Effects of Cinnamon (C. zeylanicum) Bark Oil Against Taxanes-Induced Damages in Sperm Quality,Testicular and Epididymal Oxidant/Antioxidant Balance,Testicular Apoptosis,and Sperm DNA Integrity

The aim of this study was to investigate whether cinnamon bark oil (CBO) has protective effect on taxanes-induced adverse changes in sperm quality, testicular and epididymal oxidant/antioxidant balance, testicular apoptosis, and sperm DNA integrity. For this purpose, 88 adult male rats were equally divided into 8 groups: control, CBO, docetaxel (DTX), paclitaxel (PTX), DTX+PTX, DTX+CBO, PTX+CBO, and DTX+PTX+CBO. CBO was given by gavage daily for 10 weeks at the dose of 100 mg/kg. DTX and PTX were administered by intraperitoneal injection at the doses of 5 and 4 mg/kg/week, respectively, for 10 weeks. DTX+PTX and DTX+PTX+CBO groups were treated with DTX during first 5 weeks and PTX during next 5 weeks. DTX, PTX, and their mixed administrations caused significant decreases in absolute and relative weights of all reproductive organs, testosterone level, sperm motility, concentration, glutathione level, and catalase activity in testicular and epididymal tissues. They also significantly increased abnormal sperm rate, testicular and epididymal malondialdehyde level, apoptotic germ cell number, and sperm DNA fragmentation and significantly damaged the histological structure of testes. CBO consumption by DTX-, PTX-, and DTX+PTX-treated rats provided significant ameliorations in decreased relative weights of reproductive organs, decreased testosterone, decreased sperm quality, imbalanced oxidant/antioxidant system, increased apoptotic germ cell number, rate of sperm with fragmented DNA, and severity of testicular histopathological lesions induced by taxanes. In conclusion, taxanes cause impairments in sperm quality, testicular and epididymal oxidant/antioxidant balance, testicular histopathological structure, and sperm DNA integrity, and long-term CBO consumption protects male reproductive system of rats.     

Fermentation filtrates of Rubus coreanus relax the corpus cavernosum and increase sperm count and motility

We investigated the effects of fermentation filtrates from Rubus coreanus on the function of the male reproductive system. We performed an ex vivo study to determine if the candidate compounds relax isolated New Zealand white rabbit corpus cavernosum, which were precontracted by phenylephrine (5 x 10(-5) M). The results reveal that the filtrates of the reddish-purple (FRRC) and green (FGRC) R. coreanus exerted concentration-dependent relaxing effects, leading to median effective concentrations of 4.53 mg/mL and >10 mg/mL, respectively. For the in vivo study, male ICR mice were orally administered FRRC or FGRC (100 or 500 mg/kg) for 28 days, and the reproductive organ weights, serum testosterone level, cauda epididymal sperm counts, and motility were analyzed. Both the FRRC and FGRC had no significant effect on the reproductive organ weights; however, FRRC (100 or 500 mg/kg) enhanced testosterone levels and especially sperm counts at the higher dose (500 mg/kg). In comparison, FGRC increased hormone levels and sperm counts at a relatively low dose (100 mg/kg). In summary, it is proposed that the crude fermentation filtrates of ripe R. coreanus have positive effects on the function of the male reproductive system by triggering a penile erection, enhancing serum testosterone levels, and increasing epididymal sperm counts.     

Busulfan-mediated oxidative stress and genotoxicity decrease in sperm of Satureja Khuzestanica essential oil-administered mice

Here, we studied the protective effects of Satureja Khuzestanica essential oil (SKEO) as a potent anti-oxidant, against damage caused by chemotherapy with busulfan in testis and epididymal sperm of adult mice. The NMRI adult mice were assigned: G1: control, G2: was treated with busulfan (4 days, 3.2 mg/kg), G3: was treated with busulfan (4 days, 3.2 mg/kg) and SKEO (28 days, 225 mg/kg) at the same time, and G4: was pre-treated with SKEO (7 days, 225 mg/kg) and subsequently co-treated with busulfan (4 days, 3.2 mg/kg) and SKEO (28 days, 225 mg/kg). Apoptosis and Bcl-2 family gene expression were evaluated in sperm by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay and Real-Time PCR, respectively. The level of oxidative stress was studied in sperm and testis by Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx) assays. Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), and Thiobarbituric assays were used for analyzing cytotoxicity and lipid peroxidation in testis and sperm of mice, (TBA) respectively. The results showed a significant decrease in the percentage of apoptotic sperm in G4 versus G2 and G3 (p < 0.05). SKEO pre-treatment potentially increased Bcl-2 expression and decreased BAX expression in sperm of G4 compared with G2 and G3. The activities of SOD and GPx were increased, also, LDH and TBA decreased significantly in testis and sperm of G4 compared with G2 and G3 (p < 0.05). SKEO pre-treatment had a notable role in reducing oxidative stress, apoptosis, cytotoxicity, and genotoxicity in sperm of busulfan-treated mice. In addition, cytotoxicity and oxidative stress were decreased significantly in testes of this group. Thereby, SKEO may inhibit busulfan-mediated apoptosis in sperm via decreasing oxidative stress and regulating Bcl-2 family genes expression. In conclusion, the beneficial properties of SKEO pre-treatment and co-treatment by its herbal potent anti-oxidants may reduce adverse effects of chemotherapy in the reproductive system in a rodent system.

