Effects on rat testis of 1.95-GHz W-CDMA for IMT-2000 cellular phones

In recent years concern has arisen whether carrying a cellular phone near the reproductive organs such as the testes may cause dysfunction and particularly decrease in sperm development and production, and thus fertility in men. The present study was performed to investigate the effects of a 1.95?GHz electromagnetic field on testicular function in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Five week old animals were divided into 3 groups of 24 each and a 1.95-GHz wide-band code division multiple access (W-CDMA) signal, which is used for the freedom of mobile multimedia access (FOMA), was employed for whole body exposure for 5 hours per day, 7 days a week for 5 weeks (the period from the age of 5 to 10 weeks, corresponding to reproductive maturation in the rat). Whole-body average specific absorption rates (SAR) for individuals were designed to be 0.4 and 0.08 W/kg respectively. The control group received sham exposure. There were no differences in body weight gain or weights of the testis, epididymis, seminal vesicles, and prostate among the groups. The number of sperm in the testis and epididymis were not decreased in the electromagnetic field (EMF) exposed groups, and, in fact, the testicular sperm count was significantly increased with the 0.4 SAR. Abnormalities of sperm motility or morphology and the histological appearance of seminiferous tubules, including the stage of the spermatogenic cycle, were not observed. Thus, under the present exposure conditions, no testicular toxicity was evident.     

Suppression of fertility in male albino rats following the administration of 50% ethanolic extract of Aegle marmelos

BACKGROUND: Plants have served as a natural source of antifertility substances. The reactivated interest in the evaluation of some lead plants for fertility prompted us to undertake studies on the antifertility potential of Aegle marmelos leaves. STUDY DESIGN: Fifty percent ethanolic extract from the leaves of A. marmelos (AMLEt) was prepared. The effect of A. marmelos leaf extract on the reproductive system of male albino rats was investigated at three different doses, namely, 100, 200 and 300 mg(-1) kg (-1) day(-1) for each rat for 60 days. Recovery was also investigated after a withdrawal of 120 days. RESULTS: All the major accessory sex organs shed weight postadministration of the extract. There was a marked reduction in motility and density of the sperm derived from cauda epididymis of the treated animals. A. marmelos reduced fertility of male rats by 100% at the 300-mg dose level. Serum testosterone levels also decreased significantly in all the experimental groups. The protein, glycogen and lipid peroxidation content of the testes was significantly reduced at the highest dose level; a highly significant increase in testicular cholesterol was observed along with a highly significant reduction in the sialic acid contents of testes, epididymis and seminal vesicles. Blood tests did not point to distress in any of the vital organs. Withdrawal of the extract restored all the altered parameters including organ weights, fertility, testosterone levels and tissue biochemistry to control levels after 120 days. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, it is inferred that the leaf extract of A. marmelos (AMLEt) suppresses fertility in male rats. Complete recovery of fertility was observed following the withdrawal of drug. Absence of any deleterious effect on the vital organs points to the safe use of the extract.     

Synthesis and assessment of fertility-regulating potential of 2-(2'-chloroacetamidobenzyl)-3-(3'-indolyl) quinoline in adult rats as a male contraceptive agent

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the fertility-regulating potential of the compound 2-(2'-chloroacetamidobenzyl)-3-(3'-indolyl) quinoline in male rats. STUDY DESIGN: Rats of proven fertility were treated with the compound by oral gavage for 1 to 8 consecutive weeks. Functional fertility, testicular, epididymal and seminal vesicular weight, epididymal sperm count and spermatogenesis were quantitated. Reproductive hormones and some biochemical parameters were measured. RESULTS: Functional fertility was reduced significantly as revealed by a fall in fertility and pregnancy rate. The weight of the reproductive organs was reduced significantly. A reduction of sperm count and number of different types of testicular cells was observed. The treatment with the compound resulted in decline of testosterone and an increase of FSH hormone levels. The compound effectively reduced testicular protein, glycogen and epididymal glyceryl phosphorylcholine. Increase in testicular alkaline phosphatase and cholesterol was also observed. Fertility and other effects were regained gradually after cessation of treatment. CONCLUSION: The results revealed from the study indicate that the compound has reversible antifertility activity and can be explored as male contraceptive agent.     

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.     

