Impact of garlic feeding (Allium sativum) on male fertility

Many medicinal plants are designed to improve health but their mechanism of action remains not clear. Among these plants, garlic (Allium sativum) has attracted particular attention of modern medicine because of its widespread use for the prevention and treatment of some human diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer. However, the impact of garlic on the male reproductive system has not been clearly defined. Some studies have reported that garlic improves male sexual function and has beneficial effect in the recovery of testicular functions. However, other authors have shown that this plant impairs testicular functions (such as inhibition of testosterone production) and has spermicidal effect on spermatozoa. In this review, we attempt to clarify the current ambiguity regarding the effects of garlic and its preparations on the male reproductive system.     

The potential application of Allium sativum (garlic) for the treatment of bladder cancer

Additional studies are needed to identify the active ingredients in Allium Sativum (garlic) that are responsible for the observed antitumor activity and immune stimulation. Garlic seems to detoxify chemical carcinogens and prevent carcinogenesis and can also directly inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Current data suggest that low molecular weight sulfur compounds and protein F4 have immune-stimulation properties. Garlic is reported to stimulate immunity, including macrophage activity, natural killer and killer cells, and LAK cells, and to increase the production of IL-2, TNF, and interferon-gamma. These cytokines are associated with the beneficial Th1 antitumor response, which is characteristic of effective cancer immunotherapies. As is true of BCG, garlic stimulates the proliferation of macrophages and lymphocytes and protects against the suppression of immunity by chemotherapy and ultraviolet radiation. Garlic is clearly not a panacea for cancer, but its broad range of beneficial effects are worthy of serious consideration in clinical trials for the prevention and treatment of cancer.     

Garlic (Allium sativum) feeding impairs Sertoli cell junctional proteins in male Wistar rat testis: microscopy study

Sertoli cell junctions, such as adhesion junction (AJ), gap junction (GJ) and tight junction (TJ), are important for maintaining spermatogenesis. In previous studies, we showed the inhibitory effect of crude garlic (Allium sativum, As) on spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis. The aim of this work was to complete our investigation on the impact of this plant, especially on Sertoli cell junctional proteins (SCJPs). During 1 month, 24 male rats were divided into groups: group control (0% of As) and treated groups fed 5%, 10% and 15% of As. Light and electron microscopy observations were performed to localise junctional proteins: connexin‐43, Zona Occluding‐1 and N‐cadherin (immunohistochemistry) and to describe junctions. We showed that the specific cells involved in the localisation of the SCJP were similar in both control and treated groups, but with different immunoreactivity intensity between them. The electron microscopy observation focused on TJs between Sertoli cells, constituting the blood–testis barrier, showed ultrastructural changes such as fragmentation of TJs between adjacent Sertoli cell membranes and dilatation of rough endoplasmic reticulum saccules giving an aspect of scale to these junctions. We concluded that crude garlic consumption during 1 month induces perturbations on Sertoli cell junctions. These alterations can explain apoptosis in testicular germ cells previously showed.     

In vivo effects of Aspalathus linearis (rooibos) on male rat reproductive functions

Aspalathus linearis (rooibos tea) may improve sperm function owing to its antioxidant properties. To test this hypothesis, male rats were given 2% or 5% rooibos tea for 52 days. No significant alterations were observed in body and reproductive organs weight, serum antioxidant capacity and testosterone level. Seminiferous tubules displayed complete spermatogenesis. However, a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in tubule diameter and germinal epithelial height was observed. Epithelial height of caput epididymides showed a significant increase. Unfermented rooibos significantly enhanced sperm concentration, viability and motility. Fermented rooibos also significantly improved sperm vitality (P < 0.01), but caused a significant increase in spontaneous acrosome reaction (P < 0.05), whereas unfermented did not. Creatinine was significantly enhanced in all treated rats, consistent with significant higher kidney weights. Rooibos significantly reduced alanine transaminase level, while 2% fermented rooibos significantly decreased aspartate transaminase level (P < 0.01). In conclusion, treatment with rooibos improved sperm concentration, viability and motility, which might be attributed to its high level of antioxidants. However, prolonged exposure of rooibos might result in subtle structural changes in the male reproductive system and may induce acrosome reaction, which can impair fertility. Intake of large amounts of rooibos may also harm liver and kidney function.     