Abbreviations: SKEO: Satureja Khuzestanica essential oil; SOD: superoxide dismutase; GPx: glutathione peroxidase; LDH: lactate dehydrogenase; GC–MS: gas chromatography/mass spectrometry; TdT: terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase; TUNEL: terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling; ROS: reactive oxygen species     

Antifertility efficacy of twice daily oral administration of 6-chloro-6-deoxy-D-glucose (6 CDG) in male rats

A previous study had shown inability of once daily administration of 6CDG to male rats to completely suppress fertility. Twice daily administration of 12, 24 or 48 mg/kg/day, equivalent total daily doses as in the previous study, now shows dose related suppression of male fertility which is complete at the highest dose level. This dose is also correlated with a significant depression (p < 0.01) in ATP levels of retrograde-flushed epididymal sperm after 21 days of dosing. All dose levels are associated with an accelerated loss of ATP in epididymal sperm over a two-hour post-recovery incubation period relative to controls.In addition twice daily administration of 24 mg/kg shows a duration of dosing, time of incubation interaction on both motility and ATP content of epididymal sperm harvested from the treated rats. Significant effect on both motility and ATP content of these sperm is already apparent after the third dose. Three or more days of dosing results in significant suppression of ATP levels at time of harvest of epididymal sperm.It is suggested that either ATP level within epididymal sperm is a more sensitive index of action of 6CDG than is fertility or alternatively, that the antifertility action of 6CDG is mediated through more than one mechanism.     

壬基酚对仔鼠雄性生殖系统的影响

目的探讨宫内及哺乳期暴露壬基酚对雄性仔鼠生殖系统的影响.方法对28只受孕母鼠从受孕第1天开始灌胃染毒壬基酚(分别为0、50、100和200mg/kg体重),直至仔鼠娩出21d断奶后停止染毒,仔鼠于70日龄剖杀,测定与仔鼠生殖功能相关的各项指标.结果随着壬基酚染毒剂量的增加,70日龄雄性仔鼠的睾丸和前列腺的重量降低,睾丸重分别为2.86、2.98、2.59和2.44g;前列腺重分别为0.26、0.23、0.20和0.19g.每克睾丸日产精子数和每克附睾精子计数也随壬基酚剂量的增加而降低,每克睾丸日产精子数分别为22.46×106、18.46×106、17.43×106和17.26×106;附睾尾精子计数分别为46.85×106、39.74×106、35.57×106和31.36×106.雄性仔鼠包皮分离时间在高剂量组(47.83d)大于对照组(46.31d).结论宫内及哺乳期暴露于壬基酚可使雄性仔鼠睾丸生精功能降低,但睾丸无形态学变化.     

Testicular damage induced by megadoses of pyridoxine

Pyridoxine hydrochloride, 125 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg or 1,000 mg/kg, daily, was intraperitoneally injected into Wistar male rats and its effects on weights and mature spermatid or sperm counts in the testis and the epididymis were investigated. After six weeks administration, weights of the testis and the epididymis in the 500 mg/kg and 1,000 mg/kg groups dramatically decreased and weights of the epididymis in the 125 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg groups also decreased significantly. Mature spermatid counts in the testis and sperm counts in the epididymis decreased in the 500 mg/kg and 1,000 mg/kg groups, and sperm counts in the tail plus body of the epididymis also decreased in the 250 mg/kg group. From these results, it was elucidated that megadoses of pyridoxine induced testicular damage in rats.     

