Impacts of cadmium on male fertility: Lessons learnt so far.

Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most dangerous heavy metals in the world. Globally, toxicities associated with cadmium and its attendant negative impact on humans and animals cannot be under-estimated. Cd is a heavy metal, and people are exposed to it through contaminated foods and smoking. Cd exerts its deleterious impacts on the testes (male reproductive system) by inducing oxidative stress, spermatogenic cells apoptosis, testicular inflammation, decreasing androgenic and sperm cell functions, disrupting ionic homeostasis, pathways and epigenetic gene regulation, damaging vascular endothelium and blood testes barrier. In association with other industrial by-products, Cd has been incriminated for the recent decline of male fertility rate seen in both man and animals. Understanding the processes involved in Cd-induced testicular toxicity is vital for the innovation of techniques that will help ameliorate infertility in males. In this review, we summed up recent studies on the processes of testicular toxicity and male infertility due to Cd exposure. Also, the usage of different compounds including phytochemicals, and plant extracts to manage Cd reprotoxicity will be reviewed.

Clofibrate, a Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-Alpha (PPARα) Agonist, and Its Molecular Mechanisms of Action against Sodium Fluoride-Induced Toxicity.

Sodium fluoride (NaF) is one of the neglected environmental pollutants. It is ubiquitously found in the soil, water, and environment. Interestingly, fluoride has been extensively utilized for prevention of dental caries and tartar formation, and may be added to mouthwash, mouth rinse, and toothpastes. This study is aimed at mitigating fluoride-induced hypertension and nephrotoxicity with clofibrate, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPARα) agonist. For this study, forty male Wistar rats were used and randomly grouped into ten rats per group, control, sodium fluoride (NaF; 300 ppm) only, NaF plus clofibrate (250 mg/kg) and NaF plus lisinopril (10 mg/kg), respectively, for 7 days. The administration of NaF was by drinking water ad libitum, while clofibrate and lisinopril were administered by oral gavage. Administration of NaF induced hypertension, and was accompanied with exaggerated oxidative stress; depletion of antioxidant defence system; reduced nitric oxide production; increased systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressure; activation of angiotensin-converting enzyme activity and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB); and testicular apoptosis. Treatment of rats with clofibrate reduced oxidative stress, improved antioxidant status, lowered high blood pressure through the inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme activity, mineralocorticoid receptor over-activation, and abrogated testicular apoptosis. Taken together, clofibrate could offer exceptional therapeutic benefit in mitigating toxicity associated with sodium fluoride.

Comparative Effects of Methanol and Aqueous Extracts of Corchorus olitorius Plant on Haematology and Some Reproductive Indices of Male Wistar Rats.

Corchorus olitorius is a vegetable plant/shrub and the leaves are very nutritious and rich in vitamins, minerals and dietary fibers. The study was carried out to identify the effects two extracts of this plant on the reproductive indices of male Wistar rats Forty-five adult male rats of about 12 weeks old, each weighing about 120g were used for this study, kept in a cage and fed with commercial rat pellets and water was given at ad-libitum. They were randomly divided into groups A, B and C of 15 rats per group. 250mg/kg of the leaf extract was administered orogastrically using once daily for 21 days. Group A and B were treated with methanol and aqueous leaves of Corchorus extract respectively and Group C was given distilled water and served as the control. The weekly sacrifice of five rats per group was done following treatments. In this study, it was observed at the first-week post -treatment that there was significant (p≤0.05) decrease in the PCV and haemoglobin values of group A rats compared to the control group but the values later increased at the second week and third-week post-treatments. There was also a significant decrease in spermatozoa motility in the treated groups A and B compared to the control group C at the first, second- and third-week post treatments. Also, with the results of the serum testosterone level of group A and B compared to group C. The value was higher in group A followed by group B whereas, at the second week and third week, there was no significant difference in the values of the serum testosterone levels compared to the control groups. It is therefore concluded that the methanol and aqueous extract of Corchorus olitorius leaves significantly decreased sperm motility in male albino rats hence could decrease male fertility.

