Testis Sperm Research Articles

A phytochemical analysis and in vivo effects of an herbal aphrodisiac Newtonia hildebrandtii on male wistar rat reproductive system

Background: The study was aimed at screening phytochemicals and evaluating the effects of aqueous and 50% (v/v) methanol stem bark extracts of Newtonia hildebrandtii on male rat reproductive system. Materials and Methods: Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups and were given different treatments of N. hildebrandtii extracts at 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight. After 8 weeks, body and right testis weight, sperm concentration, hormonal levels, and histological structure of the testis were evaluated. Calorimetric method was used for quantitative analysis of phenolic compounds, whereas gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used for fingerprinting of chemical compounds. Results: Testosterone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol, and follicle-stimulating hormone levels were significantly increased, whereas prolactin levels were significantly decreased in the treated groups compared to the control. Sperm parameters were significantly increased compared to the control. Treated animals showed significant increases in body weight, seminiferous tubule diameter, and germinal epithelial height with the testes showing all the stages of spermatogenesis. Phytochemical screening of the methanolic extracts revealed the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, reducing sugars, steroids, anthraquinones, flavonoids, phenols, and saponins. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of dimethylsilanediol; (R, R)-2,3-butanediol; hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane; succinimide; 1H-1,2,3-triazole-4-carboxylic acid, 1-(4-amino-1,2,5-oxadiazol-3-yl)-5-ethyl-, ethyl ester; l-(+)-ascorbic acid 2,6-dihexadecanoate; cis-13,16 docasadienoic acid, methyl ester; 9-octadecenoic acid (Z)-, 2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl) ethyl ester; and 2-chloro-benzoic acid N'-[2-(3-oxo-3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[1,4]thiazin-2-yl)-acetyl]-hydrazide. Conclusion: N. hildebrandtii appears to possess androgenic and anabolic effects. The aforementioned phytochemicals seem to be responsible for its aphrodisiac effects. This study supports the ethno-aphrodisiac claims that have been made against it.

THE ACTIVITY AND ISOFORMS OF SUPEROXIDE DISMUTASE IN TISUES OF REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS OF RATS

The aсtivity of superoxide dismutase, the content of its isoforms in testis, epididimis, and in epididimal spermatozoa of pubescent rat males were studied. The experiments were performed on adult male rats (age 5 - 6 months). After decapitation, the testes and the epididimis were taken, from which the spermatozoa were washed with 0.9 % sodium chloride solution. The total protein and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) were determined in the supernatant and the sperm suspension. SOD isoforms were detected after electrophoresis in 10 % polyacrylamide gel by specific staining of gel plates with nitrosine tetrazolium. The highest activity was found to be in the tissue of the testes (18.2 ± 2.59 IU/mg of protein), less on 34.6% in the epididymis and the lowest on 46.7% in epididymal sperm. Electrophoresis in 10 % polyacrylamide gel and specific staining in the tissues of testis, epididymis, and epididymal sperm of rats revealed five major SOD isoforms, which, depending on the speed of movement in PAAG, were labeled, from maximum to least mobile, such as S1, S2, S3, S4 and S5. The specifity of testicular tissue is the presence of two minor isoforms (S1a- and S1b-isoforms), which are characterized by high electrophoretic mobility and lower intensity of manifestation, and the color disappears over time, unlike other proteins of the enzyme. It was found that the SOD isoenzyme spectrum is characterized by tissue specificity and depended on the physiological and functional features of the tissue of the reproductive organs of males and spermatozoa. In the testis tissue, S2 isoform was in the largest amount– 36.7 ± 1.91%, less and almost the same content of S1-, S3- and S4-isoforms (18.0 ± 3.27, 19.3 ± 3.98 and 15.7 ± 2.15%) and the least – S5-, S1a- and S1b-isoform (6.2 ± 1.20%; 2.2 ± 0.03 and 1.9 ± 0.01%). In the epididimis tissue, the content of the S3-isoform was higher on 17.9% and S2- and S1- respectively on 7.9% and 4.9%, respectively, compared to the testis. SOD isoenzymes of epididymal spermatozoa are characterized by a high content of S2 isoforms, which is more on 11.2% than in the testis, and the content of S1 isoforms, by contrast, is lower on 10.0%. The established differences in the content and activity of individual isoforms of the enzyme indicate the existence of tissue specificity of SOD proteins, due to the functional characteristics of the studied tissues. Optimal protection of sperm from O2• - in the process of their differentiation and maturation is ensured by the activity of different SOD isoforms, confirming the established differences in the isoenzyme spectrum.

