Quercetin attenuates carbon tetrachloride‐induced testicular damage in rats

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of quercetin on carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)‐induced sperm damages, testicular apoptosis and oxidative stress in male rats. Group 1 served as control, group 2 was treated with only quercetin, group 3 was treated with only CCl₄ and group 4 received CCl₄ + quercetin. All administrations were performed by gavage and maintained for 10 weeks. CCl₄ administration caused significant decreases in absolute and relative reproductive organ weights, sperm motility, concentration and testicular glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) and catalase (CAT) activities, and significant increases in lipid peroxidation (LPO) level, abnormal sperm rate and testicular apoptotic cell index, along with some histopathological damages when compared to the control group. However, administration of CCl₄ together with quercetin provided statistically significant improvements in LPO level, abnormal sperm rate, the degree of histopathological lesions and testicular apoptotic cell index when compared to only CCl₄ group. In addition, improvements observed in absolute and relative weights of reproductive organs, sperm motility and concentration, and testicular GSH‐Px and CAT activities in group 4 were statistically insignificant when compared to only CCl₄ group. In conclusion, quercetin has antiperoxidative effect, and its oral administration attenuates the CCl₄‐induced some damages in male reproductive organs and cells by decreasing the LPO.     

Effect of chrysin on methotrexate‐induced testicular damage in rats

This study was conducted on 28 male Wistar albino rats to determine the effects of chrysin on methotrexate‐induced damage to testicular tissue. Rats were grouped into four groups of seven rats reach: Group 1 (n = 7) was the control group to which no drugs were administered; this group was only provided with food and water. Group 2 (n = 7) was administered 20 mg/kg of methotrexate once intraperitoneally. Group 3 (n = 7) was administered 50 mg/kg of chrysin for 7 days orally. Group 4 (n = 7) was administered 20 mg/kg of methotrexate once intraperitoneally, followed by oral administration of 50 mg/kg of chrysin for 7 days. At the end of the experiment, rats were anaesthetised, rat testes were removed, and spermatozoon was obtained from the cauda epididymis. It was determined that sperm count and motility, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities decreased in the methotrexate group, whereas malondialdehyde, tumour necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1β and nuclear kappa factor B expression levels increased. Furthermore, damage to tubulus seminiferus structures and affusion in germ cells was identified. In the methotrexate + chrysin administered group, sperm count improved, biochemical enzyme levels increased, and structural improvements were observed in testicular tubules. These findings demonstrated that chrysin plays a protective role in testicular damage in rats.     

Ameliorative effect of resveratrol on testicular oxidative stress,spermatological parameters and DNA damage in glyphosate‐based herbicide‐exposed rats

In this study, the reproductive impacts of being exposed to glyphosate (GLF) and the protective impacts of resveratrol (RES) were assessed in 28 Wistar male rats, which were equally separated into four groups. Control group were fed normal diet without GLF or RES, group II received normal feed containing 20 mg kg^?1 daily^?1 RES, group III received normal feed containing 375 mg kg^?1 daily^?1 GLF, and group IV received normal feed containing 375 mg kg^?1 daily^?1 GLF+20 mg kg^?1 daily^?1 RES. GLF administration decreased sperm motility, sperm plasma membrane integrity, glutathione level and superoxide dismutase in the testicular tissue of rats. On the other hand, abnormal sperm rate, malondialdehyde level, and DNA damage were detected to be high in the group treated with GLF. The findings indicate that RES protects spermatological parameters and DNA damage, decreases GLF‐induced lipid peroxidation, improves the antioxidant defence mechanism and regenerates tissue damage in the testis of rats.     

