Sperm Motility In Rats Research Articles

Ameliorative Effects of N-Acetyl Cysteine and Zinc Sulfate on Reproductive Dysfunction Induced by Short-Term Crude Oil Exposure in Male Wistar Rats

Background: Crude oil contamination by accidental or voluntary ingestion is prevalent in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. One of the possible impacts of crude oil contamination is reproductive toxicity leading to infertility. The present study evaluated the potential protective effects of N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) and Zinc Sulfate (ZnSO4) in mitigating reproductive dysfunction caused by short-term Bonny Light Crude oil (BLCO) exposure in male Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Fifty (50) male Wistar (180 – 200g) were used for the study. They were divided into ten (10) groups of five (5) animals each. Groups I and II served as the control and negative control and received distilled water and BLCO (600mg/kg) respectively while groups III to X served as the experimental groups and received NAC (100 and 200mg/kg) and ZnSO4 (0.5mg/kg and 1mg/kg) orally for three (3) weeks. Animals were euthanized, and blood and semen were collected for biochemical and seminal analysis. Results: The results of this current study show that BLCO exposure caused a disruption in reproductive functions in rats by decreasing reproductive hormones and semen quality parameters in Wistar rats. NAC and ZnSO4 administration significantly improved semen quality parameters by improving sperm count, sperm motility and morphology in experimental rats. Conclusion: Evidence from the present study suggests that NAC and ZnSO4 protected the testes, preventing reproductive alterations linked to BLCO exposure.

Editorial Expression of Concern: Estrogen receptor, calcium mobilization and rat sperm motility.

Editorial Expression of Concern: Estrogen receptor, calcium mobilization and rat sperm motility.

P-100 Prolonged exposure to polyethylene glycol (peg) 6000 severely affects the reproductive system of male Wistar rats

Abstract Study question Studies have shown that microplastics have adverse effects on aquatic reproductive health. Is there any potential effect of Polyethylene glycol (PEG)6000 on rodents reproductive system? Summary answer Despite its wide use in industry, medicine and cosmetic formulations, prolonged exposure to PEG 6000 may pose great risk, especially causing reproductive toxicity. What is known already The usage of Polyethylene glycol (PEG) 6000, a microplastic, is rising in industries, medicine, and cosmetic formulations. They serve as ointment bases, capsules, liquid prescription, suppositories and recently used to alleviate constipation. More so, it is one of the pivotal ingredients in soaps, detergents, and also used as chemical intermediates in textile, leather and plastic industries. Additionally, PEG 6000 is widely used in drug delivery systems and tissue engineering. Although approved for internal consumption by regulatory agencies like FDA, there are evidences of its developmental toxicity. Study design, size, duration Fifteen(15) rats weighing between 200-250g were used in this study. The rats were divided into three groups(A, B and C), of 5 rats in each group. Group A was designated as the control group while groups B and C were the test groups. Group A received distilled water, while groups B and C were administered 50 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg body weight of polyethylene glycol PEG6000 respectively via oral gavage daily for 6 weeks. Participants/materials, setting, methods After 6 weeks, the rats were sacrificed as reproductive organs and serum obtained. Enzyme immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for hormonal assays. Reproductive organs were weighed and tissue damage was determined using Haemoxylin /eosin staining. Antioxidant enzymes levels (Catalase, Superoxide dismutase), Glutathione peroxidise) and Lipid peroxidation (Malondialdehyde) were also evaluated. Computer-assisted sperm assay (CASA) was used to evaluate sperm parameters and sperm movement kinetics. Main results and the role of chance PEG 6000 caused a reduction in the weights of the rats in groups B and C when compared with control group. There was no significant change in the relative testicular and seminal vesicle organ/body weight ratio in groups B and C, however a pattern of reduction was seen in the organ/body weight ratio of epididymis and prostate, when compared to control group. Serum hormonal levels of Follicle stimulating hormone and Luteinizing hormone were reduced in the test groups when compared to control, but not significant. Testosterone was significantly reduced in groups B and C, while estradiol levels were significantly elevated in groups B and C when compared to control group. There was significant reduction in the levels of Superoxide dismutase, Catalase and Glutathione peroxidase, and a significant increase in Malondialdehyde levels in groups B and C when compared to the control group. Histopathological changes were also seen in the testes, epididymis, seminal vesicles and prostate glands of rats in the test groups. Semen analyses showed statistically significant reductions (p < 0.05) in sperm concentration, motility, vitality and sperm movement kinetics of rats in the test groups when compared to the control group. Limitations, reasons for caution Although this study was done in rats, it may not be easy to extrapolate the present findings to humans. However, this calls for caution as primates and rodents are both members of the superorder Euarchontoglires. Wider implications of the findings Prolonged ingestion of PEG 6000 affects male reproductive system, alters hormonal levels, reduces sperm parameters and induces oxidative stress. Interestingly, the disruptive effects of PEG 6000 are dose-dependent, and may lead to male infertility. Trial registration number not applicable

