Testicular Tissue Homogenates Research Articles

Protective role of hesperidin in finasteride-induced testicular toxicity in adult male Wistar rats: Insights into oxidative stress, apoptosis, and ultrastructure of seminiferous tubules

A negative impact of finasteride on fertility has been reported, in which over production of reactive oxygen species and apoptosis were implicated. Hesperidin, a plant-derived bioflavonoid with antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects, may mitigate these adverse effects. In order to investigate the possible protective role of hesperidin against finasteride-induced seminiferous tubules toxicity in adult male Wistar rats, 60 rats were randomized into five groups (I-V) receiving distilled water, 0.5% sodium carboxymethylcellulose solution, hesperidin, finasteride, and combined hesperidin and finasteride respectively. Testicular weight, sperm count and motility were determined. Testicular tissue homogenates were prepared to measure the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), reduced glutathione (GSH) and the gene expression of caspase-3 and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2). Testes were processed for light and electron microscopic evaluation. Johnsen score was calculated. Administration of finasteride resulted in significantly decreased testicular weights, sperm count and motility, Johnsen score, tissue levels of TAC and GSH together with significant increase in tissue MDA. Gene expression revealed significantly increased caspase-3 and decreased Bcl2. Furthermore, finasteride disrupted the seminiferous tubules, causing degenerative changes affecting Sertoli cells and spermatogenic cells. Co-administration of hesperidin with finasteride resulted in improvement in testicular weights, TAC, GSH, Bcl2, Johnsen score, sperm count and motility as well as preservation of the structure of the seminiferous tubules. To conclude, hesperidin was found to have a protective potential on finasteride-induced oxidative stress, apoptosis and testicular structural damage.

The Effect of Statins on Male Reproductive Parameters: A Mechanism Involving Dysregulation of Gonadal Hormone Receptors and TRPV1.

Statins have been shown to cause diverse male reproductive function impairment, and in some cases, orchialgia. Therefore, the current study investigated the possible mechanisms through which statins may alter male reproductive parameters. Thirty adult male Wistar rats (200-250 g) were divided into three groups. The animals were orally administered rosuvastatin (50 mg/kg), simvastatin (50 mg/kg), or 0.5% carboxy methyl cellulose (control), for a 30-day period. Spermatozoa were retrieved from the caudal epididymis for sperm analysis. The testis was used for all biochemical assays and immunofluorescent localization of biomarkers of interest. Rosuvastatin-treated animals presented with a significant decrease in sperm concentration when compared to both the control and simvastatin groups (p < 0.005). While no significant difference was observed between the simvastatin and the control group. The Sertoli cells, Leydig cells and whole testicular tissue homogenate expressed transcripts of solute carrier organic anion transporters (SLCO1B1 and SLCO1B3). There was a significant decrease in the testicular protein expression of the luteinizing hormone receptor, follicle stimulating hormone receptor, and transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 in the rosuvastatin and simvastatin-treated animals compared to the control. The expression of SLCO1B1, SLCO1B2, and SLCO1B3 in the different spermatogenic cells portray that un-bio transformed statin can be transported into the testicular microenvironment, which can subsequently alter the regulation of the gonadal hormone receptors, dysregulate pain-inflammatory biomarkers, and consequently impair sperm concentration.

The combined effect of titanium dioxide nanoparticles and cypermethrin on male reproductive toxicity in rats.

Titanium nanoparticles and pyrethroid pesticides are now being widely used in industrial, agriculture, and biomedical applications. In recent years, their health safety profiles have aroused concerns among health scientists. This study mainly explored the combined effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) and cypermethrin (CYP) on reproductive toxicity in male rats by gavage for 90days. Thirty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to four groups: the control group, the TiO2NPs group, the CYP group, and the combined titanium dioxide nanoparticles with cypermethrin (TiO2NPs + CYP) group. The results of biochemical analysis on testicular tissue homogenate showed that TiO2NPs and CYP mixtures decreased the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT) while increasing the activity of malondialdehyde (MDA) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Meanwhile, the results of two-way factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed a significant effect on GSH-Px, CAT, LDH, testicular cell apoptosis, and sperm quality in rats after exposure. Furthermore, the combined exposure group exhibited apoptosis of testicular cells and DNA damage. The results indicated that exposure to a mixture of TiO2NPs and CYP had adverse effects on the reproductive status of male rats.

