Testosterone Propionate Research Articles

COSTUS AFER JUICE EXTRACT EFFECT ON SOME ANTIOXIDANT AND LIVER MARKERS OF TESTOSTERONE PROPIONATE INDUCED PROSTATITIS IN WISTAR RATS

The curative potentials of Costus afer on testosterone induced prostatitis and some biochemical parameters was investigated using rat models. Eighteen (18) male wistar rats were used. The rats were weighed and randomly separated into six (6) groups of 3 rats each and were induced with testosterone propionate (TP). The reference drug Centiflo XL (400mg) was used. Group I was not induced which served as control while group II rats were induced with TP without treatment. Group III rats were induced with TP and administered the standard drug. Group IV, V and VI were given the whole extract (100ml, 200ml and 300ml respectively). The administration, feeding, and housing lasted for twenty-eight (28) days. Qualitative phytochemical analysis of Costus afer revealed the presence of Flavonoids, Saponins, Phenols, Alkaloids, Cardiac Glycosides and the absence of Tanins. Results obtained show that the rats in group IV, V, and VI which were given Costus afer extract at different concentrations had decreased Prostrate specific antigen (PSA), testosterone, and Alkaline Phospatase (ALP) levels, while stress enzyme levels, Aspartate transaminase (AST) and Alanine transaminase (ALT) levels were elevated due to the presence of phenolic compounds in the whole extract of Costus afer. From this study, it can be said that the whole extract of Costus afer could be recommended as an effective drug in the treatment/management of Prostatitis.

In vivo Administration of Testosterone Propionate in Cattle Analyzed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry: An Enzymatic Hydrolysis Study and Drug Abuse Issues

This study involved an animal experiment in which testosterone propionate was intramuscularly injected into four steers, and the ensuing urine samples were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The enzymatic hydrolysis conditions were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and response surface methodology employing a 33 Box-Behnken design. A survey study was performed in which 48 urine samples were collected from eight untreated steers to estimate the endogenous levels of testosterone metabolites, and it was found that 17β-testosterone was not detected in the majority of the samples, whereas 17α-testosterone was present in 43 of the 48. Drug abuse was identified within 11 days of 17β-testosterone administration. The ratio between both isomers was also assessed; however, a cut-off limit based on an untreated population could not be estimated due to the absence of the beta isomer. Therefore, there may be a correlation between the exogenous use of testosterone in castrate animals and high levels of 17β-testosterone, although confirmation through further investigation would be required.

Blepharis persica increases testosterone biosynthesis by modulating StAR and 3β-HSD expression in rat testicular tissues

Objective: To evaluate the effect of methanolic extract and ethyl acetate fraction of methanol extract prepared from the seeds of Blepharis (B.) persica on testosterone biosynthesis and also to elucidate the underlying mechanism. Methods: Forty-eight male Wistar rats were divided into eight groups (n=6 per group). Group I received 0.3% w/w gum acacia suspension p.o. and served as the normal control group. Group II was administered testosterone propionate in arachis oil i.m. as the positive control group. Group III to V received B. persica methanolic extract p.o. at doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight. Group VI to VIII received B. persica ethyl acetate fraction p.o. at doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight. The testis was used for biochemical estimation and histological studies. The effects of methanolic extract and ethyl acetate fraction of B. persica on testicular testosterone, mRNA expression corresponding to steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) along with 3β-HSD enzyme assay were evaluated in testicular tissues and sperm concentration. Ethyl acetate fraction of B. persica was subjected to column chromatography. In-vitro studies were performed using TM3 cell line at three dose levels (50, 100, 200 μg/mL), each for methanolic extract, ethyl acetate fraction and 2-benzoxazolinone for evaluation of their comparative effect on testosterone production. Results: Ethyl acetate fraction and methanolic extract of B. persica could elevate the testicular testosterone content compared to the normal control group. The treatment with methanolic extract and ethyl acetate fraction of B. persica increased the expression of mRNA corresponding to StAR by 6.7 fold and 10.6 fold, respectively, whereas the mRNA expression of 3β-HSD increased by 5.7 fold and 7.3 fold, respectively. Moreover, fraction and extract treatment exhibited increased 3β-HSD activity in the testicular tissues and were found to elevate sperm concentration in seminal fluid. The spermatogenic potential was further ensured by histological observations. 2-benzoxazolinone was isolated from ethyl acetate fraction and identified using spectral studies. It showed the ability to increase the testosterone content in the TM3 Leydig cells. Conclusions: Methanolic extract and ethyl acetate fraction of B. persica are able to increase the testicular testosterone in rats by elevating mRNA expression of StAR and 3β-HSD in testicular tissues, leading to increase the sperm concentration.

