Rat Testis Research Articles

Zinc alleviates high fat diet-induced spermatogenic dysfunction in Wistar rats: role of oxidative stress, HMGB1 and inflammasome.

Whether chronic inflammation in the genital tract induced by obesity shares in spermatogenic dysfunction is not clearly known. We aimed to study the effect of high fat diet (HFD) on spermatogenesis, seminal oxidative stress (malondialdehyde (MDA)) and inflammatory markers (high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain, leucine rich repeat and pyrin-3 domain containing (NLRP3)) in the rat testes and the role of zinc on testicular dysfunction and chronic inflammation in high fat diet (HFD) fed rat testes. This parallel group comparative experimental study included 36 male wistar rats divided into 3 groups: group A (fed on normal control diet); group B (fed on high fat diet (HFD) only); and group C (fed on HFD with zinc supplementation 3.2 mg/kg/day orally). At the end of the 12th week, sperm count, viability and motility were assessed by computer-assisted seemen analysis (CASA), seminal malondialdehyde measured by calorimetry and histopathological examination of testicular sections was done. Immunohistochemical staining was done for HMGB1 and NLRP3 evaluation. Sperm count was lowest in group B. Groups A and C showed statistically significant higher mean sperm vitality, total and progressive motility scores (p < 0.001), while no difference was found between the groups A and C (p > 0.05). Seminal malondialdehyde level was significantly highest in group B. Tubular diameter, epithelial height and Johnsen score were significantly lowest in group B. Significantly higher HMGB1 and NLRP3 levels were demonstrated in group B (p < 0.001). Obesity is associated with testicular dysfunction, testicular oxidative stress and increased testicular HMGB1 and NLRP3. We suggest a beneficial effect of zinc on testicular function in HFD-rats.

Protective Role of Gallic Acid with Rutin or Quercetin on Testicular Glutathione and Histopathology in Rats Exposed to Busulfan

Busulfan (BUS) is an alkylating agent used in chemotherapy that induces oxidative stress and testicular damage. This study investigates the protective effects of co-administering Gallic Acid (GAL) with Rutin (RUT) or Quercetin (QUE) against BUS-induced reductions in testicular glutathione (GSH) in Wistar rats. Thirty-two (32) male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, BUS only, BUS+GAL+RUT, and BUS+GAL+QUE. Over a 56-day treatment period, the rats were assessed for changes in GSH concentration and testicular histopathology. GSH levels were measured to evaluate oxidative stress, while histological evaluations were performed to assess spermatogenic recovery. BUS administration significantly reduced GSH concentration in the testis, indicating oxidative stress. Co-administration of GAL+RUT or GAL+ QUE reversed this decrease, restoring GSH levels to near-control values. Although there were no significant changes in testicular and body weight across groups, the histopathological analysis showed that GAL+QUE improved spermatogenesis recovery more effectively than GAL+RUT. Additionally, GAL+RUT exhibited more mature germ cells and potential for testicular repopulation. The co-administration of GAL+RUT or GAL+QUE effectively mitigates BUS-induced oxidative stress in rat testes, with GAL+QUE demonstrating superior recovery in spermatogenic function. These findings suggest that incorporating these flavonoid combinations could help reduce chemotherapy-induced testicular damage.

Influence of titanium dioxide nanoparticles and/or cadmium chloride oral exposure on testicular morphology, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in rats: Ameliorative role of co-enzyme Q10

Background and objectivesLittle is known about the implications of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) and cadmium chloride (Cd) co-exposure on the male reproductive system in mammals. As a result, this study researched the effects of oral TiO2NPs and/or Cd exposure on male reproduction and testicular functions. Additionally, a mitigation trial with co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has also been conducted. MethodsIn a 60-day experiment, seven experimental groups, each containing 10 male Sprague Dawley rats, were orally given distilled water (control), corn oil (vehicle control), CoQ10 (10 mg/kg b.wt), TiO2NPs (50 mg/kg b.wt), Cd (5 mg/kg b.wt), TiO2NPs + Cd, and TiO2NPs + Cd + CoQ10. Then, sperm quality, male sex hormones, oxidative stress indications, Ti and Cd testicular residues, testes and accessory gland architecture, and apoptotic and inflammatory markers in rat testes were assessed. ResultsTiO2NPs and/or Cd exposure negatively impacted body weight, weight gain, testicular weights, semen quality, serum reproductive hormones, oxidative stress parameters, and Caspase-3 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) immunoreactions. Histopathological changes were recorded in testicular, seminal vesicle, and prostatic tissues. Yet, co-administration of CoQ10 with TiO2NPs and Cd substantially mitigated these adverse consequences. The most notable aspect is that it effectively lowered testicular tissue Ti and Cd levels. It also improved oxidant status, hormonal profile, and sperm picture. CoQ10 minimized the testicular damage implied by histological examination. Furthermore, CoQ10 significantly diminished TiO2NPs and Cd-induced Caspase-3 and TNF-α immunoexpression in testicular tissue. ConclusionAs a result, CoQ10 could be utilized as a safe remedy to protect male reproductive physiology from TiO2NPs and Cd damage.

