Cratoxylum formosum dyer extract alleviates testicular damage in hypertensive rats

The effects of a Cratoxylum formosum (Jack) Dyer ssp. (CF) extract on testicular damage were assessed in hypertensive rats. N^ω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME; 40 mg kg^-1 day^-1) was administered for 5 weeks to induce hypertension in male Sprague–Dawley rats, and treated with CF extract (100, 300 or 500 mg kg^-1 day^-1) or sildenafil (5 mg kg^-1 day^-1) during the final 2 weeks (n = 8/group). Biochemical components of the CF extract were identified and mainly contained phenolic compounds. The CF extract significantly reduced systolic blood pressure and alleviated impaired sperm quality and seminiferous tubular morphology in hypertensive rats. CF extract restored reduced serum testosterone and protein expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), nuclear factor erythroid-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and haem oxygenase 1 (HO-1) in L-NAME rats. Hypertensive rats presented decreased antioxidant enzyme activities, and increased testicular and plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and superoxide production, all of which were normalised by CF extract. Furthermore, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression in testicular tissue and plasma nitrate/nitrite levels were restored in hypertensive rats administered CF extract. Conclusion: CF extract alleviated testicular damage in hypertensive rats. Potential molecular mechanisms may involve suppression of oxidative stress and restoration of StAR, Nrf2, HO-1 and eNOS expression in hypertensive rats.     

Protective effects of Lepidium draba L. leaves extract on testis histopathology,oxidative stress indicators,serum reproductive hormones and inflammatory signalling in oxymetholone-treated rat

This study was aimed to investigate the protective effects of Lepidium draba L. (L. draba) extract on oxymetholone (OM)-induced testicular injury in rat. Six groups of n = 5 adult male rats were used as; 1: control, 2: OM (5 mg/kg OM orally), 3, 4 and 5: L. draba extract (100, 200 and 400 mg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹) +OM (5 mg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹ OM) and 6:400 mg/kg/d L. draba extract for 30 days. Serum testosterone (T), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH), inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, IL-1β), oxidative stress (OS) indicators [superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and nitric oxide (NO)], apoptotic related genes (Bcl-2, p53, caspase-3 (c3) and Bax) were investigated. OM significantly increased the serum levels of T, proinflammatory cytokines and pro-apoptotic genes expression. Also, it decreased LH and FSH, sperm viability, count and motility. L. draba extract especially could markedly normalise the serum levels of LH and FSH, and T, restore serum antioxidant enzymes and suppressed the pro-inflammatory cytokines. Also, germ cells apoptosis was inhibited against via downregulating the p53, c3, Bax and upregulating Bcl-2. It concluded that L. draba extract could protect the function and structure of testis against OM-induced testicular toxicity via its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.     

Thymoquinone could be protective against valproic acid-induced testicular toxicity by antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms

Although valproic acid (VPA) is a low-cost and effective drug, it is known to cause organ toxicity via oxidative stress and related process. In present study, we aimed to evaluate the possible protective effects of thymoquinone (TMQ) on VPA-induced testicular toxicity. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three as control, VPA (500 mg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹) for 14 days and VPA plus TMQ (50 mg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹ for 14 days) with seven rats in. Spermatic and interstitial degenerations induced by VPA were ameliorated with TMQ. In VPA group, increased TOS and OSI levels, and decreased TAS level were seen. TMQ reversed these oxidative stress parameters significantly. In Western analysis, VPA was found to increase the expressions of phospho-nuclear factor kappa beta (p-Nf-kB) and Caspase-3. These expressions were decreased by TMQ significantly. Intense immunostaining for p-Nf-kB, Caspase-3 and NADPH oxidase 2 induced by VPA were transformed to moderate immunostaining by TMQ. VPA-induced inflammation and apoptosis that were developed mainly by p-Nf-kB pathway were attenuated by TMQ. TMQ can be a candidate supportive treatment for patients who need long-term and high-dose VPA therapy. TMQ inhibits the Nf-kB activation, and in addition to antioxidant property, it shows anti-inflammatory feature on VPA-induced testicular toxicity.     

