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Corsetti V, Notari T, Montano L. Effects of the low-carb organic Mediterranean diet on testosterone levels and sperm DNA fragmentation. Curr Res Food Sci 2023; 7:100636. [PMID: 38045510 PMCID: PMC10689274 DOI: 10.1016/j.crfs.2023.100636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The causes of male infertility can vary. Lifestyles, environmental factors, stressful conditions, and socio-economic conditions are significant factors. Diet plays a crucial role in improving a man's reproductive capacity. The appropriate diet should be diverse and ensure the intake of all the necessary nutrients to enhance sperm quality. The Mediterranean diet, which includes high amounts of vegetables and fruits rich in detoxifying and antioxidant substances, as well as polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, and microelements, especially when consumed with organic foods and a lower carbohydrate regimen, are the key aspects addressed in this study. The objective of this research was to modify the diets of 50 subfertile men by providing them with a specific nutritional plan. This plan included consuming 80% organic foods, introducing whole grains and low glycemic load options, eliminating refined carbohydrates, consuming green leafy vegetables and red fruits daily, reducing or eliminating dairy products, consuming primarily grass-fed meat and wild caught seafood, eliminating saturated fats in favor of healthy fats like olive oil, avocado, and nuts. After three months of adhering to the low-carb food plan, testosterone levels significantly increased, while sperm DNA fragmentation decreased in a subgroup of individuals who reduced their carbohydrate intake by 35%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Corsetti
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT)-CNR, Via Fosso del Cavaliere 100, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Tiziana Notari
- Check Up -Polydiagnostic and Research Laboratory, Andrology Unit, Viale Andrea De Luca 5/c, 84131, Salerno, Italy
| | - Luigi Montano
- Andrology Unit and Service of Lifestyle Medicine in UroAndrology, Local Health Authority (ASL) Salerno, Coordination Unit of the Network for Environmental and Reproductive Health (Eco-Food Fertility Project), “S. Francesco di Assisi Hospital”, 84020, Oliveto Citra, SA, Italy
- PhD Program in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133, Rome, Italy
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Kumar A, Kumar V, Akhouri V, Kumar R, Ali M, Rashmi T, Chand GB, Singh SK, Ghosh AK. Protective efficacy of Coriandrum sativum seeds against arsenic induced toxicity in Swiss albino mice. Toxicol Res 2022; 38:437-447. [PMID: 36277360 PMCID: PMC9532476 DOI: 10.1007/s43188-022-00123-7] [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: 12/19/2020] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Arsenic poisoning in ground water is one of the most sensitive environmental pollutant causing serious pollution all over the world. Chronic arsenic exposure through drinking water to humans leads to major public health related issues. There have been very meagre studies which reported that, the plant constituents proved to exhibit protective effect from arsenicosis. Therefore, the present study aims to evaluate the protective efficacy of Coriandrum sativum seeds extract against sodium arsenite induced toxicity in Swiss albino mice. In the present study twenty-four male healthy Swiss albino mice (30 ± 5 g) were divided into four groups (n = 6), where the control group received normal diet and water; group II and group III treated with sodium arsenite (2 mg per kg body weight per day) for 2 and 4 weeks respectively. The group IV mice were administered with C.sativum seeds extract at the dose of 150 mg per kg body weight per day for 4 weeks upon sodium arsenite pretreated (2 mg/kg body weight for 4 weeks per day) mice. After the complete dose duration, all the treatment group animals were sacrificed same day for haematological, biochemical and histopathological study. In the arsenic treated mice, there were significant (p < 0.0001) changes in the serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, urea, uric acid and creatinine as well as in the haematological parameters. In contrast, after the administration with C.sativum seeds extract upon arsenic pretreated mice, there was significant (p < 0.0001) improvement observed in the hepatic and renal biomarker parameters as well as haematological variables. In the arsenic intoxicated mice, after administration with C.sativum seeds extract there was significant (p < 0.0001) reduction in the arsenic concentration in blood, liver and kidney tissues as well as in the serum LPO levels. Furthermore, the histopathological study showed that, C.sativum seeds extract administrated group of mice significantly restored the liver and kidney at cellular level against arsenic induced toxicity. The entire study concludes that C.sativum seeds extract possesses the ameliorative effect against arsenic induced liver and kidney intoxication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun Kumar
- Research Centre, Mahavir Cancer Sansthan and Research Centre, Phulwarisharif, Patna, 801505 Bihar India
