Testicular Architecture Research Articles

Selenium ameliorates oxidized phospholipid-mediated testicular dysfunction and epididymal sperm abnormalities following Bisphenol A exposure in adult Wistar rats.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine-disrupting compound extensively utilized in the production of polycarbonate polymers and epoxy resins that, upon exposure, pose a significant threat to male reproductive health because of its estrogenic properties. Accumulating evidence suggests that BPA exposure disrupts the normal process of spermatogenesis, alters testicular morphology and function, and interferes with testicular steroidogenesis and hormonal signaling. However, the precise mechanism by which BPA affects testicular function remains unclear. In this study, we explored the mechanism underlying BPA-induced testicular abnormalities and evaluated the protective effects of Selenium (Se). Thirty-two adult male albino Wistar rats were divided into four groups, and BPA was administered at 50mg/kg body weight, with or without Se supplementation, for 30 days. Se supplementation (2.5mg/kg body weight) was initiated 1 week before BPA administration. BPA administration resulted in alterations in testicular architecture, characterized by basement membrane disintegration in the seminiferous tubules, reduced spermatogenic cell counts, and increased interstitial tubule noncellular space. Furthermore, BPA exposure increased the levels of oxidized phospholipids, lipid peroxides, and hydroxyl radicals and decreased the activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase. In addition, BPA significantly reduced the activities of 3β- and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases, interfering with testicular steroidogenesis. In rats, coadministration of Se and BPA reduced the levels of oxidized phospholipids and increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes, leading to improved testicular function and epididymal sperm parameters, suggesting that Se plays a critical role in alleviating endocrine disruptor-induced testicular dysfunctions in rats.

Pumpkin seed oil lessens the colchicine-induced altered sex male hormone balance, testicular oxidative status, sperm abnormalities, and collagen deposition in male rats via Caspase3/Desmin/PCNA modulation

This study examined the efficiency of pumpkin seed oil (PSO) to rescue the colchicine (CHC)-induced adverse impacts on sperm characteristics, male sex hormones, testicular architecture, oxidative status, DNA content, collagen deposition, and immune expression of desmin and PCNA. Male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four experimental groups (n = 10 each): control (distilled water), CHC (0.6 mg/kg b.wt), PSO (4 mL/kg b.wt), and CHC + PSO. After 60 days of dosing, CHC significantly reduced sperm motility (19%), sperm concentration (38%), estradiol (52%), testosterone (37%), luteinizing hormone (54%), and follicle-stimulating hormone (29%) compared to the control. Yet, the testicular tissues of CHC-administered rats exhibited elevated abnormal sperms (156%), malondialdehyde (354%), lactate dehydrogenase (73%), Caspase-3 (66%), and 8-hydroxyguanosine (65%) but lower reduced glutathione (74%), catalase (73%), and superoxide dismutase (78%) compared to the control group. Moreover, CHC induced testicular degeneration, distorted seminiferous tubules, apoptotic cells, exfoliated spermatogenic cells, reduced DNA content, decreased PCNA and desmin immune-expression, and increased collagen deposition. PSO effectively reversed the CHC-induced alterations in sperm quality and testicular function and architecture, likely through its antioxidant, antifibrotic, anti-apoptotic, and DNA-protective properties. These results suggest that PSO may be a beneficial intervention for long-term CHC users and may protect against CHC-induced male reproductive toxicity.

Sulforaphane substantially impedes testicular ferroptosis in adult rats exposed to di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate through activation of NRF-2/SLC7A11/GPX-4 trajectory.

Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) is a common plasticizer with a deleterious impact on testicular functionality and male fertility. Growing evidence implicates ferroptosis as one of the plausible mechanisms for DEHP-induced testicular injury. Sulforaphane (SFN) is a natural isothiocyanate displaying beneficial effects on testicular injury in several animal models. Herein, we explored the potential protective effect of SFN on testicular ferroptosis and toxicity evoked by DEHP. Adult male Wistar rats were equally distributed into three groups (n = 6/group): (i) CON group; (ii) DEHP group, received DEHP (2g/kg PO) for 4weeks; and (iii) DEHP + SFN group, received SFN (10mg/kg, PO) 1week prior to DEHP then concurrently with DEHP for further 4weeks. Compared to CON group, exposure to DEHP caused testicular atrophy, deteriorated testicular architecture, testicular fibrosis, reduced sperm count and motility, higher sperm deformity, and declined serum testosterone level. All these abnormalities were ameliorated by SFN preconditioning. Additionally, pretreatment with SFN reversed the increased aromatase level and upregulated the steroidogenic markers in testes of DEHP-exposed rats. SFN pretreatment also counteracted DEHP-induced oxidative stress and boosted the total antioxidant capacity in testicular tissue via activation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF-2) and its downstream target, hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1). Moreover, SFN preconditioning mitigated DEHP-induced ferroptosis through up-surging SLC7A11, GPX-4, and GSH, while suppressing iron overload and ACSL4-induced lipid peroxidation in testicular tissue of rats. These findings may nominate SFN as a promising protective intervention to alleviate testicular ferroptosis associated with DEHP exposure through activation of NRF-2/SLC7A11/GPX-4 trajectory.

Regulatory effects of vitamin E nano-emulsion on blood metabolites, immunological variables, testicular architecture, and sperm ultrastructure of heat-stressed V-line rabbit bucks

The study investigated the beneficial effects of vitamin E-loaded nano-emulsion (NEVE) on hemato-biochemical changes, oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, immunological variables, and semen quality in heat-stressed rabbit bucks. Forty adult V-line rabbit bucks were randomly assigned to four groups and fed diets containing NEVE at 0 (NEVE0), 50 (NEVE50), 100 (NEVE100), and 200 (NEVE200) mg/kg for 12 weeks. The NEVE had a mean particle diameter of 32.6 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.6, and a zeta potential of −31.1 mV. The dietary NEVE significantly improved the hematological, blood protein, lipid profile, and liver functions of rabbit bucks (p < 0.05). The NEVE200 treated group showed higher levels of nitric oxide, TAC, and SOD in blood serum and seminal plasma compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, levels of MDA, IL-4, and TNF-α were significantly shrunken in response to the dietary treatment (p < 0.0001), while the IgA and IgG were improved in the NEVE100 and NEVE200 groups. The NEVE200 exhibited higher progressive motility, ejaculate volume, viability, and better libido (lower reaction time) than the untreated group (p < 0.05). TEM images illustrated that NEVE200 exhibited higher sperm cells with a normal structure, intact plasma membranes, and acrosomes than the other groups. Moreover, testicular architecture was improved with NEVE supplementation. Overall, the dietary addition of NEVE at 100 or 200 mg/kg could be an effective strategy to improve the health and semen quality of rabbit bucks during hot climates.

The effects of testicular stromal stem cells on surgically injured testicular tissue in rats.

This study investigated the effects of transplanted testicular stromal stem cells (tSSCs) on surgically damaged testis tissue. Ten-week-old male Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups: control (n = 6), damage (DG) (n = 6) and testicular stromal stem cell (TSSC) (n = 6) groups. Surgically induced damage was inflicted on the left testes of both the DG and TSSC groups, with no intervention on the right testes. In the TSSC group, damaged testes were treated with transplanted tSSCs, followed by orchiectomy after 15 days. Testes tissues were stained with haematoxylin-eosin (H&E), and recovery rates of functional structures were assessed by modified Johnsen scoring. The effects of tSSCs on testicular tissue were demonstrated by immunohistochemistry using BAX, BCL-2 and caspase 3. Serum testosterone levels were analysed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Surgical damage caused germ cell degeneration in some seminiferous tubules and a decrease in interstitial areas. With tSSC treatment, improvements in testicular architecture were identified through spermatogenesis in the seminiferous tubules and normal histological structures in the interstitial areas. Correspondingly, in the modified Johnsen score, the DG group showed a significant difference compared to the other groups (p = 0.001). High expressions of BAX, BCL-2 and caspase-3 in the DG group revealed prominent features of apoptosis. With the injection of tSSCs, these expressions significantly normalized according to H score analysis (all p = 0.004). Although serum testosterone levels in the tSSC group were higher compared to the control and DG groups, this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.119). This study suggests transplanting tSSCs could accelerate tissue healing after testicular sperm extraction (TESE) surgery for azoospermia patients, potentially paving the way for a new and important clinical treatment.

