Testicular Weight Research Articles

Novel Therapeutic Potential of 'Ambon' Banana and Green Bean Sprout Extracts in Mitigating Cigarette Smoke-Induced Testicular Oxidative Stress and Sperm Quality Impairment

Cigarette smoke exposure generates free radicals, causing oxidative stress and adversely affecting reproductive organs, resulting in reduced sperm quality. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic benefits of 'Ambon' banana and green bean sprout extracts, either individually or in combination, in mitigating testicular MDA levels and preserving spermatogenic cells in rats exposed to cigarette smoke. 35 Male rats, aged 3 months, were divided into five groups: negative control, positive control (cigarette smoke-exposed), P1 (cigarette smoke + 'Ambon' banana extract), P2 (cigarette smoke + green bean sprout extract), and P3 (cigarette smoke + 'Ambon' banana and green bean sprout extracts). Cigarette smoke exposure was administered at 4 sticks/day/group for 30 days, and extracts were orally administered using a sonde for the same duration. The study showed that 'Ambon' banana extract, green bean sprout extract, and their combination significantly reduced testicular MDA levels, increased the number of spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids, testicular weight, diameter of seminiferous tubules, and the number of mouse Leydig cells in rats. This study highlights the potential therapeutic effects of 'Ambon' banana and green bean sprout extracts as protective agents against cigarette smoke-induced testicular oxidative stress and sperm quality impairment.

Abundance of selected genes implicated in testicular functions in Camelus dromedarius with high and low epididymal semen quality.

Studying testicular genes' expression may give key insights into precise regulation of its functions that influence epididymal sperm quality. The current study aimed to investigate the abundance of candidate genes involved in the regulation of testicular functions specially those regulate sperm function (PLA2G4D, SPP1, and CLUAP1), testicular steroidogenic function (ESR1 and AR), materials transport (AQP12B and LCN15), and defense mechanisms (DEFB110, GPX5, SOCS3, and IL6). Therefore, blood samples and testes with epididymis were collected from mature middle-aged (5-10years) dromedary camels (n= 45) directly prior and after their slaughtering, respectively, during breeding season. Sera were evaluated for testosterone level and testicular biometry was measured with caliper. The epididymal tail semen was evaluated manually. Samples were distinguished based on testosterone level, testicular biometry, as well as epididymal semen features into high and low fertile groups. Total RNA was isolated from testicular tissues and gene expression was done using Quantitative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). Results revealed that testosterone levels were significantly (P <0.005) higher in camels with good semen quality than those of low quality. There was a significant (P <0.0001) increase in testicular weight, length, width, thickness, and volume in high fertile than low fertile camels. PLA2G4D, SPP1, CLUAP1, ESR1, AR, AQP12B, LCN15, DEFB110, GPX5, and SOCS3 genes were upregulated (P <0.001), and IL6 gene was downregulated (P <0.01) in the testes of high fertile camels compared to the low fertile one. Thus, it could be concluded that examined genes might be valuable monitors of testicular functional status and fertility in dromedary camels.

Protective role of Moringa oleifera leaves extract against zinc oxide nanoparticles induced oxidative stress and infertility in adult male rats

