Seminiferous Tubule Diameter Research Articles

Minocycline attenuates testicular damages in a rat model of ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury.

Testicular torsion is a serious urological disease leading to testicular damage. This study aimed to assess the effect of minocycline on testicular ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury caused by testicular torsion/detorsion. Male adult Wistar rats (n=32) were assigned into four groups of sham, I/R, I/R+minocycline and minocycline. I/R injury was induced by two sets of surgical operations, including the rotation of the left testis (720°, counterclockwise), followed by detorsion after 4hr. The administration of minocycline was carried out 30min before detorsion and then continued for 8weeks. At the end of the 8th week, rats were killed and sampling was done. Johnson's score, the height of seminiferous tubule epithelium, the mean seminiferous tubule diameter, as well as biochemical parameters, SOD, GPx and CAT, were significantly enhanced in the I/R+minocycline group compared with the I/R group. The administration of minocycline led to a marked decrease in expression levels of Caspase-3, Bax, IL-1β and TNF-α genes, and a remarkable increase in expression levels of Bcl-2, 3β-HSD and 17β-HSD3 genes compared with the I/R group. Administration of minocycline could also reduce the rate of germ cell apoptosis (TUNEL staining). Hence, minocycline was useful in the management of testicular torsion/detorsion.

Effects of short-term exposure to high-fat diet on histology of male and female gonads in rats

Obesity, which reaches an epidemic, is characterized by alterations in metabolic and hormonal profiles. Moreover, uncontrolled obesity may lead to development of diabetes type 2, which accounts for about 90% of all diabetic cases. In obesity, besides changes in metabolism, numerous co-morbidities are reported, e.g. disruptions of reproductive functions. Additionally, sex differences in development of this disease occur.We hypothesized that short-term exposure to high-fat diet (HFD; containing 50% of total energy from fat) would alter histology of testes and ovaries, and thus contribute to reproductive disruptions in male and female rats. Adult rats were fed ad libitum with HFD for 6–7 weeks and its effects on histology of testes and ovaries (n = 4/sex and treatment group) were studied using hematoxylin-eosin staining followed by microscopic analysis and compared to control (laboratory chow fed) group.We have found that in male rats fed with HFD there were: 1) decrease in diameter of seminiferous tubules due to smaller luminar diameter, and no change in epithelium height; 2) decrease in number of Sertoli cells; 3) no changes in number of spermatogonia and in percentage of semen in seminiferous tubules. In female rats exposed to HFD we have seen: 1) decrease in diameters of corpora lutea; 2) decrease in diameter of ovarian follicles types 7 and 8, but no changes in their number; 3) no changes in number of early primary follicles, primary follicles, and secondary follicles.We concluded that relatively short-term exposure to HFD in rats leads to changes in histology of both testes and ovaries, thus affecting reproductive functions.

Icariin Improves Age-Related Testicular Dysfunction by Alleviating Sertoli Cell Injury via Upregulation of the ERα/Nrf2-Signaling Pathway.

Sertoli cells play crucial roles in spermatogenesis and are impaired by aging. Icariin, a flavonoid from Epimedium, has been reported to exhibit anti-aging effects and improve testicular dysfunction in the clinical setting. However, whether icariin improves age-related degeneration of testicular function via protection from Sertoli cell injury remains unclear. In the present study, we evaluated the protective effect of icariin on Sertoli cell injury and explored the possible mechanism(s) in vivo and in vitro. Dietary administration of icariin for 4 months significantly ameliorated the age-related decline in testicular function by increasing testicular and epididymal weights and indices, sperm count and sperm viability, testicular testosterone and estradiol concentrations, and seminiferous tubule diameters and heights. In addition, icariin protected age-related Sertoli cells from injury as evidenced by an analysis of Sertoli cell number, ultrastructure, and function. Such changes were accompanied by upregulation of ERα and Nrf2 signaling in Sertoli cells. Parallel in vitro studies also demonstrated that icariin inhibited untoward effects on the TM4 mouse Sertoli cell line with concomitant upregulation of ERα and Nrf2 signaling. Conversely, ERα siRNA reversed icariin-mediated protection of Sertoli cell injury. Our data suggest that icariin effectively ameliorates age-related degeneration of testicular function by alleviating Sertoli cell injury via the ERα/Nrf2 signal-transduction pathway. Thus, mitigating Sertoli cell damage via the ERα/Nrf2 signaling pathway likely represents a promising strategy for the prevention of age-related testicular dysfunction.

