Effects of Cuminum cyminum L. essential oil on some epididymal sperm parameters and histopathology of testes following experimentally induced copper poisoning in mice

Copper overload can cause sperm cell damage by inducing oxidative stress. On the other hand, cumin has a good antioxidant potential. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of cumin on sperm quality and testicular tissue following experimentally induced copper poisoning in mice. Forty‐eight mature male mice were divided into four equal groups as follows: group Cu which received 0.1 ml copper sulphate at dose of 100 mg kg^?1, group Cc which received Cuminum cyminum at dose of 1 mg kg^?1, treatment group which received copper sulphate (100 mg kg^?1) and treated with Cuminum cyminum (1 mg kg^?1), and control group which received the same volume of normal saline. Six mice in each group were sacrificed at week 4 and week 6. The results showed that sperm concentration, motility and viability in group Cu were significantly decreased at weeks 4 and 6, and severe degenerative changes were observed in testicular tissues in comparison with the control group. In treatment group, significant improvement in the sperm count, motility and viability, and normal architecture in most seminiferous tubules with organised epithelium was observed compared to the group Cu. The sperm quality parameters in the treatment group approached those of the control group.     

Reproductive and toxic effects of methanol extract of Alchornea cordifolia leaf in male rats

Alchornea cordifolia leaf is traditionally used for the treatment of venereal diseases and for the enhancement of fertility throughout its area of distribution in Africa. The effect of oral administration of the methanol extract of the leaf was evaluated on some reproductive and haematological parameters of male rats at 0 (control group), 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1600 mg kg^?1. The toxicity study revealed nonsignificant alterations (P > 0.05) in the values of total and differential white blood cell count, but the erythrocyte count, packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration and haematometric indices were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) at 1600 mg kg^?1 dose. Markers of hepatic damage (aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase) and renal damage (urea and creatinine) were significantly elevated (P < 0.05) at 800 and 1600 mg kg^?1. The bioactivity (reproductive) study revealed significant increases (P < 0.05) in testicular weight, sperm count and motility, and serum testosterone levels, at the 200 and 400 mg kg^?1. The study concludes that the extract of Alchornea cordifolia leaves has toxic potential at 800 mg kg^?1 and 1600 mg kg^?1 doses, but is safe and has beneficial effects on male reproduction when used at doses equal to or lower than 400 mg kg^?1.     

Oral administration of Moringa oleifera oil but not coconut oil prevents mercury‐induced testicular toxicity in rats

This study was conducted to compare the effects of administration of coconut oil (CO) and Moringa oleifera oil (MO) on testicular oxidative stress, sperm quality and steroidogenesis parameters in rats treated with mercury chloride (HgCl₂). After 15 days of oral administration of CO (2 ml kg^?1 body weight) and MO (2 ml kg^?1 body weight) along with intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of HgCl₂ (5 mg kg^?1 body weight) alone or in combination, we found that CO treatment did not protect against HgCl₂‐induced poor sperm quality (motility, count) as well as decreased testosterone level and 17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β‐HSD) activity. Treatment with CO alone decreased glutathione (GSH), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) activities and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) level in rat's testis, whereas MO did not change these parameters. Cotreatment with MO prevented HgCl₂‐induced testicular catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, poor sperm quality and low testosterone level and also blocks the adverse effect of CO+HgCl₂ (2 ml kg^?1 body weight + 5 mg kg^?1 body weight) on the investigated endpoints. In conclusion, MO and not CO decreased the deleterious effects of HgCl₂ on sperm quality and steroidogenesis in rats and also strengthen the antioxidant defence of the testes. Therefore, MO is beneficial as an antioxidant in HgCl₂‐induced oxidative damage.     

