Protective effects of Thai Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. var. pruriens seeds on sexual behaviors and essential reproductive markers in chronic unpredictable mild stress mice.

Background and aims: Chronic stress is a major common cause of male infertility. Many species of velvet beans are shown to be rich in l-DOPA. In Thai folklore medicine, seeds of Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. var. pruriens (Thai Mhamui or T-MP) have been used for treating erectile dysfunction. This study aimed to determine l-DOPA levels in T-MP seed extract and investigate its preventive on sexual behaviors and reproductive parameter damages including essential proteins in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) mice. Experimental procedure: Mice were divided into 4 groups: (I) control, (II) CUMS, (III) T-MP300 + CUMS, and (IV) T-MP600 + CUMS. Groups I and II received DW while groups III and IV were pretreated with the seed extracts (300 and 600 mg/kg BW) for 14 consecutive days before co-treatment with a randomly different CUMS/day (from 12 mild stressors) for 43 days. Results and conclusion: T-MP seed extract contained l-DOPA approximately 10% of total dried weight. A dose of 600 mg/kg improved sexual performances and degenerative seminiferous epithelium in CUMS mice. Sperm qualities and testosterone level were elevated while corticosterone was decreased in co-treatment groups. T-MP-CUMS cotreated groups also improved expressions of AKAP4, AR, and TyrPho proteins in testis, epididymis, and sperm. T-MP increased StAR and CYP11A1 expressions in testis. It also suppressed testicular apoptosis via decreased expressions of Hsp70, caspases 3, and 9. T-MP seeds containing l-DOPA could improve sexual behaviors and essential reproductive proteins caused by CUMS. Section: Natural Products. Taxonomy classification by evise: Traditional Herbal Medicine; Animal Model; Histopathology.

Seed extract of Thai Mucuna pruriens reduced male reproductive damage in rats induced by chronic stress.

CONTEXT: Thai Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. var. pruriens (Fabaceae) (TMP) is known to enrich reproduction but preventive effects on stress related adverse reproductive parameters are not documented. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the protective property of TMP seed extract on reproductive damage under chronic stress (CS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups. The control and CS groups received distilled water, whereas the pre-treated rats received the aqueous TMP seed extract at doses of 150 and 300 mg/kg BW for 20 days before co-treatments with CS induction (immobilization and forced swimming) for 81 days. Serum was used to determine the cortisol and testosterone levels. Histology of testis and epididymis was observed with localization of androgen receptor (AR). Sperm parameters and the expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR), cytochrome P450 family 11 subfamily a member 1 (CYP11A1), AR, HSP70, caspases (3 and 9) and tyrosine phosphorylation (TyrPho) proteins were investigated. RESULTS: TMP extract improved cortisol level (0.84 ± 0.02 µg/dL) and protected against the damage of reproductive tissues and sperm parameters (count [49.78 ± 3.74 million sperm/mL], viability [90.01 ± 1.17%] and precocious acrosome reaction [1.38 ± 0.48%]). Expression of testicular StAR, CYP11A1, AR and HSP70 proteins was improved. Caspase expression was decreased in treated rats. TMP increased AR expression in CS sperm. Moreover, TyrPho protein expression was corrected after TMP administration. CONCLUSIONS: TMP seed protected against adverse reproductive parameters in CS via improvements of functionally testicular markers and reductions of apoptotic proteins. It is possible to develop the TMP beans as an alternative medicine in treating of male subfertility caused by CS.

Classification and Morphometric Features of Pterion in Thai Population with Potential Sex Prediction.

