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Elsaeed MY, Mehanna OM, Abd-Allah EEE, Hassan MG, Ahmed WMS, Moustafa AEGA, Eldesoky GE, Hammad AM, Elgazzar UB, Elnady MR, Abd-Allah FM, Shipl WM, Younes AM, Magar MR, Amer AE, Abbas MAM, Elhamaky KSA, Hassan MHM. Combination Therapy with Enalapril and Paricalcitol Ameliorates Streptozotocin Diabetes-Induced Testicular Dysfunction in Rats via Mitigation of Inflammation, Apoptosis, and Oxidative Stress. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY 2023; 30:567-585. [PMID: 38133142 PMCID: PMC10747062 DOI: 10.3390/pathophysiology30040041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As the impacts of diabetes-induced reproductive damage are now evident in young people, we are now in urgent need to devise new ways to protect and enhance the reproductive health of diabetic people. The present study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of enalapril (an ACE inhibitor) and paricalcitol (a vitamin D analog), individually or in combination, on streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetes-induced testicular dysfunction in rats and to identify the possible mechanisms for this protection. MATERIAL AND METHODS This study was carried out on 50 male Sprague-Dawley rats; 10 normal rats were allocated as a non-diabetic control group. A total of 40 rats developed diabetes after receiving a single dose of STZ; then, the diabetic rats were divided into four groups of equivalent numbers assigned as diabetic control, enalapril-treated, paricalcitol-treated, and combined enalapril-and-paricalcitol-treated groups. The effects of mono and combined therapy with paricalcitol and enalapril on testicular functions, sperm activity, glycemic state oxidative stress, and inflammatory parameters, as well as histopathological examinations, were assessed in comparison with the normal and diabetic control rats. RESULTS As a result of diabetes induction, epididymal sperm count, sperm motility, serum levels of testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) as well as luteinizing hormone (LH), and the antioxidant enzyme activities, were significantly decreased, while abnormal sperm (%), insulin resistance, nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were significantly increased, along with severe distortion of the testicular structure. Interestingly, treatment with paricalcitol and enalapril, either alone or in combination, significantly improved the sperm parameters, increased antioxidant enzyme activities in addition to serum levels of testosterone, FSH, and LH, reduced insulin resistance, IL-6, and TNF-α levels, and finally ameliorated the diabetes-induced testicular oxidative stress and histopathological damage, with somewhat superior effect for paricalcitol monotherapy and combined therapy with both drugs compared to monotherapy with enalapril alone. CONCLUSIONS Monotherapy with paricalcitol and its combination therapy with enalapril has a somewhat superior effect in improving diabetes-induced testicular dysfunction (most probably as a result of their hypoglycemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties) compared with monotherapy with enalapril alone in male rats, recommending a synergistic impact of both drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdy Y. Elsaeed
- Department of Physiology, Damietta Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Damietta 34517, Egypt; (O.M.M.); (M.G.H.); (W.M.S.A.); (M.R.E.); (M.A.M.A.); (K.S.A.E.)
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, HORUS University, Damietta 34517, Egypt
| | - Osama Mahmoud Mehanna
- Department of Physiology, Damietta Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Damietta 34517, Egypt; (O.M.M.); (M.G.H.); (W.M.S.A.); (M.R.E.); (M.A.M.A.); (K.S.A.E.)
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, HORUS University, Damietta 34517, Egypt
| | - Ezz-Eldin E. Abd-Allah
- Department of Histology, Damietta Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Damietta 34517, Egypt; (E.-E.E.A.-A.); (A.E.G.A.M.); (F.M.A.-A.)
| | - Mohamed Gaber Hassan
- Department of Physiology, Damietta Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Damietta 34517, Egypt; (O.M.M.); (M.G.H.); (W.M.S.A.); (M.R.E.); (M.A.M.A.); (K.S.A.E.)
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, HORUS University, Damietta 34517, Egypt
| | - Walid Mostafa Said Ahmed
- Department of Physiology, Damietta Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Damietta 34517, Egypt; (O.M.M.); (M.G.H.); (W.M.S.A.); (M.R.E.); (M.A.M.A.); (K.S.A.E.)
| | - Abd El Ghany A. Moustafa
- Department of Histology, Damietta Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Damietta 34517, Egypt; (E.-E.E.A.-A.); (A.E.G.A.M.); (F.M.A.-A.)
| | - Gaber E. Eldesoky
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Amal M. Hammad
- Department of Biochemistry, Damietta Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Damietta 34517, Egypt; (A.M.H.); (U.B.E.)
| | - Usama Bahgat Elgazzar
- Department of Biochemistry, Damietta Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Damietta 34517, Egypt; (A.M.H.); (U.B.E.)
| | - Mohamed R. Elnady
- Department of Physiology, Damietta Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Damietta 34517, Egypt; (O.M.M.); (M.G.H.); (W.M.S.A.); (M.R.E.); (M.A.M.A.); (K.S.A.E.)