Foxl3, a sexual switch in germ cells, initiates two independent molecular pathways for commitment to oogenesis in medaka

Germ cells have the ability to differentiate into eggs and sperm and must determine their sexual fate. In vertebrates, the mechanism of commitment to oogenesis following the sexual fate decision in germ cells remains unknown. Forkhead-box protein L3 (foxl3) is a switch gene involved in the germline sexual fate decision in the teleost fish medaka (Oryzias latipes). Here, we show that foxl3 organizes two independent pathways of oogenesis regulated by REC8 meiotic recombination protein a (rec8a), a cohesin component, and F-box protein (FBP) 47 (fbxo47), a subunit of E3 ubiquitin ligase. In mutants of either gene, germ cells failed to undergo oogenesis but developed normally into sperm in testes. Disruption of rec8a resulted in arrest at a meiotic pachytenelike stage specifically in females, revealing a sexual difference in meiotic progression. Analyses of fbxo47 mutants showed that this gene regulates transcription factors that facilitate folliculogenesis: LIM homeobox 8 (lhx8b), factor in the germline α (figla), and newborn ovary homeobox (nobox). Interestingly, we found that the fbxo47 pathway ensures that germ cells do not deviate from an oogenic pathway until they reach diplotene stage. The mutant phenotypes together with the timing of their expression imply that germline feminization is established during early meiotic prophase I.

Sperm and histological evaluation of testis and epididymis of canine naturally infected by Brucella canis

Canine brucellosis is a chronic infectious disease that directly affects the male and female reproductive tract. This study aims to evaluate and compare the damage caused by this infection in male canines. Four canines positive for canine brucellosis were selected, confirmed by blood culture, IDGA and PCR tests. They were submitted to seminal analysis, posterior orchiectomy and histological evaluation of the testicles. The seminal analysis showed morphological changes compatible with the disease. On histology a moderate interstitial multifocal lymphohistiocytic infiltrate was visualized in the epididymis and in the teste’s vacuolar degeneration.

Factors influencing sperm retrieval rate by Microdissection Testicular Sperm Extraction (mTESE) in non-obstructive azoospermia cases: a literature review

Background:Â Non-Obstructive Azoospermia (NOA) had dominating 60% of all azoospermia cases. Sperm Retrieval Techniques (SRT) continued with Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) are therapy modalities helping infertile azoospermia to be fertile. There are some options of SRT such as PESA, MESA, TESE, TESA and microdissection-TESE (mTESE) to collect sperm from azoospermia cases. This study aims to evaluate some factors influencing sperm retrieval rate by mTESE in non-obstructive azoospermia cases.Method:Â The data collection for eligible articles were conducted from 2011 to 2019. Different database and manual search methods were used to find the topic-related articles, particularly in some factors influencing the sperm retrieval rate of mTESE in NOA cases. A total of 21 relevant kinds of literature were studied regarding some factors that might be increasing or decreasing of sperm retrieval rate by mTESE procedure. However, four literature were elaborated further due to a similar approach to get the results.Results:Â A previous study from Saudi Arabia with 264 patients samples found significant different on testosterone level who had successful Sperm Retrieval Rate (SRR) 57.25%. SRR was related by several factors of testosterone, FSH, bilateral testis retrieval and seminiferous tubules diameter taken as the earliest study from India. Besides, taking bilateral testis sperm retrieval also had low SRR 14.4%, but serum FSH level was not influenced by increasing SRR. The previous study found a very weak correlation between FSH and SRR. A different study was conducted in Italy found that all NOA patient who undergone mTESE procedure found the Maturation Arrest (MA) has the significant higher success SRR until 67% after Sertoli Cell Only (SCO) syndrome and sclera-hyalinosis histology.Conclusion:Â SRR depends on some factors those influencing by hormonal baseline preoperative such as testosterone level and FSH serum level, technique and how mTESE done by the operator in mTESE procedure.

