Lead acetate induced cytotoxicity in male germinal cells of Swiss mice

Single intraperitoneal injection of lead acetate (200 mg/kg b.w) to Swiss mice stimulated testicular weight loss with a constant increase in the incidence of abnormal sperm population and decrease in the total sperm count. Testicular ascorbic acid also declined significantly during the post-treatment phase with significant rise in Lipid Peroxidation Potential (LPP) of the tissue. Elevated LPP is indicative of oxidative stress in treated mice testes. The possible role of lead-induced oxidative stress in culminating increased sperm abnormality and decreased sperm count have been discussed. Further, possible antioxidative role of testicular ascorbic acid in minimizing oxidative stress in lead-treated mice has been demonstrated.     

Protective effect of Cordyceps militaris extract against bisphenol A induced reproductive damage

This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of Cordyceps militaris (C. militaris) against reproductive damage induced by bisphenol A (BPA). Rats were administrated 200 mg/kg BPA for 4 weeks and treated with C. militaris (200, 400, and 800 mg/kg body weight/day). By the end of the fourth week, the level of oxidative damage, sperm parameters, hormone levels, and histopathological changes were examined. In the group that only received BPA, there was a signi?cant decrease in body weight compared with the normal control (NC) group. C. militaris signi?cantly alleviated the BPA-induced reproductive damage by increasing testicular superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), and glutathione (GSH); as well as by reducing serum malondialdehyde (MDA). C. militaris not only obviously enhanced the levels of serum LH and T, but it also improved the sperm count and motility compared to the BPA-treated group. These results suggest that C. militaris could be used as a potential natural substance for preventing BPA induced reproductive damage.

Abbreviations BPA: bisphenol A; SOD: superoxide dismutase; GSH: glutathione; GSH-PX: glutathione peroxidase; MDA: malondialdehyde; ROS: reactive oxygen species; T: testosterone; LH: luteinizing hormone; FSH: follicle-stimulating hormone; UPLC: ultra performance liquid chromatography; RIA: radioimmunoassay; qRT-PCR: quantitative real time PCR; NC: normal control group; BPA: 200 mg/kg BPA administered group; H: 800 mg/kg C. militaris extract administered group; LB, MB, and HB: 200 mg/kg BPA + 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg, and 800 mg/kg C. militaris administered group, respectively; VeB: 200 mg/kg BPA + 300 mg/kg Vitamin E administered group; Star: steroidogenic acute regulatory protein; 3β-HSD: 3beta-hydroxyl-delta-5-steroid dehydrogenase; CYP11A1: cytochrome P 450 family 11 subfamily A member 1; CYP17A1: cytochrome P 450 family 17 subfamily A member 1     

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.     

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.     

Could zinc prevent reproductive alterations caused by cigarette smoke in male rats?

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of zinc on fertility through semen parameters, testosterone level and oxidative DNA damage to spermatozoa of rats exposed to cigarette smoke. Male Wistar rats (60 days old) were divided into four groups (n = 10 per group): control, cigarette-smoking (20 cigarettes per day), zinc (zinc chloride 20 mg kg?1 day?1) and zinc plus cigarette-smoking (zinc chloride 20 mg kg?1 day?1; 20 cigarettes per day). The treatment was applied for nine weeks and the following parameters were analysed: bodyweight, wet weights of the reproductive organs and the adrenal gland, plasma testosterone concentration, testicular function (seminal analysis and daily sperm production) and sperm DNA oxidative damage. The exposure to cigarette smoke decreased testosterone concentration, the percentage of normal morphology and the motility of spermatozoa. In addition, this exposure increased sperm DNA oxidative damage. Zinc treatment protected against the toxic damage that smoking caused to spermatozoa. This study showed a correlation between smoking and possible male infertility and subfertility, and also that the majority of smoking-induced changes in spermatozoa were prevented by zinc treatment. In conclusion, zinc, an antioxidant and stimulant of cell division, can be indicated as a promising treatment in men with infertility caused by the toxic components of cigarette smoke.     