Effects of Sex Steroid Receptor Agonists and Antagonists on the Expression of the FOXL2 Transcription Factor and its Target Genes AMH and CYP19A1 in the Neonatal Porcine Ovary

Abstract Recently, we have demonstrated that neonatal exposure to androgen and estrogen agonists or antagonists influenced the number of ovarian follicles in piglets. Since the FOXL2 transcription factor is required for proper ovarian follicle formation and activation, the objective of the study was to examine effects of exposure of the neonatal porcine ovary to testosterone propionate (TP; an androgen), flutamide (FLU; an antiandrogen), 4-tert-octylphenol (OP; compound with estrogenic activity), ICI 182,780 (ICI; an antiestrogen), and methoxychlor (MXC; compound with estrogenic, antiestrogenic and antiandrogenic properties) on FOXL2 expression and expression of its target genes, AMH and CYP19A1. Piglets were injected subcutaneously with TP, FLU, OP, ICI, MXC, or corn oil (control) between postnatal days 1 and 10 (n = 4/each group). Ovaries were excised from the 11-day-old piglets and the expression of FOXL2, AMH and CYP19A1 was examined using immunohistochemistry and/or real-time PCR and Western blot. FOXL2 was localized in stroma cells surrounding egg nests and in granulosa cells. TP, OP and MXC increased both FOXL2 and AMH mRNAs, while FLU and ICI decreased CYP19A1 mRNA. The increased FOXL2 protein abundance was found in all examined groups. In addition, TP, OP, ICI and MXC increased AMH protein abundance, while TP, FLU and OP decreased CYP19A1 protein abundance. In conclusion, neonatal exposure to sex steroid receptor agonists and antagonists increased FOXL2 expression at mRNA and/or protein levels and affected FOXL2 target genes in the ovaries of 11-day-old piglets. Therefore, it seems that impaired ovarian folliculogenesis induced by altered steroid milieu during the neonatal development period in pigs may, at least in part, involve FOXL2.

Testosterone Supplementation Induces Age-Dependent Augmentation of the Hypoxic Ventilatory Response in Male Rats With Contributions From the Carotid Bodies.

Excessive carotid body responsiveness to O2 and/or CO2/H+ stimuli contributes to respiratory instability and apneas during sleep. In hypogonadal men, testosterone supplementation may increase the risk of sleep-disordered breathing; however, the site of action is unknown. The present study tested the hypothesis that testosterone supplementation potentiates carotid body responsiveness to hypoxia in adult male rats. Because testosterone levels decline with age, we also determined whether these effects were age-dependent. In situ hybridization determined that androgen receptor mRNA was present in the carotid bodies and caudal nucleus of the solitary tract of adult (69 days old) and aging (193–206 days old) male rats. In urethane-anesthetized rats injected with testosterone propionate (2 mg/kg; i.p.), peak breathing frequency measured during hypoxia (FiO2 = 0.12) was 11% greater vs. the vehicle treatment group. Interestingly, response intensity following testosterone treatment was positively correlated with animal age. Exposing ex vivo carotid body preparations from young and aging rats to testosterone (5 nM, free testosterone) 90–120 min prior to testing showed that the carotid sinus nerve firing rate during hypoxia (5% CO2 + 95% N2; 15 min) was augmented in both age groups as compared to vehicle (<0.001% DMSO). Ventilatory measurements performed using whole body plethysmography revealed that testosterone supplementation (2 mg/kg; i.p.) 2 h prior reduced apnea frequency during sleep. We conclude that in healthy rats, age-dependent potentiation of the carotid body’s response to hypoxia by acute testosterone supplementation does not favor the occurrence of apneas but rather appears to stabilize breathing during sleep.

