Male reproductive system and simulated high-altitude environment: preliminary results in rats / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

This study assessed the effects of a simulated high-altitude environment on the reproductive system of prepubertal male rats and the reversibility of these effects upon return to a normal environment. Three-week-old male Wistar rats were randomly allocated to 4 groups that were exposed to different conditions: a normal environment for 6 weeks and 12 weeks, respectively, hypobaric hypoxia for 6 weeks, and hypobaric hypoxia for 6 weeks followed by a normal environment for 6 weeks. Multiple pathophysiological parameters were evaluated at the histological, endocrine, and molecular levels. Hypobaric hypoxia exposure for 6 weeks during the prepubertal phase significantly altered physiological parameters, body functions, blood indices, and reproductive potential. Six weeks after returning to a normal environment, the damaged reproductive functions partially recovered due to compensatory mechanisms. However, several changes were not reversed after returning to a normal environment for 6 weeks, including disorders of body development and metabolism, increased red blood cells, increased fasting blood glucose, abnormal blood lipid metabolism, decreased testicular and epididymis weights, abnormal reproductive hormone levels, excessive apoptosis of reproductive cells, and decreased sperm concentration. In summary, a hypobaric hypoxic environment significantly impaired the reproductive function of prepubertal male rats, and a return to normal conditions during the postpubertal phase did not fully recover these impairments.

Effect of Tripterygium Glycosides Tablets on reproductive toxicity in male rats with Ⅱ type collagen induced arthritis / 中国中药杂志

The aim of this paper was to observe the toxic effect of Tripterygium Glycosides Tablets on the reproductive system of Ⅱ type collagen induced arthritis(CIA) male rats, and to explore the toxic mechanism preliminarily. Fifty SD rats were randomly divided into normal control group(Con), model group(CIA), Tripterygium Glycosides Tablets clinical equivalent dose groups of 1, 2, 4 times(9, 18, 36 mg·kg~(-1)), 10 rats in each group, and were given by gavage once a day for 42 days after the first immunization. The organ index of testis and epididymis were calculated on days 21 and 42. Histopathological and morphological changes of testis and epididymis were observed under optical microscope. Sperm count, sperm malformation rate and sperm kinetic parameters in epididymal tissues were observed by computer assisted sperm analysis(CASA). The concentration of testosterone(T), nitric oxide synthase(NOS) and aromatase(CYP19 A1) in serum were detected by ELISA. Immunohistochemistry was used to observe the expression of Bax and Bcl-2 related proteins in the apoptosis pathway of testis and epididymis. The results showed that, compared with Con group, CIA group significantly increased the rate of testicular spermatogenic tubule lesion and sperm malformation, decreased the average path speed, and no significant changes were observed in other groups. Tripterygium Glycosides Tablets at 4 times clinical equivalent dose can significantly reduce the testis index(P<0.01), each dose group can reduce the epididymis index(P<0.05). Each dose group of Tripterygium Glycosides Tablets could cause different degrees of damage to the testis and epididymis, the proportion of testicular histopathology lesions increased, the number of spermatogenic cells in the seminiferous tubules decreased, and so on. It could reduce the number of sperm, increase the rate of sperm deformity, make the parameters of sperm dynamics abnormal, and so on. Tripterygium Glycosides Tablets at 4 times dose could significantly reduce the content of serum sex hormone T and key enzyme of androgen synthesis(P<0.05 or P<0.01), but had no effect on CYP19 A1. The expression of Bax and Bcl-2 in testis and epididymis were increased by 2 and 4 times doses of Tripterygium Glycosides Tablets(P<0.05, P<0.01 or P<0.01). The results showed that 21 d administration of Tripterygium Glycosides Tablets at equal or higher doses could induce obvious toxic effect to the reproductive organs of CIA male rats, and lower the level of serum sex hormone T and the key enzyme of androgen synthesis, NOS. The mechanism of abnormal changes of Bax and Bcl-2 in Testis and epididymis is still to be elucidated.

