Chlorella vulgaris ameliorates testicular toxicity induced by deltamethrin in male rats via modulating oxidative stress

This study was carried out to investigate the potential effects of Chlorella vulgaris (CV) on testicular function and oxidant/antioxidant status in normal and deltamethrin‐intoxicated rats. Forty adult male rats were drenched either with normal saline, CV (50 mg/kg), deltamethrin (DM) (3 mg/kg), or CV combined with DM, daily for 8 weeks. At the end of the protocol, the epididymal sperm quality was evaluated and the testicular superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase enzyme (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA), and the serum testosterone levels were estimated. Normal rats treated with CV showed a significant increase in the total sperm number/epididymal tail, testicular SOD, and CAT levels with a significant decrease in the testicular MDA. Deltamethrin intoxication significantly decreased the proportions of motile and live sperm, the testosterone concentration, the testicular SOD and CAT levels, whereas it significantly increased the proportion of abnormal sperm and the testicular MDA. Chlorella vulgaris treatment significantly ameliorated the adverse effects of DM‐intoxication and restored most of the parameters to levels that are comparable to those of the control group. In conclusion, CV administration improved the testicular function of normal rats and ameliorated the effect of severe oxidative stress conditions.     

The testicular protective effects of standardised hydroalcoholic extract of Ziziphus jujuba Mill against adriamycin-induced toxicity

In this study, because of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect of the Ziziphus jujuba (ZJ), we assessed the protective properties of the ZJ extract against testis toxicity caused by Adriamycin in the rat. Twenty rats were grouped into (a) control, (b) Adriamycin, (c) ZJ group and (d) treatment group in which Adriamycin was administrated and the ZJ hydroalcoholic extract was used for three weeks. On the 21st day, two testes were removed to determine the oxidation markers and pathological evaluation. The levels of sex hormones were determined. Epididymis also was crushed, and its spermatozoa were evaluated as concentration, motility and normality. Adriamycin increased oxidative stress markers as well as Luteinising hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone and decreased testosterone levels compared to control. In the treated group, the levels of the above markers improved. The decreased number and motility of spermatozoa in treatment group increased, and the increased rate of abnormal spermatozoa in this group decreased. Pathological evaluations also show the healing process of damaged testicular tissue in the group receiving the ZJ extract. The ZJ extract relatively improves oxidative stress, sperm characteristics, hormonal alternation and pathological changes. These findings reveal the probable role of ZJ effective compounds in repairing tissue damage.     

巴戟天根两种提取物对微波损伤大鼠生精功能的影响

目的:探讨巴戟天根不同浓度提取物对微波损伤的雄性SD大鼠生精功能的影响。方法:40只健康雄性SD大鼠先分为正常对照组和辐射组,辐射后再将辐射组分为辐射模型组,巴戟天根水提物治疗组和巴戟天根醇提物治疗组,每组10只。辐射组应用微波信号发生器(900 HZ 1.0 W),功率密度为218μm/cm2,12 h/d,持续辐射2周。治疗组在辐射后分别给予巴戟天根水提物和巴戟天根醇提物20 g/(kg.d)持续灌胃2周。观察各组大鼠生长发育,扑捉潜伏期(CIP)和扑捉次数(CT),睾丸和附睾指数及精子形态学的差异,精子浓度、精子畸形率以及血清睾酮的浓度。结果:与正常对照组[(269.50±36.07)g]相比,辐射模型组[(254.77±20.38)g]大鼠体重稍降低,CIP延长及CT减少(P<0.05),精子浓度[(87.717±12.365)×106/ml]降低及精子畸形率[(0.126±0.100)×106/ml]明显升高(P<0.05);睾丸和附睾出现不同程度的病理损伤改变,睾丸指数降低,血清睾酮水平无明显变化。两治疗组较正常对照组体重显著下降(P<0.05),血清睾酮的水平显著升高,且与辐射模型组相比CT增加、CIP缩短、精子浓度显著升高、畸形率显著下降、血清睾酮的水平升高(P<0.05)。治疗组睾丸的病理性损伤显著修复,附睾管内除见大量精子外,还可见大量脱落的细胞。结论:巴戟天根的水提取物和醇提取物均可促进微波辐射损伤的生殖器官的修复以及精子的生成。     

