relation between the duration of inhalation abuse of a volatile substance and its effect on the testis. a histological and biochemical study in adult male albino rats

Volatile substance abuse in general, and toluene inhalation in particular, for their neuropsychological effects, represents a significant problem in many developed and developing countries. The present work was designed to investigate the histopathological changes in the testis of adult male albino rats, induced by toluene vapour inhalation over different periods. The present study was carried out on forty adult male albino rats with body weights ranging from 60-100g. The animals were categorized into two groups: Group I: [Control Group] included ten rats received no treatment, Group II: [Toluene inhalants] included thirty adult rats exposed to toluene vapour inhalation. A clean dry piece of cotton was soaked with toluene liquid and placed in the covered cages three times daily, each for about thirty minutes for six days per week. These animals were subdivided into three equal subgroups according to the exposure period; Subgroup [A]: ten rats exposed to toluene vapour for two weeks, Subgroup [B]: ten rats exposed to toluene vapour for eight weeks, Subgroup [C]: ten rats exposed to toluene vapour for twelve weeks. At the end of each duration of the experiment, animals were scarificed by decapitation using light ether anesthesia after taking blood samples. I- Histological examination: Specimens were taken from the testis of all rats and processed for examination by light microscope using haematoxylin and eosin stain and ultrastructural study using the transmission electron microscope. II. Hormonal assay: The concentration of testosterone level, luteinizing hormone [LH] and follicle - stimulating hormone [FSH] were estimated by radio immunoassay. III. GAS chromatography: Concentration of toluene vapour in the blood was measured by High performance liquid chromatography. IV. Statistical analysis: The one way ANOVA test was applied to estimate the significant values of the hormonal assay for serum testosterone, LH and FSH and the 5% level of significance was chosen. The histopathological changes observed in the testis of rats exposed to toluene inhalation demonstrated its potentials to induce cytotoxic effects on the spermatogenic cells, Sertoli cells and the interstitial cells of Leydig. The severity of the toluene damaging potentials appeared to be dependent on and directly proportionate to the duration of toluene inhalation. So, the histological changes were mild and scattered in the testis specimens of group A [2 weeks inhalation] and was more severe in both eight and twelve weeks groups. The correlation between high performance liquid chromatography for toluene gas in blood, the biochemical gonadal and gonadotrophin hormonal assay and the histological assessment, explored the various mechanisms that were incorporated in the establishment of the toluene induced testicular injury. The present study proved the undoubting evidences for the damage potentials of toluene on the testis as the major reproductive organ in the male. Furthermore, the study showed the direct proportionality between the toxic effects of toluene vapor and the length of the exposure duration. Yet, the observed histological alterations were highly suggestive for a probable impaired reproduction in experimental animals which needs further study

Smoking increases dna damage in male infertile patients in Egypt

Environmental factors, have been shown to have a deleterious effect on spermatogenesis. Cigarette smoking is a major source of environmental pollution. Many studies have suggested that cigarette smoking is associated with altered semen quality, but conclusions about the extent of the deleterious effects vary widely. Sperm nuclear chromatin abnormalities /DNA damage could occur at the time of, or be the result of, DNA packing at spermatogenesis. Environmental stress, gene mutations, and chromosomal abnormalities can disturb the highly refined biochemical events that occur during spermatogenesis. This can ultimately lead to an abnormal chromatin structure that is incompatible with fertility. However, the exact mechanism by which chromatin abnormalities/DNA damage arise in human spermatozoa are not precisely understood. We have conducted a study on 50 infertile males, of whom 25 are smokers, to assess the degree of sperm DNA damage using the COMET assay and correlate our findings with other semen parameters. Conclusion: In the present study, the percentage of severe DNA fragmentation was significantly higher in smoker infertile group compared to no smokers and control groups

helicobacter pylori contribute to infertility?

Helicobacter Pylori is one of the important causes of chronic gastritis. It has also been implicated in extragastric disorders, such as skin diseases of autoimmune nature, vascular disorders and platelet disorders. The most acceptable hypothesis is the existence of mimicry between H Pylori antigens and cells of different host tissues. The prevalence of H Pylori infection among Egyptians is very high. The possibility of involvement of H Pylori in the pathogenesis of infertility is intriguing. H Pylori usually lasts for the patient's entire life. This may boost autoimmune reactions. Mimicry has been shown between human beta-tubulin protein [present in spermatozoa] and H Pylori flagellin, Cag A and Vac A. Antibodies to these antigens cross reacted with human spermatozoa. Our study was conducted on 30 males complaining from infertility problem, 10 healthy fertile controls were included. CASA was performed, together with H Pylori IgA antibodies in seminal fluid. There was a high prevalence of H Pylori IgA antibodies in seminal plasma of patients complaining of infertility and having asthenospermia as compared to the fertile control group