Association between CTX-1 and Fibulin-1 Serum Levels with Pathogenesis of Multiple Myeloma Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most prevalent blood cancer after non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It is identified by the excessive production of abnormal monoclonal immunoglobulins, which can result in various clinical symptoms such as destructive bone lesions, renal dysfunction, anemia, and immunodeficiency. The current study aims to evaluate the serum levels of carboxy-terminal collagen crosslinks 1 (CTX-1), Fibulin-1, vitamin D3, LDH, and albumin in MM patients and their significance for early diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 30 healthy controls (11 males, 19 females) and 60 patients with multiple myeloma (37 males and 23 females), aged between 40-60 years. Five-milliliter blood samples were collected and stored at -20°C. Afterward, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits were used to estimate the concentrations of CTX-1, Fibulin-1, and vitamin D3. Additionally, LDH and albumin levels were determined using the automated biochemistry analyzer. RESULTS: This study revealed that the majority of patients with multiple myeloma are between the ages of 51 and 60 years. The serum concentrations of CTX-1, Fibulin-1, and LDH were significantly increased in the multiple myeloma patients compared to the healthy control group. In contrast, the serum level of vitamin D3 was significantly decreased in patients with MM. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that the incidence of multiple myeloma is higher in males than in females. Additionally, the serum concentrations of CTX-1 and Fibulin-1 were significantly higher in the multiple myeloma patients compared to the healthy control group, indicating their potential for early detection and as therapeutic targets.

The Detection of CatSper1 and CatSper3 Expression in Men with Normozoospermia and Asthenoteratozoospermia and Its Association with Sperm Parameters, Fertilization Rate, Embryo Quality.

CatSper affects sperm function and male fertilization capacity markers, including sperm motility and egg penetration. The study has aimed to evaluate the mRNA expression of CatSper1, and CatSper3 in the spermatozoa of men with normozoospermia and Asthenoteratozoospermia, and to assess the correlation between genes expression and sperm parameters, fertilization rate, and embryo quality in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was utilized to evaluate the mRNA expression of CatSper1 and CatSper3 in sperm in two patient groups: Normozoospermia (NOR; n = 32), and Asthenoteratozoospermia (AT; n = 22). In all patients receiving intracytoplasmic sperm injection, the fertilization rate and embryo quality were evaluated. CatSper1, and CatSper3 mRNA expression in sperm was significantly lower in AT males than in NOR (P < 0.05). Levels of these genes demonstrated a significant positive correlation with sperm motility, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), capacitation, fertilization rate, cleavage rate, and embryo quality (P < 0.05) following ICSI. However, a negative correlation was found between mRNA expression of CatSper1, 3 and sperm DNA fragmentation (P < 0.05). Findings indicate low levels of CatSper1 and CatSper3 mRNA expression in men with Asthenoteratozoospermia, which resulted in poor sperm quality and impaired embryo development following ICSI therapy.

The correlation of Septin4 gene expression with sperm quality, DNA damage, and oxidative stress level in infertile patients.

Septin4 belong to a family of polymerizing GTP-binding proteins that are required for many cellular functions, such as membrane compartmentalization, vesicular trafficking, mitosis, and cytoskeletal remodeling. Since, Septin4 is expressed specifically in the testis, we aimed to determine the association between Septin4 gene expression with sperm quality, DNA damage, and stress oxidative level in infertile patients. The present study included 60 semen samples that grouped into three groups: normozoospermia (n=20), asthenozoospermia (n=20), astheno-teratozoospermia (n=20). Initially, semen parameters were analyzed by using the World Health Organization protocol. The mRNA expression of Septin4 in sperm was examined using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Oxidative stress markers, i.e., total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and malondialdehyde, were determined by ELISA kit. The current study showed a statistically significant highly positive correlation in Septin4 gene expression with sperm motility, normal morphology, viability, capacity, and sperm mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). However, it showed significant negative correlation with sperm DNA fragmentation. Septin4 had a significant correlation with stress oxidative factor and antioxidant enzyme levels. In conclusion, Septin4 gene expression provides clinical useful information for the diagnosis of male infertility. It might be a marker for discrimination between fertile and infertile patients. The current study showed a statistically significant highly positive correlation in Septin4 gene expression with sperm motility, normal morphology, viability, capacity, and sperm MMP. However, it shows significant negative correlation with sperm DNA fragmentation. Septin4 had a significant correlation with stress oxidative factor and antioxidant enzyme levels.