Possible effects of the kallikrein-kinin system on male reproductive functions

All four components of the kallikrein-kinin system--kininogens, tissue kallikreins, kinins, and kininases--have been found in human male genital secretions. Kinins are continuously released from seminal plasma kininogens through limited proteolysis by kininogenases like tissue kallikrein from prostate and sperm acrosin. Kinins are the terminal effectors of the kallikrein-kinin system and increase sperm motility and sperm metabolism at nanomolar concentrations. Recent investigations indicate that these effects are possibly mediated by a specific sperm membrane integrated bradykinin receptor, subtype B2. The two major kininase that are present in seminal plasma are kininase II and neutral metallo-endopeptidase. Kininase II, which is identical with angiotensin-converting enzyme, is also involved in the renin-angiotensin system as it converts angiotensin I into angiotensin II and thus is the connecting enzyme of both systems. Apart from the observed effects of kinins on sperm motility, the kallikrein-kinin system is thought to be involved in the regulation of spermatogenic functions of the testis: in the rat, kallikrein activates Sertoli cell function, increases the relative number of spermatocytes and the [3H] thymidine incorporation of testicular tissue, enhances glucose-intake, and increases testicular blood flow. Clinical trials showed that systemic administration of kallikrein may be particularly useful for treatment of infertile men suffering from asthenozoospermia and/or oligozoospermia. During kallikrein therapy, the number of spermatozoa and both quantitative and qualitative sperm motility increased, and a significant improvement of the conception rate was achieved. An increased sperm number was also observed after application of the specific kininase II inhibitor captopril.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Beneficial effects of chrysin on the reproductive system of adult male rats

In this study, the beneficial effect of chrysin, a natural flavonoid currently under investigation due to its important biological activities, on reproductive system of rats was investigated. Rats (n = 16) were divided randomly into two equal groups. Rats in control group were given corn oil as carrier. Chrysin was orally administered at the dose of 50 mg kg(-1) per day by gavages, and it was dissolved in corn oil for 60 days. Tissue thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and glutathione (GSH) levels, antioxidant enzyme activity (CAT, SOD and GSH-Px), sperm parameters (motility, concentration and abnormal sperm rate), reproductive organ weight (testes, epididymis, vesicula seminalis, prostate) and serum testosterone levels were determined in the rats. Our results indicated that chrysin significantly increased GSH, CAT, GSH-Px and CuZn-SOD levels, but did not change the formation of TBARS significantly. In addition, sperm motility, sperm concentration and serum testosterone levels significantly increased, whereas abnormal sperm rate significantly decreased with chrysin treatment. In conclusion, it is suggested that treatment with chrysin can positively affect the reproductive system in rats, and it can be used for the treatment of male infertility.     

Stimulating effects of quercetin on sperm quality and reproductive organs in adult male rats

Aim： To investigate effects of quercetin on weight and histology of testis and accessory sex organs and on sperm quality in adult male rats. Methods： Male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected s.c. with quercetin at the dose of 0, 30, 90, or 270 mg/kg body weight/day （hereafter abbreviated Q0, Q30, Q90 and Q270, respectively）, and each dose was administered for treatment durations of 3, 7 and 14 days. Results： From our study, it was found that the effects of quercetin on reproductive organs and sperm quality depended on the dose and duration of treatment. After Q270 treatment for 14 days, the weights of testes, epididymis and vas deferens were significantly increased, whereas the weights of seminal vesicle and prostate gland were significantly decreased, compared with those of Q0. The histological alteration of those organs was observed after Q270 treatment for 7 days as well as 14 days. The sperm motility, viability and concentration were significantly increased after Q90 and Q270 injections after both of 7 and 14 days. Changes in sperm quality were earlier and greater than those in sex organ histology and weight, respectively. Conclusion： Overall results indicate that quercetin might indirectly affect sperm quality through the stimulation of the sex organs, both at the cellular and organ levels, depending on the dose and the duration of treatment. Therefore, the use of quercetin as an alternative drug for treatment of male infertility should be considered. （Asian J Androl 2008 Mar. 10： 249-258）     

In vitro Effectiveness of Garlic (Allium sativum) Extract on Scolices of Hydatid Cyst

Background

Surgery is still the main treatment for hydatid disease. Recurrence of the infection is one of the end points of surgery in treating the hydatid cyst which results from the dissemination of protoscolices-rich fluid. Installation of a scolicidal agent into the cyst is the most commonly employed measure to prevent recurrence. Many scolicidal agents have been used for inactivation of the cyst’s content, but most of them are not safe due to their undesired side effects. In the present study, the scolicidal effect of methanolic extract of Allium sativum is investigated.

