Gut microbiota-gonadal axis: the impact of gut microbiota on reproductive functions

The influence of gut microbiota on physiological processes is rapidly gaining attention globally. Despite being under-studied, there are available data demonstrating a gut microbiota-gonadal cross-talk, and the importance of this axis in reproduction. This study reviews the impacts of gut microbiota on reproduction. In addition, the possible mechanisms by which gut microbiota modulates male and female reproduction are presented. Databases, including Embase, Google scholar, Pubmed/Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science, were explored using relevant key words. Findings showed that gut microbiota promotes gonadal functions by modulating the circulating levels of steroid sex hormones, insulin sensitivity, immune system, and gonadal microbiota. Gut microbiota also alters ROS generation and the activation of cytokine accumulation. In conclusion, available data demonstrate the existence of a gut microbiota-gonadal axis, and role of this axis on gonadal functions. However, majority of the data were compelling evidences from animal studies with a great dearth of human data. Therefore, human studies validating the reports of experimental studies using animal models are important.

Zinc improves sexual performance and erectile function by preventing penile oxidative injury and upregulating circulating testosterone in lead-exposed rats

AIM

The present study evaluated the effect of lead exposure with and without zinc therapy on male sexual and erectile function.

METHODS

Twenty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into four groups; the control, zinc-treated, lead-exposed, lead + zinc-treated groups. Administrations were per os daily for 28 days.

RESULTS

Zinc co-administration significantly improved absolute and relative penile weights and the latencies and frequencies of mount, intromission, and ejaculation in lead-exposed rats. Also, zinc ameliorated lead-induced reductions in motivation to mate and penile reflex/erection. These findings were accompanied by attenuation of lead-induced suppression of circulating nitric oxide (NO), penile cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), dopamine, serum luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and testosterone. In addition, zinc alleviated lead-induced upregulation of penile activities of acetylcholinesterase and xanthine oxidase (XO), and uric acid (UA) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Furthermore, zinc ameliorated the lead-induced decline in penile nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, and catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that co-administration of zinc improves lead-induced sexual and erectile dysfunction by suppressing XO/UA-driven oxidative stress and upregulating testosterone via Nrf2-mediated signaling.

HAART and anti-Koch's impair sexual competence, sperm quality and offspring quality when used singly and in combination in male Wistar rats

This study investigated the impact of the administration of HAART and anti-Koch's, singly and in combination, on sexual competence and birth statistics. Adult male Wistar rats were randomised into distilled water-treated control, HAART-treated, anti-Koch's-treated and HAART + anti-Koch's-treated groups. The 56-day oral treatment led to impaired sexual competence evident by significantly reduced motivation to mate, prolonged latencies of mount, intromissions, ejaculations and post-ejaculatory interval, as well as reduced frequencies of mount, intromissions and ejaculations. This was accompanied by significant reductions in penile erection reflex and penile grooming. HAART and anti-Koch's, when administered singly or in combination, also led to significant reductions in the circulatory follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone and intratesticular testosterone, but a significant rise in prolactin. Also, HAART and/or anti-Koch's significantly reduced sperm count, sperm motility, sperm viability and spermatozoa with normal morphology. Furthermore, HAART and anti-Koch's, separately or in combination, significantly lowered fertility capacity, litter size and litter weight and offspring survival. The deleterious effects of these drugs were more pronounced when combined. Findings of the present study revealed that HAART and/or anti-Koch's impair sexual competence via a testosterone-dependent hyperprolactinemia-mediated mechanism. These events are associated with reduced fertility capacity, poor sperm quality and lowered offspring survival.

Hepatotherapeutic effect of Aloe vera in alcohol-induced hepatic damage

There is a lack of reliable hepatotherapeutic drugs in modern medicine in the management of alcohol/drug-induced liver damage. Aloe vera extract has been used in folklore medicine for its medicinal values. This study evaluates the hepatotherapeutic activity of aqueous extract of Aloe vera gel in rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups; the negative control, positive control and the extract-treated groups. The negative control received only distilled water daily. The positive control received alcohol, while the extract-treated group received aqueous extract of Aloe vera and alcohol. Hepatotoxicity was induced in the positive control and extract-treated rats with alcohol. The hepatotherapeutic effect was evaluated by performing an assay of the serum total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate and alanine transaminases and liver histopathology. Alanine transaminase activities were comparable in all groups. Alcohol treatment alone significantly (p < 0.05) increased total serum bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase and aspartate transaminase activities. Alcohol-induced hepatic dysfunction was abrogated by Aloe vera extract. Histopathological examination revealed that alcohol induced hepatic damage. Aloe vera treatment maintained hepatic architecture similar to that seen in the control. This study shows that aqueous extract of Aloe vera gel is hepatotherapeutic and thus lends credence to the use of the plant in folklore medicine in the management of alcohol-induced hepatic dysfunction.