Kelulut honey ameliorates glucocorticoid induced osteoporosis via its antioxidant activity in rats

Objective: To explore the effects of kelulut honey on bone structure and histomorphometry against glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. Methods: Thirty-five male rats were used (n = 7). Twenty-eight adrenalectomized rats were divided into four groups; each group was given normal saline 0.9％ (negative control), calcium water (positive control), kelulut honey (200 mg/kg/day and 400 mg/kg/day, respectively) treatment, respectively. All of them were administered with intramuscular injection of dexamethasone (120 μg/kg/day) to induce osteoporosis. Seven sham operated rats were given vehicle palm olein 0.05 mL/100 g/day by intramuscular injection and 0.1 mL/kg/day orally. All the treatments were given daily for 2 month. Lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress enzymes were measured. In addition, bone structural and histomorphometry analyses were also conducted. Results: Two-month glucocorticoid treatment increased the level of malondialdehyde and decreased superoxide dismutase significantly. No significant changes were found in the activities of catalase and glutathion peroxidase. Bone volume/tissue volume and trabecular number were significantly reduced while trabecular separation of the femoral bones was increased which corresponded to the decreased number of osteoblast surface after two months of receiving glucocorticoid treatment. Kelulut honey treatment restored the level of superoxide dismutase and reduced malondialdehyde significantly (P<0.05). Moreover, kelulut honey increased bone volume/tissue volume, trabecular number and decreased trabecular separation significantly (P<0.05), which were further confirmed by increased osteoblast surface and decreased osteoclast surface number (P<0.05). Conclusions: Kelulut honey may have potential bone protective effect, and may be a prophylaxis against glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.

Kelulut honey ameliorates glucocorticoid induced osteoporosis via its antioxidant activity in rats

Objective: To explore the effects of kelulut honey on bone structure and histomorphometry against glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. Methods: Thirty-five male rats were used (n = 7). Twenty-eight adrenalectomized rats were divided into four groups; each group was given normal saline 0.9% (negative control), calcium water (positive control), kelulut honey (200 mg/kg/day and 400 mg/kg/day, respectively) treatment, respectively. All of them were administered with intramuscular injection of dexamethasone (120 μg/kg/day) to induce osteoporosis. Seven sham operated rats were given vehicle palm olein 0.05 mL/100 g/day by intramuscular injection and 0.1 mL/kg/day orally. All the treatments were given daily for 2 month. Lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress enzymes were measured. In addition, bone structural and histomorphometry analyses were also conducted. Results: Two-month glucocorticoid treatment increased the level of malondialdehyde and decreased superoxide dismutase significantly. No significant changes were found in the activities of catalase and glutathion peroxidase. Bone volume/tissue volume and trabecular number were significantly reduced while trabecular separation of the femoral bones was increased which corresponded to the decreased number of osteoblast surface after two months of receiving glucocorticoid treatment. Kelulut honey treatment restored the level of superoxide dismutase and reduced malondialdehyde significantly (P<0.05). Moreover, kelulut honey increased bone volume/tissue volume, trabecular number and decreased trabecular separation significantly (P<0.05), which were further confirmed by increased osteoblast surface and decreased osteoclast surface number (P<0.05). Conclusions: Kelulut honey may have potential bone protective effect, and may be a prophylaxis against glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.

Anti-diabetic activity of quercetin extracted from Phyllanthus emblica L. fruit:In silico and in vivo approaches / 药物分析学报

In this study, molecular interactions of the ligands, quercetin, gallic acid, and metformin with various diabetes mellitus-related protein targets, such as glycogen phosphorylase and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, were assessed. It was revealed that quercetin possesses good binding affinity to both targets. Quercetin is a major constituent of methanolic extracts of Phyllanthus emblica fruit. The antihyperglycemic effect of quercetin in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats was examined. The isolated quercetin administered at a dose of 75 mg/kg body weight produced a maximum decrease of 14.78％in blood glucose levels in the diabetic rats after 7 days of treatment. Furthermore, quercetin doses of 50 and 75 mg/kg were shown to significantly improve the profiles of triglycerides, high-density li-poprotein, very-low-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and total cholesterol at the end of the study in STZ-induced diabetic rats. The administration of quercetin (25, 50, and 75 mg/kg body weight) daily for 28 days in STZ-induced diabetic rats resulted in a significant decrease in blood glucose and urine sugar levels, with a considerable rise in plasma insulin and hemoglobin levels. Therefore, quercetin is a potential drug with antidiabetic and antihyperglycemic action mediated by changes in the levels of glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides as indicated by in silico and in vivo studies.

