Circadian effects of ionizing radiation on reproductive function and clock genes expression in male mouse

BACKGROUND@#Exposure to the ionizing radiation (IR) encountered outside the magnetic field of the Earth poses a persistent threat to the reproductive functions of astronauts. The potential effects of space IR on the circadian rhythms of male reproductive functions have not been well characterized so far.@*METHODS@#Here, we investigated the circadian effects of IR exposure (3 Gy X-rays) on reproductive functional markers in mouse testicular tissue and epididymis at regular intervals over a 24-h day. For each animal, epididymis was tested for sperm motility, and the testis tissue was used for daily sperm production (DSP), testosterone levels, and activities of testicular enzymes (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), and acid phosphatase (ACP)), and the clock genes mRNA expression such as Clock, Bmal1, Ror-α, Ror-β, or Ror-γ.@*RESULTS@#Mice exposed to IR exhibited a disruption in circadian rhythms of reproductive markers, as indicated by decreased sperm motility, increased daily sperm production (DSP), and reduced activities of testis enzymes such as G6PDH, SDH, LDH, and ACP. Moreover, IR exposure also decreased mRNA expression of five clock genes (Clock, Bmal1, Ror-α, Ror-β, or Ror-γ) in testis, with alteration in the rhythm parameters.@*CONCLUSION@#These findings suggested potential health effects of IR exposure on reproductive functions of male astronauts, in terms of both the daily overall level as well as the circadian rhythmicity.

Potential radioprotective effect of AT1 receptor antagonists against morphological and ultrastructural changes in the testes induced by ionizing radiation / Potencial efecto radioprotector de antagonistas del receptor AT1 contra los daños morfológicos y ultraestructurales en los testículos inducido por la radiación ionizante

Radiotherapy is a source of human exposure to ionizing radiation. This pure energy causes deleterious effects on tissues, which result from oxidative stress, a phenomenon in which there is the participation of the Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS). The male genital organs are extremely radiosensitive and the action of radiation in the testes can significantly affect spermatogenesis. In search of potential radioprotective for male genital system, this study investigated whether the AT1 receptor antagonists minimize radiation-induced damage to reproductive tissues, by decreasing oxidative stress. Male Wistar rats were divided into six groups: 0 Gray (Gy) (control), 5 Gy (single dose in the scrotal area), telmisartan, losartan, 5Gy+telmisartan and 5Gy+losartan. The treatment started the day after irradiation with losartan 34 mg/kg (two times/day) and telmisartan 12 mg/kg (one time/day) during 60 days. For ultrastructural analysis, the testis fragments were fixed in 2 % glutaraldehyde and 4 % paraformaldehyde in 0.1 M phosphate buffer, pH 7.3. The material was postfixed for 2 h in 1 % osmium tetroxide. For collagen evaluation, the sections were stained with Picrosirius-red method. Serum testosterone was determined. The date showed the deleterious effects of gamma radiation on testicular ultrastructure. Rich accumulation of collagen fibers in the interstitium was observed in the irradiated groups, especially the irradiated and nontreated testes. No significant difference was detected in serum testosterone concentration among the studied experimental groups. Treatments with telmisartan and losartan influenced the onset of attenuation on ultrastructural damages arising from ionizing radiation. Although the data strongly suggest that AT1 receptor antagonists may promote radioprotection to the testes, further studies with a longer duration of treatment are required for these potentially positive effects to be maximized and, therefore, to better characterize radioprotection to reproductive parameters.

