Therapeutic effects of quercetin against bisphenol A induced testicular damage in male Sprague Dawley rats

The present study was designed to investigate protective effects of quercetin against bisphenol A (BPA) induced testicular toxicity in male Sprague Dawley rats. Twenty adult male rats were divided into four groups. The first group served as the control and was provided with normal saline. The second group of rats was treated with 50 mg/kg of BPA dissolved in alcoholic saline. The third group received oral gavage of 50 mg/kg quercetin while the fourth group was treated with quercetin (50 mg/kg) along with BPA (50 mg/kg). All of the treatments were carried out for 52 days. Testicular tissues and epididymis were used for histology while blood plasma was used for hormonal and biochemical analysis. BPA administration resulted in a significant reduction in seminiferous tubule diameter and epithelial height with impaired spermatogenesis. Quercetin treatment resulted in restoration of spermatogenesis and reversal of histological damage. In addition, BPA treatment significantly reduced (p < 0.05) plasma testosterone level (ng/ml) while estrogen was not affected. Similarly, BPA caused a significant alteration in the lipid profile. Interestingly, quercetin treatment led to a marked increase in plasma testosterone, decrease in estrogen concentration, as well as a normalized lipid profile. In conclusion, results indicated that BPA administration induces toxic effects on testis and epididymis, impairs spermatogenesis, with an imbalance in hormonal levels and lipid profile while quercetin amended these toxic effects by restoring normal spermatogenesis, testicular tissue damage, and hormonal levels. This suggests that quercetin may be a potential therapeutic against BPA induced testicular toxicity.     

A comparison of ejaculated and testicular spermatozoa aneuploidy rates in patients with high sperm DNA damage

Testicular spermatozoa are utilized to achieve pregnancy in couples with severe male factor infertility. Several studies suggest that aneuploidy rates in spermatozoa are elevated at the testicular level in infertile patients compared to ejaculates of normal controls. However, essential data regarding aneuploidy rates between ejaculated and testicular spermatozoa in the same individuals is lacking. The purpose of our study was to compare aneuploidy rates at the testicular and post-testicular level from the same patients with persistently high sperm DNA damage. Ejaculates and testicular biopsies were obtained from eight patients with persistently high DNA damage (>30%). Both ejaculated and testicular samples were analyzed for sperm DNA damage and sperm aneuploidy for chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X, and Y. In addition, semen samples from ten normozoospermic men presenting for fertility evaluation served as a control group. A strong correlation between the alteration of spermatogenesis and chromatin deterioration was observed in our study. In the same individuals, testicular samples showed a significantly lower DNA damage compared to ejaculated spermatozoa (14.9%?±?5.0 vs. 40.6%?±?14.8, P?<?0.05), but significantly higher aneuploidy rates for the five analyzed chromosomes (12.41%?±?3.7 vs. 5.77%?±?1.2, P?<?0.05). While testicular spermatozoa appear favourable for ICSI in terms of lower DNA damage, this potential advantage could be offset by the higher aneuploidy rates in testicular spermatozoa.     

Comparative analysis of antioxidants against cadmium induced reproductive toxicity in adult male rats

Abstract

The present study was conducted to compare and evaluate the potential benefits of three different antioxidants in reversing cadmium (Cd)-induced reproductive toxicity in adult male rats. Rats (n?=?5) weighing 180?±?20?gm were divided into five groups (control, Cd, Cd?+?sulforaphane, Cd?+?vitamin E, and Cd?+?plant extract). Treated groups received CdCl₂ (0.2?mg/kg), sulforaphane (25?µg/rat), vitamin E (75?mg/kg), and plant extract (100?mg/kg) for 15 days. Blood samples and testicular tissues were obtained for estimation of testosterone, Zn, and Cd concentration and daily sperm production/efficiency of sperm production. Cadmium exposure caused a significant decrease in final body weight (p?<?0.0001). The plasma concentrations of Cd were significantly increased and Zn concentration decreased (p?<?0.0001) in the Cd group as compared to the control group. The testicular concentrations of Cd were significantly increased and Zn concentration decreased (p?<?0.0001) in the Cd group as compared to the control group. Cadmium exposure caused a significant decrease (p?<?0.0001) in plasma testosterone concentrations and daily sperm production as compared to the control group. More significant effects were observed with Cd+sulforaphane, Cd?+?vitamin E, and Cd?+?plant extract treated groups in slashing Cd-induced toxicity. Present findings suggest that Ficus religiosa and sulforaphane are more powerful antioxidants as compared to vitamin E in reversing the oxidative stress and can have a protective role against Cd induced reproductive toxicity in adult male rats. Part of the mechanism involved in this protective role seems to be associated with the antioxidant properties of these agents in reducing reproductive damage.     

