Deferasirox, an Iron-Chelating Agent, Improves Testicular Morphometric and Sperm Functional Parameters in a Rat Model of Varicocele.

Varicocele is characterized by testicular dysfunction that originates from hyperthermia and hypoxia, leading to defects in testicular tissue and altered spermatozoa structure and function. The varicocele testis is characterized by the presence of intracellular iron deposits that contribute to the associated oxidative stress. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that administration of an iron-chelating agent, such as deferasirox (DFX), could potentially mitigate the consequences of varicocele on testicular tissue and spermatozoa. Using a well-established rat model of varicocele (VCL), we show that treatment with DFX partially improved the structure and function of the testis and spermatozoa. In particular, sperm motility was markedly restored whereas abnormal sperm morphology was only partially improved. No significant improvement in sperm count was observed that could be associated with the proapoptotic response observed following iron chelation treatment. No reduction in oxidative damage to spermatozoa was observed since lipid peroxidation and DNA integrity were not modified. This was suggested to be a result of increased oxidative stress. Finally, we also saw no indication of attenuation of the endoplasmic reticulum/unfolded protein (ER/UPR) stress response that we recently found associated with the VCL testis in rats.

Histomorphometric evaluation of tibial subchondral bone after moderate running in male and female Wistar rats.

BACKGROUND: Exercise has been shown to be beneficial to the skeleton, in both humans and animals. This study was done to test the sex-related difference in the risk of osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee joint and also on the subchondral bone after moderate running exercise. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty male and female Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four equal groups (2 male and 2 female groups) in the same condition. Ten animals of each sex were selected as control groups, while running exercises were performed in remaining 20 male and female rats, using a motor treadmill to motivate rats to run daily distances of 1 km at 5 days/week within 6 weeks. On day 43, all animals were sacrificed and the knee articular cartilage and also histomorphometric parameters of subchondral bone and mid shaft of tibia were evaluated. RESULTS: Results showed mild OA in both male and female runner groups. Results in male runner rats were significantly lesser than that in female runners. On the other hand, the difference in female runner group showed significant changes in comparison with other groups in histomorphometric parameters in tibia. CONCLUSIONS: Obtained results showed that the development of knee OA and subchondral bone changes may be related to the sex differences. Although there was no synovitis in male runners, female runner group showed mild hyperaemia dropsy with a moderate synovitis in this region.

Effects of intra-yolk-sac injection of dextrose and albumin on performance, jejunum morphology, liver and pectoral muscle glycogen and some serum metabolites of broilers.

This study carried out to investigate the effects of intra-yolk-sac injection (IYSI) of some solutions including 1 ml of distilled water, dextrose 20% and albumin 20% on hatch percentage, performance traits, jejunum morphology, glycogen content of liver and breast and serum metabolites in broilers (Ross 308). Fertile eggs were injected into the yolk sac at day 8 of incubation period. Results showed that hatchability, absolute body weight (BW), feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) at day 7 and 14 of growing period were not different among treatments, but in comparison with control group, BW and FCR were numerally better by IYSI of albumin. In addition, IYSI of albumin increased jejunum villus height at hatch day, but crypt depth was not affected by any injection treatments. Also, the glycogen concentrations of liver and pectoral muscle in albumin injected group were significantly higher than control at hatch and 7th day respectively. At hatch day, serum glucose and cholesterol concentrations were, respectively, maximum and minimum statistically by IYSI of albumin which continued numerally up to 7th day of rearing period. Furthermore, liver glycogen and serum glucose concentrations were directly correlated on the day of hatch. In conclusion, the IYSI of albumin could increase performance traits, jejunum villus height, liver and breast glycogen and serum glucose in broiler chicks.

Histomorphometric study of the effect of methionine on small intestine parameters in rat: an applied histologic study.

BACKGROUND: Assessment of morphological changes has more often been used in the diagnosis and assessment of intestinal pathology and development. Since methionine is widely used in nutritional and sports supplements and also there is not enough information about the effect of this amino acid on the gastrointestinal histomorphometry, the aim of this study was to assess the effect of methionine on the small intestine histomorphometry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly divided to three equal groups. Two treatment groups received 100 and 200 mg/kg L-methionine solution respectively via intraperitoneal injection while the control group received normal saline. On day 21, all rats were euthanised and segments from three parts of small intestine were taken to histomorphometrical study. Paraffin sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin, alcian blue (AB) and periodic acid Schiff (PAS) methods separately. In order to analyse histomorphometric features of each segment, villus height, width, area, crypt depth, villus height to crypt depth ratio, goblet cell number, and muscle layer thickness were measured. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Obtained results revealed that methionine may change the histomorphometric parameters of small intestine.

Radiological anatomy of distal phalanx of front foot in the pure Iranian Arabian horse.

BACKGROUND: Among the different breeds of horses, Asil horses with a five thousand year history have played an important role in human life. This study was designed as a result of the lack of information about the normal radiographic anatomy of this breed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Radiography of the distal phalanx and associated soft tissue structures of the front feet of 10 healthy pure Iranian Arabian horses was performed on lateromedial radiographic projection to determine normal radiographic morphometry of this part. There were no problems in their limbs and in their history. RESULTS: Obtained radiograph of each front distal phalanx was used to measure important distances, angles and ratios of the hoof wall. There was no significant difference between left and right digits for any radiographic determination. CONCLUSIONS: Measurements of this study differed from those reported in other breeds, so it can be used in the future as reference values for diagnosis of laminitis in front feet of Iranian Arabian horses.

Anatomical transverse magnetic resonance imaging study of ligaments in palmar surface of metacarpus in Miniature donkey: identification of a new ligament.

BACKGROUND: Palmar region of metacarpus in the horses and donkeys is an important region because of its tendons and ligaments which contribute to stay apparatus. This study was done on forelimbs of 6 healthy Miniature donkeys to detect the tendons, ligaments and their accessories on the palmar surface of metacarpus in this animal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Based on that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a good technique to evaluate the soft tissues such as tendons and ligaments, palmar aspects of metacarpus in 6 euthanatised Miniature donkeys were prepared for anatomical and trans-sectional MRI studies to determine the tendons and ligaments in this region. RESULTS: Suspensory ligament, deep digital flexor tendon and its inferior check ligament were similar to them in the horse. Superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) in this animal had superior check ligament that was present before the carpal joint. On the other hand in the Miniature donkey there was a second accessory ligament for the SDFT that originated from the proximal of palmar surface of the large metacarpal bone which we named it second accessory ligament of SDFT. This ligament was determined in the MRI images too. CONCLUSIONS: It seems that this ligament helps the Miniature donkey to stay apparatus, supporting more weight and load for a longer period of time and distance which is a specific morphological feature in this animal.