Effects of butyric acid and arsenic on isolated pancreatic islets and liver mitochondria of male mouse

Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the different doses of Butyric acid [BA] and Arsenic [As] in liver mitochondria oxidative stress and pancreatic islet insulin secretion of male mouse

Background: BA is found in many foods and As as a toxic metal is present in drinking water. They can induce oxidative stress in tissues

Methods: In this experimental study, Liver mitochondria were isolated by administration of the different centrifugation method and pancreatic islets were isolated by collagenase method. Mitochondria were incubated by BA [35, 75, 150, 300 microM] and As [20, 50, 100, 200 microM] as the islets were incubated by BA [250, 500, 1000, 1500 microM] and As [50, 100, 200 microM] for 1 hour. At the end of the experiment, mitochondrial viability and membrane potential, ROS, MDA, GSH and islets insulin secretion were measured by their specific methods

Results: BA and As administration increased mitochondrial levels of ROS, MDA and decreased GSH and pancreatic islet insulin secretion in a dose dependent manner [p<0.05]. The doses of BA 75microM and As 100microM have been revealed the most mitochondria toxic concentrations. Also, the doses of 1000microM for BA and 100microM for As were considered as reducing concentrations for islets insulin secretion. Additionally, co administration of them intensified more these effects

Conclusion: Alone or in combination administration of BA and As induced oxidative stress in liver mitochondria and decreased insulin secretion of pancreatic islets

Effects of Betulinic Acid on the Male Reproductive System of a Streptozotocin-Nicotinamide-Induced Diabetic Mouse Model

PURPOSE: The present study was conducted to evaluate the favorable or harmful effects of betulinic acid (BA) on a diabetic reproductive system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, 60 male Naval Medical Research Institute mice (20∼25 g) were randomly divided into 6 groups: control, diabetes, diabetes+BA (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg), and diabetes+ metformin (200 mg/kg). A diabetic model was induced by a single dose of streptozotocin (STZ) (65 mg/kg) injection intraperitoneally 15 minutes after an intraperitoneal administration of nicotinamide (NA) (120 mg/kg). BA and metformin were gavaged for 2 weeks after confirmed diabetes induction in the treatment groups. One day after the last treatment, plasma luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone levels were evaluated. The cauda epididymis and testis were removed to analyze the sperm count and testis histopathology. RESULTS: LH levels increased in diabetic (p<0.001) and diabetic BA-treated mice (p=0.009). Plasma levels of testosterone (p< 0.001) and sperm count (p=0.04) decreased in these groups when compared to the control group. Furthermore, administration of 10 mg/kg (p=0.001), 20 mg/kg (p=0.004), or 40 mg/kg (p<0.001) of BA led to a greater reduction in plasma testosterone levels compared to the diabetes group. Seminiferous tubule vacuole numbers increased in diabetic and diabetic BA-treated mice, but testis morphology and FSH level assessment revealed no significant differences between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: STZ-NA can induce diabetic alterations in the male reproductive system and the administration of BA in diabetic treated mice resulted in a worse outcome.

Effects of Hydro-alcoholic Extract from Arctium lappa L. (Burdock) Root on Gonadotropins, Testosterone, and Sperm Count and Viability in Male Mice with Nicotinamide/ Streptozotocin-Induced Type 2 Diabetes

Background: Reproductive dysfunction is a complication of diabetes. Arctium lappa (burdock) root has hypoglycemic and antioxidative properties, which are traditionally used for treatment of impotence and sterility. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the effects of its hydro alcoholic extract on gonadotropin, testosterone, and sperm parameters in nicotinamide/ streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Methods: In this experimental study, 56 adult male Naval Medical Research Institute (NMRI) mice (30–35 g) were randomly divided into seven groups: control, diabetes, diabetes + glibenclamide (0.25 mg/kg), diabetes + extract (200 or 300 mg/kg), and extract (200 or 300 mg/kg). Diabetes was induced with intraperitoneal injection of nicotinamide (NA) and streptozotocin (STZ). Twenty-four hours after the last extract and drug administration, serum samples, testes, and cauda epididymis were removed immediately for experimental assessment. Results: Body weight, serum luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone levels, and sperm count (P < 0.05) and viability (P < 0.01) decreased in diabetic mice. Administration of glibenclamide significantly improved these reductions in diabetic animals (P < 0.05). However, the hydro alcoholic extract (300 mg/kg) enhanced sperm viability only in diabetic mice (P < 0.01). In addition, this dose of extract increased sperm count, LH, FSH, and testosterone in nondiabetic animals compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The results indicate that applied burdock root extract has anti-infertility effects in nondiabetic mice. Hence, this part of the A. lappa plant has an effect on the health of the reproductive system in order to improve diabetic conditions.