Induction of Oxidative Stress in the Epididymis of Rats After Subchronic Exposure to Epichlorohydrin

This study investigated the effects of epichlorohydrin (ECH) on spermatogenesis and antioxidant system in rats. An increase in the incidence of clinical signs, gross pathology and histopathology findings in the epididymidis, and sperm abnormalities and a decrease in the testicular spermatid counts, epididymal sperm counts, and sperm motility were observed at 30 mg/kg/day. Oxidative stress in the epididymal tissue was detected at ≥3.3 mg/kg/day. The results show that graded doses of ECH elicit depletion of antioxidant defense system and that the adverse effects on male reproductive function in ECH-treated rats may be due to the induction of oxidative stress.     

Intranasal Oxytocin Improves Lean Muscle Mass and Lowers LDL Cholesterol in Older Adults with Sarcopenic Obesity: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectivesObesity is associated with sarcopenia in older adults, and weight loss can lead to further muscle mass loss. Oxytocin decreases with age, and animal studies suggest that oxytocin administration has trophic effects on skeletal muscle cells and reduces adiposity. We conducted a clinical trial to examine the safety and preliminary efficacy of intranasal oxytocin for older adults with sarcopenic obesity.DesignA double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized controlled trial of intranasal oxytocin (24 IU 4 times per day) for 8 weeks.Setting and ParticipantsTwenty-one older (67.5 ± 5.4 years), obese (30–43 kg/m²), sedentary (<2 strenuous exercise per week) adults with slow gait speed (<1 m/s, proxy measure of sarcopenia) were recruited.MeasuresGeneralized estimating equations were used to evaluate the effect of oxytocin on safety/tolerability of oxytocin administration and whole body muscle and fat mass.ResultsAt baseline, body mass index (BMI) was 36.8 ± 3.6 kg/m², fat mass 46.09 ± 6.99 kg, lean mass 50.98 ± 11.77 kg, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) 92.0 ± 8.9 mg/dL, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) 5.7% ± 0.4%, low density lipoprotein (LDL) 111.3 ± 41.5 mg/dL, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) 47.85 ± 10.96 mg/dL, and triglycerides 140.55 ± 83.50 mg/dL. Oxytocin administration was well tolerated without any significant adverse events. Oxytocin led to a significant increase of 2.25 kg in whole body lean mass compared with placebo (P < .01) with a trend toward decreasing fat mass, and a significantly reduced plasma LDL cholesterol by −19.3 mg/dL (P = .023) compared against placebo. There were no significant changes in BMI, appetite scores, glycemia, plasma HDL, triglycerides, or depressive symptoms.Conclusions and ImplicationsThis proof-of-concept study indicates that oxytocin may be useful for the treatment of sarcopenic obesity in older adults. Oxytocin administration may also provide additional cardiovascular benefits.     