An electron microscopic and biochemical study of the potential protective effect of ginger against Cadmium-induced testicular pathology in rats.

Background: Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal used in many industries. Since the second half of the 20th century, legislation on Cd use was put to limit the exponential rise in its environmental levels. This study aimed to investigate Cd’s functional and ultrastructural changes on rats’ reproductive systems and the role of Zingiber officinale (Ginger) in protecting against Cd-induced toxicity. Methods: Thirty adult male albino rats were randomly assigned into three equal groups (n = 10); control, Cd-exposed/untreated, and Cd-exposed/Gin-treated. Rat testes were weighed, and testicular tissue sections were examined under the electron microscope. Semen analysis, morphological examination of spermatozoa, and serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone were measured. In addition, testicular tissue homogenates were analyzed for malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels. Results: Cd-induced significant reduction in the mean testicular weight and GSH levels and plasma testosterone, LH and FSH levels with a concomitant increase in testicular MDA and NO levels. There was also a deterioration in semen analysis parameters and spermatozoa morphology, with testicular structural damage in the form of architecture distortion and necrosis of seminiferous tubules and testicular interstitial cells. Daily administration of ginger for 4 weeks protected against CD-induced toxicity, preserving tissue architecture, improved plasma levels of testosterone, LH and FSH and testicular levels of GSH, and reduced testicular levels of MDA, NO. Conclusion: Ginger has a protective effect on Cd-induced deterioration of testicular tissue’s structural and functional integrity by improving testicular tissue antioxidant capacity and steroid production, which ameliorates sex hormone levels in the blood.

Influence of quercetin on morphological changes in rats testes after 180 days during central deprivation of luteinizing hormone

A relevant and popular area of research is the protective effect of the bioflavonoid quercetin, which makes it possible to use it to correct testicular dysfunction of various origins. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of quercetin on the microscopic organization of rat testicles, nitric oxide production and the intensity of oxidative stress in rat testicles on the 180th day of the experiment, during experimental central deprivation of luteinizing hormone synthesis caused by triptorelin solution. The experiment was performed on 20 adult male white rats. Rats were divided into 2 groups of 10 animals in each group: control group (I), group with central deprivation of LH synthesis + quercetin (II). Animals from the group with central deprivation of LH synthesis were injected subcutaneously with triptorelin acetate at a dose of 0.3 mg of active substance per kg and quercetin 100 mg per kg of body weight 3 times a week, while the control group was injected with saline. Ultrathin sections made by ultramicrotome were contrasted with 1 % aqueous uranyl acetate and lead citrate according to the Reynolds method and examined by electron microscopy. According to standard methods, the material was poured into paraffin blocks, from which sections with a thickness of 4 μm were made and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Histological specimens were examined using a Вiorex 3 light microscope with a digital microfilter with software adapted for these studies. All biochemical studies were performed in 10 % of testicular tissue homogenate using a Ulab 101 spectrophotometer. Statistical processing of the study results was performed using Microsoft Office Excel software and Real Statistics 2019 extension. The nonparametric Mann-Whitney test was used to determine the statistical significance of differences between groups. Our study of the interstitial space in the testes of white rats showed the heterogeneity of populations of endocrinocytes and macrophages and the variability of structural and functional parameters. In the tissues of the testes in conditions of prolonged central deprivation of testosterone synthesis develops oxidative stress, which on the 180th day of the experiment leads to the development of edema of the interstitial space, followed by tissue fibrosis. Changes in the polarization of macrophages in our opinion may cause oxidative stress in the testes, as evidenced by increased iNOS activity and decreased arginase activity, but use of quercetin protects rat testicular tissue from oxidative damage caused by triptorelin by increasing direct antioxidant system and effects on the lipoxygenase pathway of arachidonic acid metabolism.