Effects on rat testis of 1.95-GHz W-CDMA for IMT-2000 cellular phones

In recent years concern has arisen whether carrying a cellular phone near the reproductive organs such as the testes may cause dysfunction and particularly decrease in sperm development and production, and thus fertility in men. The present study was performed to investigate the effects of a 1.95 GHz electromagnetic field on testicular function in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Five week old animals were divided into 3 groups of 24 each and a 1.95-GHz wide-band code division multiple access (W-CDMA) signal, which is used for the freedom of mobile multimedia access (FOMA), was employed for whole body exposure for 5 hours per day, 7 days a week for 5 weeks (the period from the age of 5 to 10 weeks, corresponding to reproductive maturation in the rat). Whole-body average specific absorption rates (SAR) for individuals were designed to be 0.4 and 0.08 W/kg respectively. The control group received sham exposure. There were no differences in body weight gain or weights of the testis, epididymis, seminal vesicles, and prostate among the groups. The number of sperm in the testis and epididymis were not decreased in the electromagnetic field (EMF) exposed groups, and, in fact, the testicular sperm count was significantly increased with the 0.4 SAR. Abnormalities of sperm motility or morphology and the histological appearance of seminiferous tubules, including the stage of the spermatogenic cycle, were not observed. Thus, under the present exposure conditions, no testicular toxicity was evident.     

溴丙烷两种同分异构体对雄性大鼠生殖系统的影响

目的了解溴丙烷两种同分异构体对雄性大鼠的生殖毒性和初步的毒性机制。方法将18只SPF级SD大鼠随机分为对照组、1-溴丙烷组(1g/kg)和2-溴丙烷组(1g/kg),连续腹腔注射1周。对附睾的精子数量和形态进行评价;HE和PAS染色评价睾丸的病理变化;运用TUNEL染色法和caspase-3活性的免疫组化法评价睾丸的细胞凋亡损伤;利用化学比色法对谷胱甘肽(GSH)、丙二醛(MDA)和超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)等氧化应激指标进行测量。结果溴丙烷导致睾丸重量下降、精子数量减少和精子形态异常比例增加。与对照组比较,1-溴丙烷显著增加大鼠睾丸谷胱甘肽还原酶(GR)活性(7.42±2.98vs.4.25±1.18)、附睾的MDA含量(0.49±0.20vs.0.39±0.08)和SOD活性(91.87±3.93vs.80.59±9.92)(均P0.05);2-溴丙烷显著升高睾丸和附睾的MDA含量(0.42±0.07vs.0.24±0.11;0.48±0.08vs.0.39±0.08),降低GSH含量(6.35±1.86vs.10.89±3.69),以及附睾谷胱甘肽转移酶(GST)(53.21±9.60vs.61.98±10.41)及GR活性(2.48±1.21vs.7.75±8.56)(均P0.05)。1-溴丙烷的病理切片除观察到睾丸生精小管的精子释放延迟外,未见其他病理变化,而2-溴丙烷的暴露使生精小管出现萎缩和空泡,生殖细胞发生减少、坏死。伴随着2-溴丙烷引起的睾丸病理变化,TUNEL标记结果显示每小管睾丸凋亡细胞数、凋亡百分比和凋亡指数明显高于对照组(17.72±4.59vs.5.92±1.05,P0.05;0.34±0.14vs.0.10±0.02,P0.05;6.64±3.40vs.0.59±0.20,P0.01),与1-溴丙烷组相比,凋亡百分比(0.34±0.14vs.0.12±0.03)和凋亡指数(6.64±3.40vs.0.76±0.21)明显升高(P0.05)。2-溴丙烷暴露使caspase-3活性增强,与对照组和1-溴丙烷组相比,平均每生精小管的阳性细胞数和caspase-3阳性百分比有明显的升高(均P0.01)。结论溴丙烷的两种同分异构体对雄性大鼠有一定的毒性,两种同分异构体可能具有不同的毒性机制,2-溴丙烷的毒性可能高于1-溴丙烷。     

Modifications in Rat Testicular Morphology and Increases in IFN-γ Serum Levels by the Oral Administration of Subtoxic Doses of Mercuric Chloride

Mercury induces structural and functional damage in several organs, however the effects of subtoxic doses of the metal on the male reproductive system are not well defined. In order to analyze testicular and epididymal morphological alterations and changes in IL-4 or IFN-γ serum levels, adult male Sprague-Dawley rats received 0.01, 0.05 or 0.1?μg/ml of mercuric chloride (HgCl₂) in deionized water for 1 to 7 months by oral route. Controls received deionized water alone. Twenty rats, separated in four groups of five animals each, were used per time of exposure. Progressive degenerative lesions consisting of lack of germ cell cohesion and desquamation, arrest at spermatocyte stage and hypospermatogenesis were observed in seminiferous epithelium by light and electron microscopy. Leydig cells showed cytoplasmic vacuolation and nuclear signs of cell death. Loss of peritubular cell aggregation was evidenced in the epididymis. Mercury accumulation was detected in both organs by mass spectroscopy. Rats showed enhanced IFN-γ serum levels as compared to controls but only reached significance after 7 months of mercury administration. Subtoxic doses of inorganic mercury could lead to reproductive and immunological alterations. The results demonstrate that sublethal concentrations of mercuric chloride are enough to induce morphological and ultrastructural modifications in male reproductive organs. These contribute to functional alterations of spermatogenesis with arrest at spermatocyte stage, hypospermatogenesis and possibly impaired steroidogenesis which together could affect male fertility.     

