalently in spermatogonia. The subunit GluA2/3 was more highly expressed compared with GluA1 in both the testis and the GC-1 cells. Subsequently, GC-1 cells were incubated with medium containing l-Glu, d-Glu, d-Asp or NMDA to determine GluA1 and GluA2/3 expressions. At 30 minutes and 2 hours of incubation, EAA-treated GC-1 cells showed significantly higher expression levels of both GluA1 and GluA2/3. Furthermore, p-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p-Akt, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and Aurora B expressions were assayed in l-Glu-, d-Glu-, and NMDA-treated GC-1 cells. At 30 minutes and 2 hours of incubation, treated GC-1 cells showed significantly higher expression levels of p-ERK and p-Akt. A consequent increase of PCNA and Aurora B expressions was induced by l-Glu and NMDA, but not by d-Glu. Our study demonstrates a direct effect of the EAAs on spermatogonial activity. In addition, the increased protein expression levels of GluA1 and GluA2/3 in EAA-treated GC-1 cells suggest that EAAs could activate ERK and Akt pathways through the AMPAR. Finally, the increased PCNA and Aurora B levels may imply an enhanced proliferative activity.

The Association of Urinary Phosphorous-Containing Flame Retardant Metabolites and Self-Reported Personal Care and Household Product Use among Couples Seeking Fertility Treatment

Background Phosphorous-containing flame-retardants (PFRs) are widely detected. Increased exposure to PFRs has been associated with disrupting the endocrine and reproductive systems of animals and h...

Method of comlex medicamental contraception in females of domestic animals

The article presents studies on the use of hormonal contraceptive drugs based on megestrol acetate and comparisons with the developed by us comprehensive drug scheme of contraception. For the experiments were selected 115 clinically healthy female cats aged 1.5 to 6 years and 79 bitches aged 2 to 7 years. They were divided into two groups, control and experimental. Animals of the control group were given only the contraceptive drug on the basis of megestrol acetate, and the animals of the experimental group prescribed a contraceptive drug on the basis of megestrol acetate in combination with homoeopathic preparations «Ovaryovit» and «Mastometrin», which were injected intramuscularly in the dosage for middle and large dogs 2–4 ml, female cats and small breeds of dogs 0.5–2 ml, three times per week, course of treatment six weeks. Diagnosis of the reproductive system and the mammary gland of females of the control and experimental groups of animals for the presence of pathology were conducted one year after the administration of drugs by ultrasound and clinical examination. As a result of the research, it was found that as a result of the comprehensive use of the contraceptive drug on the basis of megestrol acetate with homoeopathic drugs «Ovaryovit» and «Mastometrin», the percentage of diseased animals in the experimental group (disorders at the reproductive system and mammary gland) among cats was less than 16% in comparison with control (P ≤ 0.005). The disorders at the reproductive system and mammary gland in the experimental group of cats were reversible and did not require surgical intervention. In the experimental group of bitches, the percent of animals with disorders in reproductive system and mammary gland were smaller by 22.4% compared with the control group of animals (P ≤ 0.005). And also all disorders at the reproductive system and mammary gland in the experimental group of cats were reversible and did not require surgical intervention. The use of drug contraception in combination with homeopathic remedies for the reproductive system of animals showed a significant reduction in the incidence of pathology of the reproductive system and the mammary gland in cats and females. The use of homeopathic remedies, simultaneously with the setting of synthetic progestogens, reduced the negative impact on the reproductive system and mammary gland of female animals (cats and bitches) with complete suppression of estrus.

Endocrine Disruptors in Aquatic Environment: Effects and Consequences on the Biodiversity of Fish and Amphibian Species

Endocrine Disruptors (EDs) are synthetic or natural chemical compounds of exogenous origin that can cause serious health damage, in the growth and reproduction of animals when released into the aquatic environment through anthropic activities. Taking into account the current impact of pollutants on aquatic biodiversity in the last years, this study aims to systematically review the relevant literature on currently known EDs, focusing on their sources, their effects, and consequences on the aquatic biota, with emphasis to fish and amphibians. About 70% of the analyzed studies report that sewage represents the major source of EDs contamination to the water environment, and more than 90% of these contaminants are associated with interference in the sexual differentiation of aquatic animals, infertility, and reduction of sperm production. In addition, the main effects caused by EDs in fish include abnormalities in the reproductive system of animals (47%), induction of vitellogenin (VTG) synthesis (20%) and mortality of the species (13%). In amphibians, the main effects caused by EDs include changes in hormonal activity (physiological functions) during the embryonic development (11%), causing changes in anatomy (33%) and behavior (11%), leading to a reduction in reproductive success (11%), as well as gonadal abnormalities (22%), hermaphroditism (33%) and other alterations in the reproductive system (45%). Finally, this report calls attention to the importance to the rational use of these substances, as well as to encourage scientific research that shows the real seriousness of these contaminations on the decline of fish and amphibian populations, showing mediating and mitigating solutions to their impacts.