Novel antihypertensive action of rutin is mediated via inhibition of angiotensin converting enzyme/mineralocorticoid receptor/angiotensin 2 type 1 receptor (ATR1) signaling pathways in uninephrectomized hypertensive rats.

Hypertension is the most common cardiovascular disease that affects approximately 26% of adult population, worldwide. Rutin is one of the important flavonoids that is consumed in the daily diet, and found in many food items, vegetables, and beverages. Uninephrectomy (UNX) of the left kidney was performed, followed by induction of hypertension. The rats were randomly divided into four groups of 10 rats: group 1-Sham-operated rats; group 2-UNX rats, group 3-UNX-L-NAME (40 mg/kg) plus rutin (100 mg/kg bwt), and groups 4-UNX-L-NAME plus lisinopril (10 mg/kg bwt), orally for 3 weeks. Results revealed significant heightening of arterial pressure and oxidative stress indices, while hypertensive rats treated with rutin had lower expressions of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and mineralocorticoid receptor in uninephrectomized rats. Together, rutin as a novel antihypertensive flavonoid could provide an unimaginable benefits for the management of hypertension through inhibition of angiotensin converting enzyme and mineralocorticoid receptor. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Hypertension has been reported to be the most common cardiovascular disease, affecting approximately 26% of the adult population worldwide with predicted prevalence to increase by 60% by 2025. Recent advances in phytomedicine have shown flavonoids to be very helpful in the treatment of many diseases. Flavonoids have been used in the treatment and management of cardiovascular diseases, obesity and hypertension. The study revealed that rutin, a known flavonoid inhibited angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), angiotensin 2 type 1 receptor (ATR1), and mineralocorticoid receptor (MCR), comparable to the classic ACE inhibitor, Lisinopril, indicating the novel antihypertensive property of rutin. Therefore, flavonoids such as rutin found in fruits and vegetables could, therefore, serve as an antihypertensive drug regimen. Combining all, functional foods rich in flavonoids could be used as potential therapeutic candidates for managing uninephrectomized hypertensive patients.

Melatonin ameliorates bisphenol A-induced perturbations of the prostate gland of adult Wistar rats.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC) that has been demonstrated to induce alterations in reproductive organs while melatonin (ML), an antioxidant, present in plants and animals, is capable of protecting against EDC-induced alterations. Adult male Wistar rats (average weight, 240 + 10 g) were divided into four groups of ten animals each: Rats in group I (control) received oral 0.2 ml 1% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)/99% canola oil as vehicle; group II received intra-peritoneal 10 mg/kg BW/day ML. Group III received oral BPA dissolved in DMSO and solubilized in canola oil at 10 mg/kg BW/day. Group IV were treated with same dose of BPA as group III with a concomitant intra-peritoneal 10 mg/kg BW/day ML. All treatments lasted for 14 days. BPA significantly increased the prostatic index of the rats while ML ameliorated it. BPA significantly increased serum levels of estrogen as well as prostate-specific antigen but decreased serum testosterone in the rats while concomitant treatment with ML ameliorated these alterations. Also, BPA caused vascular congestion, hyperplasia (functional, reactive and atypical) of prostatic epithelium as well as tubular atrophy the rats while ML attenuated the observed lesions. Decreased localization of αSmooth muscle actin, vimentin and S100 proteins were observed in the BPA-treated rats while these decreases were ameliorated by ML. The present study has shown that sub-acute oral administration of BPA induced alterations in prostatic index, serum hormone levels, down-regulated protein localization and induced morphological lesions of the prostate gland in rats while concomitant treatment with intra-peritoneal ML ameliorated these conditions. Hence, low dose of ML can protect against BPA-induced toxicity of the prostate gland of rats.