双酚A与壬基酚混合染毒对小鼠生精功能的影响

目的　研究双酚A (BPA)与壬基酚 (NP)混合染毒对小鼠生精功能的影响。方法　选择健康性成熟的雄性昆明种小鼠 6 0只 ,按随机区组分为阴性对照组、阳性对照组 (环磷酰胺 ,CP)和低剂量组(82mg/kgBPA+5 0mg/kgNP)、中剂量组 (1 6 3mg/kgBPA +1 0 0mg/kgNP)和高剂量组 (32 5mg/kgBPA+2 0 0mg/kgNP) ,连续灌胃染毒 5d ,分别于首次染毒后第 1 4天和第 35天 ,每组随机处死 5只小鼠 ,检测睾丸、附睾、精囊腺重量和脏器系数、精子数、精子活动度、活精率、精子畸形率和初级精母细胞染色体畸变率。结果　精子数、直线运动精子数和活精率随染毒剂量增加而减少 ,静止不动精子数、精子畸形率和初级精母细胞染色体畸变率均随染毒剂量增加而升高。中、高剂量组的上述结果与阴性对照组比较 ,差异均有显著性 (P <0 0 5 ,P <0 0 1 ) ,均存在明确的剂量 -反应关系 ,相关系数依次为 :- 0 987,- 0 895 ,- 0 981 ,0 981 ,0 95 8和 0 96 2 (均P <0 0 5 )。结论　BPA、NP及其代谢产物能损伤小鼠的生精功能 ,由于BPA、NP在环境中往往共存 ,所以在评价BPA、NP生殖功能的损伤作用时 ,必须考虑两化学物间的相互作用。     

Protective effects of Launaea procumbens on rat testis damage by CCl4

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Traditionally various human diseases of kidneys, hormonal imbalance and sexual diseases are treated with Launaea procumbens (L). In the present study protective effects of methanolic extract of Launaea procumbens (LPME) was evaluated against CCl4-induced oxidative damages in rat testis. METHODS: To examine the protective effects of Launaea procumbens on testis against oxidative stress of carbon tetrachloride in male rat, 30 male albino rats were equally divided into 5 groups (6 rats). First group was given standard diet and drinking water. Second group received CCl4 3 ml/kg intraperitoneally (30 % in olive oil). Third and forth were given orally 100; 200 mg/kg b.w., in 99.8 % dimethyl sulphooxide (DMSO), Launaea procumbens methanolic extracts (LPME) after 48 h of CCl4 treatment twice a week and sixth group received only LPME in DMSO at a dose of 200 mg/kg b.w., for four weeks. Protective effects of Launaea procumbens were observed on sperm concentration, motility and morphology, serum reproductive hormonal level, activity of antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and DNA damages. RESULTS: Results of the present study revealed that treatment of CCl4 significantly (p < 0.01) reduced sperm concentration and motility comparatively to controls. Level of testosterone, luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone, were depleted markedly (p <0.01) with treatment of CCl4. In addition, CCl4 induction in rats reduced activities of antioxidant enzymes while increased lipid peroxidation and DNA damages. Co-administration of LPME significantly (p <0.01) improved these alterations in improving of hormonal level, activities of antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation near to control rats. CONCLUSION: From the results it is suggested that Launaea procumbens methanolic extract has the ability to protect testis against oxidative damages, possibly through antioxidant effects of its bioactive compounds.     

Phaseolin,a Protein from the Seed of Phaseolus vulgaris,Has Antioxidant,Antigenotoxic, and Chemopreventive Properties

