Mimosine increases the expressions of tyrosine phosphorylated protein in mouse seminal vesicles / La mimosina aumenta la expresión de la proteína tirosina fosforilada en las vesículas seminales del ratón

Acute effect of purified mimosine (MiMo) extracted from Leucaena leucocephala on testicular histopathology has been documented with seminal vesicle (SV) atrophy. Since protein phosphorylation and seminal secretions play important roles in sperm physiology, this study aimed to study the alteration of substances including tyrosine phosphorylated (TyrPho) proteins in seminal vesicle treated with MiMo. Male mice were divided into a control and experimental groups treated with purified MiMo at 3 doses of 15, 30, and 60 mg/KgBW, respectively for 35 consecutive days. The morphology and weights of SV were compared among groups. The levels of magnesium and fructosamine in SV fluid were assayed. The profiles of equally SV total proteins were compared using SDS-PAGE. The expression of seminal TyrPho proteins was detected by western blotting. Recent results showed the decreased weights of SV in MiMo treated mice compared to control. However MiMo in all doses did not affect the levels of magnesium and fructosamine in SV fluid. The SV protein expression of 130 and 55 kDas was obviously decreased in a high dose MiMo. In dose-dependent response, the expressions of 72 and 55 kDas TyrPho proteins of SV were increased. In conclusion, MiMo could affect SV morphological size and protein secretions especially TyrPho proteins.

El efecto agudo de la mimosina purificada (MiMo) extraída de Leucaena leucocephala en la histopatología testicular se ha documentado con atrofia de vesícula seminal (VS). Debido a que la fosforilación de proteínas y las secreciones seminales tienen un papel importante en la fisiología de los espermatozoides, este estudio tuvo como objetivo estudiar la alteración de sustancias como la proteína tirosina fosforilada (TyrPho) en vesículas seminales tratadas con MiMo. Los ratones se dividieron en un grupo control y un grupo experimental y se trataron con MiMo purificado en 3 dosis de 15, 30 y 60 mg / KgBW, respectivamente, durante 35 días seguidos. La morfología y los pesos de VS se compararon entre los grupos. Fueron analizados los niveles de magnesio y fructosamina en el fluido VS. Los perfiles de las proteínas totales de VS se compararon utilizando SDS-PAGE. La expresión de la proteína TyrPho en las vesículas seminales se detectó mediante transferencia de Western blot. Los resultados recientes muestran la disminución del peso de las VS en ratones tratados con MiMo, en comparación con el grupo control. Sin embargo, en ninguna de las dosis se vieron afectados por mimosina purificada los niveles de magnesio y fructosamina en el líquido de las VS. La expresión de la proteína en VS de 130 y 55 kDas disminuyó notablemente en una dosis alta de MiMo. En la respuesta dependiente de la dosis, aumentaron las expresiones de 72 y 55 kDas de las proteínas TyrPho en las VS. En conclusión, la mimosina purificada podría afectar el tamaño morfológico de las VS y la expresión de proteínas, especialmente las proteínas TyrPho.

Acute effects of mimosine purified from Leucaena leucocephala on male reproductive system of adult mice / Efectos agudos de la mimosina purificada de Leucaena leucocephala en el sistema reproductor masculino de ratones adultos

This study attempted to examine the acute effect of purified minosine extracted from Leucaena leucocephala on male reproductive system. Adults male mice were divided into 4 groups (n =8); control and 3 experimental groups treated with purified mimosine at different doses of 15, 30, and 60 mg/KgBW, respectively for 7 consecutive days. The morphological features and weights of body and reproductive organs including testis, epididymis plus vas deferens, and seminal vesicle were compared among groups. In addition, epididymal sperm concentration and the changes of histopathology of testicular tissues in all groups were observed. The results showed that mimosine in all doses did not affect mice body weights. However, all doses of mimosine could significantly reduce the absolute and relative weights of testis and seminal vesicle but not of epididymis plus vas deferens. Significantly, mimosine at doses of 30, and 60 mg/KgBW could decrease sperm concentration. Moreover, the seminiferous atrophy and degeneration were obviously found in mimosine treated mice as compared to the control. In conclusion, consumption of Leucaena leucocephala edible parts containing mimosine could damage male reproductive organs which may cause acute male subfertility or infertility.