Photothermal therapeutic potency of plasmonic silver nanoparticles for apoptosis and anti-angiogenesis in testosterone induced benign prostate hyperplasia in rats

AimsIn this study, we used a near-infrared laser (NIR) to increase the potency of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to develop a novel, less invasive, and simple photothermal therapy technique for benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). Materials and methodsThe shape, particle size, and zeta-potential of polyvinylpyrrolidone coated-AgNPs (PVP-AgNPs) were determined using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Zeta-potential, and Particle size analyzer (ELSZ). To induce BPH, thirty-six male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were given intramuscular (i.m) injections of testosterone propionate (TP) at 5 mg/kg body weight (b.w)/day suspended in 0.1 ml of olive oil for 14 days. Photothermal therapy with AgNPs-NIR for 14 days was carried out. Prostate size, prostate index (PI), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), prostate-specific antigen (PSA), gross, hepatic, and renal toxicity, as well as antioxidant activity, apoptosis, and angiogenesis markers in prostatic tissues were measured. Histological examinations of prostates and biocompatibility of NIR-AgNPs on vital organs were also performed. Key findingsThe aggregated spherical AgNPs with a mean size of 50–90 nm and a Zeta potential of −53.22 mV displayed high effectiveness in the NIR (532 nm–1 W) region by decreasing prostate size, PI, DHT, and PSA in BPH rats with no signs of gross, hepatic, or renal damage. As compared to alternative therapies, hyperthermia therapy increased antioxidant activities, induced apoptosis, inhibited angiogenesis, reduced histological alterations in the prostates of BPH rats, and improved biocompatibility of the vital organs. SignificanceThe current study demonstrated the effectiveness of plasmonic AgNPs photothermal therapy in the treatment of BPH.

Sphenostylis stenocarpa Seed Extract Attenuates Dyslipidemia in Testosterone Propionate-induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Rats.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a prevalent disease among older men caused by abnormal proliferation of the prostatic cells. Findings indicate an association between dyslipidemia and BPH. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of ethanol extract of Sphenostylis stenocarpa seed on the lipid profile of rats with testosterone propionate-induced BPH. A total of 25 male Wistar rats randomized into five groups of five rats each were used. BPH was induced in the rats by subcutaneous injection of testosterone propionate in olive oil for 28 days. The test rats (after BPH induction) were treated with ethanol extract of the plant seed at doses of 200 and 400 mg kg-1 b.wt. The concentrations of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triacylglycerol were evaluated on the sera of the rats. The BPH control rats (model group) showed a significant (p<0.05) increase in concentrations of total cholesterol, LDL-C, triacylglycerol, with a significant decrease in HDL-C compared to the normal control. Oral administration of the seed extract to the rats significantly reversed these dyslipidemia indicators when compared to the model group. This study has shown that ethanol extract of S. stenocarpa seed ameliorated dyslipidemia in testosterone propionate-induced BPH in rats. This suggests that the plant seed may be useful in the prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Anti – Androgenic Activity of Caesalpinia bonducella in Androgen-induced Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Rats