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, HORUS University, Damietta 34517, Egypt
| | - Fatma M. Abd-Allah
- Department of Histology, Damietta Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Damietta 34517, Egypt; (E.-E.E.A.-A.); (A.E.G.A.M.); (F.M.A.-A.)
| | - Walaa M. Shipl
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11765, Egypt;
| | - Amr Mohamed Younes
- Department of Basic Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Applied Science Private University, Al-Arab Street, Amman 11196, Jordan;
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Damietta Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Damietta 34517, Egypt; (A.E.A.); (M.H.M.H.)
| | - Mostafa Rizk Magar
- Department of Restorative Dentistry and Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Petra, Amman 11196, Jordan;
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Damietta Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Damietta 34517, Egypt; (A.E.A.); (M.H.M.H.)
| | - Ahmed E. Amer
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Damietta Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Damietta 34517, Egypt; (A.E.A.); (M.H.M.H.)
| | - Mohamed Ali Mahmoud Abbas
- Department of Physiology, Damietta Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Damietta 34517, Egypt; (O.M.M.); (M.G.H.); (W.M.S.A.); (M.R.E.); (M.A.M.A.); (K.S.A.E.)
- Department of Basic Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Applied Science Private University, Al-Arab Street, Amman 11196, Jordan;
| | - Khaled Saleh Ali Elhamaky
- Department of Physiology, Damietta Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Damietta 34517, Egypt; (O.M.M.); (M.G.H.); (W.M.S.A.); (M.R.E.); (M.A.M.A.); (K.S.A.E.)
| | - Mohammed Hussien Mohammed Hassan
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Damietta Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Damietta 34517, Egypt; (A.E.A.); (M.H.M.H.)
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Mo P, Zhao Z, Ke X, Fan Y, Li C. Effects of clinical medications on male fertility and prospects for stem cell therapy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1258574. [PMID: 37791073 PMCID: PMC10543686 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1258574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
An increasing number of men require long-term drug therapy for various diseases. However, the effects of long-term drug therapy on male fertility are often not well evaluated in clinical practice. Meanwhile, the development of stem cell therapy and exosomes treatment methods may provide a new sight on treating male infertility. This article reviews the influence and mechanism of small molecule medications on male fertility, as well as progress of stem cell and exosomes therapy for male infertility with the purpose on providing suggestions (recommendations) for evaluating the effect of drugs on male fertility (both positive and negative effect on male fertility) in clinical application and providing strategies for diagnosis and treatment of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yong Fan
- Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chaohui Li
- Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Gandhi GR, Hillary VE, Antony PJ, Zhong LLD, Yogesh D, Krishnakumar NM, Ceasar SA, Gan RY. A systematic review on anti-diabetic plant essential oil compounds: Dietary sources, effects, molecular mechanisms, and safety. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2023; 64:6526-6545. [PMID: 36708221 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2023.2170320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a multifaceted metabolic syndrome defined through the dysfunction of pancreatic β-cells driven by a confluence of genetic and environmental elements. Insulin resistance, mediated by interleukins and other inflammatory elements, is one of the key factors contributing to the progression of T2DM. Many essential oils derived from dietary plants are beneficial against various chronic diseases. We reviewed the anti-diabetic properties of dietary plant-derived essential oil compounds, with a focus on their molecular mechanisms by modulating specific signaling pathways and other critical inflammatory mediators involved in insulin resistance. High-quality literature published in the last 12 years, from 2010 to 2022, was collected from the Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Embase databases using the search terms "dietary plants," "essential oils," "anti-diabetic," "insulin resistance," "antihyperglycemic," "T2DM," "anti-diabetic essential oils," and anti-diabetic mechanism." According to the results, the essential oil compounds, including cinnamaldehyde, carvacrol, zingerone, sclareol, zerumbone, myrtenol, thujone, geraniol, citral, eugenol, thymoquinone, thymol, citronellol, α-terpineol, and linalool have been demonstrated to contain strong anti-diabetic effects via modulating various signal transduction pathways linked to glucose metabolism. Additionally, in diabetes-related animal models, they can also considerably reduce the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, iNOS, and COX-2. The main signaling molecules regulated by these compounds include AMPK, GLUT4, Caspase-3, PPARγ, PPARα, NF-κB, p-IκBα, MyD88, MCP-1, SREBP-1c, AGEs, RAGE, VEGF, Nrf2/HO-1, and SIRT-1. They can also significantly inhibit the generation of TBARS and MDA, reduce oxidative stress, increase insulin levels, adiponectin, and glycoprotein enzymes, boost antioxidant enzymes like SOD, CAT, and GPx, as well as reduce glutathione and vital glycolytic enzymes. Besides, they can significantly lower the levels of liver enzymes and lipid profile markers. Moreover, most essential oil compounds are generally safe based on animal studies. In conclusion, dietary plant-derived essential oil compounds have potential anti-diabetic effects by influencing different signaling pathways and molecular targets linked to glucose metabolism, and should be safe and beneficial against diabetes and related complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gopalsamy Rajiv Gandhi