The effect of cigarette smoke exposure on nitric oxide level in testis of male rats / 重庆医学

Objective To explore the effect of cigarette smoke exposure on testis structure and nitric oxide (NO) level in testis of rats.Methods A total of 160 adult male SD rats were divided into control group and low,medium,high dose groups.The smoke-exposed rats were respectively exposed to the smog for the periods of 2,4,6,8 and 12 weeks,10 rats in each group.The smoke-exposed rats were exposed to cigarette smoke for 0.5 h per day.The testicular tissue structure was observed and the body mass and the NO level of testis were measured.Results Compared with the control group and low dose group,the body mass of the rats was significantly lower in the medium and high dose groups exposed for 4,6,8,12 weeks (P<0.05).Compared with the medium dose groups,the body mass of the rats was significantly lower in the high dose group exposed for 8 weeks and 12 weeks (P<0.05).And with the increase of exposure dose,the reducing was even more obvious.Compared with the control group and low and medium dose groups,NO level in testis of rats was significantly increased in the high dose groups exposed for 2,4,6,8 weeks (P<0.05).Compared with the control group,NO level in testis of rats was significantly increased in the medium dose groups exposed for 8 weeks (P<0.05).Compared with the control group,NO level in testis of rats was significantly increased in the low,medium and high dose groups exposed for 12 weeks (P<0.05);and compared with the low dose group,NO level in testis of rats was significantly increased in the medium and high dose groups(P<0.05).Conclusion Cigarette smoke exposure may have impacts on testis tissue and lead to the increase of NO level in testis of male rats.

Effects of sulfur lamp, heat radiation lamp, fluorescent lampand LED lamp lighting on reproductive system in depressive male rats / 基础医学与临床

Objective To investigate the effects of different lighting(sulfur lamp, heat radiation lamp, fluorescent lamp and LED lamp) on reproductive system in depressive male rats.Methods CUMS depressive model of rats was established through the stimulations of chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS), then they were randomly divided into 5 groups:depressive model group, sulfur lamp group, heat radiation lamp group, fluorescent lamp group and LED lamp group.After 45 d of continuous illumination, serum was collected and reproductive organs were removed from rats, then the organ index of testicle,epididymis,seminal vesicle and kidney was calculated, the concentrations of testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), prolactin (PRL) and progesterone (PROG)in the serum were detected by ELISA, the histomorphological lesion of testicle was observed under microscope with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, the expression of melatonin receptors (Mel 1a), 3β-HSD and P450scc of testicle were detected by Western blot.Results The organ index of testicle, epididymis and seminal vesicle, the concentration of T, E2,PRLand PROG, and the expression of Mel 1a, 3β-HSD and P450scc in the depressive rats were significantly lower than that of the controls(P<0.05), and the seminiferous tubules of the testis of depressive rats were atrophied.However, the level of T, E2, PRL and PROG were increased,the cell morphology of the testicle was improved, and the expression of Mel 1a, 3β-HSD and and P450scc were upregulated after the sulfur lamp lighting in the depressive male rats compared with depressive model group (P<0.05).Conclusions The testis structure and functions of depressive male rats are improved by sulfur lamp lighting.