Background and Objectives: The landmark for neurosurgical approaches to access brain lesion is the pterion. The aim of the present study is to classify and examine the prevalence of all types of pterion variations and perform morphometric measurements from previously defined anthropological landmarks. Materials and methods: One-hundred and twenty-four Thai dried skulls were investigated. Classification and morphometric measurement of the pterion was performed. Machine learning models were also used to interpret the morphometric findings with respect to sex and age estimation. Results: Spheno-parietal type was the most common type (62.1%), followed by epipteric (11.7%), fronto-temporal (5.2%) and stellate (1.2%). Complete synostosis of the pterion suture was present in 18.5% and was only present in males. While most morphometric measurements were similar between males and females, the distances from the pterion center to the mastoid process and to the external occipital protuberance were longer in males. Random forest algorithm could predict sex with 80.7% accuracy (root mean square error = 0.38) when the pterion morphometric data were provided. Correlational analysis indicated that the distances from the pterion center to the anterior aspect of the frontozygomatic suture and to the zygomatic angle were positively correlated with age, which may serve as basis for age estimation in the future. Conclusions: Further studies are needed to explore the use of machine learning in anatomical studies and morphometry-based sex and age estimation. Thorough understanding of the anatomy of the pterion is clinically useful when planning pterional craniotomy, particularly when the position of the pterion may change with age.

Types and morphometric study of calcaneal articular facets on human tali of Thai population / Tipos y estudio morfométrico de las facetas articulares calcáneas en talus humano de la población tailandesa

Patterns and variant morphometries of calcaneal articular facets on talus are concerned before performing of joint ankle surgery, including used as a sex determination. Types of talar facets have been documented in many populations except in Thai race. Therefore, this study attempted to classify the types of talus facets and to measure the facet lengths on dried tali of Thais. The 372 dried tali (204 males, 168 females) from Khon Kaen University Bone Collection were observed for variant types and measured for their facet lengths. The facets were classified into 6 types: type I, tree facet are separated (1.88 %); type II (A), the anterior and middle facets are partially connected with predominant ridge (34.68 %); type II (B), the anterior and middle facets are partially connected with slight ridge (32.53 %); type III, the anterior and middle facets are fully fused to form a single facet (2.96 %); type IV, the anterior and middle facets are partially separated by a ridge and partly by a groove (27.42 %); type V, all facets are continuous fused to form a single facet (0.54 %). In addition, the morphometric lengths of AP (anterior to posterior process) and ML1&2 (medial to lateral process) in male are significantly greater than those of female. The AP, ML, and ML2 of male are 56.71±0.16, 41.63±0.18, and 37.85±0.36 mm, while of female are 51.21±0.12, 37.74±0.16, and 33.85±0.28 mm, respectively. This incidence can be used as ankle surgery consideration and an anthropological marker for sex determination of unidentified talus.

Los patrones y las variantes morfométricas de las facetas articulares calcáneas en el talus deben considerarse antes de la realización de la cirugía del tobillo a nivel articular, incluido su uso para la determinación del sexo. Se han documentado los tipos de facetas en el talus en muchas poblaciones, excepto en la raza tailandesa. Por lo tanto, este estudio clasificó los tipos de facetas del talus y se midieron las longitudes de las facetas del talus, en muestras secas de indiviuos tailandeses. Se analizaron 372 talus secos (204 de hombres, 168 de mujeres) de la colección de huesos de la Universidad Khon Kaen, se observaron distintos tipos de variantes y se midieron las longitudes de las facetas. Las facetas se clasificaron en 6 tipos: tipo I, faceta de árbol separadas (1,88 %); tipo II (A), facetas anterior y media parcialmente conectadas con la cresta predominante (34,68 %); tipo II (B), facetas anterior y media están parcialmente conectadas con una ligera cresta (32,53 %); tipo III, facetas anterior y media están completamente fusionadas para formar una sola faceta (2,96 %); tipo IV, facetas anterior y media están parcialmente separadas por una cresta y en parte por una ranura (27,42 %); tipo V, todas las facetas se fusionan continuamente para formar una sola faceta (0,54 %). Además, las longitudes morfométricas del proceso anterior o posterior (AP) y del proceso medial a lateral (ML1 y ML2) en el varón son significativamente mayores que las de la mujer. El AP, ML1 y ML2 de los hombres son 56,71 ± 0,16, 41,63 ± 0,18 y 37,85 ± 0,36 mm, mientras que las mujeres son 51,21 ± 0,12, 37,74 ± 0,16 y 33,85 ± 0,28 mm, respectivamente. Esta incidencia se puede utilizar como una consideración en la cirugía de tobillo y un marcador antropológico para determinar el sexo del talus no identificado.

