Evaluating the role of silver nanoparticles on acrosomal reaction and spermatogenic cells in rat

Nanoparticles have wide range of application while there are some reports regarding their probable effects on male reproductive system and spermatozoa. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different doses of silver nanoparticles [AgNPs] [70nm] on acrosome of rat spermatozoa and number of spermatogenic cells. In this experimental study, in experimental group, 32 male wistar rats [8 rats/group] received oral feeding AgNPs every 12 hr in one spermatogenesis period [48 days] by means of gavages in 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg concentration [experimental groups 1-4, respectively]. The control group [8 rats] was treated on schedule with distilled water. Spermatozoa were stained by triple staining protocol for acrosome reaction. Histological evaluation on testis sections was performed using tissue processing and hematoxylin-eosin [H and E] staining. There was significant difference between the control group and the experimental group 1 for acrosome reaction [11.00 +/- 0.00 and 24.25 +/- 3.68, respectively, p=0.01]. There was only significant reduction in spermatogonia cells in experimental group 4. Experimental groups 2, 3 and 4 showed a significant reduction in the number of primary spermatocytes and spermatids as well as spermatozoa. But there were no significant differences between different groups for Sertoli cell number and seminiferous tubule diameter. It seems that Ag NPs have acute and significant effects on spermatogenesis and number of spermatogenic cells and also on acrosome reaction in sperm cells. More experimental investigations are necessary to elucidate better conclusion regarding the safety of nanoparticles on male reproduction system.

Reversible antispermatogenic and antisteroidogenic activities of Feronia limonia fruit pulp in adult male rats

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the antispermatogenic and testicular antisteroidogenic activities of Feronia limonia fruit pulp southern India.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fourty Wistar male albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) were equally divided into four groups. Experimental groups were administered with the ethanolic extract of Feronia limonia (F. limoni) fruit pulp at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight once daily for 55 days. All treated rats had corresponding recovery groups. At the end of each treatment periods, various spermatological indices, tissue biochemicals and testicular enzymes levels were analysed. Blood profiles were also estimated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the control, the F. limonia fruit pulp at both dose levels did not decrease body weight, which were associated with decline in epididymal sperm count, motility, viability and increased percent of abnormal sperm. Further, F. limonia fruit pulp at 500 mg/kg body weight markedly reduced the epididymal and testicular protein content by 24.58% and 29.86%, respectively, as well as the glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and Δ(5)-3β-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase) levels by 42.82% and 38.08%, respectively, while a significant elevation was observed in testicular cholesterol and ascorbic acid content. A gradual recovery of all parameters was observed after 55 days of treatment withdrawal. No significant alterations in haematological indices were observed.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The present findings indicate that F. limonia fruit pulp may have reversible antispermatogenic and antisteroidogenic properties, and could partially support the traditional use as male contraceptive.</p>

Toxicological studies of momordica charantia linn seed extracts in male mice / Estudios toxicológicos de los extractos de la semilla de Momordica charantia Linn en ratones macho

An attempt to find out the male contraceptive molecule of plant origin, the extracts of seeds of Momordica charantia were tested in male mice. Petroleum ether, chloroform and ethanolic extracts of Momordica charantia were administered at the dose level of 25mg/100gm body weight to the albino mice for 48 days intraperitoneally. All the extracts showed antispermatogenic effect as the number of spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids and spermatozoa were decreased. The increase in the weight of epididymis, prostate gland, seminal vesicle and vas deferens indicates clearly the androgenic property of these extracts. After subjecting to preliminary phytochemical screening ethanol extract showed positive tests for alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, phenols, tannins, oils and fats. Out of the three extracts tested, the ethanol extract seems to be more potent in its contraceptive and androgenic activities.