Ameliorative effect of selenium nanoparticles on the structure and function of testis and in vitro embryo development in Aflatoxin B1-exposed male mice

The purpose of the research was to investigate the therapeutic ability of selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs) on the aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) toxicity induced in the male reproductive system. For this experiment, the mature male mice were put into four groups. Control (0.5 ml PBS, 60 days; IP, n = 7), Se-NPs (0.5 µg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹ for 60 days; IP), AFB1 (4.5 mg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹ for 60 days; IP) and AFB1 + Se-NPs (4.5 mg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹ + 0.5 µg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹ for 60 days; IP). After treatment, the histological structure of testis, serum testosterone level and sperm parameters, including concentration, motility, viability, morphology and DNA fragmentation, were examined. The results demonstrated that the AFB1 destroyed the testicular tissue structure and decreased the sperm concentration, motility, viability and normal morphology significantly. AFB1 also could significantly increase sperm DNA fragmentation and reduce in vitro fertilisation and embryo development compared to the control group (p < .001). Our data show that Se-NPs could inhibit AFB1-induced damage to the testis and improve sperm parameters as well as in vitro fertilisation and embryo production in AFB1 exposed male mice. This study revealed that the administration of Se-NPs could attenuate the testicular injury of AFB1 and improve the male reproductive system function in AFB1 exposed mice.     

Tyrosol prevents AlCl3 induced male reproductive damage by suppressing apoptosis and activating the Nrf-2/HO-1 pathway

Aluminium is a ubiquitous element that occurs naturally in the soil making human exposure to it is unavoidable. Tyrosol is present in olive oil and is known to have antioxidant effects. Therefore, the present study explores the toxic effects of aluminium chloride (AlCl₃) and evaluates the possible protection by tyrosol in male rats. Testicular injury was induced by the administration of AlCl₃ (34 mg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹). Rats were treated with either tyrosol (20 mg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹) or AlCl3 (34 mg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹). The experiment lasted for 10 weeks. Biochemical, histopathological and protein expression profiles were determined to decipher the role of tyrosol in protecting the cellular damage. Further, histomorphometric analyses of testes showed deranged architecture along with other noted abnormalities. AlCl₃ group rats' testes showed decreased GSH levels, CAT activities, Nrf-2, HO-1, bcl-2 expressions and sperm motility whereas increased caspase-3 expressions, MDA levels, abnormal and dead/live sperm ratio. However, tyrosol treatment attenuated these changes. The present results demonstrate the beneficial role of tyrosol treatment in AlCl₃ induced testicular toxicity alterations of rat.     

High dose of standardised extract of Costus afer leaves potentiates cadmium reproductive toxicity in Wistar rats

Protective effects of standardised extract of Costus afer leaves (CAME), an extract with good antioxidants on cadmium‐induced reproductive toxicity in male rats, were investigated in this study. Forty‐two adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups and were treated every day regularly for 4 weeks. G1 (control) rats received 1 ml of vehicle treatment. G2 rats were intoxicated with 2.5 mg kg^?1 day^?1 s.c cadmium chloride for 1 week. G3 and G4 rats were intoxicated with cadmium as in G2 rats and were treated orally with 100 and 200 mg/kg bwt/day of CAME, respectively, for 4 weeks. Group G5 and G6 rats were orally treated with 100 and 200 mg kg^?1 day^?1 bwt of CAME, respectively, for 4 weeks. Significant changes (p < 0.05) in andrological parameters (sperm count, sperm morphology, serum testosterone and nitric oxide concentration) and testicular antioxidant parameters (reduced glutathione, lipid peroxidation and activities of catalase, glutathione S‐transferase and glutathione peroxidase) caused by Cd toxicity were improved in cadmium‐intoxicated rats treated with 100 mg/kg body weight of CAME. Administration of 200 mg/kg body weight of CAME to cadmium‐intoxicated rats potentiated reproductive toxic effects of cadmium. In conclusion, lower dose of CAME is preferred over high dose in treatment of cadmium‐induced reproductive toxicity in rats.     