Este estudio intentó examinar el efecto agudo de la mimosina purificada extraída de Leucaena leucocephala en el sistema reproductivo masculino. Se dividieron ratones machos adultos en 4 grupos (n = 8): un grupo control y tres grupos experimentales tratados con mimosina purificada a diferentes dosis de 15, 30 y 60 mg / Kg por peso, respectivamente, durante 7 días consecutivos. Se compararon entre los grupos, las características morfológicas y el peso corporal, los órganos reproductivos, incluyendo los testículos, el epidídimo más conducto deferente y vesícula seminal. Además, se observó la concentración de espermatozoides epididimarios y los cambios de la histopatología de los tejidos testiculares en todos los grupos. Los resultados mostraron que la mimosina no afectó los pesos corporales de los ratones. Sin embargo, todas las dosis de mimosina podrían reducir significativamente los pesos absolutos y relativos de los testículos y las glándulas seminales, pero no así del epidídimo y los conductos deferentes. La mimosina en dosis de 30 y 60 mg / Kg por peso podría disminuir significativamente la concentración de esperma. Además, se observó la atrofia y degeneración seminífera en ratones tratados con mimosina en comparación con el grupo control. En conclusión, el consumo de partes comestibles de Leucaena leucocephala que contienen mimosina podría dañar los órganos reproductivos masculinos, lo que puede causar subfertilidad masculina aguda o infertilidad.

Methotrexate changes the testicular tyrosine phosphorylated protein expression and seminal vesicle epithelia of adult rats / El metotrexato cambia la expresión de la proteína testicular-tirosina fosforilada y el epitelio vesicular seminal en ratas adultas

Methotrexate (MTX) is commonly used as a chemotherapy agent and immune system suppressant but its adverse effect on male reproductive system is still limited. This study aimed to investigate the effect of MTX on structure and functional proteins of testis and seminal vesicle. Adult male rats were divided into control and MTX groups (n =12). In 30 experimental days, the treated animals were injected with MTX (tail i.v., 75 mg/KgBW) at days 8 and 15. Then, the reproductive parameters and histology of both groups were examined. Thickness of seminal seminal vesicle epithelia was analyzed. Also, the expressions of testicular tyrosine phosphorylated proteins and steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein were investigated. The results showed that MTX could significantly decrease epididymal sperm concentration. In addition, the germ cell degeneration, increased spaces of interstitial tissues, and low epididymal sperm mass density were observed in MTX group. The thickness of seminal vesicle epithelia in MTX group was significantly lower than that of control group. Moreover, the intensity of testicular phosphorylated proteins of 31, 32, 72, and 85 kDas was significantly increased while of 42 and 47 kDas in MTX group was decreased as compared to control. The expression of testicular StAR protein in MTX group was also significantly decreased as compared to the control. In conclusion, MTX affects testicular and seminal tissues and changes testicular functional proteins in adult rats.

El metotrexato (MTX) se usa comúnmente como agente de quimioterapia y supresor del sistema inmunitario, pero su efecto adverso en el sistema reproductor masculino sigue siendo limitado. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar el efecto del MTX sobre la estructura y las proteínas funcionales del testículo y la vesícula seminal. Ratas macho adultas se dividieron en grupos control y grupo con MTX (n = 12). En 30 días experimentales, a los animales tratados se les inyectó MTX (cola i.v., 75 mg / KgBW) los días 8 y 15. Luego, se examinaron los parámetros reproductivos y la histología de ambos grupos. Se analizó el espesor del epitelio de la vesícula seminal. Además, se investigaron las expresiones de la proteína tirosina testicular fosforilada y de la proteína reguladora aguda esteroidogénica (StAR). Los resultados mostraron que el MTX podría disminuir significativamente la concentración de espermatozoides epididimarios. Además, se observó la degeneración de las células germinales, el aumento de los espacios de los tejidos intersticiales y la baja densidad de masa del espermatozoide epididimal en el grupo de MTX. El grosor del epitelio de la vesícula seminal en el grupo MTX fue significativamente menor que el del grupo control. Además, la intensidad de las proteínas testiculares fosforiladas de 31, 32, 72 y 85 kDas aumentó significativamente, mientras que la de 42 y 47 kDas en el grupo MTX disminuyó en comparación con el control. La expresión de la proteína StAR testicular en el grupo MTX también se redujo significativamente en comparación con el control. En conclusión, el MTX afecta los tejidos testiculares y seminales y cambia las proteínas funcionales testiculares en ratas adultas.