The present report was designed to determine the antioxidant and antigenotoxic effects of phaseolin (isolated from Phaseolus vulgaris) against mouse colon and liver damage induced by azoxymethane (AOM) and its colon chemopreventive effect. Eight groups with 12 mice each were utilized for an eight-week experiment: the control group was intragastrically (ig) administered 0.9% saline solution; the positive control group was intraperitoneally (ip) injected with 7.5 mg/kg AOM twice a week (weeks three and four of the experiment); three groups were ig administered each day with phaseolin (40, 200, and 400 mg/kg); and three groups were ig administered phaseolin daily (40, 200, and 400 mg/kg) plus 7.5 mg/kg AOM twice a week in weeks three and four of the experiment. The results showed that phaseolin did not produce oxidative stress, DNA damage, or aberrant crypts; in contrast, 100% inhibition of lipoperoxidation, protein oxidation, and nitrites induction generated by AOM was found in both organs, and DPPH radical capture occurred. The two highest phaseolin doses reduced DNA damage induced by AOM in both organs by more than 90% and reduced the AOM-induced aberrant crypts by 84%. Therefore, our study demonstrated the strong in vivo antioxidant, antigenotoxic, and chemopreventive potential of phaseolin.     

Quail (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Coturnix japonica</Emphasis>) egg yolk bioactive components attenuate streptozotocin-induced testicular damage and oxidative stress in diabetic rats

Introduction

The testicular milieu is the machinery for the metabolism of testosterone in the male reproductive system.

Purpose

The dysfunction of this highly regenerating system is inevitable in the condition of glucose imbalance as a result of insulin machinery impairment. Therefore, it is imperative to recommend dietary intervention for attenuating the testicular dysfunction and oxidative stress resulting from STZ-induction of diabetes.

Methods

STZ-induced diabetes (65 mg/kg, ip) was treated with QEYEM (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg/day) and quercetin (50 mg/kg/day) for 7weeks. In serum, glucose, testosterone, IL-6 and TNF-α levels were estimated, and in testis, tissues TBARS, sulfhydryl groups, nucleic acids and total protein (TP) levels were estimated. SOD, CAT and GST activities were also determined in testicular cells. Histopathological changes were evaluated in a cross-section of testis.

Results

Testosterone concentration was decreased while pro-inflammatory markers were increased in STZ-assaulted rats. Treatment using QEYEM of diabetic rats corrected assaults and reverse significantly the diabetic conditions. QEYEM-treated groups showed significant inhibition of TBARS levels and elevation of testicular GSH, NP-SH, total protein (TP) and nucleic acids—DNA and RNA levels. The QEYEM administration reversed the inhibited activities of SOD, CAT and GST in testicular cells in diabetic rats. The characterization of the extract carried out through HPLC analytical techniques revealed vitamins A, D and E concentrations of 0.645, 0.012 and 6.3 mg/100 g, respectively.

Conclusion

QEYEM supplementation to STZ-induced diabetic rats for seven (7) consecutive weeks is a potential intervention against testicular damage in adult diabetic rats, probably by decreasing oxidative stress.

     

Ⅱ-型拟除虫菊酯对雄性小鼠中枢神经系统氧化应激的影响

[目的]探索II-型拟除虫菊酯类农药对小鼠脑的氧化损伤作用及其毒理作用机制。[方法]将50只雄性昆明系小鼠随机分为5组（每组10只），即溴氰菊酯（DM）1.8mg/kg组、3.6mg/kg组；氯氰菊酯（CP）4mg/kg组、8mg/kg组及色拉油对照组；连续1个月经口灌胃染毒后，检测DM、CP对小鼠脑中丙二醛（MDA）、羟自由基（-OH）、总抗氧化能力（T-AOC）、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶（CSH-PX）活性的影响。[结果]DM1.8mg/kg组和CP4mg/kg组小鼠脑内丙二醛（MDA）和谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶（CSH-PX）的含量与对照组比较差异有统计学意义；DM3.6mg/kg组和CP8mg/kg组小鼠脑内检测的四种指标与对照组相比均有统计学意义。[结论]II-型拟除虫菊酯类农药可引起小鼠脑内MDA、-OH、T-AOC、CSH-PX活性的改变，导致机体抗氧化能力下降，使之对外来化学物氧化损伤作用的敏感性增高。     

