Caffeic acid abrogates amyloidosis, hypospermatogenesis and cell membrane alterations in the testes and epididymis of fructose-diabetic rats by upregulating steroidogenesis, PCNA and Nrf2 expression.

The fructose-streptozotocin (FRU-STZ) diabetic model has been presented as a viable model of type2 diabetes but its impact on the testes and epididymis of Wistar rats is yet to be investigated. In this study, we probed the role of caffeic acid, a potent antioxidant, in FRU-STZ diabetic rats. Twenty normoglycemic rats were randomly divided into four groups of five rats each: Control, Fructose-Streptozotocin (FRU+STZ), Fructose-Streptozotocin + Caffeic Acid (FRU+STZ+CA), and Caffeic Acid (CA). Diabetes was induced by the administration of 10 % fructose solution ad libitum for 2 weeks followed by a single intraperitoneal injection of 50 mg/kg bwt of streptozotocin. Treatment with CA (50 mg/kg bwt) lasted for two weeks. Results showed that FRU-STZ diabetes was able to induce amyloidosis and histopathological deficits in the testis and epididymis characteristic of cytotoxic agents. Poor PCNA immunoreactivity, reactive Nrf2 expression, and defective steroidogenesis were also observed in the diabetic group. FRU-STZ diabetes was also associated with significantly increased Na+-K+ ATPase activity in both testes and epididymis. Treatment with caffeic acid was able to restore steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis in the diabetic rats to levels comparable to the control; histological features and Na+-K+ ATPase activity were also reduced in the CA-treated group. Generally, normal rats treated with caffeic acid did not evince any deleterious effects. Our study demonstrates that CA exerts a protective role in FRU-STZ diabetes.

Therapeutic effects of aqueous extract of bioactive active component of Ageratum conyzoides on the ovarian-uterine and hypophysis-gonadal axis in rat with polycystic ovary syndrome: Histomorphometric evaluation and biochemical assessment.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder, affecting women of reproductive age. Ageratum conyzoïdes (AGC) is used traditionally in the treatment of fever, rheumatism, and ulcer. This study investigates the effects of AGC on ovarian-uterine in PCOS rats. Methods: Female rats were randomized into four groups (n = 6). Group A control received 2 ml distilled water. Group B received a single dose of 4 mg/kg body weight (bwt) i.p estradiol valerate (EV). Group C received 500 mg/kg bwt AGC and group D received a single dose of 4 mg/kg bwt i.p EV followed by 500 mg/kg bwt AGC orally for 30 days. Parameters tested include follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-18 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)- α, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), total protein (TP), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), and ovary and uterus histomorphometric. Results: Ageratum conyzoides decrease insulin resistance, obesity indices, TC, TG, LDL, MDA, T, LH, FSH, CRP, IL-6, IL-18, and TNF- α in PCOS rats. And increase HDL, E2, P, TP, CAT, and SOD in PCOS rats. AGC improved ovary and uterus histo-architecture, tertiary, and Graafian follicles, corpus luteum and endometrial thickness increased,and cystic and atretic follicles decreased. Conclusion: Ageratum conyzoides improved insulin sensitivity, antioxidant activities, hormonal imbalance, inflammatory makers, and histological changes in PCOS rats. Therefore AGC can be used as a potential adjuvant agent in the treatment of PCOS.

Long-term exposure to cimetidine induced gonado-toxicity in male rats: Modulating role of Ocimum gratissimum.