Photobiomodulation restores spermatogenesis in the transient scrotal hyperthermia-induced mice

ObjectiveHeat stress shock affects the generation of free radicals and can have a harmful effect on spermatogenesis. Photobiomodulation (PBM) is very effective in andrology for treating male infertility. This research aimed at the evaluation of the impacts of PBM on spermatogenesis on the transient scrotal hyperthermia-induced oligospermia mouse model. Materials and methodsThis experimental research divided 24 mice into the following four groups: (1) Control, (2) Scrotal hyperthermia, (3) Scrotal hyperthermia receiving laser 0.03 J/cm2 for 30 s for each testis, 35 days after induction of scrotal hyperthermia every other day for 35 days, and (4) Scrotal hyperthermia receiving laser 0.03 J/cm2 for 30 s for each testis, immediately after induction of scrotal hyperthermia every other day for 35 days. Scrotal hyperthermia was induced by water bath with 43 °C for 30 min. Then, the mice were euthanized, and their sperm samples were collected for sperm parameters analysis. Then, we took the testis samples for histopathological experimentations, serum testosterone level, reactive oxygen species (ROS), RNA extraction for the examination of IL1-α, IL6 and TNF-α genes expression as well as production and glutathione disulfide (GSH) activity. Key findingsOur outputs indicated that PBM could largely improve the sperms parameters and stereological parameters, like spermatogonia, primary spermatocyte, round spermatid and Leydig cells together with an increasing level of the serum testosterone and GSH activity compared to the scrotal hyperthermia induced mice. In addition, it was found that the diameter of seminiferous tubules, ROS production, as well as the expression of IL1-α, IL6, and TNF-α genes significantly decreased in the treatment groups by PBM compared to the scrotal hyperthermia induced mice, but there was not a significant difference in terms of testis weight and Sertoli cells between the studied groups. SignificanceIt could be concluded that PBM may be regarded as an alternative treatment for improving the spermatogenesis process in the scrotal hyperthermia induced mice.

Maternal undernutrition during pregnancy and lactation affects testicular morphology, the stages of spermatogenic cycle, and the testicular IGF-I system in adult offspring.

Maternal undernutrition decreases sperm production in male offspring, possibly through insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I). To test this hypothesis, we fed pregnant Wistar rats ad libitum with a standard diet (CONTROL) or fed 50% of CONTROL intake, either throughout pregnancy (UNP), lactation (UNL, or both (UNPL). After weaning, male offspring (n = 10 per treatment) were fed a standard diet until postnatal day 160, when testes process for histological and molecular analyses. IGF-I immunostaining area and intensity in the testis were greater (P = 0.003) in the UNPL group compared to CONTROL, but lower in the UNP group (P < 0.0001). Levels of IGF-I receptor transcript were lower in the UNPL and UNL groups, compared to CONTROL. There were more Ki-67-positive germ and Sertoli cells, in all underfed groups than in CONTROL. Compared to CONTROL, frequency of spermatogenic cycle stage VII was lower in all underfed groups, and seminiferous tubule diameter was smaller in UNP and UNPL. Plasma FSH concentrations were greater in UNP male offspring compared to all groups (P = 0.05), whereas inhibin B concentrations were greater in UNP (P = 0.01) and UNL (P = 0.003) than in CONTROL or UNPL. Thus, prenatal undernutrition leads to a decrease in testicular IGF-I levels, whereas of pre- and postnatal undernutrition increased testicular IGF-I levels and decreased amounts of IGF-I receptor mRNA in adult offspring. We conclude that maternal undernutrition during pregnancy and lactation leads to long-lasting effects on adult male offspring testicular morphology, spermatogenesis, and IGF-I testicular system.

Reproductive Traits of an Invasive Alien Population of Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) in Central Italy.