Study on Mechanism of Protective Effects of Baicalin on Male Rats with Ischemic Brain Injury / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To investigate the productive effects of baicalin on the male rats with ischemic brain injury and its effects on serum progesterone level in rats; To explore the possible mechanism of baicalin in brain protection. Methods Adult SD male rats were used to create a permanent left middle cerebral artery occlusion model. The rats were evenly divided into model group, baicalin group, inhibitor group, and sham-operation group (without inserted into the intraluminal thread) according to the neurological function scores. At different time points after modeling, the neurological function scores and the grip strength of double foreleg were measured, and the reduction rate of grip strength was calculated. Serum progesterone and adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) were detected by ELISA. Results Compared with the sham-operation group, the neurological function of rats in the model group was impaired, the grip strength of double foreleg was significantly reduced. 7 days after treatment, compared with the model group, the neurological function score of baicalin group was lowered, grip strength of double foreleg was recovered, reduction rate of grip strength was reduced (P<0.05); compared with the baicalin group, protective effects of baicalin on neurological function was lowered in inhibitor group (P<0.05). 7 days after treatment, compared with the model group, the serum progesterone level in baicalin group was significantly higher (P<0.01), and ACTH level showed an increasing trend; compared with the baicalin group, serum progesterone and ACTH levels in the inhibitor group decreased (P<0.05). Conclusion The protective effects of baicalin on the male rats with ischemic brain injury may be related to the regulation of progesterone.

The effect of 8-OH-DPAT and dapoxetine on gene expression in the brain of male rats during ejaculation

The 5-HTreceptor agonist 8-hydroxy-2-[di--propylamino] tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) promotes ejaculation of male rats, whereas dapoxetine delays this process. However, the gene expression profile of the brain at ejaculation following administrationof these two compounds has not been fully elucidated. In the present study, a transcriptomic BodyMap was generated by conducting mRNA-Seq on brain samples of male Sprague-Dawley rats. The study included four groups: pre-copulatory control (CK) group, ejaculation (EJ) group, 0.5 mg/kg 8-OH-DPAT-ejaculation group (DPAT), and 60 mg/kg dapoxetine-ejaculation (DAP) group. The resulting analysis generated an average of approximately 47 million sequence reads. Significant differences in the gene expression profiles of the aforementioned groups were observed in the EJ (257 genes), DPAT (349 genes) and the DAP (207 genes) compared with the control rats. The results indicate that the expression ofandwas significantly different after treatment with 8-OH-DPAT, whereas the expression ofwas significantly different after treatment with dapoxetine. Other genes, such as,and, exhibited significant differences in expression after the two treatments and are related to bladder cancer, renal cell carcinoma and sexual addiction. The present study reveals the basic pattern of gene expression that was activated at ejaculation in the presence of 8-OH-DPAT or dapoxetine, providing preliminary gene expression information during rat ejaculation.

Transplantation of Autologous Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells into the Testes of Infertile Male Rats and New Germ Cell Formation

BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), have been suggested as a potential choice for treatment of male infertility. Yet, the effects of MSCs on regeneration of germinal epithelium of seminiferous tubules and recovery of spermatogenesis have remained controversial. In this research, we have evaluated and compared the fate of autologous bone marrow (BM)-MSCs during three different periods of time- 4, 6 and 8 weeks after transplantation into the testes of busulfan-induced infertile male rats. METHODS: Rats BM samples were collected from tibia bone under anesthesia. The samples were directly cultured in culture medium. Isolated, characterized and purified BM-MSCs were labeled with PKH26, and transplanted into the testes of infertile rats. After 4, 6 and 8 weeks, the testes were removed and underwent histological evaluations. RESULTS: Immunohistochemical analysis showed that transplanted BM-MSCs survived in all three groups. Some of the cells homed at the germinal epithelium and expressed spermatogonia markers (Dazl and Stella). The number of homed spermatogonia-like cells in 4-week testes, was more than the 6-week testes. The 8-week testes had the least numbers of homed cells (p<0.05). Immunostaining for vimentin showed that BM-MSCs did not differentiate into the sertoli cells in the testes. CONCLUSIONS: From our results, it could be concluded that, autologous BM-MSCs could survive in the testis, migrate onto the seminiferous tubules basement membrane and differentiate into spermatogonia. Although, no more differentiation was observed in the produced spermatogonia, generation of such endogenous GCs would be a really promising achievement for treatment of male infertility using autologous stem cells.