Antioxidant effect of manganese on the testis structure and sperm parameters of formalin‐treated mice

Manganese inhibits oxidative stress damage. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective role of manganese on testis structure and sperm parameters in adult mice exposed to formaldehyde (FA). Twenty adult male NMRI mice were selected and randomly divided into four groups: (i) control; (ii) sham; (iii) ‘FA’‐exposed group; and (iv) ‘FA and manganese chloride’‐exposed group. The FA‐exposed groups received 10 mg kg^?1 FA daily for 14 days, and manganese chloride was just injected intraperitoneally 5 mg kg^?1 on 2nd weeks. Mice were sacrificed, and spermatozoa were collected from the cauda of the right epididymis and analysed for count, motility, morphology and viability. The other testicular tissues were weighed and prepared for histological examination upon removal. Seminiferous tubules, lumen diameters and epithelium thickness were also measured. The findings revealed that FA significantly reduced the testicular weight, sperm count, motility, viability and normal morphology compared with control group (P ≤ 0.05). In addition, seminiferous tubules atrophied and seminiferous epithelial cells disintegrated in the FA group in comparison with the control group (P ≤ 0.05). However, manganese improved the testicular structure and sperm parameters in FA‐treated mice testes (P ≤ 0.05). According to the results, manganese may improve and protect mice epididymal sperm parameters and testis structure treated with FA respectively.     

Rutin ameliorates cisplatin‐induced reproductive damage via suppression of oxidative stress and apoptosis in adult male rats

Cisplatin (CP) treatment causes damage in the male reproductive system. Rutin (RUT) is a naturally occurring flavonoid glycoside that has antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties. This study aimed to investigate effects of RUT against cisplatin‐induced reproductive toxicity in male rats. Twenty‐one adult male Sprague Dawley rats were used. The control group received physiological saline with oral gavage during 14 days, and physiological saline was injected intraperitoneally (IP) in 10th days of study. CP Group received physiological saline during 14 days, and 10 mg kg^?1 CP was injected IP in 10th day. RUT + CP group received RUT (150 mg kg^?1) during 14 days, and 10 mg kg^?1 CP was injected IP in 10th day. Spermatological parameters (including motility, cauda epididymal sperm density, dead sperm percentage and morphological sperm abnormalities), biochemical (MDA, GSH, GSH‐px, SOD and CAT), histological (H&E dye) and immunochemistry evaluations of testicles were evaluated. CP treatment caused damage on some spermatological parameters, increased the oxidative stress and induced testicular degeneration and apoptosis when compared to the control group. However, RUT treatment mitigates these side effects when compared to the CP alone group. IT is concluded that RUT treatment may reduce CP‐induced reproductive toxicity as a potential antioxidant compound.     

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.     

Cisplatin‐induced testicular dysfunction and its amelioration by Launaea taraxacifolia leaf extract

This study investigates the ameliorative potential of Launea taraxacifolia (LT) aqueous leaf extract on cisplatin‐induced testicular dysfunction in Wistar rats. Thirty rats were randomly divided into six groups (A–F) of 5 rats each: Group A which served as control received water; Group B was intraperitoneally (ip) injected 10 mg kg^?1 body wt cisplatin on day 21; Groups C and D were given 100 and 400 mg of LT via oral administration, respectively, for 21 days while Groups E and F received similar treatment as Groups C and D, respectively, and then exposed to ip administration of 10 mg kg^?1 body weight cisplatin on the 21st day. Exclusively, Cisplatin‐exposed Group B rats showed reduced sperm characteristics and increased sperm morphological abnormalities; distorted histological architecture of seminiferous tubules; significantly increased lipid peroxidation (LPO) and decreased activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH)levels in the testes. These parameters in LT alone treated Groups C and D were not markedly different compared with the control group. The rats with the combined treatment in Groups E and F showed significantly improved sperm parameters, testicular histo‐architecture and antioxidant enzymatic activities. Conclusively, aqueous extract of L. taraxacifolia has protective potential against cisplatin damage.     