Dietary Nannochloropsis oculata could ameliorate cadmium chloride-induced reproductive toxicity in Barki rams: Antioxidant, MAP3K8, and inflammatory pathways

The experiment was intended to explore the protecting effects of Nannochloropsis oculate on the induced cadmium reproductive toxicity in rams. Twenty mature Barki rams were randomly allocated into four groups, each containing five rams: group I (control), group II (received 3 % dietary N. oculate), group III (received 1 mg/Kg/day cadmium chloride (CdCl2), and group IV (received 3 % dietary N. oculate and 1 mg/Kg/day CdCl2). Semen ejaculates and blood samples were collected. Testicular volume and reaction time were assessed with every semen collection. Ejaculates were analyzed for semen criteria. Rams were subjected to a castration process to analyze the anti-oxidative status, including total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and inflammatory markers in the testicular homogenate. Testicular histopathology was performed on testicular sections. Gene expression of p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) was assessed. Alga-treated rams revealed significant improvement in semen criteria, testicular weight, and testosterone hormone as compared to other groups. The levels of testicular antioxidant markers and interleukin-10 elevated significantly in the alga group, while interleukin-12 increased in the CdCl2 group. Alga+CdCl2 rams showed significant amelioration in the previous parameters equated to the CdCl2 group. CdCl2 rams exhibited a significant fold upgrade in MAPK of compared with other groups. Testicular histopathology revealed marked alterations in the testicular architecture of CdCl2, while administration of alga recovered the testicular architecture. In conclusion, administration of N. oculate ameliorated semen criteria, testicular antioxidant capacity as well as testicular histopathology that was declared by the expression of MAPK38.

Protective Effects of Tigernut (Cyperus esculentus) on Bisphenol A- Induced Testicular Toxicity in Wistar Rats

Bisphenol A (BPA) have been reported to induced reprotoxicity in rats. This study was conducted to find out the ameliorative properties of aqueous extract of Cyperus esculentus (tigernut) on BPA induced testicular toxicity in Wistar rats. Methods: Twenty male rats were divided randomly into 4 groups (n=5): group A: (Control); group B: Bisphenol A (BPA) (25 mg/kg b.w/day); group C: tigernut (200 mg/kg b.w); group D: (25 mg/kg of BPA+ 200 mg/kg of tigernut extract. 25 mg/kg of BPA was dissolved in 0.2 ml of olive oil as vehicle and administration was given by oral gavage for 4 weeks. The body weights were measured. Blood were collected for the testosterone (T) and luteinizing hormone (LH) assays; the epididymis were processed for sperm count, sperm motility, sperm viability and sperm abnormality test; while the testes were harvested for histology. Results: There was a significantly (p &lt; 0.05) decreased in body weight; reduced (sperm count, motility, viability, serum testosterone and luteinizing hormone) in BPA compared with control group. These parameters however increased significantly (p &lt; 0.05) in tigernut (200mg) and BPA + tigernut (200mg) compared with BPA. Also, histological examination showed widened interstitial spaces, some distorted seminiferous tubules, degeneration of basement membrane, scanty Leydig cells, fewer spermatozoa and vacuolation While BPA + tigernut (group D); showed improved testicular architecture (preserved interstitial spaces and interstitial cells. restoration of the loss of the basement membrane and closely packed seminiferous tubules with well-arranged germinal epithelium. Supplementation with tigernuts following BPA administration produces a reversal of the deleterious effect of BPA on the testis.