The effect of local millet drink (Kunu) on the testis and epididymis of adult male wistar rats

Background: Kunu is a local beverage drink that finds its origin in the northern part of Nigeria. This study was aimed at determining the effect of the liquid drink on the epididymis, testes, sperm parameters, and hormonal assay. Methods: A total of sixteen rats were used for this study and the animals were separated into four groups of four rats each (A-D). The animals were then sacrificed and the testes and epididymis were harvested and fixed in 10% formal saline. Group A was fed only rat feed and water. Groups B, C, and D were fed 0.2 ml, 0.9 ml, and 2.5 ml of Kunu respectively orally using a metal cannula for 21 days. Findings: There was a significant increase (P&lt;0.05) in the relative testicular weights of groups B, C, and D as compared with those of group A. There was a significant decrease (P&lt;0.05) in sperm count in groups B, C, and D when compared to group A. There was an insignificant increase (P&gt;0.05) in FSH in groups B, C, and D when compared to group A. The histopathological findings revealed that the group B rats of 0.2ml and group C rats of 0.9ml showed epididymal tissue with moderate accumulation of spermatozoa and testicular tubules with moderately enhanced spermatogenesis. The group D rats showed well-accumulated spermatozoa in the epididymal lumen and improved spermatogenesis in the testis as did group A. Conclusion: Kunu beverage may not be used as a natural male fertility booster since it does little to improve sperm count, motility, morphology, pH, and hormonal levels of FSH and testosterone.

Wharton's Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cell Conditioned Medium Ameliorates Diabetes-Induced Testicular Damage and Sperm Abnormalities by Mitigating Oxidative Stress, Apoptosis, and Inflammation.

Diabetes leads to testicular damage and infertility. Mesenchymal stem cells and their secretory trophic factors have shown potential as regenerative therapies for diabetes and its associated complications. This study examined the effects of conditioned medium derived from Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells (WJMSCs-CM) on sperm parameters, reproductive hormones, biochemical parameters, and histological changes in the testes of diabetic rats. Fifty-six male Sprague-Dawley rats (250-300 g) were assigned to eight groups: control, diabetes, and six diabetic groups receiving early or late treatments with WJMSCs-CM (D-CME, D-CML), insulin (D-INSE, D-INSL), or DMEM (D-DME, D-DML). In the early treatment groups, insulin (3 U/day, subcutaneously) and WJMSCs-CM (10 mg/week, intraperitoneally) were administered immediately after diabetes induction; in the late treatment groups, these interventions began 30 days postinduction. Blood glucose and insulin levels, along with sperm parameters, were assessed. Sex hormones, testicular antioxidant enzyme activity, malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH) concentrations were measured using colorimetric methods. Real-time PCR detected Bax, Bcl-2, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) gene expression. Our results showed that diabetes increased blood glucose levels, decreased insulin and sex hormone levels, induced testicular oxidative stress and apoptosis, and reduced sperm parameters compared to the control. WJMSCs-CM significantly ameliorated hyperglycemia, increased insulin and sex hormone levels, and improved sperm quality. In WJMSCs-CM-treated diabetic rats, MDA levels were reduced, while GSH and antioxidant enzyme activity increased. Furthermore, WJMSCs-CM decreased the testicular Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and TNF-α expression, as well as enhanced spermatogenic, Sertoli, and Leydig cells. In conclusion, WJMSC-CM administration effectively mitigated diabetes-induced testicular damage by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Early treatment with WJMSCs-CM was more effective than late treatment for diabetes-induced reproductive dysfunction.