Effect of sesame-supplemented diet on prostate and seminal vesicle histology of adult rat / Efecto de la dieta suplementada con sésamo en la histología de la próstata y vesícula seminal de ratas adultas

Infertility is a great concern among the people of reproductive age. The use of natural products obtained from traditional herbs is appealing. Studies show that antioxidants are important in improving male infertility. Thirty adult male rats were randomly divided into two regimen and control groups. The regimen group received diet containing 30 % sesame seed, while the control group received standard diet for 12 weeks. Histology of prostate and seminal vesicle were evaluated and serum levels of FSH, LH and testosterone concentrations were assessed as well. The results showed that, the diameter of peripheral epithelium and the volume density of the prostate epithelium increased but the volume density of the prostate stroma was decreased significantly in the regimen group compared to the control group. Central epithelium diameter and the volume density of the prostate lumen did not change significantly between two groups. In seminal vesicle, volume density of fibromascular and lumen decreased significantly in regimen group compared to control group. FSH and Testosterone level did not change while LH concentration increased significantly in the regimen group compared to the control group (P <0.03). This study shows that the sesame seed might improve male rat reproductive systems by histopathological changes in prostate and seminal vesicle.

La infertilidad es una gran preocupación para las personas en edad reproductiva y el uso de productos naturales obtenidos a partir de hierbas tradicionales es interesante. Los estudios demuestran que los antioxidantes son importantes en la mejora de la infertilidad masculina. Treinta ratas macho, adultas, se dividieron aleatoriamente en dos grupos, experimental y control. El grupo experimental recibió dieta con un 30 % de semillas de sésamo, mientras que el grupo control recibió dieta estándar durante 12 semanas. Fueron evaluadas la histología de próstata y vesícula seminal, así como los niveles séricos de las concentraciones de FSH, LH y testosterona. Los resultados mostraron que el diámetro del epitelio periférico y la densidad de volumen del epitelio de la próstata aumentaron, pero la densidad de volumen del estroma de próstata se redujo significativamente en el grupo experimental en comparación con el grupo control. El diámetro del epitelio central y la densidad de volumen del lumen de la próstata no presentaron cambios significativos entre los dos grupos. En la vesícula seminal, la densidad de volumen fibromuscular y el lumen se redujeron significativamente en el grupo de régimen en comparación con el grupo control. FSH y el nivel de testosterona no cambiaron, mientras que la concentración de LH aumentó significativamente en el grupo de régimen en comparación con el grupo control (P <0,03). Este estudio indica que la semilla de sésamo podría mejorar los sistemas reproductivos de ratas macho a partir de cambios histopatológicos en la próstata y las vesículas seminales.

Effects of glycowithanolides on lipid peroxidation and lipofuscinogenesis in male reproductive organs of mice

Glycowithanolides [Withaferin A], is one of the main withanolides active principle isolated from plant Withania somnifera and is claimed that it possess the aphrodisiac, sedative, rejuvenate and life prolonging properties. In the present investigation, antioxidant activity of active principles of Withania somnifera was tested against D-galactose induced oxidative stress in mouse testes, epididymis and seminal vesicle. For the present investigation Swiss male albino mice Mus musculus [Linn] were used. They were grouped in to control [I], D-galactose treated [II], protective [III] and curative groups [IV]. Oxidative stress was induced in six month old mice by injecting a low dose of D-galactose. Antioxidant effect of plant extract was studied in testes, epididymis, and seminal vesicle of oxidative stressed mice on Lipid peroxidation [LPO] and fluorescence product. In the present study, both total as well as mitochondrial lipid peroxidation and fluorescence product in testes, epididymis and seminal vesicle were increased in D-galactose induced mice. After the treatment of glycowithanolides there was significantly decrease in total as well as mitochondrial lipid peroxidation and fluorescence product in protective and curative groups. Our results indicate that Withania somnifera has a capability of preventing oxidative stress and also combating stress induced infertility

Luteinizing hormone reduction by the male potency herb, Butea superba Roxb.

