Activities Of Testicular Enzymes Research Articles

Sub-chronic Berberine supplementation in prepubertal male rats relieved pro-inflammatory stressors and enhanced reproductive functional parameters

Berberine (BER) is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound with several health benefits. We investigated the impact of sub-chronic BER supplementation on male rat reproductive function from the prepubescence to adulthood. Wistar rat pups (PND 21) were divided into five groups (n = 10 pups/group). The control animals received distilled water (2 mL/kg, p.o), and the treated groups received different doses of BER: 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg body weight, p.o) from PND 28 to PND 68. Using biochemical, histomorphological, and pathology methods, we examined the reproductive function of the treated rats. Compared to the control, prepubertal BER supplementation showed no significant effect on body/organ weight. Graded doses of BER supplementation improved (p < 0.05) reproductive hormone levels (FSH, luteinising, prolactin and testosterone), testicular enzyme activities (alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase), and sperm functional parameters. Also, BER supplementation increased antioxidant enzyme activities and total thiol levels, decreased (p < 0.05) reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl, nitric oxide, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels, and myeloperoxidase activity in rat’s hypothalamus, epididymis and testes. The histology of examined organs of rats treated with BER was comparable to the control, exhibiting abundant spermatozoa (epididymis and testes) and neuronal cells (hypothalamus). These findings suggest that BER supplementation substantially enhanced male rat reproductive function by lowering oxidative stress-related damage to cellular macromolecules, such as protein carbonylation and lipid peroxidation. Moreover, BER reduced pro-inflammatory stresses in the organs under investigation. We highlight the benefits of BER for supporting reproductive health, with potential therapeutic uses to relieve disorders of reproductive function. Nevertheless, additional research is required to clarify the molecular and functional test biomarkers that require BER to have effects that promote reproductive health.

Testicular enzyme activity alterations in rats with liver cirrhosis induced by alcohol and acetaminophen

Alcohol-induced acetaminophen (APAP) toxicity is one of the numerous factors that might result in liver cirrhosis (LC). The hepatotoxicity of APAP appears to increase in chronic drinkers, according to a number of investigations. These people not only have a greater risk of experiencing acute overdose-related severe and deadly liver damage but are also at risk of experiencing similar substantial liver damage from therapeutic APAP use. The male reproductive system consists of both testes and a few other auxiliary sexual organs. Smaller and lighter testicles are indicative of severe cirrhosis causing testicular atrophy. In the case of severe LC, low testosterone results from hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Sexual dysfunction is a prevalent condition that is frequently overlooked in individuals suffering from cirrhosis and chronic liver disease. Eighteen rats were randomly divided into three groups. Rats of normal control group received water and normal diet ad libitum; alcohol control and LC group received 4.5% alcohol and a combination of 4.5% alcohol and APAP (300 mg/kg bw) through drinking water, respectively, for 7 days. Several glycolytic and antioxidant enzymes were assessed for their effects through non-denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis and enzyme activity. The results indicated that long-term alcohol consumption and APAP medication altered the levels of antioxidant and glycolytic enzymes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating that chronic alcoholism and APAP induce hepatotoxicity, and LC further affects the antioxidant and glycolytic enzyme activities of the testes.

Mitigative Effects of l-Arginine and N-Acetyl Cysteine against Cisplatin-Induced Testicular Dysfunction and Toxicity through the Regulation of Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, and Antiapoptotic Markers: Role of miR-155 and miR-34c Expression.

Testicular dysfunction is a common adverse effect of cisplatin (CIS) administration as a chemotherapeutic drug. The current study has outlined the role of micro-RNAs (miR-155 and 34c) in CIS-induced testicular dysfunction and evaluated the protective effect of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) and/or l-arginine (LA). Seven groups of Albino rats were used for this study. The control (C) group received physiological saline; the CIS group was injected CIS (7 mg/kg IP, once) on day 21 of the experiment; the NAC group was administered NAC (150 mg/kg intragastric, for 28 days); and the LA group was injected LA (50 mg/kg IP, for 28 days). NAC+CIS, LA+CIS, and NAC+LA+CIS groups received the above regime. CIS significantly reduced serum testosterone, LH, and FSH concentrations with decline of testicular enzyme activities. CIS caused significant elevation in testicular oxidative-stress biomarkers, inflammation-associated cytokines, and apoptosis markers, along with overexpression of miR-155 and low miR-34c expression. Additionally, marked testicular degenerative changes were observed in the examined histological section; a significant decrease in the expression of PCNA with significant increase in expressions of F4/80 and BAX was confirmed. The administration of NAC or LA upregulated testicular functions and improved histopathological and immunohistochemical changes as well as miRNA expression compared with the CIS-administered group. Rats receiving both NAC and LA showed a more significant ameliorative effect compared with groups receiving NAC or LA alone. In conclusion, NAC or LA showed an ameliorative effect against CIS-induced testicular toxicity and dysfunction through the regulation of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic markers and via modulating miR-155 and miR-34c expression.