Episodic ozone exposure in Long-Evans rats has limited effects on cauda sperm motility and non-coding RNA populations

Epidemiological evidence suggests the potential for air pollutants to induce male reproductive toxicity. In experimental studies, exposure to ozone during sensitive windows in the sperm lifecycle has been associated with impaired sperm motility. Subsequently, we sought to investigate the effects of episodic exposure to ozone during sperm maturation in the rat. Long-Evans rats were exposed to either filtered air or ozone (0.4 or 0.8 ppm) for five non-consecutive days over two weeks. Ozone exposure did not impact male reproductive organ weights or sperm motility ∼24 hours following the final exposure. Furthermore, circulating sex hormones remained unchanged despite increased T3 and T4 in the 0.8 ppm group. While there was indication of altered adrenergic signaling attributable to ozone exposure in the testis, there were minimal impacts on small non-coding RNAs detected in cauda sperm. Only two piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) were altered in the mature sperm of ozone-exposed rats (piR-rno-346434 and piR-rno-227431). Data across all rats were next analyzed to identify any non-coding RNAs that may be correlated with reduced sperm motility. A total of 7 microRNAs (miRNAs), 8 RNA fragments, and 1682 piRNAs correlated well with sperm motility. Utilizing our exposure paradigm herein, we were unable to substantiate the relationship between ozone exposure during maturation with sperm motility. However, these approaches served to identify a suite of non-coding RNAs that were associated with sperm motility in rats. With additional investigation, these RNAs may prove to have functional roles in the acquisition of motility or be unique biomarkers for male reproductive toxicity.

Effects of Vaccination against Recombinant FSH or LH Receptor Subunits on Gonadal Development and Functioning Male Rats.

Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) play key roles in regulating testosterone secretion and spermatogenesis in male mammals, respectively, and they maintain the fertility of male animals by binding to their corresponding receptors. We designed and prepared a recombinant LH receptor (LHR) subunit vaccine and a recombinant FSH receptor (FSHR) subunit vaccine and used male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats as a model to examine their effects on testicular development, spermatogenesis, and testosterone secretion in prepubertal and pubertal mammals. Both vaccines (LHR-DTT and FSHR-DTT) significantly decreased the serum testosterone level in prepubertal rats (p < 0.05) but had no effect on the testosterone secretion in pubertal rats; both vaccines decreased the number of cell layers in the seminiferous tubules and reduced spermatogenesis in prepubertal and pubertal rats. Subunit vaccine FSHR-DTT decreased the sperm density in the epididymis in both prepubertal and pubertal rats (p < 0.01) and lowered testicular index and sperm motility in pubertal rats (p < 0.05), whereas LHR-DTT only reduced the sperm density in the epididymis in pubertal rats (p < 0.05). These results indicate that the FSHR subunit vaccine may be a promising approach for immunocastration, but it still needs improvements in effectiveness.