Involvement of caspase-3 in apoptosis of human lymphocytes exposed to cadmium chloride.

BACKGROUND: Lymphocytes are a group of white blood cells with a variety of roles their integrity is crucial for the body's immune responses. Cadmium, a heavy metal and environmental pollutant, is known as a toxicant to exert its adverse effects on some sort of cells including blood cells. RESEARCH DESIGN: In this study, human lymphocytes were divided into 3 groups: (1) lymphocytes at 0-h, (2) lymphocytes at 24 h (control), (3) lymphocytes treated with cadmium chloride (15 µM). Lymphocyte viability and plasma membrane integrity were assessed in these groups. In addition, the occurrence of apoptosis was investigated by assessment of nucleus diameter and flow cytometry. Activation of caspase-3 was also detected by immunocytochemistry. RESULTS: Result showed that lymphocyte's viability and plasma membrane integrity decreased in lymphocytes treated with cadmium as compared with the control group. Decreased nucleus diameter and result of flow cytometry demonstrated cadmium-induced apoptosis in human lymphocytes. Furthermore, lymphocytes treated with cadmium displayed intensely activated caspase-3 immunoreactivity in their cytoplasm. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, cadmium not only negatively effect on viability and plasma membrane, but also induces caspase-dependent apoptosis in human lymphocytes.

Silymarin modulates cadmium-induced oxidative stress in human spermatozoa.

Environmental pollutants such as cadmium can negatively affect sperm parameters and decrease male fertility by inducing oxidative stress. Antioxidants are considered a useful strategy for oxidative stress conditions to neutralize free radicals and strengthen the antioxidant defence system. In this study, the effects of the common application of silymarin, as a natural antioxidant, with cadmium were assessed on human sperm. The washed human sperm samples were divided into five groups: (1) spermatozoa at 0- hour; (2) spermatozoa at 3 h; (3) spermatozoa treated with cadmium (20 µM) for 3 h; (4) spermatozoa treated with silymarin (2 µM) + cadmium (20 µM) for 3 h and (5) spermatozoa treated with silymarin (2 µM) for 3 h. Our results displayed that cadmium reduced sperm motility, viability, plasma membrane integrity and acrosome integrity by increasing malondialdehyde levels and decreasing the total antioxidant capacity and antioxidant enzymes activity. While silymarin attenuated oxidative stress biomarkers in human sperm treated with cadmium, and consequently improved the sperm quality. In summary, cadmium-induced oxidative stress impaired human sperm structures and silymarin with its antioxidant properties compensated for the adverse effects of oxidative stress on human spermatozoa.

Hydro-alcoholic extract of Morus nigra reduces fasting blood glucose and HbA1c% in diabetic patients, probably via competitive and allosteric interaction with alpha-glucosidase enzyme; a clinical trial and in silico analysis.