Sexual dimorphism using the interstyloid distances and clinical implication for elongated styloid process in Northeastern Thailand / Dimorfismo sexual usando la distancia inter-estiloide y la implicación clínica del proceso estiloides elongado en el Noreste de Tailandia

Skeletal remains are crucial in forensic identification of the sex, especially human skulls including the styloid process, a bony projection from the skull. Hence, the objectives of the present study were undertaken to assess the value of the styloid process for the sex identification of unknown skulls and also to investigate the prevalence of elongated styloid process in 102 human dry skulls from the northeast Thai population. As a result, the interstyloid distances at both base and tip of the styloid processes were found to be significantly different between male and female specimens, although no significant difference was found in the length of the styloid process between males and females. In addition, the occurrence of the elongated styloid process was not associated with the gender, although its prevalent laterality on the left was recognized. It is suggested that the styloid process can be applied to the sex identification by measuring the interstyloid distance at the base or the tip of these processes.

Los restos óseos son cruciales para la identificación forense del sexo, especialmente en los cráneos humanos, incluyendo el proceso estiloides, una proyección ósea del cráneo. Por lo tanto, los objetivos del presente estudio consistieron en evaluar el valor del proceso estiloides en la identificación del sexo de cráneos desconocidos y también para investigar la prevalencia del proceso estiloides elongado en 102 cráneos secos humanos de la población del Noreste de Tailandia. Como resultado, se encontró que las distancias inter-estiloides tanto en la base y la punta de los procesos estiloides eran significativamente diferentes entre las muestras de hombres y mujeres, aunque no se encontró diferencia significativa en la presencia del proceso estiloides entre ambos. Además, la aparición del proceso estiloides elongado no se asoció con el sexo, aún cuando se observó su prevalencia en el lado izquierdo. Sugerimos que el proceso estiloides se puede utilizar en la identificación del sexo mediante la medición de la distancia inter-estiloide en la base o en la punta de estos procesos.

Changes of testicular phosphorylated proteins in response to restraint stress in male rats.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate male reproductive parameters via changes of potential testicular protein markers in restraint-stress rats. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups (non-immobilized control and restraint-immobilized/stress groups, n=8 each group). The stress animals were immobilized (12 h/d) by a restraint cage for 7 consecutive days. All reproductive parameters, morphology and histology were observed and compared between groups. In addition, the expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) and phosphotyrosine proteins (previously localized in Sertoli and late spermatid cells) in testicular lysate was assayed by immuno-Western blotting. RESULTS: Testosterone level, sperm concentration and sperm head normality of stress rats were significantly decreased while the corticosterone level was increased as compared with the control (P<0.05). Histologically, stress rats showed low sperm mass in epididymal lumen and some atrophy of seminiferous tubules. Although the expression of testicular StAR protein was not significantly different between groups, changed patterns of the 131, 95, and 75 kDa testicular phosphorylated proteins were observed in the stress group compared with the control group. The intensity of a testicular 95-kDa phosphorylated protein was significantly decreased in stress rats. CONCLUSIONS: This study has demonstrated the alteration of testicular phosphorylated protein patterns, associated with adverse male reproductive parameters in stress rats. It could be an explanation of some infertility in stress males.

