Spermatogenesis In Rats Research Articles

Molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of hypo- and hyper-prolactinemia on spermatogenesis and fertility in male rats.

Hypo- and hyper-prolactinemia have deleterious effects on male reproduction, yet there is a dearth of information regarding the underlying mechanisms. The aim of this study was to delineate the molecular mechanisms by which hypo- and hyper-prolactinemia affects spermatogenesis and fertility in male rats. In vivo male rat models for hypo- and hyper-prolactinemia were established using dopamine receptor agonist, Bromocriptine (Brm), and antagonist, Fluphenazine (Flu), respectively. Effects on fertility and spermatogenesis were assessed by studying pre- and post-implantation loss, litter size, sperm parameters, hormonal profile, testicular histology, testicular cell population, and testicular transcriptome in rats. Treatment with Brm and Flu for 60 days led to subfertility, which was indicated by an increase in pre- and post-implantation loss and decrease in litter size, when mated with control female rats. Decreased sperm count was observed after both treatments, whereas reduced sperm motility was noted in Flu group. Serum FSH was unaffected, and LH was decreased by Flu treatment. Testosterone was decreased in both the groups, whereas estradiol was decreased in the Flu group. An arrest in spermatogenic cycle beyond round spermatids was observed in the Flu group. Additionally, testicular apoptosis in germ cells, mostly spermatocytes of Stage IX-XIV was noted in both the groups. Further, testicular RNA-Seq analysis revealed a total of 1539 and 824 differentially expressed genes/DEGs in Brm and Flu, respectively (Sequence Read Archive/SRA Database accession number: PRJNA1150513). Gene ontology and pathway analysis of DEGs highlighted enrichment of steroid metabolic pathway and ribosomal biogenesis pathway. Hub genes identified from the DEGs were validated by qPCR and the results showed that Uba52, Rps27a, Rpl23, Rps5, Rps16 were significantly down-regulated by Brm, whereas Rps27a, Rps29, Rps15, Rps27, Faul1 were significantly down-regulated by Flu. Hypo- and hyper-prolactinemia leads to subfertility and decreased sperm parameters possibly through an effect on steroid metabolism and ribosomal biogenesis pathway. Therefore, maintaining prolactin levels in physiological range is crucial.

Zinc Sulfate and α-tocopherol Supplementation Enhance Reproductive Performance in Male Albino Rats (Rattus norvegicus) With Lead Acetate Toxicity

Metal toxicity from lead affects reproductive organ function by activating reactive oxygen species processes. This study aims to see how α-tocopherol and zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) affect gonads, liver, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, spermatogenesis (the amount of spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and spermatids), and Leydig cells in male albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) exposed to lead acetate Pb(CH3COO)2. The samples used were 25 male Wistar rats aged 4 months, separated into five groups. For 30 days, all treatment groups were exposed to Pb(CH3COO)2 at a level of 50-mg/kg body weight (BW). The T1 group was given a dosage of 100-mg/kg BW of α-tocopherol. The ZnSO4 was given to the T2 group at a dose of 0.54-mg/kg BW. Meanwhile, the T3 group was given a mixture of ZnSO4 at 0.54-mg/kg BW and α-tocopherol at 100-mg/kg BW orally. ELISA test was carried out to determine the level of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in a blood plasma sample of 100 μl / 1 mg. Histopathological observations made on the liver included counting damaged cells and seminiferous tubules that included counting the amount of spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids, Sertoli cells, and Leydig cells. Using SPSS 20 software, the collected data were analyzed using analysis of variance, followed by Duncan’s test with a 95% simultaneous confidence level. The highest average levels of FSH and LH in the T3 group were 3.6162 mIU/mL and 14.9658 mIU/mL. The finding showed that Pb(CH3COO)2 caused disruptions in the spermatogenesis and Leydig cell processes. Exogenous antioxidants in combination with ZnSO4 and α-tocopherol had significant effect on enhancing reproductive performance in animals exposed to Pb(CH3COO)2.