色甘酸钠对大鼠肠缺血再灌注损伤的作用

目的 探讨肥大细胞膜稳定剂色甘酸钠对大鼠肠缺血再灌注损伤的作用。方法 32只SD大鼠随机分为4组（n=8）：假手术组（S组）、缺血再灌注组（I/R组）、缺血再灌注＋色甘酸钠25 mg/kg组（C1组）及缺血再灌注＋色甘酸钠50 mg/kg组（C2组）。采用肠缺血45 min再灌注1h制备肠缺血再灌注损伤模型,C1组、C2组再灌注前15min腹腔注射色甘酸钠。再灌注1h后,取小肠组织,光镜下观察小肠粘膜病理学改变,进行Chiu评分,电镜下观察小肠粘膜的超微结构,测定小肠肿瘤坏死因子-α（TNF-α）及组胺含量,进行肠粘膜肥大细胞（IMMC）计数,并测定类胰蛋白酶表达。结果 肠缺血再灌注导致小肠Chiu评分、TNF-α含量、IMMC计数及类胰蛋白酶表达增加,组胺含量降低,IMMC出现胞浆颗粒明显减少,颗粒包膜相互融合形成细胞内空泡等脱颗粒现象;色甘酸钠25、50mg/kg可减弱肠缺血再灌注导致的上述改变,且50mg/kg的作用更明显。Chiu评分与TNF-α、组胺、类胰蛋白酶水平有相关性,相关系数分别为0．532、-0．770（P＜0．05）。结论 色甘酸钠25、50mg/kg可抑制IMMC活性,减少TNF-α的释放,从而减轻了大鼠肠缺血再灌注损伤;色甘酸钠50mg/kg的效果较好。     

Costus afer leaf extract protects against testicle damage caused by cyclosporine A in adult male Wistar rats through an antioxidant mechanism

Cyclosporine A is one of the most widely used drugs in organ transplant and oncology patients. But its use is accompanied by many toxicities. This study aimed to investigate the possible protective effect of Costus afer (C. afer) leaf extract on cyclosporine A-induced testicular toxicity. This study was carried out on 40 adult male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control, C. afer, cyclosporine A and cyclosporine A+ C. afer groups. The investigations include genital weight, sperm count and characters, serum luteinising hormone (LH) and testosterone, testicular tissue contents of reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) and lipid peroxidation (MDA). Besides, a histopathological examination of testicular tissue stained with haematoxylin and eosin (H & E) was performed. Cyclosporine A+ C. afer group showed a significant increase in the genital weight, serum testosterone, sperm count, motility and viability. Besides, the extract significantly decreased testicular content of MDA and increased SOD, CAT and GSHPx. C. afer coadministration significantly decreased serum LH and sperm abnormalities and protected against testicular histopathological alterations. The extract showed a protective effect against testicular toxicity associated with cyclosporine A and that was through an antioxidant mechanism.     

The reproductive toxicity of cadmium chloride in male mice

Objective: To study the reproductive toxicity of cadmium chloride in male mice. Methods: Male mice of 4 weeks old were administered cadium chloride at doses of 0.5, 2 or 8 mg·kg-1·day-1 i.p. for 10 days. At day 50, the males were mated with virgin females at 1: 2. The pregnancy rate, the litter size and the body weight of the offspring were recorded; at the same time the development of the testis, the testicular index, the germ cell miosis and the epididymal sperm count, motility and malformed sperm were observed in the intoxicated males. Results: The testicular index was lower in the 2 and 8 mg/kg groups than in the controls and 0.5 mg/kg groups (P< 0.05). In the 2 and 8 mg/kg groups, there were testicular maldeve-lopment, epididymal azoospermia and infertility. The pregnancy rate was lower in the 2 mg/kg group than in the control and 0.5 mg/ kg group (P<0.05). The ectopic pregnancy rate of the cadmium chloride group was not significantly different from that of the controls. The sperm count, motility     

Ameliorative effects of rutin against cisplatin-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats

Background

Cisplatin (CP) or cis-diammine dichloroplatinum (II) is a platinum based standard antineoplastic drug which is used against variety of solid tumors and neoplasms. The present study aimed to evaluate the shielding effects of rutin against CP induced testicular toxicity in rats.

Methods

28 male rats were divided into four groups. First group was given saline orally while second group received intra-peritoneal (i.p) injection of cisplatin (7 mg/kg) on day first and received saline for next 13 days. Third group received i.p injection of cisplatin at day one and treated with rutin (75 mg/kg) orally for next 13 days. Fourth group was treated with rutin orally for 13 days. Animals were sacrificed on 14th day and reproductive organs were analyzed for various parameters.