El tratamiento radioterápico es una fuente de exposición del ser humano a la radiación ionizante. Esta energía pura causa efectos deletéreos en los tejidos, debido al estrés oxidativo, fenómeno donde hay participación del Sistema Renina-Angiotensina. Los órganos genitales masculinos son extremadamente radiosensibles y la acción de la radiación en los testículos puede afectar significativamente la espermatogénesis. En la búsqueda de potenciales radioprotectores, este estudio ha investigado fármacos antagonistas del receptor AT1 que minimizan los daños radioinduzidos en los tejidos reproductivos, por medio de la disminución del estrés oxidativo. Ratones Wistar machos fueron distribuidos en seis grupos: grupo 0 Gray (Gy) (control), grupo 5 Gy (dosis única en el área escrotal), grupo telmisartán, grupo losartán, grupo 5Gy+telmisartán y grupo 5Gy+losartán. El tratamiento empezó en el día siguiente a la irradiación con losartán 34 mg/kg (2x/día) y telmisartán 12 mg/kg (1x/día), durante 60 días. Para el análisis ultraestructural, los testículos se fijaron en glutaraldehido (2 %) y paraformaldehido (4 %) con tampón de fosfato 0,1 M, pH 7,3. El material fue post-fijado en tetróxido de osmio (1 %). Para evaluar el colágeno fue utilizado el método Picrosirius Red. Fue determinada la concentración sérica de testosterona. Los datos mostraron los efectos deletéreos de los rayos gamma sobre la ultraestructura testicular. Fue observada una rica deposición de colágeno en el intersticio en los grupos irradiados, especialmente en el irradiado y no tratado. Entre los grupos, no se detectó ninguna diferencia significativa en la concentración sérica de testosterona. Los tratamientos con telmisartán y losartán influenciaron el comienzo de la atenuación de los cambios en la ultraestructura testicular de la radiación. A pesar de que los datos sugieren que los antagonistas del receptor AT1 pueden promover radioprotección a los testículos, estudios complementarios con una duración de tratamiento más extendida son necesarios para que los efectos potencialmente positivos sean maximizados y, por supuesto, puedan mejorar la caracterizacion de la radioprotección a los parámetros reproductivos.

Effect of electromagnetic irradiation produced by 3G mobile phone on male rat reproductive system in a simulated scenario.

Reports of declining male fertility have renewed interest in assessing the role of electromagnetic fields (EMFs). Testicular function is particularly susceptible to the radiation emitted by EMFs. Significant decrease in sperm count, increase in the lipid peroxidation damage in sperm cells, reduction in seminiferous tubules and testicular weight and DNA damage were observed following exposure to EMF in male albino rats. The results suggest that mobile phone exposure adversely affects male fertility.

Light wavelength dependent circadian and seasonal responses in blackheaded bunting.

Animals in the wild are exposed to daily variations in sun light, viz. duration, intensity and spectrum. Photosensitive blackheaded buntings (Emberiza melanocephala) were exposed to photoperiods differing in the length of light period, wavelengths and intensity. The effects of such light changes were measured on locomotor activity rhythm as well as seasonal responses like development of migratory restlessness: Zugunruhe, body mass and gonadal growth. The results show that the buntings are differentially responsive to light wavelengths and intensities and are indicative of a phase-dependent action of light on the circadian photoperiodic system. These birds seem to use changes in the light variables of the solar environment to regulate their circadian and seasonal responses.

Preparation of infertile male rabbits by local electron beam irradiation for intratesticular transplantation of autologous bone marrow stem cells

PURPOSE: To explore an efficient and safe protocol for the preparation of infertile male rabbits from which bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) could be isolated and cultured. METHODS: Autologous BMSCs could be used for intratesticular transplantation and male infertility research. For this model, various doses (e.g., 6, 8, 10, or 12 Gy) of electron beam irradiation from a linear accelerator were locally applied to the scrotum of 5-month-old male New Zealand white rabbits. The effects of irradiation were compared between treatment groups, and with age-matched normal controls. Both morphology and hollow ratios of seminiferous tubules (HRST) were examined two, four, six, eight and 12-weeks post-irradiation. RESULTS: The seminiferous epithelium showed varying degrees of damage in all treatment groups compared with unirradiated controls, yet Sertoli and Leydig cells appeared unaffected. A dose-dependent response in spermatogenesis was also observed. BMSCs that were isolated and cultured from rabbits of the normal control group and the 12 Gy treatment group were compared with respect to morphology and growth. Starting at 6 weeks, HRST of the 12 Gy-treatment group were stable, and were the highest among all the groups. BMSCs from rabbits treated with 12 Gy also exhibited similar growth as the control group. CONCLUSION: Local dose of 12 Gy to the testes of 5-month-old male New Zealand rabbits is a protocol with which to obtain autologous bone marrow stem cells.

