Volume Of Seminiferous Tubules Research Articles

"Protective effects of artichoke extract and Bifidobacterium longum on male infertility in diabetic rats"

BackgroundDiabetes is a major global health concern and plays a significant role in male infertility and hormonal abnormalities by altering the tissue structure of spermatogenic tubes and decreasing the number of spermatogonia. This study investigated the effect of artichoke (Cynara scolymus L) hydroalcoholic extract and Bifidobacterium longum probiotic on sexual hormones, oxidative stress, apoptosis pathway, and histopathological changes in testicular tissues of diabetic rats to find an adjuvant therapy to manage the infertility complications of diabetes. MethodsIn this experiment, 96 male-rats were randomly selected from eight groups. Control, Sham (normal saline), DM group (IP injected with 60 mg/kg STZ), Cynara (400 mg/kg hydroalcoholic extract of Cynara scolymus L), BBL (received 1 × 109 CFU/ml/day Bifidobacterium longum), DM + Cynara, DM + BBL, and DM + Cynara + BBL groups. After 48 days of orally gavage, serum level of FBS (fasting blood sugar), Malondi-aldehyde (MDA), Total-Anti-Oxidant Capacity (TAC), FSH (Follicle-stimulating hormone), LH (Luteinizing hormone), Testosterone, Testis mRNA-expressions of Protamin (prm1), BCL2, and Caspase-9 genes, as well as stereological changes were measured. ResultsIn comparison to the diabetic group, the hydroalcoholic extract of Cynara scolymus L combined with the probiotic Bifidobacterium longum resulted in a substantial decrease in FBS (p < 0.001) and MDA(p < 0.05) concentrations, and the expression of the Caspase-9 gene (1.33-fold change). In addition, serum levels of TAC, LH, FSH, Testosterone were significantly increased (p < 0.05). mRNA expression of protamine (p = 0.016) and BCL2 (0.72-fold change) were detected. Furthermore, in comparison with diabetic rats, the Cynara scolymus L-and Bifidobacterium longum-treated groups showed a significant increase in the number of sexual lineage cells, total weight, sperm count, motility, normal morphology, volume of the testis, and volume and length of seminiferous tubules (p < 0.05). ConclusionThe findings demonstrated that Cynara scolymus L extract and Bifidobacterium longum supplement had great therapeutic potential, including antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-diabetic, fertility index improvement, and sex hormone modulators.

Silymarin mitigates toxic effects of cyclophosphamide on testicular tissue and sperm parameters in mice

Cyclophosphamide, a chemotherapy drug, increases oxidative stress in sperm and testicular tissue. This study evaluated the effect of silymarin, a potent antioxidant, on the quality of sperm and testicular tissue in mice treated with cyclophosphamide. NMRI adult male mice were divided into four groups: control; cyclophosphamide (intraperitoneal injection, 100 mg/kg, once a week); cyclophosphamide + silymarin; and silymarin (intraperitoneal injection, 200 mg/kg, every other day). After a 35-day treatment period, the caudal region of the epididymis was examined for sperm parameters, the right testis was used for stereological studies, and the left testis was used to assess biochemical factors. The data were statistically analyzed using SPSS software, one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test. In the cyclophosphamide group, there was a significant reduction in the mean total volume of testicular tissue, the average volume of seminiferous tubules and their components, and the average volume of interstitial tissue. Additionally, there was a notable decrease (p < 0.001) in the average number of Leydig cells, Sertoli cells, and sperm parameters. The mean concentration of testosterone hormone (p < 0.05) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) level (p < 0.01) also significantly decreased, while the malondialdehyde (MDA) level increased significantly (p < 0.05). However, these adverse changes were mitigated in the cyclophosphamide + silymarin group compared to the cyclophosphamide group. Our results showed that silymarin as an antioxidant can mitigate the adverse effects of cyclophosphamide on testicular tissue and sperm parameters.

