Effects of Leucaena leucocephala (lamk. ) shoot tips plus young leaf extract containing mimosine on reproductive system of male rats / Efectos de los brotes de Leucaena leucocephala (lamk. ) y del extracto de hojas jóvenes que contiene mimosina en el sistema reproductivo de ratas macho

This study aimed to determine the mimosine level and examine the male reproductive toxicity effects of Leucaena leucocephala (LL) shoot tips plus young leaf extract. Mimosine level in LL extract was determined by thin layer chromatography before administration in animals. Male rats were divided into control and LL (1,500 mg/KgBW) groups (n = 6). After 60 days of experiment, serum sex hormones, sperm quality, and testicular histopathology were assayed and observed. Malondialdehyde (MDA) level and expressions of steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) and phosphorylated proteins in testicular lysate were examined by western blotting. Results showed that mimosine levels in LL extract was 17.35 ± 1.12 % of dry weight. LL significantly decreased FSH & LH levels, sperm qualities, and seminiferous tubule diameter compared to the control (p<0.05). Seminiferous tubular atrophies, germ cell sloughing, and degenerations were observed in LL group. In addition, testicular MDA level and StAR protein expression were significantly decreased in LL group. LL extract could increase the expression of a 50 kDa phohorylated protein in testicular lysate. In conclusion, LL extract has mimosine and reproductive toxicity effects on males.

Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo determinar el nivel de mimosina y examinar los efectos de la toxicidad reproductiva de los brotes de Leucaena leucocephala (LL), más el extracto de hojas jóvenes, en ratas macho. El nivel de mimosina en el extracto de LL se determinó mediante cromatografía en capa fina antes de la administración en animales. Las ratas se dividieron en grupos de control y LL (1,500 mg / kgBW) (n = 6). Después de 60 días, se analizaron y observaron las hormonas sexuales séricas, la calidad de los espermatozoides y la histopatología testicular. A través de Western Blot se examinaron el nivel de malondialdehído (MDA), las expresiones de reguladores agudos esteroidogénicos (StAR) y las proteínas fosforiladas en el lisado testicular. Los resultados mostraron que los niveles de mimosina en el extracto de LL fueron 17.35 ± 1.12 % del peso seco. LL disminuyó significativamente los niveles de FSH y LH, la calidad de los espermatozoides y el diámetro de los túbulos seminíferos en comparación con el control (p <0,05). Se observaron atrofias en los túbulos seminíferos, desprendimiento de células germinales y degeneraciones en el grupo LL. Además, el nivel de MDA testicular y la expresión de la proteína StAR se redujeron significativamente en el grupo LL. El extracto de LL podría aumentar la expresión de la proteína fosforilada de 50 kDa en el lisado testicular. En conclusión, el extracto de LL tiene mimosina y efectos de toxicidad reproductiva en los hombres.

Therapeutic effect of resveratrol on morphine-induced damage in male reproductive system of mice by reducing nitric oxide serum level / Efecto terapéutico de resveratrol sobre el daño inducido por la morfina en el sistema reproductor masculino de ratones reduciendo el nivel de óxido nítrico del suero

SUMMARY: Morphine is one of the naturally occurring phenanthrene alkaloids of opium that induces adverse effects on male reproductive system. Resveratrol is a phytoestrogen and antioxidant of red grape. The main goal is to investigate whether resveratrol could inhibit adverse effects of morphine on sperm cell viability, count, motility as well as testis histology, testosterone hormone and nitric oxide levels in mice. In the present study, 48 male rats were randomly divided into 8 groups (n=6) and were treated intraperitoneally for 14 days with normal saline, resveratrol (2, 8, 20 mg/kg/day), morphine (20 mg/kg/day) and morphine (20 mg/kg/day) + resveratrol (2, 8, 20 mg/kg/day). At the end of experiments, sperm parameters (sperm cell viability, count, motility and morphology), testis weight, the diameter of seminiferous tubules, testosterone hormone level and nitric oxide were analyzed. The data were analyzed by SPSS software for windows (version 20) using one-way ANOVA test followed by Tukey's post hoc test, and P<0.05 was considered significant. The results indicated that morphine administration significantly decreased testosterone level, count, viability and motility of sperm cells and testis weight and increased nitric oxide compared to the saline group (P=0.000). Administration of resveratrol and resveratrol plus morphine significantly increased motility, count and viability of sperm cells, somniferous tubule diameter and testosterone, while it decreased nitric oxide level compared to morphine group (P=0.025). It seems that resveratrol administration could increase the quality of spermatozoa and prevented morphine-induced adverse effects on sperm parameters.