原花青素对反式脂肪酸染毒小鼠精子质量的影响

目的:探讨原花青素(PC)对反式脂肪酸(TFA)致雄性小鼠精子质量的影响。方法:50只成年昆明种(KM)雄性小鼠,随机分为5组:溶剂对照组、TFA染毒组、低、中、高剂量PC保护组。溶剂对照组灌胃生理盐水;TFA染毒组按100 mg/kg剂量灌胃TFA;3个保护组分别按25.0 mg/kg、50.0 mg/kg、100.0 mg/kg的剂量灌胃PC。除溶剂对照组灌胃等体积的生理盐水外,其它每组均上午灌胃TFA、下午灌胃PC,时间90 d。实验结束后取血后处死动物,测定相关指标。结果:与对照组比较,TFA染毒组小鼠精子数量、精子存活率、精子活力均降低,畸形率增加(P<0.05);中、高剂量PC保护组小鼠精子数量、精子存活率、精子活力均有不同程度的增加,畸形率减少与TFA染毒组比较差别有显著性(P<0.05),精子畸形以尾折叠、卷尾、尾体弯曲、不规则精子、双尾精子为主;TFA染毒组SOD降低,MDA升高;PC保护后SOD升高,MDA降低与染毒组比较差别有显著性(P<0.05)。结论:TFA对雄性小鼠精子质量有损伤作用;PC对小鼠精子损伤有保护修复作用,其机制与抗氧化损伤有关。     

环境雌激素壬基酚对小鼠生精功能的影响

目的　研究经口染毒壬基酚 (NP)对小鼠生精功能的影响及可能的机制。方法　选健康性成熟雄性昆明种小鼠连续灌胃NP 5d ,剂量为 1 0 0 ,2 0 0 ,4 0 0mg/kg。于首次染毒后第 1 4天和第 35天随机分批各处死 5只小鼠 ,称量睾丸、附睾及精囊腺重量并计算脏器系数。检测第 1 4天处死的小鼠初级精母细胞染色体畸变率 ,第 35天处死小鼠检测精子数、活精率、活动度和畸形发生率。结果　染毒NP剂量达 2 0 0 ,4 0 0mg/kg时精子数明显减少 ,不动精子数、精子畸形率、初级精母细胞染色体畸变率明显升高 ,活精率仅在 4 0 0mg/kg组明显降低 ,与阴性对照组比较 ,差异均有显著性 (P <0 0 5 ) ,并均呈明确的剂量 -反应关系 (P <0 0 5 )。结论　经口染毒NP可损伤小鼠的生精功能 ,NP直接损伤生精细胞和初级精母细胞染色体 ,是产生上述结果的机制之一     

Agaricus blazei extract abrogates rotenone-induced dopamine depletion and motor deficits by its anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties in Parkinsonic mice

Neuroinflammation and oxidative damage are the two main malfactors that play an important role in the pathogenesis of experimental and clinical Parkinson’s disease (PD). The current study was aimed to study the possible anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of the methanolic extract of Agaricus blazei (A. blazei) against rotenone-induced PD in mice. Male Albino mice were randomized and divided into the following groups: control, treated with rotenone (1?mg/kg/day), co-treated with rotenone and A. blazei (50, 100, and 200?mg/kg b.w.), and treated with A. blazei alone (200?mg/kg b.w.). After the end of the experimental period, behavioral studies, biochemical estimations, and protein expression patterns of inflammatory markers were studied. Rotenone treatment exhibited enhanced motor impairments, neurochemical deficits, oxidative stress, and inflammation, whereas oral administration of A. blazei extract attenuated the above-said indices. Even though further research is needed to prove its efficacy in clinical studies, the results of our study concluded that A. blazei extract offers a promising and new therapeutic lead for treatment of PD.     

Cistanches herba induces testis cytotoxicity in male mice

We investigated the effects of Cistanches herba (CH) on the male reproductive system in mice, assessing CREM gene expression and spermatogenesis. Our results demonstrate that CH treatment lead to a significant decrease in sperm count dose-dependently, 298.3 ± 48.9 vs. 296.6 ± 102.4 (250 mg/kg), 236.7 ± 75.1 (500 mg/kg), 223.0 ± 48.7 × 10⁶ (1000 mg/kg), respectively. Additionally, serum testosterone levels decreased following CH treatment to as low as ~57% compared with the vehicle-treated group. CREM gene expression was also down-regulated following CH treatment and histological examination of the testicular seminiferous tubules showed severe damage on CH treatment. These results suggest that CH induces cytotoxicity in the male reproductive system, through the inhibition of spermatogenesis, testicular damage, and limited hormonal function.     

