Effect of Clomiphene Citrate on the Ultrastructure of Testis in Albino Rats

SUMMARY: The aim of the present work was to study the closer effect of clomiphene citrate on the ultrastructure of the testis of adult albino rats to provide a basis for optimizing this drug in the treatment of male infertility. The testes were removed from both groups under anesthesia and then prepared for examination by light using hematoxylin and eosin stains and a transmission electron microscope. Semithin sections were cut into 1 µm thick sections, stained with toluidine blue, and examined by light microscopy for a survey. The desired areas were placed in the center, and other areas were trimmed. Primary spermatocytes showed marked nuclear changes (pyknosis), and their nuclear membranes were ill-defined and disrupted. The cytoplasm showed widespread degeneration of mitochondria and lysosomes and focal degeneration of the rough endoplasmic reticulum compared with the control group. The spermatids were pale, and the two phases of spermatogenesis were distinctly identifiable in the control group but were confused in the treated group. Some spermatids had interrupted nuclear membranes, also containing degenerated mitochondria, focal fragmentation of rough endoplasmic reticulum, and free ribosomes. Spermatozoa in the treated group appeared deformed compared to the control, where they had deformed head caps. Leydig cells of the treated group have an irregularly shaped nucleus, with focal chromatin aggregation and peripheral chromatin condensation on the inner surface of the nuclear membrane. The observations of the present work indicate a possible causal relationship between testicular affection and ingestion of clomiphene citrate, which can be avoided by close medical observations using ultrasonography, semen analysis, or testicular biopsy to detect early malignant changes. Furthermore, the drug should not be used for more than three to six cycles and should be stopped for at least three cycles before reuse. When clomiphene citrate is ineffective in the treatment of male infertility, human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) administration is typically selected. However, high-dose hMG therapy is associated with a variety of adverse effects. In this work, we report the success of a modified clomiphene citrate regimen in increasing sperm count without any hazards to the testicular tissue.

El objetivo del trabajo fue estudiar el efecto del citrato de clomifeno sobre la estructura de los testículos de la rata albina adulta, con la finalidad de determinar la mejor manera de utilizar este fármaco en el tratamiento de la infertilidad masculina. Los testículos se extrajeron bajo anestesia y para su análisis a través de microscopio de luz se tiñeron con HE. Además, las muestras fueron preparadas para su examen con microscopía electrónica de transmisión. Por otra parte, se cortaron secciones semifinas de 1 µm de espesor, se tiñeron con azul de toluidina y se examinaron mediante microscopía óptica. Los espermatocitos primarios mostraron cambios nucleares marcados (picnosis) y sus membranas nucleares estaban mal definidas y alteradas. En el grupo experimental las células presentaban el citoplasma con degeneración generalizada de las mitocondrias y de los lisosomas y una degeneración focal del retículo endoplásmico rugoso en comparación con el grupo control. Las espermátidas estaban pálidas y las dos fases de la espermatogénesis eran claramente identificables en el grupo control, pero se confundían en el grupo tratado. Algunas espermátidas tenían membranas nucleares interrumpidas, y también contenían mitocondrias degeneradas, fragmentación focal del retículo endoplásmico rugoso y ribosomas libres. Los espermatozoides del grupo tratado se presentaban deformados en comparación con el control. Las células de Leydig del grupo tratado presentaban un núcleo de forma irregular, con agregación focal de cromatina y condensación de cromatina periférica en la superficie interna de la membrana nuclear. Las observaciones del presente trabajo indican una posible relación causal entre la afección testicular y la ingestión de citrato de clomifeno, que puede evitarse mediante observaciones médicas minuciosas a través de ecografía, análisis de semen o biopsia testicular para detectar cambios malignos tempranos. Además, el medicamento no debiera ser usado durante más de tres a seis ciclos y debe suspenderse durante al menos tres ciclos antes de volver a usarlo. Cuando el citrato de clomifeno es ineficaz en el tratamiento de la infertilidad masculina, normalmente se selecciona la administración de gonadotropina menopáusica humana (hMG). Sin embargo, la terapia con hMG en dosis altas se asocia con una variedad de efectos adversos. En este trabajo, informamos el éxito de un régimen modificado con citrato de clomifeno para aumentar el recuento de espermatozoides sin riesgo para el tejido testicular.