En un intento por descubrir la molécula de anticoncepción masculina de origen vegetal, fueron probados los extractos de semillas de Momordica charantia en ratones machos. Extractos de éter de petróleo, cloroformo y etanol de Momordica charantia fueron administrados en dosis de 25mg/100g de peso corporal a ratones albinos de 48 días por vía intraperitoneal. Todos los extractos mostraron un efecto antiespermatogénicos, con reducción del número de espermatogonias, espermatocitos, espermátidas y espermatozoides. El aumento de peso del epidídimo, próstata, vesículas seminales y conductos deferentes indica claramente la propiedad androgénica de estos extractos. Después de someter el extracto de etanol a la detección preliminar fitoquímica se observaron resultados positivos para alcaloides, flavonoides, glucósidos, fenoles, taninos, aceites y grasas. De los tres extractos probados, el extracto de etanol parece ser más potente en sus actividades de anticonceptivas y androgénicas.

Avaliação da função gonadal em pacientes do sexo masculino com síndrome antifosfolípide / Evaluation of gonadal function in male patients with antiphospholipid syndrome

INTRODUÇÃO. A síndrome antifiosfolípide (SAF) é uma condição trombofílica autoimune associada a títulos elevados e persistentes de anticorpos antifosfolípides. Caracteriza-se por tromboses em diversos órgãos, incluindo os testículos. OBJETIVO. Realizar uma avaliação global da função gonadal em pacientes masculinos com SAF primária (SAFP) e SAF associada ao lúpus eritematoso sistêmico (SAF-LES). MÉTODOS. Estudo transversal realizado em 22 pacientes (12 com SAFP e 10 com SAF-LES) e 20 controles saudáveis pareados por sexo e idade. Os pacientes foram avaliados em relação a dados demográficos, exame urológico, ultrassonografia testicular, perfil hormonal, análise do sêmen, anticorpos antiespermatozóides e características clínicas e laboratoriais. RESULTADOS. A mediana da idade atual foi semelhante nos pacientes com SAFP e controles (p=0,27), assim como naqueles com SAF-LES e controles (p=0,31). Disfunção erétil foi significantemente maior nos pacientes com SAFP comparado aos controles (25% vs. 0%, p=0,044), e nos SAF-LES comparado aos controles (30% vs. 0%, p=0,029). Com relação à antropometria do pênis, a análise dos subgrupos de pacientes com (n=7) e sem (n=5) tromboses arteriais prévias demonstrou que a mediana da circunferência do pênis foi significantemente menor em SAFP com trombose arterial versus sem trombose arterial [8,1 (6-10) vs. 10,2 (10-11) cm, p=0,007], bem como também observado em pacientes com SAF-LES com (n=2) e sem (n=8) eventos arteriais prévios [7,5 (7-8) vs. 9,18 (8-10,5) cm, p=0,039]. A mediana da circunferência do pênis foi significantemente menor nos pacientes com SAFP com disfunção erétil versus sem essa alteração [7,5 (6-9,5) vs. 9,5 (7,5-11) cm, p=0,039], assim como no grupo de SAF-LES [8,17 (8-8,5) vs. 9,14 (7-10,5) cm, p=0,0397]. Com relação à avaliação da função testicular, todos os parâmetros foram semelhantes nos pacientes com SAFP e controles (p>0,05). Por sua vez, as medianas de concentração e de mobilidade dos espermatozóides...

