Testicular Structure Research Articles

Role of Sesame Oil in Ameliorating Testicular Damage in a Rat Model of Acute Kidney Injury: A Histological and Immunohistochemical Study

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is characterized by rapid deterioration of renal functions causing many distant organ injuries. Testicular dysfunction was reported upon chronic renal failure, yet little is known about the underlying mechanism of the damaging effect of AKI on testicular structure and function. Sesame oil was proved to have antioxidant effects.Aim of the work: to assess the effects of AKI on the rat testis and the possible protective role of sesame oil.Material and Methods: Twenty-four adult male albino rats were allocated into 4 groups; control, sesame oil-treated (0.5ml/kg orally for 1week), AKI-induced (10mL/kg of 50% glycerol), and AKI-pretreated with sesame oil. Serum testosterone was assayed. Sperms were analyzed. Biochemical assay of tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were performed. Testes specimens were processed for histological staining and immunohistochemical detection of Bcl2, Ki67, and Androgen receptor (AR). Results: AKI group showed a significant decline in serum testosterone, tissue GSH, and SOD with a significant rise in tissue MDA. Sperms revealed a significant rise in abnormal sperm morphology percentage with a significant decline in sperm count. Histological examination depicted various nuclear and cytoplasmic alterations in the testicular histoarchitecture with a significant rise in the collagen fiber deposition. A significant decline in Bcl2, Ki67, and AR immunohistochemical expression were recorded. Sesame oil pretreatment significantly ameliorated all studied parameters.Conclusions: AKI significantly impacted the testicular structure and function through different mechanisms. Sesame oil efficiently ameliorated this adverse effect through its antioxidant, antiapoptotic, antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic activities.

Influence of octylphenol on gene expression of gonadotropins and their receptors, testicular structure and mating behavior of male Rana chensinensis

In the present study, responses of the Chinese brown frog (Rana chensinensis) to exposure to different doses and duration of Octyphenol (OP) which degraded from alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs) were characterized during the adult periods. The effects of OP on growth, development and reproduction and the expression of genes in gonad were investigated. The expression levels of fshβ, lhβ, fshr and lhr had significant differences as the exposure time increased. The pathological and morphological changes were also observed in the OP treatments. Furthermore, the number of TUNEL positive cells and the TUNEL index was elevated after exposed to OP. Besides that, OP treatment could influence its mating behavior and reduce the fertilization rates. Taken together, these results indicated that OP disrupt sex steroid signaling, normal development of spermatogenesis, courtship behavior of male frogs and decline fertilization rate in R. chensinensis.

Damage to the Testicular Structure of Rats by Acute Oral Exposure of Cadmium.

Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most important heavy metal toxicants, used throughout the world at the industrial level. It affects humans through environmental and occupational exposure and animals through the environment. The most severe effects of oral exposure to Cd on the male reproductive system, particularly spermatogenesis, have not been discussed. In this study, we observed the damage to the testes and heritable DNA caused by oral exposure to Cd. Adult male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into four groups: a control group and three groups treated with 5, 10, and 15 mg Cd/kg/day for 17 days by oral gavage. Our results revealed that Cd significantly decreases weight gain in 10 and 15 mg/kg groups, whereas the 5 mg/kg groups showed no difference in weight gain. The histopathology showed adverse structural effects on the rat testis by significantly reducing the thickness of the tunica albuginea, the diameter of the tubular lumen, and the interstitial space among seminiferous tubules and increasing the height of the epithelium and the diameter of the seminiferous tubules in Cd treated groups. Comet assay in epididymal sperms demonstrated a significant difference in the lengths of the head and comet in all the 3 Cd treated groups, indicating damage in heritable DNA, although variations in daily sperm production were not significant. Only a slight decrease in sperm count was reported in Cd-treated groups as compared to the control group, whereas the tail length, percentage of DNA in head, and tail showed no significant difference in control and all the experimental groups. Overall, our findings indicate that Cd toxicity must be controlled using natural sources, such as herbal medicine or bioremediation, with non-edible plants, because it could considerably affect heritable DNA and induce damage to the reproductive system.