Rat testicular impairment induced by electromagnetic radiation from a conventional cellular telephone and the protective effects of the antioxidants vitamins C and E

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the possible effects of electromagnetic radiation from conventional cellular phone use on the oxidant and antioxidant status in rat blood and testicular tissue and determine the possible protective role of vitamins C and E in preventing the detrimental effects of electromagnetic radiation on the testes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The treatment groups were exposed to an electromagnetic field, electromagnetic field plus vitamin C (40 mg/kg/day) or electromagnetic field plus vitamin E (2.7 mg/kg/day). All groups were exposed to the same electromagnetic frequency for 15, 30, and 60 min daily for two weeks. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in the diameter of the seminiferous tubules with a disorganized seminiferous tubule sperm cycle interruption in the electromagnetism-exposed group. The serum and testicular tissue conjugated diene, lipid hydroperoxide, and catalase activities increased 3-fold, whereas the total serum and testicular tissue glutathione and glutathione peroxidase levels decreased 3-5 fold in the electromagnetism-exposed animals. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that the adverse effect of the generated electromagnetic frequency had a negative impact on testicular architecture and enzymatic activity. This finding also indicated the possible role of vitamins C and E in mitigating the oxidative stress imposed on the testes and restoring normality to the testes.

Autologous transplantation of adult mice spermatogonial stem cells into gamma irradiated testes

We evaluated structural and functional changes of fresh and frozen-thawed adult mouse spermatogonial stem cells following auto-transplantation into gamma-irra-diated testes. In this experimental research, the right testes from adult mice [n=25] were collected, then Sertoli and spermatogonial cells were isolated using two-step enzymatic digestion, lectin immobilization and differential plating. Three weeks after cultivation, the Bromodeoxyuridine [BrdU]-labeled spermatogonial cells were transplanted, via rete testis, into the other testis of the same mouse, which had been irradiated with 14Gy. The mice were transplanted with: fresh cells [control 1], fresh cells co-cultured with Sertoli cells [control 2], the frozen-thawed cells [experimental 1] and frozen-thawed cells co-cultured with Sertoli cells [experimental 2]. The morphological changes between different transplanted testes groups were compared in 8 weeks after transplantation. The statistical significance between mean values was determined by Kruskal Wallis and one-way analysis of variance in efficiency of transplantation. The statistical analysis revealed significant increases in the mean percentage of testis weight and normal seminiferous tubules following spermatogonial stem cells transplantation in the recipient's testes. The normal seminiferous tubules percentage in the co-culture system with fresh cells and frozen-thawed groups were more than those in non-transplanted and fresh cell transplanted groups [p

Cell phones and male infertility: a review of recent innovations in technology and consequences

Cell phones have become a vital part of everyday life. However, the health risks associated with their usage are often overlooked. Recently, evidence from several studies supports a growing claim that cell phone usage may have a detrimental effect on sperm parameters leading to decreased male fertility. Nonetheless, other studies showed no conclusive link between male infertility and cell phone usage. The ambiguity of such results is attributed to the lack of a centralized assay for measuring inflicted damage caused by cell phones. Study design, ethics, and reproducibility are all aspects which must be standardized before any conclusions can be made.