| | - Vikas Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, Anugrah Narayan College, Patna, 800013 Bihar India
| | - Vivek Akhouri
- Department of Biotechnology, Anugrah Narayan College, Patna, 800013 Bihar India
| | - Ranjit Kumar
- Department of Animal Sciences, Central University of Himachal University, Dharamshala, 176213 Himachal Pradesh India
| | - Mohammad Ali
- Research Centre, Mahavir Cancer Sansthan and Research Centre, Phulwarisharif, Patna, 801505 Bihar India
| | - Tuhin Rashmi
- Department of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida, 201303 Uttar Pradesh India
| | | | - Sushil Kumar Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Anugrah Narayan College, Patna, 800013 Bihar India
| | - Ashok Kumar Ghosh
- Research Centre, Mahavir Cancer Sansthan and Research Centre, Phulwarisharif, Patna, 801505 Bihar India
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Gutierrez AM, Frazar EM, X Klaus MV, Paul P, Hilt JZ. Hydrogels and Hydrogel Nanocomposites: Enhancing Healthcare through Human and Environmental Treatment. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2101820. [PMID: 34811960 PMCID: PMC8986592 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202101820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Humans are constantly exposed to exogenous chemicals throughout their life, which can lead to a multitude of negative health impacts. Advanced materials can play a key role in preventing or mitigating these impacts through a wide variety of applications. The tunable properties of hydrogels and hydrogel nanocomposites (e.g., swelling behavior, biocompatibility, stimuli responsiveness, functionality, etc.) have deemed them ideal platforms for removal of environmental contaminants, detoxification, and reduction of body burden from exogenous chemical exposures for prevention of disease initiation, and advanced treatment of chronic diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. In this review, three main junctures where the use of hydrogel and hydrogel nanocomposite materials can intervene to positively impact human health are highlighted: 1) preventing exposures to environmental contaminants, 2) prophylactic treatments to prevent chronic disease initiation, and 3) treating chronic diseases after they have developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela M Gutierrez
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Kentucky, 177 F Paul Anderson Tower, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA
- Superfund Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA
| | - Erin Molly Frazar
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Kentucky, 177 F Paul Anderson Tower, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA
- Superfund Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA
| | - Maria Victoria X Klaus
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Kentucky, 177 F Paul Anderson Tower, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA
- Superfund Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA
| | - Pranto Paul
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Kentucky, 177 F Paul Anderson Tower, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA
- Superfund Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA
| | - J Zach Hilt
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Kentucky, 177 F Paul Anderson Tower, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA
- Superfund Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA
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Montano L, Maugeri A, Volpe MG, Micali S, Mirone V, Mantovani A, Navarra M, Piscopo M. Mediterranean Diet as a Shield against Male Infertility and Cancer Risk Induced by Environmental Pollutants: A Focus on Flavonoids. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031568. [PMID: 35163492 PMCID: PMC8836239 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of environmental factors in influencing health status is well documented. Heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls, dioxins, pesticides, ultrafine particles, produced by human activities put a strain on the body’s entire defense system. Therefore, together with public health measures, evidence-based individual resilience measures are necessary to mitigate cancer risk under environmental stress and to prevent reproductive dysfunction and non-communicable diseases; this is especially relevant for workers occupationally exposed to pollutants and/or populations residing in highly polluted areas. The Mediterranean diet is characterized by a high intake of fruits and vegetables rich in flavonoids, that can promote the elimination of pollutants in tissues and fluids and/or mitigate their effects through different mechanisms. In this review, we collected evidence from pre-clinical and clinical studies showing that the impairment of male fertility and gonadal development, as well as cancers of reproductive system, due to the exposure of organic and inorganic pollutants, may be counteracted by flavonoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Montano
- Andrology Unit and Service of Lifestyle Medicine in UroAndrology, Local Health Authority (ASL), 84124 Salerno, Italy;