Effects of desalinated seawater with excessive boron on reproductive health of male rats

To investigate the effects of desalinated seawater with excessive boron on reproduction of male rats exposed to desalinated seawater (DSW), equivalent boron (B) water, and deionized water (control group) in a 90-day experiment. We explored sperm toxicity, testicular toxicity, and differential gene expression by detecting sperm quality, testicular enzyme activity, and transcriptome, and finally conducted fertility experiments. Results showed the sperm activity-motility (MOT) decreased and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) increased in both DSW and B groups at 30 days. As testicular enzymes, malate dehydrogenase (MDH) and lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme-X (LDH-X) increased in DSW group, and 3-phosphoglyceraldehyde dehydrogenase (GAPD) increased in both DSW and B groups at 30 days. α-glycerol phosphate dehydrogenase (α-GDPH), sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), MDH and LDH-X in DSW and B groups decreased at 90 days. Transcriptome analysis revealing the downregulated genes (Dazl, Spef2 and Strbp) and upregulated genes (Catsper3, Gapdhs, Hils1, Odf2, Spata20, Spata24, Spata32 and Spem1) associated with male reproductive processes in 90-day DSW group. Our findings suggest that energy metabolism involved in MOT induced by 30 days' (short-term) exposure to DSW, while FSH and GAPD might be sensitive early biomarkers. 90 days' (long-term) and low-dose exposure to DSW may cause spermatogenesis-related genetic changes.

Aflatoxin B1-induced dysfunction in male rats’ reproductive indices were abated by Sorghum bicolor (L.Moench) hydrophobic fraction

The burden of infertility distresses millions of families worldwide. The harmful effects of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) on the reproductive system involve oxidative stress, culminating in inflammation and cellular apoptosis. The phytochemical in Sorghum bicolor is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory activities. The effect of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench (SBE-HP) extract -hydrophobic fraction- enriched in Apigenin (API) was investigated in rats chronically dosed with AFB1 and the likely mechanism (s) of SBE-HP to protect against AFB1-induced reproductive toxicity. Adult Wistar male rats (twenty-four) were selected randomly and allocated into four groups. Cohort 1 was administered 0.05 % carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC); cohort 2 received AFB1 (50 µg/kg) alone; while cohorts 3 and 4 received 5 & 10 mg/kg of (SBE-HP) respectively, along with 50 µg/kg of AFB1. After 28 days, AFB1 induced remarkable reproductive toxicity as evidenced by increased sperm abnormalities, lowered sperm quality and motility, altered serum hormonal levels and testicular enzyme activities, decreased anti-oxidants, increased pro-oxidants, apoptotic and inflammatory biomarkers, as well as altered histoarchitectural structure of the testis, epididymis, and hypothalamus of rats. API-enriched extract of S. bicolor reduced AFB1-induced oxidative, inflammatory, apoptotic, and histological derangement by improving sperm function parameters, testicular enzymes, and reproductive hormones. Anti-oxidant levels and anti-inflammatory mediators were increased while decreases in the activities and levels of pro-oxidants, pro-inflammatory molecules and caspase-9 occurred in the rats' testes, epididymis, and hypothalamus. API-enriched S. bicolor protected the testes, epididymis, and hypothalamus of male rats exposed to AFB1 by modulating oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis.

Aqueous extract of bay leaf (Laurus nobilis) ameliorates testicular toxicity induced by aluminum chloride in rats.