Quercetin prevents docetaxel‐induced testicular damage in rats

The protective effect of quercetin on docetaxel – an anticancer agent – induced testicular damage in rats was investigated. Thirty‐two rats were randomly divided into four groups: group 1 – control, carrier solutions were given; group 2 – quarcetin 20 mg kg^?1 day^?1 was given orally; group 3 – docetaxel 5 mg kg^?1 was given intraperitoneally as single dose; group 4 – docetaxel and quarcetin were given together. The histopathological changes; the specific biochemical markers, including antioxidants; and the sperm characteristics were evaluated. Docetaxel caused a significant increase in TBARS level and a significant decrease in SOD, GPX, CAT and GSH levels in the testicular tissues compared with the control group, whereas quercetin led to a significant decrease in lipid peroxidation, which was caused by docetaxel, via reducing TBARS level and increasing the levels of SOD, CAT, GPX and GSH. In addition, after docetaxel administration, sperm motility, sperm concentration, testicular and epididymis weights were significantly decreased and abnormal sperm rate and histopathological changes were increased. However, these effects of docetaxel on sperm parameters, histological changes and the tissue weights were eliminated by quercetin treatment. Our results show that the administration of docetaxel induced the testicular damage (oxidative stress, testes tissue damage and sperm parameters), and quercetin prevented docetaxel‐induced testicular damage in rats.     

Casein- and pea-enriched high-protein diet can take care of the reprotoxic effects of arsenic in male rats

Arsenic toxicity is a significant health problem featured with several incidents of male reproductive dysfunctions. We studied the protective effects of a casein- and pea-enriched formulated high-protein diet (FHPD) on arsenic-mediated testicular dysfunctions in rats. Adult male rats sustained on either a benchmark diet (n = 8) or an isocaloric FHPD (n = 8) were gavaged with arsenic trioxide (3mg/kg body wt/rat/day) for 30 consecutive days. A vehicle-fed group (n = 8) maintained on the standard diet served as control. The arsenic-treated group continued on the standard diet had a significantly reduced testicular and accessory sex organs weights. They exhibited decreased count, motility, viability and disrupted plasma membrane integrity of caudal spermatozoa with a higher incidence of gross morphological anomalies and DNA damage. Attenuated steroidogenic enzyme activities and low serum testosterone level vouched for a compromised state of testicular steroidogenesis. An increased testicular malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl contents coupled with impaired activities of antioxidant enzymes and free radical scavengers mirrored a situation of exacerbated testicular oxidative imbalance and disrupted redox homeostasis. FHPD, by and large, countermanded testicular steroidogenesis and antioxidant defence system and revoked the ill effects of arsenic. We conclude that specific protein-enriched diet may serve as prospective weaponry in encountering the arsenic-threatened testicular functions.     

Effects of primary testicular damage on sperm DNA oxidative status and embryonic and foetal development

We evaluated the development of embryos generated from the fertilisation of oocytes with spermatozoa isolated from animals with primary testicular damage (PTD). Embryos derived in vivo or in vitro from oocytes fertilised with spermatozoa produced by PTD rats that had undergone surgical treatment for the PTD (group A1), or PTD rats (group A2), or control rats (group B) were cultured and transferred to recipients. At the end of the experimental period, the fertilisation potential of each rat was assessed in vitro (IVF trials). Sperm 8-oxodG/dG ratio (a marker of DNA oxidative status) was significantly larger in group A2 than in groups A1 and B. Blastocysts of the group A2 transferred to recipients demonstrated a significantly larger loss before implantation than transferred blastocysts of groups A1 or B. In addition, the proportion of implanted blastocysts that could not complete the intrauterine development was significantly larger in group A2 than in groups A1 and B. This study reveals a post-fertilisation detrimental effect in animals with PTD on the capacity of oocytes (fertilised either in vitro or in vivo ) to develop in vitro and implant after transferring them to recipients probably attributable to sperm DNA oxidative damage.     