Protective effect of co-enzyme Q10 on testicular tissue and sperm parameters in adult male rats treated with Sunset Yellow FCF

Objective: To determine the protective effect of co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10) on testicular tissue and sperm parameters in male rats treated with Sunset Yellow FCF. Methods: Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 6 groups of the control, CoQ10 (10 mg/kg/day), low dose of Sunset Yellow (2.5 mg/kg), high dose of Sunset Yellow (70 mg/kg), low dose of Sunset Yellow (2.5 mg/kg) plus CoQ10, and high dose of Sunset Yellow (70 mg/kg) plus CoQ10. The drugs were administered via daily oral gavages for 6 weeks. At the end of the experiment, sperm analysis, stereological and histological assessments of the testis were carried out. Results: The normal morphology (by 41.1%) and progressive spermatozoa (by 74.8%), testicle volume (by 33.4%), lumen volume (by 38.3%), interstitial tissue volume (by 44.7%), seminiferous tubule volume (by 40.7%), and number of spermatogonia (by 53.9%) and Leydig cells (by 70.7%) reduced in the rats that received high doses of Sunset Yellow in comparison to the control group. Nonetheless, all these alterations were recovered by CoQ10 treatment in the CoQ10 plus high dose of Sunset Yellow group. Furthermore, low doses of Sunset Yellow did not affect different parameters of the testis and sperm. Conclusions: CoQ10 could, to some extent, prevent structural changes of the testis induced by the high dose of Sunset Yellow.

Isolation of an Insulin-Like Receptor Involved in the Testicular Development of the Mud Crab Scylla paramamosain.

Insulin-like androgenic gland hormone (IAG) is a key regulator of male sexual differentiation in crustaceans that plays important roles in secondary sexual characteristics and testicular development. As a hormone, IAG interacts with its membrane receptor to initiate downstream signal pathways to exert its biological functions. In this study, we isolated a full-length cDNA of an insulin-like receptor (Sp-IR) from the mud crab Scylla paramamosain. Sequence analysis revealed that this receptor consists of a Fu domain, two L domains, three FN-III domains, a transmembrane domain, and a tyrosine kinase domain, classifying it as a member of the tyrosine kinase insulin-like receptors family. Our results also suggested that Sp-IR was highly expressed in the testis and AG in males. Its expression in the testis peaked in stage I but significantly decreased in stages II and III (p < 0.01). Next, both short- and long-term RNA interference (RNAi) experiments were performed on males in stage I to explore Sp-IR function in mud crabs. The results showed that Sp-vasa and Sp-Dsx expression levels in the testis were significantly down-regulated after the specific knockdown of Sp-IR by RNAi. Additionally, the long-term knockdown of Sp-IR led to a considerable decrease in the volume of seminiferous tubules, accompanied by large vacuoles and a reduced production of secondary spermatocytes and spermatids. In conclusion, our results indicated that Sp-IR is involved in testicular development and plays a crucial role in transitioning from primary to secondary spermatocytes. This study provided a molecular basis for the subsequent analysis of the mechanism on male sexual differentiation in Brachyuran crabs.

Stereological study of testes following experimentally-induced unilateral cryptorchidism in rats.

Cryptorchidism is one of the main causes of infertility and can result in testicular cancer. This study aimed to present quantitative data on the damage caused by cryptorchidism using stereological analysis. Thirty newborn rats were randomly divided into control and experimental groups. The experimental group underwent surgery to induce unilateral cryptorchidism in the left testis, whereas the control group underwent a sham surgical procedure 18 days after birth. The testes were removed at designated time points (40, 63, and 90 days after birth) for stereological evaluation and sperm analysis. Total testicular volume, interstitial tissue volume, seminiferous tubule volume and length, and seminiferous epithelium volume and surface area were measured. Other parameters, such as sperm count, sperm morphology, and sperm tail length, were also examined. Statistically significant differences (p<0.05) were observed between the experimental and the control groups at different ages regarding the volumes of various parameters, including the surface area of the germinal layer, the length of the seminiferous tubules, sperm count, and sperm morphology. However, no significant differences were observed in the epithelial volume and the sperm tail length of the groups. Given the substantial effect of cryptorchidism on different testicular parameters, as well as the irreversible damage it causes in the testes, it is important to take this abnormality seriously to prevent these consequences.

Photobiomodulation therapy reverses spermatogenesis arrest in hyperthermia-induced azoospermia mouse model.