Expression pattern and functional analysis of kinesin-14 KIFC1 in spermatogenesis of Macaca mulatta

C-terminal kinesin motor KIFC1 is increasingly concerned with an essential role in germ cell development. During the spermatogenesis of mice, rats, and crustaceans, KIFC1 functions in regulating meiotic chromosome separation, acrosome vesicle transportation, and nuclear morphology maintenance. The expression pattern of KIFC1 is conservatively concentrated at the acrosome and nucleus of haploid sperm cells. However, whether KIFC1 has similar functions in non-human primates remains unknown. In this study, we constructed the testis-specific cDNA library and cloned different transcripts of KIFC1 based on the genomic sequence. New variants of KIFC1 were identified, and showed different functional domains from the predicted isoforms. The spatio-temporal expression of KIFC1 proteins in seminiferous tubules of rhesus monkeys showed an obvious nuclear localization, specifically expressed in the spermatocytes and early haploid spermatids. The transcripts of KIFC1 also exhibited considerable expression in the nucleus of rhesus LLC-MK2 cells. Besides, we demonstrated that KIFC1 located at the acrosome and microtubule flagella of the mature sperm, and KIFC1 inhibition resulted in sperm tail deformation as well as increased the instability of head-to-tail connection. In summary, this study filled a gap in the reproductive research of the KIFC1 gene in non-human primates.

Impact of chronic opioid on cognitive function and spermatogenesis in rat: An experimental study.

Opioid analgesics like morphine and methadone are widely used for managing severe pain; however, concerns over their potential misuse and adverse effects on the brain and reproductive system are significant. We aimed to investigate their impacts on spermatogenesis and cognitive function in male Norway rats. In this experimental study, 36 male Norway rats (250-300 gr, 6 months old) were divided into 6 groups: low-dose morphine, high-dose morphine, low-dose methadone, high-dose methadone, positive control (received normal saline at 5 mg/kg), and negative control (received no treatment). Morphine and methadone were administered intraperitoneally over 30 days at doses of 3 mg/kg and 7 mg/kg, respectively. Behavioral assessments evaluated anxiety, stress, and short- and long-term memory. Sperm parameters (viability, motility, morphology), hormonal analysis (testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol), and gene expressions (Tp53, CatSper1) were assessed. A significant reduction in rat weight was observed in the high-dose morphine group (p = 0.0045), while testicular weights remained unchanged. Sperm abnormalities were observed with high doses of methadone and morphine. High-dose methadone significantly reduced offspring count (p = 0.0004). Levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, and estradiol varied significantly across treatment groups. Gene expression was altered in response to treatments (p 0.05). Prolonged exposure to methadone and morphine resulted in memory dysfunction, chronic stress, hormonal disturbances, altered gene expression, and fertility complications. These effects were more pronounced at higher doses, highlighting the importance of careful dosage management in opioid therapy.

Effect of Eruca sativa on Spermatogenesis in Rats Exposed to Cigarette Smoke.

Smoking is among the significant adverse factors to reproductive health and accounts for damage to spermatogenesis and maturation of spermatozoa.The proposed research contributes to understanding the potential ofEruca sativa to prevent the cytotoxic effect of tobacco smoke on different aspects of male reproductive health, including sperm: sperm morphology, sperm count, testes' weight, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone, and lipid profile in passive smokers.The experiment on howEruca sativa leaves affect sperm morphology and concentration is performed by grinding leaves to make the aqueous juice. The research participants were grouped into four groups: a control group,Eruca sativa-treated, cigarette-treated, and a group receiving bothEruca sativa and cigarette exposure. The rats were weighed and euthanized surgically, and the testes were harvested and weighed after four weeks of treatment. The sperm count was determined using epididymal sperm, and sperm morphology was determined using vas deferens sperm. The collected cardiac blood was used for lipid profile assessment and hormone-level determination.The findings of this study are significant. Tobacco exposure led to a notable increase in abnormal sperm and a decrease in sex hormone levels. In contrast, theEruca sativa group showed a highly significant difference in sperm morphology and counts comparedto the cigarette group, with a p< 0.001. Although there was a slight decrease in the lipid profile concentration, it was insignificant. Importantly, the co-administration ofEruca sativa and cigarette smoke resulted in a significant reduction in abnormal sperm count, increased sperm count, higher sex hormone concentration, and lipid profile.TheEruca sativa juice used in this study had a protective effect that could be used to reverse or prevent the effects mentioned above of passive smoking.