Effects of melatonin on both testicular regeneration and recovery of spermatogenesis in busulfan-treated rats

Abstract Testicular damage is one of the most hazardous effects of chemotherapy as it is frequently associated with oligozoospermia and azoospermia. This study aimed at evaluating the protective effect of melatonin in a rat model of busulfan-induced testicular injury. Rats were divided into four groups: control, melatonin, busulfan, busulfan plus melatonin. After 15 days, the semen was collected from the epididymis and testes were assessed. Sperm removed from cauda epididymis and analyzed for sperm count and viability. Testis tissues were also removed, fixed in formalin and were embedded in paraffin. Sections of testis tissue were stained with hematoxylin-eosin for histological examination and prepared for TUNEL (Terminal deoxynucleotide transferase dUTP Nick End Labeling) assay to detect apoptosis and PCNA (proliferating cell nuclear antigenassay) to detect proliferation cells. Serum and testes supernatants were separated to detect testosteron level and oxidative stress parameters. In histological examination, degenerative changes in seminiferous tubules were observed in the experimental groups. In biochemical examination, the total oxidant status (TOS) levels in Busulfan group were significantly higher than in the control group while the total antioxidant status (TAS) levels of all the groups were similar. In conclusion, the beneficial properties of melatonin treatment by its potent anti-oxidants may reduce adverse effects of chemotherapy in the reproductive system in a rodent system.

Ameliorative effects of morel mushroom (Morchella esculenta) against Cadmium-induced reproductive toxicity in adult male rats / Efeitos benéficos do cogumelo morel (Morchella esculenta) contra a toxicidade reprodutiva induzida por cádmio em ratos machos adultos

Cadmium (Cd) is one of the major toxicants, which affects human health through occupational and environmental exposure. In the current study, we evaluated the protective effects of morel mushrooms against Cd-induced reproductive damages in rats. For this purpose, 30 male rats were divided into 6 groups (n=5/group), the first group served as the control group, second group was treated with an intraperitoneal (i.p) injection of 1 mg/kg/day of Cd. Third and fourth groups were co-treated with 1 mg/kg/day of Cd (i.p) and 10 and 20 mg/kg/day of morel mushroom extract (orally) respectively. The final 2 groups received oral gavage of 10 and 20 mg/kg/day of morel mushroom extract alone. After treatment for 17 days, the animals were euthanized, and testes and epididymis were dissected out. One testis and epididymis of each animal were processed for histology, while the other testis and epididymis were used for daily sperm production (DSP) and comet assay. Our results showed that Cd and morel mushrooms have no effect on animal weight, but Cd significantly decreases the DSP count and damages the heritable DNA which is reversed in co-treatment groups. Similarly, the histopathological results of testes and epididymis show that morel mushrooms control the damage to these tissues. Whereas the morel mushroom extract alone could enhance the production of testosterone. These results conclude that morel mushrooms not only control the damage done by Cd, but it could also be used as a protection mechanism for heritable DNA damage.

O cádmio (Cd) é um dos principais tóxicos, que afeta a saúde humana por meio da exposição ocupacional e ambiental. No presente estudo, avaliamos os efeitos protetores dos cogumelos morel contra os danos reprodutivos induzidos pelo Cd em ratos. Para tanto, 30 ratos machos foram divididos em 6 grupos (n = 5 / grupo); o primeiro grupo serviu de controle, o segundo grupo foi tratado com injeção intraperitoneal (i.p) de 1 mg / kg / dia de Cd. O terceiro e o quarto grupos foram cotratados com 1 mg / kg / dia de Cd (i.p) e 10 e 20 mg / kg / dia de extrato de cogumelo morel (por via oral), respectivamente. Os dois grupos finais receberam gavagem oral de 10 e 20 mg / kg / dia de extrato de cogumelo morel sozinho. Após o tratamento por 17 dias, os animais foram sacrificados e os testículos e o epidídimo foram dissecados. Um testículo e epidídimo de cada animal foram processados para histologia, enquanto o outro testículo e epidídimo foram usados para produção diária de esperma (DSP) e ensaio cometa. Nossos resultados mostraram que os cogumelos Cd e morel não têm efeito sobre o peso do animal, mas o Cd diminui significativamente a contagem de DSP e danifica o DNA hereditário, que é revertido em grupos de cotratamento. Da mesma forma, os resultados histopatológicos dos testículos e do epidídimo mostram que os cogumelos morel controlam os danos a esses tecidos. Considerando que o extrato de cogumelo morel sozinho pode aumentar a produção de testosterona. Esses resultados concluem que os cogumelos morel não apenas controlam os danos causados pelo Cd, mas também podem ser usados como um mecanismo de proteção para danos hereditários ao DNA.