Investigation of the Effects of Calcium Fructoborate on Testicular Structure in Rats within the Framework of Biochemical Parameters, Testosterone Hormone and DNA Damage in Cadmium Chloride Induced Toxicity

Abstract: Background: The present study aims to investigate the effects of calcium fructoborate on testicular DNA damage and testicular tissue biochemical markers and serum testosterone levels after cadmium chloride administration. Materials and Methods: 28 Wistar albino rats (200-220 g) in the study were divided into 4 groups with an equal number. These groups are; Control group (No chemicals applied), calcium fructoborate (100 mg) group, Cadmium chloride (200 mg/L) + calcium fructoborate (100 mg), Cadmium chloride (200 mg/L) group. The study lasted 28 days and both chemicals were applied daily with oral gavage. Results: While 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) expression was moderate in the cadmium chloride + calcium fructoborate group, the expression in the cadmium chloride group was severe. In the cadmium chloride group, testicular tissue glutathione (GSH) and 8-OHdG levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities and serum testosterone levels were significantly decreased compared to other groups. It is determined that the reversal of the change in the parameters listed in the calcium fructoborate group. Conclusion: The reversal of the change in the parameters listed in the calcium fructoborate group indicates the positive strength of the present chemical. It is our suggestion to transfer calcium fructoborate into life practice by conducting further clinical studies and evaluating different parameters. Key words: Cadmium chloride, Calcium fructoborate, Rat, 8-OHdG, Testosterone.

Testicular structure and development of the male germinal epithelium in the freshwater drum Aplodinotus grunniens (Perciformes: Sciaenidae) from the Usumacinta River, Southern Mexico

The present study describes the morphological changes in the male germinal epithelium of the freshwater drum Aplodinotus grunniens inhabiting southern Mexico. To our knowledge, this is the first study to provide a detailed description of the testicular structure and morphological changes of the germinal epithelium of this species. Based on the histological characteristics of the germinal epithelium, four main reproductive phases were described in A. grunniens males: Developing, Spawning Capable, Regressing and Regenerating. The germinal epithelium varied from a proliferative continuous germinal epithelium during the regenerating and development phases to a sperm storing discontinuous germinal epithelium during the Spawning Capable and Regressing phases. The seminiferous lobules ranged from a simple unrestricted lobular organization to an anastomosing-like testis that transformed the testis of A. grunniens into a sperm storage organ. Our study provides valuable information about the morphophysiological aspects of the testis of A. grunniens that may be used for further investigations on the testicular physiology of this species or for comparative studies on gonad morphology. The description of the testicular cycle of the freshwater drum provided here will allow the reproductive staging of male individuals for a variety of purposes either for fisheries management or for the incipient aquaculture of this species.

Survivable potential of germ cells after trehalose cryopreservation of bovine testicular tissues

Germplasm preservation of livestock or endangered animals and expansion of germline stem cells are important. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether supplementation of trehalose to the freezing medium (FM) reduces tissular damage and improves the quality of testicular cells in the cryopreserved bovine testicular tissues. We herein established an optimized protocol for the cryopreservation of bovine testicular tissues, and the isolation as well as culture of bovine germ cells containing spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) from these tissues. The results showed that FM containing 10% dimethyl sulfoxide (Me2SO/DMSO), 10% knockout serum replacement (KSR) and 20% trehalose (FM5) combined with the uncontrolled slow freezing (USF) procedures has the optimized cryoprotective effect on bovine testicular tissues. The FM5 + USF protocol reduced the cell apoptosis, maintained high cell viability, supported the structural integrity and seminiferous epithelial cohesion similar to that in the fresh tissues. Viable germ cells containing SSCs were effectively isolated from these tissues and they maintained germline marker expressions in the co-testicular cells and co-mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) feeder culture systems respectively, during the short-term culture. Additionally, upregulated transcriptions of spermatogenic differentiation marker C-KIT and meiotic marker SYCP3 were detected in these cells after retinoic acid-induced differentiation. Together, FM5 + USF is suitable for the cryopreservation of bovine testicular tissues, with benefits of reducing the apoptosis, maintaining the cell viability, supporting the testicular structure integrity, and sustaining the survival and differentiation potential of bovine germ cells containing SSCs.

