Environmental exposure to cadmium but not lead is associated with decreased semen quality parameters: quality regionalism of sperm properties / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Environmental factors may negatively contribute to a progressive worsening of semen quality, and differences in semen quality may result from different environmental exposures (regional differences) or lifestyle differences. Heavy metals are factors with a confirmed negative influence on male fertility. Among them, lead and cadmium are commonly found in human surroundings. Thus, we analyzed semen parameters (according to the World Health Organization 2010 recommendations) and semen lead and cadmium concentrations in 188 men from two different regions in Poland, a typical agricultural area and an industrial area, in couples that had been diagnosed with infertility. The assays were performed using flameless electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. In the statistical analysis, regional comparisons and then taxonomic comparisons based on three parameters (age, semen concentration, and sperm morphology) were applied. We showed that more cadmium than lead accumulated in semen, a higher cadmium concentration was observed in semen obtained from men from the agricultural region, and better semen quality and lower cadmium concentrations were found in the semen of men from the industrial, more polluted region. We thus showed an existing regionalism in the sperm quality properties. However, semen parameters such as morphology and progressive and nonprogressive motility followed the same trends, regardless of the patient's age, region, or class. We could conclude that the environment has a minor impact on sperm morphology and progressive and nonprogressive motility and that other existing factors could have an indirect influence on semen quality.

Momordica cochinchinensis (L. ) spreng: aril extract prevents adverse reproductive parameters of male rats Induced with valproic acid / El extracto del arilo Momordica cochinchinensis (L. ) Spreng previene los parámetros reproductivos adversos inducidos con ácido valproico en ratas macho

This study aimed to investigate protective effect of Momordica cochinchinensis (MC) aril extract on adverse reproductive parameters of male rat induced with valproic acid (VPA) commonly used in treatment for antiepileptic diseases. Male Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups (control, VPA, 200 mg/kg BW of PE only, and 50, 100, 200 mg/kg BW MC+VPA, respectively). Animals were pretreated with aqueous MC extract for 23 days before co-administered with VPA induction for 10 days. At the end of experiment, all male reproductive parameters and testicular histology were examined. The results showed all doses of PE significantly protect the decrease the weights of epididymis and seminal vesicle but not of body and testicular weights. MC extract also increased sperm concentration and seminiferous tubular diameters in MC+VPA co-administrative groups. Moreover, testicular histology of MC+VPA groups showed significant declining of testicular histopathologies as compared to VPA group. It was concluded that M. Cochinchinensis aril extract can prevent adverse male reproductive parameters and testicular damage induced with VPA.

El objetivo fue investigar el efecto protector del extracto de arilo de Momordica cochinchinensis (MC) sobre los parámetros reproductivos adversos de la rata macho inducida con ácido valproico (AV) que se utiliza comúnmente en el tratamiento de enfermedades epilépticas. Las ratas se dividieron en 6 grupos (control, AV, 200 mg/kg por peso corporal de PE solamente, y 50, 100, 200 mg/kg por peso corporal MC+AV, respectivamente). Los animales fueron tratados previamente con extracto acuoso MC durante 23 días, antes de la administración de AV durante 10 días. Al término del experimento, se examinaron todos los parámetros reproductivos masculinos y la histología testicular. Los resultados indicaron que todas las dosis de PE protegen de manera significativa la disminución de los pesos de epidídimo y vesículas seminales, pero no de peso corporal y testicular. El extracto de MC también aumentó la concentración de espermatozoides y los diámetros de los túbulos seminíferos en los grupos de administración con MC+AV. Por otra parte, la histología testicular de los grupos MC+AV mostró una disminución significativa de histopatologías testiculares en comparación con el grupo AV. En conclusión, el extracto de arilo M. cochinchinensis puede prevenir la aparición de parámetros reproductivos masculinos negativos y los daños testiculares inducidos con AV.