The reproductive cycle of an invasive alien Italian grey squirrel population was studied to understand its adaptation and limit its spread, in order to conserve the autochthonous red squirrel. Female and male genital traits were evaluated throughout the reproductive cycle, including the ovary, uterus, testicle, epididymis, seminiferous tubule morphometry, and germinative epithelium histology. Moreover, individual female fecundity was determined by counting uterine scars. Ovary width and uterus weight, length, and width reached their highest values in the luteal and pregnancy phases. On conducting a histological evaluation of the testicular germinal epithelium, four morphotypes related to the different reproductive phases of the male squirrels were identified: immature, pubertal, spermatogenesis, and regressive. Testicle and epididymis weights and seminiferous tubule diameters reached their largest values during spermatogenesis. Uterine scar analysis showed that 69% of the females had given birth to one or two litters, while 31% had no uterine scars. Litters were larger in the first breeding period than in the second; annual fecundity was 4.52 ± 1.88 uterine scars/female. Umbrian grey squirrels have adapted to their non-native range, showing two annual mating periods at times similar to those in their native range, and high reproductive success.

PENGARUH PEMBERIAN EKSTRAK RUMPUT KEBAR (Biophytum petersianum) TERHADAP DIAMETER DAN TEBAL EPITEL TUBULUS SEMINIFERUS MENCIT (Mus musculus) YANG DIPAPAR 2,3,7,8-TETRACHLORODIBENZO-P-DIOXIN

The aim of this research is to analyze the effect of kebar grass on the diameter and epithelium thickness of seminiferous tubules. Twenty male mice of BALB/C strain with an average weight of 25 gram were used in this research. Total five experimental groups (4 mice each group) were treated with combination of TCDD and kebar grass extract designed as follows: (C-) 0mg/g BW/day dan 0µg/kg BW, (C+) 0mg/g BW/day and 7µg/kg BW, (T1) 0,045mg/g BW/day and 7µg/kg BW, (T2) 0,080mg/g BW/day and 7µg/kg BW, (T3) 0,1350mg/g BW/day and 7µg/kg BW. The TCDD was injected peritoneally in single dose while kebar grass extract was given orally everyday for 53 days. The results showed a significant difference (p&lt;0,05) on group which is treated with kebar grass extract 0,135mg/ g BW/ day is proven could maintain the diameter of seminiferous tubules in T3 group (170,5μmb ± 0,65μm) compared with C+ group (129,50μma ± 8,42μm). Significant difference of epithelial thickness were also found between the control and treatment groups (p&lt;0,05). The C+ group (33,57μmb ± 1,61μm) was different from the T1 group (43,80μmc ± 1,46μm), T2 (48,49μmd ± 1,08μm), T3 (52,15μme ± 0,86μm) and C- (56,17μma ± 1,35μm). This findings might suggest TCDD has the potential to decrease the epithelium thickness and the diameter of seminiferous tubules, while kebar grass extract in various dose were proven to be able maintain the epithelium thickness of seminiferous tubules but could not maintain the diameter of seminiferous tubules.

MP26-19 TESTICULAR HISTOPATHOLOGY AFTER IMMUNOTHERAPY WITH IMMUNE CHECKPOINT INHIBITORS - A RETROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY

You have accessJournal of UrologyInfertility: Epidemiology & Evaluation I (MP26)1 Apr 2020MP26-19 TESTICULAR HISTOPATHOLOGY AFTER IMMUNOTHERAPY WITH IMMUNE CHECKPOINT INHIBITORS - A RETROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY Taylor P Kohn*, Jason Scovell, Iryna Samarska, Mahir Maruf, Eleonora Duregon, Jody Hooper, Shamlal Mangrav, Andres Matoso, and Amin S Herati Taylor P Kohn*Taylor P Kohn* More articles by this author , Jason ScovellJason Scovell More articles by this author , Iryna SamarskaIryna Samarska More articles by this author , Mahir MarufMahir Maruf More articles by this author , Eleonora DuregonEleonora Duregon More articles by this author , Jody HooperJody Hooper More articles by this author , Shamlal MangravShamlal Mangrav More articles by this author , Andres MatosoAndres Matoso More articles by this author , and Amin S HeratiAmin S Herati More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000000865.019AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are frequently used in the treatment of metastatic melanoma, clear cell renal cell carcinoma, and an increasing number of other cancers. Approximately 5% of these cancers will be diagnosed in adults of reproductive age. While chemotherapy is known to be gonadotoxic, no study has assessed the impact of ICI on spermatogenesis and the majority of preclinical data was performed on animals that were not yet sexually mature. The objective of this study is to assess the histologic impact of ICI on human spermatogenesis using autopsy specimens comparing testicular histology. METHODS: Men with a history of melanoma who had undergone immunotherapy for > 1 month with ipilimumab, nivolumab, and pembrolizumab between the years of 2013 and 2016 were included. A 1:1 proportioned control cohort was created and matched for age at biopsy. Men with a history of systemic chemotherapy or radiation were excluded. Tissue specimens were retrospectively examined from both living patients with testicular biopsies and deceased patients with testicular autopsies. For each testis specimen Johnsen score, seminiferous tubule density, Leydig cell density, and seminiferous tubule diameter were assessed. Medians were compared using Mann-Whitney U test using R 3.4.1. RESULTS: A total of seven men were included in the immunotherapy group with a median age at time of tissue biopsy of 58 years (range 23-66). Nine men were included in the control group with a median age at time of biopsy of 57 years (range 23-83). For patients undergoing autopsy, median time to autopsy was 7 hours in the ICI group and 6 hours in the control group. No difference was seen in Johnsen score when comparing ICI cohort and the control group, 8 (range: 2-10) and 9 (range: 2-10), respectively (p=0.55). No significant difference was seen between the ICI group and controls when assessing the number of seminiferous tubules per 200 um (11 vs 12), Leydig cells per 100 um (30 vs 26), or seminiferous tubular diameter (142 vs 171 um), respectively (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In this retrospective cohort study assessing the impact of ICI, we found no significant difference in testicular histology between those receiving ICI and those who had never received ICI. This null finding suggests that ICI agents may not be spermatotoxic, unlike chemotherapy counterparts, and may be a valuable treatment when fertility preservation is desired. Large multicenter registries are needed to further track potential side-effects associated with ICI. Source of Funding: None © 2020 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 203Issue Supplement 4April 2020Page: e408-e408 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2020 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Taylor P Kohn* More articles by this author Jason Scovell More articles by this author Iryna Samarska More articles by this author Mahir Maruf More articles by this author Eleonora Duregon More articles by this author Jody Hooper More articles by this author Shamlal Mangrav More articles by this author Andres Matoso More articles by this author Amin S Herati More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) on testicular damage in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a condition which could lead to induce testicular damage due to oxidative stress by hyperglycemic stress. Several therapies have been elucidated to reduce the testicular damage; one of them is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP). PRP has known growth factor properties which may serve potential effects in the tissue regeneration. This study aims to determine the role of PRP on testes in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats by evaluating its impact on testosterone serum level.Methods: A randomized clinical trial with control group design has been conducted among 20 rats in this study. The sample of rats was divided into four groups such as control, DM (streptozotocin-induced), DM-Ins (treated with insulin daily), and DM-Ins-PRP (treated with insulin daily and PRP thrice in 2 weeks). Six weeks later, the testosterone level was measured by ELISA, and the right testis was collected for histopathology findings. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 for Windows. Results: The testes weight in the control group was 1.61±0.37 grams, followed by DM group (0.86±0.22 grams), DM-Ins group (1.15±0.25 grams), and DM-Ins-PRP group (1.09±0.36 grams). DM reduced testicular weight, seminiferous tubules diameter, the thickness of the epithelium and testosterone serum level significantly (p&lt;0.05) compared with control. PRP administration increases the thickness of seminiferous epithelium (p&lt;0.05) significantly. Besides, it also increased the testicular weight, tubules diameter, lumen diameter, and testosterone serum level, but not significant (p&gt;0.05).Conclusion: The administration of PRP showed a significant role in repairing testicular damage among diabetic rats.

Factors influencing sperm retrieval rate by Microdissection Testicular Sperm Extraction (mTESE) in non-obstructive azoospermia cases: a literature review