The effect of Chrysophyllum albidum fruit on testicular functions in rats

The prevalence of male infertility is a well‐known public health issue with majority of cases due to deficient sperm production of unknown origin. Studies have associated dietary habits with male factor infertility. Chrysophyllum albidum is a common plant that produces a popular fruit, widely consumed for its nutritional and medicinal values. This study investigates the effects of C. albidum fruit methanol extract on the reproductive functions of male Wistar rats. Ripe C. albidum fruit was extracted using methanol and subjected to phytochemical screening. Fifteen male Wistar rats (100–120 g) divided into three (n = 5) received distilled water (control), 1.0 and 6.4 g kg^?1 day^?1 extract, respectively, for 28 days via oral gavage. The sperm count, motility, percentage sperm aberration, histology of testes and epididymides were examined by microscopy. Serum levels of luteinising hormone (LH), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone were quantified using ELISA. Data were analysed using ANOVA at p < 0.05 significance. Sperm count significantly increased in 6.4 g kg^?1 day^?1 extract. Serum testosterone level decreased in 1.0 and 6.4 g kg^?1 day^?1 extract. The architecture of sections of testes and epididymides showed anomalies. C. albidum fruit adversely altered reproductive functions of male Wistar rat.     

Pregabalin administration and withdrawal affect testicular structure and functions in rats

The aim of this prospective experimental study was to investigate the effects of pregabalin (PG) administration and withdrawal on testicular structures and functions in rats. A total of 24 male Wistar rats were divided into two groups (n = 12 each): a control group received normal saline, and PG-treated group received 62 mg kg^-1 day^-1 PG for 2 months. Half the animals of each group were sacrificed for the collection of blood and testicular samples. The remaining animals were bred for another 2 months without treatment before collection of blood and testicular samples. PG administration decreased testosterone and increased luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels versus controls. PG withdrawal led to a decrease in both FSH and LH and an increase in testosterone levels versus saline withdrawal. Compared to controls, PG administration caused degeneration of seminiferous tubules and decreased the number of spermatogenic but increased the number of Leydig cells. After PG withdrawal, these cells showed a rebound reverse. Reduced glutathione levels increased with PG administration while PG withdrawal increased malondialdehyde levels. Conclusion: PG administration affected testicular morphometry, gonadotrophic and sex hormones; however, there was a rebound reversal in all these parameters and a significant oxidative stress in PG withdrawal.     

Origanum vulgare L. leaves extract alleviates testis and sperm damages induced by finasteride: Biochemical,Immunohistological and apoptosis genes based evidences

The aim of the current study was to investigate antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects of Origanum vulgare on finasteride-induced oxidative injury in mouse testis and sperm parameters. Thirty BALB/c mice were divided into 5 groups: negative control, received 0.5 ml/day distilled water; positive control, received 25 mg/kg finasteride orally; and three groups received 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/day O. vulgare extract plus 25 mg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹ finasteride for 35 days. At day 36, serum luteinising hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone and testosterone, inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β), glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and nitric oxide levels were assessed. Also, apoptotic changes investigated through genes expression and immunohistochemical staining. Finasteride in 35 days resulted in significant destructive alterations in the testis architecture, suppressed antioxidant enzymes and increased lipid peroxidation. The expression of Bcl-2 was down-regulated, whereas p53 and caspase-3 were up-regulated. Origanum vulgare improved the serum level of hormones and restored the antioxidant defence. 200 and 400 mg/kg/day of O. vulgare alleviated the testis structure and sperm parameters, up-regulated the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2 and down-regulated the p53, caspase-3 genes in treated groups. The findings indicate that O. vulgare extract improved function and structure of testis tissue against finasteride-induced testicular toxicity.     