BACKGROUND: Available evidence suggests that cimetidine is a reproductive toxicant that induces sexual and testicular dysfunction. Ocimum gratissimum (OG) is globally consumed for medicinal and nutritional purposes. To determine the modulating role of aqueous leaf extract of Ocimum gratissimum on cimetidine-induced gonado-toxicity, sexually mature male rats were randomized into four groups of six (n=6) rats each. Group A: control given 2ml distilled water. Group B received 500mg/kg body weight (bwt) of OG extract, Group C received 50mg/kg bwt cimetidine, and group D received 50mg/kg bwt of cimetidine+500mg/kg bwt OG extract once daily for 8 weeks via gastric gavage. Parameters tested include sperm parameters, testosterone (TT), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and prolactin, testicular alkaline phosphatase (ALP), acid phosphatase (ACP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), protein, cholesterol, glycogen, sexual behavioural parameters, and testicular histology. RESULTS: There were depletions in the seminiferous epithelium, decreased sperm quality, TT, LH, and FSH, testicular enzymes, protein, cholesterol, glycogen, and sexual behaviour increase in animals treated with cimetidine only compared to control. OG restored and improved sexual behaviour and libido as evident from increased frequencies of mount, intromission, ejaculation, and ejaculatory latency. Mount latencies, intromission, post-ejaculation, and prolactin were significantly decreased. The significantly decreased testicular activities of ALP, ACP, LDH and protein, cholesterol, glycogen concentrations, TT, LH and FSH were increased by OG administration. CONCLUSION: Ocimum gratissimum attenuated the deleterious effects of cimetidine on the testis, protected the seminiferous epithelium, restored, and boosted sexual competence, and promoted spermatogenesis.

Preventive and Restorative Responses of Broccoli Sprouts on Biomechanical Structures, Histomorphometric, and Gene Expression Levels of Degenerated Intervertebral Disc in Rabbit Model.

STUDY DESIGN: Symptomatic disk degeneration is characterized by early pathological changes in the morphological, biochemical, and biomechanical properties of the intervertebral disc (IVD). Several methods that can be used to resolve this condition are being researched. PURPOSE: The present study was designed to examine the preventive and restorative properties of broccoli sprouts extracts in an annular puncture rabbit model of IVD degeneration. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: IVD degeneration is closely associated with low back pain. A degenerated IVD is cytoarchitecturally characterized by a reduction in cell number, morphological changes in the disk tissue, and changes in the extracellular matrix contents. Methods, such as imaging and biochemical characterization, have been used for distinguishing between degenerated disk and non-degenerated disk. METHODS: Twenty New Zealand white rabbits (weighing approximately 2.0-3.5 kg) were divided into four groups (n=5). Group 1 received 50 mg/kg of normal saline solution orally for 4 weeks; group 2 received 50 mg/kg of normal saline solution immediately after puncture for 4 weeks; group 3 received 300 mg/kg of aqueous extract of broccoli sprouts orally immediately after puncture for 4 weeks; and group 4 received 300 mg/kg of aqueous extract of broccoli sprouts after 4 weeks of puncture for another 4 weeks. After the experiment, the disk height index (DHI), histomorphometry, and gene expression level were measured and analyzed. RESULTS: The photomicrograph showed that the histological features of the punctured-treated groups (groups 3 and 4) were more similar to those of the non-punctured group than those of the punctured non-treated group. There was a significant difference in the DHI and relative gene expression levels among the non-treated punctured groups compared with those of the non-punctured and punctured-treated groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that the aqueous extract of broccoli sprouts exerts preventive and restorative effects in a rabbit model with disk degeneration.

The Impact of Deranged Glucose Metabolism and Diabetes in the Pathogenesis and Prognosis of the Novel SARS-CoV-2: A Systematic Review of Literature.

BACKGROUND: The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11, 2020, and has constituted one of the most serious health challenges of the century, globally. The causative organism was initially named the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019 n CoV) but has subsequently been renamed Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The pandemic has so far infected several millions and killed about a million people worldwide. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the leading causes of morbidity worldwide. OBJECTIVES: To examine the critical role diabetes plays in the pathogenesis and prognosis of COVID-19 and to assess the emerging therapies available to fight the pandemic. METHODS: Authors conducted a systematic review of the literature to examine the role of diabetes as comorbidity in the pathogenesis and prognosis of COVID-19 by searching PubMed and Science Direct databases mainly for articles published since the outbreak of the pandemic. RESULTS: Both experimental and observational data from early 2020 suggested that most people with COVID-19 have comorbidities, the most dominant of which are diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension. Empirical evidence indicates that diabetic patients infected with the COVID-19 disease had the worst outcomes concerning morbidity and mortality. CONCLUSION: A combination of underlying chronic conditions such as hypertension, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases together with altered ACE receptor expression, immune dysregulation via cytokine storm, alveolar and endothelial dysfunction, increased systemic coagulation may put individuals with diabetes at risk for COVID-19 severity. More studies are needed to elucidate how glucose- lowering drugs may modulate the host immune response in diabetic individuals, especially following the administration of potential COVID-19 vaccines.