Aim: Our goal was to use the androgen and anabolic steroid (AAS) Testosterone Propionate (TP) to create a novel animal model to study polycystic ovaries.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: Thirty albino female Wistar rats weighing 200 – 250 g were split into five groups with six rats in each group. Group I was treated as standard control, Group II was treated as the PCOS induced group, Group III was treated as a standard group, Clomiphene citrate (20 mg per kg body weight), intraperitoneally (I.P) along with a 4 mg TP injection intramuscularly (I.M) in an oily solution, Group IV was treatment control group treated with a hydro-alcoholic extract of Caesalpinia bonducella (CBHAE) at a dose of 200 mg per kg body weight. Group V was given CBHAE at 400 mg per kg of body weight. Blood collected from animals examined for hormonal parameters and ovaries is subjected to histopathological studies. &#x0D; Results: There was a fall in testosterone volume and an increase in the efflux of female hormone constituents, which improved the ovarian development and helped to regulate menses.&#x0D; Conclusion: Significantly lower levels of Testosterone were produced as a result of the extract, which also showed superior anti-androgenic properties. However, additional intervention is recommended in order to investigate the therapeutic effect of Caesalpinia bonducella seed in further detail.

Chemotherapeutic Evaluation of Ethanol Extract of Chromolaena odorata on Biochemical Aberrations Associated with Experimentally-induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Male Rats

The sudden rise in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) cases, severe side effects, and the high cost of conventional methods have necessitated the intensive search for alternative BPH management strategies. This study investigated the restorative effects of ethanol leaf extract of Chromolaena odorata (EECO) on testosterone-induced BPH in male albino rats. Thirty male albino rats with a weight range of 150-210 g were randomly distributed into six groups of five rats each. Group 1 was normal rats and not induced. Groups 2-6 were induced via daily subcutaneous injection of testosterone propionate (3 mg/kg) for 28 days. After induction, group 2 received vehicle (carboxyl methylcellulose), group 3 received finasteride (1 mg/kg), while groups 4-6 received 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of EECO, respectively, for 21 days orally. Prostate and biochemical parameters were determined using standard methods. Treatments with EECO decreased the concentrations of prostate-sensitive antigen, dihydrotestosterone, testosterone, malondialdehyde, cholesterol, low-density cholesterol, and liver enzyme activities compared with BPH-control. Furthermore, there was increased superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities in extract treated groups compared with BPH- control. The findings from this study showed that EECO inhibited testosterone-induced BPH anomalies, making it promising phytotherapy for the management of BPH in males.

The positive relationship between androgens and hematocrit levels in the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica).

Studies have confirmed the involvement of androgens in bird erythropoiesis, suggesting its potential function as a mediator thereof. However, little is known on whether anti-androgenic treatment reduces erythropoiesis and whether changes in endogenous androgen levels are reflected in red blood cell (RBC) indices in birds. Clarifying such issues would highlight the importance of androgens in mediating avian erythropoiesis and bring attention to the effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals with anti-androgenic activity on their ecology. The present study focused on hematocrit levels among the RBC indices, as well as the relationship between androgens and hematocrit levels in the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). In experiment 1, daily injections (i.m.) of testosterone propionate administered to immature quails for a week dose-dependently increased their hematocrit levels. In experiment 2, daily injections (i.m.) of flutamide, a general antagonist of the androgen receptor (AR), administered to adult male quails for a week dose-dependently decreased their hematocrit levels. In experiment 3, weekly blood collection from male quails through the immature to mature stages revealed that changes in endogenous testosterone concentrations were correlated with changes in hematocrit levels along with sexual maturation. The aforementioned results suggested that androgen stimulates erythropoiesis via the ARs and further highlighted the biological importance of androgens on erythropoiesis in quails. Moreover, given that hematocrit is considered a key determinant of aerobic performance related to migration in birds, these findings highlight the need for investigating the effects of anti-androgenic chemicals on the hematology of migratory species for their conservation.