The morphology of paca (Cuniculus paca) testis with high dose of letrozole an aromatase inhibitor / La morfología del testículo de paca (Cuniculus paca) con altas dosis de letrozol, un inhibidor de la aromatasa

SUMMARY: The study reported the influence of the high and acute dose of Letrozole on the testis morphology in paca (Cuniculus paca), an aromatase inhibitor that reduces the endogenous estrogen, the essential hormone for spermatogenesis. Morphological changes were observed in seminiferous epithelium with germ cells with apoptotic characteristics and presence of vacuoles and nuclei in pycnose.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la influencia de una dosis alta de Letrozol en la morfología de los testículos de la paca (Cuniculus paca), un inhibidor de la aromatasa que reduce el estrógeno endógeno, la hormona esencial para la espermatogénesis. Se observaron cambios morfológicos en el epitelio seminífero con células germinales con características apoptóticas y la presencia de vacuolas y núcleos en picnosis.

Establishing a nonlethal and efficient mouse model of male gonadotoxicity by intraperitoneal busulfan injection / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

An ideal animal model of azoospermia would be a powerful tool for the evaluation of spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) transplantation. Busulfan has been commonly used to develop such a model, but 30%-87% of mice die when administered an intraperitoneal injection of 40 mg kg-1. In the present study, hematoxylin and eosin staining, Western blot, immunofluorescence, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction were used to test the effects of busulfan exposure in a mouse model that received two intraperitoneal injections of busulfan at a 3-h interval at different doses (20, 30, and 40 mg kg-1) on day 36 or a dose of 40 mg kg-1 at different time points (0, 9, 18, 27, 36, and 63 days). The survival rate of the mice was 100%. When the mice were treated with 40 mg kg-1 busulfan, dramatic SSC depletion occurred 18 days later and all of the germ cells were cleared by day 36. In addition, the gene expressions of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), chemokine (C-X-C Motif) ligand 12 (CXCL12), and colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF1) were moderately increased by day 36. A 63-day, long-term observation showed the rare restoration of endogenous germ cells in the testes, suggesting that the potential period for SSC transplantation was between day 36 and day 63. Our results demonstrate that the administration of two intraperitoneal injections of busulfan (40 mg kg-1 in total) at a 3-h interval to mice provided a nonlethal and efficient method for recipient preparation in SSC transplantation and could improve treatments for infertility and the understanding of chemotherapy-induced gonadotoxicity.

Effects of ketoprofen in spermatogenesis of mice exposed to continuos hypobaric hypoxia / Efecto del ketoprofeno en la espermatogénesis de ratones expuestos a hipoxia hipobárica continua

Hypoxia hypobaric (HH) can cause alterations at testicular level, with temperature increase, intrascrotal alteration and deterioration of spermatogenesis. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ketoprofen have anti-angiogenic properties, and can decrease testicular abnormalities. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of ketoprofen on spermatogenesis of mice exposed to continuous hypobaric hypoxia. 78 Mus musculus CF-1 male mice 3 to 4 months old were used and subjected to HH in chamber at 4200 m. They were divided into 13 groups (G) of 6 animals: 10 with HH cycles (1, 2, 3, 4 and 8, lasting 8.3 days each cycle, two groups each) and 3 in normoxia (Nx). Intraperitoneal ketoprofen 25 mg/kg was administered every 4 days. Euthanasia of these animals was performed at the end of each cycle and in the case the Nx groups at the end of cycles 1, 4 and 8. Percentage of microhematocrit and reticulocytes were measured in blood smears and a morphometric and histopathological analysis of the height of the epithelium, the tubular diameter and the diameter of the tubular lumen was made. It was shown that hematocrit increases continuously up to 8 cycles, while reticulocytes increase up to 3 cycles. Continuous HH decreases the tubular diameter in a sustained manner and proportional to HH cycles, and the height increased only in the groups subjected to 8 cycles. The groups treated with ketoprofen saw a decrease in angiogenesis, presenting some degree of protection at the testicular level.