Effect of lycopene on testicular androgenic and anti-oxidative enzymes in cyproterone acetate-induced male infertile Wistar strain albino rats: An in vitro study

Incidents of male infertility are mushrooming worldwide. Oxidative stress plays a prime role for its onset. Considering this background, the study was designed to focus the direct role of lycopene on cyproterone acetate (CPA) induced testicular hypofunction in rat. Four groups have been considered including the vehicle-treated control, lycopene-treated control, CPA-treated and CPA+ lycopene-treated groups. Androgenic, antioxidant and toxicity profiles were assessed. Results focused a nonsignificant (p > .05) difference in recovery of testicular Δ⁵, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD), 17β-HSD after direct exposure of lycopene compared to the CPA-treated group. On other side, lycopene exposure to the testicular tissue of CPA-treated rat (CPA+ lycopene-treated) exhibited a significant (p < .05, p < .001) rectification in testicular catalase, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase activities towards the vehicle- and lycopene-treated control groups. Toxicity profile also showed a significant (p < .001) recovery in CPA-treated group after direct exposure of lycopene towards the vehicle- and lycopene-treated control groups. So, it can be concluded that direct exposure of lycopene may rectify the CPA-induced testicular hypofunction either by its free radical-quenching ability or by stimulating antioxidant enzyme activity without modulating androgenic key enzyme directly.     

The effect of metformin treatment on the basal and gonadotropin-stimulated steroidogenesis in male rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Type 2 diabetes mellitus impairs reproductive functions in men, and important tasks are deciphering the mechanisms of testicular dysfunctions in diabetes and the search of effective approaches to their correction. The purpose was to study the effect of four-week metformin treatment (120 mg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹) of male Wistar rats with high-fat diet/low-dose streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetes on basal and gonadotropin-stimulated steroidogenesis, intratesticular content of leptin and the leptin and luteinising hormone receptors and on spermatogenesis. Diabetic rats had hyperleptinaemia, androgen deficiency and reduced sperm count and quality, and in the testes, they had the increased leptin level and the decreased content of the leptin and luteinising hormone receptors and 17-hydroxyprogesterone. The stimulating effects of chorionic gonadotropin on testosterone production and expression of steroidogenic genes (Star, Cyp11a1) were decreased. Metformin restored basal and gonadotropin-stimulated blood testosterone levels. In the testes, it restored gonadotropin-stimulated 17-hydroxyprogesterone, androstenedione and testosterone levels, Star expression and the content of leptin and the leptin and luteinising hormone receptors. Metformin also improved epididymal sperm count and morphology. We concluded that metformin treatment normalises the testicular steroidogenesis in diabetic rats, which is due to restoration of the gonadotropin and leptin systems in the testes and is associated with an improvement in spermatogenesis.     

Improvement of Qilin pills on male reproductive function in tripterygium glycoside-induced oligoasthenospermia in rats

This study established an oligoasthenospermic rat model using tripterygium glycosides (TGs) and investigated the mechanism by which Qilin pills (QLPs) ameliorate reproductive hypofunction. Thirty-two male Sprague Dawley rats were allocated to four equal-sized groups: (1) the control group received continuous physiological levels of saline; (2) the oligoasthenospermia model group was induced with TGs by daily intragastric administration for 28 days; (3 and 4) oligoasthenospermic rats were treated intragastrically with low dose (1.62 g kg⁻¹ d⁻¹) and high dose (3.24 g kg⁻¹ d⁻¹) of QLPs once daily for 60 days. The QLP-treated rats showed a marked increase (p < .05) in testicular mass, testicular index and semen parameters compared with the untreated rats. Histopathologically, the QLP-treated groups exhibited restored seminiferous tubules in contrast to the model group. Reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde levels were dramatically decreased (p < .05) in the testes of the QLP-treated rats. QLP treatment partly reverted (p < .05) the circulatory levels of reproductive hormones (FSH, LH, testosterone, prolactin and SHBG) and hepatic and renal function (AST, Cr and urea). Our results showed that oral QLP treatment had a curative effect on the testicular mass, sperm quality, testicular pathomorphology, antioxidants, plasmatic hormones, and liver and renal function of rats.     