Background: Nowadays, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NP) are one of the most commonly used nanoparticles. They are utilized in different fields, such as agriculture, industry, and biomedicine, and their release into the environment has a negative impact on humans. Moringa oleifera is a medicinal plant with a high nutritional value and a potential antioxidant property. Despite this, research on the impact of M. oleifera on the male reproductive system has been limited.Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the ameliorative role of Moringa oleifera leaf extract on ZnO-NP induced oxidative stress and testicular toxicity.Materials and Methods: zinc oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by the sol-gel approach and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Moringa oleifera leaves were extracted by the maceration method. Thirty-six adult male albino rats were randomly divided into six experimental groups (n = 6), Group (I) control received 1ml/day of 1% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as a vehicle for 4 weeks and 0.5 ml normal saline injected intraperitonially once a week for 2 weeks, group (II) and group (III) received an extract of M. oleifera leaves by oral gavage at a dosage of 400 and 600 mg/kg.bw/day respectively for 4 weeks, group (IV) received 150 mg/kg.bw ZnO-NP injected intraperitonially once a week for 2 weeks, group (V) and group (VI) received 150 mg/kg.bw ZnO-NP injected intraperitonially once a week for 2 weeks co-administrated with an extract of M. oleifera leaves at a dosage of 400 and 600 mg/kg.bw/day respectively for 4 weeks. At the end of the experiment, the rats were sacrificed, and blood samples were collected for estimation the level of serum testosterone. The epididymis was used for semen collection and analysis. The testes were dissected out from each rat and homogenized for the measurement of oxidative stress biomarkers.Results: The levels of serum testosterone, sperm count, normal sperm morphology, testicular weight, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase were significantly decreased (p&lt;0.01) in the ZnO NP-treated group. While the level of Malondialdehyde (MDA), and abnormal morphology were significantly increased (p&lt;0.0001) in the ZnO-NP treated group. M. oleifera leaf extract caused significant increase (p&lt;0.01) in the levels of testosterone, sperm count, normal morphology, and catalase, and significantly reduced (p&lt;0.01) Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and abnormal morphology in a dose-dependent manner in the groups (II) and (III) compared to the control group (I). ZnO-NP co-administrated with an extract of M. oleifera leaves of groups (V) and (VI) extract significantly increased (p&lt;0.01) the levels of testosterone, sperm count, normal morphology, testicular weight, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, and, significantly reduced (p&lt;0.01) MDA and abnormal morphology in a dose-dependent manner when compared with the ZnO-NP treated group.Conclusion: ZnO-NP caused oxidative stress in the rats, while the oral administration of Moringa oleifera leaf extract significantly mitigated the testicular toxicity induced by ZnO-NP in a dose-dependent manner.

Slc26a1 is not essential for spermatogenesis and male fertility in mice.

Thousands of genes are expressed in the testis of mice. However, the details about their roles during spermatogenesis have not been well-clarified for most genes. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of Slc26a1 deficiency on mouse spermatogenesis and male fertility. Slc26a1-knockout (KO) mice were generated using CRISPR/Cas9 technology on C57BL/6J background. We found no obvious differences between Slc26a1-KO and Slc26a1-WT mice in fertility tests, testicular weight, sperm concentrations, or morphology. Histological analysis found that Slc26a1-KO mouse testes had normal germ cell types and mature sperm. These findings indicated that Slc26a1 was dispensable for male fertility in mice. Our results may save time and resources by allowing other researchers to focus on genes that are more meaningful for fertility studies. We also found that mRNAs of two Slc26a family members (Slc26a5 and Slc26a11) were expressed on higher mean levels in Slc26a1-KO total mouse testes, compared to Slc26a1-WT mice. This effect was not found in mouse GC-1 and GC-2 germ cell lines with the Slc26a1 gene transiently knocked down. This result may indicate that a gene compensation phenomenon was present in the testes of Slc26a1-KO mice.

Melatonin exhibits partial protective effects against gemcitabine- and cisplatin-induced kidney and reproductive injuries in mice.

Cisplatin has the potential to cause kidney and reproductive organ injuries, prompting the search for protective agents against cisplatin-induced toxicity. Melatonin, an antioxidant hormone, has shown promise in mitigating oxidative stress in various organs. However, its protective effects on cisplatin-induced kidney and reproductive injuries have not been extensively investigated. The aim of this study was to explore the potential protective effects of melatonin on cisplatin-induced kidney and reproductive injuries when administered in combination with gemcitabine in mice. Male C57BL/6 mice were subjected to a seven-week treatment with gemcitabine plus cisplatin, with or without melatonin intervention. The testis, epididymis, and kidney were assessed through histological analysis and measurement of blood parameters. Treatment with cisplatin led to a significant reduction in testicular weight, histological abnormalities, and alterations in reproductive hormone levels. Melatonin exhibited a slight protective effect on the testis, with higher doses of melatonin yielding better outcomes. However, melatonin did not reverse the effects of cisplatin on the epididymis. Administration of melatonin before and during treatment with cisplatin plus gemcitabine in mice demonstrated a modest protective effect on testicular injuries, while showing limited effects on epididymal injuries. Serum creatinine levels in the group treated with gemcitabine plus cisplatin treatment and high-dose melatonin approached those of the control group, indicating a protective effect on the kidney. These findings underscore the potential of melatonin as a protective agent against cisplatin-induced kidney and reproductive injuries and emphasize the need for further research to optimize its dosage and evaluate its long-term effects.

