Protein vs. Energy Restriction Impact on Rat Testis' Function, Redox Status, and Histomorphometry.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of protein-restricted (PR) and energy restriction (ER) on male repro-ductive function. Eighteen weaning Wistar rats were divided into three groups, and were fed an experimental diet for five months. The first group, a control (C), received a diet containing 20% casein and 1.7×106 J/kg diet. The ER was given 50% less calories vs. C, while the PR group was given a low-protein diet (10% casein). The reproductive function was evaluated on serum and testis using anthropometrical, histological, hormonal, and oxidative parameters. The body weight was reduced by 37% and 40%, respectively, in the PR and ER groups vs. C. In the PR group, the testis relative weight was decreased, whereas that of the seminal vesicles was higher than that of C. The epididymis and prostate relative weights remained unchanged in the three experimental groups. Furthermore, serum testosterone concentrations were respectively 1.4- and 2.8-fold lower in the PR and ER groups vs. C, whereas no significant difference was found in luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels among the groups. Compared with the C group, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance, carbonyl levels, glutathione, and glutathione reductase activity reduced significantly in PR, and specifically in ER rat's testis, whereas, catalase and superoxide dismutase activities increased. Furthermore, the testis and epididymis examination revealed histological alterations in the PR and ER groups. In conclusion, ER and PR diets could reduce the oxidant markers, even though they may alter the reproductive activity by probably altering testosterone production.

Abuse of androgenic anabolic drugs with "Cycling" induces hepatic steatosis in adult male mice.

BACKGROUND: The importance of the present study comes from the lack of sufficient information about the reversibility of the potential hepatic histopathological alterations which may result from anabolic androgenic drugs abuse by "Cycling" protocol. So, the aim of this study is to explore the negative effects of Deca-Durabolin abuse in hepatic function and structure during an administration cycle. METHODS: For our purpose, study was performed on 40 male adult mices. Animals were divided into five groups of 8 animals each treated weekly by Deca-Durabolin (nandrolone decanoate) at 30 g/kg of BW during one month (GI); during two months (GII); during three months (GIII); during three months followed by six weeks of treatment discontinuation (GIV) and Control (C). Plasma assay of liver enzymes (ALT and AST) and cytohistological examination to determine the histopathological damage properties of the liver were performed. RESULTS: Our results showed that the animals supported very well the administrated substance. Our study showed an increase in plasma levels of liver enzymes (ALT and AST) with the duration of treatment accompanied by important degenerative changes in hepatic tissue with peliosis evolution after two months of treatment. These damages worsen again 6 weeks after stopping treatment and ended by the development of hepatic steatosis with increases hepatic distress. CONCLUSION: These results ported that the use of AAS with "Cycling" may lead to the development of hepatic steatosis before progressing to more serious pathological liver situations in AAS abusers.

Evolutions in cardiac and gonadal ultra-structure during a "cycle" of androgenic anabolic abuse in adult male mice.

BACKGROUND: The importance of the present study comes from the lack of sufficient information about the reversibility of the potential histopathological alterations which may result from anabolic androgenic drugs abuse by "Cycling" protocol. So, the aim of this study is to explore the negative effects of Deca-Durabolin abuse in cardiac and gonadal ultra-structures during an administration cycle. METHODS: For our purpose, study was performed on 40 male adult mices. Animals were divided into five groups of 8 animals each treated weekly by Deca-Durabolin (nandrolone decanoate) at 30 g/kg of BW during one month (GI); during two months (GII); during three months (GIII); during three months followed by six weeks of treatment discontinuation (GIV) and Control (C). Cytohistological examinations to determine the histopathological damage properties of the heart and tests were performed. RESULTS: Our results showed that the animals supported very well the administrated substance. Our study showed important degenerative changes in cardiac and gonadal tissues after one months of androgen abuse. These damages increases with the duration of treatment with well marked cell lesions, and worsen again 6 weeks after stopping treatment in cardiac tissue, whereas the gonadal tissue does not recover completely during this period. CONCLUSION: These results ported that the use of AAS with "Cycling" may lead to irreversibly destroy the heart tissue. Either, "Cycling" does not ensure the complete recovery of fertility in AAS abusers.

Description of the macrobenthic population in the Gulf of Arzew in northwestern Algeria.

This present research is dealing with the study of the benthic community in the Arzew gulf and permits to give an overview on the MacroBenthos encountered in this area, which seems to be more or less threatened by the Arzew's industrial area pollution. The samples were picked up in 46 several stations with deeps going from 16-96 m, using the Aberdeen Benne, where two hits were needed each station. A sediment undersample was used in the granulometric study. The species identification and the faunistical analysis show, in one hand, the main pollution indicator characteristic species and in another hand the principal dominant ecological stocks. Concerning the data processing, the TWINSPAN (Two Way INdicator SPecies of ANalysis) and the AFC (Analyse Factorielle des Correspondances) based upon the abundance of every species give the same results offering the stations and the species gatherings and this according to their existing affinities and their ecological preferences related to the gulf seabed sedimentary cover.