Toxic effects of arsenic on semen and hormonal profile and their amelioration with vitamin E in Teddy goat bucks

The present environmental study has been planned to investigate the toxic effects of arsenic on reproductive functions of Teddy bucks as well as to examine whether these toxic effects are ameliorated by vitamin E. Sixteen adult Teddy bucks were divided randomly into four equal groups A, B, C and D with following treatment: A (control), B (sodium arsenite 5 mg kg^?1 BW day^?1), C (vit E 200 mg kg^?1 BW day^?1 + Arsenic 5 mg kg^?1 BW day^?1) and D (vit E 200 mg kg^?1 BW day^?1). This treatment was continued for 84 days. Semen quality parameters were evaluated weekly. Male testosterone, luteinising hormone (LH), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) and cortisol levels were measured through enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) after every 2 weeks. The data were subjected to two‐way analysis of variance followed by Duncan test for multiple comparisons. Semen evaluation parameters were reduced significantly (P < 0.05) in arsenic‐treated animals. The serum hormonal profile of testosterone, LH and FSH was reduced significantly (P < 0.05) in arsenic group, while the serum level of cortisol was increased. Vitamin E alleviated the toxic effects of arsenic on semen and hormonal parameters. It may be concluded from this study that sodium arsenite causes major toxicity changes in semen and hormonal profile in Teddy goat bucks and vitamin E has ameliorative effects on these toxic changes.     

Melatonin prevents dexamethasone‐induced testicular oxidative stress and germ cell apoptosis in golden hamster,Mesocricetus auratus

This study investigated the protective effect of melatonin on dexamethasone (Dex), an extensively used anti‐inflammatory and immunosuppressive synthetic glucocorticoid, induced testicular oxidative stress and germ cell apoptosis in golden hamster. Hamsters were randomly divided into four groups (n = 7): group I – control; group II – melatonin treated (10 mg kg^?1 day^?1); group III – Dex treated (7 mg kg^?1 day^?1) and group IV – combination of Dex and melatonin. All the injections were administered intraperitoneally for seven consecutive days. The histopathological changes, specific biochemical markers, including antioxidative enzymes, plasma melatonin level and the markers for germ cell apoptosis were evaluated. Dex administration decreased antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, GSH‐P_X), plasma melatonin level and melatonin receptor (MT1) expression with a concomitant increase in lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and altered testicular histopathology which might culminate into increased germ cell apoptosis as evident from increased Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio and caspase‐3 expression. However, melatonin pre‐treatment enhanced enzyme activities for SOD, CAT, GSH‐P_X with a simultaneous decrease in Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio and caspase‐3 expression. Our findings clearly suggest that melatonin improved defence against Dex‐induced testicular oxidative stress and prevented germ cell apoptosis, suggesting a novel combination therapeutic approach for management of male reproductive health.     

Protective effects of quercetin against arsenic‐induced testicular damage in rats

This study investigated the effect of quercetin on changes in testes due to arsenic exposure. Twenty‐seven male rats were divided into three groups: control (10 ml kg^?1 day^?1 saline), arsenic (10 mg kg^?1 day^?1 sodium arsenite) and arsenic + quercetin (arsenic + 50 mg kg^?1 day^?1 quercetin). The rats were sacrificed at the end of 15‐day experiment. There was no difference between control group and arsenic group in body weight gain, testicular weight and serum total testosterone level. Quercetin treatment did not cause a significant difference in these parameters. In the arsenic group rats, we determined deterioration in the structure of seminiferous tubules, a decrease in the number of spermatogenic cells, an increase in the number of apoptotic cells, a decrease in the number of PCNA‐positive cells, a decrease in SOD, CAT and GSH‐Px activities, and an increase in the MDA level in testicular tissue. In all these changes, arsenic+quercetin group showed an improved compared to arsenic group. The amount of arsenic increased in the arsenic group was compared to the control group, and there was no difference between arsenic group and arsenic + quercetin group in the amount of arsenic. In conclusion, quercetin prevented arsenic‐induced testicular damage with its anti‐apoptotic and antioxidant effects.     

