Testicular Weight Research Articles

Effect of season on testicular morphometry and sperm production in adult guinea cocks

A study was conducted to investigate the effect of season on testicular morphometric parameters and sperm production in adult Guinea cocks. Five (5) Guinea cocks (GCs) were randomly selected from a group of thirty homogenous adult pearl Guinea cocks during the major rainy, minor rainy season, and dry seasons of the year. The selected GCs were humanely euthanized and used for determining testicular morphometric parameters, sperm reserve, and sperm production. The results of this study showed that the body weight of Guinea cocks (GCs) and testicular morphometric parameters were significantly (P<0.05) higher in the rainy season than in the dry season, while testicular weight and the gonado-somatic index (GSI) were similar. Sperm reserves and daily sperm production were significantly (P<0.05) higher in the rainy season than in the dry season. The study concluded that the season of the year affected the body weight of the Guinea cocks, testicular morphometric parameters, sperm reserve, and sperm production in adult Guinea cocks.

The Effect of Aerial Part of Melissa Officinalis L. Hydro-Alcoholic Extract on Pituitary- Gonadal Axis Function in Diabetic Male Mice

Background: Melissa officinalis L. ( lemon balm) is one of the more widely cultivated medicinal and aromatic plants that has long been used in traditional medicine to treat many disorders. The present study investigates Melissa officinalis L. hydro-alcoholic extract regarding pituitary-gonadal axis in diabetic mice. Methods: 45 NMRI mice with a mean weight of 35.6±4.5 g were divided into five groups: control group (0.2 ml of physiological serum intraperitoneally injection), diabetic mice (without treatment), and three experiment groups (diabetic groups receiving 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg of Melissa officinalis extract intraperitoneally injection). Melissa officinalis extract was injected intraperitoneally for 14 days. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were taken to determine the biochemical indicators level (glucose, LH, FSH, and testosterone), and the left testicle was weighed and examined histologically. Results: The results showed that the lowest amount of glucose and the highest level of LH were observed in the treatment group at a dose of 100 mg/kg of Melissa officinalis extract. The highest level of FSH was observed at a dose of 200 mg/kg. Histological study of the testis showed a more favorable condition in the experimental group of 200 mg/kg of lemon balm extract (P<0.05). Conclusion: It can be concluded that the use of Melissa officinalis extract is efficient in reducing glucose, improving the levels of LH, FSH, and testosterone in diabetic mice, affecting testicular weight, and improving testicular tissue indices and reproductive function of rats.

Assessment of reproductive, genotoxic, and cytotoxic effects of leachate-contaminated water in male mice

Leachate-contaminated water (LCS) poses significant health risks due to its heavy metal content and altered physicochemical properties. This study examined the physicochemical parameters and heavy metal levels in LCS and assessed its reproductive toxicity, genotoxicity, and cytotoxic effects in exposed mice. Groups of mice (n = 5) were orally administered 100 μL of 30 % and 70 % LCS (v/v) twice daily for 35 days. Drinking water served as a negative control, and cyclophosphamide (Cyp) (20 mg/kg bw) as a positive control. On day 36, the mice were weighed, sacrificed, and their testicular weight, sperm count, sperm morphology, viability, acrosome integrity, and serum testosterone were examined. Oxidative stress in the testes, histopathological changes, and serum markers for liver and kidney function (SGOT, SGPT, and creatinine) were also assessed. Genotoxic effects were evaluated using a micronuclei (MN) assay. Analysis of the leachate showed altered physicochemical parameters and elevated heavy metal levels. Exposure to LCS led to a significant decrease in relative testis weight, sperm count, normal sperm morphology, viability, acrosome integrity, and serum testosterone levels. It also caused a notable increase in MDA levels and a decrease in catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH) levels, along with histological changes in the testes of LCS-treated mice compared to controls. Additionally, there was a significant rise in MN formation in RBCs and elevated levels of liver enzymes and creatinine, indicating liver and renal toxicity. Histological alterations in the liver and kidneys were also observed in LCS-exposed mice. These findings suggest that LCS induces reproductive toxicity, genotoxicity, and cytotoxicity in male subjects.