Challenges in Establishing a Relevant Model of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Rats – A Mini Review

Abstract Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most com-mon female endocrinopathy and one of the leading causes of in-fertility. However, the exact etiopathogenetic mechanisms are not discovered yet, while therapeutic strategies in PCOS commonly rely on symptomatic rather than curative. Regarding reasonable ethical limitations in human population, animal experimental studies can provide better insights into mechanisms underlying etiopathogenesis of PCOS, as well as investigations of different therapeutic strategies. Rodent models for PCOS are very useful for experimental studies due to their great genetic similarities with human genome, short reproductive and life span, feasible gener-ating of genetically adapted animals, and convenient and acces-sible use. To our knowledge, androgens (dehydroepiandroste-rone, testosterone propionate, 5a-dihydrotestosterone), as well as estradiol valerate, represent the most frequently used hormones for PCOS modeling. Furthermore, the administration of antipro-gesterone or letrozole has been reported as effective for PCOS induction. In our review, the presented PCOS models were ac-complished by the administration of different hormones or drugs and alterations of environment. The main focus of this review was to summarize the alterations in ovarian morphology, hypotha-lamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, and hormone levels across above-mentioned protocols for postnatal PCOS modeling in rats.

Reduction of tyrosine hydroxylase expression and increase of α-synuclein in the substantia nigra in a rat model of benign prostatic hyperplasia

Parkinson's disease (PD) occurs when dopaminergic cells in the substantia nigra (SN) region are destroyed; however, the cause of the destruction of dopamine cells has not yet been determined. This study was performed to investigate whether changes in the hormones that cause benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are related to pathological changes in PD. The pathological findings were examined by observing the lesion sites related to PD in a BPH rat model. BPH was induced in rats by subcutaneous injection of testosterone propionate for 4 weeks after castration. To investigate the changes in the SN regions, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and α-synuclein (α-syn) expression were analyzed by western blotting. TH expression, expressed in dopaminergic cells and used as a dopaminergic cell detection marker, decreased, whereas α-syn expression increased at the SN site. These results are quite similar to the pathological changes observed in patients with PD and Parkinsonism animal models. Our results showed an increased expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 in the SN regions in the BPH group. Additionally, a decreased expression of B-cell lymphoma protein 2 and an increased expression of B-cell lymphoma protein 2-associated X, suggesting increased apoptosis, were observed in the BPH group. These results suggest that the pathological changes associated with PD may be caused by BPH or factors related to BPH. Thus, this study has presented a new avenue for an approach related to hormonal changes as a method to determine the cause of PD, for which the exact cause is not yet known.

Effects of Exercise on Serum Inflammatory Markers and NF-kb, COX-2 mRNA Expression in Prostate of BPH-Induced Mice

PURPOSE: Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) is a common finding in older men and a frequent cause of lower urinary tract symptoms. The efficacy of exercise in the management of BPH-related inflammation is not fully understood. Thus, we investigated the effects of exercise on inflammatory markers in a mouse model of BPH.METHODS: A total of 36 male C57BL/6 mice were divided into three groups; CON (sham control, n=12), BPH-CON (received testosterone propionate [TP] control, n=12), and BPH-EXE (TP+aerobic exercise group, n=12). For BPH induction, mice were castrated and testosterone propionate (3 mg/kg/day) was administered by subcutaneous injection. The exercise group was forced to run on a treadmill for 30 minutes 3 times per week for 12 weeks.RESULTS: The BPH-CON group showed significantly increased blood pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6, -1β, and TNF-α compared with CON (p&lt;.05). Furthermore, NF-kb and COX-2 mRNA expression were significantly increased in prostate tissue (p&lt;.05). In contrast, the BPH-EXE group exhibited a significant decrease in IL-1β and TNF-α cytokines and NF-kb and COX-2 mRNA, but a significant increase in SOD activity when compared to the BPH-CON group (p&lt;.05).CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that inflammation may be an important factor for the prevention and management of BPH, and that exercise may contribute to the alleviation of inflammation in the blood and prostate tissues of men with BPH.