Protective Role of Vitamin-C and Resveratrol on Spirotetramat Induced Reproductive Toxicity in Male Wistar Rats

The study was aimed to investigate the potential protective effects of Vitamin-C and Resveratrol on reproductive toxicity induced by spirotetramat in male Wistar rats. To evaluate the protective role of Vitamin–C and Resveratrol, six groups of male Wistar rats ; Group-I (Control), Group-II (Toxicity Control-Spirotetramat 667mg/kgbw), Group-III (Treatment control- Vitamin-C 200mg/kgbw+ Resveratrol 20mg/kgbw), Group IV (Treated 1- Spirotetramat + Vitamin-C 200mg/kgbw), Group-V (Treated 2- Spirotetramat + Resveratrol 20mg/kgbw) and Group-VI (Combination) were framed. The groups were administrated by Spirotetramat (667mg/kgbw), Vitamin-C (200 mg/kgbw) and Resveratrol (20mg/kgbw) for 4 weeks as per the prescribed protocol. Spirotetramat induced testicular toxicity by affecting various parameters of reproductive health. Treatments with the Vitamin-C and Resveratrol showed a significant fortification of reproductive system and associated parameters by reducing the ill effects of Spirotetramat thereby enhancing sperm motility and suppressing sperm abnormality. Spirotetramat showed a decline in in Superoxide dismutase (SOD) Reduced Glutathione (GSH) and Catalase (CAT) with elevation in Malondialdehyde (MDA). After Co-administration of Vitamin-C and Resveratrol levels were found to be normalized revealing their potential efficacy against oxidative stress. The results of this study showed that spirotetramat exposure caused significant reductions in sperm count, motility, and viability in male rats. However, treatment with Vitamin-C and Resveratrol was found to mitigate these effects. Specifically, co-treatment with Spirotetramat and Vitamin-C or Resveratrol resulted in significant improvements in sperm count, motility, and viability in male Wistar rats.

Hyperuricemia Induces Reproductive Damage in Male Rats through Zinc Homeostasis Imbalance and Oxidative Stress

Studies have reported the adverse effects of hyperuricemia on male reproduction, but the mechanism is still unclear. The purpose of this study is to explore the mechanism of hyperuricemia on reproductive system damage in male rats. The rats were divided into a control group and a model group. Rats were given hypoxanthine and potassium oxonate dissolved in 0.5% (w/v) sodium carboxymethyl cellulose solution to induce the hyperuricemia (HUA) model. After 6 weeks, the blood, testis, and epididymis tissues of the anesthetized rats were collected for further experiments and analysis. Compared with the control rats, the serum uric acid of HUA rats was significantly increased, and the serum testosterone, sperm count, and motility were significantly decreased. The protein expression of testosterone-related molecules CYP11A1, 3β-HSD, and StAR was downregulated in the testis of HUA rats. The protein expression of blood–testis barrier (BTB) related molecules ZO-1 and Connexin43 was downregulated in the testis of HUA rats. Compared with the control group, the zinc content and zinc-containing enzymes (ALP and LDH) were decreased, and the mRNA and protein expression of zinc transporters (ZnT4 and ZIP7) were downregulated in the testis of HUA rats. Furthermore, the level of MDA increased and the activities of CAT, GSH-PX, and SOD decreased in the testicular tissue of HUA rats. The PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in the testis of HUA rats was activated. However, there was no significant change in the protein expression of autophagy associated molecules LC3, Beclin1, and ATG5 in the testis of HUA rats. Thus, the conclusion is that hyperuricemia can lead to the destruction of BTB, impaired testosterone synthesis, and decreased sperm count and motility in male rats, mainly by inducing zinc homeostasis imbalance and oxidative stress, rather than autophagy.

Mendelian randomization analysis and validation supports MEGF9 and MLLT11 as potential targets for the treatment of varicocele and male infertility.