Tsga10 expression correlates with sperm profiles in the adult formalin‐exposed mice

Testis‐specific gene antigen10 (Tsga10), as a cytoskeletal protein in the sperm tail, impacts the sperm motility. This study investigates the correlation between sperm profile alterations and Tsga10 gene expression in adult mice exposed to formaldehyde (FA) and then treated with antioxidant effect of manganese (Mn²⁺). In this regard, we examined 35 NMRI adult male mice (6–8 weeks age) in 4 groups of control, sham, FA‐exposed and FA+Mn²⁺. The mice in FA+Mn²⁺ group were exposed to FA (10 mg kg^?1 twice a day) for 2 weeks and treated with daily Mn²⁺ administration (5 mg kg^?1) in the second week prior to sacrificing the mice for testis dissection. The right testis was dissected in each group and subjected to RNA extraction and cDNA syntheses for gene expression analysis by real‐time PCR. The findings revealed that FA decreased sperm parameters and Tsga10 expression (52.6 ± 24.37%). However, the injected powerful manganese antioxidant improved sperm profile through overexpression of Tsga10 (121.6 ± 27.13%) under FA‐induced stressful condition which proves the correlation between sperm profile and Tsga10 expression (P ≤ 0.05). This study also shows that Tsga10 expression protects sperm dysfunction in FA+Mn²⁺ group and resulting in better preservation of spermatozoa and improvement of male fertility.     

Protective effects of melatonin against oxidative injury in rat testis induced by wireless (2.45 GHz) devices

Wireless devices have become part of everyday life and mostly located near reproductive organs while they are in use. The present study was designed to determine the possible protective effects of melatonin on oxidative stress–dependent testis injury induced by 2.45‐GHz electromagnetic radiation (EMR). Thirty‐two rats were equally divided into four different groups, namely cage control (A1), sham control (A2), 2.45‐GHz EMR (B) and 2.45‐GHz EMR+melatonin (C). Group B and C were exposed to 2.45‐GHz EMR during 60 min day^?1 for 30 days. Lipid peroxidation levels were higher in Group B than in Group A1 and A2. Melatonin treatment prevented the increase in the lipid peroxidation induced by EMR. Also reduced glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) levels in Group D were higher than that of exposure group. Vitamin A and E concentrations decreased in exposure group, and melatonin prevented the decrease in vitamin E levels. In conclusion, wireless (2.45 GHz) EMR caused oxidative damage in testis by increasing the levels of lipid peroxidation and decreasing in vitamin A and E levels. Melatonin supplementation prevented oxidative damage induced by EMR and also supported the antioxidant redox system in the testis.     

Bioassay of Steroid Hormone Agonist and Antagonist Activities of Anti‐androgens on Mammary Gland,Seminal Vesicles and Spleen of Male Mice

Young intact and adult castrated outbred C3H/Di male mice were used to characterize steroid hormone agonist and antagonist activities of anti‐androgens by bioassay. Animals were injected subcutaneously with flutamide (Flut), chlormadinone acetate (CMA), cyproterone acetate (CA) or Casodex (Cas) alone or simultaneously with oestradiol (E), E plus progesterone (Prog) or norethindrone acetate (NA; a steroid exhibiting progestational and oestrogenic activities) and testosterone (T) for 15 days. Mammary gland growth was not affected with anti‐androgen alone. However, all anti‐androgens decreased seminal vesicle weights in intact males. In E (0.01 μg day⁻¹)‐treated intact males, mammary growth was stimulated by CMA (progestational activity) and inhibited by CA. The inhibitory effect of CA on mammary growth (glucocorticoid activity) was overcome with high dose of E (0.1 μg day⁻¹). When seminal vesicles weights were decreased with a moderate dose of E (0.01 μg day⁻¹) anti‐androgens injected simultaneously acted synergistically with E and decreased seminal vesicles weights more than E alone. However, in animals overloaded with E (0.1 μg day⁻¹), anti‐androgen CA was unable to decrease seminal vesicles weights. E (0.01 or 0.05 μg day⁻¹) or E + Prog (500 or 1000 μg day⁻¹) or NA (12.5 to 50 μg day⁻¹) stimulated mammary growth was inhibited by T at doses 20–200 μg day⁻¹ and these effects were decreased or abolished by simultaneous application of Flut, CMA or Cas in both young intact and adult castrated males. In the same animals, the seminal vesicles weights were increased by T and decreased by anti‐androgens. The effects of higher doses of T (300 μg day⁻¹) were not inhibited by anti‐androgens both in the mammary gland and seminal vesicles. Spleen weights were not consistently affected with Flut, CMA or Cas, but decreased with CA by dose dependent manner. These results demonstrated that anti‐androgenic activities could be detected not only on seminal vesicle but also on the mammary gland. Our model system also detected a glucocorticoid activity of CA and progestational activity of CMA.     