Effects of Oral and Dermal Sub-Chronic Exposure of Kerosene on Biochemical Parameters in Male Wistar Rats.

Aim: Many of the studies that have been carried out to investigate the toxicity of kerosene have been large-dose, acute-setting experiments. Although the hepatic and renal damage as a result of kerosene exposure has been demonstrated in an earlier study in female Wistar rats, gender is known to play a role in an animal’s response to a xenobiotic. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the effect of repeated exposure of trace amount of kerosene to male Wistar rats so as to establish if differences in gender of an animal will modulate the toxic response of kerosene in sub-chronic setting. Methods: Twelve male rats were divided equally into 2 groups and administered with 0.4 ml/kg kerosene either through the oral or dermal route; six other rats served as control group. Kerosene administration lasted for 21 days after which blood was obtained through retro-orbital bleeding. Results: Results of the study reveal that while the hepatic enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and γ-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT) as well as other biochemical parameters- bilirubin, urea, creatinine and uric acid were significantly increased, total protein and albumin were significantly reduced (p<0.05). Moreover, in most cases these changes were more significant for oral route than dermal route. Conclusion: These results suggest nephrotoxic and hepatotoxic nature of kerosene in male rats and confirm that the oral route of administration is more dangerous than

Sodium fluoride does not alter sperm production or sperm morphology in rats

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of sodium fluoride (NaF) on the male reproductive system. Adult male rats were exposed to NaF in drinking water for 30 days at three concentrations: 1.54 (control, tap water), 50 and 100 ppm. Body and organ weights, daily sperm production, sperm number and morphology were investigated. No difference was observed on the sperm number and morphology among the groups, as well as body weight and organ absolute and relative weights. Overall, despite the presence of a mild degree of dental fluorosis in the higher dose group, the results indicated that exposure to NaF at the doses used in the present study did not adversely affect sperm production and morphology of male rats.

Isolation and evaluation of antifertility activity of total alkaloids from leaves of aegle marmelos in male albino rats (rattus norvegicus).

Aegle marmelos (Rutaceae) is being used in traditional medicine treatments, such as for intermittent fever, intestinal ailments, fertility control etc. It has been proved to be effective against several major diseases including cancer, diabetis and cardiovascular diseases. Although the plant is a well known male antifertility plant, till today only the crude extracts of the plant were screened for antifertility activity in male rats. The plant is rich in alkaloid content and Aegelenine, Marmeline and Skimmianine, are some of the alkaloids isolated so far, showed variety of pharmacological activities. In view of these facts, in the present study, total alkaloids have been isolated from leaves of A. marmelos and their effect on fertility of adult male albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) was investigated. Three different doses 20, 40, 80 mg/kg body weight of total alkaloids were orally administered to mature male albino rats (Wistar strain) of proven fertility (235-2450gr) for 60 days. On day 61, all the animals were sacrificed and the fertility and safety parameters were studied. Weights of all the major reproductive organs, accessory glands and sperm counts were significantly decreased in dose dependent manner suggesting the antifertility activity and serological parameters showed no significant changes in treated animals at the tested dose levels indicating the safety of long-term use of total alkaloidal fraction of A. marmelos.

Acute Toxicity of Administered Bisphenol A Di Glycidyl Ether in Male Sprague Dawley Rats / 대한산업의학회지