Vitamin B12 ameliorate Tramadol-induced oxidative stress, endocrine imbalance, apoptosis and NO/iNOS/NF-κB expression in Sprague Dawley rats through regulatory mechanism in the pituitary-gonadal axis.

This study aimed at the effect of vitamin B12 (VB12) on tramadol (TRM) induced pituitary-gonadal Axis toxicity. Thirty-two (32) adult male rats were randomized into four groups of eight (n = 8) rats each. Group A served as control was given 1 mL normal saline, group B received 50 mg /kg bwt TRM, group C received 0.5 mg/kg bwt VB12 and group D received 50 mg /kg bwt TRM and 0.5 mg/kg bwt VB12 through gastric gavage daily for 8 weeks. Parameters tested include sperm parameter, male reproductive hormone, testicular histology, glucose, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), acid phosphate (ACP), and alkaline phosphate (ALP) activity, steroidogenic protein, cytochrome P450 A1, nitric oxide (NO), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), nuclear factor- kappa B (NF-κB), oxidative and antioxidant makers. Tramadol significantly decreases sperm quality, hormone, steroidogenic protein, cytochrome P450 A1, ACP, ALP, and increases glucose, LDH, oxidative stress, mtTFA, and UCP2, p53 expression, NO, iNOS, NF-κB, IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, and caspase-3 activity. Degenerative alterations of the testes' and pituitary architecture and perturbation of spermatogenesis were observed in TRM-treated rats. The intervention of VB12 downregulated testicular oxidative stress, inflammatory markers, glucose, lactate, LDH, p53, caspase-3, mtTFA, and UCP2. And upregulate antioxidant, sperm quality, hormone, and spermatogenic cells. Vitamin B12 exhibited mitigation against TRM-induced testicular dysfunction via its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects.

Aqueous extract of Tetrapleura tetraptera fruit peels influence copulatory behavior and maintain testicular integrity in sexually mature male Sprague-Dawley rats: Pro-fertility evaluation and histomorphometry evidence.

Tetrapleura tetraptera (TT) has been used as a spice, dietary supplement and medicine for various ailments. This study evaluate influence of Tetrapleura tetraptera extract on testis and copulatory behavior in sexually mature male rats. Thirty-two male and sixty-four virgin female rats weighing 150-200 g were used for this study. Male rats randomly divided into four groups of eight (n = 8) rats each. Group A: Control given 2 ml distilled water, group B, C and D received 50, 300 and 700 mg/kg bwt TT for 56 days through oral gavage. The female rats were used for fertility test. Testicular histology, histomorphology, copulatory behavior, sperm parameters, testosterone (TET), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and fertility test were investigated. Tetrapleura tetraptera significantly increase sperm count, motility, normal morphology, daily sperm production, efficiency of sperm production, sperm (average path velocity, straight line velocity and curvilinear velocity), TET, LH, FHS, SOD, GPx, CAT, number of pregnant females, number of fetuses, seminiferous diameter, epithelium thickness and decrease abnormal morphology, seminiferous height, tubule lumen and MDA across the group as compared with control group. Improved testicular histological integrity, sexual behaviour and libido by increased frequencies of mount, intromission, ejaculation and ejaculatory latency. Latencies of mount, intromission and post-ejaculation were significantly reduced. Also, observed increase spermatocytes and spermatids showed no significant difference in spermatogonia cell counts. Tetrapleura tetraptera therefore, enhance steroidogenesis, spermatogenesis, and improved testicular histological integrity and boost sexual competence in male rats.

Ameliorating potential and fertility enhancing activities of nutritional dietary supplementation of D-Ribose -l-Cysteine in cisplatin induced oligoasthenoteratozoospermia and seminiferous epithelium degeneration in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats.