The preventive role of wheat germ oil against sertraline‐induced testicular damage in male albino rats

Sertraline is an antidepressant medication used extensively in the therapy of depression. The present investigation was intended to estimate the actual protective role of wheat germ oil on sertraline‐caused testicular injury in albino rats. Sertraline (human therapeutic dose, 15.63 mg/kg) was orally administrated to rats for 28 successive days. Sertraline‐administered rats were concurrently supplemented with wheat germ oil (human therapeutic dose, 68.75 mg/kg) for 28 successive days. Sertraline administration induced an elevation in testicular DNA damage and acute testicular damage illustrated by the histopathological alterations including marked degeneration and necrosis of germ cells lining seminiferous tubules, as well as interstitial oedema, congestion of interstitial blood vessel. Wheat germ oil administration potentially mitigated the histopathological alterations of sertraline‐administered rats. Lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress biomarker, showed a significant elevation in testicular tissue of sertraline‐administered rats. Furthermore, glutathione content and catalase activity were decreased in testicular tissue of sertraline‐administered rats. Serum testosterone level was elevated in sertraline‐administered rats. Wheat germ oil significantly reduced lipid peroxidation of testicular tissue and improved the antioxidant defences. Finally, wheat germ oil has a preventive role against testicular damage induced by sertraline in rats probably via its potential to prevent reactive oxygen species.     

Antioxidant enzymes activity,lipid peroxidation,oxidative damage in the testis and epididymis,and steroidogenesis in rats after co‐exposure to atrazine and ethanol

Concomitant alcohol use and exposure to xenobiotics can adversely affect gonadal functions. This study investigated the oxidative status of the testis and epididymis and steroidogenesis of rats co‐exposed to ethanol (EtoH, 5 mg kg^?1 b.wt.) and atrazine (ATZ, 50, 100, 300 mg kg^?1 b.wt.) for 3 weeks. The activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, as well as the concentrations of glutathione and malondialdehyde, as indicators of oxidative stress were measured in the homogenates of the testis and epididymis. Testosterone and cholesterol concentrations as well as 17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β‐HSD) activity were assayed in the plasma and testis respectively. After the administration of EtoH alone, or in combination with different doses of ATZ, oxidative damage as evident by malondialdehyde level was not observed in both the testis and epididymis. The combine exposure group showed dose‐dependent decrease in plasma testosterone and testis cholesterol level and increase in testis 17β‐HSD activity compared to the EtoH group. Furthermore, the testes and epididymis of the EtoH‐exposed rats treated with high dose of ATZ had severe histopathological damage. Therefore, ATZ‐exposed alcohol‐treated rats have histological damage of the testis and epididymis and lower testosterone level than EtoH‐treated rats.     

异丙苯过氧化氢体内致大鼠睾丸和附睾过氧化的初步研究

目的:建立异丙苯过氧化氢(cHP)体内过氧化模型,探讨cHP体内过氧化对大鼠睾丸组织和附睾精子的影响,及对精子核DNA断裂的影响。方法:90日龄雄性W istar大鼠52只,设cHP 1/10 LD50、1/6 LD50、1/4 LD503个剂量组和对照组,cHP 1/10 LD50、1/6 LD50组和对照组每组大鼠12只,1/4 LD50组大鼠16只。用无菌生理盐水稀释70%cHP水剂配制,按2 m l/kg经腹腔每日1次注射,对照组给同体积生理盐水,观察一般中毒症状和体征。连续1周,最后1次给药24 h后处死动物。分光光度法测定睾丸组织匀浆、附睾头部和尾部精子丙二醛含量,用单细胞凝胶电泳检测睾丸生精上皮细胞、附睾头部和尾部精子核DNA断裂发生率,计数附睾尾部精子活动率,睾丸和附睾常规石蜡切片,苏木精-伊红染色观察病理变化。结果:给予cHP大鼠活动稍差,无死亡,1/6 LD50、1/4 LD50 cHP组体重降低明显(P<0.001)。1/6 LD50、1/4 LD50 cHP组大鼠睾丸和附睾精子丙二醛浓度均明显高于对照组,附睾尾部精子活动率均明显降低,睾丸生精上皮细胞和附睾头部精子核DNA断裂发生率明显高于对照组,附睾尾部精子核DNA断裂的发生率与对照组差异无显著性(P>0.05)。1/10 LD50 cHP组大鼠体重变化、睾丸丙二醛浓度、附睾尾部精子活动率、睾丸生精上皮细胞和附睾精子核DNA断裂与对照组比较,差异均无显著性(P>0.05)。结论:1/6 LD50、1/4 LD50 cHP能在体内使大鼠睾丸和附睾精子发生过氧化,并使细胞核DNA发生断裂,核DNA断裂的主要部位可能在睾丸组织,对附睾尾部精子核DNA断裂无明显影响。     