Testicular heat stress leads to impairment of spermatogenesis in mammals. Involved mechanism in this vulnerability to heat-induced injury remains unclear, and research is being conducted to find an approach to reverse spermatogenesis arrest caused by hyperthermia. Recently, different studies have utilized photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) therapy for the improvement of sperm criteria and fertility. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of PBMT on the improvement of spermatogenesis in mouse models of hyperthermia-induced azoospermia. A total of 32 male NMRI mice were equally divided into four groups consisting of control, hyperthermia, hyperthermia + Laser 0.03 J/cm2, and hyperthermia + Laser 0.2 J/cm2. To induce scrotal hyperthermia, mice were anesthetized and placed in a hot water bath at 43 °C for 20 min for 5 weeks. Then, PBMT was operated for 21 days using 0.03 J/cm2 and 0.2 J/cm2 laser energy densities in the Laser 0.03 and Laser 0.2 groups, respectively. Results revealed that PBMT with lower intensity (0.03 J/cm2) increased succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity and glutathione (GSH)/oxidized glutathione (GSSG) ratio in hyperthermia-induced azoospermia mice. At the same time, low-level PBMT reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential, and lipid peroxidation levels in the azoospermia model. These alterations accompanied the restoration of spermatogenesis manifested by the elevated number of testicular cells, increased volume and length of seminiferous tubules, and production of mature spermatozoa. After conducting experiments and analyzing the results, it has been revealed that the use of PBMT at a dosage of 0.03 J/cm2 has shown remarkable healing effects in the heat-induced azoospermia mouse model.

The study of features in sperm and spermatogenesis from males of the genus Ovis with different genotypes

Relevance. Interspecific hybridization of domestic animals with wild related species is considered as one of the promising directions in animal husbandry in the framework of increasing the genetic biodiversity of the gene pool of agricultural animals. The article presents the results of studies of the reproductive characteristics in animals of the genus Ovis with different genotypes.Methods. The objects of research were purebred sheep of the Romanov breed, mouflon and interspecific hybrids from sheep of the Romanov breed with mouflon. The qualitative and quantitative indicators of the sperm at the age of 9, 12 and 18 months were studied. An assessment of the morphometric parameters of spermatozoa from interspecific hybrids is given in comparison with the original parental species. The testes histological studies of purebred and hybrid animals at the age of 12 months were carried out.Results. Differences in several indicators of sperm production and spermatogenesis in purebred and hybrid animals depending on the genotype were revealed. A decrease in the volume of ejaculate and concentration of spermatozoa in hybrid animals relative to purebred males at the age of 12 and 18 months was established in 3.5, 2.6 times and in 1.6, 2.1 times, respectively (р &lt; 0,01). An increase in the proportion of spermatozoa with abnormal morphology in hybrid animals relative to purebred males in 2.9–3.3 times was revealed (р &lt; 0,01). The obtained data are confirmed by histological studies. There is a decrease in the area and volume of seminiferous tubules in hybrid animals by 9.7% and 37.1%, respectively, compared with similar indicators of purebred males of the Romanov breed (р &lt; 0,01). It was shown that in purebred animals in the lumen of the seminiferous tubule have many mature germ cells — sperm, while in hybrid males the presence of single germ cells was established, which indicates a later puberty of hybrid animals compared to the original maternal form — sheep of the Romanov breed.

Olanzapine treatment of lactating females causes testicular atrophy in prepuberal rat offspring

ABSTRACT The antipsychotic drug, olanzapine, is prescribed for postpartum psychosis. Possible adverse effects on fertility of offspring are unclear. We investigated the effects of administering olanzapine via lactation on testicular development and endocrine function of prepuberal male rats. Olanzapine was administered to mothers at 2.5, 5 or 10 mg/kg. We found in male offspring increased body weight, decreased gonadosomatic index, testicular weight and epididymal weight. The volume of seminiferous tubules, seminiferous epithelium, Leydig cells, intertubule tissue and lymphatic space was reduced in rat pups exposed to olanzapine. Tubule diameter and length, seminiferous epithelium height, Leydig cell size and nuclear diameter also were reduced. Testosterone levels were reduced in the groups exposed to olanzapine, while prolactin levels were increased. We observed histopathology in testes of animals whose mothers had been treated with 2.5 mg/kg olanzapine; more severe pathology was observed in offspring whose mothers were administered higher doses. Administration of olanzapine to mothers during lactation produced testicular and endocrine pathology in prepuberal rats in a dose-dependent manner.