BACKGROUND: Cisplatin (CN) is considered as a cytotoxic agent and DNA synthesis inhibitor. D-Ribose-l-Cysteine (DRLC) is an active ingredient of riboceine, help cells to produce glutathione on body demand. AIM: Current study focused on ameliorating potential and fertility enhancing activities of D-Ribose-l-Cysteine in cisplatin induced oligoasthenoteratozoospermia and seminiferous epithelium degeneration. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Sixty (60) male rats randomized into six groups of ten (n = 10) rats each. Group A (control) received 2.0 ml distilled water, group B received single dose of 8 mg/kg bwt CN, group C received 30 mg/kg bwt DRLC, group D received single dose of 8 mg/kg CN follow by 30 mg/kg bwt DRLC, group E received single dose of 8 mg/kg CN and vitamin C, group F received single dose of 8 mg/kg cisplatin follow by DRLC + Vit.C for 56 days. Parameters tested include: Sperm parameters, testosterone (TT), luteinizing hormone (LH), Follicle stimulating Hormone, (FSH), Prolactin, and testicular 17ß-HSD activity, Blood hydroperoxide (BHP), Malondialdehyde (MDA), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Glutathione (GSH) and Catalase (CAT), testicular histology and fertility test. RESULTS: Cisplatin significantly reduced testicular volume, body weight, sperm quality, fertility indices, TT, FSH, LH, 17ß-HSD, SOD, GSH, CAT, diameter and cross-sectional area of seminiferous tubules, spermatogenesis score. And elevate prolactin, testicular injury score, BHP and MDA compared with control group. Cisplatin only treated rats showed degenerated seminiferous epithelium with empty lumen. Intervention of D-Ribose-Cysteine ameliorated toxic impacts of CN on testis and improved the male fertility. CONCLUSION: D-Ribose-l-Cysteine therefore, preserves testicular integrity and functions thereby, preventing the deleterious impact of CN.

Exploring the antidiabetic potential of compounds isolated from Anacardium occidentale using computational aproach: ligand-based virtual screening.

Diabetes mellitus is becoming an important public health challenge worldwide and especially in developing nations. About 8.8 percent of the world adult population has been reported to have diabetes. Glutamine-fructose-6-phosphate amidotransferase 1 (GFAT1) catalyses the first committed step in the pathway for biosynthesis of hexosamines in mammals, and its inhibition has been thought to prevent hyperglycaemia. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), on the other hand, degrades hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), an enzyme that plays a major role in the enhancement of glucose-dependent insulin secretion, making these two proteins candidate targets for diabetes. To find potential inhibitors of DPP-4 and GFAT1 from Anacardium occidentale using a computational approach, glide XP (extra precision) docking, Induced Fit Docking (IFD), Binding free energy of the compounds were determined against prepared crystal structure of DPP-4 and GFAT1 using the Maestro molecular interface of Schrödinger suites. The Lipinski's rule of five (RO5) and ADME properties of the compounds were assessed. Predictive models for both protein targets were built using AutoQSAR. This study identified 8 hit compounds. Most of these compounds passed the RO5 and were within the recommended range for defined ADME parameters. In addition, the predicted pIC50 for the hit compounds were promising. The results obtained from the present study can be used to design an antidiabetic drug. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40203-021-00084-z.

Histological and Biochemical Alterations in the Superior Colliculus and Lateral Geniculate Nucleus of Juvenile Rats Following Prenatal Exposure to Marijuana Smoke.