La hipoxia hipobárica (HH) puede provocar alteraciones a nivel testicular, con aumento de la temperatura, alteración intraescrotal y deterioro de la espermatogénesis. Los antiinflamatorios no esteroidales (AINEs) como el ketoprofeno tienen propiedades antiangiogénicas, pudiendo disminuir las alteraciones testiculares. El objetivo de estudio fue evaluar el efecto del ketoprofeno en la espermatogénesis de ratones expuestos a hipoxia hipobárica continua. Se utilizaron 78 ratones macho Mus musculus CF-1 de 3 a 4 meses de edad y se sometieron a HH en cámara a 4200 m. Se dividieron en 13 grupos (G) de 6 animales: 10 con ciclos de HH (1, 2, 3, 4 y 8, con duración de 8,3 días cada ciclo, dos grupos cada uno) y 3 en normoxia (Nx). Se administró ketoprofeno intraperitoneal 25 mg/kg cada 4 días. La eutanasia de estos animales se realizó al final de cada ciclo y en el caso los grupos Nx al final de los ciclos 1, 4 y 8. Se midió porcentaje de microhematocrito y reticulocitos en frotis de sangre y se hizo un análisis morfométrico e histopatológico de la altura del epitelio, el diámetro tubular y el diámetro de la luz tubular. Se evidenció que el hematocrito aumenta de manera continua hasta los 8 ciclos, en cambio los reticulocitos aumentan hasta los 3 ciclos. La HH continua disminuye el diámetro tubular de forma sostenida y proporcional a los ciclos de HH, y la altura aumentó sólo en los grupos sometidos a 8 ciclos. Los grupos tratados con ketoprofeno se vio una disminución de la angiogénesis, presentando algún grado de protección a nivel testicular.

Antioxidant action of alpha lipoic acid on the testis and epididymis of diabetic rats: morphological, sperm and immunohistochemical evaluation

ABSTRACT Introduction Chronic hyperglycemia is caused by diabetes mellitus-committed genital morphophysiology, and oxidative stress is one of the main factors involved in this process. Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) can prevent metabolic and morphological changes in diabetic individuals. Objectives In present study, we evaluated the effects of regular ALA consumption on the spermatogenesis and histoarchitecture in the male genital system of diabetic rats. Materials and Methods Thirty-two Wistar rats were divided into groups: Control (CG); Diabetic Control (DCG), receiving commercial diet: ALA Group (ALAG) and Diabetic ALA Group (DALAG), fed diets with added ALA (300 mg/Kg bw). The diabetic groups received a single injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg). After sixty days of the diet, the animals were euthanized, and semen, testis and epididymis samples were collected. A histomorphometric analysis was performed to determine the epithelial height, tubular and luminal diameter, tubular and luminal area of seminiferous tubules and each epididymal region. Sertoli cells were evidenced using the antivimenti antibody and were quantified. The results were statistically analyzed by the ANOVA test. Results At the end of the experiment, the DALAG glycemia was significantly lower than DCG. The histomorphometric parameters of the seminiferous and epididymal tubules did not show improvement in the DALAG. However, there was an improvement in the DALAG in terms of the concentration, motility and percentage of spermatic pathologies, as well as in the number of Sertoli cells (p<0.001). Conclusions The results demonstrated that supplementation with the ALA antioxidant retards testicular lesions and preserve the process of spermatogenesis in diabetes.

Evaluation of gonadotropin-replacement therapy in male patients with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) is a rare disease in which medical treatment has a high success rate to achieve fertility. This study aimed to analyze the efficacy of hormone replacement therapy and determine predictive factors for successful spermatogenesis and spontaneous pregnancy in patients with idiopathic HH. A total of 112 patients with low testosterone (T), luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and normal prolactin levels were diagnosed with HH and administered LH and FSH analogs as hormone replacement therapy. During treatment, 96 (85.7%) patients had sperm present in ejaculate samples. Among these patients, 72 were married and wanted a child. Of these 72 patients, 48 (66.7%) of couples had pregnancies from natural conception. After initiation of treatment, the mean time for the appearance of sperm in semen was 9.48 months. There were no significant differences between baseline FSH, T, and LH levels; however, older age, larger testicular size, and low rate of undescended testes were favorable factors for successful spermatogenesis. Larger testicular size and older age were also the main predictive factors for natural conception. We found that patients with undescended testes had a younger age, smaller testes, and lower T levels compared with patients exhibiting descended testes. The rate of sperm found in the ejaculate was not significantly decreased in patients with undescended compared with descended testis (73.7% vs 87.6%, P = 0.261). The medical approach for males with HH and azoospermia provides a successful treatment modality in regard to successful spermatogenesis and achievement of pregnancy.

