Structure Of Testis Research Articles

A Chinese herbal prescription Yiqi Jiedu decoction attenuates irradiation induced testis injury in mice

ObjectiveYiqi Jiedu (YQJD) decoction is a Chinese herbal prescription, based on an experienced expert of traditional Chinese medicine. It is used for the injuries caused by radiotherapy. The current study was designed to investigate the protective effects of YQJD decoction on radiation damage of testis in mice, and to explore its potential mechanisms. MethodsMice were randomly divided into blank control group (Ctrl), model group (IR), positive drug group (IRA), and YQJD decoction group (IRY). After 10-day period intervention, they were whole-body irradiated with 2 Gy 60Co γ-rays and sacrificed on 7th day after irradiation. The indicators including the index and histopathology examination of testis, spermatogenic cell types and apoptosis, and the expression of TLR5, MyD88, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6 and Bcl-2 in testis. ResultsThe testis atrophied significantly on 7th day of exposure to radiation, while YQJD decoction promoted the recovery of testis index and structure. Moreover, spermatogenic cell types and apoptosis had significant changes after irradiation. YQJD decoction protected the testicular function of spermatogenesis, as while as reduced the apoptosis rate of spermatogenic cells. In addition, RT-PCR and immunohistochemical analysis showed that YQJD decoction up-regulated the expression of TLR5 in testis. The levels of TLR5's downstream factors were also up-regulated in YQJD decoction group, which indicated that TLR5 signaling pathway might play an important role in the protective effects of YQJD decoction. ConclusionsThe results showed that YQJD decoction attenuated irradiation induced testis injury in mice. Its potential mechanism was related to TLR5 signaling pathway.

Effects of Zuogui Wan on testis structure and expression of c-Kit and Oct4 in rats with impaired spermatogenesis

Context Zuogui Wan is a classic traditional Chinese prescription. Preliminary studies have confirmed that it could improve sperm quality significantly. Objective To investigate the effect of Zuogui Wan on testis structure and c-kitproto-oncogeneprotein (c-Kit) and octamer-binding transcription factor-4 (Oct4) expression in a rat model of impaired spermatogenesis. Material and methods Thirty-six Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into Blank control, Tripterygium glycosides (GTW) and Zuogui Wan groups (n = 12). GTW was used to generate models of impaired spermatogenesis. Then Zuogui Wan group was administered 6 g/kg/d of Zuogui Wan granules for 4 weeks. Changes in the pathological structure and ultrastructure were observed with optical microscope and transmission electron microscope. Expression of c-Kit and Oct4 were quantified by RT qPCR and Western blots. Results Both the pathological damage and the damages in the ultrastructure of spermatogenic epithelium had improved in Zuogui Wan group. Compared with the GTW model group (0.47 ± 0.19; 0.38 ± 0.14), c-Kit and Oct4 protein expression increased in the Zuogui Wan group (0.75 ± 0.27; 0.65 ± 0.23). C-Kit and Oct4 mRNA expression increased in Zuogui Wan group (1.06 ± 0.16; 1.85 ± 1.04) compared to the GTW model group (0.66 ± 0.23; 0.46 ± 0.29). Conclusions Zuogui Wan is capable of restoring the damage to the testis structure and ultrastructure and regulates the expression of c-Kit and Oct4 at protein and mRNA levels, inhibiting apoptosis and promoting proliferation of spermatogenic cells.

Safety parameters of in vivo low-energy shock waves and their impact on adult rat testes.

Low-energy shock waves (LESWs) have been widely used in the intervention of a subset of diseased tissues and organs with good results. However, it is unclear whether they can be used directly to intervene in the testes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine a relatively safe energy density and impulse number for rat testes. A total of 176 male rats were randomly and equally assigned to different intervention groups. Among them, 144 rats were assigned to 18 shock subgroups with different energy densities (0.02, 0.04 and 0.06mJ/mm2), different impulse numbers (500, 1000 and 1500 impulses) and different shock periods (2 and 8 weeks). The remaining 32 rats were divided into the sham intervention (S) groups and the blank control (N) groups with observation periods of 2 weeks and 8 weeks. One day after the last LESWs intervention, all the rats were weighed, and the concentrations of reproductive endocrine hormones were measured, the semen quality and testicular tissue oxidative stress levels were analyzed, and histomorphology and ultrastructures were observed. We found that there were no significant differences in the whole-body physiological state, testicular tissue morphology, oxidative stress state and sperm quality between the L1 shock group and the corresponding S group and N group (all p˃0.05, respectively). However, the other parameters of the shock groups caused different degrees of damage to the structure and function of rat testes, and the whole-body physiological state was also adversely affected. This study demonstrated that LESWs with an energy density of 0.02mJ/mm2 and 500 impulses had no adverse effects on the rat testes.