- Division of Phytochemistry and Drug-Design, Department of Biosciences, Rajagiri College of Social Sciences (Autonomous), Kochi, India
| | - Varghese Edwin Hillary
- Division of Phytochemistry and Drug-Design, Department of Biosciences, Rajagiri College of Social Sciences (Autonomous), Kochi, India
| | | | - Linda L D Zhong
- Biomedical Sciences and Chinese Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Devarajan Yogesh
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Madras, Chennai, India
| | | | - Stanislaus Antony Ceasar
- Division of Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Department of Biosciences, Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Kochi, India
| | - Ren-You Gan
- Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation (SIFBI), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
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Kizilay G, Bayram S, Ersoy O, Cerkezkayabekir A, Sapmaz-Metin M, Karaca T. Role of JNK, TGF-β1, Akt, IL-1β and INSL-3 in proanthocyanidin protection against apoptosis in diabetic rat testis. Biotech Histochem 2021; 97:363-371. [PMID: 34789048 DOI: 10.1080/10520295.2021.2002931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated how proanthocyanidin treatment altered c-Jun N-terminal kinases, transforming growth factor beta 1, serine/threonine-specific protein kinase, interleukin 1 beta and insulin-like 3 expression in the testis of diabetic rats. We used 24 Wistar albino male rats divided into four groups. Group 1 was untreated control. Group 2 was treated with 40 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ) for 5 days. Group 3 was treated with 40 mg/kg STZ + 250 mg/kg proanthocyanidin once daily for six weeks. Group 4 was treated with 40 mg/kg STZ + 250 mg/kg proanthocyanidin. Superoxide dismutase activity was reduced in groups 3 and 4 compared to group 2. Glutathione peroxidase activity was increased significantly in groups 3 and 4 compared to groups 1 and 2. Catalase activity was decreased in group 4 compared to group 2. We found that proanthocyanidin increased cell proliferation in diabetic testis. Phospho-JNK and TGF-β1 immunostaining was decreased groups 3 and 4 compared to group 2, while p-Akt immunostaining was increased in groups 3 and 4. The number of IL-1β immunostained cells in groups 3 and 4 was decreased compared to group 2. INSL-3 immunostaining was increased significantly in group 3 compared to group 2. Our findings indicate that proanthocyanidin ameliorated diabetes related testicular dysfunction. Proanthocyanidin contributes to a balanced oxidant-antioxidant status, and balanced proliferation and apoptosis activity in the germinal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gulnur Kizilay
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey
| | - Sinasi Bayram
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey
| | - Onur Ersoy
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey
| | | | - Melike Sapmaz-Metin
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE The vast majority of type 1 diabetes leads to a higher prevalence of reproductive system's impairments. Troxerutin has attracted much attention owing to its favorable properties, including antihyperglycemic, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects. This investigation was proposed to evaluate whether pretreatment with troxerutin could prevent apoptosis-induced testicular disorders in prepubertal diabetic rats. METHODS Fifty prepubertal male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into five groups: control (C), troxerutin (TX), diabetic (D), diabetic+troxerutin (DTX), and diabetic+insulin (DI). Diabetes was induced by 55 mg/kg of streptozotocin applied intraperitoneally. In TX and DTX groups, 150 mg/kg troxerutin was administered by oral gavage. Diabetic rats in DI group received 2-4 U NPH insulin subcutaneously. Troxerutin and insulin treatments were begun immediately on the day of diabetes confirmation. After 30 days, the testicular lipid peroxidation and antioxidant activity, apoptosis process, and stereology as well as serum glucose and insulin levels were assessed. RESULTS The results showed that diabetes caused a significant increase in the blood glucose, the number of TUNEL positive cells and tubules, and the malondialdehyde level as well as a significant decrease in serum insulin level compared to controls. The stereological analysis also revealed various alterations in diabetic rats compared to controls. Troxerutin treatment improved these alterations compared to the diabetic group. CONCLUSION Troxerutin-pretreatment may play an essential role in the management of the type-1 diabetes-induced testicular disorders by decreasing blood glucose and modulating apoptosis.