Testosterone undecanoate supplementation together with human chorionic gonadotropin does not impair spermatogenesis in males with isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: a retrospective study / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Gonadotropin therapy is commonly used to induce virilization and spermatogenesis in male isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) patients. In clinical practice, 5.6%-15.0% of male IHH patients show poor responses to gonadotropin treatment; therefore, testosterone (T) supplementation can serve as an alternative therapy to normalize serum T levels and promote virilization. However, treatment with exogenous T impairs spermatogenesis and suppresses intratesticular T levels. This retrospective study aimed to determine whether oral testosterone undecanoate (TU) supplementation together with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) would negatively affect spermatogenesis in IHH patients compared with hCG alone. One hundred and seven IHH patients were included in our study. Fifty-four patients received intramuscular hCG and oral TU, and 53 patients received intramuscular hCG alone. The median follow-up time was 29 (range: 12-72) months in both groups. Compared with the hCG group, the hCG/TU group required a shorter median time to normalize serum T levels (P < 0.001) and achieve Tanner stage (III and V) of pubic hair and genital development (P < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in the rate of seminal spermatozoa appearance, sperm concentration, or median time to achieve different sperm concentration thresholds between the groups. In addition, there were no significant differences in side effects, such as acne and gynecomastia, observed in both groups. This study indicates that oral TU supplementation together with hCG does not impair spermatogenesis in treated IHH patients compared with hCG alone, and it shortens the time to normalize serum T levels and promote virilization.

Investigation of the antioxidant effects of pheniramine maleate and nebivolol on testicular damage in rats with experimentally induced testis torsion

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the biochemical, histopathologic, and spermatogenetic changes in the detorsionated testicle after experimental torsion and to study the antioxidant effects of pheniramine maleate and nebivolol. Methods: Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into 4 groups: Group 1: Sham; Group 2: Torsion/Detorsion (T/D); Group 3: T/D + Pheniramine maleate (PM); Group 4: T/D + Nebivolol (NB) group. Paroxanase (PON), total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stres index (OSI) were measured, and spermatogenetic and histopathologic evaluation was performed in tissue and blood samples. Results: The evaluation of tissue TAS indicated no statistically significant difference in Group 3 compared to Group 2. A statistically significant increase was detected in Group 4 compared to Group 2. Serum PON levels revealed a statistically significant increase in Groups 3 and 4 compared to Groups 1 and 2. The Johnsen testicular biopsy score decreased in Groups 3 and 4, but the decrease was not statistically significant. Conclusions: Pheniramine maleate and nebivolol have antioxidant effects against ischemia-reperfusion damage. They also support tissue recovery, which is more significantly observed by nebivolol.

Star anise extracts modulation of reproductive parameters, fertility potential and DNA fragmentation induced by growth promoter Equigan in rat testes

ABSTRACT Equigan is an anabolic steroid that has been developed for veterinary use and derived from endogenous sex hormone testosterone that plays a key role in the development of male reproductive tissue as well as in puberty and spermatogenesis. The current study is aimed to investigate the possible prophylactic effect of star anise extracts (SAE) on the toxicity of rat testes, sexual hormones alternations, sperm count, sperm abnormalities and testicular DNA damage by Equigan. Forty adult male rats were equally divided into four groups (1st Control group, 2nd SAE group, 3rd Equigan and 4th Equigan+SAE group). Food and fluid intakes, relative body weight, potassium, chloride, phosphorous, non-progressive and immotile sperms were significantly increased in Equigan group as compared to control group. In contrast; relative testes weight, sodium, magnesium, total calcium, testosterone, FSH, LH, PRL, sperm count, progressive motility, and viability showed a significant decrease in Equigan group as compared to control groups. The relative weight of epididymis, seminal vesicles, prostates and serum calcium ions didn't change significantly in different studied groups. Co-administration of SAE with Equigan improved the sexual toxicity, electrolyte alternations, sperm count, abnormalities and DNA damage induced by Equigan.