Omega-3 fatty acids abrogates oxido-inflammatory and mitochondrial dysfunction-associated apoptotic responses in testis of tamoxifen-treated rats.

Tamoxifen (TAM) is a widely used drug in patients with gynecomastia and breast cancer. TAM exerts its anticancer effects via its antiestrogenic activities. Unfortunately, TAM has been reported to exert gonadotoxic effects on male testes. Therefore, this study was designed to explore the possible associated mechanisms involved in TAM-induced testicular dysfunction and the possible ameliorative effects of omega-3 fatty acids (O3FA). Animals were randomly divided into control, O3FA, TAM, and TAM + O3FA. All treatment lasted for 28 days. TAM exposure impaired sperm qualities (count, motility, and normal morphology) and decreased testicular 3β-HSD and 17β-HSD. It was accompanied by a decline in serum testosterone and an increase in estradiol, luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormones. These observed alterations were associated with an increase in testicular injury markers, oxido-inflammatory response, and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. These observed alterations were ameliorated by O3FA treatments. O3FA ameliorated TAM-induced testicular dysfunction in male Wistar rats by modulating XO/UA and Nrf2/NF-kb signaling and cytochrome c-mediated apoptosis in TAM-treated rats.

Identification and characterization of dystrophin-locus-derived testis-specific protein: A testis-specific gene within the intronic region of the rat dystrophin gene.

The mammalian X chromosome exhibits enrichment in genes associated with germ cell development. Previously, we generated a rat model of Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) characterized by an in-frame mutation in the dystrophin gene, situated on the X chromosome and responsible for encoding a protein crucial for muscle integrity. Male BMD rats are infertile owing to the absence of normal spermatids in the epididymis. Within the seminiferous tubules of BMD rats, elongated spermatids displayed abnormal morphology. To elucidate the cause of infertility, we identified a putative gene containing an open reading frame situated in the intronic region between exons 6 and 7 of the dystrophin gene, specifically deleted in male BMD rats. This identified gene, along with its encoded protein, exhibited specific detection within the testes, exclusively localized in round to elongated spermatids during spermiogenesis. Consequently, we designated the encoded protein as dystrophin-locus-derived testis-specific protein (DTSP). Given the absence of DTSP in the testes of BMD rats, we hypothesized that the loss of DTSP contributes to the infertility observed in male BMD rats.

Zuogui Pills improve testicular development of offspring rats exposed to prenatal stress via Cx43

This study aims to reveal the mechanism of prenatal stress in affecting the testicular development of offspring rats and the intervention effects of Zuogui Pills via connexin 43(Cx43). Forty pregnant SD rats were randomized into a blank control group, a mo-del group, a high-dose(18.9 g·kg~(-1)) Zuogui Pills group, a low-dose(9.45 g·kg~(-1)) Zuogui Pills group, and a vitamin E(1.44 mg·kg~(-1)) group. The other groups except the blank control group was subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress for the modeling of prenatal stress. The model was evaluated by sucrose preference test, open field test, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) of the glucocorticoid level. ELISA was employed to measure the thyroxine 4(T4), testosterone(T), and follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH) levels to assess kidney deficiency. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was employed to evaluate the status of testicular germ cells. An automatic sperm analyzer was used to measure the sperm quality. Immunofluorescence double staining was employed to detect the expression of Cx43 and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor(FSHR) in the testes of offspring rats. The mRNA and protein levels of Cx43, FSHR, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K), and protein kinase B(Akt) were determined by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot, respectively. Prenatal stress induced testicular development disorders in offspring rats. The HE staining results showed that on the day of birth, the model group had reduced seminiferous tubules in the testes, elevated FSH level in the serum, and lowered Cx43 level in the testicular tissue. Male offspring rats of 60 days old had reduced testicular spermatogenic function, decreased sperm quality, elevated FSH level and lowered T level in the serum, and down-regulated protein and mRNA levels of Cx43, FSHR, PI3K, and Akt in the testicular tissue. Zuogui Pills alleviated the abnormal development and dysfunction of testicles in the offspring rats caused by prenatal stress. In summary, Zuogui Pills may weaken the effects of prenatal stress on testicular development and spermatogenic function of offspring rats by activating the PI3K/Akt pathway to regulate Cx43 expression in the testicular tissue.