Introduction: Prenatal exposure to Marijuana (MJN) has been associated with various brain deficits. The main activity in marijuana, Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), crosses the placenta and affects fetal brain development. Despite this, marijuana remains a commonly abused substance among pregnant women. The current study examined the histological and biochemical changes in the Superior Colliculus (SC) and Lateral Geniculate Nucleus (LGN) in rat brains prenatally exposed to marijuana. Methods: Four groups of pregnant rats (n=5 rats/group) were exposed to the smoke of 10 g/kg marijuana at various days during their gestational period, with a group (control), i.e., not exposed. After parturition, the litters from each group were sacrificed by cervical dislocation on postnatal days 7, 14, and 21; the superior colliculi and lateral geniculate nuclei were excised. Tissue sections were prepared for histological studies using Haematoxylin and Eosin stains. Biochemical studies were performed on alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity levels. The histological and biochemical analyses of tissues were performed. Results: Prenatal exposure to marijuana resulted in spontaneous abortion and affected neuronal morphology in the SC and LGN of the progeny. Furthermore, the levels of enzyme activities were altered following maternal exposure to MJN. Conclusion: These data suggested that histological changes in the SC and LGN were associated with oxidative damage. Highlights: Prenatal exposure to marijuana smoke in early gestation induced spontaneous abortion.Prenatal exposure to marijuana smoke-induced damage to the visual pathway in the progeny.Prenatal exposure to marijuana-induced histological changes in juvenile rats' superior colliculus and lateral geniculate nucleus.Prenatal exposure to marijuana smoke resulted in biochemical alterations in juvenile rats' superior colliculus and lateral geniculate nucleus. Plain Language Summary: Marijuana is the most widely used psychoactive substance in the western world, consumed for recreational, medicinal, and spiritual purposes. Although marijuana consumption by pregnant women has been linked with neurodevelopmental consequences, little is known of its effect on the visual pathway of the progeny. We examined juvenile rats using the rat model, the effect of prenatal exposure to marijuana smoke on the superior colliculus and lateral geniculate body (regions of the brain involved in visual information processing). Our result reveals that marijuana use in early gestation induces spontaneous abortion. Also, prenatal exposure to marijuana smoke produced histological changes in the brain mentioned above regions involved in visual information of the progeny. Our findings also include biochemical alterations in these regions. Hence, we highlight the damaging effects of marijuana smoke on the developing brain, specifically the superior colliculus and lateral geniculate nucleus, i.e., involved in visual information processing, of juvenile rats following prenatal exposure.

Fluoride-induced testicular degeneration and sperm quality deteriorations: Salutary role of Cyperus esculentus tubers (tiger nut) extract in animal model.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic exposure to fluoride causes tissue damage induced by oxidative imbalance, Cyperus esculentus (CE) possess anti-inflammatory and immunostimulatory properties. This study focused on Salutary role of Cyperus esculentus in sodium fluoride (NaF) induced testicular degeneration and sperm quality deteriorations. METHODS: Sexually mature male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=6). Animals in control group received 2 mls of normal saline per day; CE group received 500mg/kg bw of CE; NaF group received 5mg/kg bw of NaF; NaF+CE group received 500mg/kg bw of CE (for 14 days pre-treatment) and NaF co-treatment till 56 days via gastric gavage. Parameters tested include: testicular histology, sperm parameters, sex hormone, fertility test, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase (GPX), catalase (CAT), testicular fluoride and testicular cholesterol. RESULTS: Sodium fluoride significantly (p<.05) decrease testicular antioxidant (SOD, CAT, GSH and GPx), sperm quality, hormone profiles (TT, FSH, LH, estrogen levels), testicular cholesterol, morphometric parameters, Johnsen's Score and number of implantations in female rats with corresponding (p<.05) increase in oxidative stress makers and abnormal sperm morphology. Also depleted seminiferous epithelium and degenerate spermatogenic cells. Pretreatment with 500mg/kg bw of CE lowered NaF toxicity by significantly reducing the lipid peroxidation products, fluoride accumulation in the testis, histopathological changes of the testes and spermatozoa abnormalities and reverted observed NaF-induced inhibition in antioxidant parameters and weight of accessory sex organs. CONCLUSIONS: Cyperus esculentus attenuated NaF-induced testicular injuries and protected the seminiferous epithelium, reduced oxidative stress and promoted spermatogenesis.

Sulforaphane response on aluminum-induced oxidative stress, alterations in sperm characterization and testicular histomorphometry in Wistar rats.