Improvement in erectile function in a rat model of high cholesterol diet‐induced atherosclerosis by atorvastatin in a manner that is independent of its lipid‐lowering property

The purpose of the present study is to explore the effects of a lipid‐lowering drug atorvastatin, a three‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG‐CoA) reductase inhibitor, in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in a rat model of atherosclerosis (AS) and the possible mechanisms underneath. A high‐cholesterol diet was administrated to Sprague‐Dawley rats in an attempt to induce an ASED model, which was later confirmed by abdominal aorta histopathology and erectile function evaluation. ASED rats were further assigned to non‐treatment group, atorvastatin low‐dose treatment group (5 mg kg^?1 day^?1), high‐dose group (10 mg kg^?1 day^?1) and sildenafil (1.5 mg kg^?1 day^?1) treatment group. Lipid profile, erectile function, oxidative stress biochemical markers, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and extracellular superoxide dismutase (SOD_EX) mRNA expression were evaluated after 8‐week treatment duration. Erectile function was impaired in AS rat model, which was preserved in atorvastatin and sildenafil intervention groups. The oxidative stress biochemical markers were attenuated, while eNOS and SOD_EX mRNA expression were restored in atorvastatin and sildenafil groups, which were found to be involved in ED pathogenesis. However, the lipid profile remained unaltered in the treatment group, and it was elevated in ASED rats. This kind of lipid‐lowering agent, or atorvastatin, has the utilisation potential in ASED treatment, even before lipid profiles altered. This effect on erectile function preservation of atorvastatin was attributed to its preservation of endothelial function, possibly through amelioration of oxidative stress and improvement in eNOS expression.     

Comparison of the Metabolic and Antioxidant Effects of Diltiazem and Vitamin E on Streptozotocin‐diabetic Rats

In this study, solitary and combined effects of vitamin E and the calcium‐channel blocker diltiazem were investigated in streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic rats. Thirty male Wistar albino rats, weighing approximately 200 g were used. Diabetes mellitus was induced by a single intravenous injection of STZ at a dose of 65 mg/kg body weight. Five experimental groups were established as STZ‐diabetic, STZ‐diabetic + vitamin E, STZ‐diabetic + diltiazem and STZ‐diabetic + vitamin E + diltiazem. Vitamin E was injected intraperitoneally three times a week at a dose of 500 mg/kg body weight. Diltiazem was given orally every day at a dose of 25 mg/kg body weight. At the end of the study (10 weeks) blood glucose levels of diabetic rats, which had received vitamin E and diltiazem, had significantly decreased when compared with untreated diabetic rats (P < 0.02). Similarly, HbA₁c levels had significantly decreased in diabetic rats which had received vitamin E (P < 0.05), diltiazem (P < 0.01) and vitamin E + diltiazem (P < 0.02) when compared with untreated diabetic rats. Liver glutathione levels of diabetic rats, which had received vitamin E (P < 0.01) and vitamin E + diltiazem (P < 0.05) had significantly increased when compared with untreated diabetic rats. Liver lipid peroxide levels had significantly decreased in diabetic rats, which had received vitamin E (P < 0.001) and diltiazem (P < 0.01). With respect to their metabolic and antioxidant effects, vitamin E proved superior to diltiazem.     