RESUMEN: La morfina es uno de los alcaloides fenantreno del opio que induce efectos adversos en el sistema reproductivo masculino. El resveratrol es un fitoestrógeno y antioxidante de la uva roja. El objetivo principal de este trabajo fue investigar si el resveratrol puede inhibir los efectos adversos de la morfina sobre la viabilidad celular de los espermatozoides, el recuento y la motilidad, así como la histología de los testículos, la hormona testosterona y los niveles de óxido nítrico en ratones. Se dividieron, aleatoriamente, 48 ratas machos en 8 grupos (n = 6) y se trataron de forma intraperitoneal durante 14 días con solución salina normal, resveratrol (2, 8, 20 mg / kg / día), morfina (20 mg / kg / día ) y morfina (20 mg / kg / día) + resveratrol (2, 8, 20 mg / kg / día). Al final de los experimentos, se analizaron los parámetros espermáticos (viabilidad celular, recuento, motilidad y morfología), el peso de los testículos, el diámetro de los túbulos seminíferos, el nivel de la hormona testosterona y el óxido nítrico. Los datos fueron analizados con el software de SPSS para Windows (versión 20) usando una prueba de ANOVA de una vía seguida de la prueba post hoc de Tukey, y P <0,05 se consideró significativo. Los resultados indicaron que la administración de morfina disminuyó significativamente el nivel de testosterona, el recuento, la viabilidad y la motilidad de los espermatozoides y el peso de los testículos, además del aumento de óxido nítrico en comparación con el grupo salino (p = 0,000). La administración de resveratrol y resveratrol más morfina aumentó significativamente la motilidad, el recuento y la viabilidad de los espermatozoides, el diámetro de los túbulos seminíferos y la testosterona, mientras que disminuyó el nivel de óxido nítrico comparado con el grupo morfina (p = 0,025). En conclusión, la administración de resveratrol podría aumentar la calidad de los espermatozoides y prevenir los efectos adversos inducidos por la morfina sobre los parámetros espermáticos.

Organophosphorous pesticides: their effects on biosentinel species and humans: control and application in Chile / Pesticidas organofosforados: sus efectos en especies biosentinelas y humanos: control y aplicación en Chile

The environment is negatively affected by the increasing accumulation of both natural and man-made waste and by-products. Organophosphorous pesticides -malathion, diazinon and methamidophos- are used worldwide in pest control. The aim of this report is to review the effects of organophosphates on the male reproductive tract of mice, rats and earthworms, and to evaluate their projection into the human population. Assessing failures in the male reproductive system is an excellent in vivo biomarker to determine the level of toxicity of suspected pollutants. In rodents organophosphates cause decreased testicular weight and sperm density, abnormal tubular plugging and increased teratozoospermia. In earthworms they cause a significant decrease in body weight and alter the spermatheca, with an initial significant increase in immature sperm followed by a significant decrease in sperm count with high frequency of metachromasia. Given the environmental impact of these pesticides -and their potential effects on human health-, international and regional organizations are warning about the correct handling and managing of these substances during work-related and domestic exposures and about their relation to water sources and food, placing a greater emphasis on the school children population due to its higher vulnerability, reduced detoxification capacity, and their endocrine and physiological effects.

El medio ambiente se ve afectado negativamente por la creciente acumulación de desechos y subproductos naturales y artificiales. Los plaguicidas organofosforados malatión, diazinón y metamidofos, son usados en todo el mundo en el control de plagas. El objetivo de este trabajo fue revisar los efectos de los organofosforados en el tracto reproductivo masculino de ratones, ratas y lombrices de tierra, y evaluar su proyección en la población humana. La evaluación de fallas en el sistema reproductor masculino es un excelente biomarcador in vivo para determinar el nivel de toxicidad de los contaminantes químicos. En roedores, los organofosforados causan disminución del peso testicular y de la densidad espermática, obstrucción tubular anormal y aumento de la teratozoospermia. En lombrices de tierra causan una disminución significativa en el peso corporal y alteran la espermateca, con un aumento inicial significativo en espermatozoides inmaduros, seguido de una disminución significativa en el recuento de espermatozoides con alta frecuencia de metacromasia. Dado el impacto medioambiental de estos plaguicidas y sus efectos potenciales en la salud humana, las organizaciones internacionales y regionales advierten sobre el manejo y uso correctos de estas sustancias durante exposiciones laborales y domésticas y sobre su relación con la contaminación de las fuentes de agua y alimentos, colocando énfasis en la población de niños en edad escolar, debido a su mayor vulnerabilidad, reducción de la capacidad de desintoxicación y sus efectos a nivel endocrino y fisiológico.