BACKGROUND: The exposure of male individual to environmental toxicant is regarded as a channel that results in reduced sperm counts and infertility. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the ameliorative response of Sulforaphane (SFN) on Aluminum trichloride (AlCl 3 ) induced testicular toxicity in adult male Wistar rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 32 adult male Wistar rats (180-200 gm between 8-10 wk) were divided into four groups (n = 8/each). Group A) received distilled water orally as placebo; Group B) received 100 mg/kgbw AlCl 3 only orally; Group C) received 100 mg/kgbw AlCl 3 and 100 mg/kgbw SFN orally; and Group D) received 100 mg/kgbw SFN only orally. After 28 days of experiment, animals underwent cervical dislocation, blood serum was obtained for analysis, and testes were harvested for biochemical assays, histology, hormonal profile, and sperm characterization. RESULTS: The sperm parameters showed a significant difference within the AlCl 3 only group compared with the control and SFN only groups (p = 0.02). However, AlCl 3 and SFN co-treatment showed improvement in the motility, viability, and sperm count compared with the AlCl 3 only group (p = 0.02). Furthermore, there was a significant decline in the levels of hormones profile and antioxidant status in AlCl 3 only group compared to the control and SFN only (p = 0.02). The testicular histoarchitecture of the AlCl 3 only group showed shrinkage of seminiferous tubules, spermatogenesis disruption, and empty lumen compared to the control and SFN only groups. CONCLUSION: The present study revealed the ameliorative response of SFN on AlCl 3 -induced testicular toxicity on serum hormone profiles, antioxidant status, lipid peroxidation, and histomorphometric analysis through oxidative stress.

Interventions of aqueous extract of Solanum melongena fruits (garden eggs) on mercury chloride induced testicular toxicity in adult male Wistar rats.

BACKGROUND: Solanum melongena (SM) is commonly known as the garden egg fruit or eggplant. It can be eaten fresh or cooked and has a large history of consumption in West Africa. This study focused on interventions of aqueous extract of SM (garden eggs) fruits on Mercury chloride (HgCl2) induced testicular toxicity in adult male Wistar rats. METHODS: Thirty-two adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (A-D) of eight (n = 8) rats each. Group A Served as control and was given 10 ml/kg/day of distilled water, Group B- 500 mg/kg B.W of SM, Group C received 40 mg/kg B.W HgCl2 and Group D- 500 mg/kg B.W of SM and 40 mg/kg B.W HgCl2). The administration was done by gastric gavage once a day, for twenty-eight consecutive days. Testicular weight, semen analysis revealing the sperm count and sperm motility were assessed, gross parameters of the testis and testicular histology were assessed. Testicular oxidative stress markers viz a viz malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and reduced glutathione (GSH) were also assessed. RESULTS: assessment of the histological profiles of the testes showed a derangement of the cytoarchitecture and deterioration of sperm quality after HgCl2 administration and a marked improvement was observed after SM administration. Similarly, SM was associated with increased antioxidant parameters (SOD, CAT, GPx, and GSH) and decreased MDA in SM + HgCl2 rats. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that S. melongena offers protection against free radical mediated oxidative stress of rats with mercury chloride induced testicular toxicity.

Effects of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Lawsonia inermis on Aluminum-induced Oxidative Stress and Adult Wistar Rat Pituitary Gland Histology.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant effect of aqueous Lawsonia inermis leaf extract on aluminum-induced oxidative stress and the histology of the pituitary gland of adult Wistar rats. METHODS: Thirty-five adult male Wistar rats weighing between 100-196g and 15 mice of the same weight range were included in the study. Lawsonia inermis extracts and aluminum chloride (AlCl3) were administered for a period of three weeks to five rats per group. The subjects in Group 1 (control) were given pellets and distilled water. Group 2 received 60mg/kg/d of aqueous extract of Lawsonia inermis. Group 3 was given 0.5mg/kg/d of AlCl3. Group 4 was administered 0.5mg/kg/d of AlCl3 and 60mg/kg/d of aqueous Lawsonia inermis extract orally. Group 5 received 0.5mg/kg/d of AlCl3 and 75mg/kg/d of aqueous Lawsonia inermis extract orally. Group 6 was given 0.5mg/kg/d of AlCl3 and 100mg/kg/d of aqueous Lawsonia inermis extract orally. Group 7 was administered 0.5mg/k/d of AlCl3 and 5mg/Kg/d ascorbic acid in distilled water orally. Twenty-four hours after the last administration, the animals were weighed, sedated with chloroform, and had their pituitary glands located, removed, and weighed on an electronic analytical balance. RESULTS: Decreased cell counts were observed in the pituitary gland micrographs of the Wistar rats given 0.5mg of aluminum chloride, whereas the Wistar rats given 0.5mg of aluminum chloride and varying doses of Lawsonia inermis had increased dose-dependent cell counts. CONCLUSION: Aqeuous Lawsonia Inermis leaf extract increased the cell counts of the pituitary glands of adult male Wistar rats, in addition to alleviating aluminum-induced oxidative stress.