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Arkali G, Aksakal M, Kaya ŞÖ. Protective effects of carvacrol against diabetes-induced reproductive damage in male rats: Modulation of Nrf2/HO-1 signalling pathway and inhibition of Nf-kB-mediated testicular apoptosis and inflammation. Andrologia 2020; 53:e13899. [PMID: 33242925 DOI: 10.1111/and.13899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus, which causes many complications, also adversely affects reproductive system in men. Studies reported that natural antioxidants are effective in reducing important complication risks caused by diabetes. Carvacrol is an antioxidant phenolic monoterpene compound with therapeutic effect in various diseases found in essential oils of aromatic plants such as pepper, wild bergamot and thyme. We aimed to investigate the effects of carvacrol on diabetes-induced reproductive damage in male rats by evaluating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and Nf-kB-mediated apoptosis/inflammation and spermatological parameters. For this purpose, 74 Wistar albino male rats were used. The diabetes model was performed using single-dose intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin 55 mg/kg. Rats were fed with carvacrol 75 mg/kg/daily/gavage for 4 and 8 weeks. Rats were divided into four groups: control group, diabetic group, carvacrol group which fed with carvacrol and the diabetic group which fed with carvacrol. It was determined that carvacrol significantly decreased malondialdehyde levels, Bax,COX-2,Nf-kB protein expression levels, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and significantly increased glutathione peroxidase, catalase activities, Bcl-2, Nrf2,HO-1 protein expression levels and it was determined that had a positive effect on spermatological parameters. In conclusion, the negative effects of diabetes in the male reproductive system can be prevented and/or reduced by giving carvacrol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gözde Arkali
- Department of Physiology, Fırat University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Elazığ, Turkey
| | - Mesut Aksakal
- Department of Physiology, Fırat University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Elazığ, Turkey
| | - Şeyma Özer Kaya
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemınation, Fırat University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Elazığ, Turkey
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Eid AH, Gad AM, Fikry EM, Arab HH. Venlafaxine and carvedilol ameliorate testicular impairment and disrupted spermatogenesis in rheumatoid arthritis by targeting AMPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2019. [DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.taap.2018.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Eid AH, Gad AM, Fikry EM, Arab HH. Venlafaxine and carvedilol ameliorate testicular impairment and disrupted spermatogenesis in rheumatoid arthritis by targeting AMPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2019; 364:83-96. [PMID: 30578887 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2018.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Ghosh S, Chowdhury S, Das AK, Sil PC. Taurine ameliorates oxidative stress induced inflammation and ER stress mediated testicular damage in STZ-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Food Chem Toxicol 2018; 124:64-80. [PMID: 30496779 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2018.11.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
One of the major consequences of diabetes is reproductive dysfunction but the fundamental mechanisms are still poorly known. The objective of the present study was to explore the beneficial role of taurine against streptozotocin induced testicular dysfunctions in diabetic male Wister rats and understanding the underlying intricate molecular mechanisms. Exposure to streptozotocin (50 mg kg-1 body weight, i.p., once) elevated blood glucose level, induced testicular histological alterations and reduced testis-to-body weight ratio, serum testosterone, testicular markers and activity of antioxidant enzymes. Generation of ER stress (increased expression of calpain-1, caspase-12 and upregulation of CHOP, GRP78 via eIF2α signaling), translocation of NF κB in the nucleus (leading to the upregulation in the levels of inflammatory cytokines), activation of mitochondria dependent apoptotic pathway and DNA fragmentation were revealed from this study. However, administration of taurine at a dose of 100 mg kg-1 body weight for 6 weeks post diabetic induction, successfully ameliorated all these adverse effects. Thus, taurine, as a potential therapeutic agent, may hold promise in preventing oxidative and ER stress mediated diabetic testicular complications in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumit Ghosh
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, P-1/12, CIT Scheme VII M, Kolkata, 700054, India
| | - Sayantani Chowdhury
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, P-1/12, CIT Scheme VII M, Kolkata, 700054, India
| | - Abhishek Kumar Das
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, P-1/12, CIT Scheme VII M, Kolkata, 700054, India
| | - Parames C Sil
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, P-1/12, CIT Scheme VII M, Kolkata, 700054, India.