Phyllanthus emblica leaf extract ameliorates testicular damage in rats with chronic stress / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Stress affects the male reproductive system and can cause sub-fertility or infertility. Although Phyllanthus emblica L. (PE) extract has been shown to have high antioxidant capacity and protective properties in damaged tissue, the preventive effects of PE extract on testicular function from stress-related impairment have never been demonstrated. This study aimed to investigate the effects of PE aqueous leaf extract on testicular impairment and protein marker changes in rats suffering from chronic stress. Adult male rats were divided into four groups: a control group, a chronic stress (CS) group, and two groups with CS that received different doses of PE extract (50 or 100 mg/kg body weight (BW)). In the treatment groups, the animals were given PE extract daily before stress induction for 42 consecutive days. Stress was induced through immobilization (4 h/d) followed by forced cold swimming (15 min/d). Sperm quality and the histology of the testes and caudal epididymis were examined, as were levels of serum corticosterone, testosterone, and malondialdehyde (MDA). The expressions of testicular steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) and tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins were investigated using immuno-Western blot analysis, as these proteins are assumed to play important roles in spermatogenesis and androgen synthesis. The results showed that PE (50 mg/kg BW) significantly increased sperm concentration and testosterone levels, while decreasing corticosterone levels, MDA levels, sperm head abnormalities, and acrosome-reacted sperm in CS rats. In addition, PE at both doses was found to diminish testicular histopathology in the CS rats. We also found that 50 mg/kg BW of PE significantly improved StAR protein expression and altered the intensities of some tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins in testis. We conclude that PE leaf extract at 50 mg/kg BW can prevent testicular damage in rats with CS.

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.

effect of hydro ethanol extract of parsley leaves [petroselinum crispum] on spermatogenesis in male wistar rats receiving lead acetate

Background: Lead [Pb] is a one of the well-known dangerous contaminant Lead can cause disorders in the .process of spermatogenesis. Using medicinal plants to cure impotence and lack of sex cells can have a positive effect. In this study, parsley extract on spermatogenesis in male rats which have received lead acetate is investigated

Methods: In the present study, 36 rats were divided into 6 groups of 6. Animals received lead acetate and extract of parsley for a period of 28 days. After 28 days, animals were weighted and were anesthetized by ether, then the body and testis were weighted and numbers of spermatocytes, spermatogonia, Leydig cells were studied. The obtained results were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey tests

Results: Lead acetate significantly decreased the spermatocytes, spermatogonia, Leydig cells. Parsley extract with 200 mg/kg dose could lead to a significant increase of sperms in the tube lumen [p<0.05]

Conclusion: Parsley's extract effect on spermatogenesis in male rats which received lead acetate was justified

Efectos adversos de finasteride: mitos y realidades. una revisión actualizada / Finasteride adverse effects: an update

Finasteride is a 5-α reductase inhibitor that is widely used in the management of benign prostate hyperplasia and male pattern hair loss. It is well known that these agents improve the quality of life in men suffering from these conditions. However, they are associated with some transient and even permanent adverse effects. The aim of this article is to clarify the controversies about the safety of finasteride by analyzing the evidence available in the literature.

Propolis protective role against morphological, hormonal biochemical and histological alterations induced by sildenafil overdoses / Rol protector del propóleo contra las alteraciones morfológicas, hormonales, bioquímicas e histológicas inducidas por sobredosis de sildenafil

Sildenafil is widely used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction with few studies are available on the protective role of propolis against its reproductive toxicity. The present study aims to investigate the hormonal biochemical and histomorphometric alterations induced in the testicular tissues by sildenafil overdoses. Four groups of rabbits were exposed to sildenafil with or without propolis as follows: Group I received the formulated vehicle, Group II received sildenafil (3 mg/kg), Group III received propolis (50 mg/kg), Group IV received sildenafil plus propolis. Sildenafil lowered body weight gain, testosterone and follicular stimulating hormone concentration but increased testis index while luteinizing hormone was almost not affected. Moreover, sildenafil treated rabbits showed degenerative seminiferous tubules and disturbance of spermatogenesis together with spermatocytes sloughing and nuclear alterations. Exposure to sildenafil plus propolis ameliorated tubular alterations, spermatogenesis disturbances, hormonal levels changes and partially protected spermatocytes from morphological nuclear alterations but could not ameliorate the effect on the body weight gain and testis index. The findings of the present work may indicate that propolis can ameliorate partially the reproductive toxicity induced by sildenafil overdoses with more need for further studies on the adverse effect of these doses on the other vital organs.