Human exposure to aluminum is inevitable, and one of the most adverse health effects of aluminum is a decrease in male fertility rates. Therefore, this study investigated the ameliorative effects of an aqueous extract from Laurus nobilis-bay leaf (BL) on aluminum chloride (AlCl3)-induced testicular toxicity in rats. Twenty-four Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 6, each group): The control (group 1) received normal saline; Group 2 animals were intraperitoneally administered with 30 mg/kg body weight (BW) AlCl3; and Groups 3 and 4 were co-administered AlCl3 with 125 or 250 mg/kg BW of BL extract, respectively, for 21 days. Testes, epididymis, and blood samples were collected. Testicular plasma enzyme activity was measured using a spectrophotometric assay, while concentrations of inflammatory biomarkers were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. There was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in testicular enzyme activity in the group treated with AlCl3. However, there was no significant (p > 0.05) difference in testicular enzyme activity in groups co-administered AlCl3 and BL extract as compared with that in control. There was a significant (p < 0.05) increase in testicular nitrite concentration in the AlCl3-treated group, whereas the administration of BL extract significantly (p < 0.05) decreased nitrite concentration in Groups 3 and 4. Furthermore, the administration of BL extracts increased sperm count and improved the morphology of the testes in AlCl3-treated rats. Flavonoids, phenolic compounds, alkaloids, tannin, glycosides, saponin, anthraquinones, and steroids were identified in BL extract, with alkaloids and glycosides being the most abundant. Aqueous extract from BL ameliorated the toxic effect of AlCl3 and exhibited anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting nitrite production while improving sperm count and morphology in AlCl3-treated rats. The bioactivity of the extract may be attributed to the presence of a wide range of phytochemicals. Therefore, BL aqueous extract could be a promising source of novel compounds with male fertility-promoting and anti-inflammatory properties.

Vitamin C and E supplementation can ameliorate NaF mediated testicular and spermatozoal DNA damages in adult Wistar rats

Objective Present study was designed to explore the efficacy of vitamin C and E (VC&VE) against fluoride mediated testicular, epididymal and spermatozoal anomalies. Materials and methods Thirty two adult Wistar rats were divided into four groups. Group-I was control; Group-II received sodium fluoride (NaF) at 15 mg/kg/day dose; Group-III was provided with VC (200 mg/kg/day) and VE (400 mg/kg/day) plus NaF; Group-IV received only VC&VE. Structural integrity and oxidative stress markers (superoxide dismutase, catalase, malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl) of testis and epididymis were assessed. Spermatozoal parameters (count, motility, viability and hypo-osmotic swelling) were evaluated. Testicular functional maker enzymes (acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase) were also assessed. Integrity of testicular and spermatozoal DNA was evaluated. Testicular fluoride content was measured. Result Fluoride induced structural changes and alterations of oxidative stress markers were observed in testis and epididymis. Spermatozoal potentials were altered and reduced activities of testicular functional marker enzymes were observed. Fluoride caused testicular and spermatozoal DNA damages. VC&VE supplementation resulted in protection from all fluoride mediated alterations and helped in attenuating testicular fluoride accumulation. Conclusion Antioxidant properties of VC&VE ameliorated fluoride mediated reproductive damages but only supplementation did not exhibit any notable effect compared to control rats.

Abiraterone decanoate (PRL-02): Pharmacology of a single intramuscular (IM) depot injection compared to oral abiraterone acetate (AA) in intact male rats.