Dose and time related changes in LDH-X activity, epididymal carnitine levels and fertility, in gossypol-treated male rats

Gossypol acetic acid could induce total infertility in male Wistar/NIN strain rats at a dose of 30 mg per kg body weight per day, for 52 days. 20 mg for 52 days and 30 mg for 38 days produced partial infertility. Highly significant correlation between parameters of infertility like reduced cauda sperm count, and implantation sites, and reduction in LDH-X activity of cauda epididymal sperm and carnitine levels in cauda epididymal fluid were observed. Testis remained unaffected.     

环境雌激素壬基酚对仔鼠精子的损伤作用

目的研究孕期暴露王基酚对雄性仔鼠精子的损伤作用。方法大鼠妊娠第14～19d灌胃染毒壬基酚（0、20、40、80、200mg／kg），仔鼠90d龄断头取血测睾酮，取睾丸和附睾称重，检测精子活动度和畸形率、附睾尾精子计数、睾丸每日精子生成量。结果与阴性对照组比较，80～200mg／kg组精子活动度、附睾尾精子计数、睾丸每日精子生成量显著下降，且与睾酮浓度正相关；精子畸形率与染毒剂晕正相关。结论孕期暴露壬基酚80mg／kg可损伤仔鼠生精功能。     

邻苯二甲酸二丁酯宫内和哺乳期染毒对F_1代雄性大鼠的生殖发育毒性

目的　观察邻苯二甲酸二丁酯 (DBP)对F1代仔鼠的发育状况及性成熟期雄性仔鼠生殖系统损害情况 ,并期望得到现有文献中缺如的DBP对F1代仔鼠生殖发育毒性的最大无作用剂量 (NOAEL)。方法　选择在宫内暴露期和哺乳期 (受孕第 2天至仔鼠 2 1天断奶 ) ,通过灌胃方式给母鼠染毒 (DBP终浓度分别为 0、5 0、2 5 0和 5 0 0mg (kg·d) ,观察对仔鼠的影响。结果　DBP对母鼠无明显影响 ,中高剂量组 [2 5 0、5 0 0mg (kg·d) ]对F1代雄性仔鼠的出生体重、每窝活产数、体重增长及雄性仔鼠肛殖距有明显影响 ,对性成熟期雄性仔鼠生殖系统损害尤为严重 ,可观察到小睾丸、附睾发育不全甚至缺失、睾丸未降等现象 ,附睾尾精子参数和睾丸精子头计数及附睾、肝、肾、前列腺的脏器系数明显降低 ,而与激素合成相关的垂体系数却略有上升。低剂量组未观察到有害影响。结论　雄性生殖系统是DBP作用的主要靶器官 ,幼年敏感期所受的损害部分不可逆 ,并得到DBP经口染毒对F1代仔鼠生殖发育毒性的NOAEL为 5 0mg (kg·d)。据此 ,进一步提出DBP经口摄入的参考剂量 (RfD)为 5 0 0 μg (kg·d)。     

Nigerian Bonny Light Crude Oil Disrupts Antioxidant Systems in Testes and Sperm of Rats

Nigerian Bonny light crude oil (BLCO) is commonly used by the local population in folklore medicine for the management of various forms of gastrointestinal problems and male reproductive capacity. The study investigated the effects of BLCO on the antioxidant systems of the testes and epidydimal sperm in rats by oral exposure to 0, 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg BLCO for 7 days. In testes and sperm, BLCO treatment at all doses significantly (p < 0.05) decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities, whereas it markedly increased glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) activities as well as increased glutathione (GSH), hydrogen peroxide, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in all treatment groups. Although epididymal sperm number (ESN), daily spermatozoa production (DSP), and sperm motility were significantly decreased, total sperm abnormalities were significantly increased without affecting sperm viability at all dose levels compared with controls. The adverse effect of BLCO on TSN was noted at the 800 mg/kg dose only. Histopathology results showed treatment-related lesions of the testes characterized by severe congestion of interstitial vessels, decreased germinal epithelium, and increased number of vacuolization. These results suggest that exposure to BLCO, such as its use in ailment management, may promote infertility by altering the function of the testes and sperm, particularly by way of induction of oxidative stress.     