The Effect of Adiponectin Recombinant in Rattus Norvegicus with Polycystic Ovarium Syndrome Model on Anti-Müellerian Hormone Expression

Background: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is an important disease that causes various healthproblems in women. Ovulation - infertility disorders are found in 60-85% woman with PCOS. Anti-Muellerian Hormone (AMH), a protein from Transforming Growth-b Family, often increased in patientwith PCOS and associated with severity and poor prognosis for assisted reproductive outcome. Dietaryand lifestyle changes are the first-line therapies but consistent application of this method is difficult toattain for people with PCOS. Adiponectin, a product by adipose cells have a significant reduction inobese and women with PCOS. The purpose of this study was to see the differences in AMH expressionbetween mice with polycystic ovary model treated with adiponectin recombinant and mice withpolycystic ovary model treated with placebo and control.Method: This research is an experimental study with a Post Test Only Control Group design. Thesample of this study was 3 months female Rattus norvegicus Wistar strain weighing 110-120 g. Thesample size was 36, which were divided into three groups, K0 (control group of mice with polycysticovary model), K1 (group of mice with polycystic ovary model that received placebo injection), and K2(group of mice with polycystic ovary model that received 5 μg/ml injection of recombinant adiponectin).Polycystic ovary model made by injecting 10 mg/Kg body weight testosterone propionate for 14 days.The injection is carried out at the proestrous stage. The three groups of mice in a period of 3 weeks aftertreatment, were surgically removed according to the sampling procedure, then the ovaries were given acode and immunohistochemical staining was performed to see the AMH expression in the ovaries. Thedata were collected, then statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS software.

Effect of Cassia fistula Hydroalcoholic Extract on Testosterone Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Wistar Rats

Background and Purpose: Men of age 40 years and above are at risk of non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Adverse drug reactions and treatment relapse limit the effectiveness of orthodox pharmacotherapies. This study evaluated the effect of Cassia fistula hydroalcoholic extract on BPH.&#x0D; Methods: BPH was induced in Wistar rats by subcutaneous injection of 10 mg/kg/day of testosterone propionate (TP) for 7 days. The rats were randomly allotted to five groups: corn oil only; finasteride (FS) 5 mg/kg/day; and C. fistula extract at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/day. A sixth group in which BPH was not induced received only the vehicle. At the end of 28 consecutive days of treatment, prostate and testicular weights and indices were evaluated. The in vitro antioxidant capacity of the extract was evaluated using the DPPH free radical scavenging method.&#x0D; Results: The extract showed a very strong free radical scavenging activity with IC50 value of 1.58 µg/mL (IC50 of gallic acid = 0.63 µg/mL) due to the presence of secondary metabolites. The results also showed significant (P?0.0001) reduction in the prostate weight, prostatic index, testes weight, and testes index of C. fistula extract-treated rats when compared with the untreated BPH group.&#x0D; Conclusion: These results suggest that C. fistula extract possesses potentials as a remedy for the treatment of BPH.

Pomegranate Seed Extract: A Strong Antioxidant against Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Induced Oxidative Stress in Albino Wistar Rats

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the antioxidant properties of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Punica granatum (Pomegranate) seed in testosterone induced benign prostate hyperplastic albino Wistar rats.&#x0D; Study design: This study is an interventional study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The experimental aspect of this study was conducted at the animal house, Department of Pharmacology, University of Port Harcourt between April and September, 2019.&#x0D; Methodology: Seventy (70) adult albino male wistar rats were used for this study. They were divided into 12 groups of 5 rats each and fed with commercial rat diet and clean drinking water. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Punica granatum seed were prepared using the maceration method. Benign Prostate Hyperplasia was induced in rats after they submitted to bilateral orchiectomy by daily injections of testosterone propionate (TP) (4 mg/kg b.wt.sc). Rats were treated with 500 or 1500 mg/kg b.wt. of aqueous or ethanoI extracts of Punica granatum seed, dutasteride or in combination. Administration of extracts was done by gavage. Plasma total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, were analyzed using sandwich ELISA Kits by Shanghai Korain Biotech Co., Ltd, China, while oxidative stress indices (OSI) were calculated. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 22.0 of Windows Stat Pac and p values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.&#x0D; Results: The results showed that the mean TOS, TAS, SOD and OSI for the rats in the normal control group were 1.66±0.2U/ml, 2.71±0.25U/ml, 41.8±2.9pg/ml and 0.62±0.10 respectively. After BPH induction (group 2), the values were 3.25±0.5U/ml,1.17±0.14U/ml, 23.38±2.09 pg/ml and 2.81±0.60pg/ml respectively. There were significant decreases for TOS and OSI, and significant increases for TAS and SOD when the rats where treated with lower and higher doses of both aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Punica granatum and Dutasteride.&#x0D; Conclusion: In conclusion, both doses of Punica granatum seed for ethanolic and aqueous extracts individually and in combination and with dutasteride markedly reduced total oxidant status, oxidative stress indices and improved the activities of antioxidant parameters like superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant status.