Autologous transplantation of spermatogonial stem cells restores fertility in congenitally infertile mice

The blood-testis barrier (BTB) is thought to be indispensable for spermatogenesis because it creates a special environment for meiosis and protects haploid cells from the immune system. The BTB divides the seminiferous tubules into the adluminal and basal compartments. Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) have a unique ability to transmigrate from the adluminal compartment to the basal compartment through the BTB upon transplantation into the seminiferous tubule. Here, we analyzed the role of Cldn11, a major component of the BTB, in spermatogenesis using spermatogonial transplantation. Cldn11-deficient mice are infertile due to the cessation of spermatogenesis at the spermatocyte stage. Cldn11-deficient SSCs failed to colonize wild-type testes efficiently, and Cldn11-deficient SSCs that underwent double depletion of Cldn3 and Cldn5 showed minimal colonization, suggesting that claudins on SSCs are necessary for transmigration. However, Cldn11-deficient Sertoli cells increased SSC homing efficiency by >3-fold, suggesting that CLDN11 in Sertoli cells inhibits transmigration of SSCs through the BTB. In contrast to endogenous SSCs in intact Cldn11-deficient testes, those from WT or Cldn11-deficient testes regenerated sperm in Cldn11-deficient testes. The success of this autologous transplantation appears to depend on removal of endogenous germ cells for recipient preparation, which reprogrammed claudin expression patterns in Sertoli cells. Consistent with this idea, in vivo depletion of Cldn3/5 regenerated endogenous spermatogenesis in Cldn11-deficient mice. Thus, coordinated claudin expression in both SSCs and Sertoli cells expression is necessary for SSC homing and regeneration of spermatogenesis, and autologous stem cell transplantation can rescue congenital defects of a self-renewing tissue.

Gestational and lactational exposure to gossypol alters the testis transcriptome

BackgroundReproductive capacity can be altered by challenges experienced during critical periods of development, including fetal development and early neonatal life. Gossypol is a polyphenolic compound, commonly found in cotton seeds, that impairs male reproduction. Here, we investigated whether the exposure to gossypol in utero and during lactation alters male reproductive function in sheep. From conception until 60 days postpartum, ewes were randomly assigned to a control diet or a gossypol-rich diet based on cottonseed. Lamb testicles were removed at 60 days of age and subjected to RNA-sequencing.ResultsLambs derived from the maternal cottonseed diet showed significantly lower growth and lower testis weight as a proportion of the total body weight, and reduced testosterone levels. In addition, the testis transcriptome was significantly altered by the maternal cottonseed diet. Most of the altered genes are directly implicated in testis development and sperm biology, cell communication, iron ion metabolism, calcium homeostasis and signaling, among other functions. Interestingly, network analysis revealed that exposure to gossypol significantly disturbed coexpression patterns among spermatogenesis-related genes, suggesting a disruption in coregulation mechanisms.ConclusionsOur findings provide evidence that maternal exposure to gossypol alters male reproductive function in the offspring, with potential lasting or lifelong negative consequences.

Deleterious effect of short-term gavage of an ethanol extract of cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica L.) roots on testis and epididymal sperm quality

Background and Aim:Cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica L.) (CGG) is a herbal medicine that could be developed into a male antifertility agent. The present study aims to determine the effect of an ethanol extract of CGG roots on mice testicular activity, reproductive hormone levels, and epididymal sperm quality.Materials and Methods:This study was designed as completely randomized with three different doses, such as an ethanol extract of CGG roots at 0 (control), 90, and 115 mg/kg body weight. In total, 21 male DDY mice strain were treated with the CGG extract (by gavage) for 14 days, followed by an evaluation of reproductive organs, epididymal sperm quality, testis histology, histomorphometry, and reproductive hormone assays. All quantitative data were analyzed by analysis of variance, followed by Tukey’s post hoc test at α=0.05.Results:The results showed that the administration of the CGG root ethanol extract disrupted the testis interstitial area and seminiferous tubules, resulting in decreased epididymal sperm quality as well as serum testosterone levels in a dose-dependent pattern.Conclusion:Oral administration of a CGG root ethanol extract induced testicular damage, decreased epididymal sperm quality, and impaired testosterone secretion.