The proliferation and differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells in the frist wave of spermatogenesis in rats with Trib3 gene knockout

This study explores the effects of Trib3 gene knockout on adult male rat spermatogenesis. Using CRISPR/Cas9, we knocked out the Trib3 gene in Wistar rats. Results indicate altered expression of PLZF, ID4, and c-KIT in knockout rats, suggesting impaired spermatogonial stem cell proliferation and differentiation. Histological analysis reveals reduced seminiferous tubule area and decreased spermatocyte numbers. Mating experiments demonstrate reduced offspring rates after the second self-mating in knockout rats. SYCP3, a meiosis marker, shows elevated expression in knockout rat testes at 14 days postpartum, suggesting an impact on reproductive processes. ELISA results indicate decreased testosterone, FSH, and FGF9 levels in knockout rat testicular tissues. In conclusion, Trib3 gene deletion may impede spermatogonial self-renewal and promote differentiation through the FSH-FGF9- c-KIT interaction and p38MAPK pathway, affecting reproductive capacity. These findings contribute to understanding the molecular mechanisms regulating spermatogenesis.

Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Modulation and Resveratrol Influence on Dnah1 Expression: Implications for Male Reproductive Health

Male reproductive health is intricately regulated by molecular and physiological processes, with the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) playing a crucial role. AhR is activated by various ligands and influences the onset and progression of diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of AhR on spermatogenesis in adult male rats were affected by resveratrol (RES) and CH223191, an AhR antagonist. The study include forty rats were randomly divided into four equal groups: Control group, DMSO group, RES group and AhR‾ group, the rats received respective treatments intraperitoneally twice weekly for 60 days, and various parameters related to male reproductive health were evaluated. The AhR that activation by the RES treatment were enhanced the sperm morphology, sperm acrosomal integrity and luteinizing hormone. Moreover, the Dnah1 gene expression, is has play major role in sperm morphology, was upregulated and testosterone levels were elevated by RES. On the other hand, sperm morphology, sperm acrosomal integrity, testosterone hormone levels, and Dnah1 expression were all reduced in AhR‍ rats. The testicular tissue integrity was maintained by RES, according to a histopathological analysis. These findings highlight the role of AhR in male reproductive health and suggest RES as a potential therapeutic agent.

Active immunization with inhibin DNA vaccine promotes spermatogenesis and testicular development in rats

ABSTRACT The objective of the present study was to investigate the potential role of immunization against INH on testicular development, serum reproductive hormone (FSH, LH and T) concentrations, testicular biochemical indexes (GGT, ALP, ACP, LDH, α-neutral glucosidase and carnitine) and testicular cell apoptosis in rats. Forty healthy male rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10 per group), and respectively immunized with 0.5 mL of C500/pVAX-asd-IS-L (108 CFU/ mL), C500/pVAX-asd-IS-M (109 CFU/ mL), C500/pVAX-asd-IS-H (1010 CFU/ mL) or C500 (1010 CFU/ mL) (thrice with an interval of 2 weeks). P/N values increased after vaccination and differed (p < 0.05) at 1 week and sharply increased at 2 weeks following the booster vaccination (p < 0.01); P/N values indicated that the immune response was induced and production of anti-INH antibodies in rats; Immunization of INH vaccines enhanced serum concentrations of T and FSH, while reduced LH concentrations (p < 0.05); The testis weight, volume, testis coefficient, epididymal weight, sperm count in the epididymis, and the sperm deformity results indicated that INH gene vaccine immunization could promote testicular development and enhance sperm production rate in rats. After immunization of INH gene vaccines, GGT activity was markedly increased, but ALP, LDH and α-neutral glucosidase activities were observably reduced (p < 0.05). Furthermore, flow cytometry results demonstrated that the apoptosis rate of the testicular cells was extremely increased in the C500/pVAX-asd-IS-M group (p < 0.01). These findings illustrate a functional cross-link between FSH, T, LH and spermatogenic markers via inhibin to maintain spermatogenesis. INH immunization may have a positive effect on spermatogenesis and testicular development in male rats.