Antioxidant effect of manganese on the testis structure and sperm parameters of formalin‐treated mice

Manganese inhibits oxidative stress damage. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective role of manganese on testis structure and sperm parameters in adult mice exposed to formaldehyde (FA). Twenty adult male NMRI mice were selected and randomly divided into four groups: (i) control; (ii) sham; (iii) ‘FA’‐exposed group; and (iv) ‘FA and manganese chloride’‐exposed group. The FA‐exposed groups received 10 mg kg^?1 FA daily for 14 days, and manganese chloride was just injected intraperitoneally 5 mg kg^?1 on 2nd weeks. Mice were sacrificed, and spermatozoa were collected from the cauda of the right epididymis and analysed for count, motility, morphology and viability. The other testicular tissues were weighed and prepared for histological examination upon removal. Seminiferous tubules, lumen diameters and epithelium thickness were also measured. The findings revealed that FA significantly reduced the testicular weight, sperm count, motility, viability and normal morphology compared with control group (P ≤ 0.05). In addition, seminiferous tubules atrophied and seminiferous epithelial cells disintegrated in the FA group in comparison with the control group (P ≤ 0.05). However, manganese improved the testicular structure and sperm parameters in FA‐treated mice testes (P ≤ 0.05). According to the results, manganese may improve and protect mice epididymal sperm parameters and testis structure treated with FA respectively.     

Chemoprotective effects of kolaviron on ethylene glycol monoethyl ether‐induced pituitary‐thyroid axis toxicity in male rats

Endocrine disrupting chemicals cause reproductive dysfunction by interacting with intricate regulation and cellular processes involve in spermatogenesis. This study investigated the probable mechanism of action of ethylene glycol monoethyl ether (EGEE) as an antiandrogenic compound as well as the effects of kolaviron upon co‐administration with EGEE in rats. Adult male rats were exposed to EGEE (200 mg kg^?1 bw) separately or in combination with either kolaviron [100 (KV1) and 200 (KV2) mg kg^?1 bw] or vitamin E (50 mg kg^?1 bw) for 14 days. Western blot analysis revealed that the administration of EGEE adversely affected steroidogenesis in experimental rats by decreasing the expression of steroid acute regulatory (StAR) protein and androgen‐binding protein (ABP). EGEE significantly decreased the activities of 3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β‐HSD) and 17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β‐HSD) but markedly increased sialic acid concentration in rat testes. EGEE‐treated rats showed significant decreases in plasma levels of luteinising hormone (31%), testosterone (57.1%), prolactin (80.9%), triiodothyronine (65.3%) and thyroxine (41.4%), whereas follicle‐stimulating hormone was significantly elevated by 76.9% compared to the control. However, co‐administration of kolaviron or vitamin E significantly reversed the EGEE‐induced steroidogenic dysfunction in rats. This study suggests that kolaviron may prove promising as a chemoprotective agent against endocrine pathology resulting from EGEE exposure.     

Saturated,omega‐6 and omega‐3 dietary fatty acid effects on the characteristics of fresh,frozen–thawed semen and blood parameters in rams

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of several dietary fatty acids (FAs) on semen quality and blood parameters in rams. We gave diet‐supplemented treatments (35 g day^?1 ram^?1) by C16:0 (palm oil), C18:2 [sunflower oil (SO)] and an n‐3 source [fish oil (FO)] to 12 rams, who were fed for 15 weeks during their breeding season. Semen was collected once per week. Semen samples were extended with Tris‐based cryoprotective diluents, then cooled to 5 °C and stored in liquid nitrogen. Positive responses were seen with FO after 4 weeks. The mean prefreezing semen characteristics improved with the intake of FO (P < 0.05). Interestingly, maximum sperm output in FO was achieved 7.5 × 10⁹ when compared to palm oil 5.3 × 10⁹. Rams that received FO had the highest total testosterone concentrations (11.3 ng ml^?1 for FO, 10.8 ng ml^?1 for SO and 10.2 ng ml^?1 for palm oil) during the experiment (P < 0.05). FO also improved the rams' sperm characteristics after thawing (P < 0.05). Although C16:0 is a major saturated FA in ram sperm and all rams have been fed isoenergetic rations, the unique FAs of FO improved fresh semen quality and freezing ability compared to other oils.     