Results

Cisplatin treatment resulted in a significant decrease in daily sperm production, decrease in head length and % DNA in head, reduction of epithelial cell height, tubular diameter, reduction of the number of spermatogonia, spermatocytes and spermatids, increase in the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and oxidative stress in testicular tissues, and change of the intra-testicular testosterone concentrations. Rutin co-treatment resulted in reversing cisplatin effect on DNA damage, sperm count, histological and biochemical parameters.

Conclusion

These results indicated that rutin co-treatment could ameliorate cisplatin-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats.

     

Post-fertilization effects of chronic renal failure in male rats

We evaluated the potential for growth and intrauterine development of embryos generated from the fertilization of oocytes with spermatozoa recovered from animals with chronic renal failure (CRF). Group A included sham-operated rats ( n  = 28), group B1 involved CRF rats that had undergone erythropoietin plus bromocryptine treatment ( n  = 28), and group B2 included CRF rats that had received normal saline. Embryos derived from the in vitro fertilization of oocytes with spermatozoa recovered from rats of group A or group B1 or group B2 were transferred to female recipients. We induced CRF in a group of rats (group B; n  = 56; the total kidney volume was reduced to one-sixth with two operations). One week after the second operation, the rats of group B were randomly divided into group B1 (they subsequently received bromocryptine plus erythropoietin) and group B2 (they received injections of saline). Nine weeks after the second operation, the fertility of each male rat was assessed by mating tests and in vitro fertilization of oocytes. The mean litter size was significantly smaller in the subpopulation of fertile animals in group B2 than in the fertile rats of group B1 and in the fertile rats of group B1 than in the fertile rats of group A. Per cent of transferred blastocysts that developed into alive offspring were significantly lower in group B2 than in group B1 and in group B1 than in group A. Epididymal spermatozoa demonstrated a significantly larger DNA-oxidative damage in group B2 than in group B1 and in group B1 than in group A. These findings demonstrate that sperm-DNA damage because of CRF development is accompanied by a defect in the development of embryos generated in vitro. We may suggest that bromocryptine and erythropoietin protecting sperm DNA from oxidative damage improve reproductive potential in rats with CRF.     

Effects of treatment with Hypoxis hemerocallidea extract on sexual behaviour and reproductive parameters in male rats

Hypoxis hemerocallidea is used in traditional medicine in South Africa, for the treatment of male reproductive ailments and various chronic illnesses. Despite chronic use, its effects on male reproductive system are unknown. Male Wistar rats were treated orally daily for 28 (n = 18) and 56 days (n = 18). Treatment groups (n = 6/group) per treatment period were as follows: untreated control, 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg 70% ethanolic extract of H. hemerocallidea. Sexual behaviour observations were performed on days 17 and 42 of the study. Sperm, biochemical and testicular histopathological studies were carried out. Arousal and libido and serum testosterone increased after 56 days of treatment. There was an increase in epididymal sperm count at both treatment doses, with the 300 mg/kg dose showing a higher sperm count (p < .05) compared to the 150 mg/kg treatment group. The higher 300 mg/kg dose also showed an increase (p < .05) in sperm motility after 56 days of treatment. Histology showed an increase in germinal layer thickness, consistent with the observed increase in sperm count. Testicular oxidative status improved after 56 days of treatment. Results suggest that chronic treatment with H. hemerocallidea may improve male sexual function and fertility parameters and may protect testes from oxidative damage.     

Ameliorative effect of Alpinia officinarum Hance extract on nonylphenol-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats

Nonylphenol (NP), an endocrine-disrupting chemical, interferes with reproductive function and induces oxidative stress in different organs, including the testis and prostate. Alpinia officinarum Hance (ALP), a plant species of the Zingiberaceae family, has proven antioxidant properties. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the alcoholic extract of ALP treatment on NP-induced reproductive toxicity and oxidative stress in male rats using biochemical and histopathological biomarkers. Our experimental groups were defined as follows: oil treatment (control), NP 10 mg/kg, ALP 10 mg/kg (ALP HD), NP + ALP 5 mg/kg (NP + ALP LD) and NP + ALP 10 mg/kg (NP + ALP HD). NP administration caused significant cytotoxicity and a significant increase in oxidative stress prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels accompanied by a significant reduction in testosterone levels. The relative weight of the testis of both NP + ALP LD and NP + ALP HD groups was significantly decreased compared to the control group. Histopathological evaluations revealed destructive effects in testis and prostate tissue samples. In conclusion, ALP administration improved cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, testosterone and PSA levels, and testis and prostate tissue destructive effects induced by the NP in male rats.     

