Testicle Tissue Research Articles

Сравнительная характеристика эффективности профилактики прогрессирования ХПН с использованием терапии секретомом эмбриональных клеток и трансплантации неонатальных тканей.

Introduction. Literature data and our own research indicate that therapy with immature cell secretion products (secretome) has a pronounced nephroprotective effect both in acute kidney injury and in chronic renal failure (CRF). Considering that the source of the complex of signaling molecules stimulating reparative processes in organs are low-differentiated cells of functionally and anatomically immature organs in a state of deveopment, the question arises to what extent tissue transplantation of these organs reproduces the effect of therapy with a secretome of stem cells in relation to the progression of CRF. Material and methods. The experiments were carried out on 40 outbred male rats weighing 260-290 g, in which CRF was modeled by resection of 4/5 functionally active renal parenchyma. In the 1st series (control), no therapeutic actions were performed. In the 2nd series, after modeling CRF, a course of therapy with Cellex, the active component of which is the secretome of pig embryonic brain cells, was carried out in the form of 2 10-day courses with a 10-day break between them. In the 3rd and 4th series, immediately after CRF modeling, kidney or testicle tissue obtained from newborn baby rats (1-2 days after birth) was injected under the capsule of the resected kidney as a source of immature cells. Tissues of different organs were used to assess the severity of the tissue-specific effect of therapy. Results. 7 days after the modeling of CRF in all series, a deterioration of more than 2 times of all functional parameters was revealed. After 1 month, in the control and in the 2nd and 3rd series, a tendency to an increase in GFR was revealed, which did not reach statistical significance, whereas in the 4th series, the increase in GFR turned out to be statistically significant. After 2 months in the control series, there was a repeated decrease in the GFR index, whereas in all experimental series, GFR continued to increase or remained at subnormal values. The activity of tubular reabsorption of sodium and calcium after a significant decrease after 7 days to 1 month in the control series increased slightly (but unreliably), and after 2 months they again decreased to values 2 times lower than normal. In all experimental series, after 1 and 2 months, the reabsorption of these electrolytes was at values close to normal. The improvement was especially pronounced in groups 2 and 4. After 7 days, the activity of intracellular enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)) in the blood increased in all series with a gradual decrease in hyperfermentemia after 2 months, more pronounced in group 4, as well as in all experimental groups with respect to LDH. Histological examination of the condition of neonatal transplants revealed the destruction of transplanted kidney tissue and a viable testicular graft. Conclusion. Transplantation of neonatal organ tissue under a kidney capsule to rats with CRF has a comparable nephroprotective effect with therapy with the secretome of embryonic cells (Cellex drug). A more pronounced improvement in functional parameters during testicular tissue transplantation is explained by the preservation of the viability of the graft.

Protective Effect of Vitis gracilis Wall (Vitaceae) Leaf Decoction on Sexual Vitality and Testis of Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Mice

Diabetes mellitus is profoundly associated with various detrimental outcomes including sexual dysfunction and infertility in males. On the other hand, a medicinal plant namely Vitis gracilis Wall (Vitaceae) has been used as a traditional medicine to enhance vitality. This present study aimed to investigate the protective effect of V. gracilis leaf decoction against diabetes-induced sexual dysfunction and testicle histopathology in adult male mice. The experiment was composed of five different groups namely the control (non-diabetic) group, the diabetes group (without any treatments), and the diabetes treated with V. gracilis decoction at the doses of 25, 50, and 100 g/L, respectively. In addition, the phytochemical constituents of leaf decoction were determined by using Ultra performance-liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (UPLC-MS). Our data demonstrated that, despite failing to improve blood glucose profile and body weight, V. gracilis leaf decoction sustained intense sexual behaviors including face and genital kissing, genital licking, and mount toward estrous females. Moreover, lower doses of decoction (25 and 50 g/L) attenuated the diabetes-induced reduction of testis weight and precluded malondialdehyde accumulation in the testicle tissue. The decoction at the lower doses also ameliorated histopathological alterations in the testis, particularly the wall thickness of tubulus seminiferous and the number of necrotic cells. V. gracilis decoction also improved hematological values including hemoglobin, red blood cell count and hematocrit level. In addition, UPLC-MS analysis revealed a total of 26 phytochemical compounds with seven predominant substances. In conclusion, leaf decoction of V. gracilis, particularly at lower doses but not at a higher dose, exerted a protective effect on sexual vitality, testicle tissue, and hematological value under diabetic condition. The beneficial effects of V. gracilis decoction might be associated with its various bioactive compounds. Therefore, V. gracilis leaves may be a future candidate as a potent natural drug for male sexual vitality and testicle protection against diabetes. 