El sildenafil es un medicamento ampliamente utilizado para el tratamiento de la disfunción eréctil y existen pocos estudios disponibles referente a la función protectora del propóleo contra su toxicidad reproductiva. El objetivo fue investigar las alteraciones hormonales, bioquímicas e histomorfométricas, inducidas en los tejidos testiculares por sobredosis de sildenafil. Cuatro grupos de conejos fueron expuestos a sildenafil con o sin propóleo de la siguiente manera: grupo I recibió el sildenafil formulado, grupo II recibió sildenafil (3 mg/kg), grupo III recibió propóleo (50 mg/kg) y el grupo IV recibió sildenafil más propóleo. El sildenafil redujo el peso corporal, la testosterona y la concentración de la hormona foliculoestimulante, sin embargo, se observó un aumento del índice testicular mientras que la hormona luteinizante casi no se vio afectada. Por otra parte, los conejos tratados con sildenafil mostraron degeneración de los túbulos seminíferos, trastornos de la espermatogénesis y alteraciones nucleares de los espermatocitos. Con el uso de sildenafil más propóleo fue posible disminuir las alteraciones de los túbulos seminíferos, los trastornos de la espermatogénesis y los niveles de cambios hormonales; los espermatocitos fueron protegidos parcialmente de alteraciones nucleares morfológicas, pero no pudo mejorar el efecto de aumento de peso corporal e índice testicular. Los resultados indican que el propóleo puede aliviar, en parte, la toxicidad en la reproducción inducida por sobredosis de sildenafil. No obstante, existe la necesidad de realizar más estudios sobre los efectos adversos de estas dosis en otros órganos vitales.

Effects of nandrolone decanoate on spermatogenesis in Wistar rats with and without physical training / Efectos del decanoato de nandrolona sobre la espermatogénesis en ratas Wistar con y sin entrenamiento físico

Androgenic anabolic steroids (AAS) are artificial testosterone analogues, used as medicine in chronic diseases, because they increase protein synthesis generating muscle hypertrophy. Its effect has caught the attention of athletes and gym users, thus their consumption has become epidemic, due to easy marketing, the immediate results and the false impression that it doesn't carry health risks. Such risks may globally harm the body. This study aims to investigate the influence on spermatogenesis of using nandrolone decanoate with or without physical training. Twenty-four rats, divided into four groups were used: sedentary group (SG), sedentary on steroids group (SSG), trained group (TG) and trained on steroids group (TSG). The animals were trained on voluntary exercise wheel twice a week during 12 weeks, and were subsequently euthanized by decapitation. Groups TSG and SSG received intramuscular injections of 5 mg / kg of the AAS. It was found that there was a greater cellularity in TSG, suggesting interference between androgen therapy and physical training on the mount of cells in the seminiferous epithelium. Comparing the TSG group with the SG, it is noticed that the physical training associated with the use of steroid tends to affect cell division without compromise, however, the number of spermatogonia, did not significantly vary compared to the control group. Finally, it seems that there was no significant statistical difference among the groups in terms of spermatogenesis yield, so that can not be said that the use of nandrolone decanoate, with or without the physical training, interfere with fertility.

Los esteroides anabólicos androgénicos (EAA) son análogos de testosterona artificiales, utilizados como medicina en las enfermedades crónicas, ya que aumentan la síntesis de proteínas generando hipertrofia muscular. Su efecto ha llamado la atención de atletas y usuarios de gimnasios, por lo que su consumo se ha convertido en epidemia, debido a la comercialización fácil, los resultados inmediatos y la falsa impresión de que no conllevan riesgos para la salud. Este estudio tiene como objetivo investigar la influencia de utilizar decanoato de nandrolona con o sin entrenamiento físico sobre la espermatogénesis. Se utilizaron 24 ratas, divididas en cuatro grupos: entrenado (GE), entrenado en esteroides (GEE), sedentario en esteroides (GSE) y sedentario (GS). Los grupos GEE y GSE recibieron inyecciones intramusculares de 5 mg/kg de la EAA. Los animales fueron entrenados con ejercicio voluntario en la rueda de correr dos veces por semana durante 12 semanas. Luego, los animales fueron sacrificados por decapitación. Se encontró que hubo una mayor celularidad en GEE, lo que sugiere la interferencia entre la terapia con andrógenos y entrenamiento físico en la cantidad de células en el epitelio seminífero. Comparando el grupo GEE con el GS, se observa que el entrenamiento físico asociado con el uso de esteroides tiende a afectar a la división celular sin comprometerla, sin embargo, el número de espermatogonias, no varió significativamente en comparación con el grupo control. Finalmente, no hubo diferencia significativa entre los grupos en términos de rendimiento de la espermatogénesis, por lo que no se puede decir que el uso del decanoato de nandrolona, con o sin el entrenamiento físico, interfiere con la fertilidad.