12주간 트레드밀 운동이 에탄올 투여 수컷 흰쥐 고환조직의 항산화효소 활성 및 정자의 질에 미치는 영향

12주간 트레드밀 운동이 에탄올 투여 수컷 흰쥐 고환조직의 항산화효소 활성 및 정자의 질에 미치는 영향

Epigenetic Inactivation of SOX30 Is Associated with Male Infertility and Offers a Therapy Target for Non-obstructive Azoospermia

Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is the most severe form of male infertility. However, the etiology of NOA is largely unknown, resulting in a lack of clinical treatments. Here, we performed a comparative genome-wide profiling of DNA methylation and identified SOX30 as the most notably hyper-methylated gene at promoter in testicular tissues from NOA patients. This hyper-methylation at promoter of SOX30 directly causes its silencing of expression in NOA. The reduced levels of SOX30 expression are correlated with severity of NOA disease. Deletion of Sox30 in mice uniquely impairs testis development and spermatogenesis with complete absence of spermatozoa in testes leading to male infertility, but does not influence ovary development and female fertility. The pathology and testicular size of Sox30 null mice highly simulate those of NOA patients. Re-expression of Sox30 in Sox30 null mice at adult age reverses the pathological damage of testis and restores the spermatogenesis. The re-presented spermatozoa after re-expression of Sox30 in Sox30 null mice have the ability to start a pregnancy. Moreover, the male offspring of Sox30 re-expression Sox30 null mice still can father children, and these male offspring and their children can live normally more than 1 year without significant difference of physical appearance compared with wild-type mice. In summary, methylated inactivation of SOX30 uniquely impairs spermatogenesis, probably causing NOA disease, and re-expression of SOX30 can successfully restore the spermatogenesis and actual fertility. This study advances our understanding of the pathogenesis of NOA, offering a promising therapy target for NOA disease.

Proceedings of the 2019 National Toxicology Program Satellite Symposium.

The 2019 annual National Toxicology Program Satellite Symposium, entitled "Pathology Potpourri," was held in Raleigh, North Carolina, at the Society of Toxicologic Pathology's 38th annual meeting. The goal of this symposium was to present and discuss challenging diagnostic pathology and/or nomenclature issues. This article presents summaries of the speakers' talks along with select images that were used by the audience for voting and discussion. Various lesions and topics covered during the symposium included aging mouse lesions from various strains, as well as the following lesions from various rat strains: rete testis sperm granuloma/fibrosis, ovarian cystadenocarcinoma, retro-orbital schwannoma, periductal cholangiofibrosis of the liver and pancreas, pars distalis hypertrophy, chronic progressive nephropathy, and renal tubule regeneration. Other cases included polyovular follicles in young beagle dogs and a fungal blood smear contaminant. One series of cases challenged the audience to consider how immunohistochemistry may improve the diagnosis of some tumors. Interesting retinal lesions from a rhesus macaque emphasized the difficulty in determining the etiology of any particular retinal lesion due to the retina's similar response to vascular injury. Finally, a series of lesions from the International Harmonization of Nomenclature and Diagnostic Criteria Non-Rodent Fish Working Group were presented.

Combined effects of arsenic exposure and diabetes on male reproductive functions.