Alleviation of Androgenetic Alopecia with Aqueous Paeonia lactiflora and Poria cocos Extract Intake through Suppressing the Steroid Hormone and Inflammatory Pathway.

Paeonia lactiflora Pallas (PL) and Poria cocos Wolf (PC) have been traditionally used to treat inflammatory diseases reported in Dongui Bogam and Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, traditional medical books in Korean and China, respectively. We determined the efficacies and the molecular mechanisms of PL, PC, and PL + PC aqueous extracts on androgenetic alopecia (AGA) induced by testosterone propionate in C57BL/6 mice. The molecular mechanisms of PL and PC in AGA treatment were examined using experimental assays and network pharmacology. The AGA model was generated by topically applying 0.5% testosterone propionate in 70% ethanol solution to the backs of mice daily for 28 days while the normal-control (Normal-Con; no AGA induction) mice applied 70% ethanol. The 0.1% PL (AGA-PL), 0.1% PC (AGA-PC), 0.05% PL + 0.05% PC (AGA-MIX), and 0.1% cellulose (AGA-Con; control) were supplemented in a high-fat diet for 28 days in AGA-induced mice. Positive-control (AGA-Positive) were administered 2% finasteride daily on the backs of the AGA mice. Hair growth rates decreased in the order of AGA-PL, AGA-MIX, AGA-PC, AGA-Positive, and AGA-Con after 21 days of treatment (ED21). On ED28, skins were completely covered with hair in the AGA-PL and AGA-MIX groups. Serum testosterone concentrations were lower in the AGA-PL group than in the AGA-Con group and similar to concentrations in the Normal-Con group, whereas serum 17β-estradiol concentrations showed the opposite pattern with increasing aromatase mRNA expression (p < 0.05). In the dorsal skin, DKK1 and NR3C2 mRNA expressions were significantly lower, but TGF-β2, β-Catenin, and PPARG expressions were higher in the AGA-PL and AGA-PC groups than in the AGA-Con group (p < 0.05), whereas TNF-α and IL-6 mRNA expressions were lower in the AGA-PL, AGA-MIX, and Normal-Con groups than in the AGA-Con group (p < 0.05). The phosphorylation of Akt and GSK-3β in the dorsal skin was lower in AGA-Con than normal-Con, and PL and MIX ingestion suppressed their decrease similar to the Normal-Con. In conclusion, PL or PL + PC intake had beneficial effects on hair growth similar to Normal-Con. The promotion was related to lower serum testosterone concentrations and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, and inhibition of the steroid hormone pathway, consistent with network pharmacology analysis findings.