Dose‐dependent effects of ethanol extract of Salvia haematodes Wall roots on reproductive function and copulatory behaviour in male rats

This study was aimed to investigate the dose‐dependent effects of Salvia haematodes Wall roots (SHW) extract on male reproductive function and copulatory behaviour in rats. Sexually mature males were assigned to four groups: control and treated (5, 50 and 300 mg kg^?1 day^?1 for 30 days). At the end of treatment regimes, the reproductive activity viz. body/organ weights, testicular spermatogenesis, daily sperm production rate (DSP) and epididymal sperm counts, and sexual behaviour including mounting latency (ML), mounting frequency (MF), intromission latency (IL), intromission frequency (IF), ejaculation latency (EL), post‐ejaculatory interval (PEI) and penile reflexes (PE) were assessed. Results showed significant increase in body weight (at 300 mg kg^?1), testis/epididymis weights (at 50 and 300 mg kg^?1), testicular spermatids, DSP, tubular diameter and epididymal sperm counts (at 50 and 300 mg kg^?1doses) in treated compared with control rats. It also produced dose‐dependant changes in sexual behaviour. The 5 mg kg^?1 dose of extract increased MF and PE, whereas 50 and 300 kg^?1 doses caused significant increase in MF, IF, PE, EL (but less than sildenafil citrate treatment), hit rate and seminal plug weight. It is concluded that SHW extract enhances anabolic activity, testicular function and sexual behavioural performance in a dose‐dependant manner.     

Bioefficacy of hydromethanolic extract of tuber of Chlorophytum borivilianum (Safed Musli) for the management of male infertility in cyproterone acetate‐treated albino rats

Increase in male sexual dysfunction, and its treatment with conventional aphrodisiac drugs with side effects lead to investigate the spermatogenesis and androgenesis augmentative efficacy of hydromethanolic (40 : 60) extract of root of Chlorophytum borivilianum (family – Liliaceae) against cyproterone acetate‐induced subfertility in Wistar strain male albino rat. For this purpose, experimental rats were divided into three treatment groups: vehicle (received distilled water), cyproterone acetate (gastric intubation at 250 mg kg^?1 twice daily for 35 days) and cyproterone acetate plus root extract of C. borivilianum (gastric intubation at 250 mg kg^?1 plus 400 mg kg^?1 with an interval of 20 min twice daily for 35 days). After 35‐day treatment, all rats were euthanised. Reproductive deviations towards negative side were investigated by screening the spermatogenic and steroidogenic biosensors. Oxidative stress profile in reproductive organs and sperm pellet was evaluated by biochemical assessment of antioxidative enzyme activities and level of end products of the lipid peroxidation. Apoptosis profile was evaluated by Western blot study, TUNEL assay and DNA fragmentation study of testicular tissues. Evaluation of toxicity profile was included for experimental investigation. After cyproterone acetate treatment, the pituitary–testicular axis was deviated towards the negative side and its tuning system was affected by oxidative stress and apoptosis‐mediated process, which reduced the quality of semen and finally led to subfertility. Co‐administration of C. borivilianum root extract enhanced male reproductive potentiality and prevented the negative deviations after the treatment with cyproterone acetate by means of increasing oxidative defence and maintaining homeostasis in testicular apoptosis process.     

Strontium fructose 1, 6‐diphosphate alleviate cyclophosphamide‐induced oligozoospermia by improving antioxidant and inhibiting testicular apoptosis via FAS/FASL pathway

This study investigated the treatment effects of a new compound, strontium fructose 1, 6‐diphosphate (FDP‐Sr), in cyclophosphamide (CP)‐induced oligozoospermia. FDP‐Sr, with extra high‐energy supply, could reverse male hypogonadism in the testis. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: control group (vehicle treated), CP group and CP + FDP‐Sr group. Both CP group and CP + FDP‐Sr groups were orally administered CP (20 mg kg^?1) consecutively for the first 7 days to establish CP‐induced testicular toxic models. Subsequently, CP group was given orally distilled water per day, whereas CP + FDP‐Sr group was received FDP‐Sr (200 mg kg^?1) for 49 days. Compared to the CP group, the FDP‐Sr group showed significantly increased levels of serum testosterone, testis relative weights and epididymal sperm counts in rats. In addition, rats treated by FDP‐Sr showed the recuperative activities of testicular marker enzymes and normalised levels of antioxidants in tissue. Testicular protection of FDP‐Sr was further demonstrated by enhancing expression of P450scc, reducing ability of FAS/FASL and generating cytoprotection in the histopathological study. FDP‐Sr appeared to possess an ability to attenuate CP‐induced reproduction toxicity via the activation of antioxidants and steroidogenesis enzymes, and alleviate oligozoospermia via inhibition of testicular apoptosis by FAS/FASL pathway.     