Ameliorative Effect of Taurine on Nandrolone Decanoate Induced Toxicity on Brain, Heart and Testis in Adult Male Albino Rats

Ameliorative Effect of Taurine on Nandrolone Decanoate Induced Toxicity on Brain, Heart and Testis in Adult Male Albino Rats

Alpha-pinene alleviates CCl4-induced renal and testicular injury in rats by targeting oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis.

Renal and testicular disorders are primarily associated with oxidative damage and inflammation. Here, alpha-pinene (a type of monoterpene) was investigated for its effect on oxidative/nitrosative stress and the expression of inflammatory and apoptotic factors in the kidneys and testes of rats treated with CCl4. CCl4 was injected intraperitoneally (IP) at a dose of 2 ml/kg (twice a week for six weeks). Alpha-pinene (50 mg/kg/day, IP) was also treated during the same period. CCl4 increased the level of malondialdehyde (P<0.01 in the kidney and P<0.001 in the testis) and nitric oxide (P<0.001 in the kidney and P<0.01 in the testis) and decreased the levels of glutathione (P<0.05) in the kidneys and testicles of rats. CCl4 also reduced the catalase enzyme activity in the kidneys (P<0.05) but did not affect its activity in the testis. In addition, CCl4 enhanced the mRNA expression of TNF-α (P<0.01), nuclear factor-κB (P<0.05), and Bax (P<0.05 in the kidney and P<0.01 in the testis) and decreased the expression of Bcl-2 (P<0.05) in both organs. Alpha-pinene prevented all the mentioned changes, but it did not influence the expression of Bcl-2 in the kidneys of rats receiving CCl4. Alpha-pinene may have the potential to prevent renal and testicular diseases by strengthening the antioxidant system in the kidneys and testis, and inhibiting oxidative/nitrosative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis caused by CCl4.

Effect of thymoquinone on NRF2/NF-kB/MAPK pathway in methotrexate-induced rat testis injury.

In this study, we aimed to investigate the protective effect of Thymoquinone (THQ) against testicular damage caused by Methotrexate (MTX). This study consists of 5 groups: Control, Olive oil, THQ, MTX, and MTX+THQ. At the end of the experiment, spermiogram analysis was performed on the rats. In addition, testicular tissues were taken and histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and biochemistry analysis were performed. Biochemical analyses were performed on the serums. According to the results obtained, spermiogram values, Johnson's testicular biopsy score, SOD, CAT, GPx, FSH, LH, and testosterone values were statistically significantly decreased in the MTX group compared to the control group. In the MTX+THQ group, spermiogram values, Johnson's testicular biopsy score, SOD, CAT, GPx, FSH, LH, and testosterone values increased statistically significantly compared to the MTX group. NRF2 and HO-1 immunoreactivity were statistically significantly decreased in the MTX group compared to the control group. In the MTX+THQ group, NRF2 and HO-1 immunoreactivity were statistically significantly increased compared to the MTX group. The level of MDA, which is important in lipid damage, and the level of biochemistry results of TNF-α, IL1-β, and IL-6, which are important markers, and the results of p-NF-kB and P38 immunoreactivity were statistically significantly increased in the MTX group compared to the control group. In the MTX+THQ group, these parameters showed a significant decrease compared to the MTX group. According to these results, it is thought that THQ will play a protective role against infertility caused by chemotherapy-induced testicular damage.

Morphine compromises androgen biosynthesis by immature Leydig cells from pubertal rat testes in vitro.

Morphine is an analgesic in the opiate family, isolated from many plants. It can inhibit androgen biosynthesis by Leydig cells. Whether morphine directly inhibits androgen biosynthesis and underlying mechanism remains unclear. To investigate the influence of morphine on androgen secretion by rat immature Leydig cells (ILCs) and possible mechanism. Rat ILCs were treated with 0.5-50μM morphine for 3h in vitro. Morphine at ≥0.5μM significantly reduced total androgen secretion. Morphine at 50μM also compromised luteinizing hormone (LH, 10mg/kg), 8Br-cAMP (1mM), and 22R-hydroxycholesterol (20μM) stimulated total androgen, androstanediol, and testosterone secretion, without affecting pregnenolone, progesterone, androstenedione mediated androgen secretion and testosterone and dihydrotestosterone mediated androstanediol secretion. Further analysis revealed that morphine at ≥0.5μM downregulated Star expression and at ≥5μM downregulated Cyp11a1 expression. Morphine also significantly reduced STAR (≥0.5μM) and reduced CYP11A1 (≥5μM) levels. 0.5μM naloxone significantly antagonized morphine-mediated action. In conclusion, morphine might cause side effects by suppressing androgen biosynthesis via u opioid receptor.