Antioxidative effects of cysteamine,hyaluronan and fetuin on post‐thaw semen quality,DNA integrity and oxidative stress parameters in the Brown Swiss bull

The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of antioxidants including cysteamine (2.5, 7.5 mm ), hyaluronan (0.25, 1 mg ml^?1) and fetuin (5, 10 mg ml^?1) in the freezing of Brown Swiss bull semen. The best percentages of CASA motilities were achieved with 10 mg ml^?1 of fetuin and 2.5 mm of cysteamine. For sperm morphology, 10 mg ml^?1 of fetuin and 2.5 mm of cysteamine had better protective effects (P < 0.001). The results of hypo‐osmotic swelling test showed that the percentage values of membrane integrity in all the groups, excluding that supplemented with 5 mg ml^?1 of fetuin, were higher than those of the control group (P < 0.001). Results obtained for the DNA damage of sperm cells demonstrated that 0.25 mg ml^?1 of hyaluronan, and 2.5 and 7.5 mm of cysteamine led to lower rates of spermatozoa with damaged DNA, compared with the control group (P < 0.001). The maintenance of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase antioxidant activities following freeze‐thawing with 2.5 and 7.5 mm of cysteamine and 10 mg ml^?1 of fetuin was demonstrated to be at a higher level in comparison with the control group (P < 0.001). Malondialdehyde formation was found to be lower in the groups supplemented with 0.25 mg ml^?1 of hyaluronan and 7.5 mm of cysteamine after the freeze‐thawing process (P < 0.001).     

Therapeutic effect of thymoquinone against lead‐induced testicular histological damage in male Wistar rats

Lead (Pb) is a nonthreshold multi‐targeted toxicant that causes alterations in different organs of the body, especially the gonads. This study was aimed to investigate the possible protective effect of thymoquinone (TQ), the major active ingredient of volatile oil of Nigella sativa seeds, against Pb‐induced testicular histological damage. Adult male rats were randomised into four groups as follows: control group received no treatment, Pb group was exposed to 2000 ppm of Pb acetate in drinking water, Pb‐TQ group was cotreated with Pb plus TQ (5 mg/kg/day, per os) and TQ group receiving only TQ. All treatments were applied for five weeks. Results showed that Pb exposure produced morphological changes in the testis, especially degeneration of germinal epithelium, sloughing of germ cells into the lumen of seminiferous tubules and reduction in the number of luminal spermatozoa. Interestingly, coadministration of TQ to the metal‐treated animals prevented the testicular adverse effects. In conclusion, our data indicate for the first time a remarkable protective effect of TQ against Pb‐induced testicular histopathological lesions in rat. On this basis, TQ deserves more consideration and further examination as a potential therapeutic option.     

Accumulation of mercury and its effects on testicular functions in rats intoxicated orally by methylmercury

All forms of mercury are considered poisonous. Methylmercury, one organic form, is highly toxic to many organs. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of this form on the reproductive system in the rat. For this, 20 male rats were divided into two groups. One, which is considered as reference, received tap water. The second group received tap water containing methylmercury at the rate of 20 mg l^?1 for 8 weeks. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected for the determination of total mercury and plasma testosterone. The left testes were used for the determination of total mercury and histological examination. Appropriate centrifugation was applied on right testes to extract interstitial and seminiferous tubular fluids. The epididymides were homogenised for the sperm count. Our results showed a dramatic fall in the plasma testosterone in the contaminated animals. The fall in plasmatic testosterone seems to be in relation with the decrease in the secretion of testosterone. In association with this, the concentration of testosterone in seminiferous tubules fluid dropped about 55% in the poisoned animals in comparison with the controls. Despite this, no decrease in the epididymal sperm count in contaminated rats was observed.     