Strawberry fruit (Fragaria x ananassa Romina) juice attenuates oxidative imbalance with concomitant modulation of metabolic indices linked to male infertility in testicular oxidative injury.

This study investigated the protective properties of strawberry fruit on testicular oxidative injury. Oxidative injury was induced in vitro in testicular tissue homogenates by incubation with ferrous sulphate (FeSO4 ) in the presence and absence of strawberry fruit extract (SFE) for 30min at 37˚C, with gallic acid serving as the standard antioxidant drug. Induction of oxidative injury significantly reduced glutathione, cholesterol and triglyceride levels; and inhibited SOD, catalase and ENTPDase activities when compared to normal control. It also led to exacerbated nitric oxide, malondialdehyde, LDL-cholesterol levels, acetylcholinesterase, ATPase and lipase activities. These effects were, however, reversed following treatment with SFE when compared to the untreated control, except for cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Additionally, the induction of the oxidative injury led to alterations in testicular lipid metabolites that were accompanied by the activation of α-linolenic acid and linoleic acid metabolic pathways. While SFE treatment had no significant impact on the altered metabolites, it repressed pathways for mitochondrial beta-oxidation of long-chain saturated fatty acids and plasmalogen synthesis. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis of SFE revealed the presence of rutin, caffeic acid, p-coumarin and cinnamic acid. These data imply the protective potentials of strawberry fruits against testicular oxidative injury.

Ameliorative effect of L-carnitine on chronic lead-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats.

Lead toxicity is one of the causative agents of male infertility that raised concern from environmental contamination worldwide. L‐carnitine, a biologically active amino acid, present in high concentration in the reproductive organs such as the epididymis, is involved in sperm maturation. The possible protective effect of L‐carnitine in experimentally lead‐induced male reproductive toxicity in rats was evaluated in this study. Thirty adult male Wistar rats were divided into three groups. Group 1: the negative control group was treated with normal saline; Group 2: exposed to 50 mg/kg lead acetate (2% solution in saline); and Group 3: treated with lead acetate 50 mg/kg (2% solution in saline) + L‐carnitine 100 mg/kg. At the end of the experimental period, body and testicular weights were determined, blood samples were withdrawn for hormonal assays of FSH, LH and testosterone. Sperm parameters as sperm count, morphology, viability and motility were measured. Testicular tissue homogenates were prepared for enzymatic assays and for measuring oxidative stress parameters. Lead significantly increased both oxidative stress and the concentration of lactate dehydrogenase‐C in the testicular tissues with a decrease in sperm count, motility and viability. Lead acetate treatment, induced alteration in sperms with normal morphology together with reductions in the serum FSH, LH, testosterone, body and testicular weights. The concentration of 17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase was significantly reduced. Co‐administration of L‐carnitine significantly reduced testicular oxidative stress, improved sperm parameters, elevated serum FSH, LH and testosterone with an insignificant reduction in the testicular weight. The concentrations of 17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and lactate dehydrogenase‐C were significantly improved by L‐carnitine. The overall results indicate that L‐carnitine is expected to improve the lead acetate‐induced male reproductive toxicity.

Cannabis sativa L. Mitigates Oxidative Stress and Cholinergic Dysfunction; and Modulates Carbohydrate Metabolic Perturbation in Oxidative Testicular Injury

The therapeutic potentials of Cannabis sativa L. on oxidative-induced testicular dysfunction were investigated in isolated testes of male albino rats. C. sativa leaves were subjected to sequential extraction to yield the hexane, dichloromethane (DCM), and ethanol extracts. Oxidative injury was induced by incubating testicular tissue homogenate with 0.1 mM FeSO4 for 30 min at 37 °C. Treatment was done by incubating the tissues with C. sativa extracts and 0.1 mM FeSO4 under same conditions. Induction of oxidative injury led to significant (p < 0.05) depleted levels of glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and ecto-nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (E-NTPDase) activities, while elevating malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels, acetylcholinesterase, ATPase, glucose 6-phosphatase, fructose 1,6-biphosphatase, and amylase activities. These levels and activities were significantly (p < 0.05) reversed following treatment with the extracts. The extracts also displayed cytotoxic effect against human DU-145 prostate cancer cells. These results indicate the protective potentials of C. sativa extracts against oxidative-mediated testicular injury as shown by their ability to attenuate testicular oxidative stress, and modulate cholinergic and purinergic activities, while suppressing testicular carbohydrate dysmetabolism.