160 Background: Oral AA is a standard of care for metastatic prostate cancer. The recommended daily AA 1000 mg dose produces high peak and low trough plasma concentrations that are associated with safety issues (e.g., hepatotoxicity) and inadequate efficacy, respectively. PRL-02 is a novel abiraterone prodrug undergoing evaluation in patients with advanced prostate cancer (NCT04729114). In chemically-castrate monkeys, single doses of PRL-02 suppressed androgens for 14 weeks at much lower plasma exposures than AA (Moore et al, ASCO GU 2021). The present study in intact male rats evaluated the systemic exposures and activity of PRL-02 compared to daily oral AA at 7 and/or 14 days post-treatment start. Methods: Sexually mature male rats (n=4 per timepoint) were administered a single IM dose of PRL-02 (90 mg/kg), daily AA (90 mg/kg) or IM/oral vehicle (VEH). Biological samples were collected on Day 7 (PRL-02/VEH; 0h) or Day 14 (PRL-02/AA/VEH; 2, 6 and 24h) post-dosing. Drug and androgen concentrations were determined by LC-MS/MS. Testicular CYP17 hydroxylase activity was measured ex vivo on Day 14. Results: The Day 14 plasma exposure from abiraterone was greater from AA (5.6 - 210 ng/mL) than from PRL-02 (1.15 – 1.37 ng/mL). However, for Day 14 tissue exposures (AUC0-24) from ‘total abiraterone equivalents’ (TAE; concentration of free abiraterone plus abiraterone from prodrug) were greater from PRL-02 in adrenal, testes, lymph node and bone target tissues than from oral AA; exposures from AA were only greater in non-target tissues such as liver and brain (Table). There was no measurable Day 14 CYP17 hydroxylase activity in testes following PRL-02 or AA dosing; inhibition appeared irreversible from PRL-02 and AA. Compared to VEH, a single IM dose of PRL-02 resulted in 81% and 75% reductions in plasma testosterone (T) on Days 7 and 14 post-dose, and an 80% reduction in testicular T on Day 14. Daily AA resulted in a 98% reduction in plasma T after 14 days. Conclusions: Single-dose IM PRL-02 blocked testicular CYP17 enzyme activity as effectively as daily AA in intact male rats and produced a durable large reduction in plasma T. The pharmacological activity, tissue and plasma distribution of TAE from IM PRL-02 in the rat model, along with results from prior monkey model studies, suggest the potential for a greater therapeutic index than from daily oral AA and support the ongoing evaluation of IM PRL-02 in patients with advanced prostate cancer.[Table: see text]

Reproductive toxicity and metabolic perturbations in male rats exposed to boron

The poor rejection of boron (B) by reverse osmosis, a dominant seawater desalination and household-scale water treatment technology, is a critical issue given its potential adverse effects on human health and the extensive and increasing application of seawater desalination facilities worldwide. Although previous in vivo studies have revealed the reproductive toxicity of B, the mechanistic underpinnings and changes in the global metabolome remains undefined. To systematically investigate the effects of B on male reproduction and endogenous metabolic fingerprints, adult male rats were exposed to different doses of borax (25, 50 and 100 mg B/kg/day) for 28 days via oral gavage. After mating the treated rats with untreated female rats, we found a significant reduction in the proportion of live foetuses only in the highest dose group (100 mg B/kg/day) compared with the control group (treated with deionised water). Furthermore, compared with the control group, the concentration of plasma follicle-stimulating hormone increased and the activities of testicular enzymes (malate dehydrogenase and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase) were significantly upregulated in the 100 mg B/kg/day group, whereas the activity of testicular sorbitol dehydrogenase and the concentrations of plasma interleukin-5 were inversely proportional to the doses and were the lowest at the highest dose of 100 mg B/kg/day. The concentrations of testicular hormones (e.g., oestrone, oestradiol, oestriol, testosterone, cortisol and androstenedione) were significantly upregulated in the rats exposed to 100 mg B/kg/day. Non-targeted metabolomics and lipidomics revealed a significant disruption of lipid and amino acids metabolism at the highest dose, particularly that of linoleic acid, α-linolenic acid, sphingolipid, glycerolipid, glycerophospholipid, branched-chain amino acid and nicotinate metabolism, and unsaturated fatty acids synthesis, which are predominantly associated with inflammation, antioxidation defence, energy utilisation, steroid hormone synthesis and lipid abnormalities. Our results offer insights into the mechanisms underlying the adverse effects of B on reproduction and into the health risks posed by drinking desalinated seawater that containing elevated B concentrations.

Folic acid and vitamin B12 ameliorate nicotine-induced testicular toxicity in rats