The probable radioprotective role of Acacia nilotica L. against biochemical and cytogenetic disorders induced in gamma irradiated male rats

Gum Arabic (Acacia nilotica L.) is a respected plant that has many nutrients and curative practices. It hinders, improves, or manages many disorders. The radio-protective activity of Acacia nilotica was investigated against γ-rays-induced testicle damage in rats. Twenty-four rats were correspondingly distributed into 4 groups; control, Acacia nilotica (15mg/kg, daily for 30 days), γ-irradiated (5Gy γ-rays, single dose) and Acacia nilotica plus γ-rays treated groups. The plasma testosterone and total antioxidant status (TAS) were estimated. Lipid peroxidation; malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), also glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) with interleukin-1β (IL-1β), were determined in the testicle tissues. A testis weight, sperm count and motility, peripheral-blood and bone-marrow micronuclei (PMN and BMN), and frequency of chromosomal aberrations (CAs) were scored. A significant decline in the levels of plasma testosterone with TAS observed in the γ-irradiated rats. The results also showed significantly increased levels of testicle MDA, inflammatory markers, PMN, BMN and CAs frequencies and decrease in testes weight, sperm count and motility and levels of testicle antioxidants markers in gamma irradiated group. All these biochemical and fertility indices results were significantly enhanced in the Acacia nilotica plus γ-rays treated groups. However, the possible alleviate activity of Acacia nilotica on γ-rays-induced testicle injury in rats has not previously conversed, and this is the topic of this study.

Determination of reticular fibers in tissues fixed with sugarcane molasses

Reticular fiber consists of one or more types of very thin and delicately woven type III collagen strands, which form a highly ordered cellular network and provide a supportive network. Since most of these collagen types are combined with carbohydrates, they react with silver stains and periodic acid-Schiff reagent, but are not shown by ordinary histological stains like those using hematoxylin. In this study, it was aimed to determine the reticular fibers in tissues fixed with sugarcane molasses and formol using silver staining technique (Gordon Sweet –GS-). The reticular fibers in the tissues fixed with sugarcane molasses were compared with those in the tissues fixed with formol. According to the findings, the staining quality of the liver and spleen tissues fixed with sugarcane molasses showed similar characteristics with the tissues fixed with formol. Very weak staining was observed in kidney and testicle tissues. The fact that the tissues fixed in the same fixation solution show different results in the Gordon Sweet (GS) staining method shows us that this issue needs to be supported by more detailed studies.

Analysis of Chromatin Openness in Testicle Tissue of Yak and Cattle-Yak.

Cattle-yak, a crossbreed of yak and cattle, which can exhibit obvious heterosis and can adapt to the harsh environmental conditions of the Qinghai Tibet Plateau (QTP). However, F1 cattle-yak were found to be sterile because they were unable to produce sperm, which adversely restricted the fixation of heterosis. Many prior attempts have been made to decipher the mechanism underlying the spermatogenesis stagnation of cattle-yak. However, the open chromatin region (OCR) map of yak and cattle-yak testes has not been generated yet. Here, we have analyzed the OCRs landscape of testicular tissues of cattle-yak and yaks by performing ATAC-seq technology. The OCRs of cattle-yak and yak testes displayed similar genome distribution and showed priority in intergenic regions, introns and promoters. The pathway enrichment analysis indicated that the differential OCRs-related genes were involved in spermatogenesis, involving the cell cycle, as well as Hippo, mTOR, MAPK, Notch, and Wnt signaling pathways. The integration of ATAC-seq and mRNA-seq indicated that the majority of the gene expression levels were positively correlated with chromatin openness. At the same time, we have identified a number of transcription factors (TFs) related to spermatogenesis and the differential expression of these TFs may contribute to the spermatogenesis stagnation of the cattle-yak. Overall, the findings of this study provide valuable information for advancing the research related to yak crossbreeding improvement and sperm production stagnation of cattle-yak.

Case series - COVID-19 is unlikely to affect male fertility: Results of histopathological and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis.