Sperm morphological characteristic and mating behaviour of Proviron® treated West African dwarf bucks with testicular degeneration / Características morfológicas de los espermatozoides y comportamiento en el apareamiento de la cabra enana del Oeste Africano con degeneración testicular tratadas con Proviron®

This study was conducted to determine the effect of scrotal insulation and post insulation Proviron® treatment on sperm morphological characteristics and mating behavior. Twelve healthy WAD bucks, free from any clinical or andrological disorder were used. Scrotal insulation was done using insulating bags for 30 days. After insulation, the bucks were divided into two groups. The treatment group received 100mg/head /week of Proviron® for 3 weeks. Semen collection was done using the electroejaculation method in all phases of the study. The proviron® treated bucks, when compared with insulation and post insulation untreated phases, showed significant reduction (p<0.05) in sperm cell abnormalities which reduced from 15.89 +/- 22.89 in post insulation untreated phase to 2.81 +/- 0.83 in post insulation treated phase. The Proviron® treated bucks also showed increased physical vigor by riding, mounting and fighting their untreated counterparts.

Este estudio se realizó para determinar el efecto de aislamiento escrotal y aislamiento posterior al tratamiento con Proviron® sobre las características morfológicas de los espermatozoides y el comportamiento del apareamiento. Fueron utilizadas 12 cabras enanas del Oeste Africano, sanas, libres de cualquier desorden clínico andrológico. El aislamiento escrotal se realizó utilizando bolsas de aislamiento durante 30 días. Después de aislamiento, los machos se dividieron en dos grupos. El grupo de tratamiento recibió 100mg/cada una por semana de Proviron® durante 3 semanas. La recolección de semen se realizó mediante el método de electroeyaculación en todas las fases del estudio. Las cabras tratadas con Proviron®, cuando se compararon con las fases post-aislamiento no tratadas, mostraron una reducción significativa (p<0,05) en las anormalidades de células espermáticas, las cuales se redujeron desde 15,89 +/- 22,89 en las fases post-aislamiento sin tratamiento a 2,81 +/- 0,83 en las fases post-aislamiento tratadas. Las cabras tratadas con Proviron® también mostraron un incremento en el vigor físico, la monta y la lucha contra sus homólogos no tratados.

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.

Testicular Parameters and Sperm Morphology of Chinchilla Rabbit Fed With Different Planes of Soymeal / Parámetros Testiculares y Morfología Espermática del Conejo Chinchilla Alimentado con Diferentes Productos de Soya

The testicular parameters and sperm morphology were studied in twenty healthy Chinchilla breed bucks of rabbits fed with different planes of soybean meal. Their ages were between 6 to 10 months with their weights ranging from 1.4 to 1.9kg.The same quality of feeds was fed to each group throughout the study and at the rate of 0.5kg/head/day. The feeds contained graded percentage of soybean meal and growers mash. Semen used in this study was from the caudal epididymides while morphological aberrations were determined from a total count of 400 spermatozoa in smears obtained with Wells and Awa stain. Results of the spermiogram showed that the colour and consistency of the semen appreciated as the percentage of soybean meal increased. Group D with 90% soybean meal was significantly higher (P<0.05) over and above the values of other groups. Group D had a significant increase (P<0.05) over and above values of other groups in terms of percentage live spermatozoa. Semen concentration increased from 1.20 + 1.56 xl0(6)/ml in group B with 30% soymeal to 2.00+2.67 xl0(6)/ml in group D with 90% soymeal. Testicular parameters also showed that there was more weights increase as the percentage of soymeal in the feed increased. It is therefore concluded and recommended that soymeal can be part of normal diet of Chinchilla Rabbit without any adverse effect on the reproductive potential of the male rabbit.

Se estudiaron los parámetros testiculares y la morfología espermática de 20 chinchillas sanas, alimentadas con diferentes raciones de soya. Sus edades estuvieron entre 6 y 10 meses con pesos que fluctuaban entre 1,4 y 1,9 kg. Se dió la misma calidad de alimentación a cada grupo y recibieron 0,5 kg por día cada una de ellas. El alimento contenía porcentajes graduados de soya y de grano molido. El semen usado en este estudio provino de la parte caudal del epidídimo, mientras que las observaciones morfológicas fueron determinadas desde un conteo total de 400 espermatozoides teñidos a través de técnica de Wells & Awa. Los resultados del espermiograma mostraron que el color y la consistencia del semen se incrementó cuando hubo mayor concentración de soya en el alimento. El grupo D con 90% de concentración de soya fue estadísticamente significativo (p<0,05), sobre los valores de los otros grupos. El grupo D tuvo un incremento significativo (p<0,05) sobre los valores de los otros grupos en términos de porcentaje de vida de los espermios. En el grupo B con 30% de soya en su alimento. La concentración de semen fue de l,2+l,56xl0(6)/ml y en el grupo D con un 90% de soya fue de 2,0 + 2,67 x 10(6)/ml. Los parámetros testiculares también mostraron que hubo incremeento en el peso cuando se alimentaron con mayor porcentaje de soya. Concluimos y recomendamos que la soya se parte de la dieta normal de la chinchilla sin ningún efecto adverso sobre el potencial reproductivo de la hembra.