Short‐term storage of salmonids semen in a sodium alginate‐based extender

Short‐term storage of semen is a useful strategy for preservation of fish spermatozoa. However, there is a significantly decrease on sperm function mainly due to oxidative stress. In this way, sodium alginate plays an important role as free radical scavenger compound. Accordingly, the aim of our study was to analyse the effect of a sodium alginate‐based extender on sperm function in the short‐term storage of salmonids semen. Samples of Salmo salar, Oncorhynchus kisutch, and Oncorhynchus mykiss were stored in Storfish^® (Ext‐C) and Storfish^® supplemented with sodium alginate (Ext‐A) during 10 days at 4°C. After storage, motility, viability, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨmit), superoxide anion (O₂^?) level and DNA fragmentation (DNA Frag) were assessed. Ext‐A had positive effect in preservation of sperm motility, viability, ΔΨmit, O₂^? level and DNA integrity in the three species analysed compared to control samples. In Ext‐A, the spermatozoa of S. salar and O. mykiss showed significantly higher motility, viability and ΔΨmit than O. kisutch. However, O. kisutch and O. mykiss had significantly lower O₂^? level than S. salar, and DNA fragmentation in O. kisutch and S. salar was significantly lower than in samples of O. mykiss (p < 0.05). Dilution of salmonids semen in a sodium alginate‐based extender is effective for protecting sperm quality during 10 days of short‐term storage.     

Quercetin ameliorates polychlorinated biphenyls‐induced testicular DNA damage in rats

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a group of environmental contaminants widely reported to cause gonadal toxicity in both humans and animals. This study investigated the amelioratory role of quercetin in PCBs‐induced DNA damage in male Wistar rats. Polychlorinated biphenyls were administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 2 mg kg^?1 alone or in combination with quercetin (orally) at 50 mg kg^?1 for 25 days. Quercetin modulation of PCBs‐induced gonadal toxicity was evaluated using selected oxidative stress indices, comet assay, measurement of DNA concentration and histology of the testes. Administration of PCBs alone caused a significant (P < 0.05) depletion in the total thiol level in testes of treated rats. Conversely, the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) production were markedly elevated in testes of PCBs‐treated rats compared with control. Further, PCBs exposure produced statistically significant increases in DNA tail migration, degraded double‐stranded DNA (dsDNA) concentration and histological alterations of testes of the treated rats compared to control. Quercetin cotreatment significantly improved the testicular antioxidant status, decreased DNA fragmentation and restored the testicular histology, thus demonstrating the protective effect of quercetin in PCBs‐treated rats.     

The effect of gadolinium‐based contrast agents on rat testis

Previous studies have reported that repeated administrations of linear gadolinium‐based contrast agents lead to their accumulation in the brain and other tissues in individuals with normal renal functions. The purpose of this prospective animal study was to investigate the effect of multiple administrations of macrocyclic ionic (gadoteric acid) and linear nonionic (gadodiamide) gadolinium‐based contrast agents (GBCAs) on rat testis tissue and to compare these molecules in terms of tissue damage. Thirty‐two male Sprague‐Dawley rats were kept without drugs for 5 weeks after administration of 0.1 mmol mg^?1 kg^?1 (0.2 ml/kg) gadodiamide and gadoteric acid for 4 days over 5 weeks. Biochemical, histopathological and immunohistochemical changes in testis tissue were evaluated at the end of 10 weeks. When used in repeated clinical doses, gadolinium was observed to increase apoptosis in the Leydig cells of the rat testis, and to increase serum Ca⁺² levels and reduce testosterone levels (p < .05). Although the difference was not statistically significant, a greater loss of spermatozoa and immature germinal cell accumulation were observed in the seminiferous tubule lumen in the GBCA groups compared with the control and saline groups (p > .05). Both linear and macrocyclic contrast agents have toxic effects on testis tissue, irrespective of the type of drug.     