A growing body of research suggests a link between varicocele and male infertility (MI). However, current evidence is mainly based on retrospective studies, which are prone to interference from confounding factors and cannot establish causal relationships. Mendelian randomization (MR) studies on the causal relationship between varicocele and MI are very limited. Therefore, this study conducted a two-sample MR study to elucidate the causal effect between the two. Download the data set GSE216907 from the GEO database, and use R software to screen differential genes in normal and varicocele tissue samples. The drug targets of Bu Shen Huo Xue Prescription (BSHXP) were derived from the Herb database. All genetic datasets were obtained using publicly available summary statistics based on individuals of European ancestry from the IEU GWAS database. MR analysis was performed using MR Egger, weighted median (WM) and inverse variance weighted (IVW) methods to assess the causal relationship between exposure and outcome and to validate the findings by comprehensively evaluating the effects of pleiotropic effects and outliers. The renal vein constriction method was used to establish a pathological model of varicocele infertility. The drug was administered continuously for 60 days and the relevant indicators of the rats were observed. Obtain two therapeutic targets for varicocele through intersection analysis: MEGF9 and MLLT11, and were verified by molecular docking. MR analysis showed that MEGF9 was positively associated with MI (MR Egger, OR: 1.639, 95% CI: 1.124-2.391, P = 0.024; WM, OR: 1.235, 95% CI: 1.003-1.521, P = 0.047). MEGF9 is also positively associated with MI (IVW, OR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.069-1.705, P = 0.012). Sensitivity analysis showed no heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy. The expression of MEGF9 and MLLT11 increased in the varicocele model group, while the expression decreased after treatment with low, medium, and high doses of BSHXP. In addition, the sperm number, motility, morphology, and fertility of rats in the model group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). After BSHXP treatment, all indicators were significantly better than those of the model group (P<0.05). In conclusion, this study indirectly supports that varicocele causes MI. BSHXP inhibiting MEGF9 and MLLT11 may become a potential therapeutic target for alleviating varicocele and MI.

Strontium Chloride Improves Reproductive Function and Alters Gut Microbiota in Male Rats.

Strontium (Sr) is an essential trace element in the human body and plays an important role in regulating male reproductive health. Recent studies have shown that gut flora plays a key role in maintaining spermatogenesis, as well as testicular health, through the gut-testis axis. At present, it is unclear whether gut microbiota can mediate the effects of Sr on sperm quality, and what the underlying mechanisms may be. We investigated the effects of different concentrations of strontium chloride (SrCl2) solutions (0, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg BW) on reproductive function and gut microbiota in male Wistar rats (6-8 weeks, 250 ± 20 g). All the animals were euthanized after 37 days of treatment. The Sr-50 group significantly increased sperm concentration, sperm motility, and sperm viability in rats. After Sr treatment, serum and testicular testosterone (T) and Sr levels increased in a dose-dependent manner with increasing Sr concentration. At the same time, we also found that testicular marker enzymes (ACP, LDH) and testosterone marker genes (StAR, 3β-HSD, and Cyp11a1) increased significantly in varying degrees after Sr treatment, while serum NO levels decreased significantly in a dose-dependent manner. Further investigation of intestinal flora showed that SrCl2 affected the composition of gut microbiome, but did not affect the richness and diversity of gut microbiota. Sr treatment reduced the number of bacteria with negative effects on reproductive health, such as Bacteroidetes, Tenericutes, Romboutsia, Ruminococcaceae_UCG_014, Weissella, and Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes_group, and added bacteria with negative effects on reproductive health, such as Jeotgalicoccus. To further explore the Sr and the relationship between the gut microbiota, we conducted a Spearman correlation analysis, and the results showed that the gut microbiota was closely correlated with Sr content in serum and testicular tissue, sex hormone levels, and testicular marker enzymes. Additionally, gut microbiota can also regulate each other and jointly maintain the homeostasis of the body's internal environment. However, we found no significant correlation between intestinal flora and sperm quality in this study, which may be related to the small sample size of our 16S rDNA sequencing. In conclusion, the Sr-50 group significantly increased T levels and sperm quality, and improved the levels of testicular marker enzymes and testosterone marker genes in the rats. Sr treatment altered the gut flora of the rats. However, further analysis of the effects of gut microbiota in mediating the effects of SrCl2 on male reproductive function is needed. This study may improve the current understanding of the interaction between Sr, reproductive health, and gut microbiota, providing evidence for the development of Sr-rich foods and the prevention of male fertility decline.