Spermiogram and Morphological Characteristics in Testicular and Epididymal Spermatozoa of Large White Boar in Nigeria / Espermiograma y Características Morfológicas de los Espermatozoides en el Testículo y Epidídimo del Verraco Grande Blanco en Nigeria

Ten healthy male (boar) of large white pigs aged between 6.0 and 18.0 months, were used for this study. Spermiogram and morphological characteristics were studied in testes and in the different parts of the epididymis of the boar. The objective was to study the changes that occur in testes and epididymis during epididymal transit. Progressive motile spermatozoa were first observed in the testes (6-10%) in the caput (20-30%), corpus (40-50%) and highest at the caudal epididymis (85%). Cytoplasmic droplets were lost as the spermatozoa moved up the epididymis. The caput epididymis had a value of 20.05% of abnormal sperm cell, which is different significantly (p<0.5) from 15 ­ 80 % of the caudal epididymis. The total abnormal sperm cells in corpus are also higher than in the caudal epididymis Percentage motility was 0.6 ± 2.0 % in the testis, which was lower (P< 0.5) than in caput with 23.0 ± 5.0%. This motility increases from caput to caudal epididymis. The caput epididymis also had 0.20% of spermatozoa with small head, which differed significantly (p<0.05) from corpus (0.05%) and the caudal (0.00%). The testicular and epididymal parameters were positively correlated (weight of testis and epididymis; weight of testis, scrotal circumference, testicular circumference, weight of epididymis and weight of testis (p<0.05), except the correlation values between testes and epididymis circumference (TEC) and other parameters (p<0.01).

Para la investigación se utilizaron 10 verracos de cerdos blancos de gran tamaño, con edades entre 6 y 18 meses. Se realizó el espermiograma y se observaron las características morfológicas, en los testículos y en las diferentes partes del epidídimo. El objetivo fue estudiar los cambios que ocurren en los espermatozoides a nivel de los testículos y del epidídimo durante el tránsito epididimal. Los espermatozoides mótiles progresivos se observaron primero en testículos (6-10%), en la cabeza (20-30%), cuerpo (40-50%) y en la cola de epidídimo (85%). Pierden gotas citoplásmicas, en la medida en que los espermatozoides se trasladan ascendiendo hasta el epidídimo. La cabeza del epidídimo presenta un valor de 20,05% de células anormales de espermatozoides, lo que es significativamente muy diferente (p<0.5) de 15-80% en la cola del epidídimo. El total de espermatozoides anormales en el cuerpo del epidídimo, es también más alto que en la cola del epidídimo. El porcentaje de motilidad fue de 0,6 ± 2,0% en el testículo, el cual era más bajo (p< 0.5) que en la cabeza del epidídimo, con 23.0 5 0%. Esta motilidad aumenta desde la cabeza a la cola del epidídimo. La cabeza del epidídimo también presenta 0,20% de espermatozoides con cabeza pequeña, lo que difiere significativamente (p<0.05) del cuerpo (0,05%) y de la cola (0,00%). Los parámetros testicular y epididimal estaban positivamente correlacionados (peso del testículo y del epidídimo; peso del testículo, circunferencia escrotal, circunferencia testicular (peso del epidídimo y peso del testículo (p<0.05), excepto los valores de correlación entre testículos y circunferencia epididimaria (TEC) y otros parámetros (p = 0.01).