Effect of aqueous and hydro-alcoholic extracts of lettuce [Lactuca sativa] seed on testosterone level and spermatogenesis in NMRI mice

One of the considerable uses of lettuce [Lactuca sativa] seed in traditional medicine has been to reduce semen, sperm and sexuality. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aqueous and hydro-alcoholic extracts of lettuce seed on testosterone level and spermatogenesis. In this experimental study 24 adult male NMRI mice weighing 20-25gr were purchased. Animals were randomly divided into 4 groups: controls, hydro-alcoholic [200 mg/kg] and aqueous extracts [50, 100mg/kg]. The extracts were injected intraperitoneally once a day for 10 consecutive days. 2 weeks after the last injection, the mice were anaesthetized by ether and after laparatomy blood was collected from the heart to determine testosterone by ELISA assay kit. Then testis and cauda epididymis of all animals were removed for analyzing testis morphology and sperm count and viability. Testis weight in hydro-alcoholic and aqueous extracts 100 mg/kg [p=0.001] and aqueous extract 50 mg/kg [p=0.008] groups was increased .Sperm viability in hydro-alcoholic [p=0.001] and aqueous extracts 50 [p=0.026], 100 mg/kg [p=0.045] groups was decreased, Also the results showed a significant decrease in sperm count in hydro-alcoholic [p=0.035] and aqueous extracts 50 mg/kg [p=0.006] groups in comparison with control group. Also there was a significant increase in serum level of testosterone in aqueous extract 50 mg/kg group in comparison with control [p=0.002] hydro-alcoholic [p=0.001] and aqueous extracts 100 mg/kg [p=0.003] groups. Present results demonstrated that hydro-alcoholic and aqueous 50 mg/kg extracts of lettuce seed have antispermatogenic effects, also aqueous extract 50 mg/kg increased serum level of testosterone in mice. Therefore we can suggest that lettuce seed could be a potential contraceptive agent.

Effects of Hydro-Alcoholic Extract of Rhus coriaria (Sumac) Seeds on Reproductive Complications of Nicotinamide-Streptozotocin Induced Type-2 Diabetes in Male Mice

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the hydro-alcoholic extract of Rhus coriaria seeds on the reproductive system of nicotinamide-streptozotocin-induced type-2 diabetic mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, 56 male Naval Medical Research Institute mice were randomly divided into seven groups (n=8): control; diabetic mice; diabetic mice administered glibenclamide (0.25 mg/kg); diabetic mice who received the hydro-alcoholic extract of R. coriaria seeds (200 and 400 mg/kg groups); and normal mice who received this extract (200 and 400 mg/kg groups). Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal administration of streptozotocin (65 mg/kg) 15 minutes after an injection of nicotinamide (120 mg/kg). Then, glibenclamide and the above mentioned extract were administered orally for 28 consecutive days. Twenty-four hours after the last treatment, serum samples, the testes, and the cauda epididymis were removed immediately for hormonal, testis morphology, and sperm parameter assessments. RESULTS: Body and testicular weight, sperm count and viability, and serum luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone and testosterone levels were significantly lower in the diabetic mice (p<0.05). The diabetic mice treated with 400 mg/kg of the hydro-alcoholic extract of R. coriaria seeds recovered from these reductions (p<0.05). Further, glibenclamide alleviated hormonal and sperm count depletion in diabetes-induced mice (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The present results indicated that the hydro-alcoholic extract of R. coriaria seeds has anti-infertility effects in diabetic males.

Effects of Exendin-4 on Male Reproductive Parameters of D-Galactose Induced Aging Mouse Model

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of exendin-4 on reproductive alteration in a D-galactose-induced aging mouse model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, 72 male Naval Medical Research Institute mice (20~25 g) were randomly divided into six groups: control, exendin-4 (1 nmol/kg), exendin-4 (10 nmol/kg), D-galactose (500 mg/kg), D-galactose+exendin-4 (1 nmol/kg), and D-galactose+exendin-4 (10 nmol/kg). The aging model animals were gavaged with D-galactose for six weeks, and exendin-4 was injected intraperitoneally in the last 10 days. At the end of treatment serum luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone levels were evaluated and the cauda epididymis and testis were removed to analyze the sperm count and testis morphology. RESULTS: The testis weight and volume decreased in the D-galactose group (p<0.01 and p<0.05) respectively. Exendin-4 (1, 10 nmol/kg) increased these parameters in the normal and aging mouse models. Serum LH and FSH levels increased and the sperm count decreased in the D-galactose group (p<0.05). Further, exendin-4 (1 nmol/kg) decreased LH and FSH levels and increased the serum testosterone level and sperm count in both normal and aging animals. CONCLUSIONS: D-galactose can induce aging alternations in the male reproductive system such as decreased sperm count and increased serum LH and FSH levels through reactive oxygen species over production and reduced antioxidant enzyme activity. Further, co-administration of exendin-4 reduced reproductive complications of D-galactose in an aging mouse model.