Effects of pharmacological doses of niacin on subacute glucocorticoid-induced testicular damage in rats.

Glucocorticoid excess adversely affects male reproduction. This study evaluates effects of pharmacological doses of niacin on testicular structure and function in dexamethasone-treated rats. Adult rats (48) were randomly assigned to 6 equal groups: (1) Negative control (NC): normal rats; (2) Positive control (PC): dexamethasone at 7 mg/kg/day by intraperitoneal injections for 7 days; groups 3-6 (N50, N100, N200, and N400): dexamethasone and concomitant treatment with niacin at 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/day by oral gavages. Testicular weight and volume of PC rats were significantly lower than the NC group (p < .05). Testicular volume of rats in the N50 and N200 groups was statistically similar to the NC group. Significant decreases in serum testosterone with a slight LH increase were detected in the PC group. Nacin at 50 mg/kg reversed serum testosterone to NC levels and increased serum LH concentration. Niacin only slightly increased epididymal spermatozoa number while all groups of niacin-treated rats had significantly higher percentages of motile spermatozoa compared with the PC group. Hypospermatogenesis, germ cell degeneration and depletion, epithelial vacuolization, and degenerated Leydig cells were observed in PC rats. Lesions were relatively milder in niacin-treated rats. Johnsen scores were also significantly higher in niacin-treated rats. Niacin reduced apoptosis as shown by TUNEL assay. In conclusion, niacin administration at pharmacological doses dose-dependently ameliorates the destructive effects of dexamethasone on sperm motility, Johnsen score, and testicular cell apoptosis in rats with the latter can be considered a decisive mechanism for its positive effects on testis.

Zishen Yutai Pill improves sperm quality and reduces testicular inflammation in experimental varicocele rats

ObjectiveZishen Yutai Pill (ZYP), containing 15 Chinese traditional medicine, is a safe and well quality-controlled TCM preparation with promising effects in many fields of reproduction. The current study was designed to investigate the therapeutic effects of ZYP on sperm quality and testis in varicocele (VC) rats. Materials and methodsMale Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 6), i.e., a sham group, a VC group, and VC groups treated with different dose of ZYP (1575 and 3150 mg/kg/d, respectively). The experimental VC model was established by partial ligation of left renal vein. Six weeks after model establishment, ZYP was orally administered once a day for the next 6 weeks. Parameters relating to testis and sperm quality were assessed. Hematoxylin–eosin staining was used to showed testicular tissue damage in experimental VC rats. Expressions of proteins relating to NLRP3 inflammasome pathways were determined using Western blot (WB). The mRNA expressions of relating genes were determined using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis. ResultsZYP could significantly improve sperm motility and decrease sperm DNA fragmentation index in VC rats (P < 0.05). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining showed that ZYP could alleviate testicular tissue damage caused by experimental varicocele in rats. Compared to the VC model, expressions of NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1 in rats treated with ZYP were significantly down-regulated, as validated by both qRT-PCR and WB analysis (P < 0.05). ConclusionsIn brief, ZYP could improve sperm DNA integrity by inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway and alleviating the chronic inflammation of testicular tissue induced by experimental varicocele in rats.

Effects of exposure to the inhalational anaesthetic sevoflurane on the male reproductive system in rats.