The therapeutic effect of a pulsed electromagnetic field on the reproductive patterns of male Wistar rats exposed to a 2.45-GHz microwave field

INTRODUCTION: Environmental exposure to man-made electromagnetic fields has been steadily increasing with the growing demand for electronic items that are operational at various frequencies. Testicular function is particularly susceptible to radiation emitted by electromagnetic fields. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the therapeutic effects of a pulsed electromagnetic field (100 Hz) on the reproductive systems of male Wistar rats (70 days old). METHODS: The experiments were divided into five groups: microwave sham, microwave exposure (2.45 GHz), pulsed electromagnetic field sham, pulsed electromagnetic field (100 Hz) exposure, and microwave/pulsed electromagnetic field exposure. The animals were exposed for 2 hours/day for 60 days. After exposure, the animals were sacrificed, their sperm was used for creatine and caspase assays, and their serum was used for melatonin and testosterone assays. RESULTS: The results showed significant increases in caspase and creatine kinase and significant decreases in testosterone and melatonin in the exposed groups. This finding emphasizes that reactive oxygen species (a potential inducer of cancer) are the primary cause of DNA damage. However, pulsed electromagnetic field exposure relieves the effect of microwave exposure by inducing Faraday currents. CONCLUSIONS: Electromagnetic fields are recognized as hazards that affect testicular function by generating reactive oxygen species and reduce the bioavailability of androgen to maturing spermatozoa. Thus, microwave exposure adversely affects male fertility, whereas pulsed electromagnetic field therapy is a non-invasive, simple technique that can be used as a scavenger agent to combat oxidative stress.

Hypospermatogenesis and spermatozoa maturation arrest in rats induced by mobile phone radiation

To determine the morphological changes induced by mobile phone radiation in the testis of Wistar albino rats. Cohort study. Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from April 2007 to June 2008. Forty male Wistar albino rats were divided in three groups. First group of eight served as the control. The second group [group B, n=16] was exposed to mobile phone radiation for 30 minutes/ day and the third group [group C, n=16] was exposed to mobile phone radiation for 60 minutes/day for a total period of 3 months. Morphological changes in the testes induced by mobile phone radiation for 60 minutes/day caused 18.75% hypospermatogenesis and 18.75% maturation arrest in the testis of albino rats compared to matched controls. However, no abnormal findings were observed in albino rats that were exposed to mobile phone radiation for 30 minutes/day for a total period of 3 months. Long-term exposure to mobile phone radiation can cause hypospermatogenesis and maturation arrest in the spermatozoa in the testis of Wistar albino rats

Effect of melatonin and time of administration on irradiation-induced damage to rat testes

The effect of ionizing irradiation on testes and the protective effects of melatonin were investigated by immunohistochemical and electron microscopic methods. Eighty-two adult male Wistar rats were divided into 10 groups. The rats in the irradiated groups were exposed to a sublethal irradiation dose of 8 Gy, either to the total body or abdominopelvic region using a 60Co source at a focus of 80 cm away from the skin in the morning or evening together with vehicle (20% ethanol) or melatonin administered 24 h before (10 mg/kg), immediately before (20 mg/kg) and 24 h after irradiation (10 mg/kg), all ip. Caspace-3 immunoreactivity was increased in the irradiated group compared to control (P < 0.05). Melatonin-treated groups showed less apoptosis as indicated by a considerable decrease in caspace-3 immunoreactivity (P < 0.05). Electron microscopic examination showed that all spermatogenic cells, especially primary spermatocytes, displayed prominent degeneration in the groups submitted to total body and abdominopelvic irradiation. However, melatonin administration considerably inhibited these degenerative changes, especially in rats who received abdominopelvic irradiation. Total body and abdominopelvic irradiation induced identical apoptosis and testicular damage. Chronobiological assessment revealed that biologic rhythm does not alter the inductive effect of irradiation. These data indicate that melatonin protects against total body and abdominopelvic irradiation. Melatonin was more effective in the evening abdominopelvic irradiation and melatonin-treated group than in the total body irradiation and melatonin-treated group.