Resveratrol improves sperm parameter and testicular apoptosis in cisplatin-treated rats: Effects on ERK1/2, JNK,and Akt pathways

This study aimed to investigate the protective role of resveratrol (RES) against cisplatin (Cis)-induced testicular damage and reproductive dysfunction in rats and to examine the underlying mechanisms of protection including its effect on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, P53, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-1/2, stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (SAPK/JNK), and Protein kinase B (Akt) signaling. Eight-week-old Rats were divided into four groups (n = 12 each) of 1) control group: received normal saline (i.p.) as vehicle for 45 days, 2) RES-treated group: received RES (20 mg/kg, i.p) for 45 days, 3) Cis-treated group: received Cis (3 mg/kg) for 3 days and then continued on normal saline, and 4) Cis + RES-treated group: received Cis for the first 3 days and then continued on RES for the next 45 days. Serum sex hormones levels, sperm parameters, and levels of testicular antioxidant potential and inflammatory mediators were assessed in all rats. In addition, activation of ER stress, P53, ERK1/2, JNK, and Akt and markers of apoptosis were evaluated in rats’ testis. Cis lowered sperm count and motility and increased sperm morphological abnormalities. Testis of Cis-treated rats had low expression of antioxidant enzymes including SOD, CAT, and GPx and decreased the level of GSH. Concomitantly, Cis upregulated levels of cleaved caspase-3, P53, calpain-1/cleaved caspase-12, p-ERK1/2, and p-SAPK/p-JNK. However, RES administration post-Cis administration restored all sperm parameters and prevented testicular apoptosis mediated by inhibition of all above-mentioned apoptotic pathways. Moreover, RES enhanced testosterone, FSH, and LH levels and upregulated p-Akt/p-Bad levels in both control and Cis-treated rats. In conclusion, RES protects against Cis-induced testicular damage and reproductive dysfunction via improving testosterone levels, increasing sperm count, reducing testicular apoptosis via an antioxidant potential, inhibition of ER stress, P53, ERK1/2, JNK, and activation of Akt.

Abbreviations: RES: resveratrol, Cis: cisplatin; ER: endoplasmic reticulum; ERK1/2: extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2; SAPK/JNK: stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase; Akt: protein kinase B; HPG axis: hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis; PUFAs: polyunsaturated fatty acids; FSH: Follicular stimulating hormone; LH: Luteinizing hormone; PBS: phosphate buffered saline; GSH: reduced glutathione; GSSG: glutathione disulfide; TNF-α: tumor necrosis factor-α; IL-6: interleukin-6; GRx: glutathione reductase; SOD: superoxide dismutase; CAT: catalase; 4HNE: 4-hydroxynonenal.     

Dioxin-induced changes in epididymal sperm count and spermatogenesis

A single in utero exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) on gestation day 15 decreased epididymal sperm count in adult rats and thus was used to establish a tolerable daily intake for TCDD. However, several laboratories have been unable to replicate these findings. Moreover, conflicting reports of TCDD effects on daily sperm production suggest that spermatogenesis may not be as sensitive to the adverse effects of TCDD as previously thought. We performed a PubMed search using relevant search terms linking dioxin exposure with adverse effects on reproduction and spermatogenesis. Developmental exposure to TCDD is consistently linked with decreased cauda epididymal sperm counts in animal studies, although at higher dose levels than those used in some earlier studies. However, the evidence linking in utero TCDD exposure and spermatogenesis is not convincing. Animal studies provide clear evidence of an adverse effect of in utero TCDD exposure on epididymal sperm count but do not support the conclusion that spermatogenesis is adversely affected. The mechanisms underlying decreased epididymal sperm count are unknown; however, we contest [corrected] that epididymal function is the key target for the adverse effects of TCDD.     

Testicular toxicity of chlorpyrifos (an organophosphate pesticide) in albino rat

Organophosphates are among the most widely used synthetic insect pesticides. The widespread use of organophosphates has stimulated research into the possible existence of effects related with their reproductive toxic activity. Present study was therefore, undertaken to assess the effects of chlorpyrifos on testes, the main organ of male reproduction. Chlorpyrifos at the dose levels of 7.5, 12.5 and 17.5 mg/kg b. wt./day was administered orally to male rats of Wistar strain for 30 days to evaluate the toxic alterations in testicular histology, biochemistry, sperm dynamics and testosterone levels. The body weight of animals did not show any significant change, however, a significant reduction was observed in testes. Chlorpyrifos also brought about marked reduction in epididymal and testicular sperm counts in exposed males and a decrease in serum testosterone concentration. Histopathological examination of testes showed mild to severe degenerative changes in seminiferous tubules at various dose levels. Fertility test showed 85% negative results. A significant reduction in the sialic acid content of testes and testicular glycogen was noticed, whereas the protein and cholesterol content was raised at significant levels. All these toxic effects are moderate at low doses and become severe at higher dose levels. From the results of the present study it is concluded that chlorpyrifos induces severe testicular damage and results in reduction in sperm count and thus affect fertility. Small changes in sperm counts are known to have adverse affects on human fertility. Therefore, application of such insecticide should be limited to a designed programme.     