Alterations in Rat’s Testicular Structure and Function following Simultaneous Administration of Nicotine and Methylphenidate: An in Vitro Dose-Response Study

Methylphenidate (MPH) and nicotine (NCT) have deleterious effects on testicular tissue, individually. Methylphenidate intake could increase the tendency to use NCT. In this study, the possible synergistic effects of MPH and NCTon the intensity of structural and functional changes of testicular tissue were evaluated using experimental animal study. Eighty male mature Wistar rats were used. MPH (5 and 10 mg/kg, IP) and NCT (2 and 4 mg/kg, IP) were administrated individually (MPH or NCT) or simultaneously (MPH + NCT) to eight treated groups of adult rats (n = 10/group) once a day for eight weeks. After the recording of body and testicular weight, the plasma level of pituitary gonadotropins, testosterone, and malondialdehyde (MDA) as lipid peroxidation index were measured. Also, testes samples were prepared for tissue lipid peroxidation assay, histomorphology, immunohistochemistry of p53 protein, and electron microscopy. Moreover, sperm analysis was performed on cauda epididymis. There was not any significant difference in initial and final body weight between groups. Testicular weight and testicular to body weight ratio were reduced in treated groups. LH, Testosterone, and plasma and tissue MDA were increased and FSH decreased dose-dependently in the most treated groups. Most of the histomorphometric, cell population, and sperm analysis parameters were decreased in treated groups in a dose-dependent manner. The light and electron micrographs showed various alterations in testicular tissue which were more obvious in higher doses of NCT or MPH and NCT + MPH groups. Immunostaining of testicular tissue revealed upregulation of p53 in treated groups, particularly in NCT + MPH groups. The results of this study showed that simultaneous administration of NCT and MPH could induce more alterations in the structure and function of testicular tissue compared to their individual administration.

Toxic effects of ZnSe/ZnS quantum dots on the reproduction and genotoxiticy of rare minnow (Gobiocypris rarus)

ZnSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) have excellent optical properties, but researchers have not clearly determined whether they cause harm to organisms. In the present study, the effect of ZnSe/ZnS QDs on the parents and offspring of rare minnow were evaluated for the first time. Exposure to ZnSe/ZnS QDs altered the testicular structure, caused sperm DNA damage and decreased sperm motility in males. They also suppressed the expression of reproduction-related genes, such as androgen receptor (Ar), DM-related transcription factor 1 (Dmrt1), estrogen receptor (Er), and X-ray repair cross complementing gene 1 (Xrcc1). Continued monitoring of the F1 generation revealed that the embryonic development of the F1 generation was abnormal and the growth index of the F1 generation of adult fish showed hormesis. A comet assay showed that the F1 generation still had DNA damage in the 400 and 800 nmol/L groups at 96 h post-fertilization (hpf). Thus, ZnSe/ZnS QDs damaged the reproductive system of the rare minnow, and this effect continued to the F1 generation.

Amelioration of Methotrexate-Induced Testicular Toxicity in Rats by Two Varieties of Coconut Water: Effect on Sperm Characters, Oxidative Stress and Testosterone Levels

Methotrexate (MTX) is used as an anticancer drug in many types of cancer associated with organ toxicities. It generates free radicals responsible for tissue damage in organs like testis. Coconut water, a natural drink known for its nutritive values also possess components, which are rich in antioxidants. The present study was a novel study to evaluate the benefits of yellow and green varieties of coconut water in testicular damage caused by methotrexate in experimental animals. The study proved that, both the varieties of coconut water restored testicular structure and functions by recovering sperm function, testicular enzymes, antioxidant enzymes and improvement in tissue microscopy. We conclude that both green and yellow coconut water are beneficial and can be used as a natural remedy for methotrexate induced testicular toxicity.