The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of inhalational anaesthetics on the male reproductive system in neonatal rats. Postnatal day 6 (P6) male rat pups were assigned to 2 groups of 40 rats each. The control group did not receive anaesthesia, and the test group was exposed to air containing 3% sevoflurane in a chamber. After sevoflurane exposure, the effects on the male reproductive system in neonatal rats exposed to inhalational anaesthetics were tested. The rats were maintained to P60. The fertility, sperm and spermatid count, sperm motility, organ weights and histological changes in rats were determined. Compared with those of the control group, the sperm count and motility of the sevoflurane group were significantly decreased (p< 0.05), and there was also a decrease in the number of foetal rats from the sevoflurane group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the arrangement of the seminiferous tubule was regular in the control group, whereas the arrangement of the seminiferous tubule was distorted and the spermatocytes were detached and irregularly lined in the sevoflurane group. TUNEL analysis showed that the number of apoptotic cells in the testes of the sevoflurane group was significantly increased (p < 0.05). SOD and MDA analyses showed that SOD was decreased, while MDA expression was increased. These data indicated that young rats suffered as a result of inhalation of the anaesthetic sevoflurane and had reduced reproductive system function during adolescence in males. These studies are useful as a foundation for clinical studies.

Effect of Karas (Aquilaria malaccensis) on Male Reproductive Organs and Sperm Quality in Adult Sprague Dawley Rats.

Reproductive health and male fertility are closely related to dietary practices. In recent years, Malaysia has shown a lot of interest in using herbal plants as dietary supplements or in the treatment of numerous diseases. Aquilaria malaccensis, commonly known as karas or gaharu, has recently gained attention for its potential to cure many diseases due to its pharmacological properties. However, studies on its effect on male fertility and reproductive organs are very scarce. This study was conducted to determine the effect of A. malaccensis on male reproductive organs' weight (testis, epididymis, prostate gland and seminal vesicle) and sperm quality (sperm count, sperm morphology and sperm motility) in adult Sprague Dawley rats. Twenty-four male Sprague Dawley rats were allocated into four treatment groups; Control (C: 1 mL of distilled water, n = 6), Treatment 1 (T1: 1 g A. malaccensis/kg body weight, n = 6), Treatment 2 (T2: 2 g A. malaccensis/kg body weight, n = 6) and Treatment 3 (T3: 3 g A. malaccensis/kg body weight, n = 6), respectively. Distilled water and A. malaccensis were administered by oral gavage once daily for 28 days. The rats were euthanised on Day 29 for assessment of reproductive organs' weight and sperm quality. Result shows that weight of testis, epididymis, prostate gland, seminal vesicle and sperm motility did not differ (p > 0.05) among control and treated groups. A significant increase (p < 0.05) of sperm number (1.36 × 10-6) and a decrease (p < 0.05) in percentage of the abnormal sperm (8.17%) were observed in T1 group when compared to Control group. Incremental dosage of A. malaccensis seemed to decrease number of sperm (T3: 0.78 × 10-6 < T1: 1.36 × 10-6 with p < 0.05) and increase percentage of abnormal sperm (T3: 18.83% > T2: 12.17% > T1: 8.17% with p < 0.05). In conclusion, the administration of either 1, 2 or 3 grams of A. malaccensis did not alter the reproductive organs' weight and sperm motility. However, the higher concentration of A. malaccensis consumed by the rats seemed to have detrimental effects on the number and morphology of sperm.

Antifertility Effect of Sirih Leaf (Piper betle L.) Ethanol Extract on Male Wistar Rats Spermatogenesis

Background: Currently, there are still very limited male contraceptive options. The ideal male contraceptive is still needed and ideally has the characteristics of having sufficient effectiveness, fully reversible and safe for long-term use. Several studies have been conducted to explore Piper betle as a contraceptive. Objectives: This study aims to examine the effect of 96% ethanol extract of sirih leaf (Piper betle L.) in reducing rat spermatogenesis quality, which includes the number, concentration, motility and morphology of male rat sperm. Material and Methods: This study used a posttest design with 28 white male rats. The rats were divided into four groups, each consisting of 7 rats. Group I was a control group. The test groups were group II, III, IV, and V, and each received an ethanolic extract of Piper betle leaves with various dosages of 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg body weight (BW), respectively, for 30 days. On day 31, all mice were sacrificed and analyzed for sperm count and concentration, sperm motility and sperm morphology. Results: The administration of 96% Piper betle leaves ethanol extract (PBEE) decreased the number and concentration of rats sperm, decreased progressive sperm motility and reduced the proportion of normal morphological rat sperm. PBEE at 800 mg/kg BW dose showed the greatest decreasing effect among all doses (p = 0.01). Conclusions: PBEE has contraceptive ability with a mechanism to reduce sperm count and concentration, sperm motility and sperm morphology.