Ellagic acid mitigates heat-induced testicular detriment in a mouse model

Heat stress has been shown to have a detrimental impact on testicular activity and spermatogenesis. Ellagic acid is a plant-derived organic compound that has a variety of biological functions. Thus, it is believed that ellagic acid may improve heat-stressed testicular dysfunction. There has been no research on the impact of ellagic acid on heat-stressed testicular dysfunction. The mice were divided into 4 groups. The first group was the normal control group (CN), and the second received heat stress (HS) by submerging the lower body for 15 min in a water bath with a thermostatically controlled temperature kept at 43°C (HS), and the third and fourth groups were subjected to heat-stress similar to group two and given two different dosages of ellagic acid (5 mg/kg (EH5) and 50 mg/kg (EH50) for 14 days. Ellagic acid at a dose of 50 mg/kg improved the level of circulating testosterone (increased 3βHSD) and decreases the oxidative stress. The testicular and epididymal architecture along with sperm parameters also showed improvement. Ellagic acid treatment significantly increases the germ cell proliferation (GCNA, BrdU staining) and Bcl2 expression and decreases active caspase 3 expression. Heat stress downregulated the expression of AR, ER-α and ER-β, and treatment with ellagic acid increased the expression of ER-α and ER-β markers in the 50 mg/kg treatment group. Thus, our finding suggests that ellagic acid ameliorates heat-induced testicular impairment through modulating testosterone synthesis, germ cell proliferation, and oxidative stress. These effects could be manifested by regulating androgen and estrogen receptors. However, the two doses showed differential effects of some parameters, which require further investigation.

Chronic Lead Exposure Impairment of Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis in Adult Male Wistar Rats: Biochemical and Histomorphological Evidence

Introduction: The upsurge in male infertility has been associated with impaired hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. There is a dearth of conclusive empirical data as to the deleterious impacts of heavy metal intoxication on male reproductive functioning through the HPG axis. Objective: This study seeks to elucidate the possible effects of chronic lead exposure on HPG signalling activities via biochemical and histopathological assessment. Experimental Section/Material and Methods: Forty adult male Wistar rats were randomised into four experimental groups (n=10). Group A, the control group received standard feed and water ad libitume. In Groups B, C and D, animals were orally administered lead acetate at concentrations of 2.5% 3.0% and 3.5%, respectively, using a stock solution of 150mg/kg once daily for 35 days. After the treatment period, all animals were fasted overnight and euthanized by cervical dislocation. Blood levels of anterior pituitary hormones (FSH and LH) were analysed using standard methods. Statistical analyses was done on graph pad prism. Testicular tissue was processed routinely for histopathological analyses using different stains. Results: Hormonal assays showed no significant changes in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) (p&gt;0.05) levels across groups. However, histological examination revealed alterations in testicular architecture, including disrupted spermatogonia cell arrangement and reduced Sertoli cell numbers, indicative of adverse effects on spermatogenesis. Conclusion: Chronic lead exposure adversely affects testicular histomorphology in adult male Wistar rats, potentially impacting reproductive function. While hormonal levels remain relatively unaffected, alterations in testicular structure suggest a direct impact on gonadal functions at a cellular level.

Assessment of the protective effect of saffron against Khat induced testicular dysfunction in male rats

ABSTRACT Catha edulis is a widespread herb used by many people for its euphoric effects, but it has an adverse effect on some vital organs. Saffron is abundant in secondary metabolites which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. So, this study was established to examine the impact of saffron in minimizing khat-induced testicular toxicity in rats. In this study, 40 male albino rats were used, the rats were divided into four groups (n = 10). Control, Saffron group, Khat group, and Khat + Saffron group. Rats treated with Khat showed marked changes in the testicular histological architecture. Histochemically, the testicular issues displayed low protein and polysaccharide contents. The immunohistochemical results showed low testicular expression for vimentin, E-cadherin proteins, and Bcl-2 while strong positive expression for BAX protein in compared with control. The antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase activity showed a marked decrease while malondialdehyde levels were elevated. However, rats given both khat followed by saffron showed an improvement in testicular histology, histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, and biochemical results; the results were close to the control ones. In conclusion, saffron proved its efficiency in improving testicular toxicity induced by khat in the testis of albino rats due to its richness with secondary metabolites at the histological, and biochemical levels and can be used as a safe daily supplementary.