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Keyhanmanesh R, Hamidian G, Alipour MR, Ranjbar M, Oghbaei H. Protective effects of sodium nitrate against testicular apoptosis and spermatogenesis impairments in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats. Life Sci 2018; 211:63-73. [PMID: 30205097 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2018.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Revised: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 09/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AIMS As nitric oxide (NO) production is essential for insulin signaling, glucose uptake, endothelial function, and regulation of apoptosis, the loss of bioavailable NO may be a mechanism underlying the development of diabetes complication. Dietary nitrate acts as a substrate for NO generation, thus serving as a physiological source of NO. This study evaluated the therapeutic effects of nitrate supplementation on the apoptosis-induced testicular disorders in diabetic rats. MAIN METHODS Fifty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups; control, control with 100 mg/L nitrate in distilled drinking water, diabetes, diabetes treated with 2-4 U/day NPH insulin, diabetes treated with 100 mg/L nitrate in distilled drinking water. After 8 weeks, blood samples, testis, and epididymis were collected to assess the apoptosis process and the stereology of testis tissue, sperm motility, morphology and DNA fragmentation, and also mRNA expression of miR-449a, p53, Pdcd4, and Pacs2 mRNA, as well as serum glucose, insulin, and NOx levels were investigated. KEY FINDINGS The results of this study indicated that nitrate treatment ameliorated the sperm parameters, testicular morphometrical and stereological alterations, reduced blood glucose, the number of TUNEL positive cells and tubules, and testicular expressions of p53, Pdcd4, and Pacs2 mRNA as well as increased body weight, serum insulin and NOx levels, and testicular expression of miR-449a in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. SIGNIFICANCE Our in vivo evidence revealed that nitrate treatment may has a favorable effect as an exogenous NO donor on experimental diabetic testicular damages in which NO bioavailability is impaired.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana Keyhanmanesh
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Hamidian
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Minoo Ranjbar
- Department of Midwifery, Bonab Branch, Islamic Azad University, Bonab, Iran
| | - Hajar Oghbaei
- Deptartment of Physiology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Heidari Khoei H, Fakhri S, Parvardeh S, Shams Mofarahe Z, Ghasemnejad-Berenji H, Nazarian H, Baninameh Z. Testicular toxicity and reproductive performance of streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats: the ameliorating role of silymarin as an antioxidant. TOXIN REV 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/15569543.2018.1444641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Heidar Heidari Khoei
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sajad Fakhri
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Siavash Parvardeh
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Shams Mofarahe
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hojjat Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Reproductive Health Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Hamid Nazarian
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Baninameh
- Sina Hospital Ahvaz Jondishapour University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Khuzestan, Iran
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Roselle is cardioprotective in diet-induced obesity rat model with myocardial infarction. Life Sci 2017; 191:157-165. [PMID: 29066253 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2017.10.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Revised: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Obesity increase the risks of hypertension and myocardial infarction (MI) mediated by oxidative stress. This study was undertaken to investigate the actions of roselle aqueous extract (R) on cardiotoxicity in obese (OB) rats and thereon OB rats subjected to MI. MAIN METHODS Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed with either normal diet or high-fat diet for 8weeks. Firstly, OB rats were divided into (1) OB and (2) OB+R (100mg/kg, p.o, 28days). Then, OB rats were subjected to MI (ISO, 85mg/kg, s.c, 2days) and divided into three groups: (1) OB+MI, (2) OB+MI+R and (3) OB+MI+enalapril for another 4weeks. KEY FINDINGS Roselle ameliorated OB and OB+MI's cardiac systolic dysfunction and reduced cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. The increased oxidative markers and decreased antioxidant enzymes in OB and OB+MI groups were all attenuated by roselle. SIGNIFICANCE These observations indicate the protective effect of roselle on cardiac dysfunction in OB and OB+MI rats, which suggest its potential to be developed as a nutraceutical product for obese and obese patients with MI in the future.