胚胎期毒死蜱和氯氰菊酯混合暴露对仔代雄性大鼠生殖功能的影响

目的 观察低剂量毒死蜱和氯氰菊酯联合染毒对仔代雄性大鼠生殖功能的影响及其机理。方法 健康Wistar大鼠雌雄按2∶1合笼,孕鼠分为对照组、毒死蜱组、氯氰菊酯组、毒死蜱和氯氰菊酯联合染毒组等4组,每组8只,孕l至孕8天染毒孕鼠。给予雄性仔鼠普通饮食喂养至成年。股动脉放血法处死仔鼠,迅速分离脏器,计算脏器系数,附睾尾精子计数,计算精子活动率、精子畸形率。测定血清生殖激素和乙酰胆碱酯酶活力,观察睾丸组织病理改变、生殖细胞凋亡和生精细胞端粒酶的表达。〖HTH〗结果 联合染毒组雄性仔鼠睾丸、附睾的体重比值显著性降低(P<0.05),附睾尾精子总数显著低于对照组,血清FSH高于对照组,T低于对照组(P<0.05)。联合染毒组雄性仔鼠睾丸少量曲细精管生精上皮退化变性,生精细胞脱落,生精细胞凋亡指数明显高于对照组(P<0.05)。结论 胚胎期毒死蜱和氯氰菊酯混合染毒对仔代大鼠的生殖系统有明显的增毒作用;对睾丸的损伤及性激素水平(FSH、T)的协同影响,可能是产生联合生殖毒性的机理之一;提示对毒死蜱和氯氰菊酯进行环境健康风险评价时应考虑这种协同作用。     

The effects of inbreeding on testicular sperm concentration in Peromyscus polionotus

Inbreeding effects on fitness have most often been quantified via juvenile mortality. However, inbred adults may suffer from inbreeding depression if their fertility or fecundity is compromised as a consequence of inbreeding. Here, the effects of inbreeding on male fertility in oldfield mice, Peromyscus polionotus, were examined. Testicular sperm concentration was assessed in 93 males, 68 of which were paired for breeding. Forty of the 68 paired males failed to produce offspring. Total testicular sperm count, sperm count (g testis)(-1), and testis mass all declined significantly with increasing inbreeding coefficient. Sperm concentration did not significantly impact reproductive success. Although sperm concentration in males of most species can decline to low levels before reproductive impairment is detectable, the declines in testicular sperm concentration found here suggest that inbreeding can affect fertility in adult males. Furthermore, monitoring testicular sperm concentration could provide a mechanism to monitor potential declines in reproductive performance before population-level reproductive success is irreparably impaired. The implications for the management of small, captive and wild populations may be substantial.     

铝暴露对大鼠精子线粒体细胞色素氧化酶亚基I、II、III mRNA表达的影响

目的 研究铝暴露对大鼠精子质量及线粒体细胞色素氧化酶（COX）亚基I、II、III mRNA表达的影响。方法 取健康雄性Wistar大鼠48只,根据饮水中AlCl3的半数致死量设立:对照组和低、中、高剂量组［剂量分别为0.00、64.18 、128.36、256.72 mg/ (kg·d)］,每组随机分配 12只,连续作用 110 d。造模完成后称量生殖脏器重量并计算脏器系数,利用CASA检测精子质量参数, RT-PCR法测定COX I、COX II、COX III mRNA表达。结果 与对照组相比,低、中、高剂量组大鼠体重及睾丸重量均明显下降（P＜0.05）;中、高剂量组大鼠附睾重量、睾丸及附睾脏器系数均低于对照组（P＜0.05）;低、中、高剂量组大鼠前向运动精子百分比均显著低于对照组（P＜0.05）,死精子百分比均显著高于对照组（P＜0.05）;低、中、高剂量组大鼠COX I、COX II、COX III mRNA相对表达量较对照组均有不同程度的下降（P＜0.05）。结论 铝暴露可致大鼠精子线粒体COX I、COX II、COX III mRNA表达降低,从而影响雄性生殖系统,降低精子质量。     

Decrease in sperm number after treatment of rats with Austroplenckia populnea

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a hexanic extract (HE) made from leaves of A. populnea collected in Botucatu, State of S?o Paulo, and Nova Lima, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, at a range of doses during 7 and 14 days, on the male reproductive system of rats. The treatment did not affect the body weight, nor absolute organ weight. The serum testosterone levels, testicular sperm head counts, daily sperm production, and sperm morphology did not differ from that of the control groups. The spermatogenesis and the morphometric parameters of cauda epididymidis were not affected by the treatment. Cauda epididymis sperm number was significantly reduced in the group that received HE of Nova Lima, 1 g/kg/day, during 14 days, from the control group.     