We aimed to analyze the testicular histopathology of men who died with active COVID-19 infection. We performed autopsy of eight consecutive men who died of COVID-19 pneumonia. Lung and testis tissue of all men were stained for SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) receptor immunohistochemistry (IHC). H&E was performed to assess for spermatogenesis and evidence of testicle tissue damage. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis for SARS-CoV-2 was performed on matched lung and bilateral testicular tissue samples from all men. Patient age ranged from 50-79 years. SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA was detected by RTPCR in testis tissue in one man. All eight testicle specimens that underwent IHC for ACE2 receptor showed uniformly strong immunoreactivity against all testicle cell populations. By H&E, all testis specimens showed no inflammation, vascular thrombosis, vasculitis, or morphological evidence of viral changes. One case showed diminished but not absent spermatogenesis, consistent with patient age. Our results suggest that SARS-CoV-2 is unlikely to affect male fertility. Contrary to all prior histological studies, our results showed no evidence of damage to reproductive tissues that might impair fertility.

The Effects of P‐glycoprotein Modulators on the Transition of Levofloxacin to Rat Brain, Testicle, and Plasma: In Vivo and In Silico Studies

AbstractP‐glycoprotein (P‐gp), a transporter membrane protein, plays an important role in various physiological and physiopathological conditions, drug‐drug and drug‐food interactions, and multi‐drug resistance. Nowadays, P‐gp modulators are used consciously to treat some specific diseases, such as cancer and poisoning. Levofloxacin (LVX), a P‐gp substrate, may cause the stimulation of the central nervous system. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of fexofenadine (FEX) and dexamethasone (DEX) with P‐gp modulators on the distribution of LVX in rat brain, testicle, and plasma. In the in vivo section of the study, LVX concentrations in tissue and plasma samples were detected by high‐performance liquid chromatography. In addition, in silico molecular docking studies were conducted to elucidate interactions between P‐gp and drugs. The administration of DEX at a low dose and minute 30 reduced the LVX passage to the brain, while the administration of DEX at a high dose and hour 2 increased the LVX passage to the brain, testicle tissue, and plasma. MM‐GBSA ΔG values of FEX, DEX, and LVX were calculated to be−80.95,−57.74, and−52.12 kcal/mol, respectively. The results of this study reported that DEX, known as a P‐gp inductor, may show inhibitory activity based on dose, tissue, and time of application.

Morphometric analysis and redox state of the testicles in nandrolone decanoate and swimming treated adult male rats

BackgroundDuring the last decades, the abuse of anabolic androgenic steroids (AASs) has become popular among professional and recreational athletes. The abuse of AASs leads to decreased levels of sex hormones, but the available literature a gives very small pool of data regarding the effects of swimming alone or combined with AASs on testicle tissue. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of four-week administration of nandrolone decanoate and swimming training alone or in combination on morphometric parameters, androgen receptor (AR) and redox state in testicle tissue. The study included Wistar albino male rats, 10 weeks old, classified into 4 groups: control (T-N-), nandrolone (T-N+), swimming training (T+N-) and swimming training with nandrolone (T+N+). The rats from nandrolone (N+) groups received nandrolone decanoate 20 mg/kg b.w.once per week. The rats from training (T+) groups, swam 1 h/day 5 days/week. The isolated testicles were measured, left testicles were routinely processed for histological analysis, while right testicles were homogenized and prepared for the analysis of the following oxidative stress biomarkers: index of lipid peroxidation (TBARS), nitrites, catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione (GSH).ResultsDiameter, as well as cross-section area of seminiferous tubules were decreased by 10 % and 21 % (respectively) in the T-N+ group and by 15% and 41 % (respectively) in the T+N+ group compared to control. Interstitium of the testicles was decreased in all experimental groups. Reduction of immunoreactivity of AR in T-N+ group was 22 %, in T+N+ group was 9 % compared to control. TBARS levels were increased in T+N- and T+N+ groups. Nitrites were decreased in T+N+ group. Catalase activity was increased in all experimental groups. Swimming alone or combined with nandrolone decreased the level of GSH compared to control. SOD activity was decreased in T-N+ and T+N+ groups compared to control.ConclusionsNandrolone alone or combined with swimming decreased morphometric parameters and amount of AR in testicle tissue. Changes in the redox state indicate reproductive dysfunction.