Somatic and reproductive development in pre-pubertal mice treated with cyclophosphamide and subsequent estrogen replacement

We tested the hypothesis that chemotherapy would prevent the expected pubertal development of uterus, ovaries, and long bones, and that estrogen replacement subsequent to treatment with chemotherapy would restore uterine and bone development to expected sizes. Pre-pubertal female C57BL/6J mice (n?=?78) were assigned to receive placebo (controls), 200?mg/kg (group A), or 120?mg/kg (group B) of cyclophosphamide (CTX) on postnatal day 18. Mice were subsequently randomized to receive estradiol placebo or long-release estradiol pellet insertion on day 22 (early estradiol dose), day 45 (mid estradiol dose), or day 67 (late estradiol dose) of life. Body weight and length, uterine and ovarian weight, and right femur length and weight were measured. Mice treated with CTX had shorter and lighter femurs and lighter ovaries than controls (13.46?cm?±?1.51?cm vs. 15.00?cm?±?1.10?cm, 57.70?mg?±?9.71?mg vs. 65.30?mg?±?3.68?mg, and 5.16?mg?±?3.00?mg vs. 10.05?mg?±?2.31?mg, respectively; p?<?0.05). Mice receiving estrogen replacement had a larger average body weight, BMI, and uterine weight than those that received placebo estrogen (19.56?g?±?1.82?g vs. 18.10?g?±?2.08?g, 26.53?g/cm²?±?2.91?g/cm² vs. 23.47?g/cm²?±?3.06?g/cm², 101.19?mg?±?41.69?mg vs. 50.00?mg?±?9.49?mg, respectively; p <?0.05). Cyclophosphamide treatment in pre-pubertal mice negatively affected femur and reproductive development. Estrogen treatment restored expected uterine development by maturity, regardless of the timing of administration. However, there was no similar recovery of femur length and bone mass was only partially recovered.     

Levels of Total Mercury in Marine Organisms from Adriatic Sea,Italy

The presence of total mercury in fish, crustacean and cephalopod from Adriatic Sea, was investigated. The highest concentrations were observed in decreasing order in: Norway lobster (0.97 ± 0.24 mg/kg; mean ± SE), European hake (0.59 ± 0.14 mg/kg), red mullet (0.48 ± 0.09 mg/kg), blue whiting (0.38 ± 0.09 mg/kg), Atlantic mackerel (0.36 ± 0.08 mg/kg) and European flying squid (0.25 ± 0.03 mg/kg). A significant difference (p < 0.01) was found between the levels of total mercury in Norway lobster and those detected in all other species. The 25% of all samples exceeded the maximum limit fixed by Commission Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006. The results show that fish and fishery products can exceed the maximum levels and stress the need of more information for consumers in particular for people that eat large amount of fish.     

Restraint stress exacerbates alcohol-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats

Cumulative exposure to multiple stresses may lead to aggravating the toxicity of each stress, qualitatively or quantitatively altering biological responses because of toxicological interaction. In this study, we intended to determine the possible effects of restraint stress on reproductive toxicity due to ethanol usage in male rats. Early pubertal male Wistar rats were subjected to either restraint stress (5 h/day) or alcohol intoxication (2 mg/kg body weight) or both for 60 days. Body weights of control and experimental rats were similar during the 60 days of this study. Testes were harvested, weighed, and prepared for enzyme assays, and cauda epididymides were isolated for the determination of density, motility, and viability of stored spermatozoa. Restraint stress or alcohol treatment significantly reduced testis weight and caused significant reductions in steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis. Mean density, motility, and viability of stored spermatozoa were reduced in experimental rats. Plasma testosterone concentrations in rats subjected to restraint stress or alcohol were decreased compared with those of controls, concomitant with increased concentrations of LH and FSH in experimental rats. These data suggest that sub-chronic exposure to restraint stress or alcohol contribute to reduce testicular and epididymal function in exposed rats. The study also suggests that restraint stress exacerbates alcohol-induced reproductive toxicity in rats.     

