Total Sperm Abnormalities Research Articles

Methylene blue reduction test in semen analysis of White Pekin ducks

This study was undertaken to investigate the relationship between methylene-blue reduction time (MBRT) and other semen quality parameters in duck by analysis of correlation coefficients. Semen ejaculates (32), collected at 2 days interval from 10 randomly selected drakes, were examined for different seminal parameters like pH, volume, colour, mass activity, individual motility, livability, concentration, number of spermatozoa per ejaculate, total sperm abnormality per cent and MBRT. The overall mean time to decolourise methylene blue in the white Pekin ducks was 10.03±0.24 min with a range from 8 to 13 min. MBRT was negatively correlated with mean spermatozoa concentration, number of spermatozoa per ejaculation and colour of semen samples but positively correlated with individual motility and livability. High correlation of MBRT with seminal parameters indicated its practical utility in monitoring semen characteristics.

Blood and seminal plasma concentrations of selenium, zinc and testosterone and their relationship to sperm quality and testicular biometry in domestic cats

The aim of this study was to assess seminal plasma (SP) and serum concentrations of zinc (Zn), selenium (Se) and testosterone (T) in domestic cats and determine whether these are related to sperm quality and testicular biometry. Six tomcats were collected using an artificial vagina and sperm analysis included motility by CASA, morphology, plasma membrane integrity, and sperm count. Serum and SP were submitted to total T concentration determination using a solid-phase radioimmunoassay technique while Zn and Se were measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Serum T concentrations were greater compared to SP concentrations, but both values were significantly correlated. Se concentrations were higher in serum, whereas SP had greater Zn values. Concentrations of Se, Zn and T were not correlated with each other either in serum or SP. Negative correlations were detected between Se concentrations in SP and total sperm head defects, and between Se concentrations in serum and VAP, VSL, STR, and LIN. Serum concentrations of Zn were negatively correlated with total abnormal sperm and midpiece defects and positively related to progressive motility. Both serum and SP concentrations of T had no relationship with sperm quality. Concentrations of Se exhibited a negative correlation with total testicular weight, whereas T concentrations in SP and serum were correlated with total testicular volume and weight. In conclusion, both Se and Zn concentrations in serum were correlated to sperm quality variables in the domestic cat, thus, making these potential candidates for fertility markers.

Characteristics and freezability of Tharparkar bull semen

The study was undertaken to know the characteristics of various attributes of ejaculates collected from 6 elite pure Tharparkar bulls using artificial vagina in fresh and cryopreserved semen. The mean values for fresh seminal parameters, viz. seminal volume (ml), mass motility (0–5 scale), sperm concentration (millions/ml), individual motility (%), live sperm (%), intact acrosome (%), total sperm abnormalities (%), hypo osmotic swelling test (HOST -%) and cervical mucus penetration test (CMPT – mm) were 4.40 ± 0.24, 3.15 ± 0.12, 995.16 ± 70.99, 71.88 ± 0.99, 67.23± 1.08, 79.65 ± 1.21, 19.87± 0.54, 60.15 ± 1.76 and 31.56 ± 0.96, respectively. Semen volume and sperm concentration significantly differed between bulls within breed. The semen was cryopreserved after extension maintaining 20 million sperm/ straw, filling and sealing in 0.25 ml straw using programmable bio- freezer (IMV). Cryopreserved semen was assessed after 24 h freezing after thawing. Freezing significantly lowered motility (71.88 ± 0.99 vs 51.16 ± 1.08), intact acrosome (79.65 ± 1.21 vs 72.43 ± 1.42), HOST (60.15 ±1.76 vs 55.81 ±1.72) and CMPT (31.56 ± 0.96 vs 26.90 ± 0.91). Significantly higher percentages of sperm abnormalities (19.87 ± 0.54 vs 23.50 ± 0.82) were observed after freezing. Freezing resulted in significant decline in post thaw motility, acrosomal integrity, HOST and CMPT and increase in sperm abnormalities in Tharparkar bull semen.