OBJECTIVES: 1-Deoxynojirimycin (1-DNJ), the main active component found in Morus nigra (black mulberry) is reported to be effective in controlling diabetes. We have evaluated the effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of M. nigra leaves on the fasting blood glucose (FBS) and hemoglobin A1c% (HbA1c%) in diabetic patients. Furthermore, we compared the interaction of 1-DNJ and glucose molecules with the alpha-glucosidase enzyme, which has a critical role in the lysis of glucose-based polymers in human cells. METHODS: 4% hydro-alcoholic extract was prepared from black mulberry leaves. Patients in treatment (n=50) and control (n=50) groups received 3 mL extract or placebo in water, respectively, and three times a day. Fasting blood glucose and HbA1c% were evaluated before and after three months of evaluation. Potential binding sites of 1-DNJ or glucose on the enzyme glucosidase found by docking study. Docking scores were obtained using an energy minimization method by Molegro Virtual Docker software. The Mean ± SD of each variable was compared between groups at the 95% significant level. RESULTS: Age mean ± SD was equal to 54.79 ± 9.203 (38-69) years. There was no significant difference between intervention and placebo groups considering FBS (p=0.633) but was for HbA1c% (p=0.0011), before treatment. After three months, both FBS and HbA1c% were significantly reduced in patients under mulberry leaves extract-treatment. FBS changed was from 182.23 ± 38.65 to 161.23 ± 22.14 mg/dL in treatment group (p<0.001) and from 178.45 ± 39.46 to 166.23 ± 29.64 mg/dL in control group (p<0.001). HbA1c was changed from 7.23 ± 0.25 to 6.13 ± 0.61% in treatment group (p<0.001) and from 7.65 ± 0.85 to 7.12 ± 0.33% in control group (p=0.854). Docking results showed that 1-DNJ binds more efficiently, and with a significant score than glucose, to human alpha-glucosidase. CONCLUSIONS: This clinical trial and virtual analysis showed that a hydro-alcoholic extract of black mulberry (M. nigra) leaf may be efficient in reducing the blood glucose and HbA1c% in diabetic patients. Furthermore, docking studies propose a competitive and allosteric regulation for herbal ingredients. Drug-development could be based on the presented idea in this report.

Evaluate the Case Fatality Rate (CFR) and Basic Reproductive Rate (R-naught) of COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION: SARS-CoV-2 primarily affects a person's respiratory system and leads to the spread of pathogenicity in the person and therefore this study evaluated the Case Fatality Rate (CFR) and Basic Reproductive Rate (R-naught) of COVID-19. METHOD: This cross-sectional descriptive study was performed on all people with COVID-19 from the first date of admission of positive PCR patients with SARS-CoV-2 until September 21, 2020, in the area of Markazi Province in Khomein, Iran. Information on the records of definitively discharged and deceased patients due to COVID-19 (having positive PCR) was extracted from 20/2/2020 to 21/9/2020, and Case Fatality Rate (CFR) and Basic Reproductive Rate (R-naught) of COVID-19 were evaluated. The sample size was 691 people. RESULTS: The CFR of the COVID-19 in the current study is 6.65%, and the rate of disease transmission among the sensitive population of Khomein city at the beginning of the study (March) averaged BASIC REPRODUCTIVE RATE= 1.75, and in the last month (September) of the study This value was reduced to BASIC REPRODUCTIVE RATE= 1.306. CONCLUSION: According to our study on Case Fatality Rate (CFR) and Basic Reproductive Rate (R-naught) of COVID-19, showed that the prevalence of the disease was high in March, which due to lack of proper observance of health protocols, we saw this problem and in the months when people have more problems. Hygiene was reduced, and the rate of transmission and mortality was reduced.

A novel role for involvement of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptors in sperm acrosome reaction.

Ionotropic glutamate receptors are expressed in mouse and human spermatozoa. However, the possible role of these receptors has not been reported in the sperm acrosome reaction. This study was conducted to demonstrate the function of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptors in the acrosome reaction of mouse spermatozoa. Epididymal spermatozoa from adult mice were release in a culture medium. The sperm suspension was then divided into six groups: (1) spermatozoa at 0 min, (2) spermatozoa at 60 min (control), (3) spermatozoa treated with NMDA glutamate receptor agonist (L-glutamate, LG), (4) spermatozoa treated with α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA)/kainite glutamate receptor agonist (kainic acid), (5) spermatozoa treated with NMDA glutamate receptor antagonist (MK-801)+LG and (6) spermatozoa treated with ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid (EGTA, as a calcium chelator)+ LG. The sperm samples were examined for the acrosome reaction and intracellular calcium concentration. After 60 min, LG but not kainic acid significantly increased both the acrosome reaction and intracellular calcium levels in the spermatozoa compared with the control group. Co-administration of MK-801 or EGTA+LG could significantly reverse the effect of LG in the acrosome reaction and the level of intracellular calcium as compared to the LG group. The possibility that LG induced the acrosome reaction and elevated inter-cellular calcium concentration in mouse spermatozoa and that MK-801 could reverse the effects of LG, may suggest the involvement of NMDA glutamate receptors, at least in the initiation of the acrosome reaction in vitro.