The Effects Of Purple Grape Juice (Vitis Vinifera) On Spermatozoa Motility Of Male Wistar Rats (Rattus Norvegicus) Exposed To Electric Cigarette Smoke

Background: Infertility in men can be caused by decreased motility of spermatozoa. Electric cigarette smoke containing nicotine can produce free radicals that cause a decrease in sperm motility. Purple grape juice which contains flavonoids can act as antioxidants that can increase the motility of spermatozoa. Objective: To prove the effect of administering purple grape juice on sperm motility of male Wistar rats exposed to electric cigarette smoke.Methods: This research is an experimental study with a post-test-only control group design. Sample consisted of 28 male Wistar rats divided randomly into 4 groups, namely negative control, positive control (given electric cigarette smoke), treatment one (given electric cigarette smoke + purple grape juice 3 mL/day), and treatment two (given electric cigarette smoke + purple grape juice 5 mL/day). The adaptation was carried out for 1 week, followed by treatment for 4 weeks, then the sperm of Wistar rats were collected and the sperm motility of Wistar rats was examined. Statistical test used Saphiro Wilk and Kruskal Wallis test.Results: Progressive motility rate of K(-), K(+), P1, P2 groups consecutively: 58.33 ± 7,52; 26,66 ± 8,16; 31,66 ± 7,52; 43,33 ± 12,11. Non progressive motility rate of K(-), K(+), P1, P2 groups consecutively: 26,66 ± 10,32; 55 ± 8,36; 43,33 ± 12,11; 35 ± 12,24. Immotility rate of K(-), K(+), P1, P2 consecutively: 18,33 ± 9,83; 28,33 ± 14,71; 20 ± 6,32; 16,66 ± 5,16. Kruskal Wallis test found a significant difference in progressive motility (p=0.002) and non-progressive motility (p=0.005).Conclusion: Purple grape juice affects sperm motility of male wistar rats exposed to electric cigarette smoke.

The Effects of Vancomycin on Sperm Motility and Testicular Inflammation in Rats

The Effects of Vancomycin on Sperm Motility and Testicular Inflammation in Rats

Effects of graded doses of ethanol extract of Pleurotus ostreatus (Oyster mushroom) on the sperm quality and haemo-biochemical parameters of the male Wistar rats

The effects of graded doses of ethanol extract of Pleurotus ostreatus (EEPO) on the sperm quality and haemo-biochemical parameters of the male Wistar rats were studied. Twenty-five adult male rats were randomly assigned into 5 groups A-E, (n=5). Groups A, B, C, and D were treated with 200, 400, 600 and 800 mg/kg of EEPO respectively while group E received 0.2 ml Propylene glycol serving as the control. Animals were treated for 14 days after which samples were collected. Sperm motility, liveability and sperm count of EEPO-treated rats in groups A, B, C and D showed a dose-dependent increase compared to the control. The treatment significantly (p&lt;0.05) increased the PCV, Hb, RBC and platelets counts of rats across the treated groups A-D. There were no significant changes (p&gt;0.05) in other haematological parameters except for a marked reduction in the WBC count of group B. The mean ALB and TP increased across the treated groups when compared to the control). It was concluded that ethanol extract of P. ostreatus produced a dose-dependent increase in sperm motility, liveability, sperm count, PCV, Hb, RBC, TP and ALB, thereby enhancing the fertility of the rats, especially at higher doses. Hence, the plant should be considered as feed supplements for the male breeding stock.

Effect of moxa smoke on sperm parameters and oxidative stress in rats with asthenozoospermia.