Protective role of chrysin on doxorubicin-induced oxidative stress and DNA damage in rat testes

This study investigated the role of chrysin (CR) in DNA damage likely to occur in the testicle and oxidative stress caused by doxorubicin (DXR). Twenty-eight rats were divided into four groups as control, DXR, DXR + CR and CR groups. Sperm parameters, oxidative status, testicular biopsy score, DNA damage and plasma testosterone levels were analysed. Noticeable reductions in sperm count, motility and testosterone were detected in the DXR group compared to controls. In addition, significant increases in malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) levels, and in abnormal sperm rates were detected. Severe degenerative changes occurred in the tubules of DXR rat testes; the inter-tubular areas were oedematous. Immunofluorescence staining was conducted with 8-OhDG (8 oxo-2′-deoxyguanosine) to evaluate DNA damage, and severe positivity was found in tubular gaps in the DXR rat testes. When the DXR + CR group was compared with the DXR group, the abnormal sperm rate was found to have decreased significantly. Positivity in the tubular space and degenerative changes in the seminiferous tubules were also diminished. We recommend the administration of CR with DXR to reduce the possible adverse effects of DXR, a medicine preferred in cancer therapy.     

Effect of aerobic exercise,low‐fat and high‐fat diet on the testis tissue and sperm parameters in obese and nonobese mice model

Semen quality and male fertility depend on numerous factors such as age, environment, lifestyle, physical activity, genetic background and occupation. We aimed to access the effect of aerobic exercise, low‐ and high‐fat diet on mice testis tissue, and sperm function. Obese and nonobese male mice C57BL/6 were exposed to high fat (Hf) or low fat (Lf) and/or activity (Exe: exercise or Sed: sedentary). Finally, testicular morphometric characteristics, sperm concentration and motility (light microscopy), sperm morphology (eosin/nigrosin dye), lipid peroxidation (BODIPY C11 Probe), chromatin (acridine orange and chromomycin A3 staining) were compared within obese groups (Hf/Exe, Lf/Exe, Lf/Sed, Hf/Sed) and nonobese groups (Hf/Exe, Lf/Exe, Lf/Sed, Hf/Sed). Both exercise and diet interventions did not show any alteration in testicular morphological characteristics, sperm morphology and DNA fragmentation within both obese and nonobese groups (p > 0.05). Exercise and/or diet resulted in a significant increase in sperm concentration and motility within both groups (p < 0.05). Exercise in both groups leads to high percentage of lipid peroxidation (p < 0.05). Exercise intervention significantly improved sperm protamine deficiency within obese group (p < 0.05). We concluded that exercise intervention was more effective than diet in improvement of sperm function within obese groups.     

Testicular gametogenic and steroidogenic activities in chlorpyrifos insecticide-treated rats: a correlation study with testicular oxidative stress and role of antioxidant enzyme defence systems in Sprague-Dawley rats

The present works examined an adverse effect of chlorpyrifos insecticide on testes and lipid peroxidation at low doses (5 mg-10 mg kg(-1) body weight) and the role of antioxidant enzymes systems at higher doses (20-30 mg kg(-1) body weight) in albino rats. At low doses, reduction in plasma levels of testosterone and FSH and LH hormones along with the significant shrinkage of seminiferous tubules and gametogenic changes in germ cells were noticed. But these changes were restored with the revival of serum testosterone, FSH and LH along with regression of testis at higher doses. Similarly, level of testicular lipid peroxidation was elevated, whereas levels of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase) and steroidogenic enzymes activities (Δ(5) , 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase) were reduced significantly at low doses. But, rat testes showed a significant decrease in lipid peroxidation and concomitant increase in antioxidant enzymes and steroidogenic enzymes activities at higher doses. Results showed that at higher doses of chlorpyrifos treatments, rat testes were shown to trigger their natural defence mechanism which became operative possibly through corrective measure of synthesis of antioxidant defence enzymes and steroidogenic enzymes and pituitary gonadotrophins hormone feedback mechanisms.     