Methods

Protoscolices were aseptically collected from sheep livers containing hydatid cysts. Two concentrations (25 and 50 mg ml^?1) of garlic extract were used for 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 min. Viability of protoscolices was confirmed by 0.1% eosin staining.

Results

Allium sativum extract at the concentration of 25 mg ml^?1 killed 87.9, 95.6, 96.8, 98.7, 99.6, and 100% of protoscolices following 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 min of application, respectively. Moreover, the scolicidal activity of Allium sativum extract at the concentration of 50 mg ml^?1 was 100% after 10 min of application.

Conclusions

Methanolic extract of Allium sativum had a high scolicidal activity in vitro and thus might be used as a scolicidal agent in the surgical treatment of the hydatid cyst. However, further investigation on the in vivo efficacy of Allium sativum extract and its possible side effects is proposed.     

The effects of cancer and cancer treatments on male reproductive function

In male cancer patients, surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy can be followed by transient or permanent infertility by affecting ejaculatory or erectile function, or by impairing spermatogenesis. Cancer specialists should, therefore, discuss the impact of different therapies on fertility with their patients prior to treatment, and consider fertility-preserving measures before and during treatment, such as nerve-sparing operative techniques, adequate testicular shielding during radiotherapy and the avoidance of unnecessary gonadotoxic chemotherapy. Pretreatment sperm-cell cryopreservation should be offered, even in cases where the individual's risk of post-treatment infertility might seem minimal or if it might require testicular sperm-cell extraction. Samples that are severely oligospermic should also be cryopreserved. Post-treatment ejaculatory or erectile dysfunction can be reversed pharmacologically, but the success rate varies with the extent of neurologic sequelae of the treatments used. At present there is no established method to stimulate post-treatment impaired spermatogenesis, although currently available assisted reproductive techniques overcome some of the existing problems of infertility in cancer survivors, and ongoing research will hopefully increase these possibilities. A multidisciplinary approach that depends on close cooperation between relevant medical specialists is central to achieving such advances.     

Effect of nitrofurazone on the reproductive organs in adult male mice

Aim: To study the effect of 5-nitro-2-furaldehyde semicarbazone (nitrofurazone), a derivative of nitrofuran, on male reproductive organs of Parkes (P) strain mice. Methods: Mice were given nitrofurazone orally at a dose of 64mg/kg body weight per day, for 10 and 20 days, and were killed 24 h and/or 56 days after the last treatment. Histological appearance of testis, motility and number of spermatozoa in cauda epididymidis, and biochemical indices in epididymis and seminal vesicle were evaluated. Results: Histologically, testis showed marked regressive changes in the seminiferous tubules in mice treated with nitrofurazone. Ten days after treatment, there was much depletion of germ cells in the seminiferous tubules, and the germinal epithelium was lined mainly with Sertoli cells, spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and a few round spermatids; intraepithelial vacuoles and multinucleated giant cells were also observed in tubules. By 20 days, regressive changes in the seminiferous tubules were further pronounced, and pachytene spennatocytes were the most advanced germ cells noticed in the tubules. In severe cases, the tubules were lined with a thin layer of Sertoli cells and spermatogonia. The treatment also caused marked reductions in the motility and number of spermatozoa in the cauda epididymidis, in weight and the level of fructose in the seminal vesicle, and in sialic acid level in the epididymis. Fifty six days after drug withdrawal, the alterations induced in the reproductive organs returned to control levels. Conclusion: Our results suggest that nitrofurazone treatment in P mice induces marked alterations in the male reproductive organs, and that the alterations are reversible following cessation of treatment.     