Thiamine deficiency and oxidative stress induced by prolonged metronidazole therapy can explain its side effects of neurotoxicity and infertility in experimental animals: Effect of grapefruit co-therapy.

We aimed to explore the possible neurotoxicity and infertility mechanisms of prolonged metronidazole (MTZ) use and the effects of antioxidant grapefruit (GP) co-therapy on MTZ-induced complications. Sixty male albino Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 15 each). Group I (control group) received 1% dimethyl sulfoxide (27 ml/ kg/day), group II (MTZ group) received MTZ (400 mg/kg/day), group III (MTZ + GP) received MTZ (400 mg/kg/ day) plus GP juice (27 ml/kg/ day) and group IV (GP group) received GP juice (27 ml/kg) for 60 days. Semen analyses were performed. Free testosterone, gonadotrophin (follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone) and thiamine levels were measured. Samples of cerebellar, testicular and epididymal tissues were used for both colorimetric assays of oxidative stress markers and histopathological examinations. Significant decreases in the sperm count, percent total sperm motility, serum thiamine levels, free testosterone levels and FSH levels were observed in the MTZ and MTZ + GP groups (p < 0.05 for all parameters). Significantly higher oxidative stress levels (p < 0.05) were observed in the cerebellar and testicular tissue homogenates of these groups than in those of the control group, and associated disruptions in the cerebellar, testicular and epididymal structures were apparent compared to those of the control group. Although the GP group showed a significantly higher sperm count and significantly lower oxidative stress than the control group (p < 0.05), with histological similarity to the control group, the GP group exhibited significantly higher prolactin levels and lower free testosterone and FSH levels than the control group (p < 0.05). Oxidative stress and decreased thiamine levels could explain the MTZ-induced neurotoxicity and infertility side effects that aggravated by GP co-administration.

Effects of Curcumin Nanoparticles on the Tissue Oxidative Stress Following Testicular Torsion and Detorsion in Rat Model

Objective-The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of curcumin nanoparticles (CNP) on stress oxidative following experimental ischemia-reperfusion injury in the rat testes. Design-Experimental Study Animals- Seventy-seven healthy male Wistar rats Procedures-The animals weighing approximately 250 g were randomly assigned to four experimental groups (n = 18): Ischemia: torsion group (created by 720° rotation of testis on both sides for 2 h). Ischemia/Reperfusion (I/R): torsion for 2 h followed distortion, CNP 10: received 10 mg/kg IP administration of CNP 30 min before surgery then remaining testes were twisted and untwisted, CNP 20: received 20 mg/kg IP administration of CNP 30 min before surgery then remaining testicles were twisted and untwisted. Unilateral orchiectomy of left or right testicles was performed on days 0 and 12 with immediately sampling. Some twisted then untwisted testicles were remained and sampled 60 days after surgery. An additional group was considered (n=5) to be sampled without any operation as control group. The samples of testicular tissue homogenates were taken on Days 0, 12 and 60, and their liquid extracts were collected and assayed for Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Glutathione peroxidase (GPX). The effect of treatment and day of sampling on the variables was analyzed using Two-Way ANOVA. Results- The results of the study showed an ameliorated balance of GPX, SOD and MDA following testicular torsion in this study. The CNP treated animals (with both administered doses) showed significantly improved the balance of the enzymes compared to untreated animals (p<0.0001). Conclusion and clinical relevance- In conclusion, IP administration of CNP may be helpful in minimizing oxidative stress related enzymes following testicular ischemia-reperfusion in rat.

Garcinia Kola Extracts Improve Biochemical Markers Associated with Erectile Function: Possible Applications in Clinical Treatment?