Introduction and Aim: Cigarette smoking, one of the fundamental roots of preventable morbidity, has a myriad of notorious effects. Nicotine is the most bountiful and symbolic constituent of cigarette smoke. The liaison between smoking and infertility has been investigated for decades; but it’s still dubious whether the noxious effects of cigarette smoking on testis and sperm characteristics are by virtue of nicotine. Therefore, the current study interrogated the ameliorative effects of folic acid and vitamin B12 on nicotine induced catastrophe in testicular tissue and sperm characters in male albino rats.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: Rats were treated with nicotine (3 mg/kg body weight/day, intraperitoneal) with or without folic acid (36µg/kg body weight/day, orally) and vitamin B12 (0.63µg/kg body weight/ day, orally) for 21 days. Sperm qualities were analyzed for motility and morphology. Various oxidative and anti- oxidative stress parameters, pro inflammatory cytokines levels, hormonal assays were performed.&#x0D; Results: Findings marked that nicotine caused degenerative changes in the testicular tissue. Supplementation with folic acid and vitamin B12 reversed these results along with suppressing the nicotine induced changes in TNF- ?, IL-6, and markers of oxidative stress. Moreover, folic acid and vitamin B12 in combination also significantly blunted the altered activities of testicular key androgenic enzymes, plasma levels of testosterone, LH, and FSH following nicotine exposure.&#x0D; Conclusion: In closure, testimonies manifested that folic acid and vitamin B12 may act as plausible strategy against oxidative stress, which is a pivotal step in nicotine-induced reproductive toxicity, and bettering functional status of testicular tissue by scavenging free radicals and hindering the generation of pro- inflammatory cytokines.&#x0D;

Tiliacora triandra extract and its major constituent attenuates diabetic kidney and testicular impairment by modulating redox imbalance and pro-inflammatory responses in rats.

Literature has demonstrated that diabetes is associated with renal complication and testicular dysfunctions. The current study explored the potential of Tiliacora triandra extract and its major component against diabetic kidney and testicular damages in rats. Diabetes was induced by high fat diet/streptozotocin (HFD/STZ) and treated orally with Tiliacora triandra extract (TTE, 100 and 400 mg kg-1 body weight) and its major component, 5,7-dihydroxy-6-oxoheptadecanoic acid (DHA, 25 mg kg-1 body weight) for 30 consecutive days. Testicular activities of testicular enzymes, serum levels of testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), sperm parameters and urinalysis for protein and albumin levels were evaluated. Renal and testicular biomarkers of oxidative stress and pro-inflammation were analysed along with histology. The experimental diabetes induced significant alterations in the levels and activities of indices evaluated compared to non-diabetic normal rats. The 28-day treatment of diabetic rats with TTE and DHA markedly improved activities of testicular enzymes, restored levels of testosterone, LH and FSH and sperm parameters compared to untreated diabetic rats. TTE and DHA abrogated proteinuria and reversed urine albumin level. Testicular and renal oxidative stress and pro-inflammation were attenuated in diabetic rats treated with TTE and DHA. The diabetes-mediated histopathological damage was alleviated in the kidney and testis. The protective effect of TTE and DHA against diabetes induced kidney and testicular damages may be related to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of ethanol extracts of Momordica charantia seeds on testicular antioxidant enzyme activity and protein patterns in male Wistar rats

Effect of ethanol extracts of Momordica charantia seeds on testicular antioxidant enzyme activity and protein patterns in male Wistar rats

Crotonaldehyde-induced alterations in testicular enzyme function and hormone levels, and apoptosis in the testes of male Wistar rats are associated with oxidative damage

Crotonaldehyde is a hazardous pollutant present in cigarette smoke and automobile exhausts that is generated by lipid peroxidation, and harmful to reproductive organs. Although we are often exposed to low doses of crotonaldehyde daily, its adverse effects on the reproductive organs have not been fully elucidated. To elucidate them, we administered crotonaldehyde (0, 2.5, 4.5, and 8.5 mg/kg) by gavage for 150 days to male Wister rats, and evaluated its effect on their testicular tissues. Body weight, testis coefficient, sperm count, and motility decreased. Reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde levels in the 8.5 and 4.5 mg/kg groups significantly increased as antioxidant enzyme activity decreased. Testicular cell apoptosis rate in the exposed groups increased. Testicular enzyme activity and reproductive hormone levels were significantly altered in the 8.5 and 4.5 mg/kg groups. Therefore, long-term exposure to crotonaldehyde may induce oxidative stress, resulting in testicular cell apoptosis, and testicular enzyme and hormone level alteration.

The role of flavonoid antioxidant, morin in improving procarbazine-induced oxidative stress on testicular function in rat.