Investigation of the Epidemiological Situation and the Incidence of Covid 19 Disease in an Area of Markazi Province in Iran Country.

INTRODUCTION: Coronavirus is an emerging virus that has caused many casualties. Therefore, the purpose of this descriptive study is to investigate the epidemiological situation of coronavirus in Khomein city in the province of Markazi in Iran. METHOD: This cross-sectional descriptive study was performed on all people with coronavirus disease from the first date of admission of positive PCR of patients with coronavirus until 21 September 2020. Information on the records of definitively discharged and deceased patients due to coronavirus (having positive PCR) was extracted from 20/2/2020 to 21/9/2020 and demographic characteristics such as age, gender, area of residence, occupation, and past medical history were assessed for each patient with coronavirus disease. RESULTS: The range of age of this study was from 2 months to 95 years old and their mean age was 52.9±19.2 years old. The mean age of men and women in this study was 52.36 and 53.84 years old, respectively, which showed no significant relationship (T=0.966, N=691, P-Value=0.335, df=689). 52.1% of deaths were in rural areas and 47.9% were in urban areas. CONCLUSION: With observing the protocols by the people as well as traffic restrictions and social distance, we gradually experienced a decreasing trend in positive coronavirus cases and hospitalization cases. Then, due to the decrease in people's sensitivity and false confidence, the second outbreak of the disease began again and reached its peak in May and July.

Association of Herpes simplex virus I&II infections with rs187084 SNP of TLR9 and male infertility.

Since TLR9 recognises unmethylated CpG motifs in viral DNA, its polymorphisms may contribute to the susceptibility to Herpes simplex virus I&II infection. In the present study, to evaluate the role of rs187084 SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) of TLR9 in Herpes simplex virus I&II infection and male infertility, 103 infertile and 27 fertile blood and semen samples were analysed. We assessed the micro and macro properties of semen specimens and the presence of HSV immunoglobulins. Tetra-primer ARMS PCR was used to detect SNP and to investigate the genotype distribution of TLR9-rs187084 SNPs, and the correlation between polymorphisms of TLR9 gene and male infertility. Moreover, the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals were used to estimate the strength of the association. Based on our finding, a significant correlation was observed between HSV infection, agglutination and polymorphism (TT) under dominant (OR = 1.28, 95% CI = 0.94-1.75) and recessive (OR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.21-0.94) models for the data, which was complied with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) (OR = 2.91, 95% CI = 1.02-8.30). The result showed a significant association between HSV IgM and agglutination in HSV infection (p < .001), and in addition, there were associations between alleles so that rs187084 SNP might be considered as a risk factor for the incidence of HSV infection.

Quantitative evaluation of human sperm viability using MTT assay: A laboratory study.

BACKGROUND: 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay which evaluates cellular mitochondrial activity is widely used for the assessment of cell proliferation and viability. OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to assess human sperm viability using MTT assay. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this laboratory study, human-ejaculated semen samples (n = 56 from different donors) were used. The sperm viability was determined using quantitative MTT assay and the sperm motility was assessed according to World Health Organization guidelines. Sperm viability and the correlation between sperm viability and motility were analyzed. RESULTS: Data revealed a marked positive correlation between MTT reduction rate and the percentage of viable spermatozoa. The Pearson's correlation coefficients also showed a significant correlation between sperm viability and motility. CONCLUSION: MTT assay which is based on mitochondrial functionality is a reliable method for evaluating human sperm viability and could be used as a diagnostic test for predicting sperm fertilization ability in clinical settings.

Impact of silymarin on cadmium-induced apoptosis in human spermatozoa.

Oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in spermatozoa may lead to male infertility. Environmental pollutants and heavy metals such as cadmium cause harmful effects on the reproductive system and sperm parameters through the induction of oxidative stress. Silymarin, as a potent antioxidant, is able to inhibit oxidative stress. This study was performed to investigate the protective effects of silymarin on cadmium-induced toxicity in human spermatozoa. Sperm samples were divided into the following five groups: (a) spermatozoa at 0 min, (b) spermatozoa in the control group, (c) spermatozoa treated with cadmium chloride (20 µM), (d) spermatozoa treated with silymarin (2 µM)+ cadmium chloride (20 µM) and (e) spermatozoa treated with silymarin (2 µM). Sperm parameters related to apoptosis, such as DNA fragmentation, nucleus diameter, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and expression of caspase-3, were evaluated in all groups. After 180 min, spermatozoa treated with cadmium chloride showed a significant decrease in nucleus diameter and MMP but a significant increase in DNA fragmentation; however, caspase-3 expression remained unchanged. At this time point, silymarin in the silymarin + cadmium chloride group could significantly reverse the adverse effects of cadmium chloride on these parameters.Silymarn could partly compensate for the caspase-independent apoptosis in the spermatozoa. Therefore, oxidative stress could be a consequence for cadmium toxicity.

Aquaporin3 expression and the potential role of aquaporins in motility and mitochondrial membrane potential in human spermatozoa.

Aquaporins are water selective channels which play important roles in cell volume regulation during the transmission of spermatozoa to female tract. This study investigated the expression of aquaporin3 and determined the role of aquaporins in human sperm motility and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). RT-PCR and flow cytometry analysis were done to investigate aquaporin3 expression levels, and immunolocalisation of aquaporin3 in the spermatozoa was detected using immunocytochemical analysis. The sperm suspension was divided into four groups of spermatozoa: (a) Spermatozoa at 0 hr, (b) spermatozoa in control group, (c) spermatozoa treated with HgCl2 (as an aquaporin inhibitor) and (d) spermatozoa treated with HgCl2 + and 2-mercaptoethanol. The sperm samples were examined in terms of sperm motility and mitochondrial membrane potential. Results confirmed aquaporin3 expression in human spermatozoa and immunocytochemistry results showed an intense immunoreactivity in whole sperm tail. After 60 min, HgCl2 showed a significant decrease in motility and MMP compared to the control group. At this time point, 2-mercaptoethanol in the HgCl2 + 2-mercaptoethanol group reversed the effects of HgCl2 as compared to the HgCl2 group. Present study showed the expression and immunolocalisation of AQP3 in human spermatozoa and the potential role of AQPs in the sperm motility and MMP.

Impact of aluminium toxicity on vital human sperm parameters-Protective effects of silymarin.

Aluminium is an environmental pollutant which induces oxidative stress, while silymarin is a potent antioxidant. This study was conducted to investigate the possible protective effects of silymarin on adverse effects of aluminium chloride on vital sperm parameters as well as its effects on oxidative stress markers in human spermatozoa. Human spermatozoa were divided into 5 groups as follows: (a) spermatozoa at 0 hr; (b) spermatozoa at 180 min (control); (c) spermatozoa treated with aluminium chloride; (d) spermatozoa treated with silymarin + aluminium chloride; and (e) spermatozoa treated with silymarin. The sperm samples were used to assess sperm vital parameters such as acrosome and plasma membrane integrity, viability, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and motility as well as sperm malondialdehyde (MDA) level and the total antioxidant capacity. The percentage of acrosome and plasma membrane integrity, viability, MMP, motility and the total antioxidant capacity of spermatozoa treated with aluminium chloride significantly decreased compared with control group, while the level of MDA significantly increased compared with the control group. In the silymarin + aluminium chloride group, silymarin could significantly compensate the adverse effects of aluminium chloride on these parameters. Administration of silymarin alone significantly increased the percentage of acrosome and plasma membrane integrity, viability, motility and total antioxidant capacity, while significantly reduced MDA levels compared with the control group. Aluminium chloride by inducing oxidative stress exerts disastrous effects on the vital parameters of human spermatozoa and silymarin, as a potent antioxidant, could reverse the effects of aluminium chloride on these parameters.

Protective effects of silymarin on testis histopathology, oxidative stress indicators, antioxidant defence enzymes and serum testosterone in cadmium-treated mice.