Protective role of melatonin in mouse spermatogenesis induced by sodium arsenite / Rol protector de la melatonina en el daño de la espermatogénesis en ratón producido por arsenito de sodio

Arsenic is a testicular environmental toxic. Melatonin (Me), being a potent antioxidant, may reduce the damage caused by arsenic in male fertility. The effects of daily oral exposure of Sodium Arsenite (As; 7.0 mg/kg/bw); Melatonin (Me, 10.0 mg/kg/bw); Me (10.0 mg/kg/bw) plus As (7.0 mg/kg/bw), and Negative Control (NaCl 0.9 percent) in male CF-1 adult mice were assessed in acute (8.3 days), chronic (33.2 days) and recovery (66,4 days) of testicular damage. We evaluated changes in testicular weight and histopathological, morphometric measurements, expression of COX-2 and Androgen Receptor (AR) antigens and lipid peroxidation levels. Treatment resulted in decreased tubular diameter and AR expression, and increased: interstitial area, luminal diameter, COX-2 expression levels and of lipid peroxidation. Co-administration of As and Me partially decreased germ cell degeneration and AR expression levels, improving testicular histopathological parameters. These results indicate that As causes toxicity and testicular germ cell degeneration by induction of oxidative stress. Me partially protects from this damage in mouse testis, acting as scavenger of oxygen radical species.

El arsénico es un tóxico testicular ambiental. La melatonina (Me), que es un potente antioxidante, puede reducir el daño causado por el arsénico en la fertilidad masculina. Se evaluaron los efectos de la exposición oral diaria de arsenito de sodio (As; 7,0 mg/kg/peso corporal), melatonina (Me, 10,0 mg/kg/p.c.); Me (10,0 mg/kg/p.c.) más As (7,0 mg/kg/pc) y el Control Negativo (NaCl 0,9 por ciento) en ratones adultos CF-1 machos, a los 8,3 días (exposición aguda), 33,2 días (crónica) y 66,4 días (recuperación) del daño testicular. Se evaluaron los cambios en el peso testicular y mediciones morfométricas, histopatológicas, expresión de COX-2, del receptor de andrógeno (AR) y los niveles de peroxidación de lípidos. El tratamiento con As resultó en disminución del diámetro tubular y la expresión de AR, y el aumento de: área intersticial, diámetro luminal, los niveles de expresión de COX-2 y peroxidación lipídica. La co-administración de As y Me disminuyó parcialmente la degeneración de células germinales, el aumento de los niveles de expresión de AR y hubo mejoría de los parámetros histopatológicos testiculares. Estos resultados indican que As es tóxico y causa degeneración de células germinales por inducción de estrés oxidativo. Me protege parcialmente este daño en los testículos de ratones, actuando como eliminador de especies radicalarias del oxígeno.

Reversible Infertility Associated with Testosterone Therapy for Symptomatic Hypogonadism in Infertile Couple

PURPOSE: Androgen replacement therapy has been shown to be safe and effective for most patients with testosterone deficiency. Male partners of infertile couples often report significantly poorer sexual activity and complain androgen deficiency symptoms. We report herein an adverse effect on fertility caused by misusage of androgen replacement therapy in infertile men with hypogonadal symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 8 male patients referred from a local clinic for azoospermia or severe oligozoospermia between January 2008 and July 2011. After detailed evaluation at our andrology clinic, all patients were diagnosed with iatrogenic hypogonadism associated with external androgen replacement. We evaluated changes in semen parameters and serum hormone level, and fertility status. RESULTS: All patients had received multiple testosterone undecanoate (NebidoR) injections at local clinic due to androgen deficiency symptoms combined with lower serum testosterone level. The median duration of androgen replacement therapy prior to the development of azoospermia was 8 months (range: 4-12 months). After withdrawal of androgen therapy, sperm concentration and serum follicle-stimulating hormone level returned to normal range at a median 8.5 months (range: 7-10 months). CONCLUSION: Misusage of external androgen replacement therapy in infertile men with poor sexual function can cause temporary spermatogenic dysfunction, thus aggravating infertility.