OBJECTIVES: Bisphenol A Di Glycidyl Ether (BADGE) is the major component in commercial liquid epoxy resins, which are manufactured by co-reacting bisphenol A with epichlorohydrin. The authors investigated the acute toxicity of BADGE. METHODS: BADGE was administered by a gavage to 8 week old SPF Sprague Dawley rats in a single dose of 0 (negative control), 0.37 (Diethylstilbesterol, DES), 1000, 2000, 4000, and 8000 mg/kg/day of BADGE. Each treatment group contained 7 rats. The general status and weight of the rats were observed for 14 days. The rats were anesthetized by ether at 14 days, and the changes in morphology, organ weight, sperm count and motility, and hormone level were measured. RESULTS: All the rats treated with BADGE had diarrhea on the 1st day. The rats administered BADGE at 1000, 2000, and 4000 mg/kg/day showed a soiled perineal region and soft stools with diarrhea until the 3rd day. The 8000 mg/kg/day BADGE rats had diarrhea for two days followed by emaciation, soiled fur, a soiled perineal region, staining around the mouth and were moribund for three to eight days. No weight gain was observed after the 1st day in the 2000, 4000, and 8000 mg/kg/day BADGE rats and after the 7th day in all the treatment groups compared with the control groups. Some treatment groups were observed to have a decrease in the weight of the heart (BADGE 1000, 2000 and 4000 mg/kg/day), liver (BADGE 1000, 2000, 4000 and 8000 mg/kg/day) and prostate (BADGE 4000 mg/kg/day) compared with control group. The weight of the liver was significantly lower in all treatment groups compared with the control group. The relative weight of the liver (BADGE 1000 and 4000 mg/kg/day) was significant lower than the control. No pathological changes were observed in the brain, liver, thyroid, heart, spleen, kidney, lung and prostate. The number of spermatid in the seminiferous tubule in the testes was lower in all treatment groups than the control. The sperm motility tended to decrease with increasing concentration but the sperm count was similar in all treatment groups. The plasma Estrogen and testosterone level were similar in the control and treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that BADGE induces general, hepatic and reproductive toxicity at 1000 mg/kg/day.

The Effect of Isoflavone Suplementation on Bone Mineral Density and Bone Mineral Content in Growing Male Rats

This study was performed to determine the effect of isoflavone on bone mineral density and bone mineral content in growing male rats. Twenty male, Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to groups, that underwent 9 weeks of experi-ental treatment. Animals were assigned to one of two diet groups (casein group or casein supplemented with isoflavones). During 9 week of the study, food consumption was determined every other day through the measurement of total food given subtracting the food uneaten from original amount given. Rats in two experimental groups had similar initial body weights. At the end of experiment, however, the casein group had significantly greater body weights compared to casein supplemented with isoflavones group. It was also observed that the casein group had greater food intake comared to casein supplemented with isoflavones group. The difference in the final body weights of the groups was thereore due to difference in amount of food ingested, but could be due to the effect of isoflavones. Total BMD, spine BMD, and spine BMC per weight and femoral BMD per weight were significantly greater in casein supplemented with isolaones group than casein group. ALP and osteocalcin were significantly greater in the casein-fed group. Crosslink value was significantly lower in the casein supplemented with isoflavones group. All other variables were statistically similar between two groups. Overall, it can be concluded that casein supplemented with isoflavones beneficial for acquisition of bone mineral density and content on growing male rats.

Effects of Soy Isoflavone Intake on Nitrite Content and Antioxidant Enzyme Activities in Male Rats Fed High-Fat Diet

This study was performed to investigate the effect of soy isoflavone on plasma nitrite concentration and the antioxidant enzyme activities of erythrocyte and the liver using adult male rats fed high fat diet. Seven-week old male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three groups and fed high fat diet (15% beef tallow, 1% cholesterol; control: IF0) or high fat diets containing isoflavone 80 ppm (IF80) or 320 ppm (IF320) for 10 weeks. Plasma nitrite concentration as a vasodilator, and antioxidant enzyme activities in erythrocytes and the liver were measured. Plasma nitrite concentration was increased by 45% and 35%, respectively, in IF80 and IF320 than in IF0 group. Erythrocyte catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR) activities increased by 31%, 30% and 40% in IF320 compared to IF0 group. Especially, erythrocyte GR activity increased by 61% in IF80 group. However, catalase activity in the liver was decreased in IF80 group. GPx and GR activities in the liver were not differ among groups. The results suggest that soy isoflavone have the protective effect against risk factors related with cardiovascular disease by improving vasodilator factor, nitrite, and antioxidant enzyme activities in blood.