Carnosine mitigates apoptosis and protects testicular seminiferous tubules from gamma‐radiation‐induced injury in mice

This study investigated the radioprotective effects of a naturally occurring dipeptide, carnosine, on testicular damage. Carnosine was administered (10, 50 and 100 mg kg^?1 body weight) to male mice via intraperitoneal injection for 4 days prior to gamma irradiation (2 Gy). Apoptosis with the TUNEL assay and histopathological parameters were evaluated 12‐h and 14‐day post‐irradiation. Pre‐treatment with carnosine before irradiation significantly reduced the frequency of TUNEL‐positive cells induced by radiation treatment at all doses by reduction factors of 1.8, 2.47 and 2.23 for carnosine at 10, 50 and 100 mg kg^?1 bw, respectively, unlike that observed in the radiation alone group. Exposure to ionising radiation decreased sperm count and reduced the height and diameter of seminiferous epithelial tubules. Pre‐treatment with all doses of carnosine significantly augmented seminiferous epithelial height and tubule diameter and also increased the number of germinal cells in comparison to the group treated with radiation only. These results indicate that carnosine prevents testicular dysfunction induced by gamma‐irradiation via an anti‐apoptotic effect; this restoration of proper testicular function ultimately leads to the recovery of spermatogenesis.     

Therapeutic effect of pentoxifylline on reproductive parameters in diabetic male mice

In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of pentoxifylline (PTX) on male reproductive parameters in diabetic mice. Male adult mice (n = 24) were divided into control and three experimental groups (n = 6) including Diabetic, Diabetic + PTX and PTX groups. Diabetes was induced by single injection of streptozotocin (60 mg kg^?1). PTX was administered intraperitoneally at the dose of 12 mg kg^?1 for 14 days 1 week after diabetes induction. Serum levels of testosterone and blood glucose were determined and collected spermatozoa from cauda epididymidis analysed. Based on histological slides prepared from testis, the diameter of seminiferous tubules was determined using Motic camera and software and also apoptosis using TUNEL assay. Data were analysed using one‐way anova method, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The mean of seminiferous tubules diameter, final body weight, testis weight, sperm parameters and testosterone hormone level in PTX‐treated diabetic group indicated a significant increase compared to diabetic one, whereas apoptosis index and blood glucose were decreased in this comparison (P < 0.05). These results suggest that intraperitoneal administration of PTX is a potentially beneficial agent to reduce testicular damage and improves sperm parameters in diabetic mice by decreasing the ratio of apoptosis.     

Tsga10 expression correlates with sperm profiles in the adult formalin‐exposed mice

Testis‐specific gene antigen10 (Tsga10), as a cytoskeletal protein in the sperm tail, impacts the sperm motility. This study investigates the correlation between sperm profile alterations and Tsga10 gene expression in adult mice exposed to formaldehyde (FA) and then treated with antioxidant effect of manganese (Mn²⁺). In this regard, we examined 35 NMRI adult male mice (6–8 weeks age) in 4 groups of control, sham, FA‐exposed and FA+Mn²⁺. The mice in FA+Mn²⁺ group were exposed to FA (10 mg kg^?1 twice a day) for 2 weeks and treated with daily Mn²⁺ administration (5 mg kg^?1) in the second week prior to sacrificing the mice for testis dissection. The right testis was dissected in each group and subjected to RNA extraction and cDNA syntheses for gene expression analysis by real‐time PCR. The findings revealed that FA decreased sperm parameters and Tsga10 expression (52.6 ± 24.37%). However, the injected powerful manganese antioxidant improved sperm profile through overexpression of Tsga10 (121.6 ± 27.13%) under FA‐induced stressful condition which proves the correlation between sperm profile and Tsga10 expression (P ≤ 0.05). This study also shows that Tsga10 expression protects sperm dysfunction in FA+Mn²⁺ group and resulting in better preservation of spermatozoa and improvement of male fertility.     