To determine if Butea superba Roxb., a traditional Thai male potency herb, has androgenic activity in 60-day-old male Wistar rats, we measured its effects on the pituitary-testicular axis and sex organs. Intact and orchidectomized adult male rats were subdivided into five groups (10 rats/group): distilled water, Butea superba (BS)-10, BS-50, BS-250, and testosterone propionate (TP). They received 0, 10, 50, and 250 mg·kg body weight-1·day-1 BS in distilled water by gavage and 6 mg·kg body weight-1·day-1 TP sc, respectively, during the 30-day treatment period. Blood was collected every 15 days and luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone were measured. Changes of weight and histological appearance of sex organs were determined at the end of the 30-day treatment and 15-day post-treatment periods. TP treatment reduced serum FSH and LH levels and significantly increased the weight of the seminal vesicles and epididymis, in accordance with histopathological changes, in both intact and orchidectomized rats. No changes in serum testosterone, LH, and FSH levels were observed in any of the intact rats treated with BS, but a significant increase in seminal vesicle weight was observed only in the BS-250 group. Although a significant reduction in serum LH was detected in the BS-50 and BS-250 groups of orchidectomized rats, no significant change in weight or histology of sex organs was observed. Thus, we conclude that B. superba needs endogenous testosterone to work synergistically to stimulate the accessory sex organ of intact animals and can potentially exhibit an LH reduction effect in orchidectomized animals.

[ protective effect of melatonin on sperm parameters, epididymis and seminal vesicle morphology in adult mouse treated with busulfan]

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of melatonin on sperm parameters, epididymis and seminal vesicle morphology in adult mouse under chemotherapy. Male adult NMRI mice were divided into four groups. The control group received a single dose of DMSO, Group 2 received a single dose of busulfan 20 mg/kg. Group 3 was administered melatonin 10 mg/kg for 5 days. Group 4 received a 5 days course of melatonin 10 mg/kg following an initial dose of busulfan 20 mg/kg. Animals were sacrificed 35 days after treatment and evaluations were made by determining of sperm count and sperm quality, histological study of epididymis, seminal vesicle and measuring of plasma testosterone level. Statistical analyses were performed using ANOVA and Tuckey test. Busulfan significantly reduced sperm count, sperm motility and normal morphology and testosterone level in comparison with that of control group [P< 0.01]. However, combined treatment increased mentioned parameters in compare with those of chemotherapy treated group [P< 0.01]. In histological evaluations busulfan resulted in vacuoles in epithelial thickness of epididymis and reduced epithelial cell height in comparison with that of control group [P< 0.001]. Busulfan reduced semen fluid and epithelial folds and epithelial cell height in seminal vesicle in comparison with those of control group [P< 0.001]. However, combined treatment, resulted in recovery and normalization of the epididymis and seminal vesicle. Melatonin has protective effect on epididymal sperm parameters, seminal vesicle and epididymis morphology in mouse under treatment with chemotherapy. Although the mechanism is not clear, it acts probably by decreasing oxidative stresses

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

Dose-dependent effect of copper chloride on male reproductive function in immature rats.

BACKGROUND: Copper is essential as a trace element for metabolic processes. Exposure to copper in industries develops toxicity among the workers. Previous findings on adverse effects of copper on male reproductive function in adult albino rats led to investigate the effects of this metal on reproductive function of maturing male rats in the present experiment. METHODOLOGY: To study these effects, immature (30 to 35 days old) Wistar strain albino rats weighing about 50-60 g were treated intraperitoneally with copper chloride at doses of 1000, 2000 and 3000 microg/kg body weight/day for 26 days. RESULT: Significant fall in accessory sex organ weight and inhibition of testicular 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity along with degeneration of testicular growing spermatogenic cells and reduction in serum testosterone, FSH and LH level were observed at the doses of 2000 and 3000microg/kg/day. On the other hand, at the dose of 1000 microg/kg/day significant increase in testicular steroidogenic enzyme activity and stimulation of testicular spermatogenesis along with rise in serum testosterone and LH level were observed, though no significant change was observed in serum FSH level. This suggests that copper has got a dose-dependent effect on testicular steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis and serum testosterone and LH level in maturing male rats.

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.

Effects of administration of testosterone on some biochemical correlates in seminal vesicle of Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch) during preparatory phase: a study correlating changes in plasma testosterone level and testis activity.

In the catfish H. fossilis, administration of testosterone (0.25, 0.5, 1 and 2 micrograms/g body weight for 20 days) during mid-preparatory phase (March) increased plasma testosterone, gonadosomatic index, seminal vesicle-somatic index and concentrations of total proteins, fructose and hexosamines in seminal vesicle (SV) and testis in a dose-related manner. In the lowest dosage (0.25 microgram) group, only the hexosamine and SV protein levels were significantly high. Glucose level decreased in a dose-related manner, the decrease being not significant in the 0.25 microgram group. The results indicate that testosterone stimulates SV and testicular secretions of total proteins, hexosamines and fructose in catfish. Decrease in glucose content suggests its conversion into fructose under testosterone stimulation.