Effect of Superoxide Dismutase on Semen Parameters and Antioxidant Enzyme Activities of Liquid Stored (5°C) Mithun (Bos frontalis) Semen

The present study was undertaken to assess the effect of superoxide dismutase (SOD) on sperm motility, and viability; total sperm abnormality; acrosomal and plasma membrane integrity; DNA abnormality; antioxidant profiles such as catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC); enzymatic profiles such as aspartate amino transaminase (AST), and alanine amino transaminase (ALT); and biochemical profiles such as malondialdehyde (MDA) production and cholesterol efflux. Total numbers of 50 ejaculates were collected twice a week from eight mithun bulls and semen was split into four equal aliquots, diluted with the TEYC extender. Group 1: semen without additives (control), and group 2 to group 4: semen was diluted with 50 U/mL, 100 U/mL, and 150 U/mL of SOD, respectively. These seminal parameters, antioxidant, enzymatic, and biochemical profiles were assessed at 5°C for 1, 6, 12, 24, and 30 h of incubation. Inclusion of SOD into diluent resulted in significant (P<0.05) decrease in percentages of dead spermatozoa, abnormal spermatozoa, and acrosomal abnormalities at different hours of storage periods as compared with control group. Additionally, SOD at 100 U/mL has significant improvement in quality of mithun semen than SOD at 50 or 150 U/mL stored inin-vitrofor up to 30 h. It was concluded that the possible protective effects of SOD on sperm parameters are that it prevents MDA production and preserves the antioxidants and intracellular enzymes during preservation.

Some Studies on The Effect of Lead on Fertility, Some Hormone and Trace Elements in Male Rabbits

This study was designed to determine the most adverse effect of underground well water contain high level of lead on fertility, leukogram and some biochemical parameters in mature balady male rabbits. Sample from underground well water from 10 th Ramadan City area and fresh tap water was examined for detection of lead level. Analysis of underground well water sample revealed presence of 0.84 ppm lead but fresh tap water had 0.12 ppm. A total of 10 mature male balady rabbits were divided into 2 equal groups (5 of each). First group mature male rabbits drink fresh tap water that contains 0.12 ppm lead (control group) and second group mature male rabbits drink underground well water contain that 0.84 ppm lead for 60 successive days. At 61 th day all rabbits were slaughtered and two blood and semen samples were taken for determination of leukogram and some biochemical parameters beside evaluate semen characters. Mature male balady rabbits drink underground well water high in lead show significant leukocytosis, neutrophilia, monocytosis, lymphocytosis beside to significant elevation in serum lead, AST ALT ALP, GGT, total sperm abnormalities % beside a significant reduction in testosterone, T3, T4 level, iron, zinc copper, total protein, albumin, sperm number, sperm motility alive sperm, weight of (testis epididymis, seminal vesicle gland and prostate gland) and insignificant decrease in eosinophils, basophils and globulin It could be concluded that high lead underground well water induce infertility in mature male balady rabbits beside alterations in leukogram, biochemical parameters and some hormones. So, It is recommended not use underground water due to its high level of lead in rabbits farms.

Biological Activity of Chrysanthemum coronarium L. Extracts

Aim: The current research was designed to evaluate the biological and antioxidant activities of Chrysanthemum coronarium . Methodology: Two main experiments were designed to evaluate the biological activity of ethanolic extract Chrysanthemum coronarium first one concerned with hepatoprotective activity at concentrations of 200 and 400mg/kg, the second experiment was established to study the effect of the same doses on male fertility. Results: Our results revealed that; total extract of C. coronarium and their four fractions (diethyl ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol) showed antioxidant activity, in which the highest activity achieved with ethyl acetate fraction. In biological evaluation C. coronarium at dose of 400mg/kg showed hepatoprotective activity, also it showed significant improvement of the relative weight of reproductive organs, sperm count, sperm motility, total sperm abnormality, testosterone and LH. Conclusion: The results suggest that C. coronarium has a significant hepatoprotective activity and improve fertility at 400mg/kg.

Effect of testicle postmortem storage on goat frozen-thawed epididymal sperm quality as a tool to improve genebanking in local breeds