Impact of Vitamin C and Hydroxyurea on the Reproductive System Health in Male Rats

Hydroxyurea (HU) is a medication used to treat various diseases and is also being studied for its effects on spermatogenesis. Vitamin C (VC), an antioxidant, has been shown to protect sperm cells from oxidative stress, potentially improving fertility and sperm quality. In a study involving twenty-four adult male albino rats divided into four groups, Group 1 served as the control, Group 2 received 5 mg of vitamin C, Group 3 received 100 mg of hydroxyurea per body weight, and Group 4 received a combination of vitamin C and hydroxyurea to assess essential functions of the reproductive system, including hormone levels, antioxidant markers, oxidative stress indicators, histopathology, and identification of DNA damage. The study found that hydroxyurea significantly reduced testicular weight, SOD, CAT, and GSH while increasing FSH and MDA levels and causing abnormalities in sperm morphology. Hydroxyurea also caused apparent alterations in the histological structure of the testes and comet parameters. Rats treated with vitamin C showed a significant increase in absolute and relative epididymis weight compared to the control group. Moreover, vitamin C intervention reversed the adverse effects observed in rats fed hydroxyurea, indicating that low doses of vitamin C can protect against testicular damage.

Ccdc152 is not necessary for male fertility, but contributes to maintaining sperm morphology.

Selenoprotein P (SeP) is synthesized in the liver and plays a vital role in maintaining selenium homeostasis via transport throughout the body. Previous studies have shown that SeP-deficient mice have severely reduced expression of selenoproteins essential for testicular function, leading to male infertility. We previously reported that the high expression of Ccdc152 in hepatocytes acts as a lncRNA, suppressing SeP expression in the liver. Ccdc152 reduces SeP translation by binding to SeP mRNA and decreasing its interaction with SECIS-binding protein 2. Although Ccdc152 is highly expressed in testes, its function remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the role of Ccdc152 in the testes. Using the CRISPR/Cas9 system, we generated mice lacking all exons of Ccdc152 and found that SeP expression levels in the liver and plasma, as well as overall selenium homeostasis, remained unchanged. No significant differences were observed in the expression of glutathione peroxidase 1/4 or level of selenium in the testes. Subsequent investigation of the impact on male reproductive function revealed no abnormalities in sperm motility or Mendelian ratios of the offspring. However, a slight decrease in testicular weight and an increased rate of sperm malformations in the epididymis were observed. RNA-seq and pathway analyses identified the reduced expression of multiple genes related to kinesin and reproductive pathways. Based on these findings, Ccdc152 may not be essential for male reproductive function, but it may enhance reproductive capabilities by maintaining the expression of genes necessary for reproduction.

Low protein uptake during peripuberty impairs the testis, epididymis, and spermatozoa in pubertal and adult Wistar rats.

Protein malnutrition during critical periods poses significant risks to reproductive health. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the immediate and delayed effects of a 30-day low-protein diet on the postnatal development of the male reproductive system. For so, male rats were fed a protein-deficient diet from postnatal day 30-60, followed by evaluations of testis, epididymis, and spermatozoa both at the end of the diet and after a 60-day recovery period. Testicular and epididymal weight was lowered in pubertal animals. Several histological alterations were found in the testis, such as acidophilic cells and vacuoles in the seminiferous epithelium, and sperm production was compromised. In the epididymis, the luminal compartment was diminished, and the stroma was enlarged both in the caput and cauda; in the cauda, the epithelial compartment was enlarged; the transit time of spermatozoa through this organ was diminished. Testosterone production was lowered. Spermatozoa's motility, mitochondrial activation, and acrosomal integrity were impaired, and several alterations in morphology were observed. After the recovery period, testicular and epididymal weight was restored. Tissue remodulation was observed in the epididymis, but the spermatozoa's transit time in this organ was not altered. Sperm and testosterone production, spermatozoa motility, mitochondrial activation, and acrosomal integrity were also restored. However, testicular histological alterations and spermatic morphological abnormalities were maintained in protein-restricted animals. Protein restriction during peripuberty impairs the reproductive maturation of pubertal Wistar rats, impairing testicular and epididymal function, with lasting effects even after dietary correction.