The study of the influence of &lt;i&gt;Thlaspi arvense&lt;/i&gt; L. on the characteristics of the reproductive system of male rats

Introduction. The development of new effective and safe herbal medicines capable of having a positive effect on reproductive status is an urgent task of domestic pharmacy. Medicinal plants are considered as alternative therapies aimed at increasing testosterone levels and fertility in men. The arsenal of medicinal plants used in traditional medicine for the treatment of diseases in men is mainly represented by phytoadaptogens, most of which have a small resource potential in Russia, therefore, it is relevant to search for plants with a sufficient raw material base and with the potential for cultivation. Thlaspi arvense L. is a promising medicinal plant, as it is widely used in folk medicine as a diuretic, anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic, antihistamine, hemostatic, astringent, has a positive effect on the processes of spermatogenesis and is widely distributed in our country. However, information on the chemical composition and biological activity of Thlaspi arvense L. they are insufficient, which shows the relevance of its further more detailed study in order to substantiate the possibility of application in practical medicine and solutions to the issues of standardization of medicinal plant raw materials.Aim. The study of the influence of Thlaspi arvense L. on the characteristics of the reproductive system of male rats.Materials and methods. The object of the study was an infusion of herbа Thlaspi arvense L. The features of the reproductive behavior of male rats after 21-day administration of the infusion of grass yarutka field were studied using tests that allow quantifying the severity of sexual motivation and sexual activity of males. The viability of spermatozoa in the ejaculate of rats was assessed, the total number of spermatozoa (ACS, million), degenerative and immobile forms (%) was calculated. Morphophysiological parameters of spermatogenesis of rats of control and experimental groups of animals were studied using classical histological methods. The concentration of testosterone in the blood serum of experimental groups of animals was determined by the enzyme immunoassay.Results and discussion. The results obtained allow us to conclude that the fertility of rats has increased against the background of the course administration of the infusion of herbа Thlaspi arvense L., as evidenced by an increase in the testosterone content in the blood, improvement of spermogram indicators and morphophysiological characteristics of spermatogenesis in the testicles of rats. The use of the infusion of herbа Thlaspi arvense L. has a protective effect on spermatogenesis. An increase in the thickness of the spermatogenic epithelium, the diameter of the cross-section of the convoluted seminal tubules and the index of spermatogenesis compared with the control group of animals was revealed. The positive effect of Thlaspi arvense L. on indicators of sexual motivation and sexual activity of male rats is shown.Conclusion. Thlaspi arvense L. is a promising medicinal plant, as it is able to have a positive effect on libido, the number and mobility of spermatozoa, the production of sex hormones, spermatogenesis, as well as on the pituitary-gonadal axis, which is associated with the content of a complex of biologically active substances in it.

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.

Investigating the Protective Effects of Hydroethanolic Extract of Palm Meristem on Spermatogenesis in Male Wistar Rats Induced with Lead Acetate

Investigating the Protective Effects of Hydroethanolic Extract of Palm Meristem on Spermatogenesis in Male Wistar Rats Induced with Lead Acetate

Phytochemical screening and effects on spermatogenesis of extracts from leaves of Flueggea virosa (Roxb, ex Willd.) Royle and Heliotropium indicum L., two plants used against infertility in North of Ivory Cost

Male infertility constitutes a public health problem today in developing countries. But populations are faced with very high costs and difficult access to specialized centers in order to benefit from quality care. These obstacles lead couples in distress to turn to medicinal plants to treat possible causes of infertility. The aims of this study is to evaluated effects of Flueggea virosa and Heliotropium indicum, two plants from northern Ivory Coast on spermatogenesis in Wistar rats male. Aqueous and hydro-ethanolic extracts of the two plants leaves were first analysed through phytochemical screening by the staining and precipitation methods. Then effects of their two aqueous extracts were evaluated on spermatogenesis in Wistar rats. Each extract was administrated at concentration of 100 mg/kg body weight orally to test Wistar rats. A reference standard fertilizer product, Fertilo Forte Denk (FFD) was used at 5 mg/kg body weight as positive control to treat Wistar rats. After 30 and 60 days of treatment, mobility, viability, density and morphology of rat’s spermatozoa were evaluated by observation under an optical microscope. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of polyphenols, flavonoids, gallic tannins, catechic tannins, alkaloids and saponosides in all the aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts of F. virosa and H. indicum. For spermatogenesis effects in Wistar rats, the study highlights that aqueous extracts from leaves of F. virosa and H. indicum induce an increase in the number, an improvement of the mobility and viability of spermatozoa after 60 days of treatment. But this increase is more significant (P &lt; 0.001) in rats treated with F. virosa compared to control and group treated with FFD. According to these results, aqueous extracts from F. virosa and H. indicum leaves improve quality of sperm in rats. These data might justify the use of these two plants in treatment of certain cases of male infertility.