Antispasmodic effects of aqueous and hydroalcoholic Punica granatum flower extracts on the uterus of non-pregnant rats

Punica granatum Linn. [PG] is native to the Mediterranean region. Its flower exhibited antioxidant activity. The present study attempt to investigate the effect of these extract on uterine contraction and its possible mechanism[s]. Thirty five female Wistar rats [200-300 g] at estrous phases of cycle was examined in this study; pieces of virgin adult rat uterus [1.5 cm] were suspended in an organ bath containing 10 ml of De Jalon solution at 29 degreeC. Tissue contractility was isometrically recorded. KCl [60 mM], BaCl[2] [4 mM] and oxytocin [10 mU/ml] were applied to the tissue in the presence and absence of aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts of the plant [0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 mg/ml]. Propranolol [1 microM] and naloxane [1 microM] were added in KCl induced contractions. The results were analyzed by ANOVA and p<0.05 were considered as significant. Cumulative concentration of extracts reduced uterine contractions induced by KCl dose-dependently [p<0.01]. Extracts in a dose dependent [p<0.05] reduced uterine contractions decreased dose-dependently after of addition oxytocin. The extracts added cumulatively to the organ bath reduced contractions but they did not affect uterine contractions induced by BaCl2 except the last dose. Spasmolytic effects of the extracts were not affected by propranolol or naloxane in KCl induced contractions. Extracts diminished K[+]-induced contraction in uterus, therefore it seems that substances that decrease K[+]-induced contraction can also block voltage dependent calcium channel. The extracts did not have any effect on beta-adrenoceptors or potassium channels

Antispasmodic effects of Citrus aurantium flowers aqueous extract on uterus of non-pregnant rats

Citrus aurantium is a small citrus tree, with scented white flowers. The C. aurantium is used in Asian herbal medicine primarily to treat digestive problems. The goal of this study is to investigate the effect of C. aurantium flower's aqueous extract on uterine contraction in presence of some known uterus stimulants. In experimental study 30 virgin Wistar rats 200-300gr were obtained. After laparatomy, a piece of Uterus was dissected out and mounted in an organ bath [10ml] containing De Jalon [29°C] and contracted by KCl [60mM], oxytocin [10mU/ml] and barium chloride [4mM] then the effect of C. aurantium flower's aqueous extract [1-8 mg/ml] on the uterine contractions was investigated. Uterus was separately incubated with propranolol [1microM], naloxone [1microM] and the role of beta-adrenoceptors, opioid receptors were evaluated. Cumulative concentrations of the extract [1-8 mg/ml] decreased KCI, oxytocin and barium chloride induced uterine contractions, dose-dependently [p<0.001]. C. aurantium flower's aqueous extract was unaffected on incubation the tissue with propranolol and naloxone. It seems that the extract induced antispasmodic effect mainly via calcium influx blockade. However, neither beta-adrenoceptors nor opioid receptors were involved. Since the extract has antispasmodic effect on uterus contraction therefore we can suggest that more study will be necessary to relief dysmenorrheal

effects of Cassia italica leaves aqueous extract on non-pregnant uterus contraction in rats

Cassia italica or Senna is a wild plant distributed in south of Iran. It increased water consumption and has a laxative effect. In traditional medicine this plant has been used for the dysmenorrheal. In this study we investigated the effect of aqueous extract of Cassia italica on uterus contraction. Virgin Wistar rats 200-300g were purchased. After laparotomy, a piece of uterus [1.5cm] was excised and mounted in an organ bath [10ml] containing De Jalon [29[degree sign] C] and isometric contractions were recorded under 1g tension. KCI [60mM] was used to produce contractions. Cassia italica extracts after washing were added at 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 mg/ml cumulatively to the organ bath and the contractions were recorded. Uterus was separately incubated with atropine sulfate [10 micro M], metoclopramide [10 micro M] and oxytocin [10mU/ml] and the tissue spasmodic effect of the extract were recorded. Cumulative concentrations of the extract [0.5-4 mg/ml] increased the basal, peak and frequency of uterus contractions, dose-dependently [p<0.001]. incubation of the tissue with atropine sulfate and metoclopramide did not reduce the spasmodic effect of the extract. Cassia italica extract was shown the oxytocic activity on the uterine smooth muscle which most concentrations of the extract [4mg/ml] were more potent than of oxytocin [10mU/ml]. Cassia italica stimulated the uterus contractions without involving dopaminergic [D2], and muscarinic receptors. This extract has oxytocin mimetic effects on uterus. Since the extract has uterus contraction, therefore we suggest that more study will be necessary about abortive or contraceptive effects of this plant on pregnant uterus