Recovery of lead‐induced suppressed reproduction in male rats by testosterone

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of testosterone in recuperation of lead‐induced suppressed reproduction in adult male rats. Lead acetate was administered orally to adult male rats (95 ± 5 days) at dosage level of 0.05 and 0.15% for 55 days through drinking water and injected intraperitoneally with either testoviron depot at a dose of 4.16 mg kg^?1 body weight or vehicle alone on days 1, 7 and 14 respectively. At the end of treatment, control and treated males were cohabited with untreated normal‐cycling females. After cohabitation for 5 days, all the male rats were killed and weights of reproductive organs were determined. Significant increase in the indices of testis, epididymis, seminal vesicles, vas deferens and prostate glands was observed in testosterone (T)‐treated rats when compared to those of lead‐exposed rats. Testosterone treatment significantly increased epididymal sperm count, motile spermatozoa, viable spermatozoa and HOS tail‐coiled spermatozoa and also the activity levels of testicular 3β‐ and 17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases when compared to those of lead‐exposed males. From the results, it can be hypothesised that supplementation of testosterone mitigated lead‐induced suppressed reproduction in male rats.     

Ameliorative effect of edible Halopteris scoparia against cadmium-induced reproductive toxicity in male mice: A biochemical and histopathologic study

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic metal affecting the reproductive system. Halopteris scoparia (brown algae) is generally consumed as a salad in the Far East countries. This study was conducted to compare and determine the possible protective effects of H. scoparia and vitamin E and C combination (VEC) against cadmium chloride (CdCl₂)-induced reproductive toxicity. A total of 36 male mice were equally divided into as control, CdCl₂ (2 mg/kg), CdCl₂ + H. scoparia (900 mg/kg), CdCl₂ + VEC (200 mg/kg), H. scoparia alone and VEC alone groups. Blood and testis samples were taken for biochemical, histochemical and immunohistochemical analyses. H. scoparia was also examined for antioxidant activity (by DPPH assay) and mineral/trace element content (by ICP-MS method). CdCl₂ exposure caused a significant deterioration in body weight, sperm parameters (count, motility, viability and morphology) (p < .001), histopathology, immunoreactivity and testosterone levels. However, H. scoparia improved CdCl₂-induced deterioration effects more successfully than VEC-treated group. The present study suggests that edible H. scoparia can be used as a natural protective agent against Cd-induced testicular damage by possibly enhancing essential element levels or increasing antioxidant defence system.     

Ameliorative effects of curcumin against acute cadmium toxicity on male reproductive system in rats

The aim of the present study was to investigate the ameliorative effect of curcumin (CMN) against acute cadmium chloride (CdCl(2)) toxicity on male reproductive system in rats. CdCl(2) is known to be a heavy metal and potential environmental pollutant. For this purpose, 28 rats were equally divided into four groups; the first group was kept as control and given distilled water and corn oil as carrier. In second and third groups, CdCl(2) and CMN were administered at the dose with 1 mg kg(-1) day(-1) and 100 mg kg(-1) for 3 days respectively. CdCl(2) and CMN were given together at the same doses in the fourth group. It was determined that acute CdCl(2) exposure caused a significant reproductive damage via increased oxidative stress (increased TBARS levels and decreased SOD, CAT, GPx and GSH levels), histological alterations (necrosis, oedema etc.) and spermatological damage (decreased sperm motility and sperm concentration and increased abnormal sperm rate) in male rats. However, CMN treatment partially reversed these toxic effects of CdCl(2) on the reproductive system. In conclusion, our results show that acute exposure of CdCl(2) may lead to infertility, and CMN could prevent and reverse hazardous effects of CdCl(2) to some degree. Thus, CMN may be useful for the prevention of CdCl(2)-induced reproductive damage.     