Abstract 3046: In situ analysis of microenvironmental glycogen in Ewing's sarcoma patient samples by mass spectrometry imaging

Abstract Ewing's sarcoma (ES) is a rare pediatric cancer of the bone and soft tissues affecting adolescents and young adults, with peak incidence from ages 10 to 15 years. A clinical feature of ES is the accumulation of Periodic acid-Schiff positive (PAS+) aggregates. PAS+ staining in ES histopathology analysis has been speculated to be glycogen accumulation, however, this has not been confirmed. To interrogate these aggregates, we developed a novel workflow for the high-sensitive detection of in situ glycogen via enzymatic release of glycogen substrates coupled to matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI-IMS) from formalin-fixed patient tissues. We utilized this method to study the nature of PAS+ staining in a cohort of ES patient samples surgically removed from tibia, rib, chest, shoulder, abdomen and testicle tissues. Using this innovative technique, we discovered profound intra-tumoral glycogen accumulation compared to adjacent stroma, normal, muscle and/or necrotic tissue. Further, intra-tumoral glycogen also has an increased phosphate content and distinct chain length profile compared to normal glycogen found in adjacent and patient-matched tissue. Notably, genetic manipulation and pharmacological inhibition of glycogen synthesis, or removal of glycogen phosphates, blunted ES tumor growth in xenografted mouse models. These findings suggest an important role of ES glycogen aggregates in tumor growth. Together, application of this novel MALDI-IMS technique, and the insights provided by formalin-fixed ES patient samples, reveals a distinct role of ES glycogen aggregates and uncovers a new therapeutic opportunity for this rare pediatric cancer. Citation Format: Lyndsay E. Young, Lindsey R. Conroy, Harrison A. Clarke, Derek B. Allison, Richard R. Drake, Matthew S. Gentry, Ramon C. Sun. In situ analysis of microenvironmental glycogen in Ewing's sarcoma patient samples by mass spectrometry imaging [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 3046.

Development of a real-time PCR assay for the detection of Brucella ovis DNA in clinical samples

The etiological agent of infectious ovine epididymitis is Brucella ovis and for its direct indication in clinical samples several PCR protocols are proposed. This study describes a design and selection of the oligonucleotides for real-time PCR targeting conservative BOV_A0504 gene. The specificity of a real-time PCR was validated using 25 B. ovis field isolates and 14 microorganisms of closely related species. The detection limit of B. ovis in bacterial culture was determined as 3.5×101 CFU/mL with Ct value of 37.8. There are no detectable fluorescence signals in the clinical samples from intact animals, whereas bacteriologically confirmed material such as urine and testicle tissue samples were positive. It confirms that the assay is highly specific for detection of B. ovis DNA. Thus, the proposed real-time PCR assay enables fast detection and quantification of B. ovis in clinical material, which can be used as additional test for estimation of the health status of a sheep herd

Intracerebroventricular salusin-β infusion to rats increases hypothalamus-pituitary-testicular axis hormones

Salusin-β (Sal-β), which originates from preprosalusin, is a multifunctional hormone with a peptide structure. Sal-β exists in the hypothalamus and can stimulate the pituitary gland. The present study was conducted to determine the effects of Sal-β on hormones that play roles in the male reproductive system. Forty male Wistar Albino rats were used in the study. No infusions were performed on the control group, and infusions were applied to the infusion groups (artificial cerebrospinal fluid to the sham group, 2 and 20 nM Sal-β to the experimental group) through intracerebroventricular infusion for 7 days at 10 μl/hour rate. The animals were decapitated after 7 days of infusion; and the hypothalamus, testicles, and blood tissue samples were collected. The gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) mRNA levels were determined from the hypothalamus tissues by using the Real Time-PCR Method, and the serum luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone levels were determined using the ELISA method. Also, Hematoxylin-Eosin Staining Method was used for histopathological evaluations in the testicle tissues. As a result, Sal-β infusion increased GnRH mRNA levels in hypothalamus tissues (p < 0.05) besides, serum LH, FSH, and testosterone levels of the rats were higher at significant levels following Sal-β infusion compared to the control and sham group (p < 0.05). In the histological examination of the testicle tissues, Sal-β application was found to decrease the seminiferous tubule diameter and germinal epithelial thickness (p < 0.05). This evidence is the first, indicating that Sal-β, which is administered to male rats with central infusion, stimulates hypothalamus and pituitary tissues, and causes increased secretion of male reproductive hormones.