Antioxidant capacity and acute testicular toxicity of Leucaena leucocephala aqueous shoot tips plus young leaves extracts / Capacidad antioxidante y toxicidad testicular aguda de brotes acuosos con extracto de hojas nuevas de Leucaena leucocephala

This study aimed to determine the antioxidant capacity of the Leucaena leucocephala aqueous shoot tips plus young leaves (LL-spl) extracts among three different fractions (LL-spl 10, 20, and 40 min) and to examine its acute toxicity on male reproductive parameters. The amount of the total phenolics in LL-spl extract was determined using a Folin-Ciocalteu reagent method and its antioxidant capacity was analyzed using 1, 1-diphenyl l-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging and ferric reducing antioxidant powder methods. The LL-spl extract fraction with highest antioxidant capacity was used in animal treating. Male rats were divided into three groups (n= 5); control and groups treated with LL-spl 400 and 600 mg/Kg body weight for consecutive 40 days. The results showed that the LL-spl 40 min fraction possessed the highest antioxidant capacity. In addition, the LL-spl 400 and 600 groups showed no differences in weights of body, testis and epididymis, serum testosterone levels, and expression of testicular steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein. Significantly, LL-spl extract reduced the weight of seminal vesicle, sperm concentration, and seminiferous diameters compared with control. Moreover, LL-spl extract had adverse effect on testicular histology in inducing of seminiferous atrophy and degeneration including dilated blood vessels in interstitial tissue. It was concluded that although LL-spl extract possessing antioxidant capacity, in short term consumptions, it could be toxic to some male reproductive organs especially damaging testicular tissues.

El objetivo fue determinar la capacidad antioxidante del extracto de brotes acuosos con hojas nuevas de Leucaena leucocephala (LL-spl) en tres fracciones diferentes (LL-SPL 10, 20 y 40 min), además de examinar su toxicidad aguda sobre los parámetros reproductivos masculinos. Se determinó la cantidad de los fenoles totales en el extracto de LL-spl utilizando un método reactivo de Folin-Ciocalteu. La capacidad antioxidante se analizó por medio de 1-difenil-2-picrilhidracilo y/o métodos de reducción férrica de la capacidad antioxidante. La fracción de extracto LL-spl con mayor capacidad antioxidante fue utilizada en el tratamiento de los animales. Ratas macho fueron divididas en tres grupos (n= 5): el control y los grupos tratados con LL-spl 400 y 600 mg/kg peso corporal por 40 días consecutivos. El resultado mostró que la fracción LL-spl 40 min poseía la mayor capacidad antioxidante. Además, los grupos 400 y 600 LL-spl no mostraron diferencias según el peso corporal, testículos y epidídimo, niveles de testosterona y la expresión de proteínas testiculares. El extracto de LL-spl redujo de manera significativa el peso de la vesícula seminal, la concentración de espermatozoides y los diámetros de los túbulos seminíferos en comparación con el control. Por otra parte, el extracto de LL-spl tuvo un efecto adverso sobre la histología testicular por la inducción de atrofia y degeneración de los túbulos seminíferos, incluyendo a vasos sanguíneos dilatados en el tejido intersticial. Si bien el extracto LL-spl posee una capacidad antioxidante, ésta podría ser tóxica en el consumo a corto plazo para algunos órganos reproductores masculinos y especialmente dañino para los tejidos testiculares.

Ausência de toxicidade reprodutiva e sistêmica em ratos wistar tratados com extrato seco de gingko biloba durante o período de desmame à puberdade / Absence of reproductive and sistemic toxicity in rats treated with Gingko biloba extract from weaning to puberty

Introdução: O Gingko biloba (EGb) é um fitoterápico usado há séculos, porém com poucos estudos referentes a seus efeitos sobre o período pós-natal. Estudos dessa natureza vêm sendo preconizados pela Agência Europeia de Medicina, visto que muitos órgãos completam seu desenvolvimento nesse período, inclusive o sistema reprodutor. Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito do extrato seco de EGb sobre o desenvolvimento do sistema reprodutor de ratos, tratados desde o desmame até o fim da puberdade. Métodos. Ratos Wistar foram tratados com 25mg/kg/massa corporal (EGb 25); 50 mg/kg (EGb 50) e 100 mg/kg (EGb 100). Controle (C ­ 0,1ml água destilada), por gavage dos 25 aos 45 dias de vida pós-natal. Variáveis observadas: indícios clínicos de toxicidade sistêmica, peso corporal, descida dos testículos, evolução da morfologia da glande, peso de rins, baço e fígado e dos órgãos do sistema reprodutor. Hematimetria, Concentração de hemoglobina. Concentração de espermatozoides na secreção epididimária. Resultados: Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas em quaisquer das variáveis. Conclusão: A exposição ao extrato seco de EGb durante o período pré-puberal e puberal em ratos Wistar não altera o desenvolvimento do sistema reprodutor masculino.