relation of opium addiction and reproductive toxicity in male rats: a histological and hormonal study

Consuming of opium is a new phenomenon that could be significantly observed in some regions of Iraqi Kurdistan region, especially in districts near to Iran borders. Long term consumption of opioids affects body homeostasis. This study is designed to determine the effects of opium on reproductive histological and hormonal parameters in addition to the study of qualitative sperm abnormalities in experimental rats. The rats of the experiment were divided into three groups: Control group and the two experimental groups which were treated with two different concentrations of opium [25 and 50 mg/kg/day] for 7 days. After the decided period, the rats were dissected. Serum testosterone and sperm quality was determined and histological sections were prepared from the testis. Testosterone significantly reduced in opium treated rats in both low and high doses. The histological sections of testis showed testicular degeneration in the seminiferous tubules, while higher dose showed loss of normal architecture of seminiferous tubules, in addition to present of giant cell in lumen of tubules. Several types of sperm abnormalities were observed, but the head-neck connection abnormality was the dominant. This finding suggests that opium addiction can cause significant decrease in the male sexual hormone secretion and it also leads to the alteration in the sperms and testis structure. This may lead to sexual suppression and infertility which needs further investigations

Contribution of environmental pollutants to male infertily: A working model of germ cell apoptosis induced by plasticizers

Bisphenol A [2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane] (BPA), 4-nonylphenol (NP) and di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), and its metabolite mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP) are chemicals found in plastics, which act as endocrine disruptors (EDs) in animals, including human. EDs act like hormones in the endocrine system, and disrupt the physiologic function of endogenous hormones. Most people are exposed to different endocrine disruptors and concern has been raised about their true effect on reproductive organs. In the testis, they seem to preferentially attack developing testis during puberty rather than adult organs. However, the lack of information about the molecular mechanism, and the apparently controversial effect observed in different models has hampered the understanding of their effects on mammalian spermatogenesis. In this review, we critically discuss the available information regarding the effect of BPA, NP and DEHP/ MEHP upon mammalian spermatogenesis, a major target of EDs. Germ cell sloughing, disruption of the blood-testis-barrier and germ cell apoptosis are the most common effects reported in the available literature. We propose a model at the molecular level to explain the effects at the cellular level, mainly focused on germ cell apoptosis.

Role of nitric oxide in male infertility.

It has been proposed that oxidative stress plays an important role in male infertility. Many environmental, physiological and genetic factors have been implicated in poor sperm function and infertility. Although there are some definite causes for male infertility still the term “Idiopathic Infertility” remains. Various studies are going on effect of oxidative stress on fertility potential of male which can be one of the causes of idiopathic infertility. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are highly reactive oxidizing agent belonging to class of free radicals. Excessive generation of ROS in semen by leukocytes as well as by abnormal spermatozoa could be a cause of infertility because it leads to injury to spermatozoa.Nitric oxide (NO) is one of the reactive oxygen species that has been implicated in variety of physiologic cell signaling mechanisms in many tissues and is recognized as a molecule that importantly regulates the biology and physiology of reproductive function.The clinical significance of seminal oxidative stress is suggested by several independent studies indicating a link between peroxidative damage to human spermatozoa and the incidence of male infertility.