Protective effects of garlic extract on cardiac function,heart rate variability,and cardiac mitochondria in obese insulin-resistant rats

Purpose

Garlic has been shown to exhibit antioxidant effects and cardioprotective properties. However, the effects of garlic extract on the heart in insulin resistance induced by long-term high-fat-diet consumption are not well defined. Therefore, we sought to determine the effects of garlic extract in the obese insulin-resistant rats.

Methods

Male Wistar rats (180–200 g) were divided into two groups: normal-diet or high-fat-diet (n = 24/group) fed for 12 weeks. Rats in each groups were divided into three subgroups (n = 8 each): vehicle or garlic extract (250 or 500 mg/kg/day, respectively) treated for 28 days. At the end of the treatment, the metabolic parameters, heart rate variability (HRV), cardiac function, and cardiac mitochondrial function were determined.

Results

Rats that received a high-fat-diet for 12 weeks had increased body weight, visceral fat, plasma insulin levels, total cholesterol, oxidative stress levels, depressed HRV, and cardiac mitochondrial dysfunction. Garlic extract at both concentrations significantly decreased the plasma insulin, total cholesterol, homeostasis model assessment index, and oxidative stress levels. Furthermore, garlic extract at both doses restored the HRV, cardiac function, and cardiac mitochondrial function.

Conclusion

We concluded that garlic extract at both concentrations exerted cardioprotective effects against cardiac dysfunction and mitochondrial dysfunction in obese insulin-resistant rats.     

Effect of Saccharomyces Boulardii Cell Wall Extracts on Colon Cancer Prevention in Male F344 Rats Treated with 1,2-Dimethylhydrazine

The effect of Saccharomyces boulardii cell wall extracts on colon cancer prevention in rats treated with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine was investigated. A crude insoluble glucan (0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg/day) and a crude mannoprotein extract (0.3 and 3.0 mg/kg/day) were administered in rats by gavage for 12 weeks along with a high fat low fiber diet whereupon rats were sacrificed and aberrant crypt foci (ACF) were counted in the colon. Moreover, NAD(P)H: quinone reductase (QR) and harmful fecal enzymes (β-glucosidase and β-glucuronidase) were quantified in the liver and in the caecum, respectively. Results showed a reduction in ACF counts, a decreased β-glucuronidase activity and an increased QR activity when rats were treated only with insoluble glucan. While these enzymatic modulations may be constituted one of the mechanisms that is responsible for the reduction of ACF counts observed, the reduction of ACF counts caused by insoluble glucan should be addressed, at least, as a biomarker of their cancer-prevention properties. To our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrated that crude cell wall extract obtained from S. boulardii could have a potential role in colon cancer prevention in vivo by revealing the potential implication of QR and β-glucuronidase modulation.     

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.     

Abnormalities of sexual development in male rats with in utero and lactational exposure to the antiandrogenic plasticizer Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate

Several members of the phthalate ester family have antiandrogenic properties, yet little is known about how exposure to these ubiquitous environmental contaminants early in development may affect sexual development. We conducted experiments to determine effects of in utero and lactational exposure to the most prevalent phthalate ester, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), on male reproductive system development and sexual behavior. Sprague-Dawley rats were dosed with corn oil or DEHP (0, 375, 750, or 1,500 mg/kg/day, per os) from gestation day 3 through postnatal day (PND) 21. Dose-related effects on male offspring included reduced anogenital distance, areola and nipple retention, undescended testes, and permanently incomplete preputial separation. Testis, epididymis, glans penis, ventral prostate, dorsolateral prostate, anterior prostate, and seminal vesicle weights were reduced at PND 21, 63, and/or 105-112. Additional dose-related effects included a high incidence of anterior prostate agenesis, a lower incidence of partial or complete ventral prostate agenesis, occasional dorsolateral prostate and seminal vesicle agenesis, reduced sperm counts, and testicular, epididymal, and penile malformations. Many DEHP-exposed males were sexually inactive in the presence of receptive control females, but sexual inactivity did not correlate with abnormal male reproductive organs. These results suggest that in utero and lactational DEHP exposure also inhibited sexually dimorphic central nervous system development. No major abnormalities were found in any of eight control litters, but DEHP caused severe male reproductive system toxicity in five of eight litters at 375 mg/kg/day, seven of eight litters at 750 mg/kg/day, and five of five litters at 1,500 mg/kg/day. These results demonstrate that the male reproductive system is far more sensitive to DEHP early in development than when animals are exposed as juveniles or adults. The effects of DEHP on male reproductive organs and sexual behaviors and the lack of significant effects on time to vaginal opening and first estrus in their littermates demonstrate that DEHP (and/or its metabolites) affects development of the male reproductive system primarily by acting as an antiandrogen. The pattern of effects of in utero and lactational DEHP exposure differed from patterns caused by other phthalate esters, and the preponderance of anterior prostate agenesis appears to be unique among all chemicals. These results suggest that DEHP acts partly by mechanisms distinct from those of other antiandrogens.     