Role for Nongenomic Estrogen Signaling in Male Fertility.

Estrogen actions are mediated by both nuclear (n) and membrane (m) localized estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1). Male Esr1 knockout (Esr1KO) mice lacking functional Esr1 are infertile, with reproductive tract abnormalities. Male mice expressing nESR1 but lacking mESR1 (nuclear-only estrogen receptor 1 mice) are progressively infertile due to testicular, rete testis, and efferent ductule abnormalities similar to Esr1KO males, indicating a role for mESR1 in male reproduction. The H2NES mouse expresses only mESR1 but lacks nESR1. The goal of this study was to identify the functions of mESR1 alone in mice where nESR1 was absent. Breeding trials showed that H2NES males are fertile, with decreased litter numbers but normal pup numbers/litter. In contrast to Esr1KO mice, H2NES testicular, and epididymal weights were not reduced, and seminiferous tubule abnormalities were less pronounced. However, Esr1KO and H2NES males both had decreased sperm motility and a high incidence of abnormal sperm morphology. Seminiferous tubule and rete testis dilation and decreased efferent ductule epithelial height characteristic of Esr1KO males were reduced in H2NES. Consistent with this, expression of genes involved in fluid transport and ion movement that were reduced in Esr1KO (Aqp1, Car2, Car14, Cftr) were partially or fully restored to wild-type levels in H2NES. In summary, in contrast to Esr1KO males, H2NES males are fertile and have reduced phenotypic and functional abnormalities in the testis and efferent ductules. Thus, mESR1 alone, in the absence of nESR1, can partially regulate male reproductive tract structure and function, emphasizing its importance for overall estrogen action.

Effect of atrazine on testicular toxicity involves accommodative disorder of xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes system and testosterone synthesis in European quail (Coturnix coturnix)

Due to the wide use of atrazine (ATR), the concern has increased regarding the negative impact of ATR on reproduction. Nevertheless, the reproductive effects caused by different exposure concentrations and the severity of toxic damage are poorly understood. In organisms, ATR is metabolized and degraded through phase II enzyme systems, and changes in cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes may have a regulatory role in the harm of ATR. However, less information is available on the induction of CYPs by ATR in avian organisms, and even less on its effects on the testis. Birds are exposed to ATR mainly through food residues and contaminated water, the purpose of this study was to examine reproductive toxicity by different exposure concentrations and elaborate metabolic disorders caused by ATR in European quail (Coturnix coturnix). In this study, the quail were given ATR at 50 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg by oral gavage for 45 days, and the testicular weight coefficients, histopathology and ultrastructure of testes, primary biochemical functions, sex steroid hormones, critical protein levels in the testosterone synthesis pathway, the expression of genes involved CYPs, gonad axis and nuclear receptors expression were investigated. Altogether, testicular coefficient decreased significantly in the high-dose group (1.22%) compared with the control group (3.03%) after 45 days of ATR exposure, and ATR is a potent CYP disruptor that acts through the NXRs and steroid receptor subfamily (APND, CAR, ERND and ERα) without a dose-dependent manner. Notably, ATR interfered with the homeostasis of hormones by triggering the expression of hormones on the gonad axis (LH and E2). These results suggest that exposure to ATR can cause testicular toxicity involving accommodative disorder of phase II enzyme and testosterone synthesis in European quail.