Effect of anabolic-androgenic steroids on semen parameters and serum hormonal levels in Iraqi male bodybuilders

This research aims at studying the influence of administration of anabolic androgenic steroids on the male reproductive health. Twenty four male bodybuilders were included in the study. The history of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids administration [AAS group] was recorded for 16 subjects [age =211.6 +/- years], while 8 subjects exercised only without AAS use [age =21.20.8 +/- years] and served as control group. All subjects of AAS group were asked to cease using AAS before being enrolled in the study. A sheet containing a detailed questionnaire was completed for each subject. Subjects of both groups were asked to visit the clinic [subsequent visits] for clinical evaluation of their health together with semen analysis. Blood was collected to determine serum hormonal changes. Semen analysis results indicated that, the use of AAS resulted in the impairment of spermatogenesis. Thus, sperm concentration and total sperm count increased significantly [P <0.05] within both AAS and control groups during the period of cessation, however, these parameters remained significantly low [P<0.05] in AAS group in comparison with the control group. Sperm agglutination increased significantly within AAS group [P<0.05]. Both sperm agglutination and round cells increased significantly [P<0.05] in AAS group as compared with the control group. Likewise gonadotropins: Follicle-Stimulating Hormone [FSH] and Luteinizing Hormone [LH] increased significantly [P<0.05] in AAS group, 12 weeks after the cessation of AAS as compared to baseline. Although prolactin level was within the normal range in AAS group, it was significantly low [P<0.05] in AAS group as compared to the control. These findings collectively indicated that, the use of AAS drugs have an ill effect on the general health of the users in addition to a profound effect on the reproductive functions. This study has also opened the road for further studies in Iraq concerned with the abuse of anabolic steroids which may constitute on the long run a major source of health and social problems

Sperm banking for male cancer patients: social and semen profiles

PURPOSE: Report the characteristics of cryopreserved semen from a cohort of male cancer patients, attitudes towards cryopreservation and outcomes of semen samples based on a 12-year cryopreservation program. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from 98 male cancer patients whose sperm samples were banked were evaluated. Demographic parameters, semen characteristics, destination of sperm banked samples and questionnaires answered by the patients regarding cryopreservation time were evaluated. RESULTS: The cancer diagnoses were testicle (56.1 percent), prostate (15.3 percent), Hodgkin’s lymphomas (9.2 percent), non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas (7.1 percent), leukemia (3.1 percent) and other malignancies (9.2 percent). The patients with testicular cancer presented lower sperm concentration (p < 0.001); however, there were no differences with the percentage of normozoospermic patients among cancer type groups (p = 0.185). A shorter time between cancer diagnosis and sperm banking was observed for testicular and prostate cancer patients (p < 0.001). Most of the patients (89.5 percent) favored sperm banking as a fertility preservation method. CONCLUSIONS: Although less than 20 percent of banked sperm samples were disposed of, the majority of patients related sperm banking with safe for fertility preservation. Our results show that all male cancer patients of reproductive age facing cancer treatment could be offered sperm banking.

Morphological characteristics and haematological studies in Wistar rats subjected to prolonged treatment of chloramphenicol / Características morfológicas y estudios hematológicos en ratas Wistar sometidas a un tratamiento prolongado con cloranfenicol

The morphological characteristics and haematological studies were studied in fifteen male albino rats (Wistar Strain) aged between 12 and 14 weeks and with a body weight of 150- 180g. The rats were allowed to feed on commercially prepared rat pellet and provided with fresh water ad libitum. The rats were divided into three groups; the rats were in groups A, B and C of 5 rats each. Group A served as control of the study; Group B was treated with Chloramphenicol at the dose rate of 25mg/kg body weight per os for 20 days; while Group C was treated for 25 days. Semen used in this study was obtained from the caudal epididymides while morphological aberrations were determined from spermatozoa counted after stained with Wells and Awa stain. Results of the spermiogram showed that the volume was decreasing as the prolonged dosage of chloramphenicol increases. The percentage motility in Group A (89.0 + 2.45 percent), differed significantly (p < 0.05) when compared to Group B (72.0 + 3.74 percent) and Group C (66.0 + 2.45 percent). The same pattern is observed in percentage liveability, morphological aberration and sperm concentration. This indicates that prolonged dosage of chloramphenicol will cause infertility in male animals. It is therefore concluded and recommended that prolonged dosage of chloramphenicol can cause infertility and or sterility. So it should not be used in male animals meant for mature breeding and artificial insemination programme.