Types of facets on the superior articular surface of Isan-Thai dried calcanei / Tipos de facetas de la superficie articular superior de calcáneos secos de tailandeses del nordeste

The patterns of talar articulating facets must be concerned in surgical procedure or the internal and external fixation in various diseases of the foot. The variant types of calcaneal facets on the superior articular surface have been reported in many races except in Thais. This study therefore was aimed to investigate the patterns of superior articulating facet of dried calcanei in Isan-Thais. The identified 396 Isan- Thai dried calcanei (202 males and 194 females) were carried out for variant superior facet observations. The results showed that types of facets observed could be classified into three major types (Type 1 [60.86%], Type 2 [38.64%], and Type 4 [0.51%], respectively). In sub-type classifications, there were Type 1A (24.75%), Type 1B (36.11%), Type 2A (12.88%), Type 2B (14.14%), Type 2C (2.78%), Type 2D (8.84%), and Type 4 (0.51%), respectively. Additionally, it was found that the percentage of Type 2A of male (15.84%) was much greater than that of female (9.79%) compared to those of other types. This incidence of facet types is valuable information for Thai orthologists to concern about treating in talocalcaneal joint area.

Los patrones de las facetas articulares del talus deben considerarse en los procedimientos quirúrgicos o en la fijación interna y externa en varias enfermedades del pie. Variaciones en las facetas articulares del calcáneo, correspondientes a la superficie articular superior, se han reportado en muchas razas y grupos étnicos, excepto en los tailandeses. Por tanto, este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar los patrones de presentación de las carillas articulares de calcáneos secos en Tailandases-Isan. Se estudiaron 396 huesos calcáneos secos (202 de hombres y 194 de mujeres). Los resultados mostraron que los tipos de carillas observadas se pueden clasificar en tres tipos principales (tipo 1 [60,86%], tipo 2 [38,64%] y Tipo 4 0,51%, respectivamente). Las subclasificaciones se distribuyeron en los subtipos 1A (24,75%), 1B (36,11%), 2A (12,88%), 2B (14,14%), 2C (2,78%), 2D (8,84%), y 4 (0,51%), respectivamente. Adicionalmente, se encontró que el porcentaje del Tipo 2A de hombres (15,84%) fue mayor que en las mujeres (9,79%) en comparación con los otros tipos. Consideramos que la incidencia de aparición de los distintos tipos de facetas constituyen una información valiosa para ortopedistas tailandeses en relación a los tratamientos a desarrollar en el área de la articulación talocalcanea.

Phyllanthus emblica l. branch extract ameliorates testicular damage in valproic acid-induced rats / El extracto de la rama de Phyllanthus emblica l. disminuye el daño testicular inducido por ácido valproico en ratas

Valproic acid (VPA), widely used in treating epileptic patients, can damage reproductive parameters causing male infertility. This study aimed to investigate protective effect of Phyllanthus emblica L. branch (PE) extract on rat testicular damage induced with VPA. Male rats were divided into 6 groups (control, VPA, 250 mg/kgBW PE only, and 50, 100, 250 mg/kgBW PE+VPA, respectively). Animals were pretreated with PE for 23 days and co-administered with VPA for 10 days before all reproductive parameters were determined. The results showed all doses of PE significantly protected the decrease testicular weight and testosterone level in VPA rats. PE significantly improved the decrease sperm concentration in VPA treated rats. Moreover, testicular histology of PE+VPA groups showed declining of testicular histopathologies as compared to VPA group. Therefore, it seems that PE branch extract can prevent testicular damages including male reproductive parameters in rats induced with VPA.

El ácido valproico (AVP) es utilizado frecuentemente en el tratamiento de pacientes epilépticos y puede dañar los parámetros reproductivos que causan la infertilidad masculina. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar el efecto protector de la rama Phyllanthus emblica L. (PE) sobre el daño testicular de ratas inducidas con AVP. Ratas machos fueron divididas en 6 grupos (control, AVP, PE 250 mg/kg peso corporal, APV+ PE 50, 100, 250 mg/kg peso corporal, respectivamente). Los animales fueron pretratados con PE durante 23 días y se administró AVP durante 10 días antes de medir todos los parámetros reproductivos. Los resultados mostraron que todas las dosis de PE protegen significativamente el peso y los niveles reducidos de testosterona testicular en ratas con AVP. El extracto de PE mejoró significativamente la concentración de espermatozoides en ratas tratadas con AVP. Por otra parte, la histología testicular de los grupos PE+AVP mostró disminución de la histopatología testicular en comparación con el grupo tratado sólo con AVP. Por lo tanto, parece que el extracto de la rama PE puede prevenir daños testiculares incluyendo los parámetros reproductores masculinos en ratas inducidas con AVP.