Does a therapeutical dose of ivermectin impairs testicular homeostasis of rats via excessive apoptosis?

Ivermectin is a medication used to treat parasite infestations in humans and in veterinary medicine. Previously we showed that therapeutical doses of ivermectin impaired spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis in adult rats. The present study was proposed to understand the pathophysiological mechanism that triggered these impairments induced by ivermectin. It was a particular objective to study if ivermectin induced excessive apoptosis. Adult rats were treated with a therapeutical dose of ivermectin (subcutaneously). Their testis was evaluated for the expression of caspase-3 (a marker of apoptosis), using immunohistochemistry techniques. Results revealed that ivermectin treatment increased the expression of caspase-3 (labeled seminiferous tubules and strongly labeled tubules), as well as increased the number of tubules that presented labeled cells in the tubular lumen, compared to the data of the control group. In conclusion, a therapeutical dose of ivermectin induced expressive apoptosis in cells of the seminiferous tubules of rats, affecting the testicular natural homeostasis process, which resulted in the spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis impairments previously reported.

Protective efficacy of Nerium oleander extract on spermatogenesis in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Men with diabetes frequently experience spermatogenic dysfunction, which is the most significant sign that diabetes has harmed their ability to reproduce. The effect of various doses of the hydro-alcoholic extract of Nerium oleander leaves on the pituitary-gonadal axis, sperm motility and number, antioxidant system, changes in testicular tissue structure, and spermatogenesis in healthy and diabetic rats has been examined in the current study. Eighty male rats that had been streptozotocin-induced diabetic and healthy were divided into eight groups: (1) control, (2) Nerium (50 mg/kg), (3) Nerium (100 mg/kg), (4) Nerium (200 mg/kg), (5) DM (6) DM+Nerium (50 mg/kg), (7) DM+Nerium (100 mg/kg) and (8) DM+Nerium (200 mg/kg) and were administered orally for 48 days consecutive. Following the studies, analysis of the testicular tissues' antioxidant capacity as well as sperm parameters, Johnsen's scoring and morphometric evaluation, histology, biochemical and stereology studies were performed.The outcomes showed that Nerium 50 and 100 mg/kg considerably enhanced the testicular morphology, sperm parameters, and reproductive organs to varying degrees in diabetic rats. After Nerium 50 mg/kg administration, glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and catalase (CAT) levels in the testicular tissue were increased whereas malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were markedly decreased. Nerium may help protect against diabetic-induced spermatogenic dysfunction in male rats by enhancing the activities of antioxidant enzymes in lower dosages.

Oral vaccination with inhibin DNA vaccine for promoting spermatogenesis in rats.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of a novel Inhibin (INH) DNA vaccine (C500/pVAX-asd-IS) on the immune response, reproductive hormone levels, and spermatogenesis of rats. Forty healthy male rats were divided into four groups, and respectively immunized (thrice, 14 d apart) with 1×108, 1×109, and 1×1010 CFU of the recombinant inhibin vaccine (group C500/pVAX-asd-IS-L, C500/pVAX-asd-IS-M, and C500/pVAX-asd-IS-H) or 1×1010 CFU C500. P/N values increased after vaccination and differed (p <0.05) at 7 d, and sharply increased at 14 d following the booster vaccination (p <0.01); The weight and volume of testes in C500/pVAX-asd-IS groups were increased (p < 0.05) at decapitation, respectively; Histological evaluation showed that the number of spermatogenic cells in the lumen was increased, and the cytoplasmic remnants of sperms were allergy increased significantly compared with the control group. Oral vaccination with INH DNA reduced (P < 0.05) serum concentrations of INH B, enhanced serum concentrations of testosterone (T) and FSH. Furthermore, mRNA expressions of VIM and SMAD4 in the testes were increased in C500/pVAX-asd-IS-M and C500/pVAX-asd-IS-H groups (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). The mRNA amount of INHβ-B in C500/pVAX-asd-IS-M group was greater than control group (p < 0.05).These results suggested that neutralization of endogenous INH through oral vaccination with INH DNA delivered by C500 strain successfully elicited a humoral immune response. INH gene immunization may have a positive effect on spermatogenesis and reproductive efficiency in male rats.