Fueron estudiadas las características morfológicas y hematológicas de 15 ratas albinas Wistar, macho, entre 12 y 14 semanas y con un peso corporal de 150 - 180g. Las ratas fueron alimentadas con pellet preparado comercialmente y con agua fresca ad libitum. Las ratas fueron divididas en tres grupos de 5 ejemplares cada uno. El Grupo A sirvió como control; Grupo B fue tratado con cloranfenicol en dosis de 25mg/kg de peso corporal durante 20 días, mientras que el Grupo C recibió este tratamiento durante 25 días. El esperma utilizado en este estudio se obtuvo desde la cauda del epidídimo, donde las aberraciones morfológicas fueron determinadas a partir del conteo de espermatozoides, después de ser teñidos con la tinción de Wells y Awa. Los resultados del espermiograma puso de manifiesto que el volumen fue disminuyendo a medida que la dosis de cloranfenicol aumentaba. El porcentaje de motilidad en el grupo A (89,0 +/- 2,45 por ciento), fue diferente significativamente (p <0,05) en comparación con el Grupo B (72,0 +/- 3,74 por ciento) y Grupo C (66,0 +/- 2,45 por ciento). El mismo patrón se observó en los porcentaje de habitabilidad, aberración morfológica y la concentración de espermatozoides. Esto indica que la prolongación de la dosis de cloranfenicol puede causar infertilidad en los animales machos. Por lo tanto, se concluye y recomienda que una prolongada dosis de cloranfenicol puede causar infertilidad o esterilidad, así que no debe utilizarse en animales machos destinados a la cría y en los programas de inseminación artificial.

Análisis morfométrico de los túbulos testiculares del ratón después de la administración de malation y maca / Morphometric analysis of mice testicular tubules after administration of malathion and maca

Los agropesticidas organofosforados (OF) son ampliamente usados para incrementar la producción alimentaría. Sin embargo, se ha demostrado que inducen alteraciones a nivel testicular, relacionadas con la disminución de la fertilidad tanto en humanos como en animales. Por otra parte, diferentes estudios han sido llevados a cabo para desarrollar compuestos químicos o naturales que puedan inducir un efecto antagónico sobre los OF. En estudios anteriores, un extracto de una planta de los Andes peruanos (Maca) ha sido reconocido por su acción estimulante sobre la espermatogénesis. En el presente trabajo se estudiaron los efectos de ambos agentes externos sobre el testículo. Una población de 52 ratones machos adultos de la cepa CF1 fue dividida al azar en 4 grupos (Control, Malation, Maca, Malation-Maca), con intervalos de sacrificio de 1, 7, 14 y 21 días. Para analizar el grado de alteración inducida por estos agentes, se utilizaron técnicas de histomorfometría con ayuda del programa Image tools 3.1, en secciones testiculares. Nuestros resultados muestran que la altura del epitelio aumentó al día 1 en el grupo tratado con malation, cayendo al día 7 y llegando a valores similares al control, al día 14. Sin embargo, el grupo Malation-Maca no mostró cambios significativos. El lumen tubular, disminuyó al día 7 y 14, para normalizarse al día 21 en el grupo Malation. Sin embargo, en el grupo Malation-Maca el lumen tubular sólo bajó al día 14. El diámetro tubular disminuyó a los días 7 (p < 0.01), 14 y 21 en el grupo Malation, con respecto al control (p< 0.05). Sin embargo, el grupo Malation-Maca mostró valores normales. En conclusión, es posible establecer que el daño inducido por Malation es revertido al día 21 post administración de maca.