Summary This work investigates the antiradical capacity and potential of Garcinia kola extracts to improve the biochemical markers associated with erectile function and its possible application in clinical treatment. Inhibitory properties of aqueous extract of G. kola on phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5), arginase, angiotensin I –converting enzyme (ACE), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in rat’s genitals tissues were evaluated. Likewise, G. kola extract was explored for reducing power (FRAP) and 1.1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazil (DPPH) radical scavenging abilities. G. kola extract exhibited greater PDE-5 (IC50 = 47.52 ± 0.01 μg/mL), ACE (IC50 = 46.90 ± 0.87 μg/mL), AChE (IC50 = 44.85 ± 1.33 μg/mL) and arginase (IC50 = 47.71 ± 0.25 μg/mL) inhibitory activity in the corpus cavernosum tissue than PDE-5 (IC50 = 75.58 ± 2.04 μg/mL), ACE (IC50 = 53.00 ± 0.30 μg/mL), AChE (IC50 = 54.57 ± 1.50 μg/mL) and arginase (IC50 = 69.68 ± 2.42 μg/mL) inhibitory activity in the testicular tissue homogenate. Furthermore, G. kola exhibited radical scavenging abilities against FRAP and DPPH* radicals. Hence, our results revealed that G. kola extracts are good sources for the development of nutraceuticals and pharmacological properties with attributes to enhance erectile performance.

Chronic consumption of Hypericum humifusum leaf extracts impairs epididymis spermatozoa characters in association with oxidative stress in adult male Wistar rats

Recently, there has been increasing interest in Hypericum (Hypericaceae) genus. The first part of the present study focused on the phytochemical analysis of the methanolic and aqueous extracts of Hypericum humifusum leaves. The second part of the study investigated the effect of Hypericum humifusum leaf extracts on male reproductive parameters. 30 male rats were grouped into control (1mL/rat, distilled water), treated by 200mg/kg body weight (bw) aqueous extract (A200), 400mg/kg bw aqueous extract (A400), 10mg/kg bw methanolic extract (M10) and 20mg/kg bw methanolic extract (M20) groups. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, steroids, carbohydrates, and phenolic compounds. After thirty-day treatment, body and reproductive organs were weighed. Testes in all rat groups were processed for biochemical assays and histopathological examinations. Epididymis sperm analyses were also performed. Testicular tissue homogenate samples were used for Malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) measurements. We showed that Hh extracts induced a severe seminiferous tubular damage with an increase in the percentage of empty seminiferous tubules. Epididymis sperm analysis revealed a significant reduction in density and viability of sperm with alteration of spermatozoa morphology. Also, we found that Hh leaf extracts decreased plasma total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides levels. These results were associated with an increase of MDA levels and a decrease of catalase and SOD activities in testis tissues. Our finding revealed that chronic consumption of Hh extracts induces disruption of normal spermatogenesis by alteration of sperm density, viability, and morphology. This action may be due to an inhibition of the antioxidant-defense system.

Modulatory effects of Aqueous extract from Tetracarpidium conophorum leaves on key enzymes linked to erectile dysfunction and oxidative stress-induced lipid peroxidation in penile and testicular tissues

Tetracarpidium conophorum (walnut) is used in folk medicine for the treatment of erectile dysfunction but the mechanism remains unclear. This study evaluated the effect of aqueous extract from T conophorum leaves on oxidative stress-induced penile damage and key enzymes linked to erectile dysfunction. The inhibitory effect of the extract on sodium nitroprusside (SNP)-induced lipid peroxidation, arginase, angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities in penile and testicular tissue homogenates were determined via colorimetric method. The aqueous extract inhibited SNP-induced lipid peroxidation in rats penile and testicular homogenates in a dose dependent manner. The highest inhibitory effect was obtained in the penis at a concentration of 0.5 mg/mL. Furthermore, the extract inhibited arginase activity in a dose dependent pattern. The IC50 revealed that the extract had significantly (P

The protective role of folic acid against testicular dysfunction in lead-intoxicated rat model.