Protective Role of Thyme Leave Extract on Methotrexate-Induced Histological and Immunohistochemical Changes in Testes of Rats

Background: Methotrexate (MTX) is an anticancer drug that induces testicular abnormalities but, thyme is antioxidant compound, which scavenges oxidative damage. Objective: this study aimed to investigate the protective role of thyme leave extract on the histological and immunohistochemical testicular changes induced by MTX. Material and Methods: forty adult male rats were used and categorized into 4 equal groups (10 rats/each); Group I: control rats group without treatment. Group ΙΙ: control rats administrated thyme only for a month, Group ΙΙΙ: rats injected (i.p) with MTX for four weeks, Group ΙV: rats injected with MTX and administrated thyme extract. Results: the control rat testes stained with HE rats administrated thyme demonstrated normal structure similar to the normal control. Rats injected with MTX showed damaged testicular tissue but, rats co-treated with MTX and thyme demonstrated improvement in the testicular structure. The caspase-3 immunostain was expressed in the control and the thyme group as weak reaction in the spermatogonic cells. However, MTX group showed dense reaction for caspase-3 and group of MTX and thyme detected obviously reduction of caspase -3. Normal intense immunoreactive of PCNA was realized in the control and thyme groups. But, MTX group showed an obvious decrement of immunoreactivity and MTX and thyme group expressed more reduction in the immunoreactivity. Conclusion: thyme extract had the ability to ameliorate the abnormalities occurred in the testes of rats after MTX treatment.

Roflumilast protects from cisplatin-induced testicular toxicity in male rats and enhances its cytotoxicity in prostate cancer cell line. Role of NF-κB-p65, cAMP/PKA and Nrf2/HO-1, NQO1 signaling

Cisplatin (CIS)-induced testicular injury is a major obstacle in its application as antineoplastic agent. In this study, we investigated the protective effect and mechanism of roflumilast (ROF), a PDE4 inhibitor, against CIS-induced testicular toxicity in rats. Besides, the cytotoxic effect of CIS, with and without ROF, was evaluated on PC3 cell line. ROF reversed CIS-induced abnormalities in sperm characteristics, normalized serum testosterone level, and ameliorated CIS-induced alterations in testicular and epidydimal weights and restored normal testicular structure. Moreover, ROF increased intracellular cAMP level, PKA and HO-1 activities and Nrf2, NQO-1 and HO-1 gene expression, improved testicular oxidative stress parameters (TBARS, NO, GSH levels, and CAT activity) and inflammatory mediators (IL-1β and TNF-α, and NF-κβ p65gene expression) and reduced the proapoptotic proteins, caspase-3, Bax and increased Bcl-2. Lastly, in vitro analyses showed that ROF augmented the anticancer efficacy of CIS and enhanced the increase in gene expression of Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO-1 and the inhibition of gene expression of NF-κβ p65 induced by CIS and enhanced its apoptotic effect in PC3 cells. Conclusively, PDE4 inhibition with induction of Nrf2/HO-1, NQO-1 is a potential therapeutic approach to protect male reproductive system from the detrimental effects with augmenting, the antineoplastic effect of CIS.

Pneumoperitoneum effect on testicular oxidative stress and histopathology – Systematic review

Pneumoperitoneum is characterized by the presence of abdominal cavity gas. Thus, this is used as a tool to create a space in the abdominal cavity for video laparoscopic surgical procedures. However, insufflation of abdominal cavity is capable of causing damage induced by tissue ischemia and reperfusion, which is caused by hypoxia and an imbalance between free radical production and antioxidant defense system capacity. The objective of this study was to bibliographic review the negative effects of exposing healthy animals to different pneumoperitoneum settings by assessing oxidative stress and testicular histopathology, identifying intra-abdominal pressures that did not result in testicular alteration. A systematic search was carried out in three databases using the following terms: pneumoperitoneum AND testi* or gonad. The survey conducted in the databases yielded 2209 scientific articles. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, six papers were selected. All the articles selected addressed the effects of pneumoperitoneum on testicular structure and used at least one scoring system to perform histopathological evaluation of the testis. Three studies verified the occurrence of changes in oxidative stress. According to this literature review, pneumoperitoneum used at intra-abdominal pressures equal to, or greater than, 9 mmHg caused testicular histological damage. According to the biomarkers used in studies, pressures greater than 10 mmHg were sufficient to cause testicular oxidative stress.