Zinc improves sexual and erectile function in HAART-treated rats via the upregulation of erectogenic enzymes and maintenance of redox balance

PURPOSE

HAART has been shown to impair sexual function and penile erection via perturbation of penile redox balance, while zinc has been established to exert antioxidant activity. Therefore, this study focused on the role and associated molecular mechanism of zinc in HAART-induced sexual and erectile dysfunction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty male Wistar rats were randomly grouped into four (n = 5 rats per group); the control, zinc-treated, HAART-treated, and HAART + zinc-treated groups. Treatments were per os daily for eight weeks.

RESULTS

Zinc co-administration significantly improved HAART-induced increase in the latencies of mount, intromission, and ejaculations. Zinc also attenuated HAART-induced reduction in the motivation to mate, penile reflex/erection, and frequencies of mount, intromission, and ejaculations. In addition, zinc co-treatment improved HAART-induced decline in penile NO and cGMP, dopamine, and serum testosterone. More so, zinc prevented HAART-induced rise in penile activities of monoamine oxidase, acetylcholinesterase, phosphodiesterase-5, and arginase. Furthermore, concomitant treatment with zinc ameliorated HAART-induced penile oxidative stress and inflammation.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, our present findings show that zinc improves sexual and erectile function in HAART-treated rats by upregulating erectogenic enzymes via the maintenance of penile redox balance.

Changes in Serum Electrolytes, Urea, and Creatinine in Aloe Vera-treated Rats

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of Aloe vera extract (AvE) on serum electrolytes, urea, and creatinine as indices of renal function in Sprague-Dawley rats. Twelve male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing between 80 and 130 g were used. Rats were divided into two groups: The control and the test groups (n=6). The test group received 1 ml of AvE daily for 28 days. Both the groups fed on standard rat chow and water ad libitum. The results showed a decrease in serum levels of sodium, and potassium, but an increase in the serum levels of bicarbonate, urea, and creatinine in the test group. The changes seen were, however, statistically insignificant, except for the serum levels of sodium and creatinine (P<0.05). It is thus concluded that AvE impairs renal handling of electrolytes with consequent hyponatremia and hypercreatinemia. However, this might be of therapeutic value in conditions associated with hypernatremia.

Antifertility activity of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta leaf ethanolic extract in male rats

BACKGROUND

Complementary medicine has grown over time with more botanicals emerging and remaining integral parts of medicare. Such botanicals include Cryptolepis sanguinolenta.

AIM

This study investigated the effect of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta leaf ethanolic extract on male reproductive system using rat model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Control and treated rats were maintained on control diet. Treated rats also received graded doses of the extract.

RESULTS

When compared with the controls, Cryptolepis sanguinolenta treatment led to significant testosterone suppression associated with consequent significant rise in luteinizing hormone (LH) and decrease in sperm count. Treatment with Cryptolepis sanguinolenta did not result in significant attenuation of follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) levels and testicular morphometry. Sperm viability, motility, and morphology were also comparable in all groups.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that Cryptolepis sanguinolenta possesses anti-androgenic and anti-spermatogenic properties with potential anti-aphrodisiac activity.

Contraceptive potential of Andrographis paniculata is via androgen suppression and not induction of oxidative stress in male Wistar rats

Andrographis paniculata has been shown to be associated with male reproductive dysfunction, although the available data are scarce and inconsistent, and the associated mechanisms are elusive. Hormonal mechanism via hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis, and non-hormonal mechanism primarily through oxidative stress, are involved in the modulation of male reproductive function. We therefore, hypothesized that suppression of hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis and/or oxidative stress is involved in Andrographis paniculata-induced reproductive dysfunction. Male Wistar rats received either vehicle or Andrographis paniculata in varying doses of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg body weight daily for 8 weeks. Treatment with Andrographis paniculata led to reduced sperm count, motility, and viability. Andrographis paniculata treatment also resulted in distorted spermatogenesis and reduced serum testosterone. On the other hand, Andrographis paniculata led to reduction in the testicular content of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, TNF-α, and IL-6, and testicular activities of xanthine oxidase and myeloperoxidase, but raised testicular levels of reduced glutathione content and enhanced activity of super oxide dismutase. However, body weight gain, and absolute and relative reproductive organ weights were similar across all the groups. These findings demonstrate that Andrographis paniculata induces reproductive toxicity via suppression of testosterone and not induction of oxidative stress. Therefore, Andrographis paniculata could be a potential and safe male contraceptive.