利用白消安致BALB/c小鼠生殖毒性建立NOA疾病模型

目的利用白消安对BALB/c雄性小鼠生殖毒性,建立不同损伤程度的NOA(non-obstructive azoospermia,NOA)动物模型。方法本研究取6~8周龄性成熟的BALB/c雄性小鼠共45只,随机分为3组:0 mg/kg组、30 mg/kg组、40 mg/kg组,每组15只。每2周观察并记录小鼠体重,睾丸和附睾湿重,睾丸体积,及生精细胞损伤程度。通过HE染色,判断生精细胞受损情况;通过免疫组化技术检测受损生精细胞停滞的减数分裂阶段,该法主要借助生精细胞减数分裂过程中的三个标记蛋白:STRA8(Stimulated by Retinoic Acid 8,STRA8)减数分裂启动标记蛋白,SCP3(Synaptonemal Complex Protein 3,SCP3)减数分裂中标记蛋白,TNP1(Transition Protein 1,TNP1)减数分裂后标记蛋白。结果注射白消安后小鼠存活良好,注射白消安2周时,生精细胞开始损伤,30 mg/kg组轻于40 mg/kg组;4周时,40 mg/kg组呈唯支持细胞样变化;6-10周时,生精功能开始恢复,30 mg/kg组恢复明显快于40 mg/kg组;40 mg/kg组STRA8、SCP3、TNP1表达在注射4周最低,第8周开始恢复到正常水平。结论白消安40 mg/kg组单次注射4周时,可建立为唯支持细胞型NOA生精障碍模型;单词注射4-8周期间,可建立损伤程度不同的NOA生精障碍模型,为睾丸组织体外培养提供稳定的研究组织。     

The Effects of Di(2-Ethylhexyl)Phthalate Exposure and Selenium Nutrition on Sertoli Cell Vimentin Structure and Germ-Cell Apoptosis in Rat Testis

This study aimed to investigate the effects of di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) on Sertoli-cell vimentin filaments and germ-cell apoptosis in testes of pubertal rats at different selenium (Se) status. Se deficiency was produced in 3-weeks old Sprague-Dawley rats by feeding them ≤0.05 Se mg/kg diet for 5 weeks, Se supplementation group was on 1 mg Se/kg diet, and DEHP was applied at 1000 mg/kg dose by gavage during the last 10 days of the feeding period. The diet with excess Se did not cause any appreciable alteration in vimentin staining and apoptosis of germ cells, but Se deficiency caused a mild decrease in the intensity of vimentin immunoreactivity and enhanced germ-cell apoptosis significantly (approximately 3-fold, p <0.0033). DEHP exposure caused disruption and collapse of vimentin filaments and significantly induced apoptotic death of germ cells (approximately 8-fold, p <0.0033). In DEHP-exposed Se-deficient animals, compared with the control, collapse of vimentin filaments was more prominent; there was serious damage to the seminiferous epithelium; and a high increment (approximately 25-fold, p <0.0033) in apoptotic germ cells was observed. Thus, Se deficiency exacerbated the toxicity of DEHP on Sertoli cells and spermatogenesis, whereas Se supplementation provided protection. These results put forward the critical role of Se in the modulation of redox status of testicular cells and emphasize the importance of Se status for reproductive health.     

Protective Role of Gallic Acid on Sodium Fluoride Induced Oxidative Stress in Rat Brain

Gallic acid is known as a potent antioxidant active compound of the edible and medicinal plant Peltiphyllum peltatum. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of gallic acid against sodium fluoride induced oxidative stress in rat brain. Gallic acid (10 and 20 mg/kg) and vitamin C (10 mg/kg) were intraperitoneally administrated for 1 week prior to sodium fluoride intoxication. After the treatment period, brain tissues were collected and homogenized, and antioxidant parameters were measured in the homogenates. The level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in sodium fluoride intoxicated rats (42.04 ± 2.14 nmol MDA eq/g tissue, p < 0.01 vs. normal) increased compared to the normal rats (35.99 ± 1.08 nmol MDA eq/g tissue). Pretreatment with gallic acid at 20 mg/kg was exhibited significant reduction in the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances level (37.06 ± 1.4 nmol MDA eq/g tissue, p > 0.05 vs. normal). This increasing in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances level was accompanied with a decrease in the level of reduced glutathione (6.74 ± 0.28 μg/mg of protein, p < 0.001 vs. normal), superoxide dismutase (53.24 ± 1.62 U/mg of protein, p < 0.001 vs. normal) and catalase (70.73 ± 2.94 μmol/min/mg of protein p < 0.001 vs. normal) activities in sodium fluoride intoxicated rat. Gallic acid at 20 mg/kg was significantly modified the level of reduced glutathione (11.02 ± 0.53 μg/mg of protein, p < 0.05 vs normal) and catalase activity (89.22 ± 3.67 μmol/min/mg of protein, p > 0.05 vs. normal) in rat brain. However, gallic acid at 20 mg/kg was significantly more effective in retrieving superoxide dismutase (124.78 ± 5.7 U/mg of protein) activity than vitamin C (115.5 ± 4.97 U/mg of protein).     