腹股沟疝无张力修补术对男性生殖功能的影响

通过回顾腹股沟疝的流行病学,以及腹股沟疝无张力修补术中补片对精索、精索血管、输精管和睾丸影响的研究,总结临床及动物实验中腹股沟疝修补术本身及疝补片对男性生殖功能的影响部位、程度和病理改变,探讨腹股沟疝无张力修补术对男性生殖功能的影响机制,以期通过术式改进、选择更恰当的疝补片降低腹股沟疝无张力修补术对男性生殖功能的影响.     

锌-α_2-糖蛋白(ZAG)在雄性大鼠生殖系统中表达差异的研究

目的 探讨(研究)锌-α2-糖蛋白(ZAG)在成年雄性SD大鼠生殖系统中的表达情况.方法 应用商品化试剂盒分别抽提RNA和蛋白质,利用实时荧光定量PCR(Realtime PCR)和免疫印迹(Westernblot)的方法研究ZAG在SD大鼠生殖系统各器官中的表达情况.结果 雄性SD大鼠生殖系统各器官中均有ZAG蛋白的存在,不同组织表达有一定的差异,尤其是在尾部附睾及附睾脂肪组织中表达较高,其它组织相对较低.结论 大鼠生殖系统中ZAG主要分布在尾部附睾及附睾脂肪组织.通过对ZAG蛋白在雄性SD大鼠生殖系统表达差异的研究,有助于进一步了解该蛋白在雄性生殖系统中的生物学功能.     

Effects of childhood circumcision age on adult male sexual functions

The effects of childhood circumcision on male sexual function have been debated. However, there are no studies, to our knowledge, that assess the possible effects of childhood circumcision age on male sexual function. In an attempt to answer this question, we performed a prospective study to determine the possible relationship between circumcision age and male sexual function, using a validated questionnaire, the Golombok-Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction. We found no relationship between childhood circumcision age and overall sexual function; however some specific domains of sexual function (i.e. avoidance and communication) seemed to be affected by the age at circumcision procedure in this cohort of sexually active males. In addition, prevalence of sexual dysfunction was higher, with premature ejaculation being the most common dysfunction in the survey. We concluded that childhood circumcision age might affect some domains of male sexual function in adulthood, but not the overall function.     

In vivo effects of Eurycoma longifolia Jack (Tongkat Ali) extract on reproductive functions in the rat

An aqueous extract of Eurycoma longifolia (Tongkat Ali; TA) roots is traditionally used to enhance male sexuality. Because previous studies are limited to only few sperm parameters or testosterone concentration, this study investigated the in vivo effects of TA on body and organ weight as well as functional sperm parameters in terms of safety and efficacy in the management of male infertility. Forty‐two male rats were divided into a control, low‐dose (200 mg kg^?1 BW) and high‐dose (800 mg kg^?1 BW) group (n = 14). Rats were force‐fed for 14 days and then sacrificed. Total body and organ weights of the prostate, testes, epididymides, gastrocnemius muscle and the omentum were recorded. Moreover, testosterone concentration, sperm concentration, motility, velocity, vitality, acrosome reaction and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were assessed. Whilst TA decreased BW by 5.7% (P = 0.0276) and omentum fat by 31.9% (P = 0.0496), no changes in organ weights were found for the prostate, testes and epididymides. Testosterone concentration increased by 30.2% (P = 0.0544). Muscle weight also increased, yet not significantly. Whilst sperm concentration, total and progressive motility and vitality increased significantly, MMP improved markedly (P = 0.0765) by 25.1%. Because no detrimental effect could be observed, TA appears safe for possible treatment of male infertility and ageing male problems.     

In vivo effects of black tea on the male rat reproductive system and functions of the kidney and liver

This study focused on the effects of black tea on the male reproductive system as well as the kidney and liver functions. Male Wistar rats were given aqueous extract of black tea (2% and 5%) for 52 days as the only means of drinking fluid, while control rats received tap water. Black tea enhanced sperm vitality (44%–49%), total sperm motility (10%–12%) and acrosome reaction (2%–9%) (p < .05). Body weight gain, testis, epididymis, seminal vesicles, prostate, liver weight, testosterone level, sperm concentration, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and antioxidant levels in the testes, liver and kidney remained unchanged (p > .05). Black tea (5%) increased kidney weight (p < .05). Testis and epididymis showed normal histological appearance. However, black tea significantly reduced the diameter (9%–10%) and epithelial height (9%–10%) of the seminiferous tubule, but increased the epithelial height of the cauda epididymis (8%–24%) (p < .05). A significant reduction in serum levels of alanine aminotransaminase (ALT) (38%) and aspartate aminotransaminase (AST) (23%–34%) was observed (p < .05); creatinine level, on the other hand, increased (8%–72%) (p < .05). Black tea improved several sperm parameters, but may cause subtle changes in certain reproductive organs and the kidney functions.     