Organophosphoric (OP) agropesticidas are amply used to increase food production. However, it has been verified that they induce alterations at testicular level related to the diminution of fertility in humans as in animals. On the other hand, different studies have been made to develop chemical or natural compounds that can induce an antagonistic effect to OP. In previous studies an extract from a plant, from the Peruvian Andes (Maca) has been recognized by its stimulating action on spermatogenesis. In the present study the effects of both external agents were evaluated on testicular sections of testis of adult male mice on a population of 52 mice CF1, divided at random in 4 groups (Control, Malathion, Maca, Malathion-Maca), with sacrifice intervals of 1,7, 14 and 21 days. By means of morphometric technique and using the "Image Tools 3,1" software, the histology of testicular sections was evaluated, to analyze the degree of alteration induced by these agents. The epithelial height mainly has a rise in day 1, for Malathion group and then fall to day 7 to be normal by day 14. However, Malathion-Maca groups show no changes. The tubular lumen decreases at day 7 and day 14 to be normal by day 21 in Malathion group. However, in Malathion - Maca group, the tubular lumen decreases only at 14 days. The tubular diameter, at day 7 (p<0.01), 14 and 21 in Malathion group decreases respect to control (p<0.05), However, Malathion-Maca groups show normal values. In conclusion, it is possible to establish that the damage induced by Malathion is reverted by 21 days post-administration of Maca.

Long-term effect of exposure to mustard gas on male infertility

Sulfur mustard is a noxious chemical and a carcinogen that causes acute and chronic injuries with both local and systemic effects. This study was conducted to investigate the long-term effect of sulfur mustard [mustard gas] on male infertility in couples, in whom the husbands were highly suspected of being exposed to mustard gas. A total of 91 couples, in whom men, highly suspicious of being exposed to mustard gas during the Iran-Iraq war, were fully examined by an urologist and a gynecologist, and urged to provide semen for three standard sperm analyses. Of 91 couples, 40 were infertile 10 years after given that the frequency is approximately 10-12% in normal population. In addition, thorough examination of the wives by a Gynecologist showed that of the foregoing 40 infertile couples, 8 [20%] of women suffered from infertility problems. The infertility of the remaining 32 [80%] was due to male factors as compared with 40-50% in the normal population. The results of the present research demonstrated that in the population under study, male factors had greater impact on infertility. The exposure of males to mustard gas played a distinct role in long term infertility

Infertilidade masculina causada por medicamentos / Male infertility induced by drugs

A infertilidade masculina induzida por medicamentos pode ser uma consequência indesejada de um tratamento clínico e, também, do uso de suplementos dietéticos ou de drogas ilícitas. Casos como esses podem ser minimizados quando o clínico tem conhecimento, ao receitar algum medicamento, das possíveis alterações na fertilidade de seus pacientes. Diante disso, uma história clínica completa, incluindo um interrogatório minucioso quanto ao uso de medicações e suplementos deve ser realizada nesses pacientes.

Finasteride-associated male infertility

A finasterida é um potente e específico inibidor da enzima 5a-redutase em homens. Estudos clínicos demonstraram que finasterida 1mg/dia diminui a progressão da queda e aumenta o crescimento do cabelo em homens que sofrem de queda de cabelo hereditária. Por sua influência no metabolismo dos andrógenos existe uma preocupação a respeito do seu uso, principalmente em pacientes em idade fértil. Neste trabalho são descritos 3 casos de pacientes jovens, que apresentaram piora do espermograma durante o uso continuado de finasterida 1mg revertida após a suspensão do mesmo. Dois deles tinham varicocele unilateral e o terceiro era obeso. Aparentemente o tratamento com finasterida promoveu alteração significativa na qualidade seminal. Pode-se especular que talvez a finasterida por si só não traga alteração para a espermatogênese como reportado por Overstreet et al. (1999), mas que em pacientes de risco com possíveis causas de infertilidade associadas, possa ocorrer a amplificação da influência deletéria da finasterida. Estudos futuros devem ser realizados para esclarecer a influência da finasterida nestes pacientes.