Asthenozoospermia is a leading cause of male infertility, characterized by reduced sperm motility. In this study, we determined sperm motility and the activities of antioxidant enzymes and oxidation products in the testis of rats with ornidazole (ORN)-induced asthenozoospermia and further examined and compared the differential effects of moxa smoke (MS) and cigarette smoke (CS) on sperm motility and oxidative stress (OS) of asthenozoospermic rats. The smoke intervention was initiated 11 days after intragastric administration of ORN, followed by the examination of testis index, sperm parameters, OS-related gene levels, and testicular histopathology. Sperm motility and antioxidant enzyme activities, as well as oxidation products significantly decreased in ORN-induced rats compared with MS-treated rats (p < .05-.001). MS treatment restored the reduced sperm motility and activities of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase, but increased the malondialdehyde and nitric oxide synthetase levels in ORN-induced rats (p < .05-.001). Also, the histopathological changes in the testis of ORN-induced rats were improved by MS treatment. The study highlighted that MS was an effective factor in moxibustion therapy, which notably improved the sperm motility of asthenozoospermic rats by inhibiting OS in the reproductive system.

Repaglinide and metformin (diabetic treatments) enhance sexual efficiency

Diabetes mellitus type 2 (DMT2) is one of the modern societies’ highest public health threats. For a while, it was believed that DM had no impact on male reproductive function; however, new research has cast doubt on that assumption. To find out whether repaglinide and metformin may improve sperm motility and testosterone levels in diabetic and non-diabetic albino rats, researchers in this study used these two drugs to treat diabetes. Methods: Alloxan injections at three dosages of 120 mg/kg intraperitoneal produced type 2 diabetes in male rats. Experimental rats were classified into two main groups. The first group included four subgroups of male rats treated with alloxan (DM inducer). Each subgroup contained seven rats “1. Control without any treatment (positive control), 2. treated by 500 mg/kg metformin, 3. treated by 4 mg/kg repaglinide, and 4. treated by 500 mg/kg metformin and 4 mg/kg repaglinide”. The second group also includes four subgroups but without alloxan treated. Each subgroup has seven rats; all are categorized in the same initial group and receive identical treatment dosages.

Baicalin Attenuates Continuous Activation of β-Catenin Induced by Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and Depression Complicated by Infertility in Male Rats.

Background Baicalin (BA) is a potential candidate drug to inhibit depressive behavior. However, the mechanism of BA's role on depression complicated with male infertility (DCMI) is still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role of BA in alleviating inflammatory factor-induced DCMI by regulating β-catenin. Methods Firstly, we performed sucrose preference test (SPT), open field test (OFT), tail suspension test (TST), and forced swim test (FST) in the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) + lipopolysaccharide (LPS) model rats to study the effect of BA on depressive behavior. The levels of neuropeptide Y (NPY), testosterone (T), and IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10, and IL-4 in the peripheral blood plasma of normal people, patients with depression, and patients with DCMI were measured. Then, the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10, IL-4, β-catenin in rat testis and peripheral blood and ANXA2, APP, SEMG1, and SEMG2 in seminal plasma proteins were examined. Moreover, the level of β-catenin in the testicular tissue was detected. LPS was used to treat Sertoli cells, and the level of β-catenin was detected. Finally, we evaluated the reproductive phenotype and sperm motility of rats. Results BA (especially 100 mg/kg) could notably ameliorate depression-like behavior induced by CUMS + LPS. The levels of IL-4, IL-10, T, and NPY in depression patients, DCMI patients, and CUMS + LPS model rats elevated, while the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were reduced. However, BA alleviated the changes in these factors. Moreover, BA alleviated male rat depression induced by CUMS + LPS. LPS upregulated β-catenin (NP) but could not adjust β-catenin (TP) level in rat Sertoli cells. BA relieved the symptoms of DCMI by regulating β-catenin. Furthermore, BA ameliorated the reproductive ability of depressed rats. Conclusion BA modulated β-catenin in the relief of inflammatory factor-induced DCMI.