Oxidative status in rat kidney exposed to petroleum hydrocarbons

OBJECTIVE

The study investigates the possible role of oxidative stress on renal tissues in association with petroleum hydrocarbon-induced nephrotoxicity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Rats of comparable weights were randomly distributed into 10 groups: Control and groups exposed to kerosene, petrol, and diesel via inhalation, contamination by food, and contamination by water. The exposure lasted for eight weeks.

RESULTS

Exposure to petroleum hydrocarbon led to significant rise in serum urea and creatinine, and renal tissue malondialdehyde. It also caused significant reduction in urinary urea and creatinine, and reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities of renal tissue homogenate. However, serum and urine concentrations of albumin and total protein were comparable in all groups.

CONCLUSION

Results from this study shows that exposure to petroleum hydrocarbon led to renal dysfunction via oxidative stress, increasing lipid peroxidation and reducing the antioxidant defense mechanism.

Lipid peroxidation in brain tissue following administration of low and high doses of arsenite and L-ascorbate in wistar strain rats

This study aimed at investigating the mechanism by which sodium arsenite induces brain injury and the role of L-ascorbate. Thirty adult (n=5) Wistar rats weighing between 140 and 160 g were used. Group 1 neither received sodium arsenite nor L-ascorbate (control), group 2 was administered low dose of arsenite only, group 3 received high dose of arsenite only, group 4 was administered L-ascorbate only, group 5 was administered low dose of arsenite and L-ascorbate, and group 6 received high dose of arsenite and L-ascorbate. M0 alon dialdehyde, MDA, levels were significantly increased in rats treated with high dose of arsenite when compared with those treated with low dose of arsenite. However, all treated groups except those treated with L-ascorbate only showed significant increase in MDA levels when compared with the control group. Rats treated with high dose of arsenite and L-ascorbate showed a significantly higher MDA level than those treated with low dose of arsenite and L-ascorbate. However, catalase activity, body weight gain, brain weight and mean food consumption were comparable across all groups. Brain tissue total protein was similar in all groups except in both groups treated with high dose of arsenite, where they were significantly reduced when compared with the control group. I0 n conclusion, sodium arsenite treatment induces brain injury via a mechanism associated with lipid peroxidation, but not catalase-dependent. However, L-ascorbate ameliorates arsenite-induced oxidative injury in the brain. L-ascorbate antioxidative potential in alleviating arsenite-induced brain injury is dependent on the concentration of arsenite.

Methanolic Moringa oleifera leaf extract protects against epithelial barrier damage and enteric bacterial translocation in intestinal I/R: Possible role of caspase 3

Background: Activation of caspase 3 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of I/R injury in various organs, but there is a paucity of data on its role in IIRI. Also, no reports were found on the beneficial role of methanolic Moringa oleifera leaf extract (MMOLE) in IIRI. This study investigated the involvement of caspase 3 in IIRI, and the impact of MMOLE in IIRI. Methods: Male Wistar rats were randomized into five groups; the sham-operated group that was sham-operated and received 0.5 ml of distilled water for 7 days prior to sham surgery, and the IIRI, febuxostat (FEB) +IIRI, low dose MMOLE (LDMO)+IIRI, and high dose MMOLE (HDMO)+IIRI groups that underwent I/R and also received 0.5 ml of distilled water, 10 mg/kg of febuxostat, 200 mg/kg of MMOLE, and 400 mg/kg of MMOLE respectively for 7 days prior to I/R. Markers of hepatic function, oxidative stress, and inflammation as well as enteric bacterial translocation and histoarchitecture integrity of intestinal and hepatic tissues were evaluated. The bioactive components of MMOLE were also determined by GC-MS. Results: As revealed by GC-MS, the active bioactive components of MMOLE were thiosemicarbazone, hydrazine, 1,3-dioxolane, octanoic acid, 1,3-benzenediamine, 9-octadecenoic acid, oleic acid, nonadecanoic acid, 3-undecanone, phosphonic acid, and cyclopentanecarboxylic acid. MMOLE alleviated IIRI-induced rise in intestinal and hepatic injury markers, malondialdehyde, TNF-α, IL-6, and myeloperoxidase activities. MMOLE improved IIRI-induced suppression of reduced glutathione, thiol and non-thiol proteins, and superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities. These were associated with suppression of IIRI-induced caspase 3 activity and bacterial translocation. Histopathological evaluation revealed that MMOLE attenuated IIRI-induced alterations in intestinal and hepatic histoarchitecture integrity. MMOLE also militated against increased absolute and relative intestinal and hepatic weight, intestinal and hepatic injuries, epithelial mucosal barrier dysfunction, and enteric bacterial translocation associated with IIRI by downregulating oxidative stress-mediated activation of caspase 3. Conclusion: IIRI is associated with a rise in caspase 3 activity. Also, MMOLE confers protection against IIRI, possibly due to its constituent bioactive molecules, especially hydrazine, 9-octadecenoic acid, 1,3-dioxolane, oleic acid, and nonadecanoic acid.