The Role of Anti-Müllerian Hormone in Testis Differentiation Reveals the Significance of the TGF-β Pathway in Reptilian Sex Determination.

Anti-Müllerian hormone (Amh, or Müllerian-inhibiting substance, Mis), a member of TGF-β superfamily, has been well documented in some vertebrates as initiator or key regulator in sexual development, and particularly in fish. However, its functional role has not yet been identified in reptiles. Here, we characterized the Amh gene in the Chinese soft-shelled turtle Pelodiscus sinensis, a typical reptilian species exhibiting ZZ/ZW sex chromosomes. The messenger RNA of Amh was initially expressed in male embryonic gonads by stage 15, preceding gonadal sex differentiation, and exhibited a male-specific expression pattern throughout embryogenesis. Moreover, Amh was rapidly upregulated during female-to-male sex reversal induced by aromatase inhibitor letrozole. Most importantly, Amh loss of function by RNA interference led to complete feminization of genetic male (ZZ) gonads, suppression of the testicular marker Sox9, and upregulation of the ovarian regulator Cyp19a1 Conversely, overexpression of Amh in ZW embryos resulted in female-to-male sex reversal, characterized by the formation of a testis structure, ectopic activation of Sox9, and a remarkable decline in Cyp19a1 Collectively, these findings provide the first solid evidence that Amh is both necessary and sufficient to drive testicular development in a reptilian species, P. sinensis, highlighting the significance of the TGF-β pathway in reptilian sex determination.

Potential risk of organophosphate exposure in male reproductive system of a non-target insect model Drosophila melanogaster

Based on several adverse reports of pesticides on reproductive efficiency of various organisms, studies on “reproductive toxicity” have gained importance. Fecundity, reflecting reproductive success of any organism, is governed by several factors from female and male reproductive systems. This present study explored morphological and biochemical alterations in the male reproductive system of a non-target model organism, Drosophila melanogaster following chronic sub-lethal exposure (1st instar larvae differentially exposed to 1-6 μg/mL until adulthood) to the organophosphate (OP) pesticide, acephate (chronic LC50 8.71 μg/mL). This study demonstrates altered testis structure, decreased germ cell viability and gross body weight, increased activities of oxidative stress marker lipid peroxidase (LPO), and the endogenous antioxidant enzyme catalase (CAT)in addition with altered expression of reproductive marker proteins like vitellogenin and mitoferrin in acephate-exposed flies when compared to control counterparts. Altered reproductive behavior, indicated by a significant decline in the number of mating pairs, validates the adverse effect of chronic acephate exposure on male reproduction in the non-target insect model D. melanogaster.

A Preliminary Technique for the Isolation and Culture of Brown Trout (Salmo trutta macrostigma, Dumeril, 1858) Spermatogonial Stem Cell