Nitrite-induced testicular toxicity in rats: therapeutic potential of walnut oil.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of walnut oil on nitrite-induced testicular toxicity in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Available evidence suggests that walnut oil contains high levels of important unsaturated fatty acids including alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and omega-3; nitrite is a reproductive toxicant that causes the loss of germ cells in the seminiferous tubules and generates oxidative stress in the testes, thus reducing sperm counts and affecting sperm morphology. METHODS: This study included 24 male and 24 female adult SD rats. The male rats randomly assigned to Group A (controls) were given normal saline 2 ml/kg. The rats in Groups B, C, and D were given 50mg/kg body weight (bwt) of walnut oil, 0.08 mg/kg bwt of nitrite, and 0.08 mg/kg bwt of nitrite + 50 mg/kg of walnut oil respectively for 28 days via gastric gavage. Tested parameters included: testicular histology, sperm parameters, reproductive hormones, fertility, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione, and catalase (CAT). RESULTS: A severe decrease in spermatogenic cell series, hypocellularity, tubular atrophy, decreased sperm quality, and increased MDA levels were observed in the rats given nitrite only when compared to controls. Rats given 50 mg/kg of walnut oil had significant growth of seminiferous epithelium compared to controls. The rats given walnut oil and nitrite had significant growth of seminiferous epithelium, improved sperm quality, and had decreased MDA levels. CONCLUSION: Walnut oil attenuated the deleterious effects of nitrite to the testes, reduced oxidative stress, and promoted spermatogenesis.

Senecio biafrae defeated Tetracycline-Induced Testicular Toxicity in Adult Male Sprague Dawley Rats.

OBJECTIVE: The current study focused on the pro-fertility potential of Senecio biafrae (Sb) extract and vitamin C in Male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats with tetracycline-induced infertility. METHODS: A total of 36 male and 36 female adult SD rats were used for this investigation. The male rats randomly assigned to Group A (controls) were given normal saline 2ml/kg. Rats in Groups B, C, D, E, and F were respectively administered [30 mg/kg of body weight (bwt) of tetracycline], [30 mg/kg bwt of tetracycline + 50 mg/kg of vitamin C], [30 mg/kg bwt of tetracycline + 500 mg/kg bwt of Sb], [30 mg/kg bwt of tetracycline + 50 mg/kg of vitamin C + 500 mg/kg bwt of Sb], and [30 mg/kg bwt of tetracycline reversal] daily for 28 days via gastric gavage. Tested parameters included sperm parameters, hormonal profile, histology, and fertility test. RESULTS: Significant (p<0.05) increases were seen in sperm quality, hormone profile, organ and body weights of the groups treated with vitamin C, Sb, and tetracycline. There was derangement in sperm quality, hormone profile, and organ and body weight of the animals in group B. Histoarchtecture of the testes showed normal cellular composition in the germinal epithelium with sperm cells in the lumen and normal interstitium in groups A, C, D, and E. Group F showed abnormal spermatogenesis and poor association of spermatogenic cells, however there was depletion in the seminiferous epithelium in the group treated with tetracycline. CONCLUSION: Senecio biafrae defeated the deleterious effects of tetracycline on the male reproductive system of rats treated with the drug.

Histomorphology, Sperm Quality and Hormonal Profile in Adult Male Sprague-Dawley Rats following administration of aqueous crude Extract of Solanum nigrum by gastric gavage.