Aqueous root extract of Lecaniodiscus cupanioides restores the alterations in testicular parameters of sexually impaired male rats

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the effects of aqueous root extract of Lecaniodiscus cupanioides (L. cupanioides) on the alterations in the testicular parameters of paroxetine-treated rats.MethodsGroup A rats which is the control received distilled water orally for 5 d. Groups B, C, D, E and F consisted of paroxetine-induced sexual dysfunction rats. In addition, Groups C, D, E and F rats were orally treated with 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight of the extract and 7.14 mg/kg body weight of PowMax once daily for 5 d respectively.ResultsParoxetine-induced sexual dysfunction resulted into significant (P<0.05) reduction in the levels of testicular protein, sialic acid, glycogen and cholesterols. These decrease were dose dependently reversed by aqueous root extract of L. cupanioides. The decrease in the specific activities of acid and alkaline phosphatases, lactate dehydrogenase and gamma-glutamyl transferase in the testes of paroxetine-treated rats were significantly (P<0.05) reversed. Testicular testosterone level decreased significantly (P<0.05) in sexually impaired rats. This decrease was significantly prevented by aqueous root extract of L. cupanioides. All these alterations brought about by the administration of the extract (25 and 50 mg/kg body weight) compared significantly (P<0.05) with the reference drug, while the 100 mg/kg body weight of the extract compared significantly (P<0.05) with the control.ConclusionsThe results of this study showed that aqueous root extract of L. cupanioides restored the alterations in the testicular function parameters of sexually impaired rats. Thus supporting the use of the plants in the management of sexual dysfunction in the folkloric medicine of Nigeria.     

Effects of vitamin E on reproductive hormones and testis structure in chronic dioxin-treated mice

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of vitamin E on reproductive hormones and testis structure in mice treated with 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Five experimental groups of a combination of TCDD and vitamin E were designed as follows: 0 ng/kg/d and 0 mg/kg/d (control group), 100 ng/kg/d and 0 mg/kg/d (Group I), 100 ng/kg/d and 20 mg/kg/d (Group II), 100 ng/kg/d and 100 mg/kg/d (Group III), and 100 ng/kg/d and 500 mg/kg/d (Group IV) respectively. Vitamin E and TCDD were given by oral gavage for 7 weeks. The results demonstrated that TCDD decreased the levels of brain gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), testis luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), serum testosterone and testis spermatozoa number, and damaged testis structure. Vitamin E at 20 mg/kg alleviated the decrease of GnRH; vitamin E at 20, 100, and 500 mg/kg antagonized the decline of LH and FSH; vitamin E at 20 and 100 mg/kg reversed the decrease of testosterone and spermatozoa number; and vitamin E at 100 mg/kg decreased the damage of the testis structure caused by TCDD. The results indicate that vitamin E antagonizes the reproductive endocrine toxicity and alleviates the changes in testicular structure caused by TCDD.     

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.     