Improvements in in vitro spermatogenesis: oxygen concentration, antioxidants, tissue-form design, and space control.

Incorporation of bovine serum-derived albumin formulation (AlbuMAX) into a basic culture medium, MEMα, enables the completion of in vitro spermatogenesis through testicular tissue culture in mice. However, this medium was not effective in other animals. Therefore, we sought an alternative approach for in vitro spermatogenesis using a synthetic medium without AlbuMAX and aimed to identify its essential components. In addition to factors known to be important for spermatogenesis, such as retinoic acid and reproductive hormones, we found that antioxidants (vitamin E, vitamin C, and glutathione) and lysophospholipids are vital for in vitro spermatogenesis. Moreover, based on our experience with microfluidic devices (MFD), we developed an alternative approach, the PDMS-ceiling method (PC method), which involves simply covering the tissue with a flat chip made of PDMS, a silicone resin material used in MFD. The PC method, while straightforward, integrates the advantages of MFD, enabling improved and uniform oxygen and nutrient supply via tissue flattening. Furthermore, our studies underscored the significance of lowering the oxygen concentration to 10-15%. Using an integrated cultivation method based on these findings, we successfully achieved in vitro spermatogenesis in rats, which has been a long-standing challenge. Further improvements in culture conditions would pave the way for spermatogenesis completion in diverse animal species.

The Role of Chlorella vulgaris in Attenuating Infertility Induced by Cadmium Chloride via Suppressing Oxidative Stress and Modulating Spermatogenesis and Steroidogenesis in Male Rats.

Cadmium (Cd) is an environmental pollutant known as endocrine disruptor . Cd has been reported to induce perturbations of the testicular functions and the subsequent decline of the male fertility of both animals and humans. Chlorella vulgaris (ChV) a species of green microalga has been reported to have multiple beneficial activities such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic effects. Thus, this work was conducted to declare the benefits of Chlorella vulgaris (ChV) (500 mg/kg doses) against cadmium chloride CdCl2 (2 mg/kg doses) toxicity on the main and accessory reproductive organs' weight, structure, and function of male rats. Briefly, 40 adult male rats in 4 groups (n = 10) were used as follows; control, ChV, CdCl2, and CdCl2+ChV. (i) The 1st group was kept as control fed on pellet chow and water ad libitum. (ii) The second group is Chlorella vulgaris (ChV) group fed with C. vulgaris alga for 10 days (500 mg/kg BW). (iii) The third group was administrated CdCl2 (2mg/kg BW) via subcutaneous injection (S/C) daily for 10 days. (iv) The fourth group administered both CdCl2 and ChV with the abovementioned doses daily for successive 10 days. Our observations declared that cadmium exhibited an adverse influence on the testes and prostate gland architecture indicated by seminiferous tubule destruction, testicular edema, degeneration of Leydig cells, and prostate acini damage. All together affect the epididymal semen quality and quantity including sperm viability, motility, and count. Interestingly, ChV could restore the testicular architecture and spermatozoa regeneration accompanied by semen quality improvement and increased reproductive hormones including testosterone. On the other side, ChV suppresses reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation via enhancement the antioxidant-related genes in the testicular tissue including SOD, CAT, GSH, and MDA and maintaining spermatocyte survival via suppression of apoptotic related genes including caspase3 and activating steroidogenic related genes including StAR and HSD17β3 in the cadmium-treated testes. In this study, ChV could enhance male fertility under normal or stressful conditions and ameliorate the adverse effects of hazardous heavy metals that are widely distributed in our environment.