Background:Â Non-Obstructive Azoospermia (NOA) had dominating 60% of all azoospermia cases. Sperm Retrieval Techniques (SRT) continued with Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) are therapy modalities helping infertile azoospermia to be fertile. There are some options of SRT such as PESA, MESA, TESE, TESA and microdissection-TESE (mTESE) to collect sperm from azoospermia cases. This study aims to evaluate some factors influencing sperm retrieval rate by mTESE in non-obstructive azoospermia cases.Method:Â The data collection for eligible articles were conducted from 2011 to 2019. Different database and manual search methods were used to find the topic-related articles, particularly in some factors influencing the sperm retrieval rate of mTESE in NOA cases. A total of 21 relevant kinds of literature were studied regarding some factors that might be increasing or decreasing of sperm retrieval rate by mTESE procedure. However, four literature were elaborated further due to a similar approach to get the results.Results:Â A previous study from Saudi Arabia with 264 patients samples found significant different on testosterone level who had successful Sperm Retrieval Rate (SRR) 57.25%. SRR was related by several factors of testosterone, FSH, bilateral testis retrieval and seminiferous tubules diameter taken as the earliest study from India. Besides, taking bilateral testis sperm retrieval also had low SRR 14.4%, but serum FSH level was not influenced by increasing SRR. The previous study found a very weak correlation between FSH and SRR. A different study was conducted in Italy found that all NOA patient who undergone mTESE procedure found the Maturation Arrest (MA) has the significant higher success SRR until 67% after Sertoli Cell Only (SCO) syndrome and sclera-hyalinosis histology.Conclusion:Â SRR depends on some factors those influencing by hormonal baseline preoperative such as testosterone level and FSH serum level, technique and how mTESE done by the operator in mTESE procedure.

Spermiogenesis, Stages of Seminiferous Epithelium and Variations in Seminiferous Tubules during Active States of Spermatogenesis in Yangzhou Goose Ganders.

Simple SummaryOptimum hatchability and fertility in the goose industry is inevitable without emphasizing on reproductive health of ganders. Determining stages of spermatogenesis is a critical factor in evaluating the age of maturity and reproductive health of animals. The current study was designed to evaluate the steps of spermiogenesis and stages along with morphological changes in seminiferous epithelium in Yangzhou goose ganders. The results of the study revealed that inside seminiferous epithelium, initial steps of spermiogenesis are depicted by changes in acrosomic granules, whereas further stages are identified by nuclear morphological changes. Furthermore, ten steps of spermiogenesis, nine stages of seminiferous epithelium and four types of spermatogonia Ad, Ap1, Ap2 and B were identified. In Yangzhou goose ganders, recommended age of sexual maturity is 227 days of age.The past three decades revolutionized the goose industry in the world. China holds the world’s largest goose breeds stock by 95% of the global total. To optimize the goose industry and cope with ever increasing poultry meat and egg demands, there is a dire need to focus on reproduction, as most geese breeds exhibit poor reproductive performance. The present study was conducted with the aim to add a contribution in the goose industry and research by the histological visualizing step wise development of germ cells during spermatogenesis by microscopy and a histological technique. Yangzhou goose is a synthetic breed developed by using local goose germplasm resources of China. It is popular in the Chinese goose industry due to high productivity and adaptability. This research evaluated the steps of spermiogenesis and stages along with morphological changes in the seminiferous epithelium in Yangzhou goose ganders. For the assessment of various stages of the seminiferous epithelium cycle, testis sections were embedded in molten paraffin wax. The initial steps of spermiogenesis were depicted by changes in acrosomic granules, whereas further stages were identified by nuclear morphological changes. Ten steps of spermiogenesis and nine stages of seminiferous epithelium were identified. Four types of spermatogonia Ad, Ap1, Ap2 and B were recognized. The results depicted a clear variation in the diameter of seminiferous tubules (ST), epithelium height (EH), luminal tubular diameter (LD), number of seminiferous tubules per field and the Johnsen score. Microscopy indicated that the stages of seminiferous epithelium were similar to other birds and mammals and the ST diameter, EH, LD and Johnsen score are positively correlated while the number of seminiferous tubules per field is negatively correlated with the ST diameter, EH, LD and Johnsen score. Fertility in Yangzhou ganders can further be improved by visualizing the histological development of germs cells in testis tissues during spermatogenesis after onset of breeding season and maturity. Our results suggest that Yangzhou ganders reach complete sexual maturity at 227 days of age.

Effect of unilateral testicular torsion on contralateral testis in a rat model.

The aim of this study was to investigate the function of the contralateral testis after unilateral testicular torsion (UTT) and its possible mechanism. 56 rats were randomly divided into four groups: Group A: Sham operation, Group B: Testicular torsion (TT)+normal saline (NS), Group C: Testicular torsion (TT)+cyclosporine, Group D: Testicular torsion (TT)+NG-Monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA). The right testes were removed 1week and 8weeks after surgery, respectively. Biochemistry and histopathologic evaluations were used to evaluate the germ cell damage. Compared with Group A, the levels of malondialchehyche (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO)/nitricoxide synthase (NOS) were increased remarkably in Group B. Significant differences were shown between histopathological damages and density and motility of sperm in two groups. Compared with Group B, the levels of MDA and NO/NOS in Group D decreased significantly while mean seminiferous tubule diameter (MSTD) and mean testicular biopsy scoring (MTBS) maintained in a better condition. The levels of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) peptide-tetramer complex in Group C and Group D decreased significantly than Group B, while sperm density and motility were significantly higher than Group B. It was also known that the histopathological damages in Group C and Group D were less than those in Group B in the 8weeks after operation. UTT can cause impairment of contralateral testicular function and decrease of spermatogenic function. The mechanism may be related to ischemia-reperfusion (IR) in early stage and autoimmune response in late stage.