The Effect of Captopril and Losartan on Tacrolimus-Induced Testicular Toxicity in Rats

Background: Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressive drug broadly used to avoid rejection of tissue transplantation. Some studies suggest that tacrolimus has destructive effects on the male reproductive system due to activation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and inflammation. Objectives: The present study aimed at determining the toxic effects of tacrolimus on testis and evaluating the blocking effects of captopril and losartan on angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and angiotensin receptors, respectively, in rats. Methods: The present experimental study was conducted on 36 adult male Wistar rats (weighing 200 ± 20 g) randomly divided into six groups and treated based on the experimental design for 30 days. At the end of the intervention, the rats were anesthetized and their blood samples were obtained to measure the serum levels of testosterone and ACE2 enzyme. Also, both testes were removed for histopathological examinations after scarifying. Results: Tacrolimus decreased testosterone and ACE2 levels significantly. The ACE2 levels were lower in the groups treated with a combination of tacrolimus and losartan or captopril compared to the control group while testosterone level significantly increased in the groups receiving a combination of tacrolimus and captopril. The epithelial thickness of seminiferous tubules and the number of primary spermatocytes significantly decreased in the rats only receiving tacrolimus compared to the groups that received captopril and losartan, along with tacrolimus. Conclusions: According to the findings, the administration of captopril or losartan, along with tacrolimus, can decrease its testicular toxicity. Captopril and losartan act through blocking RAS but cannot improve ACE2 level; therefore, the recovery of testicle tissue might not be attributed to the ACE2 approach but to the anti-inflammatory effect.

Combined Effect of Dietary Protein, Ractopamine, and Immunocastration on Boar Taint Compounds, and Using Testicle Parameters as an Indicator of Success.

This study investigates the combined effect of immunocastration, dietary protein level (low, medium or high) and ractopamine hydrochloride supplementation (0 or 10 mg/kg) on the adipose concentrations of androstenone, skatole and indole in pigs, and explores whether body mass, carcass fatness or testicular parameters may be indicators of boar taint in these carcasses. Immunocastration was successful in decreasing testicle functioning, and adipose androstenone and skatole concentrations, in all individuals. Immunocastration decreased testicle weight and length, seminiferous tubule circumference and epithelium thickness. Testicle tissue from immunocastrates was also paler, and less red in color, in comparison to non-castrated controls. Dietary protein level and ractopamine hydrochloride supplementation had no influence on the adipose concentration of androstenone, skatole and indole. Testicle size and color were moderate to strong indicators of androstenone and skatole concentrations in the carcasses, and thus vaccination success. Immunocastration together with the adjustment of dietary protein and ractopamine hydrochloride supplementation, is successful in preventing boar taint while maintaining growth performance.

Protective Effect of Udenafil Against Ischemia Reperfusion Injury Due to Testicular Torsion/Detorsion in Rat Model.

Testicular torsion causes migration of neutrophils to the ischemic region and formation of free oxygen radicals that have a critical effect on ischemic reperfusion (I/R) injury. Udenafil is a selective, strong, and reversible inhibitor of phosphodiesterase type enzyme. In our study, we evaluate the protective effect of udenafil against reperfusion injury due to I/R. Twenty-one male, adult, Wistar-Albino rats aged 8 months were randomly divided into three groups; sham, I/R, and I/R+udenafil. One hour before the detorsion operation, the sham and I/R groupssaline, and I/R+udenafil groups were administered 2 mg/kg udenafil intraperitoneally. Blood samples were collected to evaluate the inflammatory mediators. Spermatogenic factors were evaluated according to Johnsen criteria. Histopathological and molecular parameters from all groups were compared. Mean values of TNF-α and IL-1β in venous blood samples were calculated. We observed that TNF-a values were statistically significantly increased in the I/R group than those in sham groups, and these values were decreased with udenafil treatment Furthermore, the glutathione peroxidase (GPx) level was statistically significantly decreased in the I/R group, and treatment with udenafil prevented this decrease. Evaluation of spermatogenesis using the Johnsen scoring system showed no statistically significant difference in mean scores between the groups. We concluded that deterioration of biochemical and histopathological parameters are reversed, and injury due to I/R in testicle tissue may be decreased with udenafil treatment. Results of this experimental study show that efficacy of the udenafil treatment in testis torsion should be investigated.