Inhibin B in seminiferous tubules of human testes in normal spermatogenesis and in idiopathic infertility

Inhibin B is one of the most significant serum markers of spermatogenesis, but its testicular expression has been poorly studied. Inhibin B sensitivity as well as the ability to reflect the level and condition of spermatogenesis and forecast certain changes in reproductive homeostasis in males is still a subject of active discussion. The purpose of this study is to examine the level of expression of inhibin B in cells of human seminiferous tubules in normal and in pathological spermatogenesis (idiopathic infertility) by revealing the proportion of immunostaining cells for inhibin B. The research conducted included analysis of testicular tissue samples taken from 82 males diagnosed with infertility and nonobstructive azoospermia. The influence of inhibin on the germ cells of men aged 22–35 been analyzed using the immunohistochemical method. According to the obtained results, high expression of inhibin can be detected both in Sertoli (98.0 ± 2.66) and Leydig (94.0 ± 1.55) cells in patients suffering from focal spermatogenesis disorders (mixed atrophy), in comparison with the men in the control group (65.9 ± 0.44 and 12.0 ± 0.44, respectively). The level of inhibin expression in the cytoplasm of spermatogonia was 4.0 ± 0.22 in control group of fertile men, while it was significantly increased in patients with Sertoli cell-only syndrome with focal spermatogenesis (45.0 ± 0.44). In the case of severe lesion to the seminiferous tubules (e.g., tubular hyalinization), the lowest level of inhibin expression in Sertoli cells is detected, whereas the immunostaining in Leydig cells showed only slight changes. Further histological research of Sertoli cells and inhibin B expression is necessary because, according to our data, the degree of inhibin B expression may be a useful marker of Sertoli cells function which can lead to new findings in the concept of local reproductive homeostasis in testis that may be impaired in some forms of idiopathic infertility in males.

Abbreviations: β-TGF: β-transforming growth factor family; GCA: germ cell abnormalities/atypia; JS: Johnsen score; FSH: follicle stimulating hormone; TESE: testicular sperm extraction; LH: luteinizing hormone; F-Testo: free testosterone; ELISA: the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; CV: coefficient of variance; DR: range of definitions; AZF: azoospermia factorI; HC: immunohistochemical; HIER: heat induction of epitope retrieval; H&E: hematoxylin and eosin     

Reversible Changes in the Antifertility Induced by Aegle marmelos in Male Albino Rats

To study the effects of Aegle marmelos on the testicular reproductive system, a 50% ethanolic extract of Aegle marmelos leaves (AMLEt) was fed orally to male albino rats at the dose levels of 200 and 300?mg/kg body wt./day for 60 days. Recovery was assessed for an additional 120 days. Oral administration of AMLEt did not cause body weight loss. The motility and sperm concentration were significantly reduced along with complete inhibition of fertility at a dose of 300?mg/kg. The level of serum testosterone also declined and spermatogenesis was impaired. The number of normal tubules and the height of epithelial cells of the caput and cauda were reduced significantly. The cross sectional surface area of Sertoli cells and mature Leydig cells was reduced along with a dose dependent reduction of preleptotene and pachytene spermatocytes. Thus the antifertility effects of Aegle marmelos seemed to be mediated by disturbances in structure and function in testicular somatic cells including Leydig and Sertoli cells resulting in an alteration in physio-morphological events of spermatogenesis. However, complete recovery was observed after a 120 day withdrawal.     