There is an increasing concern over male reproductive toxicity caused by lead exposure. Folic acid (FA) is supposed to be a promising therapeutic strategy against lead toxicity. Therefore, the aim of this experimental study was to shed light on the potential protective role of FA on lead-induced testicular dysfunction in rats and its possible underlying mechanistic pathways. Rats (n = 24) were divided into four groups: Control, FA, Lead, and FA+Lead group. After 4 weeks, lead intoxication resulted in a marked reduction in the relative testicular weight and the serum level of testosterone, an impairment in the characters of semen analysis, and an increased content of lead, malondialdehyde and both interleukin-6 and -10 and a decreased antioxidant enzyme levels in the testicular tissue homogenate. Furthermore, marked degenerative histological changes and an increased expression of NF-κB were also noticed in the testicular tissue of Lead group. Supplementation of FA in association with lead considerably alleviated these adverse outcome responses most probably owing to its cytoprotective ability as emerged from combating the oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions. We concluded that FA could act as a highly effective fighting approach against lead-associated testicular toxicity.

Garlic Powder Attenuates Apoptosis Associated with Lead Acetate-Induced Testicular Damage in Adult Male Rats

Lead is a highly prevalent heavy metal pollutant in human and animals which has various toxicological effects on the different organs including reproductive system on particular aspect the male testis. Lead (Pb) exposure enhances the generation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) which negatively affect testis structure and functions. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of garlic supplement on daily basis and its prophylactic possibility against lead acetate induced testicular dysfunction. Thirty two adult male rats were divided to four groups, eight animals per each. All animals were maintained under standard laboratory conditions with free access to suitable diet and water supply. The 1st group was supplied with water and diet and kept without further treatment as a negative control. The 2nd group was treated by lead acetate( 50mg/L) daily in drinking water as a positive control. The 3rd group was administered commercial garlic powder preparation only (200 mg/kg b.w.) by stomach tube. The 4th group was co-treated with lead acetate in drinking water plus garlic in same doses by stomach tube. Then, all animals were scarified after 42 days for clean excision of epididymis and testes. Semen was collected and analyzed for count, motility and viability. Testicular tissues sections were prepared, stained and examined. Oxidative stress markers, SOD and MDA were determined in testicular tissue homogenate. Immunostaining was carried out on sections of testicular tissue for detection of proapoptotic markers caspase-3 and Bax expression. Finally, the level of expression of Bcl-2 and P53 genes was measured in testicular tissue samples as well. The data summary obtained from co treated group signified the protective effect of garlic against potential lead acetate induced undesired testicular apoptosis.

Thymoquinone ameliorated elevated inflammatory cytokines in testicular tissue and sex hormones imbalance induced by oral chronic toxicity with sodium nitrite

Scientific evidence illustrated the health hazards of exposure to nitrites for prolonged time. Nitrites affected several body organs due to oxidative, inflammatory and apoptosis properties. Furthermore, thymoquinone (TQ) had curative effects against many diseases. We tried to discover the impact of both sodium nitrite and TQ on inflammatory cytokines contents in testicular tissues and hormonal balance both in vivo and in vitro. Fifty adult male SD rats received 80mg/kg sodium nitrite and treated with either 25 or 50mg/kg TQ daily by oral-gavage for twelve weeks. Testis were removed for sperms’ count. Testicular tissue homogenates were used for assessment of protein and gene expression of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, Nrf2 and caspase-3. Serum samples were used for measurement of testosterone, LH, FSH and prolactin. Moreover, all the parameters were measured in human normal testis cell-lines, CRL-7002. Sodium nitrite produced significant decrease in serum testosterone associated with raised FSH, LH and prolactin. Moreover, sodium nitrite significantly elevated TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, caspase-3 and reduced Nrf2. TQ significantly reversed all these effects both in vivo and in vitro. In conclusion, TQ ameliorated testicular tissue inflammation and restored the normal balance of sex hormones induced by sodium nitrite both in vivo and in vitro.

Thymoquinone ameliorates testicular tissue inflammation induced by chronic administration of oral sodium nitrite.