The interest to develop assisted reproductive technologies and cryobanking for farm animal genetic resource conservation has recently increased. However, cryopreservation for ex-situ management of genetic diversity sometimes is not routinely feasible, owing to the lack of facilities (AI centres, laboratories) and expertise near the local breed farming area. In these cases, epididymal sperm obtained from slaughtered or castrated animals, associated with the possibility of managing rather long periods between animal death, sperm recovery and freezing, would increase the opportunities to create semen storages. This investigation addresses the pre-freeze/post-thaw quality of goat epididymal sperm as a function of testicle storage temperature (environment or +5°C) and time elapsed between animal’s death and sperm recovery (0, 24, 48, 72 h) to establish the optimal protocols for the recovery and cryopreservation of epididymal sperm in this species. Testicles of 50 mature bucks collected at the abattoir were divided in two groups: half of the testicles (n=50) were transported to the laboratory at environment temperature (E), whereas the remaining half (n=50) at a refrigeration temperature (R) of +5°C. In the two groups (E) and (R), one testicle from each pair was processed after slaughter forming the time 0 groups (0E and 0R). The contralateral testicle was processed after 24, 48 or 72 h of storage, at the corresponding temperature. Sperm motility and kinetic parameters, viability and morphology were assessed in pre-freeze and post-thaw samples. Until 48 h postmortem, both E and R temperatures are able to maintain good pre-freeze epididymal sperm quality. After 48 h postmortem, R temperature is fundamental to reduce epididymal sperm quality decay in pre-freeze samples. Moreover, testicle refrigeration also has a positive impact on post-thaw samples, allowing a lower decline through time considering total motility, kinetics parameters, sperm viability and sperm abnormalities. Therefore, when sperm cryopreservation is not immediately practicable, goat testicles should be transported and stored at 5°C up to a maximum of 48 h postmortem to ensure an acceptable sperm quality.

Effects of seasons on enzymatic changes and cholesterol efflux in relation to freezability in Tharparkar bull semen

Abstract Objective To assess the effect of different seasons on sperm motility, viability, total sperm abnormality, acrosomal and plasma membrane integrity, antioxidant profiles such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), enzymatic profiles such as aspartate amino transaminase (AST), lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH) and biochemical profiles such as total cholesterol in Indian breed, Tharparkar bull. Methods Total numbers of 60 ejaculates from 3 bulls were collected through artificial vagina method twice a week during summer and winter season (30 ejaculates from each season). The semen samples were pooled and diluted with the standard TEYC extender and these seminal, biochemical parameters were studied at fresh, pre- freeze and post thaw stage of semen cryopreservation. Results Seminal parameters such as volume, plasma membrane integrity and biochemical parameters such as SOD at fresh semen, acrosomal integrity, LDH, AST and total cholesterol at pre–freeze level and acrosomal integrity, SOD at post thaw stage of cryopreservation were differed significantly ( P P P P P P P Conclusion It can be concluded that cryopreservation of Tharparkar bull semen in summer and winter season do not show any definite pattern in relation to seminal and biochemical profile changes and the semen can be cryopreserved in both seasons throughout the year in this prestigious Indian breed of cattle.

Effect of catalase on the liquid storage of mithun (Bos frontalis) semen

To assess the effect of catalase (CAT) on sperm motility, viability, total sperm abnormality, acrosomal and plasma membrane integrity, enzymatic profiles such as aspartate amino transaminase (AST), alanine amino transaminase (ALT), biochemical profiles such as cholesterol efflux and malonaldehyde (MDA) production and antioxidant profiles such as reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Total numbers of 50 ejaculates were collected twice a week from eight mithun bulls and semen was split into four equal aliquots, diluted with the TEYC extender. Group 1: semen without additives (control), group 2 to group 4: semen was diluted with 50 U/mL, 100 U/mL and 150 U/mL of catalase, respectively. These seminal, enzymatic, biochemical and antioxidant profiles were assessed at 5 °C for 0, 6, 12, 24 and 30 h of incubation. Inclusion of catalase into diluent resulted in significant ( P < 0.05) decrease in percentages of dead spermatozoa, abnormal spermatozoa and acrosomal abnormalities at different hours of storage periods as compared with control group. Additionally, CAT at 50 and 150 U/mL were inferior to CAT 100 U/mL treatments as regards to these characteristics and CAT at 100 U/mL has significant improvement in quality of mithun semen in in– vitro stored for up to 30 h. It was concluded that the possible protective effects of CAT on sperm parameters are it prevent efflux of cholesterol from cell membrane, MDA production and protect the function of antioxidants during preservation.