Study of the protective effect of vitamin C on testicular tissue following experimental unilateral cryptorchidism in rats

This study investigated the role of vitamin C as an antioxidant in protecting the testis against damage in experimental unilateral cryptorchidism. Forty‐five male Wistar Albino rats were divided into three groups. The control group had intact rats, the cryptorchid group had unilateral cryptorchid rats and the treatment group had unilateral cryptorchid rats that it received vitamin C at a dose of 50 mg kg^?1 body weight intraperitoneal, once a day, during experimental period. Histopathological samples were obtained from five cases of 15 animals of each group at 15, 30 and 60 days after induction of cryptorchidism. The results showed histopathological parameters of the cryptorchid (left) testes in the cryptorchid group significantly decreased compared with the control group (P < 0.05), and treatment with vitamin C after 60 days significantly improved all parameters of these testes compared with the cryptorchid group (P < 0.05). In addition, the left testes on unilateral cryptorchid rats had noticeable adverse effects on the scrotal (right) testes (P < 0.05). Treatment with vitamin C after 60 days significantly improved all parameters of these testes compared with the cryptorchid group (P < 0.05). It can be concluded that treatment with vitamin C significantly improved histopathological parameters in scrotal testes on unilateral cryptorchid rats.     

Dose‐dependent effects of ethanol extract of Salvia haematodes Wall roots on reproductive function and copulatory behaviour in male rats

This study was aimed to investigate the dose‐dependent effects of Salvia haematodes Wall roots (SHW) extract on male reproductive function and copulatory behaviour in rats. Sexually mature males were assigned to four groups: control and treated (5, 50 and 300 mg kg^?1 day^?1 for 30 days). At the end of treatment regimes, the reproductive activity viz. body/organ weights, testicular spermatogenesis, daily sperm production rate (DSP) and epididymal sperm counts, and sexual behaviour including mounting latency (ML), mounting frequency (MF), intromission latency (IL), intromission frequency (IF), ejaculation latency (EL), post‐ejaculatory interval (PEI) and penile reflexes (PE) were assessed. Results showed significant increase in body weight (at 300 mg kg^?1), testis/epididymis weights (at 50 and 300 mg kg^?1), testicular spermatids, DSP, tubular diameter and epididymal sperm counts (at 50 and 300 mg kg^?1doses) in treated compared with control rats. It also produced dose‐dependant changes in sexual behaviour. The 5 mg kg^?1 dose of extract increased MF and PE, whereas 50 and 300 kg^?1 doses caused significant increase in MF, IF, PE, EL (but less than sildenafil citrate treatment), hit rate and seminal plug weight. It is concluded that SHW extract enhances anabolic activity, testicular function and sexual behavioural performance in a dose‐dependant manner.     

Adverse effects of leptin on histone‐to‐protamine transition during spermatogenesis are prevented by melatonin in Sprague‐Dawley rats

This study examines the effect of melatonin on leptin‐induced changes in transition of histone to protamine in adult rats during spermatogenesis. Twelve‐week‐old Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomised into control, leptin‐, leptin–melatonin‐10‐, leptin–melatonin‐20‐ and melatonin‐10‐treated groups with six rats per group. Leptin was given via intraperitoneal injections (i.p.) daily for 42 days (60 μg/kg body weight). Rats in the leptin‐ and melatonin‐treated groups were given either 10 or 20 mg day^?1 kg^?1 body weight of leptin in drinking water. Melatonin‐10‐treated group received only 10 mg of melatonin day^?1 kg^?1 body weight in drinking water for 42 days. Control rats received 0.1 ml of 0.9% saline. Upon completion of the treatment, sperm count, morphology and histone‐to‐protamine ratio were estimated. Gene expression of HAT, HDAC1, HDAC2, H2B, H2A, H1, PRM1, PRM2, TNP1 and TNP2 was determined. Data were analysed using ANOVA. Sperm count was significantly lower, whereas the fraction of spermatozoa with abnormal morphology, the ratio of histone‐to‐protamine transition and the expressions of HAT, HDAC1, HDAC2, H2B, H2A, H1, PRM1 were significantly higher in leptin‐treated rats than those in controls or melatonin‐treated rats. It appears that exogenous leptin administration adversely affects histone‐to‐protamine transition, which is prevented by concurrent administration of melatonin.     