巴戟天萃取液对环磷酰胺损伤大鼠生精功能的影响

目的:探讨巴戟天萃取液(MO)对环磷酰胺(CTX)损伤成年雄性SD大鼠生精功能的影响。方法:56只成年雄性SD大鼠(重约210~250 g)按巴戟天不同浓度,随机分为7组,空白对照组、CTX模型组、CTX+生理盐水(NS)组、CTX+10 g/kg MO组、CTX+20 g/kg MO组、CTX+30 g/kg MO组、CTX+40 g/kg MO组。以不同浓度的环磷酰胺构建大鼠生精功能损伤动物模型;巴戟天水提物用乙酸乙酯萃取后取水层成分,分别以10 g/(kg·d)、20 g/(kg·d)、30 g/(kg·d)、40 g/(kg·d)的浓度给予4组治疗组灌胃,持续2周。观察各组大鼠体重、睾丸指数、附睾指数;睾丸组织经HE染色后,观察微细结构,比较各组生精小管直径和睾丸活检评分。结果:治疗后CTX+NS组体重(234.83±28.77)g和附睾指数(2.71±0.34)与CTX+10 g/kg MO组、CTX+20 g/kg MO组、CTX+30 g/kg MO组、CTX+40 g/kg MO组之间比较无差异。CTX+NS组睾丸指数[(12.15±1.04)g]与CTX+20 g/kg MO组[(13.71±0.97)g]、CTX+30 g/kg MO组[(13.30±0.29)g]、CTX+40 g/kg MO组[(13.48±0.51)g]比较显著升高(P0.05)。光镜下观察可见CTX+NS组明显病理改变,4个治疗组的睾丸生精小管的结构明显改善。CTX+NS组、CTX+10 g/kg MO组、CTX+20 g/kg MO组、CTX+30 g/kg MO组、CTX+40 g/kg MO组的生精小管直径分别为[(189.74±8.55、204.78±11.03、216.55±10.93、218.03±11.23、218.59±14.06)μm],睾丸活检评分分别为(5.95±1.21、9.03±0.39、9.69±0.26、9.83±0.18、9.89±0.11),CTX+NS组与4个治疗组比较存在显著性差异(P0.05),随着巴戟天萃取液治疗浓度的提高治疗效果也随之提高。结论:巴戟天萃取液对环磷酰胺损伤的大鼠生精功能具有修复作用,并且以30 g/(kg·d)、40 g/(kg·d)的治疗浓度治疗效果最佳。     

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.     

The effect of hydroethanolic extract of Matricaria chamomilla on the reproductive system of male rats exposed to formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is a common agent in our surrounding environment and can adversely affect the male reproductive system. In this study, the effectiveness of Matricaria chamomilla (MC) extract as an antioxidant was investigated in rats treated with formaldehyde. Thirty‐two male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups: F (10 mg/kg formaldehyde), M200 (200 mg/kg MC extract), M500 (500 mg/kg MC extract), FM200 (10 mg/kg formaldehyde and 200 mg/kg MC extract), FM500 (10 mg/kg formaldehyde and 500 mg/kg MC extract) and control group (0.9% normal saline). Formaldehyde and MC extract were administered daily for 30 consecutive days via intraperitoneal injection. Hormonal status, sperm parameters, testis tissue histology, germinal cells apoptosis and stereological analyses of testis tissue were investigated. Testosterone and LH levels were significantly increased in FM200, FM500, F200 and F500 groups compared to F group (p ≤ 0.05). Sperm count, motility and viability were significantly enhanced in FM200, FM500, F200 and F500 groups compared to F group (p ≤ 0.05). A decrease in the number of apoptotic germ cells in FM200, FM500, M200 and M500 groups (p ≤ 0.05) was evident. In particular, the MC extract in dose 500 mg/kg is seen to reduce the adverse effects of formaldehyde on the reproductive system of male rats.     

Fertility enhancing activity and toxicity profile of aqueous extract of Chasmanthera dependens roots in male rats

This study evaluated the fertility‐enhancing activity and safety of aqueous extract of Chasmanthera dependens root (AECDR) in male rats. In the fertility study, twenty, sodium arsenite (10 mg/kg) body weight (BW)‐treated male rats (171.02 ± 3.36 g), assigned into four groups (I–IV), received 1 ml of distilled water (DW), 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg BW of AECDR for 60 days, whereas the control received DW. After 7 days of pairing with female rats (153.67 ± 2.24 g), spermatogenic, fertility, testicular function indices and enzymatic antioxidant activities were evaluated. The animal groupings in the toxicity study were similar to the fertility study except no administration of sodium arsenite. Sodium arsenite treatment‐related decreases (p < .05) in the semen and sperm parameters, testicular function indices, antioxidant activities and female rat fertility indices were reversed/ameliorated by AECDR. AECDR significantly altered the function indices of the liver and kidney and the lipid profile and selectively altered the haematological parameters. There was no treatment‐related histoarchitectural changes in the organs. Overall, the aqueous extract of C. dependens roots exhibited pro‐spermatogenic, fertility enhancing, antioxidant and androgenic activities in male rats. It also exhibited functional toxicity. Therefore, the chronic use of AECDR may not be completely safe as oral remedy.     