Arsenic and Chromium in Sea Foods from Niger Delta of Nigeria: A Case Study of Warri,Delta State

This study determined the concentration of Arsenic and Chromium in sea foods samples from Ethiope River. The sea foods were bought from different locations along the bank of the river. Arsenic concentration ranged from 0.046 ± 0.01 to 0.083 ± 0.05 mg/kg, while the chromium concentration ranged from 0.079 ± 0.04 to 0.152 ± 0.14 mg/kg. Palaemon serratus has the highest concentration of arsenic and chromium, 152 ± 0.14 mg/kg and 0.081 ± 0.04 mg/kg respectively, while Harengula jaguana has the lowest concentration of arsenic and chromium, 0.079 ± 0.04 mg/kg and 0.046 ± 0.01 mg/kg respectively. There are various oil prospecting companies and oil and gas related industries in this area which discharge untreated waste products into Ethiope River. In view of this, there is need to determine the level of arsenic and chromium contamination of the river, since the inhabitants depend on the river for fishing and other domestic uses.     

The content of selected minerals and vitamin C for potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) from the high Tiber Valley area,southeast Tuscany

Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) from the high Tiber valley area (TVA; Tuscany, Italy), have been sampled and analyzed for selected mineral content (Na, Mg, K, Ca, and Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn) and vitamin C, the year 2012; some samples from 2011 and 2013 crops were also collected and analyzed. The varieties were Daytona (DAY), Kennebec (KEN), Sifra (SIF) and Volare (VOL). Control samples consisted of mixed commercial varieties from the local market, namely C1, C2 and C3. The low content of sodium, especially for KEN (46 ± 3 mg/kg FD (freeze dry), year 2012) and SIF (47 ± 3) (VOL (55 ± 3) and DAY (61 ± 3) have a little higher values) is worth of note and in agreement with the scarce concentration of Na in the soil (291 ± 12 mg/kg DM). Magnesium was abundant in KEN (1434 ± 75 mg/kg FD, year 2012) and VOL (1334 ± 70). The content of K for DAY and KEN (13,147 ± 900 and 13,185 ± 900 mg/kg FD) was higher than for VOL and SIF; whereas Ca was in the range 340 ± 16–490 ± 28 mg/kg FD. The contents of Cu and Zn were higher in KEN (8.1 ± 0.3 and 25 ± 1 mg/kg FD) when compared to the other varieties and controls. The content of vitamin C is high for KEN and SIF and decreased significantly upon cooking (50% for KEN).     

Prevention of cadmium-induced sterility by zinc in the male rat

The potential of zinc (Zn) to antagonize the adverse effects of cadmium (Cd) on the male reproductive processes was studied. A significant reduction in the weights of the testis and epididymis, the testicular sperm population and oligospermia to azoospermia in the epididymis was recorded in rats treated once s.c. with 2 mg/kg Cd and sacrificed 20 days later. This was accompanied by a significantly reduced serum T and a loss of fertility. Administration of a single s.c. injection of Zn (80 mg/kg) did not alter significantly any of the reproductive parameters studied. On the other hand, Zn given $\text{1}\text{2}$ to 2 h after Cd resulted in partial recovery. Organ weights and sperm population in these groups were maintained and the fertility rate was 67% and 50% at 5 and 20 days as compared to 67% and 0% at corresponding period in Cd-exposed males. The protective effect diminished when Zn was given more than 2 h after Cd exposure. The most effective regimen of Zn therapy was an administration of a total dose of 80 mg/kg Zn given in 3 injections (15 mg/kg before, 50 mg/kg at the time and 15 mg/kg 2 h after Cd). The results provide evidence that Zn, if given before or within 2 h of Cd exposure, is capable of at least partially reversing its deleterious effects on spermatogenesis, steroidogenesis and fertility of the male rat.     