Sperm Abnormalities in Post-thawed Semen of Tunisian Arab Stallions

The study was undertaken in order to evaluate sperm morphology features of post-thawed semen of Tunisian Arab stallions. Forty two ejaculates was collected and frozen, during years 2009 and 2010, from 9 stallions aged between 9 to 24 years. After thawing, sperm morphology was studied after eosin-nigrosin stain. The percentages of abnormal head, mid piece, flagella, sperm with droplets and the total abnormal sperm were determined. Analysis of variance was carried out using SAS software. The results showed that all sperm morphology features varied among ejaculates within stallion and among stallions (p<0.01). The percentage of abnormal flagella and total abnormal sperm varied between young and old stallions (p<0.01). We concluded that freezing and thawing processes increased abnormal sperm that is due to cell alteration for old and young stallions, and consequently, the decrease of the quality of the thawed semen of Tunisian Arab stallions.

Sperm motility patterns in Andalusian donkey (Equus asinus) semen: Effects of body weight, age, and semen quality

The aims of this study were to (1) identify sperm subpopulations with specific motion characteristics in fresh Andalusian donkey ejaculates; (2) evaluate the effects of individual donkey and ejaculates within the same donkey on the distribution of the subpopulations found; and (3) explore the relationship between the age and the body weight of donkey donors, the sperm quality parameters, and the sperm subpopulations structure. Sixty ejaculates from 12 Andalusian donkeys (five ejaculates per donkey), ranging in age from 4 to 15 years, were collected. Immediately after collection, sperm characteristics (volume, sperm concentration, objective sperm motility, and sperm morphology) were assessed. Donkeys were evaluated for body weight. Significant (P < 0.05) correlations were established between the body weight of the donkeys and the pH (r = −0.52), sperm motility (percentage of motile spermatozoa: r = −0.31; percentage of progressive motile spermatozoa: r = −0.34), and total sperm abnormalities (r = 0.38). The correlations of the age with the measures of semen quality were low and not significant (P > 0.05). A multivariate clustering procedure separated 65,342 motile spermatozoa into four subpopulations: subpopulation 1, consisting of slow and nonprogressive spermatozoa (15.4%), subpopulation 2, consisting of moderately slow but progressive spermatozoa (35.9%), subpopulation 3, consisting of highly active but nonprogressive spermatozoa (18.5%), and subpopulation 4, consisting of highly active and progressive spermatozoa (30.2%). The distribution of these subpopulations varied significantly (P < 0.05) according to several parameters such as the individual donkey, the ejaculate of the same donkey, the total motility, and the overall sperm concentration. Our results show the existence of four well-defined motile sperm subpopulations in Andalusian donkey ejaculates, and suggest a high heterogeneity in the ejaculate structure in donkey. The relationship between the distribution of the sperm subpopulations and individual donkey, total motility, and sperm concentration shows that the spermatozoa of each have different motility patterns. However, the proportions of sperm subpopulations in the ejaculates did not vary with age and body weight. Finally, the study of discrete subpopulations of motile spermatozoa could lead to a substantial increase in information acquired during donkey semen analysis.

Effect of Addition of Taurine on the Liquid Storage (5°C) of Mithun (Bos frontalis) Semen

The present study was undertaken to assess the effect of taurine on sperm motility, viability, total sperm abnormalities, acrosomal and plasma membrane integrity, enzymatic profiles such as reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT), and biochemical profiles such as cholesterol efflux and malondialdehyde (MDA) production. A total of 50 ejaculates were collected twice a week from 8 mithun bulls, and semen was split into 4 equal aliquots and diluted with the TEYC extender. Group 1: semen was without additives (control); groups 2 to 4: semen was diluted with 25 mM, 50 mM, and 100 mM of taurine, respectively. Seminal parameters and enzymatic and biochemical profiles were assessed at 5°C. Inclusion of taurine into diluent resulted in significant (P < 0.05) decreases in percentages of dead spermatozoa, abnormal spermatozoa, and acrosomal abnormalities after liquid storage compared with the control group. Additionally, taurine at 50 mM has significant improvement in quality of mithun semen than taurine at 25 or 100 mM stored in in vitro at 5°C. It was concluded that the possible protective effects of taurine on sperm parameters are from enhancing the function of antioxidant enzymes, preventing efflux of cholesterol from cell membranes and decreased MDA production.