Introduction: Gingko biloba extract (EGb) is a phytotherapic that has been used for centuries but there is no studies concerning their effects during the postnatal period. This kind of research had been suggested by the European Medicine Agency since there are organs that complete their development in this period, including reproductive organs. Purpose: To evaluate the effect of EGb dry extract upon the rat reproductive system from weaning to 45 postnatal days. Methods: Wistar rats were treated with 25mg/kg/body weight (EGb 25); 50 mg/kg (EGb 50) and 100 mg/kg (EGb 100). Control (C 0,1ml distilled water). Variables: clinical signs of systemic toxicity, body weight, testicles descent, evolution of glans morphology, kidneys, liver, spleen and reproductive organs weights. Hematimetry. Haemoglobin concentration. Sperm concentration in the epidydimal secretion. Results: No significant differences were observed in none of the observed variables. Conclusion: The EGb dry extract exposition to prepuberal and puberal rats do not alter the reproductive system development.

Toxicological evaluation of the flavonoid rutin on the reproductive system of wistar rats / Avaliação toxicológica do flavanoide rutina no sistema reprodutor de ratos wistar

Introduction: Rutin, a flavonoid commonly found in nature, has anti-mitotic, vasoprotective, and antihyperlipidemic activity. When hydrolyzed as quercetin, it promotes inhibition of spermatozoa motility, alterations in the prostate, and in the levels of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the toxicity of rutin in Wistar rats. Methods: Animals were divided into Control (1 ml of distilled water), Treated I, II and III, respectively receiving 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg/day of rutin for seven consecutive days. When euthanasia was performed after 10, 42 and 60 days into the experiment, a laparotomy was performed and the testicles, prostate, seminal vesicles, epididymis, epididymal spermatozoa to be counted, as well as the liver, spleen and kidneys were removed. Hematological and biochemical tests were performed. Results: Hepatomegaly was observed and in the reproductive system, the weight of the epididymis was reduced, not affecting any other organ examined. Conclusion: Except by the reduction of the weight of the epididymis, which is reversible at 42 days of completion of treatment, no suggestive data of the toxicity of rutin on the reproductive system of adult rats were found.

Disruption of reproductive development in male rat offspring following gestational and lactational exposure to di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and genistein

Studies of developmental effects of mixtures of endocrine disrupters on the male reproductive system are of great concern. In this study, the reproductive effects of the co-administration of di-2-(ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and genistein (GEN) during pregnancy and lactation were studied in male rat offspring. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were gavaged from gestation day 3 to postnatal day 21 with vehicle control, DEHP 250 mg/kg body weight (bwyday, GEN 50 mg/kg bwday, GEN 400 mg/kg bwday, and two combinations of the two compounds (DEHP 250 mg/kg bwday + GEN 50 mg/kg bwday, DEHP 250 mg/kg bwday + GEN 400 mg/kg bwday). The outcomes studied were general morphometry (weight, AGD), testicular histology, testosterone levels, and expression at the mRNA level of genes involved in steroidogenesis. Organ coefficient, AGD / body weight1/3 י, serum testosterone concentration and genes involved in steroidogenic pathway expression when exposed to DEHP (250mg/kg bwday), GEN(50mg/kg bwday) or GEN(400mg/kg bwday) alone were not significantly different from the control group. When exposed to (DEHP 250mg/kg bwday +GEN 50mg/kg bwday) together during pregnancy and lactation, serum testosterone concentration, epididymis coefficient and Cypal17a1,Scarb1 m RNA expression significantly decreased compared to the control and GEN(50mg/kg bwday). When exposed to (DEHP 250mg/kg bwday +GEN 400mg/kg bwday) together during pregnancy and lactation, AGD / body weight1/3 י, serum testosterone concentration, testis and epididymis coefficient and Star, Cypal17a1 mRNA expression appeared significantly decreased compared to the control and DEHP/GEN single exposure, together with developmental impairment of seminiferous tubules and seminiferous epithelium. Overall, co-administration of DEHP and GEN during gestation and lactation seem to acts in a cumulative manner to induce the most significant alterations in the neonate, especially with GEN at high dose, although the effect of the DEHP-GEN mixture on adult offspring should be observed further.