L-Arginine reverses maternal and pre-pubertal codeine exposure-induced sexual dysfunction via upregulation of androgen receptor gene and NO/cGMP signaling

BACKGROUND

Although codeine has been reported to enhance sexual activity by improving penile reflexes, it has been shown to impair fertility indices. Also, codeine impairs ovarian steroidogenesis and folliculogenesis. Nonetheless, whether or not codeine exerts an epigenetic effect remains unclear. On the other hand, arginine has been speculated to enhance penile reflexes by upregulating NO/cGMP Signaling.

AIM

The study evaluated the effect of maternal codeine exposure and prepubertal codeine and arginine treatments on F1 male sexual function and fertility indices, as well as the outcome of F2 progenies. In addition, the epigenetic programming mechanism was also explored.

METHODS

Forty three-week-old female rats were randomized into two groups (n = 20 rats/group); the control that received 0.5 ml of distilled water and the codeine-treated that received 5 mg/kg of codeine via gavage for eight weeks. Afterward, the female rats were paired for mating with sexually mature male rats. Rats were maintained on their pre-pregnancy treatments throughout pregnancy and lactation. FI progenies from each cohort (control and codeine-treated cohorts) were weaned at three weeks and randomized into four groups; the control, codeine-treated, L-arginine-treated (300mg/kg), and codeine + L-arginine-treated (n = 10 rats/group). Administration commenced a week post-weaning and lasted for eight weeks via gavage.

KEY FINDINGS

Maternal codeine exposure did not alter body weight, but significantly reduced anogenital distance and anogenital index of F1 male offspring. Also, maternal codeine delayed preputial membrane separation, impaired male sexual competence, and penile reflexes of F1 male offsprings. These were associated with reduced dopamine, gonadotropins, and testosterone levels as well as suppressed expression of androgen receptor mRNA. In addition, maternal codeine downregulated NO/cGMP signaling, impaired fertility indices, and reduced the litter size, weight, and survival of F2 progenies. These alterations were observed to be aggravated by prepubertal codeine exposure but improved by prepubertal arginine treatment.

SIGNIFICANCE

In conclusion, codeine programmed sexual dysfunction by suppressing the levels of dopamine and testosterone, as well as repressing the expression of androgen receptor mRNA. In addition, codeine-induced epigenetic reprogramming was expressed in the F2 offsprings as reduced litter size and weight, and survival rate. Notably, these observations were worsened by prepubertal codeine exposure, but dampened by prepubertal arginine treatment.

Effects of pyrethroid insecticide exposure on haematological and haemostatic profiles in rats

High malaria burden has led to the increase use of insecticides in the tropics and subtropics. This study thus aimed at assessing the haematological effects and associated haemostatic alteration of pyrethroid insecticide exposure using experimental animal model. Rats of comparable ages and weights were randomized into four groups (A-D). Rats in groups B, C and D were exposed to pyrethroid insecticide by inhalation for 1, 2 and 3 min daily respectively for three weeks. Rats in group A (control) were not exposed. Haematological and haemostatic variables were comparable in all groups (< 0.05). Results from the study show that minimal exposure to pyrethroids is safe.