Erythritol attenuates testicular dysfunction in diabetic rat via suppression of oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis

Hyperglycemia –induced oxidative stress and inflammation have been closely associated with diabetes complications including testicular dysfunction. Conversely, reducing blood glucose and/or use of antioxidant have been associated with reduced diabetes complications. The present study investigated the effect of erythritol (which has both antioxidant and blood glucose lowering function) on diabetes –induced testicular dysfunction in rats. Thirty male Wistar rats (170–200g) were randomly divided into 5 groups: 1) control; 2) erythritol; 3) diabetic; 4) diabetic + erythritol 1000 mg/kg; and 5) diabetic + metformin 300 mg/kg. After 8 weeks of treatment period, blood sample, testes and epididymis were collected for reproductive hormones, biochemical and histological examinations, and sperm analysis respectively. There was a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in sperm count, sperm motility, sperm morphology and serum reproductive hormones (Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), Leutinizing hormone (LH), testosterone and gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH)) of diabetes rat compared to control. Also, diabetes rat showed increase in sperm and testicular malonaldehyde (MDA) and decrease in sperm and testicular superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and glutathione (GSH) level. Further, diabetes rat showed reduced testicular weight, decreased testicular 17β-HSD and 3β-HSD activity and testicular histo-architectural alteration which were accompanied by decrease testicular vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and concomitant increase in testicular myeloperoxidase activity and level of caspase 3. The present results indicates that induction of diabetes in rat causes reduction in the level of reproductive hormones (Testosterone, LH and FSH) as well as sperm and testicular oxidative stress causing abnormal sperm parameters, and biochemical and histo-architectural alterations in the testes of rats. In addition, the present results suggest that erythritol administration reduced blood glucose and ameliorated hyperglycemia –induced oxidative stress –mediated alterations in both sperm and testes of diabetes rat. Further, the present study suggests that erythritol improved testicular oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis by up-regulating VEGF.

IDENTIFICATION OF AQPS IN CHINESE HAMSTERS AND THEIR EXPRESSION PATTERNS IN TESTES OF DIFFERENT WEIGHTS

Aquaporins (AQPs) are a class of proteins encoded by MIP gene family, which play a critical role in maintaining cell morphology and small molecule transmembrane transport. In recent years, the role of AQPs in reproduction has gradually been revealed. They have been proved to be widely expressed in many species. The testicles of Chinese hamsters have the characteristics of large size and long spermatogenic cycle. This seems contradictory in evolution and has not been fully studied. At present, the whole genome analysis of AQPs in Chinese hamsters and the expression patterns in testes have not been reported. In this study, 13 AQPs were identified and characterized in the genome of Chinese hamster for the first time. Protein sequence analysis of AQPs showed that its structure and function were unified. The concentrations of testosterone are higher in larger testes. The expression patterns of AQPs in testes were different. AQP5, AQP7 and AQP11 were positively correlated with testicular weight. Sperm count showed that larger testes could produce more sperm and store it in epididymis. It is speculated that under the regulation of testosterone, AQPs affect the excretion of excess substances at the end of spermatogenesis, and adapt to the reproductive competition of Chinese hamsters by regulating the rate of spermatogenesis. The results provide basic resources for further studying the role of AQPs in spermatogenesis of Chinese hamster. Keywords: Chinese hamster; Testis; Reproduction competition; AQPs

Assessment of reproductive toxicity of Cyfluthrin and Pestban either individually or combined in adult male albino rats

Many studies on individual pesticide risk assessments are available, but the toxicity of combined usage is still to estimate. So, the current study investigated reproductive toxicity induced by exposure to cyfluthrin (CYF) and pestban (PES) and their mixture in adult male albino rats. Forty adult male albino rats were randomized into four groups. All treatments were given daily by oral gavage for 60 days. Group I (control group): this group included 16 rats, divided into two equal subgroups: subgroup Ia (negative control) and subgroup Ib (a vehicle control), in which each rat received 2 ml of corn oil. Group II: CYF group (15.6 mg/kg). Group III; PES group (7.45 mg/kg). Group IV: CYF + PES. Individual CYF and PES exposure significantly decreased testicular weight, serum testosterone level, and epididymal sperm count when compared to the control group. These biochemical changes were confirmed by histological and ultra-structural disarray and reduced immunoreactions of Melan-A (also known as MART-1, Melanoma Antigen Recognized by T-cells), but mutual exposure to both pesticides resulted in a highly significant difference compared to other treated groups. Co-administration of CYF and PES aggravated testicular toxicity, exhausting the endogenous antioxidant status, and down-regulating the immune expression of Melan-A. So, mixing both components can intensify the damaging effects of each compound on testes.

