Fluoxetine and sertraline effects on rat distal cauda epididymis contraction, sperm count and sperm transit time trough epididymis

In vivo dynamic volumetric imaging of mouse testis and epididymis with optical coherence tomography†

The implementation of live imaging in reproductive research is crucial for studying the physiological dynamics. Sperm transport is a highly dynamic process regulated by tubular contractions and luminal flows within the male reproductive tract. However, due to the lack of imaging techniques to capture these dynamics in vivo, there is little information on the physiological and biomechanical regulation of sperm transport through the male reproductive tract. Here, we present a functional in vivo imaging approach using optical coherence tomography, enabling live, label-free, depth-resolved, three-dimensional, high-resolution visualization of the mouse testis and epididymis. With this approach, we spatiotemporally captured tubular contractility in mouse testis and epididymis, as well as microstructures of these reproductive organs. Our findings demonstrated that the contraction frequency varies significantly depending on the epididymal regions, suggesting the spatial regulation of epididymal contractility. Furthermore, we implemented quantitative measurements of the contraction wave and luminal transport through the epididymal duct, revealing the physiological dynamics within the male reproductive tract. The results show that the contraction wave propagates along the epididymal duct and the wave propagation velocity was estimated in vivo. In conclusion, this is the first study to develop in vivo dynamic volumetric imaging of the male reproductive tract, which allows for quantitative analysis of the dynamics associated with sperm transport. This study sets a platform for various studies investigating normal and abnormal male reproductive physiology as well as the pharmacological and environmental effects on reproductive functions in mouse models, ultimately contributing to a comprehensive understanding of male reproductive disorders.

Smooth muscle contraction of the fundus of stomach, duodenum and bladder from mice exposed to a stress-based model of depression

Several reports have demonstrated that depressive disorder is related to somatic symptoms including gastrointestinal or genitourinary alterations. The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the gastrointestinal or genitourinary alterations associated with the depression are still not fully understood. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the motor activity of gastrointestinal (fundus of stomach and duodenum) and genitourinary tract (bladder) in a stress-based animal model of depression. Adult male mice were submitted to uncontrollable and unpredictable stress (learned helplessness model), controllable stress and non-stressful situations (control). Then, animals were euthanized and the fundus of stomach, duodenum segments or whole bladder were isolated and mounted in a standard organ bath preparation. We evaluated the contractile effects induced by KCl 80 mM for 5 min or carbachol (acetylcholine receptor agonist). The relaxant effects of isoproterenol (β-adrenoceptor agonist) were also checked. Animals submitted to the learned helplessness model developed a helpless (depressive-like behavior) or resilient (does not exhibit depressive-like behavior) phenotype. The contractions induced by carbachol were diminished in fundus of stomach isolated from helpless and resilient animals. The isoproterenol-induced fundus of stomach relaxation was reduced in resilient but not helpless mice. The contractions/relaxation of duodenum segments isolated from helpless or resilient animals were not altered. Both helpless and resilient animals showed an increase in the bladder contractions induced by carbachol while the relaxant effects of isoproterenol were reduced when compared to control. Conversely, mice underwent a controllable stress situation did not exhibit alterations in the fundus of stomach or duodenum contraction/relaxation induced by pharmacological agents although a decrease in the bladder contraction induced by carbachol was found. In conclusion, incontrollable and unpredictable stress and not depressive phenotype (helpless animals) or controllable stress could be related to the alterations in motor activity of the fundus of stomach and bladder.

Effects of histamine on the contractility of the rat distal cauda epididymis

The motor activity of the epididymis duct is an essential process for male fertility and it is regulated by hormonal, neuronal and epithelial mechanisms. However, although there is evidence for the presence of histamine in the epididymis, its effects on epididymal motor activity are unknown. This study sought to evaluate the contractile effects of histamine on the rat distal cauda epididymis duct. Segments of the distal cauda epididymis duct from male Wistar rats were isolated and used in isolated organ bath experiments to evaluate the contractile effects of histamine in the absence or presence of antagonists of histamine receptors, α₁-adrenoceptors and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. The effects of histamine on noradrenaline induced contractions were also investigated. Histamine was able to induce phasic contractions on rat distal cauda epididymis duct which were prevented by promethazine 10-1000 nM (H₁ receptor antagonist), ranitidine 1-100 μM (H₂ receptor antagonist), atropine 100 nM (muscarinic antagonist), and prazosin 100 nM (α₁-adrenoceptor antagonist). In addition, histamine was also able to modify noradrenaline-induced contractions possibly via activation of H₁ and H₂ receptors. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that histamine can induce phasic contractions of rat distal cauda epididymis via H₂ receptors and autonomic neurotransmitters. Histamine may also exert modulatory actions on contractions of rat distal cauda epididymis duct induced by adrenergic receptor agonists. Further studies are necessary to unveil the localization of histamine receptors within the epididymal duct and the consequences of manipulation of the histaminergic system on epididymal function and male fertility.