The protective effect of L-carnitine on testosterone synthesis pathway, and spermatogenesis in monosodium glutamate-induced rats

BackgroundMonosodium glutamate (MSG) is a food ingredient that is increasingly used commercially. MSG leads to oxidative stress, consequently suppressing steroid hormone production that causes defects in male reproductive system. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of L-carnitine as an antioxidant on testicular damage in MSG-induced male rats.MethodsSixty adult male Spargue-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups of ten as follows: control (water), sham (normal saline), L-carnitine (200 mg/kg b.w), MSG (3 g/kg b.w), MSG + L-carnitine 100 (3 g/kg b.w of MSG and 100 mg/kg b.w of L-carnitine), and MSG + L-carnitine 200 (3 g/kg b.w of MSG and 200 mg/kg b.w of L-carnitine). The treatment was administered by oral gavage for six months. Serum levels of Malondialdehyde (MDA), Total Anti-oxidant Capacity (TAC), LH, FSH, testosterone, and mRNA expressions of Star, Cyp11a1, and Hsd17b3 genes, and histological and stereological changes were assessed.ResultsL-carnitine led to a significant decrease in the level of MDA and a significant rise in the serum levels of TAC, LH, FSH, and mRNA expression of Star and Cyp11a1 compared to the MSG group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, stereological results indicated a significant increment in the number of sexual lineage cells, the total volume of the testis, length, diameter, and volume of seminiferous tubules, the height of the germinal epithelium, sperm count, and sperm motility (p < 0.05) in MSG + L-carnitine 200 compare to MSG group.ConclusionThe study’s findings demonstrated that L-carnitine due to its anti-oxidant properties, ameliorated the reproductive abnormalities in the male rats exposed to MSG.

P-027 which is the best method of testicular sperm retrieval for NOA? an answer from 1071 TESE cases in my clinics over 25 years

Abstract Study question Which improves sperm recovery rate (SRR) for men with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), microdissection TESE (m-TESE) or conventional TESE (c-TESE)? Summary answer SRR of c-TESE vs. m-TESE for NOA was not significant. We need to develop a safer, less-invasive technique with fewer complications and higher SRR. What is known already m-TESE has been performed for men with NOA since Schlegel P’s report (Hum Reprod, 1999). Seminiferous tubules containing many developing germ cells were likely to be larger and more opaque and the ability to find spermatozoa increased from 45% (10/22) to 63% (17/27) after introduction of the microdissection technique. However, Jarvis S et al. (Turek PG group, 2019) reported that at least one site revealed mature sperm in 24 (29.3%) of 82 men with prior failed micro TESE procedures, and sperm were more likely to be found in the testis periphery rather than centrally with FNA mapping. Study design, size, duration TESE was performed in 1071 azoospermic patients in my clinics; c-TESE was performed for all azoospermic patients between 1996 and 2005 in Sendai; c-TESE for OA and m-TESE for NOA was performed from 2006 in Sendai, and from 2012 in Takanawa. The patients were divided into four groups; 1) FSH≦9.2mIU/ml, Testicular volume(TV)≧15/ml (OA), 2) FSH≦9.2mIU/ml, TV &amp;lt; 15ml, 3) FSH&amp;gt;9.2mIU/ml, TV≧15ml, 4) FSH&amp;gt;9.2mIU/ml, TV &amp;lt; 15ml (NOA). Participants/materials, setting, methods c-TESE was performed in 178 azoospermic men (50, 12, 7, 109, respectively) in 1996-2005. c-TESE was performed in 181 patients (131, 26, 15, 9, respectively) and m-TESE was performed in 541 patients (56, 33, 35, 416, respectively) in 2006 -2020. SRR, pregnancy rate (PR), and birth rate (BR) in 1996-2005 were compared with those in 2006-2020. Main results and the role of chance Statistical analysis was performed by chi-square analysis. SRR in c-TESE was 96.0% (48/50) in group 1 (OA) vs. 36.7% (40/109) in group 4 (NOA) in Sendai between 1996 and 2005 (P &amp;lt; 0.001). SRR of c-TESE was 36.7% (40/109) in group 4 (NOA, in Sendai, 1996-2006), whereas SRR of m-TESE was 31.3% (130/416) in group 4 (NOA, in Sendai and Takanawa, 2006-2020). There was no significant difference (np). Total SRR of conventional TESE for all azoospermic patients between 1996 and 2005 was 54.9% (96/175), whereas total SRR of c-TESE for OA and m-TESE for NOA between 2006 and 2020 was 51.7% (373/721). NOA rate 4) of azoospermic patients of 1996-2005 and that of 2006-2020 was 61.2% (109/178) and 58.9% (425/721), respectively. There was no significant difference (np). PR was 37.4% (61/163) and BR was 31.9% (52/263) in c-TESE (1996-2005), PR was 39.6% (388/980), and BR was 27.6% (270//980) in both c-TESE and m-TESE (2006–2020). There was a significant difference in birth rate (P &amp;lt; 0.05). In conclusion, SRR, PR, and BR were not improved even after m-TESE was performed. Considering the fact that m-TESE cannot find sperm thoroughly, adopting other techniques such as sperm fine-needle aspiration may be required. Limitations, reasons for caution Not applicable. Wider implications of the findings We could not show the effectiveness of m-TESE compared with c-TESE. However, the total volume of seminiferous tubules collected by c-TESE was the higher. The new one-step fine-needle aspiration has the potential to achieve higher sperm yield with fewer complications. Further advanced technology will hopefully improve the SRR in NOA. Trial registration number none