Dietary supplementation with barley sprouts and d-aspartic acid improves reproductive hormone concentrations, testicular histology, antioxidant status, and mRNA expressions of apoptosis-related genes in aged broiler breeder roosters

The objective was to determine effects of dietary supplementation of barley sprouts (BS) and/or d-aspartic acid (DA) on the reproductive potential of aged broiler roosters. Birds (n = 32, 50 wk old) were randomly allocated to receive dietary supplements of BS powder (2 % of basal diet), and DA (200 mg/kg BW), both, or neither, for 12 wk. Roosters were housed individually, with 14-h light/10-h dark, ad libitum feed and water, and euthanized after 12 wk. Mean (±SEM) total phenolic compounds and IC50 in methanol extract of sprouted barley were 302.8 ± 10.9 mg GAE/g and 600.8 ± 50.5 mg TE per 100 g, respectively. In weekly semen collections, sperm total and progressive motility, plasma membrane integrity, sperm concentration, and sperm production were higher (P < 0.05) in both the DA + BS and BS groups compared to the Control, but sperm abnormalities were unaffected. Feeding DA increased right, left, and combined testicular weights (P < 0.05, P < 0.05, and P < 0.01, respectively) and, the testicular index (P = 0.01). Feeding BS increased seminiferous tubule diameter (P < 0.01), whereas BS + DA increased seminiferous epithelium thickness (P < 0.01). There were more spermatogonia (P < 0.01) and Leydig cells (P < 0.05) in BS-fed roosters but Sertoli cells were highest in BS + DA (P < 0.01). Serum MDA concentrations were lowest in BS (P < 0.01), whereas serum testosterone and LH were highest in DA (P < 0.05) and BS + DA (P < 0.01), respectively. Feeding BS reduced serum total cholesterol (P < 0.05) and increased serum HDL-cholesterol (P < 0.01), with decreases in serum LDL (P < 0.01) and the LDL/HDL ratio (P < 0.01) for BS + DA compared to Control. Relative expression of glutathione peroxidase mRNA was increased by BS (P < 0.01) or DA (P < 0.05), whereas relative mRNA expression of SOD was highest in BA (P < 0.01). Control roosters were highest for both BAX (P < 0.01) and the relative expression of the BAX/BCL-2 ratio (P < 0.01), whereas BS + DA increased BCL-2 (P < 0.05). In conclusion, feeding BS, and/or DA significantly improved reproductive potential in aged broiler roosters.

Herbal Medicine Used to Increase the Libido of Male Mice (Mus musculus): Tribulus terrestris and Panax ginseng

Tribulus terrestris and Panax ginseng are two therapeutic plants that might increase libido. The aim of the study was to see the effects of herbal medicine containing Tribulus terrestris and Panax ginseng on increasing male mice libido. This study used mice divided into two sets of 7 and 14 days. Each group was divided into four parts: control (solvent), comparator (Vitan), and test 1 (herbal medicine). Parameters measured were mice sexual behaviour (introduction, climbing, coitus), sperm concentration, sperm motility, and testicular weight. Except for coitus behaviour, there were no significant changes between groups in the 7 days of treatment. There were significant differences in introduction and climbing behaviour between the control group and test 2 after 14 days of treatment, but not in other parameters. There were no significant variations in any parameters of the mice’s libido between 7 and 14 days of treatment with 1x dose of herbal medicine; however, with 2x doses, only introduction behaviour showed a significant difference. Based on the research results, it can be concluded that administering two doses of herbal medicine can increase the frequency of treatment for 14 days.

Exploring the Impact of Ketogenic Diet and Intermittent Fasting on Male Rats’ Testicular Health: An Analysis of Hormonal Regulation, Oxidative Stress, and Spermatogenesis

This study aimed to investigate the effects of ketogenic diet (KD), intermittent fasting (IF), and their combination on testicular tissue and hormonal changes in adult male rats. Twenty-eight adult male rats were randomly divided into four groups: control diet (CD), KD, IF, and KD combined with IF (IF + KD). Body and testicular weights were recorded, serum estradiol and testosterone levels were analyzed, and oxidative stress parameters and nitric oxide (NO) in testicular tissue were assessed. Furthermore, histopathological analysis of testicular tissue was conducted. KD notably enhanced body and testis weights and testosterone levels and reduced estradiol levels. Additionally, KD and IF + KD improved oxidative status by decreasing malondialdehyde and myeloperoxidase and increasing glutathione, catalase, and NO in testicular tissue. Histopathological examination showed enhanced spermatogenesis in KD and IF + KD groups. These findings suggest KD and IF may enhance male fertility via hormonal, oxidative, and histological improvements.