Using targeted fetal rat testis genomic and endocrine alterations to predict the effects of a phthalate mixture on the male reproductive tract

Administration of phthalates in utero disrupts gene expression and hormone levels in the fetal rat testis, which are key events in an Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) for the Phthalate Syndrome. These measures can be used to predict the postnatal adverse effects of phthalate esters (PEs) on male rat sexual differentiation. Here, pregnant rats were exposed to dibutyl (DBP)- and diisononyl (DINP) phthalate on gestational days 14 to 18 individually and as a mixture (DBP,250 mg/kg/d; DINP, 750 mg/kg/d; and DBP 250 mg/kg/d plus DINP 750 mg/kg/d). We found that each PE reduced testosterone production (T Prod) and related gene transcripts by about 50 % and that they acted in a dose additive manner, reducing T Prod and gene expression by 75 % as a mixture. Based upon effects on T Prod, DINP was 0.33 times as potent as DBP and thus the DBP + DINP mixture was predicted to be equivalent to 500 mg DBP/kg/d.Logistic regression models of T Prod predicted that the adverse effects of the DBP + DINP mixture group versus the DBP and DINP individual treatments would reduce anogenital distance (AGD) by 27 % versus 10 %, increase hypospadias in 18 % versus < 1 %, induce epididymal agenesis in 46 % versus 10 %, and increase areolae/nipples in 4.8 % versus < 0.1 % of the, respectively. These predictions were highly consistent with effects from previously published dose response studies on the male reproductive effects of DBP. In summary, these results support the use of this New Approach Method to predict the detrimental effects of PEs and PE mixtures, replacing or reducing the need to run long-term, resource and animal use intensive extended one-generation reproduction studies for this class of chemicals.

Alleviation of carbendazim toxicity effect by Moringa oleifera oil and Linum usitatissimum L. oil on testes of male rats: Physiological, histological and in silico study

Carbendazim (CBZ) is a widely used fungicide that is used to control the unwanted growth of fungi on fruits and vegetables. Sixty male rats were divided into six groups, each having ten. Group one served as control, animals belonging to group two were exposed to CBZ in the measure of 200 mg/kg body weight (BW). In the third and fourth groups, rats were administered 800 mg/kg BW of Moringa oleifera (moringa oil) and Linum usitatissimum L. (flaxseed oil), plus CBZ with the same dose given to group two. Groups five and six were administered with moringa and flaxseed oils respectively for six weeks. A marked decline was seen in oxidative stress markers, reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and a rise in malondialdehyde (MDA) level in group two with severe histological disruptions. Moringa oil and flaxseed oil were used to alleviate these changes. In addition, a biocomputational molecular docking analysis of three proteins found in male rats was performed. In relation to CBZ (CID:10584007) the screened proteins namely testis-expressed protein (TX101_RAT), EPPI_RAT, and glutathione peroxidase 5 (GPX5_RAT) were docked, and their docking score were obtained (−5.9 kcal/mol), (−5.8 kcal/mol) and (−5.6 kcal/mol) respectively. By examining these interactions in 2D and 3D structures, a detailed understanding of the unique and specific binding affinity, hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interactions, ionic bonds, and water bonds were obtained. Structure-based virtual screening (SBVS) molecular docking analysis showed that protein interaction with CBZ causes reproductive complications in protein expression and functions by hampering their normal function and blocking active sites.

Multifractal structure of cholinergic innervation in the tunica albuginea of rat testis. Comparison with different models simulating nerve networks

The complexity of the distribution of cholinergic innervation of the albuginea suggests that its structural pattern may exhibit multiple scaling rules rather than a single global scale. Therefore, the study of nerve fibers could be approached through multifractal analysis. The cholinergic fiber plexuses of the rat testicular albuginea, visualized by a histochemical technique for the detection of acetylcholine sterases, will be analyzed for the possible detection of their multifractal structure, calculating several types of multifractal spectra, namely multifractal spectrum f(α) versus α, and the generalized dimension DQ versus Q. In the present study, the results will be compared with the multifractal spectra of plexus models consisting of the elaboration of interconnected line lattices generated, either employing a binary matrix or using a tessellation matrix, and according to various realizations of randomly distributed points in a two-dimensional space. The results of this study suggest that the cholinergic nerve plexuses of the testicular albuginea of the rat show a multifractal behavior, and the multifractality of the real data is greater than that of the simulated networks. However, Voronoi tessellations models show a more remarkable similarity of the multifractal scale with the real data in comparison with those generated by a binary matrix.