Histostereological Restorative and Inhibitory Effects of Crude Methanolic Bark Extract of Prunus Africanus on Testosterone-Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Wistar Rats

Aim: To evaluate the histostereological effects of P. africanus on testosterone induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) in Wistar rats.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out for six weeks in Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.&#x0D; Methodology: A sample size of sixty Wistar were used as the experimental model and they were divided into two study groups of 30 rats in the restorative group and 30 rats in the inhibitory group. Each group was further categorized into 5 control and 25 experimental rats. The experimental rats were further subdivided into 5 sub-groups based on varying doses of the crude methanolic bark extract of P. africanus (0 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, 125 mg, and 200 mg). BPH in experimental animal was induced by subcutaneous injection of testosterone propionate (7.5 mg/kg) for 10 days.&#x0D; Results: The findings of the study showed that the restorative group had a statistical significant (P&lt;0.05) ((dose dependent reduction of the prostate volume, the stromal and epithelium volume was observed. While in the inhibitory group a statistical significant (P&lt;0.05) dose-related inhibition, in the increase of the prostate volume, the stromal and epithelium volume was observed. In conclusion, the maximal restorative effect was observed to be up to 85.6% and at a dose of 200 mg, while the optimal inhibitory effects were observed to be between 66.7- 68.4% in the dose range of 100-200 mg/kg/body weight.&#x0D; Conclusion: Crude methanolic bark extract of P. africanus has both restorative.

Chemerin regulates autophagy to participate in polycystic ovary syndrome.

ObjectivePolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. Chemerin has recently been discovered as a novel adipokine associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome. Excessive autophagy activity and overexpression of autophagy-related genes in follicular granulosa cells are important mechanisms of PCOS. This study aimed to investigate the effect of chemerin on autophagy in PCOS.MethodsA rat model of PCOS was established by subcutaneous injection of testosterone propionate under a high-fat diet. Expression levels of chemerin and its receptor CMKLR1 were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot. Proliferation and apoptosis of human granulosa cells in vitro and expression of autophagy-related genes were examined using bafilomycin A1 (autophagy inhibitor) and Torin1 (autophagy inducer).ResultsChemerin and CMKLR1 expression were significantly increased in the ovary in a rat model of PCOS. Ectopic expression of chemerin promoted the proliferation and inhibited the apoptosis of COV434 cells. Ectopic expression of chemerin also induced autophagy by inhibiting the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway.ConclusionsChemerin and CMKLR1 were overexpressed in PCOS rats. Chemerin promoted autophagy through inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, and may provide a potential target and biomarker of PCOS.

Safety effect of fermented oyster extract on the endocrine disruptor assay in vitro and in vivo

Oyster (Crassostrea gigas) is a marine bivalve mollusk widely distributed in coastal areas, and have been long widely used in industrial resources. Several studies demonstrated that fermented oyster (FO) extract attribute to bone health, but whether administration of FO play as an endocrine disruptor has not been studied. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the effect of FO on the endocrine system in vitro and in vivo. As the results of the competitive estrogen receptor (ER) and androgen receptor (AR) binding affinities, FO was not combined with ER-α, ER-β, and AR. However, 17β-estradiol and testosterone, used as positive control, were interacted with ER and AR, respectively. Meanwhile, oral administration of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg of FO doesn’t have any harmful effect on the body weight, androgen-dependent sex accessory organs, estrogen-dependent-sex accessory organs, kidney, and liver in immature rats. In addition, FO supplementation has no effect on the serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone, and 17β-estradiol. However, the relative weight of androgen- and estrogen-dependent organs were significantly increased by subcutaneously injection of 4.0 mg/kg of testosterone propionate (TP) and by orally administration of 1.0 μg of 17α-ethynyl estradiol (EE) in immature male and female rats, respectively. Furthermore, TP and EE administration markedly decreased the serum LH and FSH levels, which are similar those of mature Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat. Furthermore, the testosterone and 17β-estradiol levels were significantly enhanced in TP and EE-treated immature rats. Taken together, our findings showed that FO does not interact with ER and AR, suggesting consequentially FO does not play as a ligand for ER and AR. Furthermore, oral administration of FO did not act as an endocrine disruptor including androgenic activity, estrogenic activity, and abnormal levels of sex hormone, indicating FO may ensure the safety on endocrine system to develop dietary supplement for bone health.