[Testes doses and sex hormone changes using different radiotherapy machines to treat rectal cancer]

Complications of pelvic irradiation have gained more attention because of increased survival of patients. CO-60 Teletherapy has wide penumbra in comparison with linear accelerator that can cause testes irradiation during radiotherapy in vicinity of lower border of pelvic portal when treated for rectal cancer. In this study we compared testicular doses of testes when pelvis is irradiated for rectal cancer and its effect on sex hormone levels. In a cohort study, rectal cancer patients treated by pelvic irradiation concomitant with chemotherapy in two group. A group treated by Co-60 Teletherapy and another group by Linear Accelerator [LINAC]. Sex hormones serum levels were measured immediately before and 3 to 6 weeks after finishing irradiation. Testicular doses were measured by TLD [LiF], 3 times during whole course of irradiation in 5 patients of each group. T test and Mann-Whitney were used to compare data. 28 patients entered in study but 2 patients died early in course of radiotherapy [1 in each group], and one patient excluded because testes was inside of treatment portals. Patients and disease characteristics were similar between groups. Testes doses in patients treated by LINAC [55 +/- 24.7 mGy] was significantly lower than Co-60 [120 +/- 23 mGy] [p <0.001]. FSH and LH serumic level increased after irradiation in both groups and there is not a relation between FSH and LH levels with treatment machine [p<0.2] for LINAC and p<0.6 for Co-60. Decrease in serumic levels of testosterone was significant in patients treated by CO-60 [p<0.05], but was not significant in LINAC group [p<0.3]. It seems using LINAC in treating patient with rectal cancer can decrease testes doses but can not prevent hormonal changes. We suggest extra shield to decrease testes doses below the toxic dose

Testicular morphology; effects of mobile phone induced electromagnetic fields on mice testes

To study the effects of mobile phone induced Electromagnetic fields [EMFs] on testis of young mice. Department of Anatomy, College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan, Regional Center, Islamabad. January to June, 2008. Experimental animal study. This study was conducted on two groups of young BALB-c [6 weeks of age] purchased from National Institute of Health Islamabad. These animals were divided into two groups control and treated, each consisting of twenty animals. The treated group was exposed for one month to mobile phone induced EMFs by placing a mobile phone in the floor of the cage. This phone was rung upon from any other line or cell phone twice daily for 15 minutes. The control group was kept under identical conditions except for mobile phone on the cage floor. Histological comparison of testis of the both group animals showed a significant increase, in the number of tubules with sperms in the lumen, increased sub capsular congestion of vessels, presence of vacuolation and giant cells in germinal epithelium and abnormal cells in the lumen of seminiferous tubules of the treated group. The results indicate altered testicular morphology of the EMFs exposed mice

[Effect of radiation leakage of microwave oven on rat's serum testosterone]

Since discovery of high frequency waves and their application in different industries, their adverse biological effects have been of great attention. Increased male fertility problems have suggested the possible role of microwaves in producing this disorder. Testes are active body tissues, which can be affected by these waves. Age of the patients at the time of the exposure can have important influence on the effect of these waves. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of radiation leakage of microwave oven on rat serum testosterone at pre and post pubertal stages. In this study we used 18 mature [two months old] and 18 immature [one months old] rats. Mature and immature rats each were divided into control and experimental groups. Experimental groups were exposed to 2450 MHZ microwaves produced by a microwave oven, three times a day, each time for 30 minutes and control groups were kept in the laboratory under identical conditions in view of temperature and light. At the end of experiment blood was collected via heart puncture and serum testosterone was measured by RIA method. Collected data were analyzed by means of t-test. The result of this study showed that the level of serum testosterone in experimental group was less than that of control group in immature rats [P>0.05]. But in the mature rats, the serum testosterone level of experimental group was less than that of control group significantly [P<0.05]. Exposure to microwaves leakage of microwave oven resulted in decreased testosterone production by testes in mature rats which may be due to the direct effect of microwave on leydig cells or its indirect effect on pituitary and hypothalamus

protective role of septum against gamma radiation-induced testicular toxicity in rats