Retrotransposition Bursts in the Adult Brain: Stress, Running, and Instrumental Learning Increase the Number of L1 Retrotransposon DNA Copies in the Mouse Nervous System

Retrotransposons, the DNA elements which proliferate by reverse transcription of their RNA intermediates, comprise a major fraction of mammalian genomes. In the human genome a particularly abundant retrotransposon ‐ long interspersed nuclear element‐1 (LINE‐1 or L1) has 5x105 copies 80–100 of which are active and competent for retrotransposition. Recent findings indicate that LINE‐1 is active in neuronal precursor cells during differentiation, and its de novo insertions can change expression of neuron‐specific genes and cause somatic mosaicism in the adult brain. However, there has been limited understanding whether such retrotranspositions happen in the adult brain, when and how they occur, and what is their importance for the CNS function. In our study we tested whether prolonged stress, wheel running, or operant learning can lead to changes in L1 DNA copy number in the mouse brain. For this purpose, we subjected mice to immobilization stress (2 hours a day, 10 days), wheel running (unlimited access, 10 days) or nose‐poke operant training (1 session a day, 10 days). We collected the samples of hippocampus, frontal cortex, cerebellum, muscle and testicle tissues from experimental and home cage control mice. We performed qPCR for analysis of 3′‐UTR and ORF‐1 copy number. We observed significant increase in the 3′‐UTR and ORF‐1 copy number in all brain structures of the stress group compared to the home cage group. Nose‐poke training was associated with specific increase in 3′‐UTR copy number in the hippocampus. We also observed a small increase in 3′‐UTR and ORF‐1 copy number in all investigated brain structures in wheel running group. Altogether our results show that retrotranspositions is a common event in the adult brain under different conditions of novel experience.Support or Funding InformationRFBR # 19‐015‐00550

Effects of intragastric administration of La2O3 nanoparticles on mouse testes.

Lanthanum oxide (La2O3) nanoparticles (NPs) have been widely used in photoelectric and catalytic applications. However, their exposure and reproductive toxicity is unknown. In this study, the effect of the intragastric administration of two different-sized La2O3 particles in the testes of mice for 60 days was investigated. Although the body weight of mice treated or not treated with La2O3 NPs was not different and La2O3 NPs were distributed in the organs including the testis, liver, kidney, spleen, heart and brain. La2O3 NPs accumulate more than micro-sized La2O3 (MPs) in mice testes. The histopathological evaluation showed that moderate reproductive toxicity induced by La2O3 NPs in the testicle tissues. Furthermore, increased MDA, 8-OHdG levels and decreased SOD activities were detected in the La2O3 NP-treated groups. Moreover, qRT-PCR and western blotting data indicated that La2O3 NPs affecting the blood-testis barrier (BTB)-related genes in mice testes. Taken together, these findings suggested that La2O3 NPs activated inflammation responses and cross the BTB in the murine testes. This study provided useful information for risk analysis and regulation of La2O3 NPs by administrative agencies.

The Changes of Seminal Fluid Parameters Following Laparoscopic Varicocelectomy Versus Open Varicocelectomy

A varicocele is defined as a dilated pampiniform plexus, the network of small veins responsible for venous drainage from the testicle and deep tissues of the hemiscrotum. Two types of operative procedures were applied, i.e. laparoscopic varicocelectomy (LV) and open inguinal varicocelectomy (OIV). The aim of the present study is to compare LV and OIV regarding seminal fluid parameters following surgery. A prospective, comparative study conducted on 110 men with infertility and varicocele. Patients divided into 2 groups viz. LV group (n=50), OIV group (n=60). The LV group consist of 35 and 43 individuals with unilateral and bilateral varicocele, respectively. Similarly, OLV group showed 15 and 17 individuals with unilateral and bilateral varicocele, respectively. Grades of the varicocele in LV group was found to be 19 and 31 in unilateral and bilateral varicocele, respectively. Similarly, OLV group showed 22 and 38 individuals with unilateral and bilateral varicocele, respectively. An improvement, i.e. increased in the semen volume and sperm count while decreased in the abnormal sperm morphology were found to be more in the laparoscopic surgery as compared to the open inguinal surgery. LV is the technique requiring skills and experience. It is a same-day surgery procedure, resulting in rapid recovery, cost savings, and is well accepted by the patient compared to open varicocelectomy.