This study was aimed to find a practical technique for isolation and culture spermatogonial stem cells from male brown trout (Salmo trutta macrostigma). Twelve wild juvenile male were obtained from Kılıç Trout Fish Farm (Kahramanmaraş, Turkey). The juveniles were taken alive to the aquaria unit and stored in a 1000-liter capacity fiberglass tank. In order to identify the best size, age and testis structure of S.t. macrostigma for spermatogonial stem cell isolation and culture. Morphological and histological testis conditions were assessed. Fish were anesthetized with 0.04% 2-phenoxethanol. The surface of the fish was sterilized with 70% ethanol. Twelve fish were divided into two groups for enzyme digestion, and each group was divided into two replicates (three fish per replicate). Testis tissue of group one were digested by 0.25% trypsin- EDTA, and testis tissues of group two were digested by 0.05% trypsin-EDTA. At the end of the trial, first, the best age, size and weight of the male fish for spermatogonial stem cell isolation and culture were identified as 5+ month old, 12.13±1.5 cm, 19, 25±7.05 g respectively. Then, the highest spermatogonial stem cells were measured in the stage one and two of the testes. Finally, isolation and culture conditions were optimized for male S.t. macrostigma. Spermatogonial stem cell isolation and culture techniques were defined for fish in order to be used in surrogate reproduction technologies and gene transfer systems.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Therapies Adversely Affect Fertility in Men- A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Sexual functions are sometimes adversely affected by the therapeutic drugs delivered for treating IBD. Much attention has been focused on pregnancy/sexual issues in women. Relatively less attention has been poured in to address this issue in men. This systematic review assesses the drugs having potential detrimental effects on fertility in men. Three databases were searched by two researchers independently for potentially relevant publications between 1964 to 2015 and 249 papers were retrieved. Studies that dealt with sexual problems after IBD drugs administration were included in the purview of this review. Fourteen studies with 327 human patients and 110 animals were analysed. Sulphasalazine treated patients had lower spermatozoa count, lower sperm motility and higher risk of oligospermia compared to mesalazine treated ones. Biologics seem to be safe to use while attempting to conceive however, proper clinical studies reporting male fertility problems in IBD patients are lacking. Azathioprine caused oligospermia but a meta-analytical approach was not possible due to heterogeneity in studies. Some animal studies showed methotrexate affects abnormal testis structure and spermatogenesis. This study summarises the current literature and safety issues affecting fertility parameters in men and animals treated with IBD therapeutic drugs, which can further assist clinicians in better management of adult male IBD patients.

EFFECT OF TAURINE ADMINSTRATIONON THE STRUCTURE OF RABBIT TESTES

The aim of this work was to analyze the effect of taurine (TAU) on the microscopic structure of rabbit testes, focusing on individual parameters of the seminiferous tubules. We used 5 months old sexually mature male rabbits, which were divided into four experimental groups. Rabbits from the experimental groups E1, E2, and E3 received taurine dissolved in drinking water (doses 321.675 mg/rabbit/day, 643.35 mg/rabbit/day and 965.025 mg/rabbit/day) for four weeks. To compare the results of our experiment a control group of rabbits (KK) was created without any TAU administration. We analyzed the following morphometric parameters: the diameter of the seminiferous tubules (μm), the height of the epithelium and the diameter of the lumen of the seminiferous tubules (μm), the area (μm2) and the perimeter (μm) of the seminiferous tubules. Based on our results, we have found that the oral administration of TAU caused a significant increase (P

Changes in Adult Rats’ Testis structure Induced by Hypothyroidism and Alleviating Role of L-Carnitine

Background Hypothyroidism is a metabolic disorder affecting the functions of many tissues in the body including the testis. Testis is rich in the polyunsaturated fatty acids content and lacks strong intrinsic antioxidant system making it prone to such oxidative stress. L-carnitine (LC) regulates long chain fatty acids metabolism; and is considered a valuable antioxidant factor. Aim It was to evaluate the effect of hypothyroidism induced by propylthiouracil (PTU) on rats’ testes and the possible protective role of LC. Methods Forty-eight adult male albino rats were used in this work. The animals were divided into three groups with sixteen animals in each. Group 1 (Control): Animals were kept without medications. Group 2 (PTU-treated): was subjected to administration of PTU; while group 3 (PTU and LC) received both PTU and LC. By the end of the experiment “30 days”, blood samples were taken for hormonal assay; then animals were anaesthetized and sacrificed. Specimens were homogenized for biochemical analysis; epididymal content of each rat was obtained immediately for semen analysis. Testes’ specimens were harvested, prepared and examined by light microscope examination. Results Induced hypothyroidism was noticed to cause histopathological, morphometric and biochemical changes in rat’s testes. LC protected the testicular specimens against such changes; it also improved the seminal quality and quantity as well as testicular structure and biochemistry. Conclusion Hypothyroidism could result in hazards to the structure of testis. Fortunately co-administration of LC might reduce such hazards.