Effects of the aqueous extract of dry seeds of Aframomum melegueta on some parameters of the reproductive function of mature male rats

Mature male albino Wistar rats (180-210 g) were given aqueous extract of dry seeds of Aframomum melegueta K. Schum (Zingiberaceae) by gastric intubation during periods of 8 and 55 days. This was performed in two doses: 115 and 230 mg kg(-1) during 8 days and 115 mg kg(-1) during 55 days. Control rats received distilled water during the same periods. The animals were sacrificed and their blood, as well as testis, epididymis, seminal vesicle and prostate were collected and analysed. Results showed a significant increase in testosterone in serum and testis, cholesterol in testis, α-glucosidase in epididymis and fructose in seminal vesicle after 8 days of treatment of A. melegueta-treated rats (115 and 230 mg kg(-1) ). Results also showed that levels of cholesterol in testis, α-glucosidase in epididymis and fructose in seminal vesicle increased by 93.34%, 83.44% and 62.78%, respectively, after 55 days of A. melegueta treatment. From these findings, it was concluded that the aqueous extract of A. melegueta increased the secretions of epididymis and seminal vesicle, which are accessory sex organs.     

The role of testicular biopsy in the modern management of male infertility.

PURPOSE: We evaluate the traditional role of isolated testicular biopsy as a diagnostic tool, as opposed to the value as a therapeutic procedure for azoospermic men. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of azoospermic patients who were evaluated, and treated between 1995 and 2000 were retrospectively analyzed for history, physical examination findings, endocrine profiles, testicular histology and sperm retrieval rates. Based on these parameters, cases were placed into diagnostic categories that included obstructive or nonobstructive azoospermia. Diagnostic parameters used to distinguish obstructive from nonobstructive azoospermia were subjected to statistical analysis with the t-test, analysis of variance and receiver operating characteristics curve. RESULTS: A total of 153 azoospermic men were included in our analysis. Of men with obstructive azoospermia 96% had follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) 7.6 mIU/ml. or less, or testicular long axis greater than 4.6 cm. Conversely, 89% of men with nonobstructive azoospermia had FSH greater than 7.6 mIU/ml., or testicular long axis 4.6 cm. or less. Receiver operating characteristics analysis revealed that FSH, testicular long axis, and luteinizing hormone were the best individual diagnostic predictors, with areas 0.87, 0.83 and 0.79, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In the vast majority of patients obstructive azoospermia may be distinguished clinically from nonobstructive azoospermia with a thorough analysis of diagnostic parameters. Based on this result, we believe that the isolated diagnostic testicular biopsy is rarely if ever indicated. Men with FSH 7.6 mIU/ml. or greater, or testicular long axis 4.6 cm. or less may be considered to have nonobstructive azoospermia and counseled accordingly. These men are best treated with therapeutic testicular biopsy and sperm extraction, with processing and cryopreservation for usage in in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection if they accept advanced reproductive treatment. Diagnostic biopsy is of no other value in this group. Men with FSH 7.6 mIU/ml. or less, or testicular long axis greater than 4.6 cm. may elect to undergo reconstructive surgery with or without testicular biopsy and sperm extraction, or testicular biopsy and sperm extraction alone depending on their reproductive goals.     

The role of cysteine-rich secretory proteins in male fertility

The cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRISPs) are a subgroup of the CRISP, antigen 5 and Pr-1 (CAP) protein superfamily, and are found only in vertebrates. They show a strong expression bias to the mammalian male reproductive tract and the venom of poisonous reptiles. Within the male reproductive tract CRISPs have been implicated in many aspects of male germ cell biology spanning haploid germ cell development, epididymal maturation, capacitation, motility and the actual processes of fertilization. At a structural level, CRISPs are composed of two domains, a CAP domain, which has been implicated in cell-cell adhesion, and a CRISP domain, which has been shown to regulate several classes of ion channels across multiple species. Herein, we will review the current literature on the role of CRISPs in male fertility, and by inference to related non-mammalian protein, infer potential biochemical functions.