Furosine Posed Toxic Effects on Primary Sertoli Cells through Regulating Cep55/NF-κB/PI3K/Akt/FOX01/TNF-α Pathway.

As one of the Maillard reaction products, furosine has been widely reported in a variety of heat-processed foods, while the toxicity of furosine on the reproductive system and related mechanisms are unclear. Here, we constructed an intragastric gavage male mice model (42-day administration, 0.1/0.25/0.5 g furosine/Kg body weight per day) to investigate its effects on mice testicle index, hormones in serum, and mice sperm quality. Besides, the lipid metabonomics analysis was performed to screen out the special metabolites and relatively altered pathways in mice testicle tissue. Mice primary sertoli cells were separated from male mice testicle to validate the role of special metabolites in regulating pathways. We found that furosine affected testicle index, hormones expression level and sperm quality, as well as caused pathological damages in testicle tissue. Phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) (18:0/16:1) was upregulated by furosine both in mice testicle tissue and in primary sertoli cells, meanwhile, PE(18:0/16:1) was proved to activate Cep55/NF-κB/PI3K/Akt/FOX01/TNF-α pathway, and as a functional protein in dairy products, lactoferrin could inhibit expression of this pathway when combined with furosine. In conclusion, for the first time we validated that furosine posed toxic effects on mice sperms and testicle tissue through upregulating PE(18:0/16:1) and activating Cep55/NF-κB/PI3K/Akt/FOX01/TNF-α pathway.

Reproductive toxicity of perchlorate in rats

Perchlorate, as an oxidizer, has many applications such as explosives and pyrotechnics, especially in rocket propellants and missile motors. Because it was found in water including wells and drinking water in the US, its effect on human health was being noted. However, the reproductive toxic effect on perchlorate is still unclear. In present study, the effects of repeated exposure to perchlorate on reproductive toxicity were evaluated in Wistar rats. The rats were treated orally with perchlorate at doses of 0.05, 1.00 or 10.00 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) daily for 8 weeks. The levels of T3 and T4 hormones in the rat serum were detected by radioimmunoassay kit. The indexes of reproduction, percentage of organ in body weight (%) and frequency of abnormal sperm cells were also analyzed in this study. DNA damage in testicular cells was evaluated by Comet assay. The levels of MDA, GSH and SOD were examined in testicle tissues of rats by ELISA. The expression of c-fos and fas protein was examined in testicle tissues by immunohistochemistry. The results showed that perchlorate did not affect the body weight of rats. Perchlorate also significantly decreased indexes of live birth and weaning in the groups of 1.00 and 10.00 mg/kg, and viability index only in the 10.00 mg/kg group (P < 0.05). Perchlorate also significantly decreased the serum level of T3 in male rats of 1.00 and 10.00 mg/kg groups, increased the rate of sperm abnormality (10.00 mg/kg), potentially caused DNA damage in testicular cells and altered the status of oxidative stress in male rats. In addition, because of the increase in the expression of fas and c-fos protein in testicle tissues, perchlorate could induce apoptosis in spermatogenesis. Thus, these findings indicate that perchlorate could cause DNA damage in testicular tissues and reduce testicular spermatogenic ability, resulting in reproductive toxicity.

Reinke's crystals in perivascular and peritubular Leydig cells of men with non-obstructive and obstructive azoospermia: a retrospective case-control study

AimTo analyze the differences in the population of perivascular and peritubular Leydig cells (LC) and the number of Reinke's crystals (RCs) in the testicles of infertile men with non-obstructive and obstructive azoospermia.MethodsThis retrospective case-control study was conducted on the testicle tissue of infertile men with obstructive (n = 10) and those with non-obstructive azoospermia (n = 100). Stereological analysis was performed on 7-μm paraffin sections. Measurements were carried out by using the Weibel multipurpose test system.ResultsPatients with non-obstructive azoospermia had a higher total/absolute number of LCs in the perivascular space (P = 0.034). In these patients, no significant difference was found in the total and absolute number of RCs between the peritubular and perivascular space. Patients with obstructive azoospermia had around three times higher absolute number of RCs in both the peritubular and perivascular spaces (P = 0.002; P < 0.001) than non-obstructive group.ConclusionOur results suggest that in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia LCs migrated or had different densities in the peritubular and perivascular space compared with patients with obstructive azoospermia. Moreover, the lower number of RCs could imply their utilization by LCs in testosterone production.