Sodium acetate ameliorates doxorubicin-induced cardiac injury via upregulation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling and downregulation of NFkB-mediated apoptotic signaling in Wistar rats

Despite the effectiveness of doxorubicin (DOX) in the management of a wide range of cancers, a major challenge is its cardio-toxic effect. Oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis are major pathways for the cardiotoxic effect of DOX. On the other hand, acetate reportedly exerts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities. This particular research assessed the impact of acetate on cardiotoxicity induced by DOX. Mechanistically, acetate dramatically inhibited DOX-induced upregulation of xanthine oxidase and uric acid pathway as well as downregulation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling and its upstream proteins (reduced glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione, and catalase, glutathione reductase). In addition, acetate markedly attenuated DOX-driven rise inTNF-α, NFkB IL-6 and IL-1β expression, and myeloperoxidase activity. Furthermore, acetate significantly ameliorated DOX-led suppression of Bcl-2 and Ca2+-ATPase activity and upregulation of Bax, caspase 3, and caspase 9 actions. Improved body weight, heart structural integrity, and cardiac function as depicted by cardiac injury markers convoyed these cascades of events. Summarily, the present study demonstrated that acetate protects against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity by upregulating Nrf2/HO-1 signaling and downregulating NFkB-mediated activation of Bax/Bcl-2 and caspase signaling.

Antispermatogenic Mechanism of Trona is Associated with Lipid Peroxidation but Not Testosterone Suppression

BACKGROUND

About half of the cases of infertility in couples have been attributed to male factor. Despite the claim in folklore medicine that trona (a sesquicarbonate or hydrated carbonate of sodium) causes fetal loss, its effect on male reproductive function has not been investigated.

AIM

This study sought to provide scientific evidence on the effect of trona on sperm characteristics, male reproductive hormones and organs, and lipid peroxidation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty male Wistar rats of comparable weights were used for the study. Rats were randomized into four different groups. The control received 1 mL of distilled water orally, whereas those in groups 1, 2, and 3 (test groups) received orally, same volume of trona preparation corresponding to 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg body weight, respectively, for 28 days. Body weight was monitored throughout the study period, and at the end of the experiment, testicular morphometry, sperm characteristic, reproductive hormones, and malondialdehyde (MDA), an index of lipid peroxidation, were determined.

RESULTS

Sperm count, motility, progressibility, and percentage of normal sperm were significantly decreased in the trona-treated rats (P < 0.05). The percentage of abnormal sperm, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, and MDA were significantly increased in the treated rats (P < 0.05). Body weight, testicular morphometry, and testosterone level were comparable across all groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The study showed that trona has a dose-dependent deleterious effect on sperm characteristic. The antispermatogenic effect of trona was associated with lipid peroxidation but not testosterone.

Exposure to petroleum hydrocarbon: implications in lung lipid peroxidation and antioxidant defense system in rat

OBJECTIVE

Various studies have implicated automobile exhausts as risk factors in cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases; however, there is little or no documentation on the role of the main source of the exhausts, petroleum hydrocarbons, on cardiopulmonary pathologies. Thus, we investigated the effect of petroleum hydrocarbons, using various petroleum products, on histomorphology of the lung and the role of lipid peroxidation in it.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Control rats were not exposed to any of the petroleum products, whereas petrol-exposed, diesel-exposed, and kerosene-exposed rats were exposed to petrol, diesel, and kerosene by inhalation, respectively.

RESULTS

Exposure to petroleum hydrocarbons significantly induced lipid peroxidation with a consequent rise in malondialdehyde (MDA), and a decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities and glutathione (GSH) level. Exposure to petroleum hydrocarbons also caused an alteration in the histomorphology of lung tissues.

CONCLUSION

Our findings imply that exposure to petroleum hydrocarbons by inhalation is a risk factor in the pathophysiology of pulmonary dysfunction. This is associated with oxidative stress.

Co-administration of HAART and antikoch triggers cardiometabolic dysfunction through an oxidative stress-mediated pathway

BACKGROUND

Antikoch and highly active anti-retroviral therapy are effective drugs in the management of tuberculosis and Human Immunodeficiency Virus, respectively. However, these cocktails have been independently associated with the aetiopathogenesis of metabolic syndrome. This study investigated whether or not the co-administration of antikoch and anti-retroviral, as seen in tuberculosis/Human Immunodeficiency Virus co-infection, will produce a similar effect. Also, it evaluated the role of glutathione and adenine deaminase/xanthine oxidase/uric acid signaling in antikoch/anti-retroviral-induced cardiometabolic dysfunction.