Background:Procarbazine (PCZ) is an effective chemotherapeutic drug used in the treatment of lymphoma; however, oxidative stress–mediated testicular toxicity is a major side effect. Recently, therapeutic intervention using flavonoids against oxidative stress–related pathologies is gaining more attention. Morin (MOR) is a natural flavonoid with proven antioxidant activity. This study was designed therefore to evaluate the potential role of MOR in ameliorating PCZ-induced testicular oxidative stress and altered sperm quality in rat model.Methods:A total of 24 male Wistar rats (170–180 g) were randomly assigned into 4 treatment groups: I, control; II, PCZ (2 mg/kg b.w.); III, PCZ (2 mg/kg b.w.) + MOR (100 mg/kg b.w.) simultaneously administered and IV, MOR (100 mg/kg b.w.), and all treatments lasted 14 days.Results:PCZ treatment displayed significant reduction in sperm number, sperm motility, percentage normal sperm cells, and daily sperm production rate. Meanwhile the activities of testicular enzymes: gamma-glutamyl transferase, acid phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase were significantly altered in the PCZ group compared to control. Furthermore, PCZ caused a significant reduction in levels of glutathione and ascorbic acid as well as activities superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione S-transferase in the testes of PCZ-treated rats. A significant increase in testicular malondialdehyde level was also observed in the PCZ group. MOR treatment, however, significantly restored the altered sperm parameters and biochemical markers in the testis.Conclusions:Our data suggest that MOR administration protected against PCZ-induced testicular and spermatotoxicity in rat, by improving testicular antioxidant system.

TOXICITY OF ATRAZINE AND RELATED TO TESTICULAR, TISSUE DAMAGING ENZYME LEVELS IN POECILIA SPHENOPS

Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the toxic effects of Atrazine (ATZ) on the enzyme levels in Poecilia sphenops.Methods: The cytosolic testicular enzyme and tissue-damaging enzyme activity were measured in Poecilia sphenops was exposed to 3 sub-lethal concentrations (1.25, 2.5 and 5 mg/l) of atrazine for 100days and control was also maintained. The toxic effects of ATZ to Poecilia sphenops were assessed through testicular marker enzyme, tissue-damaging enzyme level.Results: The activities of testicular functional enzyme ALP, ACP, SDH, LDH, G6PDH and tissue-damaging the activities of glutamate oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and glutamate pyruvic transaminase (GPT) activity levels were altered in treated groups compared with that of the control.Conclusion: This study demonstrates that atrazine induces tissue damage in terms of enhanced enzyme activity and testicular enzyme activity in Poecilia sphenops. Atrazine has toxicity to the reproductive system in Poecilia sphenops.

Enzyme modulation studies of Fumaronitrile on fresh water fish Oreochromis mossambicus

The present study was directed to analyse the potential enzymatic variation efficiency of fumaronitrile on fresh water fish tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus). To study the acute toxicity of xenobiotic five different concentrations (20, 40, 60, 80 and 100ppb) of fumaronitrile along with control group was maintained for over 96 hrs. At every 1 hr. fishes was monitor both control and treatment groups. The LC50 value was found to be as 60ppb. To study the chronic toxicity of xenobiotic three different concentrations (2ppb, 4ppb and 6ppb) of fumaronitrile along with control group was maintained for over 100 days. At 60, 80,100 days fishes was sacrificed both control and treatment groups and the organs such as liver were collected to analyse the changes in testicular enzyme activities and an increasing pattern for both antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) was observed. Enzyme assay is one of the important methods to evaluate the toxicity of xenobiotic. At present, no report is available on the effect of fumaronitrile on antioxidant enzymes and testicular enzyme activities. This study focus light on the effects of fumaronitrile in antioxidant enzymes CAT, SOD and testicular enzymes ALP, ACP, LDH and SDH in Oreochromis mossambicus.

An in vivo assay performed using multiple biomarkers related to testosterone synthesis and conversion for assessing the androgenic potency of refuse leachate