This study deals with evaluation of the histological and some histochemical alterations in rat testes induced by whole body gamma irradiation as well as evaluation of the protective effect of septilin [a herbal preparation] against these effects. The obtained results indicated that doses of [3 Gy and 6 Gy] gamma radiation have testicular toxic effects in rats. The histological lesions observed in the testes varied between vacuolation, swelling, pyknosis and even necrosis in some spermatogenic cells as well as significant depletion in the number of spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes, secondary spermatocytes and spermatids. The histochemical observations revealed diminution in the polysaccharides content and increase in the collagen fibres in the testis of irradiated animals. These effects were mostly perceptive with the high dose of the radiation than with the lower one. Treatment with septilin [a herbal preparation] for one week followed by gamma radiation proved that septilin has a protective effect against gamma radiation-induced toxic effects in the testes of rats; where most of the histological and histochemical changes observed due to irradiation were minimized to a large extent; however there was no complete protection. Thus, this study concluded that gamma-irradiation exerts toxic effects in the testes of rats and pre-treatment with septilin inhibits these toxic effects, which in turn advocate using such herbal extract as a radioprotector

Biological and morphological effects on the reproductive organ of rats after exposure to electromagnetic field

The biological effect of electromagnetic field [EMF] emitted from mobile phones is a current debate and still a controversial issue. Therefore, little is known on the possible adverse effects on reproduction as mobile phone bio-effects are only a very recent concern. The aim of this experimental study was to determine the biological and morphological effects of 900 MHz radiofrequency [RF] EMF on rat testes. The study was performed in the Physiology and Histology Research Laboratories of Suleyman Demirel University, Faculty of Medicine, Isparta, Turkey in May 2004. Twenty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 270 - 320 gm were randomized into 2 groups of 10 animals: Group I [control group] was not exposed to EMF and Group II [EMF group] was exposed to 30 minutes per day, 5 days a week for 4 weeks to 900 MHz EMF. Testes tissues were submitted for histologic and morphologic examination. Testicular biopsy score count and the percentage of interstitial tissue to the entire testicular tissue were registered. Serum testosterone, plasma luteinizing hormone [LH] and follicle stimulating hormone [FSH] levels were assayed biochemically. The weight of testes, testicular biopsy score count and the percentage of interstitial tissue to the entire testicular tissue were not significantly different in EMF group compared to the control group. However, the diameter of the seminiferous tubules and the mean height of the germinal epithelium were significantly decreased in EMF group [p<0.05]. There was a significant decrease in serum total testosterone level in EMF group [p<0.05]. Therefore, there was an insignificant decrease in plasma LH and FSH levels in EMF group compared to the control group [p>0.05]. The biological and morphological effects resulting from 900 MHz RF EMF exposure lends no support to suggestions of adverse effect on spermatogenesis, and on germinal epithelium. Therefore, testicular morphologic alterations may possibly be due to hormonal changes

Effects of neonatal exposure of male rats to transient hypothyroidism, hemicastration or acute testicular irradiation on spermatogenesis at puberty

The aim of the study was to establish the profile of inhibit B in normal and in experimentally manipulated sertoli and germ cells by transient neonatal hypothyroidism [TNH], hemicastration and acute irradiation in prepubertal and pubertal rats. Material and After birth, pups were divided by sex and male pups were retained. For neonates designated as controls [group I] [10 rats]: mothers and litters remained untreated, received food and water adlibitum then pups of 21 days old were sham operated. Group II [Hypothyroid group]: neonates were made hypothyroid by the addition of 0.1% [wt/vol] propylthiouracil [PTU] to the mothers water immediately after birth from day 1 to day 21. Group III [hemicastrated group] [10 rats]: neonatal hemicastration was done on day 21. Group IV [irradiated group] [10 rats]: 21 day old rats were exposed to a low dose of 3 Grays of gamma ray. Serum was collected at prepuberty [4th week] and puberty [12th week] for estimation of inhibin B, follicle stimulating hormone [FSH] and testosterone levels.Semen analysis was done for pubertal rats. Inhibin B levels significantly declined at all groups II, III and IV compared to control rats aged 4 weeks. While in rats aged 12 weeks, significant increase at inhibin B level was observed at group II, while significantly declined at both groups III and IV. Comparing inhibin B levels at both age groups, there was significant decline in both control and hemicastrated rats with advancing age. While insignificant change was observed at both hypothyroid and irradiated groups. Prepubertal inhibin B level in control group correlated positively with its pubertal level, testosterone, sperm quality and pubertal testicular weight. It was negatively correlated with FSH both prepubutaly and at puberty. The study confirms the role that inhibin plays in the regulation of FSH secretion. Measurement of inhibin B prepubertally may give clinical clues about developmental deficiencies in the gonads that otherwise only become apparent around puberty or later in life