Physiological responses of rabbit buck fed diets supplemented with varied levels of nutmeg seed meal, clove leaf meal, and their composite mix

Abstract Fifty-six Hyla breeds of 12-week-old rabbit bucks were randomly distributed across 7 diet groups comprising the control, 0.25% nutmeg seed meal (NSM), 0.50%, 0.25% clove leaf meal (CLM), 0.50% CLM, 0.25% composite nutmeg and clove leaf meal mix (CNCM), and 0.50%CNCM. At the end of the 8 weeks of the experiment, 3 bucks per diet group were sacrificed. The growth performance, haematology, serum biochemical indices, and testicular morphometry of the buck were assessed. The different diet groups significantly increased (P&lt;0.05) the feed intake, weight gained, and feed conversion ratio compared to the control. The highest weight gained and best feed conversion ratio were observed among bucks fed 0.25% CNCM. Dietary supplementation of NSM, CLM, and CLCM at 0.25 and 0.50% levels did not affect (P&gt;0.05) the blood parameters, serum proteins, enzymes, and metabolites except for serum glutathione and catalase activity which revealed that the phytochemicals in NSM and CNCM could effectively combat free scavenging radicals. Testicular weight and densities were positively influenced (P&lt;0.05) by dietary supplements which are indicative of better testicular functions compared to the control. Hence, the synergetic effect of NSM and CLM at 0.25% supplementation level could be incorporated into Bucks’ diet for better productivity.

Morphological and Biochemical Evaluation of the Testes of Hyperglycemic Guinea Pigs Treated with Cyperus Esculentus Extract

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of Cyperus esculentus extract on Testicular Morphology and Biochemistry post streptozotocin-treatment in Male Guinea Pigs. Twenty guinea pigs were divided into four groups containing five pigs each. Group A served as the negative control was treated with 5ml/kg body weight of normal saline orally, Group B were treated with a single dose of 65mg/kg body weight of streptozotocin (STZ) intraperitoneally, Group C were treated with a single dose of 65mg/kg body weight of STZ and daily treatment with 150mg/kg of CEE orally and Group D were treated with a single dose of 65mg/kg body weight of STZ and daily treatment with 150mg/kg of CEE orally for 20days. Morphological scores and biochemical evaluation were done. Results showed a significant decrease in testicular weight, number of spematogonia, Leydig cells and Sertoli cells, levels of SOD and CAT as well as a significant increase in the level of MDA after the administration of STZ alone when compared to the control. A significant decrease in the levels of testosterone and FSH as well as a decrease in the level of LH was observed in group B when compared to the control. However, the groups that were co-treated with the extract had a better parameters and histological profiles when compared to the positive control group. CEE has a dose-dependent ameliorative effect on STZ-induced testicular hormonal, oxidative and histomorphometric degeneration.

Pathological, biochemical and hormonal changes associated with prolonged administration of methanol extract of &lt;i&gt;Garcinia kola&lt;/i&gt; seed in adult male Wistar rats.

Garcinia kola (GK) seed is believed to possess aphrodisiac properties hence its traditional use to manage erectile dysfunctions in man. However, there has been conflicting reports of its long-term effects on the male reproductive organs. In this study, the effect of varying doses of methanol extract of GK on testicular function and structure in Wistar rats was evaluated. Forty adult male rats (350-360g) were randomly divided into 4 groups. Groups 1, 2 and 3 received oral doses of 600mg/kg, 400mg/kg and 100mg/kg of the extract daily, respectively for 70 days while group 4 (control group) received normal saline (0.9% NaCl). Blood samples were collected fortnightly from each rat for serum chemistry and testosterone analysis. At termination, the testes, epididymides and livers were harvested, weighed and fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin and processed for histopathology. The results were presented as mean ± standard error of mean (SEM) and analyzed using one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) at P&lt; 0.05. Dose-related pathological changes were observed in the testes and epididymides. Testicular weight decreased significantly (p&lt;0.05) in 400mg/kg and 600mg/kg groups compared to the control group. There was testicular necrosis associated with distortion of the seminiferous tubular wall and reduced seminiferous tubular diameter. Seminiferous tubules had reduced germinal epithelial thickness along with an absence of viable spermatids and spermatozoa. Serum testosterone levels decreased progressively (p &lt; 0.01) in groups 1 and 2 while those of groups 3 and 4 remain unchanged. The results established that ingestion of methanol extracts of GK seed at the dose of 400mg/kg and 600mg/kg produced significant gonadal pathology in adult male Wistar rats despite the absence of remarkable hepatic biochemical and structural changes.