Relevance of serum nitric oxide levels and the efficacy of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors treatment on premature ejaculation: decreased nitric oxide is associated with premature ejaculation

The aim of the present study was to determine the relevance of serum nitric oxide levels and the efficacy of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) treatment on premature ejaculation. Sixty married men (aged 20–50) with lifelong premature ejaculation and forty healthy men (aged 24–48) as control group were included in this study. The patients were evaluated by intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT) for premature ejaculation (PE). IELT<1 min is accepted PE. Patients with diabetes mellitus, chronic disorders or erectile dysfunction and heavy smokers were excluded. All patients were evaluated with history, physical examination, International Index of Erectile Dysfunction‐5 (IIEF‐5) score and IELT by stopwatch method. Nitric oxide levels were measured by Griess reaction, and all samples were frozen at ?80 °C. Patients were randomly categorised 4 group to receive fluoxetine 20 mg day^?1 (Group 1), paroxetine 20 mg day^?1 (Group 2), sertraline 50 mg day^?1 (Group 3) and healthy control (Group 4) for 4 weeks. Baseline and post‐treatment findings were compared between the four groups. At the end of 4 weeks, in fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline groups mean IELT values showed a statistically significant improvement from the baseline values (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.03; respectively). Baseline and 1st month follow‐up mean IIEF scores were 24.5 and 23.05, 24.70 and 23.60 (P < 0.05) in group 1 and group 3 respectively; also 23.09 and 23.32 (P > 0.05) in group 2. Baseline serum NO levels were 31.8, 30.44, 30.8 and 42.84 in fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline and healthy control groups respectively. NO levels were statistically lower in patients with PE. After treatment of fluoxetine, paroxetine and sertraline, NO levels were increased baseline (35.8, 36.4, 38.08) (P < 0.05). Our findings indicated that PE is associated with decreased serum NO levels. After the SSRI treatment increased, NO may retard ejaculation presumably by central peripheral mechanism. Further studies are needed to confirm this suggestion and the role of NO in pathophysiology and treatment for premature ejaculation.     

Insight into curcumin nanomicelle‐induced derangements in male reproduction potential: An experimental study

This study was conducted to investigate the possible effects of nanomicelle curcumin (NMC) on spermatogenesis, sperm parameters and in vitro fertilisation potential. For this purpose, 24 mature male Wistar rats were divided into control and test groups. The animals in test groups received 7.5, 15 and 30 mg kg b.w^?1 of NMC (NO = 6 rats in each group). Following 48 days, the DNA integrity of testicular tissues, tubular differentiation (TDI) and spermiogenesis (SPI) indices, sperm parameters and DNA integrity were analysed. Finally, the in vitro fertilisation potential was investigated via evaluating pre‐implantation embryo generation. The NMC diminished the TDI and SPI ratios. The animals in NMC‐received groups exhibited a remarkable (p < .05) reduction in percentage of alive and motile spermatozoa. Moreover, the NMC enhanced the percentage of spermatozoa with decondensed chromatin and elevated the sperm DNA damage ratio. The testicles of NMC‐received groups exhibited severe DNA fragmentation. The percentages of zygote, 2‐cell, blastocysts and hatched embryos generation were decreased in NMC‐received groups compared to control animals. In conclusion, the NMC adversely affects the spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis processes, which in turn results in reducing the sperm quality. Ultimately, decreased sperm quality results in lower pre‐implantation embryo development.     

Protective effects of Fumaria parviflora L. on lead‐induced testicular toxicity in male rats

In recent years, the clinical importance of herbal drugs has received considerable attention in reducing free radical‐induced tissue injury. Oxidative stress has been proposed as a possible mechanism involved in lead toxicity that causes reproductive system failure in both human and animals. Fumaria parviflora L., a traditional herb, has been used to cure various ailments in Persian folk medicine. This study was carried out to investigate whether ethanolic extract of F. parviflora leaves could protect the male rats against lead‐induced testicular oxidative stress. Adult Wistar rats were treated with 0.1% lead acetate in drinking water with or without 200 mg kg day^?1 F. parviflora extract via gavage for 70 days. Lead acetate treatment resulted in significant reduction in testis weight, seminiferous tubules diameter, epididymal sperm count, serum testosterone level, testicular content of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Moreover, significant elevation was observed in content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in lead‐treated rats. However, co‐administration of F. parviflora extract showed a significant increase in selected reproductive parameters in lead‐treated rats. The results indicated that ethanolic extract of F. parviflora leaves has a potential to restore the suppressed reproduction associated with lead exposure and prevented lead‐induced testicular toxicity in male Wistar rats.