Effect of acetylsalicylic acid on spermatogenesis in adult albino mice

To Observe the histological and morphological effects of acetylsalicylic acid [ASA] on Spermatogenesis in male albino mice. Laboratory based randomized controlled trial. Department of Anatomy University of Health Sciences, Lahore from Apr, 2012 to Dec, 2012. Thirty nine male albino mice, 6-8 weeks old weighing 30 +/- 5 gm, were used; these were randomly divided into three groups having thirteen mice in each using random numbers table. Group A served as a control and was given distilled water orally via oral gavage 10 ml per kg for 30 days. Group B was given acetylsalicylic acid 100 mg/kg dissolved in 10 ml distilled orally for a period of 30 days. Group C was given acetylsalicylic acid 25 mg/kg dissolved in 2.5 ml distilled orally for a period of 30 days. Animals were sacrificed 24 hours after the last dose and the testes were removed, fixed in Bouin's fixative for 48 hours. Five microns thick sections of processed tissue were stained with H and E and PAS for calculation of Johnsen score and diameter of seminiferous tubules. Serum testosterone level was measured by testosterone enzyme immunoassay test kits. Microscopic examination demonstrated that ASA treatment lead to statistically significant increase in the mean Johnsen score and mean diameter of seminiferous tubules. It was concluded from the current study that ASA treatment enhances spermatogenesis

Effects of testosterone treatment on recovery of rat spermatogenesis after irradiation

To determine the effects of two different radiation doses on sperm parameters and the role of testosterone treatment on rat spermatogenesis. The experimental animal study was conducted at Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey, from September 2012 to January 2013. Male Sprague Dawley 4-6 months old rats weighing 300-350g were randomely divided into 5 equal groups as control, low dose irradiation, testosterone administration following low dose irradiation, high dose irradiation, and testosterone administration following high dose irradiation. The animals were kept at a constant temperature in a room with 12h light and dark cycles. After the group-wise intervention, sperm concentration, testicular size, and histopathological examination of seminiferous tubules were noted. SPSS 10 was used for statistical analysis. The 40 rats in the study were divided in 5 groups of 8[20%] each. In low dose radiation, adverse effects were only temporarily observed with the return of almost normal testicular function at the end of two months with or without testosterone supplementation. In contrast, in high dose radiation, hormonal treatment effect was controversial. Testosterone treatment had no significant effect upon recovery after irradiation. In order to prevent the untoward effects of radiation, shielding of the remaining testis in a proper manner is crucial to avoid the harmful effects of the scattered radiation

The effect of Sertraline, Paroxetine, Fluoxetine and Escitalopram on testicular tissue and oxidative stress parameters in rats

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) on testicular tissue and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in rats. Materials and methods: A total of 40 male Wistar albino rats, 5.5-6 months old, were equally divided at random into five groups: group 1 was the control group, group 2 received sertraline 10mg/kg (p.o), group 3 was administered fluoxetine 10mg/kg (p.o), group 4 received escitalopram 10mg/kg (p.o), and group 5 (n = 8) was administered paroxetine 20mg/kg. Each dose was administered orally for two months. Johnsen’s criteria were used to categorize spermatogenesis. Johnsen’s method assigns a score of 1 to 10 to each tubule cross-section examined. In this system, a Johnsen score of 9 and 10 indicates normal histology. Serum luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone levels were evaluated. Serum MDA levels were also measured. Results: The mean Johnsen scores were 9.36 ± 0.33, 9.29 ± 0.32, 8.86 ± 0.48, 9.10 ± 0.56, and 8.33 ± 0.90 in control group, sertraline group, fluoxetine group, escitalopram group, and paroxetine group, respectively. The Johnsen score was significantly lower for paroxetine group compared with the control group (p < 0.05). The mean FSH level increased only in the sertraline group. With the exception of the fluoxetine group, the testosterone levels were lower in all groups compared with the control group. The total testosterone level was significantly lower in the sertraline group compared with the control group [40.87 (22.37-46.8) vs. 15.87 (13.53-19.88), p < 0.01]. There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to the MDA and LH levels (p = 0.090 and p = 0.092). Conclusion: These data suggest that SSRIs have a negative effect on testicular tissues. This negative impact is markedly greater in the paroxetine group. To determine the exact ...