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Maremanda KP, Khan S, Jena GB. Role of Zinc Supplementation in Testicular and Epididymal Damages in Diabetic Rat: Involvement of Nrf2, SOD1, and GPX5. Biol Trace Elem Res 2016; 173:452-64. [PMID: 27025721 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-016-0674-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Zinc (Zn) is one of the most important trace elements required for several biological processes. Diabetes negatively affects many organs, and diabetic patients are often hypozincemic. The present study aims to investigate the role of Zn supplementation in the testes, epididymis, and sperms of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat. Serum, testicular, and sperm Zn contents were found to be altered in diabetic rat. Biochemical, histopathological, and protein expression profiles were determined to decipher the role of Zn in protecting the cellular perturbations. Further, histopathological analyses of testes and epididymis showed deranged architecture along with other noted abnormalities. Diabetic testes showed decreased Nrf2, HO-1, SOD1, PCNA, and Bcl-2 expressions whereas increased COX-2, NF-κB, MT, IL-6, and p-ERK levels. SOD1 and GPX5 were decreased in the epididymis of diabetic rat, whereas Zn supplementation attenuated these changes. The present results demonstrate the beneficial role of Zn supplementation in diabetes-associated testicular alterations of rat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishna Prahlad Maremanda
- Facility for Risk Assessment and Intervention Studies, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Sector-67, S.A.S. Nagar, Punjab, -160062, India
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Sector-67, S.A.S. Nagar, Punjab, -160062, India
| | - Sabbir Khan
- Facility for Risk Assessment and Intervention Studies, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Sector-67, S.A.S. Nagar, Punjab, -160062, India
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Sector-67, S.A.S. Nagar, Punjab, -160062, India
| | - G B Jena
- Facility for Risk Assessment and Intervention Studies, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Sector-67, S.A.S. Nagar, Punjab, -160062, India.
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Sector-67, S.A.S. Nagar, Punjab, -160062, India.
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Bolat D, Oltulu F, Uysal A, Kose T, Gunlusoy B, Yigitturk G, Turk NS, Turan T. Effects of losartan on experimental varicocele-induced testicular germ cell apoptosis. Andrologia 2016; 48:840-6. [DOI: 10.1111/and.12638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- D. Bolat
- Department of Urology; Bozyaka Training and Research Hospital; Izmir Turkey
| | - F. Oltulu
- Department of Histology and Embryology; Ege University Faculty of Medicine; Izmir Turkey
| | - A. Uysal
- Department of Histology and Embryology; Ege University Faculty of Medicine; Izmir Turkey
| | - T. Kose
- Department of Biostatistics; Ege University Faculty of Medicine; Izmir Turkey
| | - B. Gunlusoy
- Department of Urology; Bozyaka Training and Research Hospital; Izmir Turkey
| | - G. Yigitturk
- Department of Histology and Embryology; Ege University Faculty of Medicine; Izmir Turkey
| | - N. S. Turk
- Department of Pathology; Pamukkale University Faculty of Medicine; Denizli Turkey
| | - T. Turan
- Department of Urology; Pamukkale University Faculty of Medicine; Denizli Turkey
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Bayram S, Kizilay G, Topcu-Tarladacalisir Y. Evaluation of the Fas/FasL signaling pathway in diabetic rat testis. Biotech Histochem 2016; 91:204-11. [DOI: 10.3109/10520295.2015.1129556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
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Akinola O, Dosumu O, Sanusi S, Ajayi T, Olajide T. PPAR-γ agonist pioglitazone improves semen quality and testicular histomorphometrics with partial reversal of hyperglycaemia in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. MIDDLE EAST FERTILITY SOCIETY JOURNAL 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mefs.2015.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
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Szoka L, Karna E, Morka RP, Palka JA. Enalapril stimulates collagen biosynthesis through prolidase-dependent mechanism in cultured fibroblasts. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2015; 388:677-83. [PMID: 25772062 PMCID: PMC4438220 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-015-1114-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2014] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The mechanism of a lower incidence of dermatological manifestations in patients treated with enalapril compared to patients treated with other ACE-inhibitors, e.g., captopril, is not known. The finding that prolidase plays an important role in collagen biosynthesis and that some angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors affect prolidase activity led us to evaluate its effect on collagen biosynthesis in cultured human skin fibroblasts. Since insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) are the most potent stimulators of both collagen biosynthesis and prolidase activity, and prolidase is regulated by β1 integrin signaling, the effect of enalapril and enalaprilat on IGF-IR, TGF-β1, and β1 integrin receptor expressions was evaluated. Cells were treated with milimolar concentrations (0.3 and 0.5 mM) of enalapril and enalaprilat for 24 h. The activity of prolidase was determined by colorimetic assay. Collagen biosynthesis was evaluated by radiometric assay. Expression of signaling proteins was evaluated using Western blot. It was found that enalapril- and enalaprilat-dependent increase in prolidase activity and expression was accompanied by parallel increase in collagen biosynthesis. The exposure of the cells to 0.5 mM enalapril and enalaprilat contributed to increase in IGF-IR and α2β1 integrin receptor as well as TGF-β1 and NF-κB p65 expressions. Enalapril- and enalaprilat-dependent increase of collagen biosynthesis in fibroblasts results from increase of prolidase activity and expression, which may undergo through activation of α2β1 integrin and IGF-IR signaling as well as upregulation of TGF-β1 and NF-κB p65, the inhibitor of collagen gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukasz Szoka
