Acetate causes renoprotection like androgen and mineralocorticoid receptors blockade in testosterone-exposed pregnant rats.

The kidney plays a critical role in human health and deviation from its normal function can lead to severe morbidity and mortality. Exposure to excess testosterone in women has been linked to several disorders, including kidney disorder and acting undoubtedly through androgen receptor (AR), whereas the involvement of mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) is unclear. Likewise, the renal effect of sodium acetate (SAc) during late gestational exposure to testosterone is not well known. We hypothesized that SAc or MR blockade would protect the kidney of testosterone-exposed pregnant rats against glutathione and adenosine depletion. Twenty-five pregnant Wistar rats were treated (sc) with olive oil, testosterone propionate (0.5 mg/kg) singly or in combination with SAc (200 mg/kg; p.o.), androgen receptor (AR) blocker, flutamide (Flu; 7.5 mg/kg; p.o.) or (MR) blocker, eplerenone (Eple; 0.5 mg/kg) between gestational days 14 and 19. Glutathione, adenosine and nitric oxide were decreased while uric acid (UA), xanthine oxidase (XO), malondialdehyde (MDA), lactate dehydrogenase activity and free fatty acids were increased in the kidneys of gestational rats exposed to testosterone. Also, plasma urea and creatinine were elevated. SAc and Eple reversed tested testosterone-induced effects in gestational rats. The exposure to testosterone impairs renal antioxidant defense via AR and MR during late gestation in pregnant rats. The study also provides evidence that sodium acetate protects the kidneys of gestational testosterone-exposed rats against defective antioxidant defense in like manner as MR or AR antagonist.

Modulation of Inflammatory Cytokines and Islet Morphology as Therapeutic Mechanisms of Basella alba in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.

The mechanism of the previously reported antidiabetic effect of Basella alba is unknown. This study investigated the role of B. alba aqueous leaf extract in the modulation of inflammatory cytokines and islet morphology in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Forty male Wistar rats, between 8 and 10 weeks old, were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10) and administered the following treatments: Healthy control (H-c) and Diabetic control (D-c) animals received normal saline 0.5 mL/100 g body weight daily, while Healthy Treatment (H-Ba) and Diabetic Treatment (D-Ba) rats received the plant extract 200 mg/kg body weight daily. All treatments were administered by oral gavage. Diabetes was induced in D-c and D-Ba rats by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg body). The body weight and fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels were recorded every week for 4 weeks, after which the rats were euthanized and samples collected for further analysis. After the experiment, FBS level was significantly reduced (p < 0.0001) in rats in the D-Ba group, but increased (p < 0.001) in rats in the D-c group. The absolute (H-c and H-Ba vs D-c, p < 0.05) and relative (D-Ba vs H-c, p < 0.05; D-Ba vs H-Ba, p < 0.005) weights of the pancreases were significantly higher after the experiment. The rats in the D-c group had significantly higher levels of serum interleukin-1ß (p < 0.001 vs H-c; p < 0.05 vs H-Ba and D-Ba) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (p < 0.0001), but lower levels of interleukin-10 (p < 0.05) in comparison with the other groups. Histopathological examination revealed severe interstitial congestion, reduced islet area (p < 0.0001), and increased islet cell density in the D-c group compared with those in the D-Ba group. From these findings, it was concluded that the aqueous extract of B. alba stimulates the recovery of beta-islet morphology in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats by modulating the peripheral production of inflammatory cytokines.

Testosterone and testicular changes in F1 offspring of Wistar rats maternally exposed to nicotine during gestation.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the effect of intrauterine exposure to nicotine in the first fourteen days of gestation on the testicular function of male Wistar rats. METHODS: Pups of both control and nicotine-treated groups were selected and sacrificed on day 60 after birth. Birth weight, weight of reproductive organs, hormonal profile, and histopathology were determined in the first filial (F1) generation. RESULTS: Significant decreases in birth weight and litter size were found in the pups treated with nicotine when compared with the animals in the control group. Significant decreases were also observed in the testicular weight of nicotine-treated rats, but not in epididymal weight, when compared to controls. Testosterone levels were significantly decreased, atrophy was observed in the genital epithelial cells, and distortions were noted in the testes of nicotine-treated F1 males. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that nicotine exposure during pregnancy may cause endocrine disruption, and thus produce deleterious effects on offspring reproductive function.