Assessment of sperm production and reproductive organs of Wistar rats to long-term exposure of Caesalpinia ferrea

Caesalpinia ferrea Mart (Leguminosae) is a medicinal plant used to treat diabetes, among other therapeutic properties, but which is also reported to have hepatotoxic effects. Although it contains substances such as flavonoids and coumarin, which are known to have antifertility activity, no studies have apparently been conducted to evaluate the potential adverse side effects of this plant on the function of the reproductive system after a chronic treatment. Therefore, this investigation was carried out to evaluate the effect and safety of the long-term exposure to C. ferrea on male Wistar rats' vital organs, reproductive system and sperm production. Adult and immature male rats were treated with an aqueous extract of C. ferrea at a dose level of 300 mg/kg of body weight, administered during one or two spermatogenic cycles of this species. The reproductive and vital organs were analyzed, and sperm was collected from the epididymal secretion of the right epididymis cauda. The long-term administration of C. ferrea did not significantly alter the body, vital and reproductive organs weights. Gamete production was not affected either. The chronic assessment of C. ferrea suggests that this plant does not affect the normal functioning of the Wistar rat reproductive system.

Caesalpinia ferrea Mart (Leguminosae) é uma planta medicinal utilizada principalmente no tratamento do diabetes, dentre outras propriedades terapêuticas, mas que também apresenta relatos de hepatotóxicos. Embora apresente em sua constituição substâncias capazes de interferirem na fertilidade, como flavonóides e cumarina, nenhum estudo foi ainda realizado para avaliar os efeitos adversos dessa planta no funcionamento do sistema reprodutor após tratamento de longa duração. Portanto, este trabalho foi desenvolvido com o objetivo de avaliar a utilização segura e os efeitos de C. ferrea nos órgãos vitais, no sistema reprodutor e na produção de espermatozóides de ratos Wistar submetidos a tratamento crônico. Animais imaturos e adultos foram tratados com o extrato aquoso de C. ferrea na dose de 300 mg/kg de peso corporal, administrado durante um ou dois ciclos espermatogênicos dessa espécie. Os órgãos reprodutores e vitais foram analisados e os espermatozóides foram coletados na secreção epididimária proveniente da cauda do epidídimo direito. A administração crônica de C. ferrea não alterou significativamente o peso corporal e nem o peso dos órgãos reprodutores e vitais. A produção de gametas também não foi afetada. Os dados sugerem que a utilização crônica de C. ferrea não interfere com o funcionamento normal do sistema reprodutor do rato Wistar.

Metabolic programming of lipid profile and reproductive organs weight by leptin treatment on early life / Programação metabólica do perfil lipídico e peso dos órgãos do sistema reprodutor pelo tratamento com leptina nos primeiros dias de vida

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether the neonatal leptin treatment during the first days of life can program the male reproductive organs weight and the lipid profile. METHODS: At birth 6 dams were divided into 2 groups: Leptin - each pup was injected with 50μL of recombinant rat leptin (80ng/g BW, sc), for the first 10 d of lactation; Control - each pup received the same volume of saline. After weaning, all pups received unlimited access to food until 190 days of age when they were killed. Values are given as mean ± SEM of 6 animals and Test t Student was used to analyze the results. RESULTS: The leptin treatment resulted in a significant increase in body weight (Control= 411.8±16.31; Leptin= 481.8±11.29, p=0.005) and food consumption (Control= 25.32±0.09; Leptin= 32.42±0.15, p=0.0001) and a significant reduction in triglycerides levels (Control= 540.0±117.9; Leptin= 93.25±15.21, p=0.006) and in the weight of hypothalamus (Control= 0.234±0.016; Leptin= 0.154±0.015, p=0.007), pituitary (Control= 0.104±0.0120; Leptin= 0.033±0.012, p=0.003), testis (Control= 3.75±0.055; Leptin= 3.19±0.10, p=0.002) and prostate (Control=1.641±0.1389; Leptin= 0.91±0.07, p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Leptin treatment on the first days of life can program the reproductive organs weight and the lipid profile of the progeny.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar se o tratamento neonatal com leptina durante os primeiros dias de vida poderia programar o peso dos orgãos do sistema reprodutor masculino e o perfil lipídico. MÉTODOS: Ao nascimento seis ratas-mãe foram distribuídas em dois grupos: Leptina - cada filhote recebeu 50μL de leptina recombinante (80ng/gPC, SC) nos primeiros 10 dias de lactação; Controle - cada filhote recebeu o mesmo volume de salina. Após o desmame, todos os filhotes tiveram acesso ilimitado a ração até 190 dias de idade quando foram mortos. Os dados são expressos como média ± erro padrão e foram analisados pelo teste t Student. RESULTADOS: O tratamento com leptina resultou em aumento significativo no peso corporal (Control= 411.8±16.31; Leptin= 481.8±11.29, p=0.005) e consumo alimentar (Control= 25.32±0.09; Leptin= 32.42±0.15, p=0.0001) e redução significativa nos níveis séricos de triglicerídeos (Control= 540.0±117.9; Leptin= 93.25±15.21, p=0.006), no peso do hipotálamo (Control= 0.234±0.016; Leptin= 0.154±0.015, p=0.007), hipófise (Control= 0.104±0.0120; Leptin= 0.033±0.012, p=0.003), testículo (Control= 3.75±0.055; Leptin= 3.19±0.10, p=0.002) e próstata (Control=1.641±0.1389; Leptin= 0.91±0.07, p=0.001). CONCLUSÃO: O tratamento com leptina nos primeiros dias de vida pode programar o peso dos órgãos do sistema reprodutor e o perfil lipídico da prole.