Cadmium is known as an oxidative stress-inducing factor. Silymarin extracted from Silybum marianum is regarded as a potent antioxidant. The present study investigated the preventing effects of silymarin on cadmium chloride-induced toxicity in terms of testis histopathology and serum testosterone level as well as oxidative stress indicators in mice. In addition, the activities of antioxidant defence enzymes was evaluated. Adult male mice were divided into four groups (n = 6 in each group): (a) control; (b) cadmium chloride; (c) silymarin + cadmium chloride and (d) Silymarin. In this study, cadmium chloride significantly decreased the diameter and wall thickness of the seminiferous tubule, diameter of the spermatogonia nucleus and serum testosterone levels compared to the control group. Furthermore, in mice treated with this pollutant, a significant increase in malondialdehyde was observed while ferric reducing antioxidant power level, and the activity of catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were significantly reduced in the testis. In the silymarin + cadmium chloride group, silymarin could significantly reverse the toxic effects of cadmium chloride. The findings of this study showed that silymarin, as a potent antioxidant, can compensate the adverse effects of cadmium chloride on testis histopathology, testosterone level, oxidative stress indicators and antioxidant defence enzymes in mice.

The effect of Verapamil on ischaemia/reperfusion injury in mouse ovarian tissue transplantation.

One of the challenges that must be overcome during ovarian tissue transplantation is Ischaemia/Reperfusion Injury (IRI). The most important hypothesis explaining the cellular events in I/R processes are calcium overload and oxygen free radicals constitute. Here, we study the effect of verapamil on IRI, and consequently on follicle survival during ovarian transplants in an autograft model. Female mice were randomly assigned into three groups in order to ovarian autotransplantation as follow: Group 1 (Control group), Group 2 (Transplanted group) and Groups 3 (Transplanted + Verapamil group). The grafted ovaries were collected at 3, 7 and 14 days after transplantation for evaluation of follicle content and morphology, apoptosis and Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration. The results showed that verapamil treatment significantly preserved primordial follicular reserve and reduced the number of degenerated follicles compared to the transplanted group (P < 0.05). MDA levels were significantly higher on the 14th day after transplantation, in group 2 than in group 3. In conclusion, verapamil treatment is effective for the preservation of the follicular pool and reducing tissue damage induced by transplantation of ovarian tissue.

Silymarin Ameliorates Oxidative Stress and Enhances Antioxidant Defense System Capacity in Cadmium-Treated Mice.

OBJECTIVE: Cadmium is an environmental pollutant which induces oxidative stress while silymarin as an antioxidant is able to scavenge free radicals. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of silymarin on oxidative stress markers and antioxidant defense system capacity in mice treated with cadmium chloride. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, adult mice were divided into four groups as follow: i. Control, ii. Cadmium chloride (5 mg/kg b.w., s.c.), iii. Silymarin+cadmium chloride, and iv. Silymarin (100 mg/kg b.w., i.p.). Mice were treated with cadmium chloride for 24 hours and silymarin was administered 24 hours before the cadmium. Blood samples were then collected from the experimental groups and their sera were prepared. To investigate oxidative stress markers in the serum, the amount of malondialdehyde (MDA) and thiol groups (-SH) were evaluated. To measure the total antioxidant power in the serum, Ferric Reducing/ Antioxidant Power (FRAP) method was used. In addition, the activity of enzymes including catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) was assessed to evaluate serum antioxidant defense power. RESULTS: In the cadmium-treated group, the amount of MDA significantly increased as compared to the control group. In silymarin+cadmium group, silymarin significantly ameliorated the level of MDA compared to the cadmium group. In addition, cadmium significantly reduced serum FRAP, the activity of antioxidant defense system enzymes and thiol groups compared to the control. In silymarin+cadmium group, silymarin could significantly reverse the reduction of these markers compared to the cadmium group. Administration of silymarin alone caused a significant increase in serum FRAP, the activity of antioxidant defense system enzymes and thiol groups compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Silymarin as a powerful antioxidant reverses the toxic effect of cadmium on the serum levels of lipid peroxidation, total antioxidant power, antioxidant defense system enzymes activity and thiol groups.

Effect of curcumin on kidney histopathological changes, lipid peroxidation and total antioxidant capacity of serum in sodium arsenite-treated mice.