Testicular changes due to graded doses of nicotine in albino mice.

Administration of graded doses of nicotine (0.2 mg, 0.4 mg and 0.6 mg/100 g body weight) for 15 days to the adult mice reduced the weight of testis, number of spermatocytes and spermatids, but increased the number of spermatogonia which may be due to reduced conversion to subsequent stages. There is a high cholesterol content and Sudanophilic lipid accumulation in the treated testis. The weight of accessory sex organs which is dependent on androgens produced by the testis is also reduced. These changes are brought because of the non-availability of pituitary gonadotrophins essential for initiation and completion of spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis in the testis due to the administration of nicotine, which being CNS depressor might have caused inhibition in the neural stimulus essential for release of pituitary gonadotrophins.

Anti-fertility activity and hormonal profile of trans-anethole in rats.

Trans-anethole was studied for antifertility activity in rats at dose levels of 50 mg, 70 mg and 80 mg/kg po. Dose-dependent activity was observed, a 100% anti-implantation activity being achieved at 80 mg/kg, po. The compound showed a significant estrogenic activity and did not possess anti-estrogenic, progestational, anti-progestational, androgenic or anti-androgenic activities. In an earlier study, the compound was found to be safe, its LD50 being more than 3000 mg/kg, po in mice.

Acid and alkaline phosphatase activities in lithium treated testis, prostate and seminal vesicles of adult albino rats: evidence of duration and dose dependent response.

Changes in the activities of acid and alkaline phosphatase were observed in the testis, prostate and seminal vesicle after the injection of lithium chloride at the doses of 100, 200 and 400 micrograms/100 g body weight/day for 7, 14 and 21 days. The studies indicate that 200 and 400 micrograms/100 g body weight for 14 days and 21 days showed a significant inhibition in the activity of acid phosphatase in all the above reproductive organs. There is a significant stimulation of alkaline phosphatase activity at the doses of 200 and 400 micrograms of lithium after 21 days of treatment in testis, prostate and seminal vesicle along with significant decrease in accessory sex organs weight in comparison to control animal. Therefore, it is evident that the effect of lithium on male reproductive organs mainly depends on the amount of the drug being injected and the duration of treatment to it.

Influence of castration and testosterone propionate on prostatic and seminal vesicular lipids in mature monkeys.

The effect of castration and administration of testosterone propionate (TP) has been studied in mature monkeys in relation to prostatic and seminal vesicular lipids to castrates on prostatic and seminal vesicular lipids were studied in mature monkeys. Castration decreased prostatic total lipid, total phospholipids and total glyceride glycerols. Among neutral lipid classes only diacyl glycerol was decreased due to castration. Similarly among phospholipid classes, phosphatidyl choline and ethanolamine were decreased. A marked decrease in the seminal vesicular total lipid, total phospholipids, total cholesterol and total glyceride glycerol were observed due to castration. Mono and diacyl glycerols and phosphatidyl choline and ethanolamine also registered a significant decrease after castration. Administration of TP to castrates brought back all the lipid classes to normal level which showed a decrease due to castration. However, TP treated to castrates on both seminal vesicles and prostates had no effect on other classes of lipids which were unaltered by castration. The present study reveals that lipid metabolism in the male accessory sex organs is under androgenic control. Nevertheless, the influence of testicular androgen is specific to different classes of lipids as a number of phospholipids and neutral lipid classes were resistant to castration or administration of TP.

Effect of a single maximal and low multiple doses of testosterone propionate (TP) on male reproductive organs in Long Evans rats.

Testosterone as a male contraceptive agent was tried on two age groups of rats of Long-Evans strain and with two dosage schedule. A general increase in accessory organs weights like seminal vesicle and ventral prostate was observed in all groups of animals with all dosage schedule. The testicular weight was reduced particularly in low multiple dosage group. Gross atrophy with marked irregularity in germ cell pattern and population, suppression of spermatogenesis and atrophy of Leydig cells in the testis of low multiple dosage group were evident without affecting the potentiality to sex drive. A further study is suggested to examine the time period needed for testicular recovery and return of normal spermatogenesis before its possible trial on male volunteers in Bangladesh.