METHODS

Male rats of Wistar strain were randomized into four groups: the control, which had 0.5 mL of distilled water as a vehicle, anti-Koch-treated rats that were administered a cocktail of anti-Koch, HAART-treated rats that had a combination of anti-retroviral drugs, and anti-Koch + HAART-treated rats that had treatments as anti-Koch-treated and HAART-treated rats. The treatment was once daily and lasted for eight weeks. One way-analysis of variance followed by Tukey's posthoc test was used to test for significance and pairwise comparisons respectively.

RESULTS

Although no changes in body weight gain and cardiac weight were noted, it was found that antikoch and/or HAART caused insulin resistance and elevated blood glucose level. In addition, antikoch and/or HAART led to dyslipidaemia, increased atherogenic indices, and elevated cardiac injury markers. These were accompanied by increased plasma and cardiac concentrations of malondialdehyde and nitric oxide, C-reactive protein, and myeloperoxidase activity, as well as suppressed activities of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase, and a fall in reduced glutathione level. The observed alterations were more pronounced in animals that received a combination of antikoch and HAART.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides the first evidence that antikoch and/or HAART induce cardiometabolic dysfunction via glutathione suppression and up-regulation of adenine deaminase/xanthine oxidase/uric acid-dependent oxidative stress and inflammatory response. These events were associated with dyslipidaemia and increased atherogenic indices. This infers that regular monitoring of glucose level, insulin sensitivity, lipid profile, and oxido-inflammatory markers is important in patients on antikoch and/or HAART for prompt diagnosis and management of cardiometabolic disorder if it ensues.

L-arginine attenuates dichlorvos-induced testicular toxicity in male Wistar rats by suppressing oxidative stress-dependent activation of caspase 3-mediated apoptosis

BACKGROUND

The continuous use of pesticides, such as dichlorvos, is a common agricultural and domestic practice. However, it is associated with shortfalls like testicular toxicity through the induction of oxidative stress-mediated signaling. On the other hand, L-arginine, a precursor of nitric oxide, has been reported to exert antioxidant activities and thus may attenuate dichlorvos-induced testicular toxicity.

AIM

Hence, this study was designed to evaluate the effect of L-arginine treatment on dichlorvos-induced testicular toxicity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into four equal groups. The control rats were administered 0.5 mL of distilled water, dichlorvos- (DDVP-) treated rats were exposed to DDVP via inhalation for 15 min, DDVP + L-arginine-treated rats were exposed to DDVP and also received 100 mg/kg b.w/day, while L-arginine-treated rats received 100 mg/kg b.w/day.

RESULTS

DDVP exposure significantly reduced testicular nitric oxide, relative testicular weight, lowered sperm count, viability, and motility, and suppressed serum FSH, LH, and testosterone levels. These findings were associated with a rise in testicular malondialdehyde, TNF-α, IL-6, and 8OHdG levels and caspase 3 activities, and a reduction in GSH and superoxide dismutase. Additionally, on histopathological examination, DDVP was observed to reduce mature sperm cells in the seminiferous tubular lumen and induce focal vascular congestion in the interstitial space. Nonetheless, L-arginine treatment significantly attenuated DDVP-induced biochemical and histological alterations.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that L-arginine attenuated testicular toxicity by improving epididymal sperm variables and male sex hormones by suppressing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in DDVP-exposed rats.

Hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian Axis in Thyroid Dysfunction

BACKGROUND

It has been established that thyroid dysfunction causes impairment of reproductive function. However, laboratory and human studies that associated this with female reproductive hormones are conflicting and data reporting the effects of thyroid dysfunction on reproductive organs are insufficient.

AIM

This study investigated the effect of experimental hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism on hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis and reproductive organs morphometry and histology in female rats.

METHODS

Laboratory animals were randomized into one of the three groups: control, carbimazole-induced hypothyroidism and levothyroxine-induced hyperthyroidism.

RESULTS

Organ morphometry and serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were statistically comparable across all groups. Serum progesterone increased in hypothyroid rats but was reduced in hyperthyroid rats when compared with the control (p < 0.05). Body weight gain, serum luteinizing hormone and oestradiol were significantly reduced in both hypothyroid and hyperthyroid states when compared to the control. Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism also led to alterations in organ cytoarchitecture.