原花青素对氨基脲染毒小鼠精子质量损伤的修复作用

目的 探讨原花青素（PC）对氨基脲（SEM）染毒小鼠精子质量损伤的修复作用. 方法 50只清洁级成年雄性昆明种小鼠按体重随机平分成5组（10只/每组）：溶剂对照组、SEM染毒组、SEM染毒加低、中、高剂量PC保护组.溶剂对照组小鼠灌胃去离子水;SEM染毒组小鼠按56.25 mg/kg·bw剂量灌胃SEM溶液;低、中、高剂量PC保护组小鼠分别按100、200、400 mg/kg· bw剂量灌胃PC溶液.除溶剂对照组灌胃等体积的去离子水外,其它每组均上午灌胃SEM、下午灌胃PC,每天1次,实验时间均为6周.实验结束后取血后处死动物,分离双侧睾丸、附睾测定相关指标. 结果 SEM染毒组小鼠体重及睾丸、附睾脏器系数均低于溶剂对照组（P＜0.05）;经不同剂量PC保护后,PC高剂量保护组小鼠体重及附睾、睾丸脏器系数均分别高于SEM染毒组（P＜0.05）;与溶剂对照组比较,SEM染毒组小鼠精子畸形率增加,精子数目、活动度降低（P＜0.05）;经高剂量PC保护后小鼠精子数目、活动度均较SEM染毒组增加,畸形率减少（P＜0.05）,精子畸形以折体、弯颈、卷尾、不定型、双头、胖头为主;SEM染毒组SOD降低,MDA升高;与染毒组比较高剂量PC保护后SOD升高,MDA降低,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）. 结论 SEM对小鼠精子质量有损伤作用;400 mg/kg·bw剂量PC对SEM损伤小鼠精子质量有较好的修复作用,PC作用机制可能与其抗氧化作用有关.     

Hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities of Vernonia amygdalina on acetaminophen-induced hepatic damage in mice

Vernonia amygdalina Del. (Family Compositae) is used in Nigerian folk medicine as a tonic and remedy against constipation, fever, high blood pressure, and many infectious diseases. We have evaluated the hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of an aqueous extract of V. amygdalina leaves against acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in mice in vivo. Activities of liver marker enzymes in serum (glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase, glutamate-pyruvate transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase, and alkaline phosphatase) and bilirubin levels were determined colorimetrically, while catalase activity, lipid peroxidation products, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), iron, and total protein concentrations were measured in liver homogenate. Acetaminophen challenge (300 mg/kg, i.p) for 7 days caused significant (P < .01) increases in the levels of bilirubin, liver enzymes, TBARS, and iron, while catalase activity and total protein level were reduced significantly (P < .01). Preadministration of V. amygdalina resulted in a dose-dependent (50-100 mg/kg) reversal of acetaminophen-induced alterations of all the liver function parameters by 51.9-84.9%. Suppression of acetaminophen-induced lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress by the extract was also dose-dependent (50-100 mg/kg). The results of this study suggest that V. amygdalina elicits hepatoprotectivity through antioxidant activity on acetaminophen-induced hepatic damage in mice.     

磷酸锰铁锂通过Keap1/Nrf2信号通路影响雄性小鼠生殖系统

目的 探讨磷酸锰铁锂(LiMnFePO₄)可否通过Keap1/Nrf2信号通路影响雄性小鼠的生殖系统。方法 将18只8周龄C57BL/6J小鼠随机分为对照组和低、高剂量(5、50mg/kg)LiMnFePO₄组,每组6只,灌胃染毒6周处死。取出睾丸,称取小鼠体质量并计算睾丸和附睾脏器系数、精子计数和精子畸形率,检测小鼠睾丸组织丙二醛(MDA)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性水平,观察睾丸组织形态,测定小鼠睾丸组织Kelch样环氧氯丙烷相关蛋白-1(Keap1)和核因子红细胞2相关因子2(Nrf2)、血红素氧合酶1(HO-1)的蛋白和mRNA表达水平。结果 LiMnFePO₄暴露对小鼠体质量、睾丸和附睾脏器系数影响差异无统计学意义;LiMnFePO₄染毒小鼠睾丸组织SOD活性水平降低,MDA水平升高;小鼠睾丸组织Keap1的蛋白和mRNA表达水平升高,HO-1的蛋白和mRNA表达水平降低,Nrf2的蛋白表达水平降低、mRNA表达水平升高;高剂量LiMnFePO₄染毒小鼠睾丸组织精子计数减少,精子畸形率上升,睾丸曲细精管皱缩,管内精细胞减少、排列混乱,睾丸间质细胞增生。结论 LiMnFePO₄可能通过Keap1/Nrf2信号通路影响小鼠睾丸组织氧化应激状况,导致雄性小鼠生殖毒性。