Severing the ventral funiculus in chronic spinal cord injury has the most deteriorating effect on spermatogenesis in rats.

Sexual dysfunction, following spinal cord injury (SCI), is highly dependent on the extent of injury. SCI disrupts the supraspinal innervation of the reproductive organs; resulting in structural and functional deficits. Relating the extent of SCI to these changes could eventually improve diagnoses and treatment planning of sexual dysfunction following SCI. In the present study, following chronic SCI of different severities (1/3 dorsal SCI (1/3 SCI), 2/3 dorsal SCI (2/3 SCI), and complete transection (Tx)) at T8 spinal level, histological changes of seminiferous tubules parameters in testis were examined. The diameter of seminiferous tubules (DST) and epithelial height of seminiferous tubules (HST) were significantly decreased in all SCI groups compared to control and sham. In addition, DST in 2/3 SCI and Tx groups and HST in Tx group were significantly decreased in comparison with 1/3 SCI animals. Nonetheless, the diameter of seminiferous tubules' lumen decreased significantly in 2/3 SCI and Tx compared to control, sham, and 1/3 SCI groups. Concerning cellular component, the number of spermatocytes and spermatids layers significantly decreased in both 1/3 and 2/3 SCI in comparison to normal. However, Tx had the most prominent deteriorating effect on these layers; indicating impairment in the process of spermatogenesis. These results show that the spinal tracts are part of the neural circuitries innervating the testis and responsible for their structural support. These tracts are mainly distributed between the lateral and ventral funiculi at T8 spinal level. Consequently, sparing ventral funiculi in the SCI prevents the severe decline in spermatogenesis.

Positive Roles of Resveratrol in Early Development of Testicular Germ Cells against Maternal Restraint Stress in Mice.

Simple SummaryMaternal stress during pregnancy affected the early programming of the brain in the fetus with changes in neuroendocrine regulation, and offspring behavior was proven in the literature. In addition, resveratrol (RES) was reported to play positive roles against stress. However, how maternal stress affects testicular development and whether RES has potential protecting roles is unknown.Our present study was designed to evaluate the effects of resveratrol (RES) in Swiss mice by exposing them to prenatal stress. Twenty-four Swiss mice were divided into four groups: control (C), maternal restraint stress (MRS), maternal restraint stress + resveratrol (MRS + RES) 2 mg, and maternal restraint stress + resveratrol (MRS + RES) 20 mg. Dams were exposed to stress by restraint in plastic tubes for four hours a day from 12–18 days of gestation. The results showed that male pups of MRS were significantly decreased in the testis weight, anogenital distance, area of seminiferous tubules, diameter of seminiferous tubules, area of the lumen, diameter of the lumen, and epithelial height of seminiferous tubules. However, the anomalies of the reproductive tract produced under restraint stress were neutralized by the use of RES 2 mg/kg. A significant difference was observed between terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL)- positive germ cells in MRS and MRS + RES 20 mg/kg groups, while it was non-significant between MRS + RES 2 mg/kg and C groups. Apart from these effects, blood glucose levels were increased in MRS and MRS + RES 20 mg/kg groups, while experimental animals of the MRS + RES 2 mg/kg group significantly recovered. These results suggested that a lower dose of RES could cure the adverse effects of prenatal stress in early age male progeny. Thus, our study suggests, for the first time, practical values for a lower dose of RES 2 mg/kg as a safe and effective agent in the first week age of prenatally stressed mice.