Carnosine Remedial Effect on Fertility of Male Rats Receiving Cyclophosphamide,Hydroxydaunomycin, Oncovin and Prednisone (CHOP)

Chemotherapeutic agents can impair gonadal function triggering infertility. Here, we probed the properties of carnosine as an antioxidant in reproductive disorders caused by the combination of cyclophosphamide, hydroxydaunomycin (doxorubicin), oncovin (vincristine) and prednisone (CHOP); this combination is mostly used in treating non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Animals were distributed into four groups: Group I was the control. Group II received carnosine (250mg kg day^-1, i.p.); Group III received CHOP: cyclophosphamide (27 mg/kg/cycle), doxorubicin (1.8 mg/kg/cycle) and vincristine (0.05 mg/kg /cycle) by i.p. plus oral prednisone (1.47 mg kg^-1 day^-1/cycle) for five days. Group IV received carnosine plus CHOP. The study involved 4 cycles each of 3 weeks. Also, we explored the effect of combining carnosine with CHOP on the development of solid Ehrlich carcinoma in mice. CHOP lowered genitals weight, sperm count and motility, testicular function marker enzymes, serum testosterone level and gene expression of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein. Furthermore, CHOP elevated testicular oxidative stress, serum follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone and triggered DNA damage. Morphometric and histopathological examinations of testicular tissues buttressed the biochemical results. Importantly, administration of carnosine ameliorated CHOP-induced alterations without diminishing CHOP's antineoplastic action. These results indicated that carnosine may ameliorate reproductive disorders induced by CHOP.     

Minocycline attenuates testicular damages in a rat model of ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury

Testicular torsion is a serious urological disease leading to testicular damage. This study aimed to assess the effect of minocycline on testicular ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury caused by testicular torsion/detorsion. Male adult Wistar rats (n = 32) were assigned into four groups of sham, I/R, I/R + minocycline and minocycline. I/R injury was induced by two sets of surgical operations, including the rotation of the left testis (720°, counterclockwise), followed by detorsion after 4 hr. The administration of minocycline was carried out 30 min before detorsion and then continued for 8 weeks. At the end of the 8th week, rats were killed and sampling was done. Johnson's score, the height of seminiferous tubule epithelium, the mean seminiferous tubule diameter, as well as biochemical parameters, SOD, GPx and CAT, were significantly enhanced in the I/R + minocycline group compared with the I/R group. The administration of minocycline led to a marked decrease in expression levels of Caspase-3, Bax, IL-1β and TNF-α genes, and a remarkable increase in expression levels of Bcl-2, 3β-HSD and 17β-HSD3 genes compared with the I/R group. Administration of minocycline could also reduce the rate of germ cell apoptosis (TUNEL staining). Hence, minocycline was useful in the management of testicular torsion/detorsion.     

Protective effect of betaine against lead-induced testicular toxicity in male mice

Lead (Pb) is an environmental toxicant reported to impair male reproductive system. Betaine is a natural product which has promising beneficial effects against oxidative stress. In this experimental study, we evaluated the ameliorative effect of betaine on sperm quality and oxidative stress induced by lead (Pb) in the testis of adult male mice. Sixty male Kunming mice were divided equally into four groups: control group, betaine group (1% in drinking water), lead group (100 mg kg⁻¹ bw⁻¹ day⁻¹) and betaine + lead group. In the last group, mice were supplemented with betaine for two weeks prior to the initiation of lead treatment and concurrently during lead treatment for 3 weeks until sacrificed. Our results indicated that in the lead-administrated group, body weights together with sperm count were significantly decreased (p < .05). The numbers of abnormal sperms were found to be higher in lead-treated mice. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (Cat) were significantly reduced, while the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) content was increased in the testis tissue following lead treatment. The mRNA levels of antioxidant-related genes (SOD1, GPX1 and CAT) were significantly decreased in the lead group. Betaine enhanced these parameters in betaine + lead group. In testis histology span, Johnson score was decreased (p < .05) in lead group and co-treatment with betaine increased Johnson score significantly in betaine + lead group. These results indicate that betaine improves sperm quality and ameliorate oxidative damage in testis of mice exposed to lead.     