INTRODUCTION. Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune thrombophilic condition associated with persistent high titers of antiphospholipid antibodies. It is characterized by thrombosis in various organs including the testes. OBJECTIVE. To perform a global testicular assessment in male primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS) and secondary systemic lupus erythematosus-APS (SLE-APS) patients, and healthy controls. METHODS. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 22 APS (12 PAPS and 10 SLE-APS) male patients, and 20 healthy controls. They were assessed by demographic data, systematic urological examination, testicular ultrasound, hormone profile, sperm analysis, antisperm antibodies, clinical features and treatment. RESULTS. The median of current age was similar in PAPS patients and controls (p=0.27), likewise in SLE-APS and controls (p=0.31). Erectile dysfunction was significantly higher in PAPS patients compared than controls (25% vs. 0%, p=0.044), and in SLE-APS and controls (30% vs. 0%, p=0.029). Regarding the penile anthropometry, the analysis of subgroups of PAPS patients with (n=7) and without (n=5) previous arterial thrombosis demonstrated that the median circumference penis was significantly lower in PAPS with arterial thrombosis versus without [8.1 (6-10) vs. 10.2 (10-11) cm, p=0.007], as also observed in SLE-APS patients with (n=2) and without (n=8) previous arterial events [7.5 (7-8) vs. 9.18 (8-10.5) cm, p=0.039]. In addition, the median penis circumference was significantly lower in PAPS patients with erectile dysfunction versus without this alteration [7.5 (6-9.5) vs. 9.5 (7.5-11) cm, p=0.039], likewise in SLE-APS patients [8.17 (8-8.5) vs. 9.14 (7-10.5) cm, p=0.0397]. Regarding gonadal evaluation, these parameters were uniformly normal in PAPS versus controls (p>0.05). In contrast, the median of sperm concentration and sperm motility were significantly lower in SLE-APS patients compared to controls [41.1 (0-145) vs. 120.06 (34.5-329)...

Anti-fertility effect of Tongbi composition and its reversibility in male rats / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the anti-fertility effect of maximum-dose Tongbi Composition and its reversibility in male rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty-six male SD rats were equally randomized into a control group and a medication group, the former given normal saline at 10 ml/(kg x d), while the latter treated with Tongbi Composition at 10 g/(kg x d), both for 60 days. Half the rats of each group were sacrificed randomly at the cessation of treatment, and the rest killed at 72 days after it. The relative testis weight, testis volume, sperm concentration and sperm motility were measured, and the pathological changes in the testicular tissue observed under the optical microscope.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After 60 days of treatment, no statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in the relative testis weight, testis volume and sperm concentration (P > 0.05) , and the sperm motility of the medication group dropped to zero, but it was restored to normal at 72 days after drug withdrawal. Almost no lesions were observed in the testis tissue of the medication group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The short-term use of Tongbi Composition at the maximum clinical dose has an obvious anti-fertility effect, but it is reversible.</p>

Intrafollicular fluid antigamete antibodies in infertile patient candidates for ICSI

Immunologic disturbances must be considered as a major cause of infertility. Antigamete antibodies like antisperm antibodies [ASA] and to anti-zona antibodies [AZA] seem to be implicated in the etiology of infertility. These antibodies affect fertilization and embryo development. It is important to screen these antibodies in infertile women who are candidates for in-vitro fertilization [IVF], because the presence of these antibodies may switch the treatment from IVF to intra-cytoplasmic microinjection [ICSI]. The objective of this study was to determine the presence of ASA and AZA in the follicular fluids [FF] of women who sought candidacy for ICSI. In this prospective study, the follicular fluids of 96 infertile women [20 to 39 years old, mean 31.5 +/- 5.1], who were candidates for ICSI, were evaluated. According to the etiologies, 80 women had explained whereas 16 had unexplained infertility. All the follicular fluids were evaluated for the presence of ASA by ELISA and Sperm MAR test and also for the presence of AZA by ELISA. The data were analyzed by Chi-square test using SPSS soft-ware and the significance level was considered p<0.05. According to the results of ELISA and Sperm MAR test, none of the patients had ASA in their follicular fluids. However, twenty samples [20.8%] were positive for AZA. In patients with unexplained infertility, autoantibodies to zona pellucida were significantly higher in the follicular fluid than the group with proven etiologies for infertility [p=0.001]. The low incidence of ASA and the high incidence of AZA in the infertile women in this study, especially in women with unexplained infertility in Iran have to be considered seriously. Determination of AZA is highly recommended in the evaluation of infertile couples, especially those with unexplained infertility