Effect of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on the Structure of Testis of Adult Albino Rats and the Possible Protective Role of Naringenin

AbstractBackground: Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles have been used as a source of zinc, in food industry and are applied in cosmetic products, but their accumulation in the tissues causes a hazard toxic effect. Naringenin (Nar) is a member of fla-vanones groups that play an important role in body health in terms of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.Aim of Study: The aim of this study is to evaluate the possible structural changes that occur in the testicular tissue of adult albino rat after single injection of zinc oxide nano-particles and to clarify possible protective role of Naringenin against this toxicity.Material and Methods: 28 adult male albino rats have been used in this work. These animals were divided into three groups. Group Ia (Control –ve): Animals received no chemi-cals. Group Ib (control +ve) rats received oral Naringenin 20mg/kg once daily for two weeks. Group II (Treated group) received single intraperitoneal injection (IP) of Zno-NPs (700mg/kg) (as a single toxic dose in the experiment). Group III (Protective group) rats received Zno NPs (as same previous dose and route) in addition to Naringenin (20mg/kg) orally once daily for 2 weeks. 24 hours after the last administration, rat were sacrificed, carful dissection was performed for gentle removal of both testicles from all groups then processed for light and electron microscopic studies, morphometric exam-ination and statistical analysis. Epididymal sperm was collected for estimation of percentage of sperm Viability and abnormality.Results: By light microscopy, zinc oxide nanoparticles caused massive histopathological changes in rat testes in the form of disorganization of seminiferous tubules, thickening, detachment and separation of basement membranes, widening of interstitial tissues, thickening and congestion blood vessels and pyknosis of sertoli and germ cells. Ultrastructural results confirmed these histopathological changes and revealed the degeneration of Sertoli cells, all germ cells and interstitial cells as well. The statistical analysis of this study supported the results. Administration of Naringenin to treated group provided mild improvement to the testicular tissues against Zno-NPs toxicity.Conclusion: Zinc oxide nanoparticles could result in hazards to the structure of testes. Fortunately co-administration of Naringenin is suggested to reduce such hazards.

BDE-209 induces male reproductive toxicity via cell cycle arrest and apoptosis mediated by DNA damage response signaling pathways

Decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) is commonly used as a flame retardant, usually in products that were utilized in electronic equipment, plastics, furniture and textiles. To identify the impacts of BDE-209 on the male reproductive system and the underlying toxicological mechanisms, 40 male ICR mice were randomly divided into four groups, which were then exposed to BDE-209 at 0, 7.5, 25 and 75 mg kg−1 d−1 for four weeks, respectively. With regard to the in vitro study, GC-2spd cells were treated with BDE-209 at 0, 2, 8 and 32 μg mL−1 for 24 h, respectively. The results from the in vivo experiments showed that BDE-209 resulted in damage to the testis structure, led to cell apoptosis in testis and decreased sperm number and motility, while sperm malformation rates were significantly increased. Moreover, BDE-209 could induce oxidative stress with decreased testosterone levels, result in DNA damage and activate DNA damage response signaling pathways (ATM/Chk2, ATR/Chk1 and DNA-PKcs/XRCC4/DNA ligase Ⅳ). The data from the in vitro experiments showed that BDE-209 led to cytotoxicity by reducing cell viability and increasing LDH release as well. BDE-209 also induced DNA strand breaks, cell cycle arrest at G1 phase and elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in GC-2 cells. These results suggested that BDE-209 could lead to male reproductive toxicity by inducing DNA damage and failure of DNA damage repair which resulted in cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of spermatogenic cell. The present study provided new evidence to elucidate the potential mechanism of male reproductive toxicity induced by BDE-209.

Food‐grade titanium dioxide (E171) by solid or liquid matrix administration induces inflammation, germ cells sloughing in seminiferous tubules and blood‐testis barrier disruption in mice