Toxic effects of methyl methacrylate monomer on male genital tissue in vitro study in rats

Methyl methacrylate [MMA], a widely used monomer in dentistry and medicine has been reported to cause abnormalities or lesions in several organs. Experimental and clinical studies have documented that monomers may cause a wide range of adverse health effects such as irritation to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes, allergic dermatitis, stomatitis, asthma, neuropathy, disturbances of the central nervous system, liver toxicity, and fertility disturbances. The purpose of this study was to determine whether MMA mixed with water at four different concentrations is able to affect the histological structure of testicular tissues and seminal vesicle on male rats. The target population consisted of 60 male Sprague-Dawley rats. They were housed in colony cages and divided into five groups: The first group [n = 15] designated as the control group and four experimental groups [n = 45]. Experiments were conducted by exposing the four experimental groups to MMA administered per os mixed with water at different concentrations [4%, 8%, 16%, 32%]. The exposure duration was eight months. The testicles and the seminal vesicles were then extracted, dissected, fixed in Bouin liquid fixative and were submitted to the pathology laboratory [National Institute of Pathology] for histopathological examination. Seven out of 10 rats to which the MMA was administrated at a concentration of 32% showed partial seminal vesicle atrophy. The seminal vesicles in the remaining rats showed normal histology in all specimens. Testis, epididymis and vas deferens showed normal histology in all rats. The data in this study showed that MMA administered at high concentration is associated to seminal vesicle atrophy. These findings let us suggest that this effect could be the result of either a direct effect of MMA on testosterone levels [as shown in our first study], or through its possible action on other organs involved in testosterone metabolism and seminal vesicle trophicity such as the hypophysis

Effect of cigarette smoke on body weight, food intake and reproductive organs in adult albino rats.

One hour daily exposure to cigarette smoke for two months significantly decreased the body weight and food intake in male and female albino rats. The latency for conception increased significantly and the litter size decreased. Mortality rate per litter increased and grayish discoloration of the skin in the experimental group was the only congenital anomaly seen. Testes and ovaries showed a significant decrease in weight. The stroma of the ovaries were occupied by very few Graafian follicles. Testes showed disruption of the normal orderly progression of the spermatogonia. The tubules showed only one layer of spermatogonia and very few germinal cells. The number of sperms was less in the testes. The results show that exposure to cigarette smoke is detrimental to the reproductivity in both, male and female albino rats.

Effect of aqueous leaf extract of Azadirachta indica on the reproductive organs in male mice.

Effect of oral administration (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg body weight/day, for 28 days) of aqucous leaf extract of neem (Azadirachta indica) on the male reproductive organs of the Parkes (P) strain mice was investigated. The treatment had no effect on body weight and the reproductive organs weight. In treated mice, testes showed both normal and affected seminiferous tubules in the same sections; the affected seminiferous tubules showed intraepithelial vacuolation, loosening of germinal epithelium, marginal condensation of chromatin in round spermatids, occurrence of giant cells, mixing of germ cell types in stages of spermatogenesis and degenerated appearance of germ cells. In severe cases, the tubules were lined with Sertoli cells only, Sertoli cells and rare germ cells, or with Sertoli cells and several germ cells but without cellular association patterns. Also, the frequency of affected seminiferous tubules in testes of the extract-treated mice was significantly higher than the controls, though this remained unaffected in mice treated at 50 mg/kg body weight of the extract. Doses at 50 or 100 mg/kg body weight of neem leaf extract did not cause appreciable alterations in histological appearance of the epididymis, while a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight caused marked alterations both in histological appearance and the level of sialic acid in the duct. The treatment also had adverse effects on motility, morphology, and number of spermatozoa in the cauda epididymidis, level of fructose in the seminal vesicle, and on litter size. After 42 days of withdrawal of the treatment, the alterations induced in the reproductive organs recovered to control levels. Our results suggested that treatment with neem leaf extract caused reversible alterations in the male reproductive organs of P mice.