Antispermatogenic efficacy of Curcuma longa in albino rats

Administration of Curcuma longa [50% EtOH] extract to intact rats at the dose of 20 mg and 30 mg subcutaneously for 30 days caused arrest of spermatogenesis. The diameter of seminiferous tubules and Leydig cell nuclei were reduced. The production of spermatocytes [primary and secondary] and spermatids were significantly reduced [p

Progress in research on triptolide / 中国中药杂志

To further understand triptolide, this paper has introduced the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, toxicity, the clinic application and semi-synthesis of triptolide on basis of importance and significant contents of reference which have been consulted in the past twenty years. Presently triptolide and Tripterygium wilfordii have been a hot spot of modernization of Chinese traditional medicine. It is very important to develop a new dosage form of high effect and low toxicity by making use of advanced technology according to its characteristics.

Antispermatogenic activity of Morinda lucida extract in male rats / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>AIM</b>To investigate the effect of Morinda lucida Benth (Rubiaceae) on the reproductive activity of male albino rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Two groups of rats were treated with 400 mg/(kg .d) of Morinda lucida leaf extract for 4 and 13 weeks, respectively. The control rats received the vehicle. All the treated rats had corresponding recovery groups. At the end of each experimental period, animals were killed and organ weights, sperm characteristics, serum testosterone levels, histology of the testes and fertility were assessed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Morinda lucida leaf extract did not cause any changes in body and somatic organ weights, but significantly increased the testis weight (P 0.05). The sperm motility and viability, and the epididymal sperm counts of rats treated for 13 weeks were significantly reduced (P 0.05). Sperm morphological abnormalities and serum testosterone levels were significantly increased (P 0.05). There were various degrees of damage to the seminiferous tubules. The extract reduced the fertility of the treated rats by reducing the litter size. Reversal of these changes, however, occurred after a period of time.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The extract of Morinda lucida has reversible antispermatogenic properties.</p>

Sublethal doses of malathion alter male reproductive parameters of Eisenia foetida / Malathion en dosis subletales altera los parámetros reproductivos masculinos de Eisenia foetida

Malathion es un insecticida organofosforado cuyo efecto agudo principal es la inhibición de la enzima acetilcolinesterasa. Este pesticida es usado ampliamente y se ha informado como dañino para la espermatogénesis de ratones. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el riesgo tóxico de malathion. Gusano de tierra Eisenia foetida (Annelida, Oligochaeta) se usó como modelo biológico y se analizaron testículos y espermatozoides de animales controles y tratados. Se usaron gusanos de tierra con clitelo desarrollado, los cuales fueron aspersados con dosis sub letales de 0, 80, 150, 300 y 600 mg de malathion por kilogramo de tierra (LD50 = 880 mg/kg de tierra seca). A los grupos controles se les agregó solo agua destilada. Cada grupo se analizó a los 1, 5, 15 y 30 días post tratamiento. Los resultados observados en los animales tratados indican un alza significativa en el número de espermatozoides a los 1 y 5 días después del tratamiento, seguido por una disminución espermática entre los 15 y 30 días. El uso de naranja de acridina mostró un aumento significativo de espermatozoides metacromáticos anormales en animales tratados (fluorescencia roja). La histología testicular en animales tratados mostró desorganización del tejido y vacuolización, con la presencia de núcleos pequeños e hipercromáticos, indicativo de posible apoptosis. Además, malathion causó contracción corporal caracterizada por la cola enrollada. Se concluye que malathion provoca una alteración significativa en el recuento y en la calidad espermática, en la histología testicular y en la morfología corporal de Eisenia foetida. Este modelo biológico resulta ser excelente para supervisar el daño citotóxico de pesticidas organofosaforados.