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Medical University in Bialystok, Mickiewicza 2 D, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Ewa Karna
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Medical University in Bialystok, Mickiewicza 2 D, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Renata Pawlak Morka
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Medical University in Bialystok, Mickiewicza 2 D, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Jerzy A. Palka
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Medical University in Bialystok, Mickiewicza 2 D, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland
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Curcumin ameliorates testicular damage in diabetic rats by suppressing cellular stress-mediated mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum-dependent apoptotic death. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2015; 1852:70-82. [PMID: 25446996 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2014.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2014] [Revised: 10/22/2014] [Accepted: 11/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Kushwaha S, Jena GB. Effects of nicotine on the testicular toxicity of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat. Hum Exp Toxicol 2014; 33:609-622. [DOI: 10.1177/0960327113491509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study is to investigate whether nicotine augmented the testicular toxicity and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, enalapril, can ameliorate the effects in diabetic rat. Male Sprague Dawley rats were randomized into five groups: control, nicotine, diabetic, Diab + Nico, and Diab + Nico + Enal. Animals were made diabetic by single injection of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg/intraperitoneally). Nicotine dissolved in drinking water at a concentration of 100 µg/ml was given ad libitum and enalapril was given orally at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day for four consecutive weeks. After 4 weeks of treatment, animals were killed and biochemical parameters glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, cotinine, and the testosterone levels were measured. Testicular toxicity was evaluated using sperm count, sperm comet assay, histology, and immunohistochemical staining of 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-oxo-dG) and the proinflammatory markers (nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), cyclooxygenase (COX-2), and tissue necrotic factor alpha (TNF-α)) evaluated by western blotting. Results showed that nicotine did not alter the blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin level, significantly decreased the sperm count and increased the sperm DNA damage. These changes were accompanied by significant increases in the 8-oxo-dG, NF-κB, COX-2, and TNF-α expression. Furthermore, the intervention of enalapril in nicotine-treated diabetic rat attenuated the testicular damage and restored sperm count, sperm DNA damage, as well as reduced the expression of NF-κB, COX-2, and TNF-α. These findings clearly suggest that nicotine not only augmented the testicular toxicity in the diabetic rat but also increases the risk of germ cell toxicity effects that were attenuated by enalapril treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Kushwaha
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Facility for Risk Assessment and Intervention Studies, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Punjab, India
| | - GB Jena
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Facility for Risk Assessment and Intervention Studies, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Punjab, India
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Kilarkaje N, Al-Bader MM. Diabetes-induced oxidative DNA damage alters p53-p21CIP1/Waf1 signaling in the rat testis. Reprod Sci 2014; 22:102-12. [PMID: 24828139 DOI: 10.1177/1933719114533729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Diabetes is increasingly becoming a major cause of large-scale morbidity and mortality. Diabetes-induced oxidative stress alters numerous intracellular signaling pathways. Although testicular dysfunction is a major concern in diabetic men, the mechanistic alterations in the testes that lead to hypogonadism are not yet clear. Oxidative mitochondrial DNA damage, as indicated by 7,8-dihydro-8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine, and phosphorylation of p53 at ser315 residue (p-p53ser315) increased in a stage- and cell-specific manner in the testes of rats that were diabetic for 1 month (DM1). Prolongation of diabetes for 3 months (DM3) led to an increase in nuclear oxidative DNA damage in conjunction with a decrease in the expression of p-p53ser315. The nuclei of pachytene and preleptotene spermatocytes, steps 1, 11, and 12 spermatids, secondary spermatocytes and the Sertoli cells, and the meiotic figures showed an increase in the expression of p-p53ser315. An increase in the expression of a downstream target of p53 and protein 21(cyclin-dependent kinase interacting protein 1/wild-type p53-activated factor 1) (p21(CIP1/Waf1)) in both diabetic groups did not show any time-dependent effects but occurred concurrent with an upregulation of p-p53ser315 in DM1 and a downregulation of the protein in DM3. In diabetic groups, the expression of p21(CIP1/Waf1) was mainly cytoplasmic but also perinuclear in pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids. The cytoplasmic localization of p21(CIP1/Waf1) may be suggestive of an antiapoptotic role for the protein. The perinuclear localization is probably related to the cell cycle arrest meant for DNA damage repair. Diabetes upregulates p21(CIP1/Waf1) signaling in testicular germ cells in association with alteration in p-p53ser315 expression, probably to counteract DNA damage-induced cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narayana Kilarkaje