甲状腺功能紊乱影响男性性功能及生殖功能的机制研究进展

甲状腺功能紊乱可影响机体生长代谢以及类固醇性激素的合成与分泌,大量临床与基础研究提示,甲状腺激素异常可造成性功能及生育障碍。甲亢患者不仅可出现早泄(PE),也可出现勃起功能障碍(ED);同样甲减患者不仅可出现ED,也可出现PE;甲状腺激素可对睾丸间质细胞、支持细胞、精子的发生产生影响。本文就甲状腺功能紊乱对男性PE、ED及不育的影响及其机制的研究进展进行综述。     

氯化镉对雄性小鼠的生殖毒性作用

目的研究氯化镉对雄性小鼠生殖器官和生殖细胞的毒性作用以及对雄性小鼠生殖功能的影响。方法分别以每公斤体重0..5mg/kg、2mg/kg、8mg/kg体重腹腔染毒4周龄雄性小鼠,共10次。第50天以雌雄2:1同笼交配,观察雌鼠受孕率、生育子胎数、胎鼠重量。同时观察染毒雄鼠第50天时睾丸发育和睾丸指数、附睾精子数量、精子活动率和精子畸形率以及生殖细胞减数分裂。结果2mg/kg和8mg/kg组染毒小鼠睾丸发育受到影响,睾丸指数显著低于对照组和0.5mg/kg组(p<0.05,p<0.001)。2mg/kg组中部分小鼠(6/11)和8mg/kg组存活小鼠睾丸发育不良,无精子,不育。2mg/kg组小鼠1周受孕率和3周受孕率显著低于对照组和0.5mg/kg组(p<0.05),但染毒组异常妊娠率与对照组比差异无显著性。0.5mg/kg组雄鼠生育力、附睾精子数量、精子活动率和精子畸形率与对照组比较差异无显著性。结论2mg/kg浓度和更高浓度氯化镉致4周龄雄鼠睾丸发育不良,导致无精子症和不育,是造成生殖力降低的主要原因。     

Effect of food restriction on ghrelin in adult male rats and its relation to male reproductive hormones

Ghrelin is an endogenous ligand for growth hormone secretagogue (GHS) receptor (GHS‐R). It has recently emerged as an orexigenic food intake controlling signal acting upon hypothalamic centres. To study the effect of food restriction on ghrelin level and its relation to male reproductive hormones, 32 adult male albino rats divided into two groups: Group I (8 rats as a control group) fed ad libitum for 21 days and 24 rats as Group II (food‐restricted group) fed 30% of ad libitum intake of food consumed by the control group. Rats were weighed every 3 days. Group II rats were further subdivided into three subgroups: IIa, IIb and IIc that were killed at days 8, 16 and 21 from the start of food restriction respectively. Ghrelin level was assayed by ELISA technique in serum samples and tissue homogenates prepared from the stomach and hypothalamus. In addition, male reproductive hormones: testosterone, follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were assayed in serum by chemiluminescence. Mean body weight of food restricted rats was observed to decrease during the period of the experiment. Food restriction produced a significant increase of serum ghrelin and a significant decrease of both gastric and hypothalamic ghrelin in group II when compared with group I. The changes in ghrelin level varied with the duration of food restriction. Significant inverse correlation was found between serum ghrelin and each of gastric and hypothalamic ghrelin in group II. A significant decrease of testosterone, FSH and LH were found in food restricted rats compared with controls. The decrease was significantly related to the duration of food restriction. Significant inverse correlation was detected between serum ghrelin and each of the male reproductive hormones in food restricted group II rats. Thus ghrelin could be one of the hormones responsible for the suppression of male reproductive axis in case of negative energy balance.