Assessment of antisperm antibody in sera of mercury and lead exposed workers

Occupational exposure to lead or mercury was found to make protein better antigens. The production of autoantibodies to nervous system protein is one example of such effect. The present study aims to detect the possibility of induction of antisperm autoantibodies due to occupational exposure to lead or mercury. Male workers exposed to lead [n=50] or to mercury [n=39] were selected for this purpose and compared to a matched control group [n=39]. A negative control consisting of 17 females was also included. All subjects had two or more children. Blood samples were collected and the ELISA technique was applied to detect antisperm antibodies. Also, the levels of lead in blood and mercury in urine were determined as biological indices of exposure. Antisperm antibodies were detected in 90% of workers exposed to lead with the predominance of the IgG type and 84.6% of workers exposed to mercury with the predominance of the IgM type. Although the results did not correlate with the biological indices of exposure, it seems advisable to use the detection of sperm antibodies of sera of workers exposed to metals as a biological monitoring tool

Antispermatogenic and androgenic activities of various extracts of Hibiscus rosa sinesis in albino mice.

The benzene chloroform and alcoholic extracts of the flowers of H.r.sinensis were administered (i.p.) at two different dose levels of 125 and 250 mg/kg body weight to adult male albino mice for 20 days. The results have shown decrease in the spermatogenic elements of testis and epididymal sperm count. High content of testicular cholesterol may be due to lowered androgen synthesis. The increase in the weight of accessory reproductive organs indicates the androgenicity of the plant extract itself, which is proved in the present study by testing the benzene extract in immature mice.

Detection of chlamydia trachomatis by polymerase chain reaction among infertile couples with antisperm antibodies

Chlamydia trachomatis infection is the most common sexual transmitted disease and the role of chlamydial genital infection in the initiation of immune reaction to the sperm and immunological infertility is still controversial. Recently, the development of PCR assays was found to be very effective for the detection of genitourinary chlamydial trachomatis infection. The objective in the present work was to study the possible relation between the chlamydial infection and the development of sperm antibodies. 60 infertile couples with sperm antibodies and 20 fertile couples free from sperm antibodies were the subjects of this study. Detection of chlamydia trachomatis was done by taking samples from endocervical swabs from wives and first voiding urine from husb and s and then tested by PCR. No correlation was found between the chlamydial infection and the development of sperm antibodies. On the other h and, it was observed that male auto immunity to the sperm is more frequent than female iso immunity

role of the anti-sperm autoantibodies in the management of patients with primary infertility

The role of antibody mediated infertility in patients with primary/secondary unexplained infertility is the subject of current interest worldwide. A prospective study was conducted to study the role of anti sperm antibodies in Pakistani patients with infertility. Patients reporting in the outpatient clinic of a local gynaecology department with problem of infertility were subjected to a detailed scrutiny by history and clinical examination including post-coital test and hysterosalpingography. Hormonal profile consisting of serum FSH, LH, Prolactin and Progesterone was assessed. Most of the ladies also underwent a pelviscopic examination. A total of 117 patients were selected where post-coital test was abnormal, semen analysis was not satisfactory or who had unexplained infertility. Tests were performed on the serum specimen from the husbands, wives and in some cases on the seminal plasma as well, for the measurement of the anti sperm agglutinating and anti-sperm immobilizing antibodies by the microagglutination technique. Fifteen of these patients were found positive for these antibodies, 7 were positive for the agglutinating antibody, 6 for the immobilizing antibody and two for both types. These results indicate that immunomodulation may be responsible for some cases of infertility in our population

identification and correlation of antisperm antibodies in unexplained infertility

Antisperm antibodies were analyzed in 100 unexplained infertile couples. A gelatin agglutination test [GAT] and sperm immobilization test [SIT] were performed in the sera, seminal plasma and cervical mucus samples. Agglutinating antibodies were revealed in 8% and 6% in male serum and seminal plasma, respectively, with a significant positive correlation, while immobilizing antibodies were revealed in 8% and 4% of the male sera and seminal plasma, respectively. On the other h and, the agglutinating antibodies were found in 9% and 3% in the female sera and cervical mucus, while immobilizing antibodies were found in 9% and 12% in the female sera and cervical mucus indicating the local ability of the human cervix to secrete antisperm antibodies

Anti-spermatogenic effect of Vinca rosea Linn.