Exposure to genistein does not adversely affect the reproductive system in adult male mice adapted to a soy-based commercial diet

Genistein, a soybean-originated isoflavone, is widely consumed by humans for putative beneficial health effects but its estrogenic activity may affect adversely the development of male reproductive system. Five-week-old ICR mice were purchased and fed with a soybean-based Purina Chow diet until 6 months of age. The animals were exposed by gavage to genistein (2.5 mg/kg/day) or 17beta-estradiol (7.5 microgram/kg/day) for five weeks. Corn oil was used for the negative control. The animals were fed the caseinbased AIN-76A diet throughout the experimental periods. There were no significant differences in body and organ weights of mice among experimental groups. No significant differences in sperm counts and sperm motile characteristics were found between the control and the genistein groups. Treatment of 17beta-estradiol caused a significant decrease in epididymal sperm counts compared to the control (p<0.05). The level of phospholipid hydroxide glutathione peroxidase in the epididymis of mice exposed to genistein was significantly higher than that of the control mice (p<0.05). 17beta-estradiol treatment caused a reduction of germ cells in the testis and hyperplasia of mucosal fold region in the prostate of mice. Genistein treatment did not cause any lesion in the testis, epididymis, and prostate. These results suggest that dietary uptake of genistein at adult stage of life may not affect male reproductive system and functions.

Effects of Tributyltin Chloride on the Reproductive System in Pubertal Male Rats

Detrimental effects of tributyltin (TBT) chloride on the reproductive system were investigated in pubertal male rats. Sixty Sprague-Dawley rats aged with 35 days were assigned to six different groups; negative control receiving vehicle, positive control receiving methyltestosterone (10 mg/kg B.W.), TBT chloride (5 mg/kg B.W., 10 mg/kg B.W., and 20 mg/kg B.W.), and a combination of TBT chloride (10 mg/kg B.W.) and flutamide (10 mg/kg B.W). The animals were treated with test compounds by oral gavage daily for 10 days and sacrificed on the next day of the final treatment. The treatment with TBT chloride at the doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg B.W. significantly decreased seminal vesicle weights, compared to the negative control. The combined treatment of TBT chloride and flutamide caused a significant decrease in accessory sex organ weights, compared to the control and TBT chloride treatments. The treatment with TBT chloride or in the combination with flutamide increased detached debris and sloughed cells in the tubules of epididymis and narrowed seminal vesicles. In addition, the combined treatment with TBT chloride and flutamide caused a noticeable increase in serum androgen level, compared to the negative control.These results suggest that TBT chloride exposed during pubertal period cause partial reproductive disorders in male rats.

Administration of exogenous testosterone in the adult rat and its effects on reproductive organs, sex hormones and body-weight.

The present experiment was performed to observe the effects produced by high dose of a testosterone ester on the reproductive organ and body weight changes in the adult rat, and to correlate these effects with the serum hormone changes. The present study has used the benzoate ester of testosterone (Testosterone benzoate, TB) in the adult male rat (300-350 g). The aim was to co-relate the reproductive organ and body-weight changes with changes in the serum hormone levels following the administration of the ester. TB was injected i.p. for five (5) consecutive days at a dose of 100 mg/kg body-weight. The control rats were injected with vehicle (arachis oil) at the same dose. The rats were killed on the 6th, 12th, 18th, 24th and 36th days. Controls for only the 6th and 36th days were kept. Reproductive organ weight, body-weight and testosterone (T) levels in serum and testis together with serum FSH and serum LH levels were observed. The testes weights remained similar (p < 0.05) to those in the control rats until the 18th days and were reduced on the 36th day. The epididymis weights were not changed until the 36th days, while the androgen-dependent seminal vesicle and ventral prostate weights were increased (< 0.05) compared to those in the control rats. The body-weights remained unchanged at the 6th day but were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased on the 36th day. The serum testosterone (ST) concentrations were highly raised on the 6th day, came at the control level on the 18th day and were significantly decreased (< 0.05) on the 36th day. The testicular testosterone (TT) content remained significantly lower (p < 0.05) from the 6th to the 36th days post-injection. The serum LH and FSH levels also remained significantly lower (p < 0.05) throughout the treatment period. It appears that the elevated serum T levels exerted dual effect in the adult rats, namely, enhanced growth of the androgen-dependent organs and an inhibition over the hypothalamo-pituitary-testicular axis. Inhibition of the said axis was evident by the lower levels of the serum LH and FSH; probably due to this, the TT-content remained all through lower, and perhaps this low TT-content for the long period had led to the low testis weights (p < 0.05) on the 36th day. This experiment therefore, demonstrates the effects of exogenous androgen administration in the adult male rat physiology.