Effect of Addition of Melatonin on the Liquid Storage (5°C) of Mithun (Bos frontalis) Semen

The present study was undertaken to assess the effect of melatonin (MT) on sperm motility, viability, total sperm abnormality, acrosomal and plasma membrane integrity, DNA abnormality, antioxidant profiles such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), enzymatic profiles such as aspartate amino transaminase (AST), alanine amino transaminase (ALT), and biochemical profiles such as malonaldehyde (MDA) production and cholesterol efflux. Total numbers of 30 ejaculates were collected twice a week from eight mithun bulls and semen was split into five equal aliquots, diluted with the TEYC extender. Group 1 has semen without additives (control) and group 2 to group 5 have semen that was diluted with 1 mM, 2 mM, 3 mM, and 4 mM of melatonin, respectively. These seminal parameters, antioxidant, enzymatic, and biochemical profiles were assessed at 5°C for 0, 6, 12, 24, and 30 h of incubation. Inclusion of melatonin into diluent resulted in significant (P&lt;0.05) decrease in percentages of dead spermatozoa, abnormal spermatozoa, and acrosomal abnormalities at different hours of storage periods as compared with control group. Additionally, melatonin at 3 mM has significant improvement in quality of mithun semen than melatonin at 1 mM, 2 mM or 4 mM stored inin vitrofor up to 30 h. It was concluded that the possible protective effects of melatonin on sperm parameters are it prevents MDA production and preserve the antioxidants and intracellular enzymes during preservation.

Protective effect of pumpkin seed oil against genotoxicity induced by azathioprine

Pumpkin is a leafy green vegetable; it belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family. Pumpkin seed oil supplementation can prevent changes in plasma lipids and blood pressure. The present study was conducted to evaluate the protective effect of pumpkin seed oil against cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of azathioprine. Oral administration of pumpkin seed oil either before or after treatment of azathioprine was effective in the reduction of the frequencies of Mn-PCEs, decreased the DNA fragmentation, total sperm abnormalities and significantly increased sperm count, percentage of PCEs, and enhanced the ratio of PCEs to NCEs. However, random amplified polymorphism of DNA (RAPD) showed distinct differences in animal groups intoxicated with azathioprine before and after pumpkin seed oil treatment, which reflected a DNA protective effect of pumpkin seed oil. Depletion of glutathione content in the testis was also observed in azathioprine treated mice, which was improved by an oral administration of pumpkin seed oil either before or after treatment with azathioprine.

Alleviation of reproductive toxicity of gossypol using selenium supplementation in rams1

The objective of this study was to evaluate the reproductive toxicity of gossypol and the possible counteracting effect of selenium supplementation in rams. Twenty-five mature crossbred (Barki × Rahamni) rams were randomly divided into 5 equal groups. The first group served as a control (no gossypol in diet). The second and third groups received diets containing free gossypol of 9 and 14 mg·kg(-1) BW·d(-1)(low level and high level of gossypol), respectively. The fourth and fifth groups received the same diets given to the second and third groups, respectively, with an oral administration of 1 mg selenium (as sodium selenite) daily for each animal. Results showed reductions in ejaculate volume (P = 0.028), percentage of dead sperm (P = 0.003), total functional sperm fraction (P < 0.001), and blood serum concentration of testosterone (P < 0.001) in the presence of both levels of gossypol inclusion. Furthermore, high level of gossypol reduced forward motility (P < 0.001) and semen initial fructose concentration (P = 0.002) and increased abnormal-head sperm (P = 0.003) and blood serum concentration of triiodothyronine (P = 0.006). Regardless of selenium supplementation, increasing level of free gossypol in diet resulted in a significant decrease in the percentage of forward motility (P = 0.037) and significant increases in the mean values of sperm concentration (P < 0.001), total sperm output (P = 0.002), percentage of total abnormal sperm (P = 0.058), and abnormal-head sperm (P = 0.016). On the other hand, regardless of levels of gossypol inclusion, selenium supplementation resulted in significant increases in libido (P < 0.001), mean values of ejaculate volume (P < 0.001), percentage of forward motility (P = 0.019), total sperm output (P < 0.001), total functional sperm fraction (P < 0.001), semen initial fructose concentration (P = 0.031), and blood serum concentrations of both testosterone and triiodothyronine (P < 0.001). In conclusion, free gossypol in diet induced adverse effects on semen quality in rams, but selenium supplementation successfully counteracts most of the hazardous effects of gossypol on semen characteristics.