Protective effect of indole-3-carbinol on testis of a high fat diet induced obesity

ABSTRACT We investigated the effects of obesity caused by a high fat diet (HFD) on rat testes and evaluated the possible protective effects of indole-3-carbinol (IND). We used 24 8–10-week-old 200 g male rats randomly assigned to 4 groups: non-obese control (NC), obese control (OC), non-obese IND group (NI), obese + IND group (OI). Testis samples were examined using stereological, immunohistochemical, biochemical and histological methods. The number of spermatogenic cells, Leydig cells, mean volume of testes and seminiferous tubules was significantly decreased in the OC group compared to the NC group, but these values were increased significantly in the OI group compared to the OC group. We found a significant increase in catalase and myeloperoxidase activities in the OC group compared to the NC group. In the OI group, catalase and myeloperoxidase levels were decreased compared to the OC group. TUNEL-positive cells also were increased in the OC group compared to the NC group (p < 0.05), but these were fewer in the OI group than the OC group. We found marked morphological changes in testicular tissues between the NC and OC groups, as well as between the OI and OC groups. We found that HFD induced obesity was detrimental to rat testes and that administration of IND ameliorated testicular changes caused by obesity.

Age related changes in testicular histomorphometry and spermatogenic activity of bulls

The aim of the present study was to evaluate age related changes in testicular histomorphometry and spermatogenic activity of bulls during their sexual development. A total of 36 bulls were selected and divided into four groups (n=9 in each) according to their age. Bulls included in Groups I, II, III and IV were 10, 12, 14 and 16 months old respectively. Left testes of bulls were subjected to histomorphometry after slaughter. Statistical analysis revealed that the secondary spermatocytes, round and elongated spermatids increased significantly (P˂0.05) with the age of bulls. Likewise, both sertoli and leydig cell numbers increased significantly (P˂0.05) with the age of bulls. However, the number of spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes did not change (P&gt;0.05) due to age. The mean tubular diameter increased from 200.70±5.45 μm (10 months of age) to 227.30±9.16 μm (16 months of age) and the total volume of seminiferous tubule per testis from 69.63±1.50 % (10 months of age) to 84.64±2.53 % (16 months of age). A positive linear relationship (P&lt;0.05) was found between meiotic index (Y) and the age (X, in month), which was characterized by the equation 0.048X+3.135 and a coefficient of correlation (R) of 0.396. The correlation between age and sertoli cell efficiency was 0.482 with a regression equation Y= 0.141X+7.696. It is concluded that histomorphometric parameters of the bulls’ testes and spermatogenic activity are correlated with the age, so these parameters provide a reliable tool for the assessment of the reproductive state and sperm production capacity of a bull in a breeding program.