Ameliorative Effects of Moringa Oleifera on Histomorphology of Rat Testis Treated with Fluoxetine

Objective: To observe the histomorphological changes in rat testes treated with Fluoxetine, focusing on the weight of the testis along with the epithelial thickness of the seminiferous tubules and evaluating the ameliorative effects of Moringa oleifera on the same gross and histological parameters. Study Design: Laboratory-based experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Army Medical College, National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS), with the National Institute of Health, Islamabad and Pak Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Sep 2022 to Mar 2023. Methodology: Thirty male Sprague Dawley rats divided into three groups (n=10). Group-A was the Control-Group, and the rest served as the Experimental-Group. Drugs were given in a single daily dose through oral gavage for eight weeks. Group-B was given Fluoxetine, 10 mg/kg body weight. Group-C was administered Fluoxetine in the same dose and concomitant administration of Moringa powder, 50mg/30 grams body weight. After sacrifice, testes were fixed and stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin for histological study. Results: The study found a statistically significant decrease in the weight of rat testis (p-value˂0.05) and epithelial thickness of seminiferous tubules of rats treated with Fluoxetine (p-value ˂0.05). Conclusion: Fluoxetine significantly decreased the weight of the testis and epithelial thickness of the seminiferous tubules in rat testes. Moringa Oleifera administration ameliorated these effects in the short term.

Does Nanosilver Exposure Modulate Steroid Metabolism in the Testes?-A Possible Role of Redox Balance Disruption.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are a popular engineered nanomaterial widely used in industry. Despite the benefits they bring to society, AgNPs are not neutral to human health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a single intravenous dose (5 mg/kg body weight) of 20 nm AgNPs on steroid metabolism and redox balance in the testes of adult rats. The effects were evaluated 1 day or 28 days after intervention and compared with saline-treated animals. Decreased aromatase and estrogen receptor α levels (by 21% and 27%, respectively) were observed 1 day after AgNPs administration, while increased testosterone, increased dihydrotestosterone levels, higher androgen receptors and higher aromatase expression in Leydig cells (by 43%, 50%, 20% and 32%, respectively) as well as lower (by 35%) androgen receptor protein levels were observed 28 days after exposure to AgNPs compared to control groups. The AgNPs treatment resulted in decreased superoxide dismutase activity, decreased GSH/GSSG ratio, and increased glutathione reductase activity (by 23%, 63% and 28%, respectively) compared to control animals, irrespective of the time of measurement. Increased (by 28%) intratesticular lipid hydroperoxides level was observed 1 day after AgNPs exposure, while decreased (by 70%) GSH and increased (by 43%) 7-ketocholesterol levels were observed 28 days after treatment compared to control animals. Conclusions: AgNPs exposure caused redox imbalance in the gonads shortly after AgNPs administration, while a longer perspective AgNPs exposure was associated with impaired androgen metabolism, probably due to increased oxidative stress.

Effects of Dietary Zinc Deficiency and Supplementation on Prepubertal Rat Testes: Sulfhydryl and Antioxidant Status.