Olanzapine induced reproductive toxicity in male rats

Although it is reported that olanzapine (OLZ), which is an atypical antipsychotic drug, causes sexual dysfunction in men, it is noteworthy that there is not any study evaluating the toxic effects of OLZ on the male reproductive system. In the scope of this research, it was aimed to assess the reproductive toxic effects of OLZ by oral administration of 2.5, 5, or 10 mg/kg of it to male rats for 28 days. For this purpose, sperm concentration, motility and morphology, and DNA damage were determined, and histopathological examination of testis tissue was carried out in rats. Also, the levels of serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone, which play roles in the regulation of reproductive functions, and the levels of glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) which play roles in reproductive pathologies as oxidative stress biomarkers, were determined. According to the results, normal sperm morphology was decreased in 5 ve 10 mg/kg OLZ-administered groups, and pathological findings were evident in the testicular structure of the OLZ-administered group when compared with the control group. It was determined that serum LH, FSH, and testosterone levels were decreased in the OLZ-administered group. Also, decreases of GSH levels in testis tissue were determined and evaluated as the markers of the oxidative stress induced by OLZ in the testis. In conclusion, it was determined that reproductive toxic effects were induced in rats by OLZ administration. This pathology was accompanied by alterations of the hormone levels and testicular oxidative stress.

The effects of sesame oil and different doses of estradiol on testicular structure, sperm parameters, and chromatin integrity in old mice.

ObjectiveStudies of the effects of estrogens on the male reproductive system have emphasized the role of these hormones in male fertility. Sesame oil has many phytoestrogenic compounds and may improve male fertility. This study investigated the effects of sesame oil and different concentrations of estrogen on sperm parameters and DNA integrity in male mice. MethodsTwenty old NMRI (The Naval Medical Research Institute) male mice (40 weeks; weight, 30–35 g) were treated with sesame oil or different concentrations of estrogen (estradiol, 1 and 10 μL/kg/day) or received no treatment (controls). After 35 days, sperm parameters and DNA integrity were assessed and analyzed.ResultsSperm count, progressive motility, and morphology were decreased in the group that received 10 μL/kg of estradiol. A remarkably lower percentage of DNA fragmentation and protamine deficiency were detected in the group that received 1 μL/kg of estradiol. In the groups that received sesame oil and 1 μL/kg of estradiol, the numbers of spermatogonia and Leydig cells were higher than in controls. The combination of sesame oil and 1 μL/kg of estradiol led to improved sperm parameters and chromatin and testicular structure. ConclusionBased on this study, consumption of sesame oil and a low concentration of estradiol may improve testicular function in older mice.

The effects of broccoli and caraway extracts on serum oxidative markers, testicular structure and function, and sperm quality before and after sperm cryopreservation