Nicotine alters progesterone and estradiol levels during the first trimester of pregnancy in Wistar rats.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to investigate the effect of nicotine on serum progesterone and estradiol levels as possible cause of abortion during first trimester of gestation in female Wistar rats. METHODS: Fourteen female rats with regular estrous cycles in the same phase of cycle were divided into two groups (Control and Nicotine-treated) with each group receiving 1ml of distilled water and 1mg/kg of nicotine respectively for the first seven days of pregnancy (GD1-7). The animals were sacrificed on the 8th day and blood samples were collected for hormonal analyses. Ovaries and uteruses were excised, weighed, and prepared for histological study. RESULTS: This study revealed a significant decrease in serum progesterone and estradiol levels in the nicotine-treated group when compared to controls. The histological findings equally showed degeneration in the cytoarchitecture of the ovary of the nicotine-treated group. CONCLUSION: The observed hormonal imbalances and alteration in the cytoarchitecture of the ovary caused by nicotine in the first trimester of pregnancy may result in abortion during this period.

Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy Alters Sperm Parameters and Testicular Antioxidant Status in Diet-Induced Obese Rats.

The efficacy of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has led to an increase demand for therapeutic use, thereby necessitating investigation into drug toxicity. This study was designed to investigate the in vivo effects of HAART on sperm parameters and testicular oxidative stress in lean and obese rats. Wistar rats (males, n = 40, weighing 180~200 g) were assigned randomly into 4 groups and treated accordingly for 16 weeks as follows: Control (C): lean group fed with standard rat chow; Diet induced obesity (DIO): obese animals fed a high caloric diet; C + ART: lean animals treated with HAART; DIO + ART: obese animals treated with HAART. An antiretroviral drug combination of Tenofovir, Emtricitabine and Efavirenz at a dose of 17, 26 and 50 mg/kg/day was administered for the latter 6 weeks via jelly cube feeding. At the end of the experimental period, sperm analysis was performed on sperm collected from the caudal epididymis, while the testis was homogenized for antioxidant enzyme and lipid peroxidation assays. Results showed that HAART significantly decreased sperm motility (p < 0.05) in both lean and obese animals, and viability (p < 0.05) in the DIO group. Testicular glutathione, catalase and superoxide dismutase were significantly decreased (p < 0.05), while Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels were significantly increased (p < 0.05) when the DIO+ART group was compared to Control group. Thus, the decreased sperm qualities associated with HAART might be as a result of increased testicular oxidative stress prominent in obese animals.

Environmental Exposure of Sperm Sex-Chromosomes: A Gender Selection Technique.

Preconceptual sex selection is still a highly debatable process whereby X- and Y-chromosome-bearing spermatozoa are isolated prior to fertilization of the oocyte. Although various separation techniques are available, none can guarantee 100% accuracy. The aim of this study was to separate X- and Y-chromosome-bearing spermatozoa using methods based on the viability difference between the X- and Y-chromosome-bearing spermatozoa. A total of 18 experimental semen samples were used, written consent was obtained from all donors and results were analysed in a blinded fashion. Spermatozoa were exposed to different pH values (5.5, 6.5, 7.5, 8.5, and 9.5), increased temperatures (37°C, 41°C, and 45°C) and ROS level (50 µM, 750 µM, and 1,000 µM). The live and dead cell separation was done through a modified swim-up technique. Changes in the sex-chromosome ratio of samples were established by double-label fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) before and after processing. The results indicated successful enrichment of Xchromosome-bearing spermatozoa upon incubation in acidic media, increased temperatures, and elevated H2O2. This study demonstrated the potential role for exploring the physiological differences between X-and Y-chromosome-bearing spermatozoa in the development of preconceptual gender selection.