Effect of 17 alpha-cyanomethyl-17 beta-hydroxy-estra-4, 9-dien-3-one on reproductive organs of the male laboratory mouse.

The effect of subcutaneous administration (10, 15 and 20 mg/kg body weight/day, for 21 days; and 20 mg/kg body weight/day, for 28 days) of 17 alpha-cyanomethyl-17 beta-hydroxy- estra-4, 9-dien-3-one (STS 557) on the male reproductive organs of the Parkes strain mouse was investigated. The effect of the treatment on the testis was not uniform; both regressed and normal seminiferous tubules were observed in the same section of the organ. Furthermore, the histological changes observed in the seminiferous tubules in testes of STS 557--treated mice were not different in different dosage groups. In general, in moderately affected seminiferous tubules, the germinal epithelium was thin and consisted of Sertoli cells, spermatogonia, spermatocytes and spermatids; such tubules showed presence of many vacuoles in the epithelium. In severe cases, the tubules had collapsed and were lined by mainly Sertoli cells, spermatogonia and spermatocytes. The treatment also caused marked depression in motility and concentration of spermatozoa in cauda epididymidis, weight of accessory sex glands and in the levels of sialic acid and fructose in the epididymis and seminal vesicle, respectively. By 56 days of drug withdrawal, the alterations induced in the reproductive organs returned to control levels, suggesting that STS 557 treatment induces reversible alterations in the male reproductive organs of Parkes strain mouse.

Residual effect of dinothrombium tinctonium on male reproductive physiology

Dinothrombium tinctorium [red velvet mites] have been reported to exhibit androgenic effects. A study has been conducted in which the effect of the powder of these mites on the complete reproductive physiology of the male rat is seen. The findings are suggestive of the fact that the androgenic properties of these mites result in highly significant changes in the seminal profile and the weight and histology of the reproductive organs after 56 days treatment. This effect erodes off with the passage of time, as after 45 days all the parameters return to the basal level

Gangrena de Fournier: experiencia con 38 pacientes / Fourmier gangrene: experience with 38 patients

La enfermedad de Fournier (EF) es una infección fulminante extensa que suele abarcar genitales, perineo y pared abdominal. La finalidad de este artículo es exponer la experiencia de los autores con el tratamiento medicoquirúrgico de esta entidad durante un periodo de 20 meses. Ingresaron 38 pacientes portadores de EF en la unidad en que trabajan los autores. Se administró a todos un triple esquema de tratamiento con agentes antimicrobianos. Se sometieron a drenaje y desbridación de la región lesionada, y de manera subsecuente a curaciones exhaustivas y aplicación de miel no procesada. En algunas lesiones se efectuaron injertos una vez limpias, y otras se suturaron de manera tardía. Los límites de edad variaron entre 33 y 86 años (media de 54 años) con estancia hospitalaria de 1 a 45 días (media 17 días). De estos pacientes, 25 (65 por ciento padecían diabetes mellitus, 11 (15 por ciento) habían experimentado orquiepididimitis reciente, y solamente dos (5 por ciento) tenían como origen traumatismo escrotal y uretral. A todos se les efectuaron drenajes y desbridación quirúrgica, y se les aplicó miel no procesada una vez desbridadas y limpias sus lesiones. A 25 de los pacientes (65.7 por ciento se les realizó cistostomía, y en 8 (21 por ciento) se efectuó una orquiectomía del lado afectado. A cinco pacientes (13 por ciento) se les aplicaron injertos libres de dermis de muslo. Los restantes se suturaron de manera tardía. Un paciente (2.6 por ciento falleció por sepsis generalizada y descontrol metabólico. El manejo de esta entidad continúa siendo agresivo ya que estos pacientes necesitan desbridación, cistostomía y/o colostomía, curaciones exaustivas, antimicrobianos en triple esquema y aplicaciones de miel no procesada y en algunos casos aplicación de injertos cutáneos libres

Effect of prolactin on accessory sex organs of prepuberal male albino rats: an in vitro study.

The in vitro studies on the effect of hypophysial gonadotropins (PRL, FSH, LH) on the maturation events of accessory sex organs in prepuberal male rats revealed that prolactin (PRL) alone has both direct as well as androgen mediated effect on the maturation activities. The effect of PRL is age dependent and it had higher activation on the gland system than the duct system.