Understanding the Interaction Between Prostaglandins and Toll-Like Receptors in Nicotine-Induced Rectal Tumor in Animals.

BACKGROUND: In the present study, we tried to understand the crosstalk between prostaglandins-COX-mediated rectal tumors and toll- like receptors in rats. METHODS: The tumor was induced using nicotine (100 µL/mL). Following the induction, the serum and rectal tissue were analyzed for Lipo-polysaccharides (LPS) and prostaglandin E2 in serum, and tissue expression of inflammatory mediators like TLR2,4, NFkB; cancer markers like Matrix metalloproteases 2 (MMP2), 9 and Cyclo-oxygenases 2 (COX-2) were estimated. The gut microflora analysis was carried out using the fresh fecal samples of both the study groups. RESULTS: In nicotine-induced group, there was a significant alteration in the gut microflora toward high Gram-negative strains and a decline in Gram-positive populations. All the inflammatory as well as cancer prognostic markers were significantly increased in the tumor-induced animals. CONCLUSION: From the present study, it could be concluded that nicotine significantly induced rectal cancer in the mice model by modu- lating gut microflora and increasing COX-2 and prostaglandin E2 levels.

Understanding the Role of Heat Shock Protein Isoforms in Male Fertility, Aging and Apoptosis

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) play a role in the homeostasis, apoptosis regulation and the maintenance of the various other physiological processes. Aging is accompanied by a decrease in the resistance to environmental stress, while mitochondria are primary targets in the process of aging, their expression decreasing with age. Mitochondrion also plays a significant role in the process of spermatogenesis. HSPs have been shown to be involved in apoptosis with some of acting as apoptotic inhibitors and are involved in cytoprotection. In this review we discuss the roles of Hsp 27, 60, 70, and 90 in aging and male infertility and have concluded that these particular HSPs can be used as a molecular markers for mitochondrially- mediated apoptosis, aging and male infertility.

Preclinical evaluation for noninvasive reversal following long-term vas occlusion with styrene maleic anhydride in langur monkeys.

A preclinical evaluation for reversal through a noninvasive approach following long-term vas occlusion with styrene maleic anhydride (SMA) has been attempted in langur monkeys at the level of semen parameters, sperm functional tests, semen biochemistry, histology and ultrastructure of reproductive organs, hematology and serum clinical biochemistry including antisperm antibodies (ASA), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and testosterone. Noninvasive reversal through palpation, percutaneous squeezing and electrical stimulation, forced vibratory movements and suprapubic percussion in the inguinal segments and per-rectal digital massage was attempted in seven langur monkeys after 540 days following vas occlusion. The results revealed instant azoospermia reversal on the same day of reversal with impaired sperm quality, which showed gradual improvement and normospermia with normal motility and viability after 60-90 days of reversal. Sperm functional tests, including ultrastructure of spermatozoa, indicative of sterility in the initial ejaculations, reached normalcy after 90-120 days of reversal. The seminal plasma biochemistry indicative of obstructive azoospermia regained a normal pattern after 90-120 days of reversal. The morphology of testes that showed focal degeneration during 540 days of vas occlusion and that of vasa deferentia that showed exfoliation of epithelial cells resumed to normal morphology comparable with control animals after 150 days of reversal. The morphology of the epididymis, seminal vesicle and prostate did not show appreciable changes following vas occlusion and after noninvasive reversal compared with those of control animals. Hematology, serum clinical chemistry, ASA, PSA and testosterone fluctuated within control limits, indicating safety of the procedure at the level of accessory reproductive organs. The results suggest that noninvasive reversal is feasible even after long-term vas occlusion with SMA and is safe without adverse side effects.