Exposure assessment to dust and free silica for workers of Sangan iron ore mine in Khaf, Iran

We aimed to conduct an exposure assessment to dust and free silica for workers of Sangan iron ore mine in Khaf, Iran. The maximum concentrations of total dust and free silica were measured in crusher machine station at 801 ± 155 and 26 ± 7 mg/m³, respectively. Meanwhile, the minimum concentrations were measured in official and safeguarding station at 8.3 ± 2 and 0.012 ± 0.002 mg/m³, respectively. Also, the maximum concentrations of respirable dust and free silica were measured in Tappeh Ghermez drilling no. 1 at 66 ± 13 and 1.5 ± 0.4 mg/m³, respectively, while the minimum concentrations were measured in pneumatic hammer at 5.26 ± 3 and 0.01 ± 0.005 mg/m³, respectively. Considerate to Iranian standard for respirable dust concentrations (0.11 mg/m³) and international standards (ACGIH = 0.1 and NIOSH = 0.05 mg/m³), it was found that dust and free silica amounts were much higher than national and international standard levels in this mine.     

Phycobiliproteins Ameliorate Gonadal Toxicity in Male Mice Treated with Cyclophosphamide

Cyclophosphamide (CP)—which is used to treat autoimmune diseases and cancer—is related to gonadotoxicity attributed to oxidative stress. As phycobiliproteins (PBPs) are strong antioxidants that are unexplored as protective agents against male gonadotoxicity, our work aimed to investigate the effects of PBP crude extract on testicular damage and sperm parameter alterations caused by CP in mice. Three doses of PBP (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) were tested in the experimental groups (n = 8 per group), administered concomitantly with 100 mg/kg CP. After 42 days receiving PBP daily and CP weekly, body and relative testicular weights, serum testosterone levels, testicular lipoperoxidation and antioxidant enzyme activity levels, and testicular histology and sperm parameter alterations were assessed. The results showed that PBP crude extract at 200 mg/kg prevented testosterone serum reduction, body weight loss, lipoperoxidation and enzyme activity increments, and sperm parameter alterations and partially ameliorated relative testicular weight reductions and histological damage in CP-treated mice. In conclusion, we showed that PBP crude extract (200 mg/kg) mitigated oxidative damage in the testes and ameliorated alterations in sperm parameters in mice treated with CP (100 mg/kg); therefore, PBP extract could be considered as a potential protective agent against CP toxicity.     

大鼠新生期暴露2,2',4,4',5,5'-六氯联苯对精子发生的影响

目的 探讨新生期SD大鼠暴露持续性有机污染物2,2',4,4',5,5'-六氯联苯(PCB153)对大鼠精子发生的远期效应.方法 大鼠出生当天(postnatal day O,PNDO),将所有雄性大鼠混合后,重新分为12只,窝.在出生1 d(PND1),按窝别随机分成对照组和处理组,每组24只雄性大鼠.自PND1开始连续7 d经口给予PCB153 0.025、0.250、2.500 mg/kg和等量溶剂对照玉米油.在PND8,每组随机选择16只大鼠称重和测肛殖距离后,经乙醚麻醉并处死,分离和称重睾丸后作组织学检查.剩余大鼠在PND21断奶并饲养至PND90,称重和测肛殖距离后经质量分数为10%的水合氯醛麻醉后解剖,分离并称重睾丸和附睾,其中睾丸用作组织学检查和精子头计数,附睾尾作精子计数.结果 从PND3至PND8,2.500 mg/kg剂量组体重与对照组相比明显下降,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);在光学显微镜和电子显微镜下观察显示,PND8睾丸组织曲精小管结构疏松,精原细胞体积增大、变性并与管内结构相脱离.随着染毒剂量的增加,PND90睾丸每日精子生成量和附睾尾精子计数与染毒剂量呈剂量-反应关系(r值分别为-0.97和-0.99,P<0.05).0.250和2.500mg/kg剂量组的每日精子生成量分别为30x106/g睾丸和18×106/g睾丸,与对照组(36×106/g睾丸)相比,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);0.250和2.500 mg/kg剂量组附睾尾精子计数分别为42×107/g附睾尾和18x107/g附睾尾,明显低于对照组(51×107/g附睾尾),差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05).结论 SD大鼠新生期暴露PCB153,可引起成年期睾丸生精功能障碍,导致每日精子生成量和附睾尾精子计数下降.新生期化学物暴露可能引起雄性大鼠生殖功能的远期损害.