Genotoxicity of anticancer drug Azathioprine (Imuran): role of Omega-3 (ω-3) oil as protective agent

Omega-3 (ω-3), is long-chain, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) of plant and marine origin. The present study was conducted to evaluate the protective effect of omega-3 against cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of anticancer drug; Azathioprine (Imuran): Male albino mice were administrated two levels; therapeutic (5mg|kg) and double therapeutic (10mg|kg) doses. Azathioprine was intraperitoneally injected for 3 times at 48 hour interval. Omega-3 was orally administered with 2 ml/kg for ten consecutive days either before or after Azathioprine treatments. At the end of experimentation period, samples of bone marrow were collected from five mice within each group for micronucleus assay. The liver and testis tissue samples were removed and stored at – 80 °C until use for DNA extraction, and determination of glutathione contents. Another animal group was treated at the same regimen and were used for the determination of sperm abnormalities and sacrificed after 35 days. The results indicated that oral administration of omega-3 either before or after treatment of Azathioprine was effective in reduction of the frequencies of Mn-PCEs, decreased the DNA fragmentation, total sperm abnormalities and significantly increased sperm count, percentage of PCEs, and enhanced the ratio of PCEs to NCEs. However, random amplified polymorphism of DNA (RAPD) showed distinct differences in animal groups intoxicated with Azathioprine before and after omega-3 treatment, which reflected DNA protective effect of omega-3. Depletion in glutathione content in testis was also observed in Azathioprine treated mice, which was improved by oral administration of Omega-3 either before or after treatment with Azathioprine.

Quercetin protects against testicular toxicity induced by chronic administration of therapeutic dose of quinine sulfate in rats

Quinine, a rapidly acting blood schizonticide with a long history of use for the treatment of malaria, is gradually been implicated in reproductive toxicity. In this study, testicular and spermatotoxic effects of quinine sulfate (QS) following treatment with an oral dose of 10 mg/kg/day (normal therapeutic dose) for 8 weeks was investigated in male albino rats. Toxicity was evaluated by assessing antioxidant defense capacity and markers of oxidative stress and testicular dysfunction in the testes and epididymal sperm. The possible ameliorative effect of quercetin (QC), when co-administered with QS, was also assessed. Administration of QS induced oxidative stress in rats. The activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and malondialdehyde (a marker of lipid peroxidation) increased (p<0.05) both in the testes and epididymal sperm following QS treatment when compared with saline-treated (control) rats. Ascorbic acid levels were significantly reduced, with an insignificant decrease in glutathione and testosterone levels in the QS-treated rats, when compared with control. The spermiogram decreased with increase in total sperm abnormalities in QS-treated rats and was associated with histopathological changes. Our results revealed that QC significantly ameliorated QS-induced testicular toxicity and oxidative stress. The testicular toxicity of QS is in part due to impairment of testicular antioxidant defense, spermatogenesis and enhancement of lipid peroxidation. Also, the ability of QC to reverse the deleterious effects of QS on the testes and epididymis qualifies it as a potent chemo-protective agent against QS-induced reproductive toxicity.

Effect of Emex spinosa, Leptadenia pyrotechnica, Haloxylon salicornicum and Ochradenus baccatus extracts on the reproductive organs of adult male rats