- PhD Program in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Maugeri
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy;
| | - Maria Grazia Volpe
- Institute of Food Sciences, National Research Council, CNR, 83100 Avellino, Italy;
| | - Salvatore Micali
- Urology Department, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy;
| | - Vincenzo Mirone
- Department of Neurosciences, Science of Reproduction and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy;
| | - Alberto Mantovani
- Department of Food, Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary public health, Italian National Health Institute, 00161 Roma, Italy;
| | - Michele Navarra
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy;
- Correspondence:
| | - Marina Piscopo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Napoli, Italy;
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Zwolak I. Epigallocatechin Gallate for Management of Heavy Metal-Induced Oxidative Stress: Mechanisms of Action, Efficacy, and Concerns. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:4027. [PMID: 33919748 PMCID: PMC8070748 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22084027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In this review, we highlight the effects of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) against toxicities induced by heavy metals (HMs). This most active green tea polyphenol was demonstrated to reduce HM toxicity in such cells and tissues as testis, liver, kidney, and neural cells. Several protective mechanisms that seem to play a pivotal role in EGCG-induced effects, including reactive oxygen species scavenging, HM chelation, activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), anti-inflammatory effects, and protection of mitochondria, are described. However, some studies, especially in vitro experiments, reported potentiation of harmful HM actions in the presence of EGCG. The adverse impact of EGCG on HM toxicity may be explained by such events as autooxidation of EGCG, EGCG-mediated iron (Fe3+) reduction, depletion of intracellular glutathione (GSH) levels, and disruption of mitochondrial functions. Furthermore, challenges hampering the potential EGCG application related to its low bioavailability and proper dosing are also discussed. Overall, in this review, we point out insights into mechanisms that might account for both the beneficial and adverse effects of EGCG in HM poisoning, which may have a bearing on the design of new therapeutics for HM intoxication therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iwona Zwolak
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research, Laboratory of Oxidative Stress, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Konstantynów Ave. 1J, 20-708 Lublin, Poland
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Effects of a Lifestyle Change Intervention on Semen Quality in Healthy Young Men Living in Highly Polluted Areas in Italy: The FASt Randomized Controlled Trial. Eur Urol Focus 2021; 8:351-359. [PMID: 33579652 DOI: 10.1016/j.euf.2021.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human semen quality is affected by lifestyle and environmental factors. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the short-term effects of a diet and physical activity intervention on semen quality of healthy young men living in highly polluted areas of Italy. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS A randomized controlled trial was conducted. Healthy young men were assigned to an intervention or a control group. INTERVENTION A 4-mo Mediterranean diet and moderate physical activity program. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS The primary outcomes were sperm concentration, motility and morphology, concentration of round cells, and semen total antioxidant capacity. Secondary outcomes were adherence to Mediterranean diet and physical activity. All outcomes were measured twice, at the enrollment (t0) and at the end of the intervention (t4). RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS A total of 263 individuals attended all visits, and underwent examinations and laboratory analyses: 137 in the intervention group and 126 in the control group. The adherence to Mediterranean diet and physical activity level increased more in the intervention group than in the control group from t0 to t4. Sperm concentration, total and progressive motility, and proportion of normal morphology cells increased in the intervention group but decreased in the control group, with statistically significant differences between the two groups at t4. The total antioxidant capacity increased in the intervention group but decreased in the control group, from t0 to t4. CONCLUSIONS Study results showed that an intervention based on Mediterranean diet and regular physical activity can determine an improvement of semen quality in healthy young men. PATIENT SUMMARY Our study aimed to evaluate the effect of a lifestyle intervention on semen quality of healthy young men. We assigned the 263 enrolled individuals to an intervention or a control group. The intervention group followed a 4-mo Mediterranean diet and moderate physical activity program, at the end of which the participants showed an improvement of semen quality parameters.