Effect of acute exposure of microwave radiation on some liver and testicular functions of male albino rats: protective role of propolis and zinc therapy

This present study was conducted to investigate some adverse effects due to microwave exposure as well as investigating the possible effects of acute exposure to radiation on liver and testicular tissues, antioxidant enzymes as superoxide dismutase and toxic free radical lipid peroxide that results from stress oxidative tissue damage as well as the effect of microwaves on some trace elements that act as metalloenzyme as zinc and copper. In this work, four groups of adult male albino rats were used. The first act as a control group, the second group was exposed to microwaves radiation 3 hr/day for seven days consecutively at a dose of 170mw/cm2.sec. and frequency of 2.06 GHz [acute exposure]. The third group was exposed to microwave radiations like the second group in addition to concomitant administration to propolis [10mg/kg b. wt. oral for 7 days] and the fourth group was exposed to microwave radiation like the second group in addition to concomitant administration to oral zinc sulphate [3.14 mg/kg b. wt. oral for 7 days]. After the last exposure, rats were treated with pentobarbital sodium and blood samples were taken by heart puncture for determination of alkaline phosphatase [ALP], alanine aminotransferase [ALT], testosterone and follicle stimulating hormone [FSH]. After blood collection, the animals were decapitated by cervical dislocation, testes and liver were histopathologically observed. Oxidative stress was examined by determination of lipid peroxidation [MDA] and measurement of Cu/Zn ratio

Effect of oestrogen as a radiooprotective agent on testosterone level and histological changes of testis in irradiated rats

Two hundred and forty adult male albino rats were used and divided into 8 equal groups. Group I was used as a control, group II was exposed to gamma radiation at a dose rate six Gy, group III was intramuscularly injected with a single dose of estrogen [0.166 mg/100 g b.w.], group IV was injected with fractionated dose of estrogen [0.09 mg/100 g b.w] daily for seven days, group V and VI were injected with the same single and fractionated doses 10 and 5 days preirradiation respectively, group VII and VIII were injected with the same single and fractionated doses 7 and 5 days post-irradiation respectively. From the results, it was concluded that pre-irradiation injection of single or fractionated doses of estrogen could result in the best effect on the serum testosterone level and the histological changes of testis in the irradiated rat

Stage I and II seminoma of the testa, KFSH experience

The registry of the radiotherapy department of the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center [KFSH] reported 60 patients of stages I and II seminoma of the testis. The age of the patients ranged 19-78 years with a median of 37 years. 40 patients presented in stage I and 20 in stage II. The 5-year actuarial disease free survival for stage I patients was 100% compared with 50% for stage II patients. Different prognostic parameters were studied including the treatment modality, elevated HCG level, cryptorchidism and the substage of the disease. All the studied prognostic factors did not seem to influence the survival rate except the treatment modality. Stage II group included one patient with stage IIa, 7 with stage IIb and 12 with stage IIc. There was no difference in survival between stage IIa + IIb and stage IIc. 10 patients in stage II were treated with radiation therapy alone and 10 received chemotherapy as well. The 5-year actuarial disease free survival for the radiation alone group was 21% compared with 100% for the chemoradiotherapy group