Antioxidant activity and protective effect of Clitoria ternatea flower extract on testicular damage induced by ketoconazole in rats.

BACKGROUND: Ketoconazole (KET), an antifungal drug, has adverse effects on the male reproductive system. Pre-treatments with antioxidant plant against testicular damage induced by KET are required. The flowers of Clitoria ternatea (CT) are proven to have hepatoprotective potential. However, the protective effect on KET-induced testicular damage has not been reported. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protective effect of CT flower extracts with antioxidant activity on male reproductive parameters including sperm concentration, serum testosterone level, histopathology of the testis, and testicular tyrosine phosphorylation levels in rats induced with KET. METHODS: The antioxidant activity of CT flower extracts was determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Male rats were treated with CT flower extracts (10, 50, or 100 mg/kg BW) or distilled water via a gastric tube for 28 d (preventive period: Days 1-21) and induced by KET (100 mg/kg BW) via intraperitoneal injection for 7 d (induction period: Days 22-28). After the experiment, all animals were examined for the weights of the testis, epididymis plus vas deferens and seminal vesicle, serum testosterone levels, sperm concentration, histological structures and diameter of testis, and testicular tyrosine phosphorylation levels by immunoblotting. RESULTS: The CT flower extracts had capabilities for DPPH scavenging and high reducing power. At 100 mg/kg BW, the extract had no toxic effects on the male reproductive system. Significantly, in CT+KET groups, CT flower extracts (50 and 100 mg/kg BW) alleviated the reduction of reproductive organ weight parameters, testosterone levels, and sperm concentration. In addition, CT flower extracts gave protection from testicular damage in KET-induced rats. Moreover, in the CT100+KET group, CT flower extracts significantly enhanced the expression of a testicular 50-kDa tyrosine phosphorylated protein compared with that of other groups. CONCLUSIONS: C. ternatea flower extracts possessing antioxidant activity are not harmful to the male reproductive system and can protect against testicular damage in KET-induced rats.

Anethum graveolens Linn. (dill) extract enhances the mounting frequency and level of testicular tyrosine protein phosphorylation in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Anethum graveolens (AG) extracts on the mounting frequency, histology of testis and epididymis, and sperm physiology. METHODS: Male rats induced by cold immobilization before treating with vehicle or AG extracts [50, 150, and 450 mg/kg body weight (BW)] via gastric tube for consecutive 1, 7, and 14 d were examined for mounting frequency, testicular phosphorylation level by immunoblotting, sperm concentration, sperm acrosome reaction, and histological structures of testis and epididymis, respectively. RESULTS: AG (50 mg/kg BW) significantly increased the mounting frequency on Days 1 and 7 compared to the control group. Additionally, rat testis treated with 50 mg/kg BW AG showed high levels of phosphorylated proteins as compared with the control group. In histological analyses, AG extract did not affect the sperm concentration, acrosome reaction, and histological structures of testis and epididymis. CONCLUSIONS: AG extract enhances the aphrodisiac activity and is not harmful to sperm and male reproductive organs.

Ultrastructure of spermatogenesis in the testis of Paragonimus heterotremus.

Lung fluke, Paragonimus heterotremus, is a flatworm causing pulmonary paragonimiasis in cats, dogs, and humans in Southeast Asia. We examined the ultrastructure of the testis of adult P. heterotremus with special attention to spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The full sequence of spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis, from the capsular basal lamina to the luminal surface, was demonstrated. The sequence comprises spermatogonia, spermatocytes with obvious nuclear synaptonemal complexes, spermatids, and eventual spermatozoa. Moreover, full steps of spermatid differentiation were shown which consisted of 1) early stage, 2) differentiation stage representing the flagella, intercentriolar body, basal body, striated rootlets, and electron dense nucleus of thread-like lamellar configuration, and 3) growing spermatid flagella. Detailed ultrastructure of 2 different types of spermatozoa was also shown in this study.