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Nishio R, Tamano H, Morioka H, Takeuchi A, Takeda A. Intake of Heated Leaf Extract of Coriandrum sativum Contributes to Resistance to Oxidative Stress via Decreases in Heavy Metal Concentrations in the Kidney. PLANT FOODS FOR HUMAN NUTRITION (DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS) 2019; 74:204-209. [PMID: 30783906 DOI: 10.1007/s11130-019-00720-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Coriandrum sativum (coriander) is an annual herb of the Apiaceae family and has been used as a traditional remedy. Here we examined whether heated leaf extract of coriander decreases the concentrations of heavy metals in tissues. Male ddY mice were given a drinking water containing 0.25% of heated leaf extract of coriander for 8 weeks. Eight weeks after the intake, the concentrations of zinc, iron, copper, arsenic, and cadmium were measured in the liver and kidney. The intake of coriander did not modify the concentrations of all heavy metals tested in the liver, but decreased the concentrations of iron, arsenic, and cadmium in the kidney. Because heavy metals can induce oxidative stress, the effect of coriander intake on hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress was compared between slices from the kidney and liver. The slices were immersed in Ringer solution containing 100 μM hydrogen peroxide and aminophenyl fluorescein (APF), a probe for detecting reactive oxygen species (ROS). APF fluorescence was markedly increased in the control kidney slices, while the increase was completely blocked in kidney slices from coriander intake group. In contrast, APF fluorescence was also markedly increased in the control liver slices, while the increase was not blocked by coriander intake. The present study indicates that intake of coriander leaf extract contributes to powerful resistance to oxidative stress in the kidney, probably via decreased concentrations in heavy metals. It is likely that decrease in arsenic concentration to the detection limit is a major factor for the resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryusuke Nishio
- Department of Neurophysiology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, 52-1 Yada, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, 422-8526, Japan
| | - Hanuna Tamano
- Department of Neurophysiology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, 52-1 Yada, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, 422-8526, Japan
| | - Hiroki Morioka
- Department of Neurophysiology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, 52-1 Yada, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, 422-8526, Japan
| | - Azusa Takeuchi
- Department of Neurophysiology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, 52-1 Yada, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, 422-8526, Japan
| | - Atsushi Takeda
- Department of Neurophysiology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, 52-1 Yada, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, 422-8526, Japan.
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Hassan E, Kahilo K, Kamal T, Hassan M, Saleh Elgawish M. The protective effect of epigallocatechin-3-gallate on testicular oxidative stress in lead-induced toxicity mediated by Cyp19 gene / estradiol level. Toxicology 2019; 422:76-83. [PMID: 31054310 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2019.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 04/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to heavy metals contributes to most of the unexplained male infertility. Lead (Pb) is a well- known heavy metal, which disrupt the male reproductive system. This study was conducted to investigate the therapeutic and protective effects of green tea active principle, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), on the lead toxicity-induced infertility in male rats. Male albino rats receiving lead acetate (PbAc, 50 mg/l) once a daily in drinking water showed reduction of spermatozoa count and motility, diminishing the weights of testes, seminal vesicle and epididymis, low level of serum testosterone and 17β-estradiol (E2), and degenerative changes in seminiferous tubules. Additionally, the Pb exposure caused a testicular oxidative stress with a decrease in the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and catalase (CAT) enzymes, a remarkable rising in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, as well as a downregulation in P450 aromatase gene expression (Cyp19) in the rats' testicular tissues. These adverse effects of Pb were ameliorated by EGCG treatment, which increased testosterone, E2 serum level, and aromatase P450 gene expression, and improved testicular architecture and semen picture. Additionally, EGCG decreased the tissue levels of MDA and retained the levels of antioxidative enzymes. In conclusion, EGCG administration can provide a significant protection against testicular toxicity caused by pb, indicating the beneficial roles of EGCG on the male reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman Hassan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Eldakahliya, Egypt.
| | - Khaled Kahilo
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafr Elsheikh University, Egypt
| | - Tarek Kamal
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafr Elsheikh University, Egypt
| | - Marwa Hassan
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Saleh Elgawish
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
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