The role of HIF-1α-mediated autophagy in ionizing radiation-induced testicular injury.

Testis, as a key organ for maintaining male fertility, are extremely sensitive to ionizing radiation (IR). IR-induced testicular dysfunction and infertility are common adverse effects of radiation therapy in patients with pelvic cancer. To study the phenotype and mechanism of IR-induced testicular injury, the mice were irradiated with different radiation doses (0, 2 and 5Gy) below the semi-lethal dose for one month. Our present results showed that testicular weight and the serum testosterone levels significantly decreased with the structural injury of the testis in an IR dose-dependent manner, indicating that IR caused not only the structural damage of the testis, but also the functional damage. Further analysis by TUNEL staining and Western blotting found that IR induced the apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner as indicated by increased expressions of cleaved caspase3, p53 and Bax on Day 15 after IR treatment. Combined with significantly increased oxidative stress, these results indicated that IR-induced testicular damage may be a long-term, progressively aggravated process, accompanied by apoptosis. Given the role of autophagy in apoptosis, the present study also detected and analyzed the localization and expressions of autophagy-related proteins LC-3I/II, beclin1, p62 and Atg12 in testicular cells, and found that LC-3II, beclin1 and Atg12 expressions significantly increased in the testicular cells of mice irradiated with 2Gy and 5Gy, while p62 expression significantly decreased with 5Gy, implying autophagy was involved in the apoptosis of testicular cells induced by IR. Furthermore, the expressions of HIF-1α and BNIP3 were significantly enhanced in the testis cells of mice irradiated with 2Gy and 5Gy, suggesting the potential role of HIF-1α/BNIP3-mediated autophagy in the apoptosis of testicular cells induced by IR. Taken together, our findings demonstrated that HIF-1α/BNIP3-mediated autophagy not only plays a protective effect on the testicular cells of mice irradiated with 2Gy, but also induces the apoptosis of the testicular cells of mice irradiated with 5Gy, indicating the double effects on apoptosis, which will help us further understanding the molecular mechanisms of IR-induced testicular injury, and will facilitate us further studies on testicular radioprotection.

Histological Study of Alteration in Testes and Epididymis of Domestic Rabbits Caused by Tribulus Terrestris and Vitamin E

Tribulus Terrestris (TT) is a common herbal plant with different categories that grows in many countries of the world. Traditional Chinese and Indian therapies have used TT for infertility treatment and also as a powerful antioxidant agent. Therefore, this study aimed to use this plant supplemented with vitamin E to study their combined effects on the histological condition of the testicle and epididymis of rabbits. This study was performed on 28 healthy male rabbits (445-950 g, 2.0-3.0 months old) that were randomly divided into four groups (n=7). All animals were subjected to clinical examination to ensure that they were free of external and internal parasites with the use of some preventive treatments. The animals were housed individually (cage size: 50 cm×50 cm×40 cm) over the 60-day study period starting from January 2022, with an adaptation period of two weeks. Tribulus Terrestris and vitamin E treatments were as follows: the first group (G1) was daily fed on a standard diet and kept as the control group, the second group (G2) was daily fed on the same ration plus 1 g of TT (animal/daily), the third group (G3) was daily fed on the same ration plus 1 g of TT supplemented with 60 mg of vitamin E (orally) (animal /daily), and the fourth group (G4) was daily fed on the same ration, with the addition of 60 mg vitamin E per animal (orally). The morphometric investigation, macroscopic variables (including body weight, testicular weight, and volume), and the microscopic parameters of the testicular seminal tubule were measured. The histological section showed the absence of negative effects after the oral administration of TT at a dose of 1 g per day and 60 IU vitamin E for each animal. However, there was a positive effect on spermatogonia and spermatocytes in all animals, while the spermatogonia in the experimental groups were more dense, especially in the second and third groups, compared to the control group. The seminiferous tubules were significantly lined with spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and round spermatids (P&lt;0.5) in the experimental groups, compared to the control group. Nevertheless, the epididymis tissue did not show traces of histological changes, such as epididymal hyperplasia. Sperms were more frequent in the lumens of the epididymis as well as the lumens larger than those of the control. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that the pole plant and vitamin E have a positive effect on the epithelial lining of the seminiferous tubules and the epididymis with an increase in sperm formation and differentiation towards maturity.