Does Omega-3 Ameliorate Olanzapine-Induced Testicular Toxicity in Adult Albino Rats? A Histo-morphometric Study

Introduction: Olanzapine is one of the most frequently used antipsychotics that had undesirable effects on male sexual function. Aim of the work: To explore possible protective effect of omega-3 on olanzapine - induced testicular toxicity. Material and methods: Forty adult albino rats were used and alienated into four equal groups: I (control), II (omega-3 treated), III (olanzapine treated) and IV (olanzapine +omega-3 treated).Group I received vehicles of olanzapine and omega-3 orally once daily. Group II received 400 mg/kg/day of omega-3 orally. Group III received oral olanzapine 0.5 mg/kg/day. Group IV received a combination of the same mentioned doses of both drugs. After 14 weeks, testicular specimens were taken and processed for light and transmission electron microscopic study. Results: Group III showed shrunken degenerated seminiferous tubules (ST) with corrugated basement membrane whose lumina were devoid of spermatozoa. Few degenerated spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes, elongated spermatids and many Sertoli cells (SCs) were seen. The tubules were separated with wide interstitial spaces and congested blood vessels. Ultrastructural results revealed spermatogonia with degenerated nucleus, loss of nuclear membranes and cell boundaries of primary spermatocytes. Elongated spermatids appeared abnormal in shape with defects in acrosomal cap. A high significant decrease in mean ST diameter, height of germinal epithelium while a high significant increase in SCs count and number of caspase-3 immunopositive cells were observed. Group IV showed improvement of the previously mentioned results. Conclusion: Omega-3 could protect against olanzapine induced testicular toxicity therefore; it can be used as an adjuvant therapy with antipsychotic drugs.

Assessment of the effect of sodium hydrogen sulfide (hydrogen sulfide donor) on cisplatin-induced testicular toxicity in rats.

Cisplatin (CIS) is an antineoplastic drug able to produce free radicals that are capable to induce various side effects in different tissues. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has notable antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effects in different systems but its role in male reproductive system is not fully understood. In the present research, the effect of sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) on cisplatin-induced testicular toxicity in male rats was studied. Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were equally divided into 4 groups. The control group was treated with normal saline by intraperitoneal injection. The NaHS group received NaHS (200μg/kg/day) intraperitoneally for 15days. The CIS group received single dose of cisplatin (5mg/kg) intraperitoneally, while the combination of CIS and NaHS was given to the CIS+ NaHS group. At the end of the study, body and testicular weights, plasma testosterone level, histological and morphometrical alterations, inflammation via IL-1β protein, lipid peroxidation, and activity of antioxidant enzymes (including glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase) of testicular tissue were evaluated. CIS injection revealed a significant decrease (p < 0.01) in body and testis weights, plasma testosterone concentration, diameter of seminiferous tubules, germinal epithelium thickness, the number of Sertoli cells, spermatogonia and spermatocyte, Johnsen's testicular score, and testicular antioxidant enzymes, whereas it caused a significant increase (p < 0.01) in lumen diameter of the seminiferous tubules, level of lipid peroxidation, and IL-1β protein expression when compared with the control group. NaHS administration to CIS-treated rats provided marked improvement (p < 0.05) in all biochemical, histological, and morphometrical changes induced by CIS. The beneficial effects of NaHS were mediated, at least partly, by its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Investigating the sperm parameters, oxidative stress and histopathological effects of salvia miltiorrhiza hydroalcoholic extract in the prevention of testicular ischemia reperfusion damage in rats

AimsOne of the most common urologic emergencies is spermatic cord torsion, which can damage testicular tissue and reduce fertility. Salvia miltiorrhiza (SM) hydroalcoholic extract possess high antioxidant properties, and its efficacy in ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury prevention has been demonstrated in cardiac, renal, and liver tissues. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the protective mechanism of SM extract on testicular I/R damage. Main methods18 mature male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into 3 groups; with six rats in each group: Group 1 (Sham) was sham-operated. Group 2 (T-D): torsion was performed, and after 2 hours (h) detorsion was done. Group 3 (SM): (200 mg kg−1) SM was intraperitoneally injected thirty minutes before detorsion. Then testicular and epididymal weight and size alterations, sperm parameters (motility, livability, concentration, and morphology), both plasma and testicular tissue levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were evaluated. Also, histopathological changes included mean seminiferous tubular diameter (MSTD), testicular capsule thickness (TCT), mean testicular biopsy scoring (MTBS), and germinal epithelial cell thickness (GECT) were examined. ResultsTesticular I/R significantly reduced sperm motility, viability, and normality, while SM extract administration remarkably increased sperm motility, and normality (P < 0.05). Induction of testicular T-D caused a significant increment in the level of MDA and notable decline in the levels of GPX, CAT, and TAC both in plasma and testis tissue, whereas administration of SM extract significantly decreased MDA level and increased GPX, CAT, and TAC levels in plasma and testicular tissue (P < 0.05). Histopathological parameters including MSTD, GECT, MTBS, and TCT were significantly lower in the T-D group, while pretreatment with SM extract remarkably increased MSTD, GECT, and MTBS amounts (P < 0.05). ConclusionSince the SM extract increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes, improved sperm parameters and reduced the damage to testicular tissue, therefore, its use as a potent antioxidant in reducing testicular I/R damage is suggested.