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Health Science Center, Kuwait University, Kuwait
| | - Maie M Al-Bader
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Health Science Center, Kuwait University, Kuwait
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An invitation for comprehensive single-compound reviews on the pharmacological properties of newly launched drugs. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s00210-013-0921-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Telmisartan ameliorates germ cell toxicity in the STZ-induced diabetic rat: Studies on possible molecular mechanisms. MUTATION RESEARCH-GENETIC TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUTAGENESIS 2013; 755:11-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2013.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2012] [Revised: 03/27/2013] [Accepted: 04/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Wankeu-Nya M, Florea A, Bâlici S, Watcho P, Matei H, Kamanyi A. Dracaena arborea alleviates ultra-structural spermatogenic alterations in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Altern Ther Health Med 2013; 13:71. [PMID: 23548080 PMCID: PMC3621614 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-13-71] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2012] [Accepted: 03/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background Infertility is a common complication in diabetic men and experimental animals, mainly due to loss of germ cells by apoptotic cell death. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of aqueous and ethanol extracts of Dracaena arborea in streptozotocin-induced ultra-structural spermatogenic alterations in Wistar rats. Methods Diabetic animals were orally treated with Millipore water (10 ml/kg), sildenafil citrate (1.44 mg/kg) or Dracaena arborea aqueous (500 mg/kg) and ethanol (100 mg/kg) extracts for three weeks. A group of non diabetic rats received Millipore water (10 ml/kg) and served as healthy control group. Blood glucose was monitored at the beginning and the end of the study. One day after the last treatment, animals were sacrificed and the testes immediately removed were morphologically observed and prepared for electron microscopy analysis of spermatogenesis. Results Our results showed that Dracaena arborea was devoid of any anti-hyperglycemic activity. In the untreated diabetic rats, hyperglycemia severely damaged the testes morphology as well as the spermatogenic process as evidenced by the: thickness of basement membrane of the seminiferous tubule; mitochondria alteration; abnormal spermatocyte cells displaying polymorphous nuclei, cytoplasmic vacuolization and necrosis; and disorganization and degeneration of sperm germ cells. Administration of sildenafil citrate and Dracaena arborea extracts to the diabetic rats improved testes morphology and reversed, although not completely, the impairment of spermatogenesis; this alleviating effect was more pronounced in animals treated with the aqueous extract (500 mg/kg) of Dracaena arborea. Conclusion Dracaena arborea improves testes morphology and restores spermatogenesis in type 1 diabetic rats, without having major anti-hyperglycemic properties. These effects could be attributed to saponins, flavonoids, phenols and sterols revealed in this plant, which could be a useful component in the treatment of diabetes-induced testicular dysfunction.
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Perrotta I, Santoro M, Guido C, Avena P, Tripepi S, De Amicis F, Gervasi MC, Aquila S. Expression of cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and COX-2 in human male gametes from normal patients, and those with varicocele and diabetes: a potential molecular marker for diagnosing male infertility disorders. J Anat 2012; 221:209-20. [PMID: 22747653 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7580.2012.01534.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Rising rates of varicocele and diabetes mellitus (DM) pose a significant problem to human fertility. Recent studies have pointed out the impact of cyclooxygenase (COX) in the regulation of testicular function and male fertility. Prominent COX-2 expression has been described recently in the testes of infertile patients, but little is known about the role and identity of COX isoforms in human sperm under certain disease states such as varicocele and DM. We therefore examined the expression profile and ultrastructural localization of COX-1 and COX-2 concomitantly in semen samples from healthy donors, and patients with varicocele and DM. Using Western blotting assay, 'varicocele' and 'diabetic' sperm showed enhanced COX isoforms expression with respect to the 'healthy' sperm. Immunogold labeling revealed human sperm anatomical regions containing COX-1 and COX-2, confirming their increased expression in pathological samples. Our data demonstrate that both COX isoforms are upregulated in the spermatozoa of varicocele and diabetic patients, suggesting the harmful effect of the diseases also at the sperm molecular level, going beyond the abnormal morphology described to date. In conclusion, COX enzymes may possess a biological relevance in the pathogenesis and/or maintenance of male factor infertility associated with varicocele and DM, and may be considered additional molecular markers for the diagnosis of male infertility disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Perrotta
- Department of Ecology, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy.
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