Variant insertion of the teres major muscle.

The teres major (TerMa) muscle has a clinical significance for tendon transfer procedures in patients with massive rotator cuff tears. Individually, it originates from the dorsum of the inferior angle of scapula and inserts into the medial lip of bicepital groove of the humerus. Functionally, TerMa in cooperation with latissimus dorsi (LD) adducts arm, medially rotates arm, and assists in arm extension. The variation of TerMa insertion is very rare. In the shoulder and axillary regions of a 33-year-old Thai male cadaver, the variant insertion of the right TerMa was found. The muscle fibers of TerMa are directly attached at the supero-medial border of LD tendon. Notably, there was no terminal tendon of TerMa. To explain an unusual movement of the arm, this rare variation of the TerMa insertion is necessary to be recognized. This case report is very important for surgeons to preoperatively consider using the terminal tendon of TerMa for tendon transfer in treating patients with irreparable cuff tears.

Duplicated axillary arch muscles arising from the latissimus dorsi.

Many origins and insertions of an axillary muscular slip (also known as Langer's or axillary arch muscles) have been documented previously. In this report, we found duplicated axillary arch muscles (two variant muscular slips) originating from the inferolateral border of the right side latissimus dorsi muscle. Obviously, these axillary arch muscles can be distinguished as short and long muscular strips. While the origin was the same, the short muscular slip inserts into the fascia covering on the pectoralis minor, whereas the longer one inserts on/into the aponeurosis of pectoralis major. For the surgery in the axillary region, this rare variation should be considered a cause of surgical interventions.

Cognitive enhancement and neuroprotective effects of Bacopa monnieri in Alzheimer's disease model.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst., a plant belonging to the family Scrophulariaceae, has been used in the traditional system of Ayurvedic medicine to improve intelligence and memory for a long time. Therefore, the potential of this plant to protect against Alzheimer's disease has been raised but less supported document is available. AIM OF THE STUDY: To determine the effect of alcoholic extract of Bacopa monnieri on cognitive function and neurodegeneration in animal model of Alzheimer's disease induced by ethylcholine aziridinium ion (AF64A). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Wistar rats were orally given the alcoholic extract of Bacopa monnieri at doses of 20, 40 and 80 mg/kg BW via feeding needle for a period of 2 weeks before and 1 week after the intracerebroventricular administration of AF64A bilaterally. Rats were tested for spatial memory using Morris water maze test and the density of neurons and cholinergic neurons was determined using histological techniques 7 days after AF64A administration. RESULTS: Bacopa monnieri extract improved the escape latency time (p<.01) in Morris water maze test. Moreover, the reduction of neurons and cholinergic neuron densities were also mitigated. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that Bacopa monnieri is a potential cognitive enhancer and neuroprotectant against Alzheimer's disease.

Neurotoxicity of Coscinium fenestratum stem, a medicinal plant used in traditional medicine.

Coscinium fenestratum is a common medicinal plant widely used in the Indochina region, but scientific data on its safety is very limited. This study aimed to observe the effect of this plant on neurotoxicity and neurobehavior. Oral administration of plant alcoholic extract at dosages of 5, 10 and 20 mg/kgBW for 14 days increased the rats body weight and decreased the neuron density in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and striatum. The plant extract significantly increased stereotyped behavior in licking but did not cause anxiolytic activity, anti-depression, sensory motor co-ordination impairment and ataxia. It is concluded that the plant possesses neurotoxicity and is able to induce neurobehavioral changes in rats. Therefore, the application of this plant as either drug or supplementary food should be reconsidered.