The effects of coadministration of curcumin and vitamin E on the reproductive system of diabetic male rats; An experimental study

IntroductionDiabetes causes testicular damage due to oxidative stress. Nowadays, the use of vitamins and antioxidants is one of the common methods to treat this disease. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the effect of single and combined administration of these two substances on the reproductive system of male diabetic rats. Method and materialsIn this study, 48 adult male Wistar rats weighing 250–270 grammes were divided into 6 groups: Control group, diabetic group, vehicle group, vitamin E, curcumin group, and vitamin E and curcumin group. The control group was the healthy group, and in the other groups, the rats were made diabetic by streptozotocin (60 mg/kg/ip). The vehicle group received 1 ml of olive oil, the vitamin E group (100 mg/kg/ip) received Vit.E, and the curcumin group (50 mg/kg/ip) received Cu. The group of rats received vitamin E and curcumin. At the end of the sixth week after treatment, blood was taken from the rats and biochemical analysis was performed to check the amount of malondialdehyde (MDA), LH hormones and serum testosterone, then the rats were killed and their testes and epididymides were removed. The weight of the testes and sperm parameters, the maturity of sperm nuclei and the integrity of their DNA were checked. The number of spermatogenic cells was determined by histological examination. ResultsThis study showed that diabetes caused a decrease in testicular weight, sperm count, motility, and viability, an increased percentage of sperm with immature nuclei, and an increased percentage of sperm with denatured DNA. In addition, diabetes decreased the average number of matogenic sperm, and biochemical results showed that diabetes increased the level of MDA and decreased the level of the hormones LH and testosterone. Treatment with vitamin E, curcumin and their combination improved all these parameters, and this improvement was significant in the Toam group. ConclusionCombined administration of vitamin E and curcumin in diabetic rats significantly improves sperm parameters, matogenic sperm count, and improves MDA levels, LH, and serum testosterone compared with separate treatment.

The Palliative and Antioxidant Effects of Hesperidin against Lead-Acetate-Induced Testicular Injury in Male Wistar Rats.

Lead (Pb)-induced reprotoxicity is a detrimental consequence of Pb exposure, which results in abnormal spermatogenesis, testicular degeneration, and pathogenic sperm changes. The association between impaired male reproductive function and Pb-induced oxidative stress (OS) has been demonstrated, with consequent testicular antioxidant deficiency. The current study investigated the protective role of the natural antioxidant hesperidin (HSD) against lead-acetate (PbAc)-induced testicular toxicity. Male Wistar rats (n = 40) were randomly divided into four experimental groups: Group I (negative control) received 2.0 mL/kg BW 0.9% saline; Group II received 100 mg/kg BW PbAc; Group III received 100 mg/kg BW HSD; and Group IV received HSD two hours before PbAc using the abovementioned doses. The treatments were administered daily for 30 consecutive days. The results showed that HSD treatment significantly restored PbAc-induced decrease in body, epididymal, and testicular weights as well as in semen parameters, reproductive hormones, and testicular markers of OS. Reduced MDA levels and improved testicular histopathological findings were also observed. Collectively, this study sheds light on the preventive role of HSD against PbAc-induced testicular injury, which is mediated via the suppression of OS and the modulation of reproductive hormones as well as the plausibility of HSD being used as a supplementary therapeutic option for recovery.