Oleuropein protects against ethanol-induced oxidative stress and modulates sperm quality in the rat testis

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antioxidant properties of oleuropein on ethanol-induced oxidative stress in the rat testis. 32 adult male Sprague?CDawley rats were divided into four equal groups: the first group as a control, the second group of rats were given ethanol (4?g/kg), the third group received oleuropein (15?mg/kg), and the fourth group of rats were supplemented of oleuropein (15?mg/kg) and after 120?min were ingested via ethanol (4?g/kg) orally. Oleuropein could prevent the reduction of motility and plasma membrane integrity of the spermatozoa against ethanol-induced oxidative stress in treated rats (P?<?0.05). While, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (as a lipid peroxidation marker) concentration was decreased significantly in the oleuropein plus ethanol group compared to the ethanol group (P?<?0.05). Notably, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activity increased significantly in the ethanol-treated animals compared to controls and total glutathione (GSH-content) increased significantly in ethanol-treated rats compared to the oleuropein group. Our findings suggest that oleuropein possesses beneficial antioxidant effects on ethanol-induced sperm toxicity, subsequently enhancing sperm motility and plasma membrane integrity.     

Anti-implantation effects of indomethacin and celecoxib in rats

Pregnant Wistar rats were used to investigate the anti-implantation effect of cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors, indomethacin (nonselective COX-1/COX-2 inhibitor) and celecoxib (specific COX-2 inhibitor). Indomethacin at doses of 2.5 and 5 mg/kg/day and celecoxib at doses of 40, 80, and 160 mg/kg/day were orally administered once daily to each group (n = 8) on Days 3-5 of pregnancy (Day 1 = sperm detection). Indomethacin and celecoxib at anti-implantation dosages were further investigated for the effects on changes in endometrial vascular permeability in pregnant rats and uterine decidualization in pseudopregnant rats. The results demonstrated that indomethacin at a dose of 5 mg/kg/day as well as celecoxib at doses of 80 and 160 mg/kg/day could significantly reduce the proportion of pregnant rats. At the anti-implantation dosages, they exhibited no significant effect on proportion of rats with blue dye sites in the endometrial vascular permeability study, but they could significantly reduce the uterine decidualization. From these findings, the anti-implantation effect of the two COX inhibitors may principally be from decidualization defects, and COX inhibitors should, therefore, be used with caution in childbearing age women. On the other hand, specific COX-2 inhibitors with their good gastric safety profile may have a potential role in nonhormonal postcoital contraception.     

Monosodium glutamate daily oral supplementation: study of its effects on male reproductive system on rat model

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is widely used in food preparation industry and has been consumed regularly. Previous studies had reported on effects of MSG when given at extremely high dosages, the results are not applicable to human equivalent intake. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of MSG on sperm quality and changes in reproductive organs of adult male rats when taken at average human daily intake (ADI). Twenty-four adult male rats were randomly assigned into three groups; NC (Normal control), MSG60 and MSG120 where MSG was given orally at 60 mg/kg and 120 mg/kg to each respective group. All treatments were conducted for 28 consecutive days. MSG at estimated ADI of 120 mg/kg body weight resulted in a significant drop in sperm quality (p < 0.05) when compared to both control and MSG60 groups. A significant decrease in the weight of reproductive organs was also apparent (p < 0.05). Moreover, oxidative status evaluation showed that treatment of MSG induces oxidative stress in the testis, more severely at a dose of 120 mg/kg body weight. These findings are supported by alterations in the observed histology of reproductive organs. This study shows that an intake dose of 120 mg/kg body weight MSG could cause significant damage to the reproductive system.

Abbreviations: MSG: Monosodium glutamate; ADI: average daily intake; PUFA: polyunsaturated fatty acid; FSH: follicle stimulating hormone; LH: luteinizing hormone; TCA: tricarbocylic acid; PF: prostatic fluid