Food-grade titanium dioxide labeled as E171 has been approved for human consumption by the Food and Drug Administration (USA) and by the European Union for five decades. However, titanium dioxide has been classified as a possible carcinogen for humans by the International Agency of Research in Cancer raising concerns of its oral intake and the translocation to bloodstream, which could disturb barriers such as the blood-testis barrier. There is evidence that titanium dioxide by intragastric/intraperitoneal/intravenous administration induced alterations on testosterone levels, testicular function and architecture, but studies of the E171 effects on the testicle structure and blood-testis barrier are limited. E171 is contained not only in foods in liquid matrix but also in solid ones, which can exert different biological effects. We aimed to compare the effects of E171 consumption in a solid matrix (0.1%, 0.5% and 1% in pellets) and liquid suspension (5mg/kg body weight) on testis structure, inflammation infiltrate and blood-testis barrier disruption of male BALB/c mice. Results showed that none of the administration routes had influence on body weight but an increase in germ cell sloughing and the infiltrate of inflammatory cells in seminiferous tubules, together with disruption of the blood-testis barrier were similar in testis of both groups even if the dose received in mice in liquid matrix was 136 or 260 times lower than the dose reached by oral intake in solid E171 pellets in 0.5% E171 and 1% E171, respectively. This study highlights the attention on matrix food containing E171 and possible adverse effects on testis when E171 is consumed in a liquid matrix.

Preventative Effects of Vitamin E on Testicular Damage and Sperm Parameters in the First-Generation Mice Pups due to Pre- and Postnatal Mancozeb Exposure.

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of vitamin E on mancozeb-induced testis damage of the first-generation pups during intrauterine and lactating periods. Two groups of pregnant NMRI mice received 500 mg/kg mancozeb (MNZ) as MNZ group and 200 mg/kg vitamin E as MNZ+vit.E group before receiving MNZ. In addition, a vehicle and a control group were designed every other day in gestation and lactation periods. The male pups from each group were maintained until adulthood (8-10 W). The left testes and epididymides were removed following the sacrifice of the pups. Then, they were weighed, and sperm parameters including number, viability, motility, and morphology and testis structure were evaluated. A significant decrease occurred in sperm parameters of the mancozeb-treated pups compared to the control and vehicle groups. Treatment with vitamin E reversed the deleterious effects of MNZ to a nearly normal condition. Testis parameters including the weight, gonadosomatic index, seminiferous tubule diameters, and Johnsen's score, as well as the number of germ cells such as spermatogonia, spermatocyte, spermatid, and Sertoli, decreased significantly in the MNZ group, compared to the amount in the control and vehicle groups. Interestingly, the treatment with vitamin E was reversed in most of these parameters. Based on the results, the exposure of pups to mancozeb during pregnancy and lactating periods negatively affects the reproductive system of male pups. However, the coadministration of vitamin E could prevent the deleterious effects of mancozeb on sperm and testis parameters.

Effects of an anti-gonadotrophin releasing hormone vaccine on the morphology, structure and function of bull testes

Castration reduces aggressive and sexual behaviour and provides better carcass quality in bull calves. Vaccination against gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is used as an alternative to surgical castration for the purposes of reducing pain and distress in the animals. Currently, no anti-GnRH vaccine has been authorized for use in cattle in the European Union. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of an anti-GnRH swine-specific vaccine (Improvac®, Zoetis, USA) on the morphology, structure and function of bull testes. Animals were vaccinated at days 1, 21 and 104 of the experimental period and were classified based on their live weight into the following two groups: LIGHT (172.9 ± 30.00 kg) and HEAVY (323.8 ± 37.79 kg). The scrotal circumference was measured on day 1 and prior to slaughter (day 164). At slaughter, the sperm motility and concentration in the caudae epididymis were assessed. Testes were weighed, measured and examined using ultrasound, and then tissue samples were collected and fixed in formalin. Histological and immunohistochemical studies were performed on the testes to measure the diameter of the seminiferous tubules and assess the testicular cell populations. The results revealed that suppression of testicular development was associated with the use of the Improvac® vaccine, which resulted in a smaller size of the testes and impaired spermatid production. However, the effect of Improvac® was more pronounced and consistent in calves vaccinated at a low live weight than at a heavy live weight, which suggested that vaccination is more effective when calves are vaccinated before or early during puberty. However, testes from calves vaccinated at a low live weight were more prone to the development of intraluminal concretions in the seminiferous tubules.