Protective effects of Artocarpus altilis (Moraceae) on cadmium‐induced changes in sperm characteristics and testicular oxidative damage in rats

Cadmium (Cd) is a major environmental toxicant and an endocrine disruptor. We investigated the protective effects of methanol extract of Artocarpus altilis (AA) against Cd‐induced testicular damage in rats while quercetin (Que) served as standard. The total flavonoids and phenolic contents (TFC and TPC), 2, 2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydroxyl (OH) radicals scavenging activities of AA were determined. In vivo, thirty male Wistar rats were assigned to six groups and orally treated with corn oil (control), Cd alone, Cd+Que, Cd+AA, Que and AA alone. Que and AA were given at doses of 25 and 200 mg kg^?1, respectively, for 3 weeks and challenged with two doses of Cd (1.5 mg kg^?1). Results showed that TFC and TPC of AA increased with increase in concentration. AA scavenged DPPH and OH radicals in a dose‐dependent manner. Administration of Cd significantly increased the relative weight of testis of rats. Lipid peroxidation was significantly increased while antioxidant parameters decreased in testis of Cd‐treated rats. Also, Cd‐treated rats had significantly reduced sperm count, motility, sialic acid, luteinising hormone and testosterone relative to controls. Pre‐treatment with AA or Que significantly attenuated the biochemical alterations observed in Cd‐treated rats. Overall, AA protects against Cd‐induced testicular damage via antioxidative mechanism.     

Ameliorative effect of vitamin E on aflatoxin-induced lipid peroxidation in the testis of mice

Aim: To evaluate the ameliorative effect of vitamin E on aflatoxin-induced lipid peroxidation in the testis. Methods: Adult male albino mice were orally administered 25 or 50 μg of aflatoxin in 0.2 mL olive oil per d for 45 d. The testis was isolated, blotted free of blood and processed for biochemical analysis. Results: There was a dose-dependent significantly higher lipid peroxidation in the testis of aflatoxin treated mice than in the controls. The levels of non-enzymatic antioxidants such as glutathione, total and reduced ascorbic acid, as well as the activities of enzymatic antioxidants, such as superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase were significantly lower in the testis of aflatoxin treated mice. Vitamin E (2 mg/d per animal; orally) pretreatment significantly ameliorates the aflatoxin-induced lipid peroxidation which could be due to higher enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants in the testis of mice as compared with those given aflatoxin alone. Conclusion: Vitamin E pretreatment significantly ameliorates aflatoxininduced lipid pemxidation in the testis of mice.     

Protective role of Diospyros lotus on cisplatin‐induced changes in sperm characteristics,testicular damage and oxidative stress in rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of Diospyros lotus (DL) on cisplatin (CP)‐induced testicular damage in male rats. Twenty‐eight male rats were randomly divided into four groups: group 1 – control, given isotonic saline solution; group 2 – CP 7 mg kg⁻¹ given intraperitoneally as single dose; group 3 – DL 1000 mg kg⁻¹ per day given orally for 10 days; group 4 – CP and DL given together at the same doses. CP caused a significant increase in thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS) level and a significant decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) levels in rats testis tissues compared to the control group. CP caused a significant increase in lipid peroxidation in testis tissues compared to the control group, whereas DL led to a significant increase in SOD and GSH levels. However, there were no statistically significant changes in GPx and CAT levels. In addition, serum testosterone levels, sperm concentration and sperm motility were significantly decreased, but abnormal sperm rate and histological changes were increased with CP. However, these effects of CP on sperm parameters, histological changes and the tissue weights were eliminated by DL treatment. In conclusion, our study showed that the reproductive toxicity caused by CP may be prevented by DL treatment.