Isoliquiritigenin ameliorates paroxetine-induced sexual dysfunction in male albino mice

Paroxetine (PRX), a widely prescribed antidepressant, often leads to sexual dysfunction. The available management options such as sildenafil (SDF), are associated with side effects. The present study investigates the fertility-boosting properties of isoliquiritigenin (ISL) on PRX-induced sexual dysfunction in male mice. We allocated fertile mice into six different groups (n = 5): group I- DMSO; group II- PRX; group III- co-administered PRX and SDF; group IV- ISL alone; group V- co-administered PRX and ISL (low dose); and, group VI- co-administered PRX and ISL (high dose). 14 days post treatment, animals were sacrificed, and the weights of the testis and epididymis were evaluated. Furthermore, sperm parameters, testicular and epididymal antioxidant levels, serum testosterone and nitric oxide (NO) levels, histoarchitecture of testis and epididymis, and markers of cellular toxicity were assessed. Results revealed that the PRX administration reduced organ weights, sperm count, intact acrosome, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), serum testosterone, and NO levels, and increased sperm abnormalities and MDA levels (a biomarker for lipid peroxidation). Additionally, we observed damage in the testis and epididymis. The toxicity biomarker study revealed a higher concentration of SGOT, SGPT, and ALP enzymes in the PRX-treated group. However, the co-administration of PRX with ISL ameliorated the adverse effect of PRX on the parameters mentioned above. The PRX+ISL (high) results were almost at par with the PRX+SDF group. The group that received ISL alone showed overall improvements. In conclusion, our comprehensive panel of tests indicates that ISL could be helpful in managing sexual dysfunction.

Reproductive development of male rats exposed in utero to stress and/or sertraline

Despite increased prescription of sertraline during pregnancy, little is known about its action on reproductive development. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the impact that stress, associated or not with sertraline, causes on the reproductive development of male rats. Pregnant Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups (n = 16/group): CO - received filtered water; SE - received 20 mg/kg sertraline; ST - submitted to restraint stress and received filtered water; SS - submitted to restraint stress and received sertraline. The treatment was carried out from gestational days (GD) 13 to 20. The animals were euthanized on GD 20 (n = 8/group), postnatal day (PND) 45 (n = 8/group) and PND 110 (n = 8/group). The testes and epididymis were analyzed histologically, and immunohistochemistry was performed on the testes by proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and the Wilms tumor protein (Wt1). Sperm quality was also analyzed on PND 110. The evolution of body weight, anogenital distance (AGD), and puberty installation day were also verified. Statistical analysis: Two-way ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis test (p ≤ 0.05). Fetal testes presented a large number of acidophilic cells in the sertraline-exposed groups. The SS group also showed a decrease in the nuclear volume of Leydig cells. This same group showed low expression of PCNA and Wt1, decreased weight of the testes and epididymis, lower AGD, and delayed puberty installation. The adulthood groups exposed to sertraline presented alterations in sperm morphology and motility. The results demonstrated that prenatal exposure to sertraline compromises the development of the rat reproductive system.

The effect of SSRIs on Semen quality: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are widely used for a variety of diseases, and their impact on semen quality is unclear. We performed a systematic search in PubMed and Embase, and after a strict screening, we included 4 studies with a total of 222 male participants. In result, SSRIs reduced normal sperm morphology (95% CI [−16.29, −3.77], p = 0.002), sperm concentration (95%CI [−43.88, −4.18], p = 0.02), sperm motility (95%CI [−23.46, −0.47], p = 0.04) and sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) (95% CI [6.66,21.93], p = 0.0002), without a statistically significant effect on semen volume (95%CI [−0.75,0.65], p = 0.89). Moreover, the impact on both sperm morphology and sperm concentration were observed within the 3-month period of SSRIs use. In general, our meta-analysis showed that SSRIs have a negative effect on semen quality. More larger, randomized, well-controlled clinical studies should be conducted to support our conclusion.

Cinnamaldehyde prevents intergenerational effect of paternal depression in mice via regulating GR/miR-190b/BDNF pathway