Precursor RNA processing 3 is required for male fertility, and germline stem cell self-renewal and differentiation via regulating spliceosome function in Drosophila testes

The nuclear pre-mRNA spliceosome is a large complex containing five small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particles (snRNPs) and many splicing factors. Messenger RNAs (mRNAs) are generated from pre-mRNAs by the process of RNA splicing, which is conserved in eukaryotes. Precursor RNA processing 3 (Prp3) is a U4/U6-associated snRNP whose function remains largely unknown. In the present study, using genetic manipulation of a Drosophila melanogaster testis model, we demonstrated that Prp3 is essential for male fertility in Drosophila. Prp3 deficiency in germline stem cells (GSCs) and early cyst cells resulted in abnormal structure of testes and maintenance defects of GSCs and cyst stem cells. Knockdown of Prp3 in spermatogonia and early cyst cells mediated tumor formation caused by differentiation defects. Using an in vitro assay, knockdown of Prp3 decreased proliferation and increased cell death, and controlled the spliceosome function via regulating spliceosome subunits expression in Drosophila S2 cells. We also identified two other splicing factors in the Prp complex (Prp19 and Prp8), which mimicked the phenotype of Prp3 in the Drosophila stem cell niche. Our results revealed a significant role of precursor RNA processing factors in male testes, indicating that Prp3, a key spliceosome component in the Prp complex, is essential for male fertility, and germline stem cell self-renewal and differentiation, via regulating the spliceosome function in Drosophila testes.

Protective effects of Camellia sinensis on Syzygium aromaticum- or chlorpyrifos-induced reproductive toxicity in male Wistar rats

BackgroundThe potential toxicity of clove, Syzygium aromaticum, notwithstanding its beneficial health effect to human health remains a critical issue.PurposeThis study was designed to assess the effects of oil extracts of clove (S. aromaticum) on reproductive parameters in Wistar rats. The ameliorative effect due to co-administration with green tea, Camellia sinensis, was also determined.MethodsAdult rats were exposed via oral gavage to mineral oil (negative control), 5% green tea (GT), 12.5 mg/kg/day chlorpyrifos (CHL, positive control), 360 mg/kg/day clove oil (CO), green tea + chlorpyrifos (GT+CHL), or green tea + clove oil (GT+CO) for 3 weeks, after which the animals were sacrificed and the following sperm parameters: total sperm count, sperm motile count, sperm progressive assessment, and sperm morphology were determined. The serum levels of reproductive hormones, testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), were determined. The histological sections of the testes were also performed.ResultsThe results revealed that S. aromaticum treatment resulted in significant damage to the sperm morphology especially at the neck and tail regions with only a marginal change to the total sperm count, sperm motile count, and sperm progressive assessment. The levels of testosterone, FSH, and LH decreased significantly in rats treated with S. aromaticum. Histopathological analyses revealed significant disruption of normal testes structure in rats that were treated with either clove oil or chlorpyrifos.ConclusionOverall, the results of this study show that the co-administration with C. sinensis has the potential to ameliorate the clove-induced reproductive toxicity in rats.

Effect of Exposure to different doses of Cell Phone-Electromagnetic Waves on the hippocampus and testis of Adult Albino Rats: A Histological study

Introduction: every new technological product brings certain disadvantages threatening human health. Electromagnetic fields (EMF) emitted from cell phones may exert a detrimental influence on human health and may affect man`s cognitive and reproductive systems. Mobile phones are carried mainly near the head during talking and they are also kept in trousers pockets in close distance to testis. Aim: to study the effect of single or multiple exposure to different doses of EMF from mobile phone on the structure of hippocampus and testis in adult albino Wistar ratsMaterials and methods: thirty adult male albino Wistar rats were divided into three equal groups. Group I (control), group II (single mobile exposure giving 900Hz) and group III (multiple mobile exposure giving 2700HZ). Rats were exposed to EMW for 120 minutes/day, 6 days per week for ten weeks. Animals were sacrificed 24 hours after the last exposure. Hippocampus and testis were harvested form all rats. They were subjected to proper histological techniques. Semen analysis, morphometric and statistical studies were also done.Results: In single exposure group, degeneration of some pyramidal and granule cells of the hippocampus were noticed. Vacuolations were also seen between spermatogenic cells with some abnormalities of sperm structure. While in multiple exposure group, apparent increase number of degenerated neurons and significant decrease in thickness of pyramidal and granule layers of hippocampus were noticed. Testis showed intercellular vacuolations, significant decrease in thickness of germinal epithelium and seminiferous tubules and a significant increase in mean area percentage of collagen fibers and caspase-3 reaction. Many sperm abnormalities were also detected in semen analysis.Conclusions: exposure to EMF causes significant changes in the structure of hippocampus and testis in a dose dependent manner.