Refuse leachate is likely an important source of androgens. However, common in vitro bioassays underestimate the potential androgenic activity of leachate, owing to non-receptor-mediated mechanisms that modify the balance of sex hormones and promote the accumulation of endogenous androgens. This study aimed to develop an in vivo assay by using multiple biomarkers related to testosterone synthesis and conversion for assessing the potential androgenic activity of refuse leachate sampled from a municipal solid waste treatment plant in Qingdao, China. The results indicated that exposure to leachate increased the levels of testosterone and luteinizing hormone, but decreased those of 17β-estradiol in both male and female goldfish (Carassius auratus), suggesting a potential androgenic activity. Further, Leydig cell hyperplasia and decreased gonadal P450 aromatase mRNA levels were observed; these alterations might promote the biosynthesis of testosterone and hinder the conversion of testosterone to 17β-estradiol, which in turn enhance testosterone accumulation. Exposure to leachate also resulted in reproductive impairments, including decreased gonadosomatic index and plasma vitellogenin levels of female goldfish, as well as decreased testicular enzyme activities in male goldfish. The integrated use of biochemical, molecular, and histological markers not only improved our understanding of the androgenic effects of leachate but also verified the reliability and validity of the results. Therefore, the in vivo bioassay described in this study might allow the investigation of the androgenic effects of other complex contaminant mixtures in the future.

Effects of malathion on testicular enzyme activities and sperm quality of male rats

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of sub chronic exposure to malathion on testicular enzyme activities and sperm quality of male rats. Forty male rats were divided into four groups: three exposure groups and a control group. Malathion was administered orally to male rats at 0, 33.75, 54.00, and 108.00 mg/kg for 60 days to evaluate the toxic alterations in sperm dynamics and testicular enzyme activities including ACP,LDH,SDH and γ-GT. The control rats were administered with an equivalent volume of distilled water in the same manner.After sacrificed, the testes were collected and weighed. The body weight and the testis weight of animals showed a decreasing tendency, and there was a statistical difference between the 54.00, 108.00 mg/kg groups, and the control group (P<0.05). Malathion brought about marked reduction in testicular sperm counts, sperm motility, and significant growth of sperm malformation rate in 108.00 mg/kg group. A significant decrease in the activities of testicular enzyme ACP and γ-GT was observed in malathion exposed rats, while the activities of LDH was significant increased and there were no obvious effects on the activities of SDH. The activities of ACP, γ-GT and LDH showed a statistical difference between the 108.00 mg/kg groups, and the control group. Malathion reduced the sperm counts and sperm motility, increased the malformation rate and reduced the activities of testicular enzymies of male rats.

Toxic effects of mixture of volatile organic compounds on mice testis related enzymes and hormones

To evaluate the toxic effects of mixture of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) on Mice Testis related enzymes and hormones. After determining the median lethal dose (LD₅₀) of VOCs using the acute toxicity test, 40 male clean inbred Kunming mice were assigned to 1/8 LD₅₀ VOCs exposure group, 1/4 LD₅₀ VOCs exposure group, and 1/2 LD₅₀ VOCs exposure group, as well as positive control group with cyclophosphamide (60 mg/kg) and negative control group with tea oil, with 8 mice in each group. The mice were intraperitoneally injected with respective agents for 5 days. The levels of testis testosterone, estradiol, follicle stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone were determined by ELISA. Meanwhile, the activity of testicular marked enzymes such as lactate dehydrogenase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, acid phosphatase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase were examined. Compared with the negative control group, the 1/8 LD₅₀ exposure group had a significantly increased testis coefficient (P<0.05). Both the activity of testicular marked enzymes and the levels of testicular sex hormones in all exposure groups showed significant downward trends with increasing VOC doses compared with those in the negative control group (P<0.05). VOCs have obvious toxicity to mouse testis by changing the levels of testicular sex hormones and the activity of testicular marked enzymes.

Malathion-induced testicular toxicity is associated with spermatogenic apoptosis and alterations in testicular enzymes and hormone levels in male Wistar rats

Malathion has a broad range of toxicities while its reproductive effects have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we treated animals with malathion by gavage at doses of 0, 33.75, 54, and 108mg/kg for 60 days and evaluated the alterations in histology, biochemistry and serology. Malathion caused the reduction in the sperm counts and motility. The reduced body and testis weights were coupled with mild to severe degenerative changes in seminiferous tubules. We found malathion at 54mg/kg increased spermatogenic apoptosis rate which was confirmed by changes in protein expression of Bax and Bcl-2. The activities of testicular enzymes including ACP, LDH and γ-GT were significantly altered with the reduced level of reproductive hormones such as LH, FSH and T. These results indicate that malathion can elicit deleterious effects on reproductive system of rats. The abnormal levels of hormones and apoptotic proteins induced by malathion may play important roles.