N (G)-nitro-L-arginine Methyl Ester Protects Against Hormonal Imbalances Associated with Nicotine Administration in Male Rats.

BACKGROUND: The administration of nicotine is associated with altered hormonal imbalances and increased serum and testicular nitric oxide (NO) level. AIM: This study sought to investigate the effects of NO inhibition with N (G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) on altered hormonal imbalance in adult male albinorats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats were administered with 0.5 mg/kg body weight (BW) and 1.0 mg/kg BW nicotine and were treated with L-NAME in the drinking water or drinking water alone for 30 days. Serum was analyzed for testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and prolactin using radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: Nicotine administration significantly decreased (P < 0.05) testosterone in the low and high dose treated groups and FSH in the high dose treated group when compared with the control group. There was a significant increase (P < 0.05) in mean LH and prolactin level in the high dose treated group when compared with the control. Concomitant treatment with nicotine and L-NAME produced significant increases in testosterone and FSH, and a decrease in prolactin in 1.0 mg/kg BW. L-NAME alone did not lead to a significant increase in testosterone when compared with control. CONCLUSION: These data demonstrate that the suppressive effects of nicotine on testosterone level of the adult male rat can be prevented by NOS blockade with L-NAME. It appears that these beneficial effects are mediated primarily within the gonad; however, the involvement of the pituitary cannot be totally ruled out.

Nicotine alters male reproductive hormones in male albino rats: The role of cessation.

OBJECTIVES: The use of nicotine through smoking remains a serious health problem. It has been associated with reduced fertility, although the mechanism responsible is still unclear. The present study was designed to investigate whether nicotine-induced infertility is associated with altered male reproductive hormones in male albino rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty male rats were divided equally into five groups and treated orally for thirty days. Group I, which served as the control received 0.2 ml/kg normal saline, Group II and III received 0.5 mg/kg (low dose) and 1.0 mg/kg (high dose) body weight of nicotine, respectively. The fourth and fifth groups were gavaged with 0.5 mg/kg and 1.0 mg/kg body weight of nicotine but were left untreated for another 30 days. These groups served as the recovery groups. Serum was analyzed for testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormones (FSH), and prolactin using radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: Results showed that nicotine administration significantly decreased (P < 0.05) testosterone in the low and high treated groups and FSH in the high dose treated group when compared with the control group. There was a significant increase (P < 0.05) in mean LH and prolactin level in the high dose treated group when compared with the control. However, the values of the recovery groups were comparable with the control. CONCLUSION: The findings in this study suggest that nicotine administration is associated with distorted reproductive hormones in male rats although ameliorated by nicotine cessation. It is plausible that the decreased testosterone level is associated with testicular dysfunction rather than a pituitary disorder.

Reproductive activities of female albino rats treated with quassin, a bioactive triterpenoid from stem bark extract of Quassia amara.

To evaluate the effect of quassin on female reproductive functions, 42 albino rats (35 females and 7 males) were used. The female albino rats were divided into seven groups of five rats each. Group I served as the control group and received distilled water while Groups II, III and IV rats were treatedorally with 0.1mg/kg, 1.0 mg/kg and 2.0 mg/kg body weight of quassin for 60 days respectively. Groups V, VI and VII rats were also treated orally with 0.1 mg/kg, 1.0mg/kg and 2.0 mg/kg body weight of quassin for 60 days but were left untreated for another 30 days, to serve as the recovery groups. At the end of each experimental period, blood samples were collected from each rat. Fertility study was done by cohabiting one untreated male with the five female rats in each group for 10 days. Quassin did not adversely affect the weight of the kidney, heart, liver and the body of the rats. However there was a significant decrease in the weight of the ovary and uterus in all the groups relative to the control. There was also a significant decrease in serum estrogen levels in quassin treated rats. The quassin treated rats had a significantly decreased mean litter number and weight. Histological studies show a disorganization and degeneration in the ovary while the uterus showed signs of vacuolation and disorganization. However, these effects were ameliorated after quassin was withdrawn from the rats. The results suggest that quassin has female anti-fertility properties, possibly acting via inhibition of estrogen secretion.