Tropaeolum tuberosum (Mashua) reduces testicular function: effect of different treatment times

Tropaeolum tuberosum Ruiz & Pavon, along with other several species, is an edible-tuber crop that grows in the Andean region. Folk medicine describes the use of mashua to reduce reproductive function in men. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of mashua (1 g kg⁻¹) on sperm production in rats during 7, 12, 21 and 42 days of treatment. The following parameters were assessed: reproductive organ weights, spermatid count and daily sperm production (DSP), sperm count in epididymis and sperm transit and serum testosterone levels. Freeze-dried extract of mashua had 3.7 g 100 g⁻¹ of benzyl glucosinolate. Mashua-treated rats showed a reduction in testicular spermatid number and DSP from day 12 to day 42; meanwhile, the effect of mashua was noted in epididymal sperm count after 12 and 42 days of treatment. In addition, epididymal sperm transit time was delayed at day 7 and it was accelerated on days 12 and 21 of treatment. No differences in serum testosterone levels were found between rats treated with vehicle and mashua after 42 days of treatment. Finally, mashua reduces testicular function after one spermatogenic cycle by reducing spermatid and sperm number, DSP and epididymal sperm transit time.     

Effect of etodolac hydrazone,a new compound synthesised from etodolac,on spermatozoon quality,testicular lipid peroxidation,apoptosis and spermatozoon DNA integrity

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of etodolac hydrazone (EH), a new compound synthesised from etodolac, on spermatozoon quality, testicular lipid peroxidation, apoptosis and spermatozoon DNA integrity in rats. Group 1 (n = 8) received 1 ml dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) daily (Control); group 2 (n = 8) was treated with 5 mg kg^?1 day^?1 EH, dissolved in 1 ml DMSO (EH‐5); and group 3 (n = 8) was treated with 10 mg kg^?1 day^?1 EH, dissolved in 1 ml DMSO (EH‐10). All administrations were performed by gavage and maintained for 8 weeks. Both doses of EH administration caused significant decreases in absolute and relative weights of testis, whole epididymis, right cauda epididymis, and spermatozoon motility, spermatozoon count in comparison with the control group. Only 10 mg kg^?1 day^?1 EH administration caused significant decreases in absolute and relative weights of seminal vesicles and serum testosterone level, and significant increases in testicular lipid peroxidation level, and numbers of TUNEL+ apoptotic germ cells and spermatozoa with damaged DNA along with some histopathological damages when compared to the control group. However, body and ventral prostate weight, and testicular antioxidant markers (glutathione, glutathione‐peroxidase and catalase), were unaffected significantly by both doses of EH administration. In conclusion, two different doses of EH, in particular its high dose, damage to testicular spermatogenic cells and spermatozoon DNA and, it decreases spermatozoon motility, count and testosterone level in healthy rats.     

Cyclophosphamide suppresses spermatogenesis in the testis of mice through downregulation of miR-34b and miR-34c

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is commonly used as an anticancer agent but has been associated with high toxicity in several organs, including the testes. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of CP-induced testicular toxicity, using glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), occludin and transforming growth factor beta 3 (TGF-β3) primary antibodies, and miR-34b and miR-34c expressions. Eighteen young Balb/c male mice were divided into three groups. The control group received no treatment. The mice of CP group were injected 100 mg kg^-1 day^-1 CP for 5 days, and the same amount of saline was injected in the sham group. The animals were sacrificed 24 hr after the last injection. Immunohistochemical analysis of testicular tissues showed a decrease in both spermatogenic germ cell count and also GDNF, occludin expressions, but an increase in TGF-β3 expression in the CP group compared to the others group. The expressions of miR-34b and miR-34c were examined by qPCR technique, a significant decrease was observed in tissue samples in the CP-treated group. The expression of GDNF, occludin and TGF-β3 plays an important role in testicular injury caused by CP, and the decrease in the expression of miR-34b/c in tissue samples may be an important marker for the detection of testicular damage.     

Effects of prostatectomy on testicular androgenesis and serum levels of gonadotropins in mature albino rats

The effects of prostatectomy on testicular steroidogenic enzymes, and on serum levels of gonadotropins, prolactin, and testosterone were studied. Adult male rats were prostatectomized and sacrificed after 14 and 21 days. There was augmentation of both Δ⁵-3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (Δ⁵-3β-HSD) and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD) activities in the testes along with increased levels of FSH, prolactin, and testosterone in the serum, while no changes were observed in serum levels of LH. Hence it may be concluded that the prostate gland has an inhibitory effect on testicular androgenesis and can exert some influence in the regulation of FSH and prolactin secretion.