Radioprotective effects of melatonin therapy against testicular oxidative stress: a systematic review and meta-analysis of rodent models

Background: Radiation exposure is a concern in today’s world, given the widespread use of electronic devices and medical procedures involving ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. Radiations may cause male infertility by inducing oxidative stress in testicular tissue. Melatonin has antioxidant properties. Methods: We systematically reviewed the literature for the studies that have investigated the effects of melatonin therapy on radiation-induced oxidative stress in rodents’ testicular tissue. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for relevant animal trials. Standardized mean difference and 95% confidence intervals were used to pool the data. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were done. The risk of bias was assessed using SYRCLE tool. Results: Outcomes: histopathology and sperm analyses (testicular apoptotic cells, Johnsen’s testicular biopsy score, seminiferous epithelial height, tubular diameter, sperm motility, viability, count, and morphology, concentration of spermatid, spermatocyte, and spermatogonia), body and testes weights (absolute and relative body and testicular weights), reproductive hormones (serum prolactin, FSH, and testosterone), and oxidative stress tissue markers (TBARS, CAT, GSH, GSH-Px, MDA, SOD, and XO, and total antioxidant capacity). Rats and mice were exposed to electromagnetic radiations (gamma, roentgen, microwave, radiofrequency, and high-power line energy) and particle waves (radioiodine and carbon-ion). Melatonin therapy was significantly associated with improved male reproduction. Conclusion: Radiation exposure harms male fertility, but melatonin, as an antioxidant, is potentially associated with improved male reproductive function in rodents. Inconsistencies in research require further investigations.

Potential of ant nest extract (Hydnophytum formicarum) for protection of testicular morphometry, epididymal functions, and sperm quality in male rats with alloxan-induced diabetes

Medicinal herbs, such as the ant nest plant (Hydnophytum formicarum), are promising for the management of diabetes mellitus-associated infertility. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biological activity of the ant nest plant and its capacity to mitigate the adverse effects of alloxan-induced diabetes on testicular morphology, epididymal function, and sperm quality in male rats. The tuber of the ant nest plant was extracted using methanol and then subjected to phytochemical screenings. For the experiment, 20 male white rats (Rattus norvegicus), aged 3–4 months and weighing 150–200 g, were equally divided into four groups. The ant nest extract was administered orally using oral gavage over 14 days. The testes, epididymis, and sperm were collected for weighing, morphometric measurements, and quality evaluation. Qualitative testing of phytochemical compounds indicated the presence of flavonoids, tannins, steroids, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds in the plants. The results revealed the protective effects of ant nest extract against the adverse fertility effects induced by alloxan and a high-fat diet, as observed in testicular weight (p=0.045), epididymal weight (p=0.041), and sperm quality (p>0.05).

Effects of Chronic Stress and Comfort Food in Testicular Morphology in Adult Wistar Rats.

To investigate the effect of chronic stress on testicular morphology in adult Wistar rats, as well as the impact of comfort food consumption on these parameters. 32 Wistar rats (10 weeks old) were divided into four groups: control (C), stressed (S), control + comfort food (C+CF), and stressed + comfort food (S+CF). Chronic stress was induced by the restraint method during 8 weeks in groups S and S+CF, while groups C and C+CF were maintained under normal conditions. Groups C and S received a standard rat chow diet, while groups C+CF and S+CF received both the standard chow and comfort food (Froot Loops®). After 8 weeks of experiment, all animals were euthanized and the testes were collected for histomorphometric, immunohistochemical and gene expression analysis. Comfort food was preferred over standard chow in groups C+CF and S+CF, but this preference was more preeminent in stressed animals (S+CF). The consumption of comfort food resulted in testicular weight reduction. The seminipherous epithelium was reduced in group S in comparison to controls. While comfort food also reduced the epithelium in C+CF in comparison to controls, for group S+CF the comfort food ameliorated the stress-induced damage. The cell proliferation rate and the relative expression of StAR and BLC2 genes were similar between the groups. Both chronic stress and comfort food consumption resulted in morphological alterations of the testes but the consumption of comfort foods during chronic stress partially prevented the stress-induced detrimental effects on testes.