Ameliorating potential and fertility enhancing activities of nutritional dietary supplementation of D-Ribose –l-Cysteine in cisplatin induced oligoasthenoteratozoospermia and seminiferous epithelium degeneration in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats

BackgroundCisplatin (CN) is considered as a cytotoxic agent and DNA synthesis inhibitor. D-Ribose-l-Cysteine (DRLC) is an active ingredient of riboceine, help cells to produce glutathione on body demand. AimCurrent study focused on ameliorating potential and fertility enhancing activities of D-Ribose–l-Cysteine in cisplatin induced oligoasthenoteratozoospermia and seminiferous epithelium degeneration. Materials and methodSixty (60) male rats randomized into six groups of ten (n = 10) rats each. Group A (control) received 2.0 ml distilled water, group B received single dose of 8 mg/kg bwt CN, group C received 30 mg/kg bwt DRLC, group D received single dose of 8 mg/kg CN follow by 30 mg/kg bwt DRLC, group E received single dose of 8 mg/kg CN and vitamin C, group F received single dose of 8 mg/kg cisplatin follow by DRLC + Vit.C for 56 days. Parameters tested include: Sperm parameters, testosterone (TT), luteinizing hormone (LH), Follicle stimulating Hormone, (FSH), Prolactin, and testicular 17β-HSD activity, Blood hydroperoxide (BHP), Malondialdehyde (MDA), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Glutathione (GSH) and Catalase (CAT), testicular histology and fertility test. ResultsCisplatin significantly reduced testicular volume, body weight, sperm quality, fertility indices, TT, FSH, LH, 17β-HSD, SOD, GSH, CAT, diameter and cross-sectional area of seminiferous tubules, spermatogenesis score. And elevate prolactin, testicular injury score, BHP and MDA compared with control group. Cisplatin only treated rats showed degenerated seminiferous epithelium with empty lumen. Intervention of D-Ribose-Cysteine ameliorated toxic impacts of CN on testis and improved the male fertility. ConclusionD-Ribose-l-Cysteine therefore, preserves testicular integrity and functions thereby, preventing the deleterious impact of CN.

Stereological properties of seminiferous tubules in infertile men with chromosomal and genetic abnormalities.

Male infertility is caused by genetic anomalies in 15-30% of cases. This study aimed to determine stereological properties of seminiferous tubules in infertile men with genetic anomalies, including Klinefelter Syndrome (KS), Y chromosome microdeletions (MYC) and CFTR gene mutations (CFTR); and to compare them to seminiferous tubules of men with obstructive azoospermia of non-genetic origin (control group). The study was conducted on 28 human testis biopsy specimens obtained from 14 patients with MYC, 18 samples from 9 patients with KS, and 6 samples from 3 patients with CFTR. Whenever possible, a bilateral biopsy was included in the study. The control group had 33 samples from 18 patients (3 of them with a solitary testis). Qualitative and quantitative (stereological) analysis of seminiferous tubules (including the status of spermatogenesis, volume, surface area, length and number of tubules) were performed in all groups. Qualitative histological analysis revealed significant impairment of spermatogenesis in KS and MYC, whereas testicular parenchyma was fully maintained in CFTR and control groups. Spermatogenesis was most seriously impaired in KS. All stereological parameters were significantly lower in KS and MYC, compared to the CFTR and control groups. The total volume, surface and length of seminiferous tubules were significantly lower in KS compared with MYC. Stereological analysis is valuable in evaluating male infertility, whereas qualitative histological analysis can be helpful in assessing sperm presence in testicular tissue of patients with KS or MYK undergoing TESE.

COVID-19 disrupts spermatogenesis through the oxidative stress pathway following induction of apoptosis.