Gallic acid protects against cyclophosphamide‐induced toxicity in testis and epididymis of rats

The protective role of gallic acid (GA) on reproductive toxicity induced by cyclophosphamide (CPA), an antineoplastic drug, was investigated in male Wistar rats. Sixty rats were grouped into 10 rats per group. Group 1 (control) received distilled water. Rats in groups 2 and 3 received GA alone at 60 and 120 mg kg^?1 for 14 consecutive days, respectively. Group 4 received a single intraperitoneal dose of CPA at 200 mg kg^?1 on day 1. Groups 5 and 6 received a single dose of CPA (200 mg kg^?1) intraperitoneally on day 1 followed by treatment with GA at 60 and 120 mg kg^?1 for 14 consecutive days, respectively. In testes and epididymis of the treated rats, CPA administration resulted in significant elevation (P < 0.05) in malondialdehyde (MDA), nitrite and hydrogen peroxide levels. There was a significant decrease in the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione‐S‐transferase. Furthermore, there were significant reductions in plasma luteinising hormone (LH), follicle stimulation hormone (FSH) and testosterone levels, which were accompanied by significant decrease in sperm motility and viability in CPA‐treated rats. Histological examination revealed marked testicular and epididymal atrophy in CPA alone treated rats and these aberrations were reversed by GA. In conclusion, GA has capacity to protect against reproductive toxicity induced by cyclophosphamide.     

Ameliorative effect of polydatin on oxidative stress‐mediated testicular damage by chronic arsenic exposure in rats

Arsenic causes lipid peroxidation leading to alterations in antioxidant status in organisms. In this study, the reproductive effects of chronic exposure to arsenic and the protective effects of polydatin (PD) were evaluated in 35 Wistar male rats, which were divided equally into five groups. The control group received a normal diet and tap water, arsenic (100 mg l^?1, approximately 1/50 of oral LD₅₀) was given via drinking water to experimental groups except control group, and PD was orally given to the other groups at dose of 50, 100 and 200 mg kg^?1 for 60 days. Arsenic administration decreased sperm motility, glutathione level, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in testicular tissue of rats. In contrast, malondialdehyde level and DNA damage were found to be high levels in arsenic‐treated group. Histopathologically, it was observed that decreased sperm concentration and degeneration of Sertoli cells in testicular tissue. PD administration, partially 200 mg kg^?1, reversed arsenic‐induced lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, antioxidant enzyme activity and cell integrity in testis of rats. These results demonstrate that PD decreases arsenic‐induced lipid peroxidation, enhances the antioxidant defence mechanism and regenerates tissue damage in testis of rats.     

Chemotherapeutic efficacy of an ethanolic Moringa oleifera leaf extract against chromium‐induced testicular toxicity in rats

This study was conducted to determine the mechanism underlying the chemotherapeutic efficacy of an ethanolic Moringa oleifera leaf extract (MOLEE) against chromium‐induced impairments of rat testes using biochemical methods. Twenty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups of five animals each. Group I (control), group II injected potassium dichromate (8 mg kg^?1) i.p., group III gastrogavaged MOLEE (500 mg kg^?1) p.o. and group IV received (potassium dichromate plus MOLEE) by the same doses for 60 days. After the blood samples were collected, the animals were sacrificed to determine the testicular antioxidant status and sperm parameters. The chromium‐treated group exhibited a significant decrease in testicular antioxidant enzymatic activities, local immunity and sperm parameters as well as an increase in inflammatory markers when compared with the control and MOLEE‐treated group. However, concurrent administration of chromium and MOLEE significantly ameliorated the chromium effects on the sperm parameters, local immunity, inflammatory markers and antioxidant enzymatic activities compared with rats exposed to chromium alone. This study concludes that chronic exposure to chromium produces clear testicular toxicity, which can either be prevented or at least decreased by concomitant administration of MOLEE. Interestingly, the metal ion chelation could attribute partly the antioxidant activities of MOLEE.     