It is known that exposure to either arsenic or hyperglycemia can induce male reproductive damages. However, their combined effects on male reproductive organs are still unclear. Therefore, the present study investigated morphological and functional parameters of the testis, epididymis, and spermatozoa in diabetic rats exposed to arsenate. Diabetes was induced in male rats by intraperitoneal streptozotocin injection. While a set of healthy and diabetic animals received saline solution (negative control and diabetes control, respectively), the other set received 10mg/L sodium arsenate (arsenic control and diabetes + arsenic groups, respectively) for 40days in drinking water. Testosterone concentration, daily sperm production, sperm counts in the testis and epididymis, and sperm parameters were evaluated in the groups. Moreover, testis and epididymis were subjected to antioxidant enzymes analysis, micromineral determination, and histopathological evaluation. Arsenate exposure reduced serum testosterone concentration in healthy animals and worsened this reduction in diabetic rats. In addition, the number of spermatozoa in testis and epididymis tissues, as well as the daily sperm production, was decreased in these groups. Sperm parameters such as motility, morphology, and integrity of acrosomal and plasma membranes were impaired in health animals exposed to arsenate. The combination of diabetes and arsenate, in turn, increased only the percentage of spermatozoa with abnormal morphology. Moreover, the proportion of arsenic increased in the testis and epididymis of both groups receiving arsenate. Its bioaccumulation in these organs caused an imbalance in antioxidant enzymes activities and mineral content in healthy animals, enhancing these changes in diabetic rats. Testicular pathologies occurred mainly in animals co-exposed to diabetes and arsenate. Our results indicate that arsenate exposure enhances several damages to male reproductive functions in diabetic rats, mainly by impairing testosterone levels and inducing nitrosative stress in testis and epididymis.

Non-canonical RNA polyadenylation polymerase FAM46C is essential for fastening sperm head and flagellum in mice†.

Family with sequence similarity 46, member C (FAM46C) is a highly conserved non-canonical RNA polyadenylation polymerase that is abundantly expressed in human and mouse testes and is frequently mutated in patients with multiple myeloma. However, its physiological role remains largely unknown. In this study, we found that FAM46C is specifically localized to the manchette of spermatids in mouse testes, a transient microtubule-based structure mainly involved in nuclear shaping and intra-flagellar protein traffic. Gene knockout of FAM46C in mice resulted in male sterility, characterized by the production of headless spermatozoa in testes. Sperm heads were intermittently found in the epididymides of FAM46C knockout mice, but their fertilization ability was severely compromised based on the results of intracytoplasmic sperm injection assays. Interestingly, our RNA-sequencing analyses of FAM46C knockout testes revealed that mRNA levels of only nine genes were significantly altered compared to wild-type ones (q<0.05). When considering alternate activities for FAM46C, in vitro assays demonstrated that FAM46C does not exhibit protein kinase or AMPylation activity against general substrates. Together, our data show that FAM46C in spermatids is a novel component in fastening the sperm head and flagellum.

Correlation between expression of CatSper1,2 and sperm parameters in the gamma irradiated adult mouse testis

Propose: CatSper protein channels are responsible for the entry of Ca2+ into sperm cells. These proteins play an important role in motility and male fertility. So it is important to find out whether or not environmental factors, such as gamma radiation, have an effect on the expression of Catsper genes. In this study, we investigated the effects of gamma radiation on the expression of CatSper1 and CatSper2 genes.Materials and methods: Twenty-one male NMRI mice were divided into three groups: a control group without gamma radiation, and two experimental groups; Group 1 treated with 1 Gy of gamma radiation, and Group 2 treated with a higher dose of 2 Gy gamma radiation. Testes were removed from all groups of animals 35 days following irradiation and the testicular tissue, processed and embedded in paraffin blocks for sectioning and histological examination. Sperm samples were also taken from the epididymis for microscopic. Sperm parameters such as sperm count, morphology, motility, and viability rates were analyzed. Expression of CatSper genes was evaluated using Real-time PCR. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software and ANOVA test.Results: Our results showed that after treatment with gamma radiation, testes morphology was changed. Epididymal sperm count, motility, and morphology rates were significantly affected in both experimental groups compared to the control group. The relative expressions of CatSper 1 and 2 genes were significantly reduced in the irradiated mice (1 Gy and 2 Gy) than non-irradiated ones.Conclusions: Gamma radiations not only change testes histology and sperm parameters, but also decrease the expression of CatSper 1 and 2 genes in male mice.