8509 Molecular and Reproductive Assessment in Ames strain under or not Hormonal Replacement

Abstract Disclosure: B.V. Azevedo: None. N. Trigueiro: None. J.M. Marques: None. V. Yariwake: None. L. Tamashiro: None. R. Cruz: None. M.M. Veras: None. L. Carvalho: None. Introduction: The Ames lineage, a mouse model with a mutation in the Prop1 gene, exhibits GH, TSH, and PRL deficiencies along with low levels of gonadotropins. This has prompted an investigation into aging and reproductive restoration after hormone replacement reported in the literature. Aims: The present study aims to analyze the pathophysiologic mechanisms in the reproductive system and fertility restoration. Methods: This is a prospective study approved by the ethical committee for animal use at the University of Sao Paulo Medical School. An isogenic Ames lineage was categorized into four groups: 1) Ames wild-type mice, 2) untreated Ames dwarf mice with sexual maturity, 3) untreated Ames dwarf mice without sexual maturity, and 4) Ames dwarf mice under hormonal treatment. Male Ames dwarf mice received treatment with levothyroxine and human recombinant GH, starting at 30 days postnatal (dp) for 40 days, followed by weekly applications until 90 dp. At the time of euthanasia, a set of analyses were conducted on animals from each group to characterize sexual maturation, fertility, and tissue collection for reproductive parameter analyses, such as seminiferous tubule morphology by histology, testicular weight, gonadosomatic index, and spermogram analysis. Additionally, pituitary RNAseq was performed using the poly-A tail capture method with the Illumina stranded mRNA prep kit and sequenced on the NextSeq 2000. Results: Treated dwarf mice exhibited fertility restoration, an increase in testicular volume with an improvement of testicular function, and complete spermatogenesis. Untreated Ames dwarf mice were infertile, but those that reached sexual maturity without hormonal replacement showed improvements in reproductive parameters, such as enhanced testicular development, maturation of some seminiferous tubules, increased testicular weight, and improvement in the spermogram compared to immature Ames dwarf mice. Transcriptome analyses revealed distinct patterns of all Ames dwarf mice groups and the wild-type. It was observed a decrease in Fshb expression in the group without sexual maturation compared to the wild-type group. Additionally, Prl and Slc6a12 were upregulated in the spontaneously sexually mature Ames dwarf compared to the non-restored Ames dwarf mice. Conclusion: GH and levothyroxine treatment in the Ames lineage are effective in restoring fertility and improving reproductive parameters in male Ames dwarf mice. However, sexually mature Ames dwarf mice without treatment presented improvements in reproductive and molecular parameters despite remaining infertile. These findings provide valuable insights into the complex interaction among hormonal replacement, modulating mechanisms, and sexual maturity. Presentation: 6/2/2024

8509 Molecular and Reproductive Assessment in Ames strain under or not Hormonal Replacement

Abstract Disclosure: B.V. Azevedo: None. N. Trigueiro: None. J.M. Marques: None. V. Yariwake: None. L. Tamashiro: None. R. Cruz: None. M.M. Veras: None. L. Carvalho: None. Introduction: The Ames lineage, a mouse model with a mutation in the Prop1 gene, exhibits GH, TSH, and PRL deficiencies along with low levels of gonadotropins. This has prompted an investigation into aging and reproductive restoration after hormone replacement reported in the literature. Aims: The present study aims to analyze the pathophysiologic mechanisms in the reproductive system and fertility restoration. Methods: This is a prospective study approved by the ethical committee for animal use at the University of Sao Paulo Medical School. An isogenic Ames lineage was categorized into four groups: 1) Ames wild-type mice, 2) untreated Ames dwarf mice with sexual maturity, 3) untreated Ames dwarf mice without sexual maturity, and 4) Ames dwarf mice under hormonal treatment. Male Ames dwarf mice received treatment with levothyroxine and human recombinant GH, starting at 30 days postnatal (dp) for 40 days, followed by weekly applications until 90 dp. At the time of euthanasia, a set of analyses were conducted on animals from each group to characterize sexual maturation, fertility, and tissue collection for reproductive parameter analyses, such as seminiferous tubule morphology by histology, testicular weight, gonadosomatic index, and spermogram analysis. Additionally, pituitary RNAseq was performed using the poly-A tail capture method with the Illumina stranded mRNA prep kit and sequenced on the NextSeq 2000. Results: Treated dwarf mice exhibited fertility restoration, an increase in testicular volume with an improvement of testicular function, and complete spermatogenesis. Untreated Ames dwarf mice were infertile, but those that reached sexual maturity without hormonal replacement showed improvements in reproductive parameters, such as enhanced testicular development, maturation of some seminiferous tubules, increased testicular weight, and improvement in the spermogram compared to immature Ames dwarf mice. Transcriptome analyses revealed distinct patterns of all Ames dwarf mice groups and the wild-type. It was observed a decrease in Fshb expression in the group without sexual maturation compared to the wild-type group. Additionally, Prl and Slc6a12 were upregulated in the spontaneously sexually mature Ames dwarf compared to the non-restored Ames dwarf mice. Conclusion: GH and levothyroxine treatment in the Ames lineage are effective in restoring fertility and improving reproductive parameters in male Ames dwarf mice. However, sexually mature Ames dwarf mice without treatment presented improvements in reproductive and molecular parameters despite remaining infertile. These findings provide valuable insights into the complex interaction among hormonal replacement, modulating mechanisms, and sexual maturity. Presentation: 6/2/2024