OBJECTIVE: The present study focused on histomorphology, sperm quality, hormonal profile and hematological parameters in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats following the administration of aqueous crude extract of Solanum nigrum by gastric gavage. METHODS: Fourty healthy male adult (12-14 weeks old) Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 200-220g were randomly divided into four groups (A,B,C and D) of ten (n=10) rats each. Group A which served as control were given distilled water 2ml/kg b.wt each, daily for 28 days. Group B, C and D rats were administered 100, 300 and 500mg/kg b.wt each daily respectively for 28 days. The extract was saved with LD50 >5000mg/Kg. Sperm counts, percentage motility, morphology and percentage live sperm, hormonal profile and hematological parameter were quantified; testis, epididymal and general body weights were measured using a weighing scale. The extract was administered once daily for six days within a week via oral gavage. After the last administration, all rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation, the testis were harvested and fixed in Bouin's fluid for histology processing. RESULTS: Our results revealed an increase in sperm counts, percentage of motility, morphology and percentage of live sperm, blood level of follicle stimulating hormone, Luteinizing hormone and testosterone, hematological parameters, testis, epididymal and general body weights across the groups in a dose-depentant manner. The testis histoarchtecture showed normal cellular composition in their germinal epithelium, with sperm cells in the lumen and a normal interstitium. CONCLUSION: This experiment revealed that aqueous extract of Solanum nigrum bears profertility properties which may be beneficial to those who consume it.

Fertility Enhancing Activities of Bioactive Components of Cochlospermum planchonii Rhizome on Cisplatin Induced Reproductive Dysfunctions in Sprague-Dawley Rats.

Objective: Cisplatin has been established to cause reproductive dysfunction; Cochlospermum planchonii is globally used in folklore medicine and has numerous therapeutic benefits. This study focused on fertility enhancing activities of Cochlospermum planchonii (Cp) on cisplatin-induced reproductive dysfunctions. Materials and methods: Total of 30 male and 30 female adult Sprague-Dawley rats were used for this study. The male rats randomly assigned into Group A (control) was given normal saline 2 ml/kg, Group B, C, D and E rats received(single dose of 8 mg/kg Cisplatin (i.p.) on the first day), (500 mg/kg body weight (bwt) of Cponce once daily for 14 days), (single dose of 8 mg/kg Cisplatin (i.p.) on 1st day followed by 500 mg/kg bwt of Cp once daily for 14 days) and (single dose of 8 mg/kg Cisplatin on first day followed by 50 mg/kg vitamin C for 14 days). Parameters tested include reproductive hormones, testicular histology, testicular antioxidants, semen parameters and fertility test. Results: Histological profile of the testes revealed derangement of the testis cytoarchitecture; Seminiferous epithelium, body, testes, accessory sex organs weight and sperm parameters, were significantly reduced (p <0.05). Hormonal assay showed significant changes in testosterone (p< 0.05) while luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone remained unchanged following cisplatin administration and a marked improvement was observed after Cochlospermum planchonii administration. Similarly, Cochlospermum planchonii improved the reduction of antioxidant parameters (SOD, CAT, GPx and GSH) and the increased MDA caused by cisplatin ingestion. Conclusion: Cochlospermum planchonii may thus offer protection against free radical mediated oxidative stress of rats with cisplatin induced reproductive dysfunction.

Role of Aqueous Crude Leaf Extract of Senecio Biafrae Combined With Zinc on Testicular Function of Adult Male Sprague Dawley Rats.

Objective: To determine the role of aqueous crude leaf extract of Seneciobiafrae (SB) combined with Zinc (Zn) on Testicular function of Adult Male Sprague dawley Rats. Materials and methods: Twenty-four adult males praguedawley Rats weighing 180-200g, aged 10-12 weeks, were randomized into four groups (A,B,C,D) of six rats each (n = 6) and were given 2mls of distilled water; 500 mg/kg of SB ; 500 mg/kg of SB and 0.5 mg/kg Znsulfate; 500 mg/kg of SB and 1mg/kg of Zn. The administration was done daily via gastric gavage for 28 days. Parameterstested include: testicular histology, sperm parameters, haematological parameters and Testosterone assay. Results: There was observed no significant (p > 0.05) increased in testis, epididymal, seminal vesicle, vas deference and prostate gland weight of animals across the group receiving the Seneciobiafrae extract combine with Zn. Testis and serum testosterone levels, sperm count, percentage of sperm viability and motility was higher in the rats administered a combination of Senecio biafrae extract and Zn compared with controls (p < 0.05). Conversely the percentage of abnormal sperm morphology was decreased (p < 0.05). Histological analysis showed normal spermatogenesis, better association and high density of spermatogenic cells and lumen contains full mature spermatozoa. Conclusion: Aqueous extract of Seneciobiafrae combined with Zn, potentially enhance testicular function including steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis in male rats.