Vasectomía con esterilización temprana mediante nonoxinol intraductal / Vasectomy with early sterilization by means of intraductal nonoxinol injection

Se realizó un estudio prospectivo y comparativo de 36 pacientes que fueron sometidos a vasectomía. Se dividieron en dos grupos: grupo testigo A, 20 pacientes , y grupo de estudio B, 16 pacientes. El promedio de edad fue de 33.9 y 36.5 años, respectivamente. A todos los pacientes se les realizó espermatobioscopia basal, cuyo resultado se encontró dentro de límites normales. A los pacientes del grupo B se les aplicó nonoxinol intraductal durante la intervención con la finalidad de reducir el tiempo de fertilidad en el periodo postoperatorio. A todos los pacientes se les efectuó espermatobioscopia de control a la semana de la operación; los resultados obtenidos muestran, en el grupo A, persistencia del potencial de fertilidad, y en el grupo B, ocho pacientes con necrospermia total y, de los ocho restantes, 5 con inmovilidad de 100 por ciento y tres con oligospermia y astenospermia graves, lo que señala un potencial fértil nulo. LOs efectos colaterales consistieron en sensación de micción inmediata tras la aplicación del fármaco, dolor suprapúbico y datos de cistitis aguda, todos ellos transitorios. Se concluye que el uso del nonoxinol intraductal durante la vasectomía garantiza la esterilidad temprana

Effect of gossypol on pituitary reproductive axis: ultrastructural and biochemical studies.

Oral administration of gossypol induced sterility in male rats by 10 weeks, at a dose of 15 mg/kg body weight/day. The pituitary FSH gonadotroph cells showed dilated endoplasmic reticulum and accumulation of secretory granules in the cytoplasm. LH cells were degranulated. The Leydig cells showed enhanced synthetic activity. There was no change in testis weight and testicular RNA, lipids and cholesterol in the treated group while significant increase was observed in DNA content. Testicular sialic acid content decreased significantly over controls. The Sertoli cells, spermatogonia, spermatocytes and early spermatids were not affected after the treatment. The weights of prostate, seminal vesicle were recorded normal and there were no ultrastructural variations. The levels of acid and alkaline phosphatase and RNA in prostatic tissue were insignificant as compared with controls. However, DNA content of prostate gland showed a significant increase. Sialic acid of seminal vesicle + coagulating gland were within the control range. A marked reduction in fructose values from the same organ was noted.

Gossipol: mecanismo de açäo sobre o sistema reprodutor masculino / Gossypol: mechanism of action on the male reproductive system

Procedeu-se a uma revisäo bibliográfica sobre o efeito do gossipol no sistema reprodutor masculino, analisando-se células da linhagem espermatogênica, espermatozóide, células de Leydig, células de Sertoli, sistema de condutos, glândulas acessórias e eixo hipotálamo-hipofisário. Em conclusäo, quanto ao efeito do gossipol: 1) Sobre as células da linhagem espermatogênica - as espermatogônias seriam pouco ou näo afetadas pelo gossipol; os espermatócitos teriam o processo de citocinese inibido; as espermátides sofreriam alteraçöes morfológicas diversas. Quanto ao espermatozóide, parece ser a célula-alvo do gossipol. Os efeitos observados referem-se à inibiçäo da motilidade e da capacidade de fertilizaçäo. Ambas as alteraçöes estäo relacionadas a modificaçöes morfológicas e enzimáticas, notando-se, entre as últimas, a inibiçäo da LDH-X e da acrosina; 2) Os efeitos sobre a célula de Leydig e de Sertoli säo controversos; 3) Estudos realizados sobre o efeito no epidídimo näo foram conclusivos; o mesmo quanto a ducto deferente e glândulas sexuais acessórias; 4) Com relaçäo ao hipotálamo, as duas referências bibliográficas encontradas referem-se a alteraçöes morfológicas de neurônios do núcleo paraventricular; 5) Näo foram encontrados resultados conclusivos quanto à hipófise e gonadotrofinas hipofisárias