Cytoprotective potency of naringin against di-n-butylphthalate (DBP)-induced oxidative testicular damage in male rats

The present study aimed to investigate the protective potential of naringin (NG) against di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP)- induced testicular damage and impairment of spermatogenesis in rats. Forty-two male Wistar albino rats were divided into six equal groups, and treated orally, 3 times weekly for 8 successive weeks. Control vehicle group was administrated olive oil, naringin-treated group was administered NG (80 mg/kg), DBP 250- and DBP 500- intoxicated groups received DBP (250 mg/kg) and (500 mg/kg), respectively, NG + DBP 250 and NG + DBP 500 groups received NG, an hour prior to DBP 250 and 500 administration. The results revealed that DBP induced dose-dependent male reproductive dysfunctions, included a significant decrease in the serum testosterone level concomitantly with significant decreases in the sperm count, viability, and total motility. Meanwhile, DBP significantly increased the testicular malondialdehyde level with significant reductions of glutathione content and catalase activity. Histopathologically, DBP provoked absence of spermatozoa, degenerative changes in the cell layers of seminiferous tubules and a significant decrease in the thickness of the seminiferous tubules epithelium. Conversely, the concomitant treatment with NG, one hour before DBP 250 or 500- intoxication mitigated the dose-dependent reproductive dysfunctions induced by DBP, evidenced by significant increases of serum testosterone level, sperm motility, count and viability along with marked improvement of the oxidant/antioxidant status and testicular histoarchitecture. In conclusion, the findings recorded herein proved that NG could mitigate DBP-induced testicular damage and impairment of spermatogenesis, suggesting the perspective of using NG as a natural protective and therapeutic agent for alleviating the reproductive dysfunctions and improving reproductive performance, mainly via its potent antioxidant activity.

Effects of cadmium exposure during pregnancy on genome-wide DNA methylation and the CREB/CREM pathway in the testes of male offspring rats

This experimental study explored the multigenerational and transgenerational effects of cadmium (Cd) exposure during pregnancy on the testicular tissue and spermatogenesis of male offspring rats. CdCl2 at different doses (0, 0.5, 1, 2 mg/kg/day) were dispensed to pregnant SD rats, thus producing generation F1. Adult females in F1 (PND 56) were mated with untreated fertile males so as to produce generation F2. Likewise, adult females in F2 were mated to produce generation F3. Damages to testicular tissue were observed in all the three generations, with serum testosterone (T) increased in F2 and F3. Notably, the genome-wide DNA methylation level in the testicular tissue of F1 was altered, as was the expression of F1–F3 methyltransferases. In addition, the expression of Creb/Crem pathway, a pathway critical for the metamorphosis from postmeiotic round spermatocytes to spermatozoa, was also remarkably altered in the three generations. In concludion, prenatal Cd exposure might bring multigenerational and transgenerational toxic effects to testes via genome-wide DNA methylation and the regulation of CREB/CREM pathway.

Testosterone restores TM3 and TM4 cell viability, reduces reactive oxygen species generation, and protects against atrazine-induced stereological changes in rat testes.

In this study, we performed the stereological examination of rat testes and evaluated the protective effect of testosterone against atrazine (ATZ) toxicity in TM3 Leydig and TM4 Sertoli cells. Testosterone intake in rats increased the volumetric density of the seminiferous tubules; tubular diameter; germinal epithelial height; number of spermatogonia, primary and secondary spermatocytes, round spermatids, Sertoli cells, and Leydig cells; and Johnsen scores compared with the values after ATZ treatment (p < 0.05). Furthermore, testosterone increased the viability of TM3 cells and reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in TM4 cells compared to theATZ-treated group. In conclusion, exogenous testosterone intake maintains testicular morphometry and spermatogenesis in rats, and minimizes cell death and ROS generation in testicular cell lines exposed to ATZ. However, TM4 cells are more responsive to testosterone-mediated regulation of ROS generation induced by ATZ than TM3 cells.