Although sodium nitrite has been widely used as food preservative, building bases of scientific evidence about nitrite continues to oppose the general safety in human health. Moreover, thymoquinone (TQ) has therapeutic potential as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anticancer. Therefore, we investigated the effects of both sodium nitrite and TQ on testicular tissues of rats. Forty adult male Sprague Dawley rats were used. They received either 80mgkg(-1) sodium nitrite or 50mgkg(-1) TQ daily for twelve weeks. Serum testosterone was measured. Testis were weighed and the testicular tissue homogenates were used for measurements of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL10, caspase-3, caspase-8 and caspase-9. Sodium nitrite resulted in significant reduction in serum testosterone concentration and elevation in testis weight and Gonado-Somatic Index. We found significant reduction in testicular tissues levels of IL-4 and IL-10 associated with elevated levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, caspase-3, caspase-8 and caspase-9. In conclusion, chronic oral sodium nitrite induced changes in the weight of rat testis accompanied by elevation in the testicular tissue level of oxidative stress markers and inflammatory cytokines. TQ attenuated sodium nitrite-induced testicular tissue damage through blocking oxidative stress, restoration of normal inflammatory cytokines balance and blocking of apoptosis.

EFFECTS OF TESTICULAR FIXATION ON OXIDATIVE STRESS-RELATED PARAMETERS IN PREPUBERTAL RAT TESTIS

The goal of orchiopexy is to provide adequate scrotal fixation to prevent recurrent torsion of the testis and the spermatic cord or ascent of the testis, to be achieved with minimal trauma to the testis. Forty-two prepubertal male Sprague-Dawley rats were equally distributed into 6 groups (1 SHAM + 5 Operation). In operational groups, two lateral sutures were placed near the upper and lower pole of the testis passing through the tunica albuginea with 4-zero polyglactin suture in the transverse axis of the testis. At the 1st-3rd-7th-15th and 30th postoperative days, bilateral orchiectomy was performed, then malondialdehyde (MDA), nitrite, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathion peroxidase (GPx) values were measured in testicular tissue homogenates. MDA and nitrite levels increased, while GPx and SOD levels diminished, statistically significant in both ipsilateral and contralateral testicular tissue homogenates. Prepubertal testicular fixation causes overproduction of the lipid peroxidation end product and free radicals while heavy consuming anti-oxidant reserve systems in both ipsilateral and contralateral testicular tissue. These results clearly reveal the extent of the testicular deterioration due to suture fixation technique.

Allopurinol provides long‐term protection for experimentally induced testicular torsion in a rabbit model

To assess the effect of five antioxidants on exocrine function of rabbit testes retained in situ for 24 h and 3 months after experimental torsion. The left testes of peripubertal rabbits were clamped for 60 min, after which the clamps were removed and the testes allowed to reperfuse. The right testes served as internal controls. There were eight rabbits in each of the following experimental groups: (a) sham; (b) 60-min ischaemia followed by reperfusion; (c) 60-min ischaemia followed by left orchidectomy. In five further groups, rabbits were exposed to 60-min ischaemia followed by reperfusion, but received one of the following antioxidants before reperfusion: acetyl salicylic acid, ascorbic acid, allopurinol, quercetin or superoxide dismutase. Both testes were excised at 24 h or 3 months. The degree of lipid peroxidation, a measure of free radical damage, was assessed in testicular tissue homogenates by measuring the tissue levels of malondialdehyde (MDA). The Johnsen score was used to assess the morphological damage at 24 h and 3 months for each group. At 3 months twisted viable testes allowed to reperfuse had higher MDA levels than controls; the left testes of rabbits treated with allopurinol had significantly lower MDA levels than untreated rabbits and rabbits given other antioxidants. Rabbits given quercetin, ascorbic acid or superoxide dismutase had lower (but not significantly) left testicular MDA levels than untreated rabbits, while rabbits given acetyl salicylic acid had even higher levels. Allopurinol-treated rabbits had a Johnsen score of > 7.6 and those given other antioxidants had scores of < 7.6 at 3 months. The twisted viable testis treated by orchidopexy contains high free radical levels at 3 months. Of the antioxidants studied, only allopurinol had a beneficial long-term effect, by significantly reducing testicular MDA levels at 3 months.

Older men have higher follicle-stimulating hormone levels but not smaller testis compared to younger men

Older men have higher follicle-stimulating hormone levels but not smaller testis compared to younger men