An experimental study on the treatment of osteoporosis with andriol in male rats / 医学研究生学报

Objective:To study the effect of androgen on osteoporosis(Op) in male rats.Methods: Thirty-two 15-week-old male Spague-Dawley rats underwent orchidectomy and then were randomly divided into 3 groups: a normal controls,a model and a andriol treated group.Biochemical markers,bone density(BMD) and bone histomorphometry were investigated after 28 weeks.Results: Orchidectomy caused a significantly decreased in the level of testosterone(P

Effects of Soy Protein and Isoflavones on Bone Markers and Hormones in Growing Male Rats

Soybean is a rich source of isoflavones such as genistein and daidzein. Soy isoflavones have both weak estrogenic and anti-estrogenic effects and are structurally similar to tamoxifen, an agent that has an effect similar to that of estrogen in terms of reducing postmenopausal bone loss. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of differences in protein source (casein vs soy) and isoflavone levels (reduced vs higher levels) on selected bone markers and hormones in growing male rats. Thirty weanling Sprague-Dawley young rats were divided into 3 groups: The control group was fed a casein-based diet, the soy concentrate group was fed soy protein with totally reduced isoflavones content (isoflavones 0.07 mg/g protein), and the soy isolate group was fed soy protein with a higher than normal isoflavones content (isoflavones 3.4 mg/g protein). The degree of bone formation was estimated by measuring serum osteocalcin and alkaline phosphoatase (ALP). By determining collagen cross-linkage by immunoassay and correcting with creatinine values, the bone resorption rate was compared. Serum osteocalcin, growth hormone, estrogen and calcitonin were analyzed using radio immunoassay kits. The bone formation marker and ALP activity were differentiated by protein source, showing higher values than casein in feeding either soy isolate or soy concentrate. In this study using growing rats, the differences in isoflavone contents were not a significant factor in either bone formation or bone reaborption markers. Moreover, the soy isolate group had significantly higher levels of growth hormone than the casein group. The findings of this study suggest that growth hormone is partially responsible for its bone-formation effects in young growing rats. Soy protein and the isoflavones in soy protein are beneficial for bone-formation in growing male rats. Therefore, exposure to soy protein and isoflavones early in life may have long-term health benefits in preventing bone diseases such as osteoporosis. Further study to evaluate the mechanism of action of isoflavones on bones is warranted.

Affect of the sea horse Hippocampus japonicus on pituitary- gonadal axis in male rats / 中国海洋药物

We studied a species of Haima-the Sea Horse Hippocampus japonicus (SHHJ). After SHHJ was given to male rats orally for twenty days. The plasma concentration of testosterone,LH and FSH was assayed by RIA,and the histological change in seminal vesicles and prostate gland was observed. It has been showed that SHHJ can obviously elevate plasma level of testosterone and improve the histological change of seminal vesicles and prostate gland in castrated rats. but there was no affect in LH、FSH. SHHJ can obviously promoted the content of testosterone of plasma and can obviously enhance the weight of the normal rat's prostate gland,seminal vesicle.

Effect of Octylphenol on Sperm and Antagonism of Puerarin Flavonoids in Rats / 环境与健康杂志

Objective To understand the antagonism of puerarin flavonoids (P) to octylphenol (OP) in the sperm damage. Methods Sixty male SD rats were randomly divided into three experimental groups (treated with octylphenol at doses of 80,160,320 mg/kg)and two intervention groups (0.5 g/kg P+320 mg/kg OP,5 g/kg P+320 mg/kg OP)and one control group. The administration was conducted by gavage,2 h after treated with octylphenol followed by puerarin flavonoids,three times a week for 60 consecutive days. Testicular morphological examination and sperm mobility were conducted. Results Compared with the control group,spermcount and mobility in the exposed groups and intervention groups were lower,malformation rate was highe(rP