Despite studies on the effects of medicinal plants on reproductive performance, the effect of extracts broccoli and caraway on serum and testicular oxidative biomarkers, testicular structure and function and sperm quality before and after cryopreservation has not been studied. Sixty-three male mice were divided into nine controlled and treated groups as follow: control, broccoli (200 mg/kg), broccoli (300 mg/kg), caraway (200 mg/kg), caraway (300 mg/kg), broccoli -caraway (200 mg/kg), broccoli (300 mg/kg)-caraway (200 mg/kg), broccoli (200 mg/kg)-caraway (300 mg/kg), broccoli-caraway (300 mg/kg). After 42 days of treatment, the animals were sacrificed and blood sample and testicular tissue were collected for biochemical and histological measurements. Sperm quality was also measured before and after cryopreservation. The results showed that the diameter and number of spermatogonium, primary spermatocytes, spermatids and sperm count were significantly increased by broccoli (300 mg/kg), while level of them were significantly decreased by caraway (300 mg/kg) compared to other groups (p < 0.01). Sperm viability and motility after thawing significantly improved by broccoli (300 mg/kg) compared to control. Testosterone levels significantly increased by broccoli (300 mg/kg) compared to control and caraway (300 mg/kg). The serum and testicular SOD and CAT activity significantly increased by broccoli (300 mg/kg) compared to other groups (p < 0.05). MDA and DNA fragmentation levels significantly increased by caraway (200 and 300 mg/kg) compared to others (p < 0.01). It can be concluded that broccoli extract in a dose-dependent manner than caraway extract could improve serum and testes oxidative biomarkers, testicular structure and function, and sperm quality before and after cryopreservation.

COVID-19 and male reproduction: Current research and unknown factors.

BackgroundThe testes are suspected target organs of SARS‐CoV‐2. However, the results of studies on the effect of COVID‐19 on male reproduction are controversial.ObjectiveTo summarize current research on the effects of COVID‐19 on male reproduction.MethodsA systematic review of English literature was performed using PubMed and Ovid Embase up to 18 August 2020. Research articles on the presence of SARS‐CoV‐2 in semen, the effects of the virus on semen parameters and any pathological changes in the testes were evaluated.ResultsFourteen studies were included in this review. Six of 176 survivors (3.4%) and 1 of 13 decedents (7.7%) in 2 of 12 studies were positive for viral RNA in semen and testicular tissue, respectively. After stratification of patient groups, we found that the virus was detected in the relatively early stage of infection, 6–16 days after disease onset, in semen from survivors. Two of 3 studies reported that some participants had substandard semen quality after COVID‐19, and 1 study found that COVID‐19 may impair semen quality in a severity‐related manner. Pathological analyses showed that injuries to the seminiferous tubule occurred in all decedents (N = 11). Another study found that orchitic and testis fibrin microthrombi occurred in patients with fatal disease (100%, N = 2). Scrotal discomfort of orchiepididymitis or spermatic cord inflammation has also been reported in COVID‐19 patients.ConclusionCurrent studies suggest that semen is rarely considered a carrier of SARS‐CoV‐2 genetic material during the infection period but not in the semen of recovered patients. Fatal COVID‐19 may cause testicular structure damage without the presence of virus.

Assessment of Testicular Lhcgr mRNA Expression Correlated with Testis and Seminal Vesicle Activities in the Libyan jird (Meriones libycus, Rodentia: Muridae) during Breeding Season Compared with Nonbreeding Season.

Simple SummaryThe breeding periods of desert rodents should be favorable to the survival of small young, conditioned by the availability of food that occurs in the Libyan jird biotope during the long photoperiod and the high temperatures. The Libyan jird (Meriones libycus) were caught in their natural biotope in the Saharan desert in Algeria and showed a seasonal cycle of the testis activity, characterized by the highest peak during spring (the breeding season) and the lowest activity was registered during autumn and winter (nonbreeding season). Lhcgr mRNA expression is increased in autumn and decreased in spring. This expression varied in an opposite manner to testicular and seminal vesicle structures. The Libyan jird (Meriones libycus, 1823) is a wild desert rodent that is a seasonal breeder species adapted to breed when the environmental conditions can satisfy the energy and hydrous requirements of pregnant and nursing females to ensure that births occur at the most favorable time of the year. We assessed gene expression of testicular luteinizing hormone receptor (Lhcgr) correlated to testis activity. The expression of Lhcgr was evaluated using quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR and the testis activity by a histological method in adult male Libyan jirds during the nonbreeding and breeding seasons. Our results showed that Lhcgr mRNA expression increased in autumn during the nonbreeding season and decreased in spring during the breeding season. This expression varied in contrast to testicular structure or function and plasma testosterone levels. These results help to elucidate this desert rodent’s seasonal sexual activity, which is correlated with central regulation.