Denosumab stimulates spermatogenesis in infertile men with preserved Sertoli cell capacity

Sperm production depends on proper Sertoli-germ cell interaction, and we hypothesized that receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL) activity in Sertoli cells may influence spermatogenesis. Treatment with the RANKL inhibitor denosumab, normally used to treat osteoporosis, increased testicular weight, inhibin B, and germ cell proliferation in exvivo testis cultures and invivo in a humanized RANKL mouse. The effect on germ cell proliferation was positively associated with baseline serum concentrations of anti-müllerian hormone (AMH). In accordance, denosumab increased germ cell proliferation in exvivo human testis cultures with low/moderate but not severe impairment of Sertoli cell function. In a placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial, denosumab had no effect on semen quality but increased sperm concentration in a subgroup of infertile men with serum AMH ≥38 pmol/L at baseline. In conclusion, high serum AMH may increase the probability of a beneficial response to denosumab treatment in infertile men, thus suggesting a possible venue for precision medicine in male infertility.

Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) Seed on the Testis Histology (Mus musculus l.) Induced Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) is a substance that is able to produce free radicals such as ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species), which can cause oxidative stress in the body and damage reproductive organs such as the testes. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of avocado seed ethanol extract (Persea americana Mill.) on the histology of the testes of mice (Mus musculus L.) induced monosodium glutamate (MSG). This research is an experimental study that was conducted in October 2023 – January 2024 at Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Padang. The design used is a Complete Randomized Design (CRD) with 4 treatments and 6 repeats. The data obtained were analyzed using the ANOVA test (Analysis of variance) using the SPSS 23 application. The results showed that the administration of avocado seed ethanol extract showed a noticeable effect on the diameter of the testes of male mice exposed to MSG. However, it showed no noticeable influence on testicular weight, seminiferous tubule diameter and Leydig cell count. Ethanol extract avocado seed dose 0.84 mg /g body weight / day (P1) was able to improve the diameter of mice testes that had been induced MSGKeyword: Avocado seed extract, Histology of testis, Mice, MSG

Aloperine protects the testis against testicular ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats.

Testicular torsion/detorsion can cause testis loss and infertility. Aloperine is a major active alkaloid extracted from Sophora alopecuroides Linn. It has been shown to have organ-protective effects. However, the effects of aloperine on the testis and its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated the effect of aloperine on testicular torsion/detorsion injury in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to the sham-operated (sham), testicular I/R (TI/R), or aloperine preconditioning (ALOPre) or postconditioning (ALOPost) groups. All rats except for the sham-operated rats were subjected to 3h of right spermatic cord torsion (720°, clockwise), followed by 3h of detorsion. Aloperine (10mg/kg) was intravenously administered before testicular torsion (ALOPre) or at the onset of testicular detorsion (ALOPost). The therapeutic efficacy of aloperine was evaluated by histological analysis, oxidative stress evaluation, inflammatory response examination, apoptosis analysis, protein analysis, and immunohistological assessment. Compared with TI/R, aloperine protected both the ipsilateral and contralateral testes against unilateral testicular I/R, as evidenced by a reduced testicular weight to body weight (TW/BW) ratio (ALOPre: p=0.0037; ALOPost: p=0.0021) and volume (ALOPre: p=0.0020; ALOPost: p=0.0009), less structural damage with better Johnsen (ALOPre: p=0.0013; ALOPost: p=0.0021), and Cosentino scores (ALOPre: p<0.0001; ALOPost: p<0.0001), increased mean seminiferous tubule diameter and mean seminiferous tubule epithelial height, decreased testicular apoptosis, and less oxidative stress and inflammatory response. In addition, aloperine significantly stimulated the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-3 in the ipsilateral testes following detorsion. Administration of Ag490 suppressed STAT-3 phosphorylation, thereby abrogating the protective effects exerted by aloperine on the ipsilateral testis. Aloperine has a strong testicular protective effect on the ipsilateral and contralateral testes after testicular torsion/detorsion. This aloperine-induced ipsilateral testicular protection is mediated via the STAT-3 signaling pathway.