МІКРОСКОПІЧНА БУДОВА І СТЕРЕОМЕТРИЧНІ ПОКАЗНИКИ ЯЄЧНИКІВ У ТЕЛИЧОК, ВИРОЩЕНИХ НА РАДІОАКТИВНО ЗАБРУДНЕНІЙ ТЕРИТОРІЇ

The thesis presents a research of the morphological condition of ovaries of heifers of the black-and-spotted bred of 4 months of age kept on radioactive-contaminated territory. The research has been conducted on the basis of morphological laboratory of anatomy and histology departments of the Zhytomyr National Agroecological University (Zhytomyr, Ukraine). Microscopic, stereometric and statistic methods of research have been applied. The peculiarities of histoarchitectonic and stereometric indices of the microstructures (corticaly and medullary substances, pre-modial, primary, secondary and tertiary follicles, corpus atretic) of the ovaries lited. Microscopic structure of the ovaries in heifers from the radionuclide contaminated territory and heifers from conditionally clean, not radionuclide contaminated territory are largely similar. Histological studies have established that the ovaries of heifers on cross-section has a corticaly and medullary substances. The absolute volume of the corticaly substance of the ovaries significantly (p<0.05) increases from 2.90±0.23 sm3 – in heifers from not radionuclide contaminated territory to 4.10±0.32 sm3 – in heifers from radionuclide contaminated territory. The corticaly substance of ovaries represented by loose fibrous connective tissue. In all parts of the corticaly substance it contains pre-modial, primary, secondary and tertiary follicles. Stereometric indexes of microstructures of the follicles is labile indicators and are closely associated with the functional activity of follicles. Follicular atresia proceeds in obliteration type. The process is initiated by multiplication of the blood vessels of the theca follicles and atrophy of the follicular epithelium with simultaneous absorption of the content of the follicles. Nests of epithelioid cells remain in the ovaries as the remnants of such atrophic follicles. They are enclosed by fibrous tissue. In heifers from the radionuclide contaminated territory absolute volume of the cavity of follicles, wall of normal follicles, wall of atretic follicles, corpus atretic (1.04±0.15, 0.178±0.017 , 0.102±0.011 sm3, respectively) significantly (p<0.05, р<0,01) high than this parameters in heifers from conditionally clean, not radionuclide contaminated territory (0.62±0.09, 0.089±0.016, 0.060±0.008 sm3, respectively). The morphometric research data obtained significantly contribute to the present-day understanding of the morpho-functional state of the reproductive system of animals kept on radiation-contaminated territories.

Review on arsenic-induced toxicity in male reproductive system and its amelioration.

Arsenic is an environmental toxicant which causes mutagenic, teratogenic and carcinogenic defects. It is used as herbicide, fungicide and rodenticide and results in contamination of air, soil and water. Arsenic is also produced through burning of coal industries. The sludge of factories contaminates the fodder and drinking source of water of human and livestock. Arsenic binds thiol groups in tissue proteins and impairs the function of the proteins. This metal affects the mitochondrial enzymes and interrupts the production of energy. Oxidative stress and the generation of reactive oxygen species could also be a consequence of arsenic exposure. High arsenic level may suppress the sensitivity of gonadotroph cells to GnRH as well as gonadotropin secretion by elevating plasma levels of glucocorticoids. These ultimately lead to the development of gonad toxicity in animals and cause the reduction in sperm number, sperm viability and motility. Massive degeneration of germ cells and alterations in the level of LH, FSH and testosterone are also reported. The objective of this review was to find out the effects of arsenic-induced toxicity on male reproductive system in animals and its amelioration.

Clinical Investigation of Reproductive Cases in Cows and Buffaloes at Teaching Veterinary Hospitals in India

Reproductive disease is a generic term that refers to all diseases which affect the organs of reproductive system in animals. It occurs in cattle buffalo, sheep, goat, horse etc. and causes heavy economic loss by reducing the reproductive activity of the animal along with calf mortality. The study was undertaken to know the proportionate prevalence of reproductive cases in cattle and buffalo in Veterinary College and Research Institute (VCRI), Namakkal and Madras Veterinary College (MVC), Tamilnadu, India .The duration of the study was 1.5 months and total 286 of different cases were registered during the study period. Both retrospective and prospective reproductive cases were included in this study. The proportionate prevalence of different reproductive cases were respectively 5.2% and 8.8% dystocia;4.6% and 5.3% respectively retained placenta;3.5% and 7.9% abortion respectively; 2.9% and 2.7% ovarian cyst respectively in VCRI and MVC. Reproductive cases were more frequently occurred in cross-breeds. Older animals (42.1-87.5) % with higher parity (31-87.5) %was susceptible to reproductive cases. Antibiotics and hormonal drugs were used for the treatment of reproductive cases. Most of the reproductive cases /dystocia were corrected manually where the complicated cases were performed by caesarean operation.