Testicular Ameliorative Effect of L- Carnitine on Monosodium Glutamate-Induced Testicular Structure Alterations in Male Mice

This study was carried out to investigate the ameliorative effect of L-carnitine on monosodium glutamate (MSG)-induced testicular toxicity in male mice. Sixty adult male mice were randomized into 6 groups (n = 10). In addition, to the control male mice group (Gp1) that orally administered distilled water, Gp2 mice received 150 mg/kg/day L-carnitine for 35 days. Monosodium glutamate (MSG) was orally administered to male mice at doses of 0.3 and 0.6 mg/g body weight individually (Gp3 & Gp4) and in combination with 150 mg/kg body weight of L-carnitine for 35 days (Gp5 & Gp6). The morphometric parameters, histopathological findings and immunohistochemical studies for PCNA, Ki-67 and Claudin-1 of the testis tissue demonstrated that L-carnitineattenuated and ameliorated the alterations in testicular tissues caused by MSG exposure. Conclusions: The findings of the present study indicated that treatment of male mice with L-carnitine banned MSG-induced testicular toxicity by improving testicular structure status.

POTENTIAL IMPACT OF MARJORAM ON CORAGEN-INDUCED PHYSIOLOGICAL AND HISTOLOGICAL ALTERATIONS IN MALE ALBINO RATS

Insect control has been accomplished by insecticides many years ago. Such insecticides can be useful in dealing with insects in our environment; but when they are used wrongly, they have hazards to the environment too. The current study continues to evaluate the potential alleviative effects of marjoram (Origanum majorana L.) on coragen-induced alterations in hematological and hormonal parameters, as well as renal and testicular structure, in male albino rats. Thirty adult male albino rats (Sprague-Dawely) were randomly separated into 3 groups (n=10). The first group received orally 1.0 mL distilled water only; the second group was treated orally with a sublethal dose of coragen suspension (2 g/kg body weight in 1.0 mL distilled water); and the third one was treated orally with coragen suspension (2 g/kg body weight in 1.0 mL distilled water) and marjoram suspension (5 g/kg body weight in 1.0 mL distilled water) together, three times a week for 30 days. The results revealed that marjoram alleviated significantly (P<0.05) coragen-induced microcytic anemia, leukocytosis, thrombocythemia, hyperuricemia, kidney dysfunction, alterations in plasma hormones (sex and thyroid hormones, as well as aldosterone levels), and histological changes in kidneys and testes of male rats. In conclusion, marjoram showed a notable effect against the toxicity of coragen in male rats.

POTENTIAL IMPACT OF MARJORAM ON CORAGEN-INDUCED PHYSIOLOGICAL AND HISTOLOGICAL ALTERATIONS IN MALE ALBINO RATS

Insect control has been accomplished by insecticides many years ago. Such insecticides can be useful in dealing with insects in our environment; but when they are used wrongly, they have hazards to the environment too. The current study continues to evaluate the potential alleviative effects of marjoram (Origanum majorana L.) on coragen-induced alterations in hematological and hormonal parameters, as well as renal and testicular structure, in male albino rats. Thirty adult male albino rats (Sprague-Dawely) were randomly separated into 3 groups (n=10). The first group received orally 1.0 mL distilled water only; the second group was treated orally with a sublethal dose of coragen suspension (2 g/kg body weight in 1.0 mL distilled water); and the third one was treated orally with coragen suspension (2 g/kg body weight in 1.0 mL distilled water) and marjoram suspension (5 g/kg body weight in 1.0 mL distilled water) together, three times a week for 30 days. The results revealed that marjoram alleviated significantly (P<0.05) coragen-induced microcytic anemia, leukocytosis, thrombocythemia, hyperuricemia, kidney dysfunction, alterations in plasma hormones (sex and thyroid hormones, as well as aldosterone levels), and histological changes in kidneys and testes of male rats. In conclusion, marjoram showed a notable effect against the toxicity of coragen in male rats.