Context: Emex spinosa (L.) Campd. (Polygonaceae), Leptadenia pyrotechnica (Forsk.) Decne (Asclepiadaceae), Haloxylon salicornicum (Moq.) Bunge ex Bioss. (Chenopodiaceae) and Ochradenus baccatus Delile (Resedaceae) are used in folk medicine for treatment of male sexual disorders.Objective: To investigate the effects of E. spinosa, L. pyrotechnica, H. salicornicum and O. baccatus extracts on the reproductive system of male rats after prolonged period of treatment.Methods: Seventy-eight healthy adult male Wistar rats were divided into 13 groups (6 animals, each). The plant extracts (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) were given daily by gavage to different groups of rats for 65 days. The thirteenth group (control) received the vehicle only. Test and control rats were mated with estrus female rats on days 30, 45 and 60 of treatment. Body and relative reproductive organ weights, and sperm parameters were recorded.Results: Animals treated with the ethanol extracts of E. spinosa and L. pyrotechnica showed significant improvement of the relative weight of reproductive organs, sperm count, sperm motility and total sperm abnormality. The mean sperm count for E. spinosa group (400 mg/kg) was 233.7 ± 4.50 × 106/mL, for L. pyrotechnica (200 and 400 mg/kg) groups were 237.0 ± 5.22 × 106/mL and 240.3 ± 4.64 × 106/mL, respectively and that of the control group was 218.1 ± 4.28 × 106/mL. The sperm motility of the control group was 77.5 ± 2.12, those of E. spinosa (400 mg/kg) group was 87.3 ± 3.50% and those of L. pyrotechnica (200 and 400 mg/kg) groups were 86.0 ± 3.11 and 89.7 ± 2.90%, respectively. Ethanol extracts of E. spinosa (400 mg/kg) and L. pyrotechnica (200 and 400 mg/kg) significantly elevate the serum levels of testosterone (5.30 ± 0.15, 5.32 ± 0.20 and 5.66 ± 0.19 ng/mL, respectively vs 4.64 ± 0.16 ng/mL) and luteinizing hormone (0.69 ± 0.03, 0.70 ± 0.03 and 0.74 ± 0.03 mIU/mL, respectively vs 0.59 ± 0.02 mIU/mL). On the other hand, no alterations were observed in body and relative organ weights, sperm numbers as well as sperm morphology of the male rats after the exposure to the H. salicornicum and O. baccatus extracts for 65 days.Conclusions: E. spinosa and L. pyrotechnica extracts appear to possess fertility improvement activity in male rats due to their testosterone increasing property. Moreover, the results suggest the absence of male reproductive toxicity of the H. salicornicum and O. baccatus extracts at tested doses.

Studies on the toxicological effect of nevirapine, an antiretroviral drug, on the liver, kidney and testis of male Wistar rats

We investigated the toxic effect of nevirapine (NVP; Viramune(®)), an antiretroviral drug, on the liver, kidney and testis of Wistar rats. Twenty-one rats were assigned into 3 groups of 7 animals each. The first group served as control, and the second and third groups received NVP at 18 and 36mg/kg body weight, respectively. Clinical signs of toxicity were not observed in the animals. NVP at both doses did not significantly (p>0.05) alter the body weight gain, relative weights of kidney and testis, serum protein, urea, creatinine and alkaline phosphatase levels of the animals. However, NVP2 significantly (p<0.05) increased the relative weight of liver, level of serum total bilirubin and activities of γ-glutamyl transferase, alanine and aspartate aminotransferases. NVP administration caused a dose-dependent, significant (p<0.05) elevation of lipid peroxidation measured as malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the liver, kidney and testis of the rats. Hepatic, renal and testicular MDA were increased by 107%, 80% and 163%, respectively, in NVP2-treated rats. Elevation in MDA was accompanied by a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the activities of hepatic, renal and testicular superoxide dismutase and catalase. NVP2 caused 43% and 32% decrease in spermatozoa motility and live/dead sperm count, respectively, and 94% increase in total sperm abnormalities. Histopathological findings showed that NVP2 caused degeneration of seminiferous tubules in testis, and severe necrosis in liver slides. NVP induced oxidative stress with corresponding decrease in antioxidant status of the rats. The changes in sperm parameters and, elevation of liver marker enzymes suggest an interference of NVP2 with these organs.

Sperm abnormalities in high- and low-dose-rate -irradiated Korean dark-striped field mice, Apodemus agrarius coreae

To evaluate the in vivo effects of low-dose-rate (0.7 mGy h(-1)) gamma radiation, abnormal shapes of sperm in the caudal epidydimus of Apodemus agrarius coreae (A. a. coreae) were used. The six categories of abnormal forms (amorphous heads, blunt hooks, excessive hooks, two heads and tails, folded tails and short tails) of sperm were observed eight days after gamma irradiation (0, 0.5, 1 and 2 Gy) with a high dose rate (0.8 Gy min(-1)) and a low dose rate. The frequency of total abnormal sperm gradually increased starting from 0.5 Gy after high-dose-rate radiation. Blunt hooks and short tails shaped sperm, in particular, were gradually increasing in the high-dose-rate irradiated mice. Dose rate reduction effects for the frequency of abnormal sperms in low-dose-rate irradiated mice to high-dose-rate irradiated mice were 1 at 0.5 Gy, 0.7 at 1 Gy and 0.5 at 2 Gy. Our results indicate that low-dose-rate radiation is not detrimental to spermatogenic cells.