Effects of calcium carbide ripened banana on organ weight, histological architecture and semen profile on male albino Wistar rats

Fruits play an important role in human diets, providing essential nutrients and helping to prevent disease. However, concerns arise regarding their impact on male reproductive health due to potential exposure to pesticides, heavy metals, and artificial ripening agents. This study investigates the acute and chronic effects of calcium carbide-ripened bananas on testicular weight and histological architecture, and semen profile in adult male Wistar rats. A 14-week experiment involved acclimatization, followed by acute (4 weeks) and chronic (12 weeks) phases, with rats divided into control and various banana-treated groups. Notably, in the chronic phase, significant decreases in relative testicular weight were observed in rats administered 200mg/kg of calcium carbide-ripened bananas compared with the control and with those treated with normal ripe banana respectively. Significant reductions in sperm motility and total sperm count were noted in group D in the acute phase when compared with the group treated with normal ripe banana. Increased levels of active spermatogonia and spermatogenesis were observed in the rats administered with normal ripened banana, with mild degeneration of germinal epithelium in the chronic phase, particularly in the calcium carbide-ripened banana-treated groups. These findings may suggest potential adverse effects of calcium carbide-ripened bananas on male reproductive health, warranting further investigation into their safety and regulation.

Camel milk or silymarin could improve the negative effects that experimentally produced by aflatoxin B1 on rat’s male reproductive system

BackgroundCamel milk and silymarin have many different beneficial effects on several animal species. Meanwhile, Aflatoxins are mycotoxins with extraordinary potency that pose major health risks to several animal species. Additionally, it has been documented that aflatoxins harm the reproductive systems of a variety of domestic animals. The present design aimed to investigate the impact of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) on rat body weight and reproductive organs and the ameliorative effects of camel milk and silymarin through measured serum testosterone, testes pathology, and gene expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR), and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) in the testes. A total of sixty mature male Wister white rats, each weighing an average of 83.67 ± 0.21 g, were used. There were six groups created from the rats. Each division had ten rats. The groups were the control (without any treatment), CM (1 ml of camel milk/kg body weight orally), S (20 mg silymarin/kg b. wt. suspension, orally), A (1.4 mg aflatoxin/kg diet), ACM (aflatoxin plus camel milk), and AS (aflatoxin plus silymarin).ResultsThe results indicated the positive effects of camel milk and silymarin on growth, reproductive organs, and gene expression of TNF-α, LHR, and StAR with normal testicular architecture. Also, the negative effect of AFB1 on the rat’s body weight and reproductive organs, as indicated by low body weight and testosterone concentration, was confirmed by the results of histopathology and gene expression. However, these negative effects were ameliorated by the ingestion of camel milk and silymarin.ConclusionIn conclusion, camel milk and silymarin could mitigate the negative effect of AFB1 on rat body weight and reproductive organs.

Phytochemical analysis underlying membrane stabilization and anti-oxidant promising potentials of Acacia nilotica seed extract

This study has aimed to evaluate the Acacia nilotica seed extract as a natural antioxidant and membrane stabilizer, as well as screening phytochemicals contained in the extract that may underline these activities. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using Phospho-molybdenum and DPPH antioxidant assays; membrane stabilization was evaluated using HRBC-MS assay, whereas phytochemicals were detected using qualitative analytical tests. Acacia nilotica hydro-methanolic extract exhibited potent, concentration (4-512 μg/mL)-dependent antioxidant activity indicated by Phospho-molybdenum and DPPH antioxidant assays, with IC50 values of 100.5 and 33.19 μg/mL, respectively. In addition, the extract exerted membrane stabilizing effects in a concentration (4-512 μg/mL)-dependent manner, with an IC50 value of 41.47 μg/mL. Phytochemical analysis of the plant extract clarified the active biological constituent(s) underlying these effects, including tannins, saponins, gums, flavonoids, anthraquinone glycosides, carbohydrates and proteins. These data may suggest Acacia nilotica extract, according to in vitro assays, as a highly potent antioxidant and membrane stabilizer derived from nature and could be applied as an adjunct therapy in disease conditions associated with inflammation and oxidative stress. Keywords: Acacia nilotica; antioxidant; membrane stabilizer; anti-inflammatory.

Evaluating the protective effect of alpha-lipoic acid against gentamicin-induced gonadal toxicity indicated by histopathology.