Fish oil,contained in eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid,attenuates testicular and spermatological damage induced by cisplatin in rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the beneficial effects of the fish oil (FO) supplementation on oxidative stress, sperm characteristics and histological alterations in the male reproductive system of rats against cisplatin (CP) toxicity. The rats were divided randomly into 4 equal groups (control, FO, CP and FO + CP). FO was orally administered at the dose of 1 softgel per rat per day for 14 days and CP was intraperitoneally given at the dose of 7 mg kg^?1 with a single injection. In CP + FO group, they were applicated at the same doses and times. The results showed that CP caused a significant oxidative damage via induction of lipid peroxidation and reduction in the antioxidant defence system potency in the testis tissue. In addition, sperm motility and sperm concentration significantly decreased but the abnormal sperm rate and histopathological testicular damage increased with CP treatment. On the other hand, FO treatment prevented oxidative, histopathological and spermatological effects of CP and reversed side effects of CP. In conclusion, FO supplementation had significant beneficial effects against CP toxicity on male reproductive system and toxic effects of CP can be prevented by FO treatment. Therefore, it appears that fish oil may be useful for the prevention and treatment of cisplatin‐induced reproductive system toxicity.     

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.     

Additional deleterious effects of alcohol consumption on sperm parameters and DNA integrity in diabetic mice

The aim of this study was to survey the impact of alcohol consumption on sperm parameters and DNA integrity in experimentally induced diabetic mice. A total of 32 adult male mice were divided into four groups: mice of group 1 served as control fed on basal diet, group 2 received streptozotocin (STZ) (200 mg kg^?1, single dose, intraperitoneal) and basal diet, group 3 received alcohol (10 mg kg^?1, water soluble) and basal diet, and group 4 received STZ and alcohol for 35 days. The cauda epididymidis of each mouse was dissected and placed in 1 ml of pre‐warm Ham's F10 culture medium for 30 min. The swim‐out spermatozoa were analysed for count, motility, morphology and viability. Sperm chromatin quality was evaluated with aniline blue, toluidine blue, acridine orange and chromomycin A3 staining. The results showed that all sperm parameters had significant differences (P < 0.05), also when sperm chromatin was assessed with cytochemical tests. There were significant differences (P < 0.001) between the groups. According to our results, alcohol and diabetes can cause abnormalities in sperm parameters and chromatin quality. In addition, alcohol consumption in diabetic mice can intensify sperm chromatin/DNA damage.     

Therapeutic effects of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) pollen extract on cadmium‐induced testicular toxicity

Cadmium (Cd) is a well‐known testicular toxicant. This study was designed to explore the long‐term effects of a single low dose of Cd on spermatogenesis, and testicular dysfunction and oxidative stress, and the therapeutic potential of date palm pollen extract (DPP) in averting such reproductive damage. Adult male Wistar rats received a single intraperitoneal injection of CdCl₂ (0 or 1 mg kg^?1). Twenty‐four hours later, they started receiving DPP (0 or 40 mg kg^?1) orally, once daily for 56 consecutive days. Cd exposure caused significant reproductive damage via reduced weight of the reproductive organs, which includes spermatological damage (decreased sperm count and motility and increased rates of sperm abnormalities), increased oxidative stress (increased malondialdehyde and decreased reduced glutathione levels), histological alterations (necrosis, inefficient to completely arrest spermatogenesis and a reduced Johnsen's score) and decreased serum testosterone level. DPP restored spermatogenesis and attenuated the toxic effects of Cd on the reproductive system to the levels observed in the control animals. These findings support the hypothesis that the testis is particularly sensitive to Cd, which can cause testicular damage and infertility. Treatment with DPP can ameliorate the deleterious effects of Cd, probably by activating testicular endocrine and antioxidant systems.