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.     

Evaluation of reversible contraceptive activities of Cuminum cyminum in male albino rats

Background

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the contraceptive efficacy of Cuminum cyminum (jeera) seeds in male albino rats.

Study Design

C. cyminum methanol extract (CcMtE) at dose levels of 100 and 200 mg/rat/day was orally administered to male rats for 60 days. The effect of the treatment on reproductive organs and fertility was investigated. Recovery and toxicity studies were also carried out.

Results

C. cyminum methanol extract fed to male rats for 60 days did not cause any alterations in the body weight, whereas the weight of testes, epididymides, seminal vesicles and ventral prostate were significantly reduced (p≤.001). Animals treated with CcMtE showed a marked reduction in sperm density in the cauda epididymis and testes and sperm motility in the cauda epididymis. Reduction in fertility was 69.0% and 76.0% in 100 and 200 mg/rat/day dose levels, respectively. The circulatory hormones were also reduced significantly. Testicular biochemical analysis of protein, sialic acid, glycogen, ascorbic acid and fructose indicated a marked decline, whereas testicular cholesterol content was significantly increased, which showed altered biochemistry of the reproductive organs. After CcMtE treatment, significant decreases (p≤.001) were observed in the number of testicular cells (i.e., spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes [preleptotene and pachytene], secondary spermatocytes and round spermatids); nonsignificant change was observed in the Sertoli cell count. The treatment had no effect on levels of serum protein, cholesterol, bilirubin, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), blood urea and hematological indices.

Conclusions

The present study shows that C. cyminum treatment resulted in the inhibition of spermatogenesis and fertility without producing apparent toxic effects.     

大剂量PN诱发雄性大鼠性腺损伤的实验研究

雄性成年ＳＤ大鼠随机分为５组,分别于右侧睾丸内注射生理盐水、７０％甘油和ＰＮ。７天后重复１次。第１５天取样,进行精子分析、睾丸及主要副性腺测量和组织病理学观察。结果显示,睾丸内注射ＰＮ引起了性腺、副性腺萎缩,精子性状改变以及组织病理学改变。推测可能是：（１）ＰＮ或ＰＬ与ＰＬＰ竞争结合部位和抑制ＰＬＰ的合成,干扰细胞代谢;（２）通过转化形式或直接作用于Ｓｅｒｔｏｌｉ细胞,损害细胞骨架。（３）直接透过血睾屏障而损害管腔小室内的生精细胞     

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.     

IMPROVEMENT OF SEXUAL ACTIVITY,PREGNANCY RATE,AND LOW PLASMA TESTOSTERONE AFTER BILATERAL VARICOCELECTOMY IN IMPOTENCE AND MALE INFERTILITY PATIENTS

To evaluate the effects of bilateral varicocelectomy on sexual activity, testicular volumes, semen quality, and serum hormone levels in impotence and male infertility patients, 48 patients were studied from an outpatient clinic from May 1998 to March 2001. The mean age was 37 &#45 5.9; 16 patients were complaining of erectile dysfunction and 32 patients were complaining of male infertility. The mean duration of impotence was 3.3 &#45 2.4 years and for male infertility was 3.8 &#45 3.2 years. Sexual and reproductive history was taken for erectile dysfunction and male infertility patients. General, local examination, and laboratory investigations were done for all patients. Preoperative and postoperative testicular volumes; semen parameters, including semen volume, sperm count, and motility; and morphology and hormonal parameters, including LH and FSH, and testosterone levels were measured. All patients were followed up for 3-36 months after varicocele repair. Left and right testicular volume was improved in impotence and male infertility patients and fertility groups, but this improvement was not statistically significant ( p >.25). The semen volume was significantly increased in male infertility patients and fertility group ( p <.05), but there was no statistical significant difference in impotent patients ( p >.25). The sperm count was improved in male infertility patients and fertility group, but this improvement was not statistically significant ( p >.25), and in impotent patients there was no significant difference ( p >.40). The sperm motility was very significantly increased in male infertility patients and the fertility group ( p <.0005), and highly significantly increased in impotent patients ( p <.005). The abnormal forms were not statistically significant in impotence and male infertility patients ( p >.40), but significantly decreased in the fertility group ( p <.05). Serum testosterone was very significantly increased in impotence and male infertility patients ( p <.0005) and was highly significantly increased in fertility groups ( p <.005). Serum FSH was improved in impotence and male infertility patients, but this improvement was not statistically significant ( p >.10), and in fertility groups of male infertility patients, the results showed a statistically significant increase ( p <.05). Serum LH was not statistically significant in impotence and male infertility patients ( p >.10), and was significantly increased in fertility groups ( p <.05). The improvement of sexual activity was 50-75%, the pregnancy rate for their partners was 37% and increased plasma testosterone levels over a period of 3 years of follow-up after varicocele repair.     