CONCLUSION

Findings from this study suggest that impairment of reproductive function associated with thyroid dysfunction is attendant with derangement of hormonal milieu and alteration in reproductive organs cytoarchitecture. Luteinizing hormone and oestradiol are implicated.

Moringa oleifera seed oil partially abrogates 2,3-dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate (Dichlorvos)-induced cardiac injury in rats: evidence for the role of oxidative stress

OBJECTIVES

Cardiovascular diseases are major causes of non-infectious diseases globally. The use of pesticides has been linked with the high global burden of non-communicable diseases. Despite the indiscriminate exposure to dichlorvos (DDVP) by inhalation, no report exists on its possible cardiotoxic effect. This study investigated the cardiotoxicity of DDVP exposure by inhalation and the possible role of Moringa oleifera seed oil.

METHODS

Twenty-one male rats were randomly assigned into 3 groups. Group A (control) received only standard rat diet and water ad' libitum, group B (DDVP) was exposed to DDVP via inhalation for 15 min daily in addition to rat diet and water, and group C (DDVP + M. oleifera seed oil) received treatment as group B as well as 300 mg/kg of M. oleifera seed oil p.o for 28 days.

RESULTS

Significant reductions in body weight gain and cardiac weight were observed in DDVP-exposed animals (p<0.05). Similarly, 28 days of exposure to DDVP led to a significant increase in lactate dehydrogenase, creatinine kinase and troponin (p<0.05). DDVP-exposed rats also showed a significant increase in malondialdehyde, and a significant decline in superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase (p<0.05). However, catalase was comparable in DDVP-exposed and control rats. Histopathological observations of the cardiac tissue revealed that DDVP caused marked fat degeneration and necrosis of the myocardial layer. The changes in DDVP-exposed rats were significantly, though not completely, restored by M. oleifera seed oil administration.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides novel mechanistic information on the cardiotoxicity of DDVP inhalation, and the antioxidant potential of M. oleifera seed oil.

Rohypnol-induced sexual dysfunction is via suppression of hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis: An experimental study in rats

Sexual activity is an essential part of reproductive functions and needed for the maintenance of fertility. Drugs, particularly substances of abuse, impair male reproductive function either by interrupting hormonal functions or through the nonhormonal pathways. This study evaluated the impact of Rohypnol use in sexual behaviour. Materials and methods: Thirty adult male Wistar rats of comparable weights (180-200 g) were randomly allocated into three groups, the control and low-dose and high-dose Rohypnol-treated groups. The control group received 0.5 ml of distilled water, while the low- and high-dose Rohypnol-treated groups received 2 mg/kg b.w and 4 mg/kg b.w of Rohypnol via oral lavage once daily for 28 days. Rohypnol significantly increased mount latency, intromission latency, ejaculation latency and post-ejaculatory interval, as well as lowered mount frequency, intromission frequency and ejaculation frequency. Rohypnol-induced sexual dysfunction was found to be associated with significant suppression of circulatory follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone, testosterone and oestrogen. The present study reveals that Rohypnol induces sexual dysfunction through suppression of hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis. It also implicates Rohypnol as a potential candidate for drug-induced infertility.

Influence of ejaculatory abstinence period on semen quality of 5165 normozoospermic and oligozoospermic Nigerian men: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Several studies have shown that the length of ejaculatory abstinence alters sperm quality. However, the available data are conflicting and none seems to exist in a Nigerian population. The present study aims to compare the semen quality in normozoospermic and oligozoospermic semen samples of a homogenous Nigerian population, following varying ejaculatory abstinence days (EAD); less than 2, 2-3, and 3-7 days.

METHODS

The present retrospective study included 5165 semen samples collected over 5 years, from April 2015 to April 2020.

RESULTS

In normozoospermic samples, sperm count and total sperm count were significantly higher in prolonged EAD. In oligozoospermic patients, semen volume significantly increased with prolonged EAD, while sperm count, total sperm count, and progressive motility were significantly reduced with prolonged EAD. In addition, EAD and sperm volume positively correlated in oligozoospermic patients.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that EAD affects sperm quality in both normozoospermic and oligozoospermic men with varying impacts. Prolonged EAD increased sperm count and total sperm count in normozoospermic patients, while EAD increased semen volume but reduced sperm count, total sperm count, and progressive motility in oligozoospermic patients.