Annual Reproductive Activity and Morphology of the Reproductive System of an Andean Population of Atractus (Serpentes, Colubridae)

The reproductive activity of most of tropical Andean snakes is unknown, especially for fossorial species. An undescribed species of Atractus from Cordillera Oriental of Colombia occupies a habitat that undergoes two rainy seasons and two dry seasons. This strongly seasonal climate suggests that the reproductive phenology of the species might be seasonal or continuous with reproductive peaks related to rainfall. To test this hypothesis, we studied the annual reproductive activity of this population and other aspects of its reproductive biology. We determined the reproductive stages in males by studying morphometry and histology of the testes, sexual segment of the kidney (SSK), and excurrent ducts. In females, reproductive stages were based on the macroscopic and morphometric analyses of the ovaries and histology of the oviducts. Adult males had spermatozoa in testes and ducts and hypertrophied SSK throughout the year. Similarly, reproductive (vitellogenic) females were found during most of the year; however, a high percentage of adult non-reproductive females (44%) was also found throughout the year. Therefore, females are asynchronous in their reproductive stage. Similarly, juveniles of different sizes were found year-round and no particular time of neonatal recruitment was detected. All adult females had abundant sperm within crypts, the lumen of the vagina, and the utero-vaginal junction, suggesting extended or permanent female receptivity. In contrast, although all females had seminal receptacles in the posterior infundibulum, only late vitellogenic females had sperm within these receptacles, suggesting preovulation migration of sperm from vaginal crypts to seminal receptacles. Therefore, adult males are reproductive throughout the year and constitute a permanent resource for females, whereas females have extended, aseasonal reproductive cycles with an evidently discontinuous reproductive cycle with only one clutch per year.

Klinefelter syndrome and fertility preservation

In this mini-review pathophysiology, symptoms, diagnosis and management of Klinefelter syndrome (KS) patients are discussed, including fertility preservation. The real complete spectrum of KS phenotypes remain still to be fully elucidated. Hypogonadism and infertility are almost invariably present. Almost all organs of KS patients are associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Treatment is multidisciplinary for associated speech, language, learning and neurocognitive difficulties. Pharmacologic treatment is by topical or i.m administration of testosterone replacement therapy (TTR).The effect of TTR on compromised spermatogenesis is not well known. In this millennium fertility preservation by testes sperm extraction (TESE) via biopsies and fathering by subsequent intra cytoplasmc sperm injection (ICIS) has become possible with some 60% success rate in small studies. However, offspring data of KS patients are lacking and many knowledge gaps still exist.

Interspecific diversity of testes mass and sperm morphology in the Philippine chrotomyine rodents: implications for differences in breeding systems across the species.

The high diversity of native Philippine murid rodents includes an old endemic group, the chrotomyines, which are the sister group of the Australasian hydromyines. Herein we detail their interspecific diversity of relative testes mass (RTM) and sperm morphology. We find that in chrotomyines, as in the Australasian hydromyines, testes mass relative to body mass differs by an order of magnitude across the species and ranges from a large RTM in Soricomys and Chrotomys species to a small RTM in Apomys. Sperm morphology is associated with these findings, with individuals in species of Soricomys and Chrotomys producing relatively larger spermatozoa with a prominent apical hook and long tail, whereas, by contrast, the Apomys species have a sperm head that either has a very short or no apical hook and a shorter tail. These findings indicate coevolution of RTM with sperm morphological traits across the species, with the marked interspecific differences in RTM suggesting differences in the intensity of intermale sperm competition and hence breeding system. Thus, we hypothesise that species of Soricomys and Chrotomys that produce more streamlined spermatozoa with longer tails have a polyandrous or promiscuous mating system, whereas the Apomys species, which produce smaller and less streamlined spermatozoa, may exhibit monogamy.