Impact of chronic opioid on cognitive function and spermatogenesis in rat: An experimental study.

Opioid analgesics like morphine and methadone are widely used for managing severe pain; however, concerns over their potential misuse and adverse effects on the brain and reproductive system are significant. We aimed to investigate their impacts on spermatogenesis and cognitive function in male Norway rats. In this experimental study, 36 male Norway rats (250-300 gr, 6 months old) were divided into 6 groups: low-dose morphine, high-dose morphine, low-dose methadone, high-dose methadone, positive control (received normal saline at 5 mg/kg), and negative control (received no treatment). Morphine and methadone were administered intraperitoneally over 30 days at doses of 3 mg/kg and 7 mg/kg, respectively. Behavioral assessments evaluated anxiety, stress, and short- and long-term memory. Sperm parameters (viability, motility, morphology), hormonal analysis (testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol), and gene expressions (Tp53, CatSper1) were assessed. A significant reduction in rat weight was observed in the high-dose morphine group (p = 0.0045), while testicular weights remained unchanged. Sperm abnormalities were observed with high doses of methadone and morphine. High-dose methadone significantly reduced offspring count (p = 0.0004). Levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, and estradiol varied significantly across treatment groups. Gene expression was altered in response to treatments (p 0.05). Prolonged exposure to methadone and morphine resulted in memory dysfunction, chronic stress, hormonal disturbances, altered gene expression, and fertility complications. These effects were more pronounced at higher doses, highlighting the importance of careful dosage management in opioid therapy.

Reproductive Analysis of Bryophyllum pinnatum Leaf extract against Cadmium Induced Testicular Damage

The purpose of this study is to explore if treatment with aqueous leaf extract of Bryophyllum pinnatum was effective in minimising cadmium induced testicular damage on the testes of male wistar rats. Twenty (20) mature male wistar rats was collected from Animal House of the Faculty of Basic medical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. Four subgroups, each consisting of four rats, were created from them. Group I was the control group and was given unlimited access to food and water for a period of two weeks. Group II was given a two-week treatmet of B. pinnatum together with CdcT + lovv. Group III had B. pinnatum at a medium dosage together with Cdcl for a fortnight. For two weeks, group IV received a high dosage of B. pinnatum along with Cdcl. Upon completion of the final dosage, the rats were sedated, and a blood sample was taken from each one via ocular puncture using a micro capillary tube for biochemical analysis and an epididymis dissection for semen analysis. All particulate parameters were analysed according to standard protocols. The results indicated a significant (p&lt;0.05) decrease in the rats’ final body weights in groups B and D in comparison to the control group. When the test groups’ testicular weight was compared to the control group, it dropped considerably (p&lt;0.05). Comparing all test groups to control, there was a significant (p&lt;0.05) decrease in both FSH and testosterone. When comparing the test groups to the control, there was a substantial (p&lt;0.05) decrease in the motility of active sperm, but there was a significant (p&lt;0.05) increase in the motility of sluggish and non-motile sperm. This study shown that Bryophyllum pinnatum leaf extract cannot reverse the reproductive harm caused by cadmium in rats. Keywords: Testes, Cadmium, Bryophyllum pinnatum, Reproductive Analysis, Cadmium and Testicular Damage

Prochloraz induced alterations in the expression of mRNA in the reproductive system of male offspring mice.

Prochloraz is a widely used fungicide worldwide. It is classified as an endocrine disrupting pesticide that affects the reproductive system. This study aimed to examine the impact of exposure to prochloraz of male mice on the reproductive system of their offspring male mice. Male father mice were intragastrically administered different dosages of prochloraz (group MA: 0 mg/kg/day; MB: 53.33 mg/kg/day; MD:160mg/kg/day). Then, the testicular average weight of male offspring in the dose groups was found to be significantly lower than those in the control group (MB:0.312g, MD:0.294g, and MA:0.355 g; P<0.05). Additionally, the testicular coefficient index in the MB and MD groups was also lower than that of the control group. Secondly,we observed that there were significantly different expressed genes clustered in groups B and D, in contrast to the control. Finally, the findings demonstrated a significant alteration in the response of male mice reproductive relative genes to prochloraz invasion. Two genes (Mt-nd6 and Slc12a4) were found to be involved in the regulation of sperm mitochondria function and six genes (Greb1, Esrrb, Catsperb, Mospd2, Sohlh1 and Specc1) were closely linked to sperm functions and estrogen response. The study revealed a significant impact of prochloraz on the reproductive system of male mice, thereby supporting further investigation into the reproductive toxicological effects of the drug.