Effects of 2,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl exposure during pregnancy on DNA methylation in the testis of offspring in the mouse.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent organic pollutants, and the widespread use of PCBs has had adverse effects on human and animal health. This study experiment explored the effects of 2,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB118) on the mammalian reproductive system. PCB118 was administered to pregnant mice from 7.5 to 12.5 days of gestation; F1 mice were obtained and the reproductive system of F1 male mice was examined. PCB118 damaged the reproductive system in male F1 mice, as evidenced by negative effects on the testicular organ coefficient (testes weight/bodyweight), a decrease in the diameter of seminiferous tubules and a significant reduction in the anogenital distance in 35-day-old F1 mice. In addition, methylation levels of genomic DNA were reduced, with reductions in the expression of the DNA methyltransferases DNMT1, DNMT3A and DNMT3B, as well as that of the epigenetic regulatory factor ubiquitin like with PHD and ring finger domains 1 (Uhrf1). Together, the results of this study provide compelling evidence that exposure of pregnant mice to PCB118 during primordial germ cell migration in the fetus affects the reproductive system of the offspring and decreases global methylation levels in the testis.

Effect of Kebar Grass (Biophytum petersianum) Extract on the Seminiferous Tubules in Male Mice (Mus musculus) Treated With 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)

The aim of this research was to analyze the effect of kebar grass on the seminiferous tubules diameter and epithelium thickness of mice exposed to 2,3,7,8 tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Twenty five BALB/C mice were used with five treatments (4 mice each group): Negative Control (C-), Positive Control (C+) with TCDD 7μg/kgBW IP, and treatment groups that treated with TCDD 7μg/kgBW IP and Kebar Grass orally for 53 days were presented T1 0,045mg/gBW/day, T2 0,080mg/gBW/day, and T3 0,135mg/gBW/day. Results showed that TCDD decreased the diameter and epithelium thickness of seminiferous tubules, while kebar grass extract was proven to maintain diameters but could not maintain epithelium thickness of of the seminiferous tubules Keywords : Kebar grass, Seminiferous tubule, Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), Mice

Effects of ciprofloxacin on testicular tissue and sperm quality in rabbits

Objective: To investigate the hormonal, histopathological toxicity and sperm quality of ciprofloxacin in male genital system in the rabbit model. Methods: Twenty adult New Zealand male rabbits were randomly divided into the treatment and control groups, and respectively received 30 mg/kg/day ciprofloxacin and normal saline intraperitoneally for 14 days. Blood samples and testicular tissues were taken for testosterone by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay method, and measurement of histopathologic and histomorphometric investigations was made on the 14th day of the experiment and 56 days after the last dose of ciprofloxacin. Additionally, epididymis sperm sample was collected for quality analysis. Results: On day 14 of the experiment, histopathologic examination revealed severe degenerative changes in the epithelium of seminiferous tubules and loss of all germ cells in most tubes in the treatment group. In the histomorphometric study, significant reductions in the seminiferous tubules diameter, epithelium height, and Johnsen’ score were observed. On day 56 after the last dose of ciprofloxacin, the seminiferous tubules revealed regeneration in the treatment group and no significant difference was observed in the spermatogenesis parameters except epithelial height parameter between the control group and the treatment group. All sperm quality parameters were significantly decreased on day 56 after the last dose of ciprofloxacin. Testosterone levels did not significantly change during the follow-ups period. Conclusions: There is potential reversible testicular toxicity for ciprofloxacin in the rabbit model in according to relative regeneration of spermatogenic epithelium after 56 days of last dose of ciprofloxacin. Sperm quality will be improved with a delay after complete regeneration of seminiferous tubules.