Flaxseed oil as a protective agent against bisphenol-A deleterious effects in male mice

BackgroundFlaxseed oil is one of the most vital oils that contain a high content of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) recognized as a high-quality nutrition for health benefits. In addition, a source of vitamin E and β-carotene has a positive health effect in a variety of pathologies. The goal of the present work was to investigate the protecting character of flaxseed oil against bisphenol-A deleterious effects in male mice. Animals were gavaged with BPA for 28 successive days. They were orally administered flaxseed oil either before, with, or after treatment of BPA. DNA damage was evaluated in the liver, testes, and bone marrow cells using comet and micronucleus assays. Liver and testes histopathological examination as well as sperm physical characters were also investigated.ResultsThe results showed that BPA induced a significant raise in DNA damage that obviously appear in the increase of tail length, tail DNA percentage, and tail moment in the liver and testes. In addition, there was an increase in the frequency of micronuclei in bone marrow cells. Liver and testes histopathological alterations and sperm count and motility significant comedown were seen in male mice exposed to BPA as well. Conversely, flaxseed oil oral administration through the three regimens of treatment effectively attenuated the abovementioned effects. Moreover, administration of flaxseed oil before BPA treatment was the best protocol in the attenuation of BPA toxic effects.ConclusionsFlaxseed oil successfully attenuated the BPA genotoxicity, sperm defects, and histological alterations in male mice that may be referred to its antioxidant property.

UCHL1 expression and localization on testicular development and spermatogenesis of Chinese giant salamanders.

Ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1), which is extensively expressed in vertebrates, is a deubiquitinating enzymes that inhibits the degradation of proteins by reversing ubiquitination modification. Herein, a 1087-bp sequence encoding UCHL1 was identified from the Chinese giant salamander (CGS; Andrias davidianus). The coding sequences (CDS) of UCHL1 encoded a putative poly peptide of 222 amino acids. The CGS UCHL1 isoforms were more related to their human and mouse counterparts. The phylogenic tree of vertebrate UCHL1 indicated that CGS UCHL1 has the closest relationship with human UCHL1 (up to 73.99 %). Before the gonads of male CGSs matured, the peak level of UCHL1 expression in testes appeared in 3-year-old CGSs according to RT-qPCR and western blot. In adult testes, the level of UCHL1 protein was lower in the breeding period than in the post-breeding period, whereas the level of UCHL1 protein in interstitial fluid of adult CGS testes was higher during the breeding period than during the post-breeding period. In testicular seminiferous lobules in the developmental stage of CGSs, immunohistochemistry displayed three kinds of localizing patterns of UCHL1, including nuclear localization at half year old, cytoplasmic localization from one year to three years old, and extracellular localization in adult. In testicular seminiferous lobules of adult CGS, the different developmental germ cells were separated by cysts containing UCHL1 protein, but UCHL1 did not localize on the mature sperm. The results showed that extracellular UCHL1 loaded on exosomes, as a component of the homogeneous germ cell cysts, could regulate the synchronous development of sperm in testes of adult CGS.

Lindane Induces Spermatotoxicity and inhibits Steroidogenesis in Adult Rats

This study was conducted to investigate the influence of lindane on spermatogenesis and testicular biochemical parameters and to get insight into its mechanism. Adult male albino rats were treated orally with lindane at doses of 0, 1, 2 or 4 mg/kg/day for 30 consecutive days. Testes weight and sperm count and motility were significantly decreased. Testicular activities of 3β-HSD, 17β-HSD were significantly inhibited. Testicular cholesterol level was significantly increased while glycogen and sialic acid content were significantly decreased. Testicular activities of LDH-X, γ-GT, β-glucuronidase and acid phosphatase (ACP) were significantly decreased. Aldo-ketoreductase activity was significantly decreased in response to 2 or 4 mg/kg/day of lindane while, protein carbonyl contentswere significantly increased. Hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radical generation and LPO were significantly increased. The enzymatic antioxidants SOD, CAT and GPx and the non-enzymatic antioxidants GSH and Vit C were significantly decreased. Lindane at doses 2 and 4 mg/kg/day showed a significant reduction in Vit E, while at a dose of 1 mg/kg/day did not show any significant change. In conclusion, lindane inhibits spermatogenesis, steroidogenesis and suppresses Sertoli cell marker enzymes which may be due, partly, to oxidative stress. Lindane enhances ROS generation and LPO and depletes antioxidant enzymes and non-enzymatic antioxidants.