Exploration of Indonesian Herbal Plants as Aphrodisiac agents and Testing their Activity in Animal Testing

Indonesia's abundant natural resources have spurred interest in exploring certain plants believed to possess aphrodisiac properties that can enhance male libido and reproductive health. This research endeavor is designed to delve into the extraction of compounds from various plant species, followed by a comprehensive analysis of their chemical constituents. Subsequently, aphrodisiac activity assessments are conducted on male rats, focusing on key parameters such as mating frequency, climbing behavior, and coital activities. Additionally, this investigation encompasses the determination of the percentage of relative testicular weight in relation to body weight and histopathological examination of testicular organs. The findings emanating from the extracts of Piper retrofractum (PRE), Solanum melongena fruit (EE), Ocimum basilicum leaves (OBLE), Watermelon albedo (WAE), and Zingiber officinale Var Rubrum rhizoma (ZRE) reveal the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins. Notably, EE, administered at a dosage of 30mg, yields the most prominent aphrodisiac effects in the test subjects, as evidenced by heightened mating frequency, climbing activity, and coital behaviors. Furthermore, the relative testicular weight following treatment with 30mg of PRE closely resembles the impact observed with sildenafil at a dosage of 10 mg/kgbw.

Role of Anonychium africanum (Plantae, Fabaceae) in Metal Oxido-Inflammatory Response: Protection Evidence in Gonad of Male Albino Rat.

Male fertility is strongly affected by the overexpression of free radicals induced by heavy metals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and gonado-protective effects of natural compounds. Biochemical and morphological assays were performed on male albino rats divided into five groups: a control group (water only), a group orally exposed to a metal mixture of Pb-Cd-Hg-As alone and three groups co-administered the metal mixture and an aqueous extract of the Nigerian medicinal plant, Anonychium africanum (Prosopis africana, PA), at three different concentrations (500, 1000, and 1500 mg/kg) for 60 days. The metal mixture induced a significant rise in testicular weight, metal bioaccumulation, oxidative stress, and pro-inflammatory and apoptotic markers, while the semen analysis indicated a lower viability and a decrease in normal sperm count, and plasma reproductive hormones showed a significant variation. Parallel phytochemical investigations showed that PA has bioactive compounds like phlobatannins, flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins, saponins, steroids, and alkaloids, which are protective against oxidative injury in neural tissues. Indeed, the presence of PA co-administered with the metal mixture mitigated the toxic metals' impact, which was determined by observing the oxido-inflammatory response via nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, thus boosting male reproductive health.

Subnutrition in different pregnancy stages affects IGF-1 serum concentration, its receptor expression and testicular morphology in pubertal male rats

In order to study the effects of subnutrition during different pregnancy stages on testicle development and its impact on both, IGF-1 serum concentration and its receptor production in Sertoli, Leydig and myoid cells, twenty-four primiparous female Wistar rats (331.9 ± 12.4 g body weight) were mated by the same male rat. Four groups were established: (CC) fed ad libitum during the entire pregnancy, (RC) restricted for days 0–10 of pregnancy, restricted from day 11 of pregnancy till parturition and (CR) restricted during the entire pregnancy (RR). All males from all groups were fed without restrictions since birth until puberty at day 40. During restriction stages, animals were offered 50% of the ad libitum daily food intake. Both, body and testicular weight were affected depending on which pregnancy stage the treatment was applied. On the other hand, IGF-1 production and the total Sertoli cell number was lower at day 40 if the treatment had been applied during either the entire pregnancy or in the second half. IGF-1 receptor expression was affected in Leydig cells if restriction was applied, regardless of which restricted group was studied. However, in myoid cells IGF-1 receptor expression increased when treatment was applied during the entire pregnancy. In conclusion, subnutrition in the different pregnancy stages affects body development, testicular weight and testicular morphology in pubertal male rats.