Sodium arsenite is an environmental pollutant with the ability to generate free radicals and curcumin acts as a potent antioxidant. This study investigates the effect of curcumin on kidney histopathology, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant capacity of serum in the mice treated with sodium arsenite. Adult male mice were divided into four groups: control, sodium arsenite, curcumin and curcumin+sodium arsenite. The treatments were delivered for 5 weeks. After the treatment period, blood samples were collected and the concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity of serum were determined. Left kidney was dissected, weighed and used for histopathological and histomorphometrical studies. Sodium arsenite-treated mice showed a significant decrease in the diameter of glomerulus and proximal tubule, glomerular area, total antioxidant capacity of serum as well as a significant increase in serum concentration of MDA compared to the control group. However, no significant difference was found in kidney weight, area and diameter of Bowman's capsule as well as the diameter of distal tubule in mice treated with sodium arsenite compared to the control. In curcumin+sodium arsenite group, curcumin significantly reversed the adverse effects of sodium arsenite on the diameter of glomerulus and proximal tubule, glomerular area, total antioxidant capacity of serum and serum concentration of MDA compared to the sodium arsenite group. The application of curcumin alone significantly increased the total antioxidant capacity of serum compared to the control. Curcumin compensated the adverse effects of sodium arsenite on kidney tissue, lipid peroxidation and total antioxidant capacity of serum.

Protective effect of silymarin on viability, motility and mitochondrial membrane potential of ram sperm treated with sodium arsenite.

BACKGROUND: Sodium arsenite can impair male reproductive function by inducing oxidative stress. Silymarin is known as a potent antioxidant. OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to investigate if silymarin can prevent the adverse effect of sodium arsenite on ram sperm viability, motility and mitochondrial membrane potential. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Epidydimal spermatozoa obtained from ram were divided into five groups: 1) Spermatozoa at 0 hr, 2) spermatozoa at 180 min (control), 3) spermatozoa treated with sodium arsenite (10 µM) for 180 min, 4) spermatozoa treated with silymarin (20 µM) + sodium arsenite (10 µM) for 180 min and 5) spermatozoa treated with silymarin (20 µM) for 180 min. MTT assay and Rhodamine 123 staining were used to assess sperm viability and mitochondrial membrane potential respectively. Sperm motility was performed according to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. RESULTS: Viability (p<0.01), nonprogressive motility (p<0.001) and intact mitochondrial membrane potential (p<0.001) of the spermatozoa were significantly decreased in sodium arsenite treated group compared to control group. In silymarin + sodium arsenite group, silymarin could significantly reverse the adverse effect of sodium arsenite on these sperm parameters compared to sodium arsenite group (p<0.001). In addition, the application of silymarin alone for 180 minutes could significantly increase progressively motile sperm (p<0.001) and decrease non motile sperm (p<0.01) compared to the control. CONCLUSION: Silymarin could compensate the adverse effect of sodium arsenite on viability, nonprogressive motility and mitochondrial membrane potential of ram sperm.

Curcumin Inhibits The Adverse Effects of Sodium Arsenite in Mouse Epididymal Sperm.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of curcumin on epididy- mal sperm parameters in adult male Navel Medical Research Institute (NMRI) mice ex- posed to sodium arsenite. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, we divided the animals into four groups: control, sodium arsenite (5 mg/kg), curcumin (100 mg/kg) and curcumin+sodium arsenite. Exposures were performed by intraperitoneal injections for a 5-week period. After the exposure period, we recorded the animals' body and left testes weights. The left caudal epididymis was used to count the sperm number and analyze motility, viability, morphological abnormalities, acrosome reaction, DNA integrity, and histone-protamine replacement in the spermatozoa. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by the Tukey's test was used to assess the statistical significance of the data with SPSS 16.0. P<0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Mice exposed to sodium arsenite showed a significant decrease in the num- ber, motility, viability, normal sperm morphology and acrosome integrity of spermato- zoa compared to the control group. In the curcumin+sodium arsenite group, curcumin significantly reversed these adverse effects to the point where they approximated the control. In addition, the application of curcumin alone had no significant difference in these parameters compared to the control and curcumin+sodium arsenite groups. However, we observed no significant differences in the body and the testis weight as well as the DNA integrity and histone-protamine replacement in the spermatozoa of the four groups. CONCLUSION: Curcumin compensated for the toxic effects of sodium arsenite on a number of sperm parameters in adult mice.