Gentamicin induces gonadotoxicity in animal models, accompanied by oxidative stress. This study evaluated the histopathological protective effect of alpha-lipoic acid against gentamicin-induced gonadotoxicity. A parallel experimental study included 50 albino Wister rats, which were divided into 5 groups of ten according to the intraperitoneal intervention: group I received gentamicin, group II received gentamicin plus alpha-lipoic (100 mg/kg), group III received gentamicin plus a double dose of alpha-lipoic acid, group III received gentamicin plus oral vitamin E, and group IV received NaCl 0.9% (control). The animals were equally euthanized on days 15 and 16. Tests were dissected, prepared, and stained using a light microscope for histopathological examination. Rats exposed to gentamicin showed degeneration of seminiferous tubules, characterized by a significant decrease in germinal epithelial cells, impaired spermatogenesis, and a lack of spermatozoa in the lumen. An improvement in testes of animals co-treated with alpha-lipoic acid or vitamin E, including restoration of spermatogenesis and epithelial thickness. The histometric analysis also showed that the tubule epithelial thickness decreased when gentamicin was used, but this did not happen when alpha-lipoic acid or vitamin E was added simultaneously. The detrimental effects of gentamicin on testicular architecture are preventable through alpha-lipoic acid or vitamin E co-treatment. Keywords: Alpha-lipoic acid; Gonads; Histometric; Gentamicin; Seminiferous tubule; Spermatogenesis.

The Therapeutic Effect of Antitumor Drugs Erufosine and Doxorubicin on the Metastatic Process in the Testes of Hamsters with Graffi Myeloid Tumor. Morphometric and Histological Studies

Aim. The goal of the current study is directed to investigate the therapeutic effect of erufosine (ЕРС3) alone, as well as in combination with doxorubicin (DOX) on the development of metastases in the testes in an experimental model of transplantable Graffi myeloid tumor (GMT) in hamsters.&#x0D; Materials &amp; Methods. Experimental in vivo model of GMT in Golden Syrian hamsters was used. Animals were inoculated subcutaneously with live virus-transformed malignant cells. Testes from male tumor-bearing hamsters (TBHs), treated and non-treated with the antitumor agent erufosine alone or in combination with DOX, as well as untreated healthy controls, were subjected to morphometric and histological assays on the testicular architecture to evaluate potential antitumor/antimetastatic effects in in vivo conditions.&#x0D; Results. The results showed no changes in blood vessels and morphology (impaired spermatogenesis and/or metastatic changes) of the testicular tissue in TBHs treated with antitumor agents (alone or in combination) compared to control healthy animals. In contrast, in the testes of TBHs without therapy, impaired spermatogenesis and foci of metastases, as well as significant changes in testicular blood vessels were found.&#x0D; Conclusion. The data obtained demonstrated an antitumor/antimetastatic effect of EPC3 in the testes of hamsters in the experimental GMT model.

Mouse In Vitro Spermatogenesis on 3D Bioprinted Scaffolds.

Testes have a complex architecture that is compartmentalized into seminiferous tubules with a diameter of approximatively 200μm in which the germ cells differentiate, surrounded by a basement membrane and interstitium. 3D bioprinting might be used to recreate the compartmentalized testicular architecture in vitro. Directed by a software program, pneumatic microextrusion printers can deposit 3D layers of hydrogel-encapsulated interstitial cells in a controlled manner by applying pressure. Once macroporous-shaped scaffolds resembling seminiferous tubules have been bioprinted with interstitial cells, the epithelial cell fraction can be seeded in the macropores to resemble the in vivo testicular architecture. Moreover, macropores can serve as a delimitation for all testicular cells to reorganize and improve the supply of nutrients to cells through the 3D constructs.

Mitigating cyclophosphamide-associated gonadotoxicity in male Wistar rats: exploring the therapeutic potential of hesperidin.