To evaluate the incidence of apoptosis within the testes of patients who died from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (COVID-19) complications, testis tissue was collected from autopsies of COVID-19 positive (n = 6) and negative men (n = 6). They were then taken for histopathological experiments, and RNA extraction, to examine the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), transmembrane protease, serine 2 (TMPRSS2), BAX, BCL2 and Caspase3 genes. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and glutathione disulfide (GSH) activity were also thoroughly examined. Autopsied testicular specimens of COVID-19 showed that COVID-19 infection significantly decreased the seminiferous tubule length, interstitial tissue and seminiferous tubule volume, as well as the number of testicular cells. An analysis of the results showed that the Johnsen expressed a reduction in the COVID-19 group when compared to the control group. Our data showed that the expression of ACE2, BAX and Caspase3 were remarkably increased as well as a decrease in the expression of BCL2 in COVID-19 cases. Although, no significant difference was found for TMPRSS2. Furthermore, the results signified an increase in the formation of ROS and suppression of the GSH activity as oxidative stress biomarkers. The results of immunohistochemistry and TUNEL assay showed that the expression of ACE2 and the number of apoptotic cells significantly increased in the COVID-19 group. Overall, this study suggests that COVID-19 infection causes spermatogenesis disruption, probably through the oxidative stress pathway and subsequently induces apoptosis.

Comparative Analysis of Testicular Histology and lncRNA-mRNA Expression Patterns Between Landes Geese (Anser anser) and Sichuan White Geese (Anser cygnoides).

Landes geese and Sichuan White geese are two important genetic materials for commercial goose breeding. However, the differences in the male reproductive capacity between these two breeds and the potential molecular mechanisms and associated key genes have not been reported to date. The present study compared the testicular histology and mRNA–long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) expression patterns to reveal the differences in male reproductive performance between Sichuan White geese and Landes geese, as well as to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. Histological results showed that the testicular organ index, semen volume, and long diameter of seminiferous tubules of Landes geese were significantly larger than those of Sichuan White geese. Analyses of mRNA-lncRNA expression profile showed that compared with Sichuan White geese, a total of 462 differentially expressed mRNAs (DEGs) (173 up-regulated and 289 down-regulated) and 329 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DE lncRNAs) (280 up-regulated, 49 down-regulated) were identified in Landes geese. Among these DEGs, there were 10 spermatogenesis-related and highly expressed (FPKM > 10) DEGs. Except for SEPP1, all of these DEGs were significantly up-regulated in the testes of Landes geese. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that the pathway related to metabolism progress and phosphoinositol signal is vitally responsible for differences in male reproductive performance between Landes geese and Sichuan White geese. These results show that compared with Sichuan White geese, the spermatogenesis in the testis of Landes geese was more active, which may be mainly related to the inositol phosphate signal. These data contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying different male reproductive performances between Landes geese and Sichuan White geese. This knowledge might eventually provide a theoretical basis for improving male reproductive performance in geese.

Chronic testicular Chlamydia muridarum infection impairs mouse fertility and offspring development†.

With approximately 131 million new genital tract infections occurring each year, Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted bacterial pathogen worldwide. Male and female infections occur at similar rates and both cause serious pathological sequelae. Despite this, the impact of chlamydial infection on male fertility has long been debated, and the effects of paternal chlamydial infection on offspring development are unknown. Using a male mouse chronic infection model, we show that chlamydial infection persists in the testes, adversely affecting the testicular environment. Infection increased leukocyte infiltration, disrupted the blood:testis barrier and reduced spermiogenic cell numbers and seminiferous tubule volume. Sperm from infected mice had decreased motility, increased abnormal morphology, decreased zona-binding capacity, and increased DNA damage. Serum anti-sperm antibodies were also increased. When both acutely and chronically infected male mice were bred with healthy female mice, 16.7% of pups displayed developmental abnormalities. Female offspring of chronically infected sires had smaller reproductive tracts than offspring of noninfected sires. The male pups of infected sires displayed delayed testicular development, with abnormalities in sperm vitality, motility, and sperm-oocyte binding evident at sexual maturity. These data suggest that chronic testicular Chlamydia infection can contribute to male infertility, which may have an intergenerational impact on sperm quality.

The effect of green tea extract on the sperm parameters and histological changes of testis in rats exposed to para-nonylphenol.