The study was designed to investigate the effects of dietary zinc deficiency and supplementation on antioxidant system viz. superoxide-dismutase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione- S-transferase, catalase and sulfhydryls levels (GSH, TSH, NPSH and PBSH) in testes of Wistar rats. Pre-pubertal rats were divided into two groups with 6 sub-groups each viz. zinc control (ZC), pair fed (PF), zinc deficient (ZD), zinc control supplementation (ZCS), pair-fed supplementation (PFS) and zinc deficient supplementation (ZDS). Experiments were set for 2- and 4-weeks followed by 4weeks of zinc supplementation. The zinc deficient group animals exhibited significant decrease in gonado-somatic index (2- and 4- weeks), sulfhydryls levels, GSH, GPx, GR (2 and 4-weeks) and GST concentration (2-weeks). However, after zinc supplementation significant improvement in gonadosomatic index, SH, GSH, antioxidant enzyme levels (GR, GPx, and GST) in deficient groups has been observed. Zinc deficiency during pre-pubertal period affected growth and caused dysregulation of the glutathione antioxidant system. The significant alterations in the levels of antioxidant enzymes and non-enzymatic antioxidant system (GSH and SH) in zinc deficient groups could be due to alleviated generation of free radicals, causative factor for increased oxidative stress which may lead to infertility as oxidative stress is a common pathology seen during infertility. Altered antioxidant system and sulfhydryls levels in testes due to dietary zinc deficiency reflect the significance of optimum zinc for maintaining homeostatic balance in gonadal physiology. Supplementing zinc for 4weeks could reduce the redox imbalance which may help in alleviating oxidative stress induced alterations in testes.

Peculiarities of the microscopic structure of rat testis under the influence of Vipera berus berus venom

Morpho-functional changes in the organs of the male reproductive system are usually associated with injuries, infectious diseases, age, lifestyle, the presence of bad habits (abuse of alcohol, drugs), the influence of environmental factors, etc. However, the action of natural toxins, in particular those that are components of animal venoms, including the venoms of snakes and vipers, is no less important. The aim of the research is to study the features of the microscopic structure of the testis of rats under the influence of Vipera berus berus venom. Experimental studies were carried out on white non-linear male rats. Animals were conditionally divided into two groups – control and experimental, 10 individuals in each. Experimental rats were injected intraperitoneally with a semi-lethal dose (LD50) (1.576 mg/g-1) of Vipera berus berus venom in physiological solution. Animals of the control group were injected intraperitoneally with only saline solution. Rats were removed from the experiment 24 hours after exposure of the venom, anesthetized by cervical dislocation. Testis samples were taken for microscopic examination. Fixation of the material and preparation of paraffin blocks were carried out according to generally accepted methods. Staining of histological preparations of the testis was carried out with hematoxylin and eosin. Histological preparations were studied using a SEO SСAN light microscope. Administration of Vipera berus berus venom to rats leads to the development of pathogistological changes in the parenchymal elements of the testis of animals, among which desquamation and disorganization of all stages of spermatogenic cells development, disruption of spermatogenesis processes were the most pronounced. Spermatogenic cells of the seminiferous tubules of the testis were distinguished by changes in morphology and location, lost the regularity of their placement, and their number decreased. The cells detached from the basement membrane and did not form a continuous layer. A characteristic feature was the presence of clusters of erythrocytes in the lumen of the seminiferous tubules, which may indicate the development of hemorrhagic complications. In addition, an increase in the number of Leydig cells was detected, which is probably the cause of changes in the hormonal regulation of the organ's function.

Electron microscopic changes in interstitial endocrinocytes of rats testicles during administration of triptorellin for 365 days

Triptorelin is a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist that is a potent inhibitor of testosterone (in men) and estrogen (in women) synthesis and is used to treat advanced prostate cancer. Studies of the mechanisms of regulation and synthesis of testosterone formation in testicular interstitial cells demonstrate multiple endogenous targets that can increase testosterone biosynthesis, which may moderate the effects of testosterone depletion. Triptorelin, a synthetic analog of the neurohormone gonadoliberin, suppresses the expression of the GnRH receptor in the pituitary gland, but does not change the functioning of the pituitary-testicular complex. The purpose of the work is to study the electron microscopic changes in the interstitial endocrinocytes of the testes of rats after the administration of triptorelin for 365 days. The experiment was conducted on 35 sexually mature male white rats. The rats were divided into 2 groups: the control group (I) was injected with a physiological solution, the II group with central deprivation of the synthesis of luteinizing hormone was injected subcutaneously with triptorelin at a dose of 0.3 mg of the active substance per kg of the rat's body weight. The study of the interstitial space in the testicles of white rats showed that long-term administration of triptorelin causes hormonal dysregulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-testis system, which leads to quantitative and qualitative changes in the endocrine cells of the interstitial space of the testis, which is confirmed by electron microscopic changes in subcellular structures. The maximum effect of triptorelin is determined from the 180th day of observation, which is characterized by an increase in degenerative changes in endocrinocytes, and the detection of Reinke crystals in the cytoplasm of interstitial endocrinocytes from the 270th day of observation.