Hesperidin, a bioactive flavanone glycoside prevalent in citrus fruits, with remarkable therapeutic properties stands out as a formidable defender against the debilitating reproductive toxicity associated with Cyclophosphamide (CYP) chemotherapy. This study explores the protective potential of hesperidin (HSP@100 mg/kg b.wt PO daily) against CYP-induced (@ 40 mg/kg b.wt IP once in a week) reproductive toxicity in male Wistar rats as several studies were documented on single dose toxicity of CYP. In this experiment, we chose multidosage drug effects, which are more relevant in chemotherapy. Twenty-four rats were divided into four groups: Group 1 (Control), group 2 (CYP-treated), group 3 (HSP-treated), and group 4 (CYP + HSP-treated) for 28 days. The experimental design included assessments of relative testicular weight, semen analysis, testosterone levels, oxidative stress markers, inflammatory cytokines, gross and histopathological changes, and immunohistochemical evaluation. The results revealed that the administration of CYP led to a significant reduction in testicular weight, sperm count, motility, and testosterone levels, accompanied by increased oxidative stress and inflammatory response. Hesperidin co-administration demonstrated a protective effect by restoring these parameters to near-normal levels. Histopathological analysis revealed improved testicular architecture in the group 4 compared with the group 2. Oxidative stress indices indicated that hesperidin attenuated CYP-induced damage by reducing malondialdehyde levels, enhancing superoxide dismutase activity and maintaining glutathione levels. Similarly, inflammatory cytokine analysis demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects of hesperidin by reducing tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and elevating interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels in the group 4. Immunohistochemical evaluation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) revealed increased inflammation in the CYP group, while hesperidin significantly reduced NF-κB expression, suggesting its anti-inflammatory properties.

Diosmin protects the testicles from doxorubicin-induced damage by increasing steroidogenesis and suppressing oxido-inflammation and apoptotic mediators.

Cancer chemotherapy with doxorubicin (DOX) has been linked to serious testicular damage and spermatotoxicity due to the induction of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Thus, the current study was carried out to assess the potential ameliorative impact of diosmin, an antioxidant drug, against DOX-mediated spermatoxicity and testicular injury in rats. In the experimental protocol, rats were grouped into 4: Group 1 received vehicle and saline for 8 weeks while group 2 received diosmin and saline concomitantly for 8 weeks. Group 3 was given 3 mg/kg intraperitoneal DOX once every 7 days for 8 weeks. Group 4 was given 40 mg/kg of diosmin orally for 56 days followed by DOX diosmin administration after one hour. After 56 days of treatment, sperm quality, hormonal testing, biochemical parameters, and histological alterations in the testes were evaluated. DOX-induced reduce spermatogenic function, testicular 3- and 17β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases, and serum follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone. It also enhanced inflammation, testicular oxidative damage, and apoptosis. The histopathologic examinations corroborated the biochemical results obtained. Significantly, diosmin treatment reduced DOX-induced injury, as evidenced by restored testicular architecture, increased steroidogenesis, preservation of spermatogenesis, suppression of oxide-inflammatory response, and apoptosis. It was found that through diosmin antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-oxido-inflammatory it presents a possible therapeutic alternative for protecting testicular tissue against DOX's harmful effects.

Long-Term Impact of Acute Retinoic Acid Supplementation at the Young Age on Testicular Architecture of Wistar Albino Rats

Long-Term Impact of Acute Retinoic Acid Supplementation at the Young Age on Testicular Architecture of Wistar Albino Rats

Evaluation of Testicular Function and Structural Changes of Wistar Rats Following Antiretroviral Exposure: Protective Role of Cyperus Esculentus.

Long-term antiretroviral drug toxicity may exacerbate the impact of HAART-Cyperus esculentus (C. esculentus) interactions on testicular function in HIV-infected individuals. This study examined the ability of C. esculentus plants to treat testicular dysfunction, which is thought to be a probable side effect of antiretroviral toxicity. Adult Wistar male rats weighing 90-110 g were divided into six groups and administered the prescribed treatments. In addition to testicular histology and stereological parameters, testosterone levels, follicle-stimulating hormone levels, antioxidant markers, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione levels were also evaluated. The adverse consequences of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) include considerable loss of germ cells, enlargement of the tubular lumen, widening of interstitial gaps, and severe hypocellularity. Compared to the other treatment groups, MDA levels dramatically increased, whereas GSH and antioxidant enzyme (SOD) levels significantly decreased. Testicular architecture was largely conserved after treatment with C. esculentus, with a notable increase in the cellular densities of germinal and interstitial cells and a notable decrease in the tubular lumen. Vacuolation, architectural malformations, and hypoplastic changes were reduced. Significant improvements were also observed in C. esculentus in terms of elevated antioxidant SOD and GSH levels and decreased MDA levels. C. esculentus reduced architectural distortions and testicular dysfunction caused by HAART, and improved testicular morphology. Further exploration of these pathways is required.