BackgroundPara-nonylphenol (p-NP), an environmental contaminant, can generate free radicals that disturbs the reproductive properties. Green tea extract (GTE) is an antioxidant which may prevent the adverse effects of free radicals. Objective: The aim was to investigate the effect of GTE on sperm parameters and testis tissue in p-NP-treated rats.Materials and Methods24 adult male Wistar rats (215 20 gr) were randomly divided into four groups (n = 6/each) – including control, p-NP (200 mg/kg/day), GTE (200 mg/kg/day), and p-NP + GTE – and orally treated for 56 days. The right testes and left caudal epididymis were used to evaluate selected parameters. In addition, the concentration of serum malondialdehyde was calculated.ResultsA significant decrease in the sperm number, motility, viability and morphology (p 0.001) was observed in the rats treated with p-NP compared to the control ones. The diameter of seminiferous tubules (p 0.001), thickness of germinal epithelium (p = 0.018), total volume of testis (p = 0.009), volume of seminiferous tubules (p 0.001), and testis weight (p = 0.017) decreased in the p-NP group in contrast with the other groups. Moreover, a significant increase of the malondialdehyde concentration was seen in the p-NP group when compared with the controls (p = 0.043). The majority of adverse effects of p-NP could be recovered following the administration of GTE.ConclusionIt seems GTE can be used as a potent antioxidant in the case of p-NP toxication.

Protective Antioxidant Effects of N-acetylcysteine on Testicular Tissue and Serum Testosterone in Paranonylphenol-Treated Mice (A Stereological Analysis)

Paranonilphenol (p-NP) is an environmental pollutant that affects the male reproductive system through induction of oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) as an antioxidant against impairment of testicular tissue caused by p-NP. In this study, 24 adult male NMRI mice were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=6 each groups): 1-Control, 2- p-NP (250 mg/kg/day), 3-NAC (150 mg/kg/day) and 4-p-NP+NAC. After 35 days of orally treatment a significant decrease in the diameter (P<0.01), germinal epithelium height (P<0.04), basement membrane thickness and volume of seminiferous tubules (P<0.02) and as well as a significant decrease in serum testosterone level (P<0.04) were observed. Also a significant decrease in the count of sertoli (P<0.04), leydig (P<0.02), spermatogonia (P<0.04), spermatocyte (P<0.04), round and long spermatid (P<0.02) cells in the p-NP group compared to other group were observed. In the p-NP group, atrophy, edema, reduction in lumens sperm density and vacuoled were observed. While in this group a significant increase in the interstitial tissue volume (p<0.01), level of testis MDA (p<0.01) and count of the positive-TUNEL cells (p<0.01) in the seminiferous tubules were observed. NAC can significantly compensate the parameters mentioned above in NAC +p-NP group compared to the p-NP group. The findings of this study showed that NAC, as a potent antioxidant, can compensate the adverse effects of p-NP on testicular tissue.

Beneficial treatment effects of dietary nitrate supplementation on testicular injury in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats.

Do low doses of dietary nitrate help to attenuate the progression of diabetic reproductive disorders in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats? Fifty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: controls receiving distilled water; controls receiving 100 mg/l nitrate in distilled water; diabetic rats receiving distilled water; diabetic rats receiving insulin 2-4 U/day of neutral protamine hagedorn insulin; and diabetic rats receiving 100 mg/l nitrate in distilled water. Diabetes was induced by 45 mg/kg streptozotocin. Nitrate and insulin treatment were started 4 weeks after diabetes induction for 8 weeks. Serum insulin, nitrogen oxide, stereology of testis, apoptosis, sperm parameters, and mRNA expression of Pdcd4, Pacs2, p53 and miR-449a were assessed at the end of the study. Blood glucose, apoptotic index of seminiferous tubules and expression of p53, Pdcd4, and Pacs2 mRNA were significantly higher in the diabetic rats (P < 0.001). Decreased body weight, serum insulin and nitrogen oxide level, and miR-449a were observed in the diabetic group (P < 0.01 for insulin; P < 0.001 for others). Most sperm parameters and stereological results differed between diabetic and control rats; nitrate recovered almost all these alterations, including dead spermatozoa, sperm motility grade, sperm deformity index, spermatozoa with damaged DNA, malformations in abnormal spermatozoa, total volume of seminiferous tubule, germinal epithelium, capsule, lumen, interstitial tissue, seminiferous tubule diameter, germinal epithelium height, the number of spermatogenic, Sertoli and Leydig cells. Treatment with sodium nitrate could modulate apoptosis, which is a major cause of diabetic testicular disorder. These experiments suggest that nitric oxide plays an important role in the function of the reproductive system.