Regressive changes in seminiferous tubules and Leydig cells, increased cholesterol content in testis, and degeneration of all germinal elements other than spermatogonia were observed in the male Swiss albino mice, treated with aqueous extract of V. rosea leaves for 24 days. While the results reflect antiandrogenic and antispermatogenic action of V. rosea, the selective retention of the spermatogonia provides scope for the much desired revival of spermatogenesis on cessation of the treatment.

Espermatozóides no ducto deferente de ratos tratados com extrato etanólico de Curarea tecunarum / Spermatozoa in deferens duct of rats treated with Curarea tecunarum extract

Curarea tecunarum é uma planta usada por tribos indígenas como contraceptivo. As informaçöes etnobotânicas sugerem que o efeito seja no homem, embora a mulher também tome o chá. Com o objetivo de testar, em ratos, a hipótese de que o extrato etanólico de Curarea tecunarum pudesse interromper a produçäo de espermatozóide, projetou-se este trabalho. Ratos Wistar, adultos, foram tratados por gavage com 100 mg (dose única) e 50 mg (por 5 dias ou por 10 dias consecutivos) de extrato etanólico de C. tecunarum (tratado). Um lote de animais recebeu volume equivalente ao extrato, de água destilada (controle A) e outro lote recebeu do mesmo modo, de álcool 50% (controle B). Os animais foram sacrificados aos 7, 21 e 45 dias após o início do tratamento e, imediatamente após o sacrificio foram colhidas amostras de sêmen (ductos deferentes), que foram examinadas para identificar espermatozóides e verificar a sua motilidade. Os seguintes órgäos foram removidos e pesados: hipófise, vesícula seminal (com glândula de coagulaçäo), próstata ventral e testículo (par). Os animais foram pesados no ínicio do tratamento e na data do sacrifício. Näo se observam alteraçöes com significado biológico no peso dos animais dos diferentes grupos. Os órgäos pesados näo mostraram alteraçöes importantes após o tratamento. Todas as amostras de sêmen continham espermatozóides móveis. Embora sejam necessários estudos para avaliar as condiçöes funcionais do espermatozóide (habilidade para fertilizar e gerar embriöes normais) pode-se concluir que, nas condiçöes experimentais deste trabalho, o extrato etanólico de C. tecunarum näo apresenta efeito tóxico sobre o sistema reprodutor e o peso corporal de ratos e näo lesa, severamente, as células germinativas.

Infertilidad inmunológica / Immunological infertility

Hasta el 30 por ciento de las infertilidades inexplicadas, tienen origen inmunológico. La infertilidad inmunológica agrupa una serie de trastornos en los que solamente ahora, se puede contar con la tecnología adecuada para diagnosticarla. Esta revisión comprende la fisiopatología de la formación de los anticuerpos anti-esperma, tanto en el hombre como en la mujer, y las técnicas para hacer un mejor enfoque diagnóstico de esta compleja enfermedad, sobre todo en nuestro medio, haciendo énfasis en la prueba de penetración del moco cervical in vitro. También se revisan los tratamientos que en la actualidad ofrece la medicina...

Ausência de efeito abortivo do extrato benzênico de Hibiscus rosa sinensis em ratas / Absence of abortifacient effect of the benzene extract of Hibiscus rosa sinensis in rats

O extrato benzênico de flores de Hibiscus rosa sinensis foi administrado a ratas grávidas, desde o dia 1§ ao 10§ de gestaçäo (dose: 200 mg/kg peso corporal), com o objetivo de confirmar seu efeito abortivo. Os resultados obtidos näo confirmam os dados da literatura, uma vez que näo ocorreram efetios embriotóxicos ou zigotóxicos do extato. É possível que os resultados conflitantes se devam, ao fato de planta ser cultivada em solo e climas diferentes e, talvez, muitos os resultados dicrepantes em estudos de plantas possam ser devido ao local onde a planta foi obtida