Spermatogenesis disorder caused by T-2 toxin is associated with germ cell apoptosis mediated by oxidative stress

T-2 toxin is an unavoidable contaminant in human food, animal feeds, and agricultural products. T-2 toxin has been found to impair male reproductive function. But, few data is available that reveals the reproductive toxicity mechanism. In the study, male Kunming mice were orally administrated with T-2 toxin at the doses of 0, 0.5, 1 or 2 mg/kg body weight for 28 days. The body and reproductive organs weight, the concentration, malformation rate and ultrastructure of sperm in cauda epididymis were detected. Oxidative stress biomarkers and apoptosis were also measured in testes. Histological change of testes was performed by H&E and TUNEL staining. T-2 toxin down-regulated body and reproductive organs (testis, epididymis and seminal vesicle) weight, sperm concentration, increased sperm malformation rate and damaged the ultrastructure of sperm and structure of testes. T-2 toxin treatment increased the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde content, while, decreased the total anti-oxidation capacity (T-AOC) and the superoxide dismutase activity in testes. T-2 toxin exposure increased the TUNEL-positive germ cells, the activities and mRNA expressions of caspase-3, caspase-8 and caspase-9, the mRNA expression of Bax, and inhibited the Bcl-2 mRNA expression. Furthermore, the expressions of caspase-3, caspase-8 caspase-9 and Bax were positively correlated with ROS level, but negatively correlated with T-AOC in testis. In summary, T-2 toxin caused spermatogenesis disorder associated with the germ cell apoptosis medicated by oxidative stress, impairing the male reproductive function.

The swiss webster mice testes structure after exposed to ethanolic neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf extract

Neems has been known as an anti-fertility effect, both in male and female mammals. This research was performed to find out the effect of ethanolic leaf extract of A. indica on the testes structure that indicated by testicular weight, diameter, and thickness of germinal epithelium of seminiferous tubules. Twenty Swiss Webster male mice were used, and they were divided into two groups (K and P) of ten in replicates. The mice in the K group served as a control group treated with drinking water; while mice in the P group treated with 14 mg/animal/day of ethanolic Neem leaf extract. Treatment was administered orally for 21 days. The mice were sacrificed at 22nd day under chloroform anesthesia. Testes were isolated, weighted and processed with paraffin method continued with HE staining. Diameter and thickness of germinal epithelium of semeniferous tubules were measured on five tubules in every slide of testes. Data were analyzed by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) continued by DMRT. Our result showed that there was a significant difference (p<0.05) between treated and control group on diameter and thickness of germinal epithelium. In conclusion, spermatogenesis in mice was disrupted by ethanolic of Neem leaf extract.

Potency of mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) pericarp on seminiferous tubules testes streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

The diversity of compounds in mangosteen peel (Garciniamangostana L.) is suspected to have hypoglycemic activity. The objective of this study to analyze the blood glucose level and seminiferous testicular tubules tissue structure of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The experiment animals were twelve male wistar strain white rats (Rattus norvegicus), 2-3 months old, weighing 120-150 g, put into four different groups i.e. (1) negative control treatment (P0), (2) streptozotocin (STZ) induced intraperitoneal as much as 80 mg/kg in 0.1 M buffer citrate with positive control pH 4.5 (P1), (3) 83.3 mg/kg mangosteen pericarp powder (P2), and (4) 0.09 mg/kg glibenclamide (P3) for 36 days. The analysis of the blood glucose levels and seminiferous testicular tubules tissue structure using HE staining, identification with the optilab microscope. The study found that diabetic tubules testes structure experienced degeneration, the spermatogenic cells were not much identified, lumen tubules testes diameter 703,25 μm (P1), spermatogonia cells were identified, the spermatogenesis developed, lumen tubules testes diameter 570,53 μm (P2). The mangosteen solution and glibenclamide could lower the blood glucose level and improve the spermatogenesis of the diabetic rats. The mangosteen pericarp solution did not damage the renal tissue structure, unlike the glibenclamide. It was concluded that the mangosteen solution has the potential as natural anti-diabetic substance.