Prevention of cadmium-induced sterility by zinc in the male rat

The potential of zinc (Zn) to antagonize the adverse effects of cadmium (Cd) on the male reproductive processes was studied. A significant reduction in the weights of the testis and epididymis, the testicular sperm population and oligospermia to azoospermia in the epididymis was recorded in rats treated once s.c. with 2 mg/kg Cd and sacrificed 20 days later. This was accompanied by a significantly reduced serum T and a loss of fertility. Administration of a single s.c. injection of Zn (80 mg/kg) did not alter significantly any of the reproductive parameters studied. On the other hand, Zn given $\text{1}\text{2}$ to 2 h after Cd resulted in partial recovery. Organ weights and sperm population in these groups were maintained and the fertility rate was 67% and 50% at 5 and 20 days as compared to 67% and 0% at corresponding period in Cd-exposed males. The protective effect diminished when Zn was given more than 2 h after Cd exposure. The most effective regimen of Zn therapy was an administration of a total dose of 80 mg/kg Zn given in 3 injections (15 mg/kg before, 50 mg/kg at the time and 15 mg/kg 2 h after Cd). The results provide evidence that Zn, if given before or within 2 h of Cd exposure, is capable of at least partially reversing its deleterious effects on spermatogenesis, steroidogenesis and fertility of the male rat.     

EFFECT OF IMMUNIZATION WITH SYNTHETIC PEPTIDE CORRESPONDING TO REGION 1-17 OF HUMAN SEMINAL PLASMA INHIBIN ON FERTILITY OF MALE RATS

Immunization of adult male rats with a synthetic peptide corresponding to the region 1-17 of human seminal plasma inhibin (hSPI) resulted in agglutination of epididymal sperm, severely affecting the fertility of the animals (75% reduction in fertility as compared to control). This effect was found to be dependent on the antibody titer to hSPI. There was a significant rise in circulating follicle-stimulating hormone levels, with luteinizing hormone and testosterone levels remaining unaffected. The histology of the testes and other reproductive organs revealed that these organs remained unaltered. The N-terminal 1-17 amino acid peptide of hSPI may hold promise as an immunogen for male immunocontraception.     

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.     

Protective effect of Cymbopogon citratus on hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress in the reproductive system of male rats

Cymbopogon citratus (C. citratus) has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and chemoprotective properties. This study was conducted to evaluate the protective effect of C. citratus aqueous extract against hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)–induced oxidative stress and injury in the reproductive system of male rats. The twenty-five rats used in this study were divided into five groups, comprised of five rats each. The control group received standard food and drink. The H₂O₂ group received standard food and water with 0.5% H₂O₂. The rats in the H₂O₂?+?C. citratus group and H₂O₂?+?vitamin E group received standard food, H₂O_2, and C. citratus [100?mg·kg^?1 body weight (bw)], or vitamin E as an antioxidant reference (500?mg·kg^?1 bw), respectively. The C. citratus group was given C. citratus (100?mg·kg^?1 bw) in addition to the standard food and drink. The treatments were administered for 30 days. The H₂O₂ treatment significantly (P?<?0.05) decreased body, testicular, and epididymal weight, as well as glutathione (GSH) level, but markedly increased malonaldehyde (MDA) in serum and testes homogenates. The rats treated with H₂O₂ exhibited testicular degeneration and significant reduction in sperm viability, motility, count, and rate of normal sperm. The C. citratus, vitamin E, and H₂O₂ treatment significantly (P?<?0.05) increased the body, testicular, and epididymal weight, testosterone level, the values of the various sperm characteristics, and GSH. However, this treatment markedly reduced MDA in serum and testes homogenates, as well as testicular histopathological alterations in the H₂O₂-treated rats. The C. citratus aqueous extract reduced oxidative stress and protected male rats against H₂O₂-induced reproductive system injury.