Paternal stress exposure-induced high corticosterone (CORT) levels may contribute to depression in offspring. Clinical studies disclose the association of depressive symptoms in fathers with their adolescent offspring. However, there is limited information regarding the intervention for intergenerational inheritance of depression. In this study we evaluated the intervention of cinnamaldehyde, a major constituent of Chinese herb cinnamon bark, for intergenerational inheritance of depression in CORT- and CMS-induced mouse models of depression. Depressive-like behaviors were induced in male mice by injection of CORT (20 mg·kg^-1·d^-1, sc) for 6 weeks or by chronic mild stress (CMS) for 6 weeks. We showed that co-administration of cinnamaldehyde (10, 20, or 40 mg·kg^-1·d^-1, ig) for 6 weeks in F0 males prevented the depressive-like phenotypes of F1 male offspring. In addition, co-administration of cinnamaldehyde (20 mg·kg^-1·d^-1, ig) for 4 weeks significantly ameliorated depressive-like behaviors of chronic variable stress (CVS)-stimulated F1 offspring born to CMS mice. Notably, cinnamaldehyde had no reproductive toxicity, while positive drug fluoxetine showed remarkable reproductive toxicity. We revealed that CMS and CORT significantly reduced testis glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression, and increased testis and sperm miR-190b expression in F0 depressive-like models. Moreover, pre-miR-190b expression was upregulated in testis of F0 males. The amount of GR on miR-190b promoter regions was decreased in testis of CORT-stimulated F0 males. Cinnamaldehyde administration reversed CORT-induced GR reduction in testis, miR-190b upregulation in testis and sperm, pre-miR-190b upregulation in testis, and the amount of GR on miR-190b promoter regions of F0 males. In miR-190b-transfected Neuro 2a (N2a) cells, we demonstrated that miR-190b might directly bind to the 3'-UTR of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). In the hippocampus of F1 males of CORT- or CMS-induced depressive-like models, increased miR-190b expression was accompanied by reduced BDNF and GR, which were ameliorated by cinnamaldehyde. In conclusion, cinnamaldehyde is a potential intervening agent for intergenerational inheritance of depression, probably by regulating GR/miR-190b/BDNF pathway.

The effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors on male and female fertility: a brief literature review

Objective: The aim of this review was to determine whether selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) affect the ability to conceive in men and women of reproductive age, as well as to find out whether there are certain differencies between them in terms of effects on fertility. Methods: Our review was based on systematic search of literature in four online databases: Medline (PubMed), Scopus, Web of Science and SCIndex (Serbian Citation Index). Results: Several clinical studies reported that SSRIs can decrease the number and viability of sperm, and cause a disruption of their morphological structure. Regarding the effect of these antidepressants on female fertility, some experimental findings suggest that paroxetine and escitalopram may have a negative effect on the ability to conceive due to their stimulatory effect on fallopian tube motility. However, several observational studies favor the use of SSRIs in women with depression/anxiety undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) given their efficiency in suppressing these unpleasant symptoms without a relevant negative impact on IVF outcomes. Conclusions: SSRIs should be avoided male patients of reproductive age who wish to conceive, while the use of these antidepressants seems to be justified in women with depression or anxiety who have undergone IVF.Key pointsSSRIs could cause dose and duration-dependent reversible adverse effects on male fertility parameters.In depressed or anxious male patients of reproductive age who wish to conceive mirtazapine or bupropion should be used because of their lower potential to cause sexual side effects.The results of certain experimental studies indicate that paroxetine and escitalopram may have a negative effect on the fertility of female patients.The use of SSRIs in women with depression or anxiety who have undergone IVF seems to be justified, because these psychiatric disorders reduce the likelihood of becoming pregnant.

Lepidium draba L. leaves extract ameliorated cyclophosphamide-induced testicular toxicity by modulation of ROS-dependent Keap1/Nrf2/HO1, Bax/Bcl2/p53/caspase-3, and inflammatory signaling pathways

The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of Lepidium draba L. extract on cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced oxidative damages to testes in rats using sex hormones, antioxidant properties, inflammatory, and apoptotic pathways. Six groups of male Wistar rats (n = 6/group) received distilled water (NC), CP (100 mg kg^-1  day^-1 /intraperitoneal), CP with L. draba extract [100 (LDCP 100), 200 (LDCP 200), and 400 (LDCP 400) mg/kg/day/orally] and also only L. draba extract [400 (LD400) mg/kg/day/orally] in 35 days. On day 36 of the study, sperm parameters, serum levels of sex hormones, antioxidant enzyme activity, nitric oxide levels, and inflammatory cytokines and also testicular tissue (ferric reducing antioxidant power and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances levels and expression of ROS-dependent pro/anti-apoptotic pathways) were evaluated. In L. draba-treated groups, especially doses of 200 and 400, in addition to improving sperm parameters and sex hormones (Increased levels of all three hormones luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and testosterone), serum antioxidant (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase activity increased and nitric oxide levels decreased), and anti-inflammatory properties (levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β decreased and MIF and TGF-β increased) also showed modification. By strengthening the anti-apoptotic pathway of Keap1/Nrf2/HO1 and inhibiting the apoptotic pathway of Bax/Bcl2/p53/caspase-3, L. draba maintains the structure and function of testicular tissue so that eventually p53-positive testicular cells are reduced and Bcl-2-positive cells increased. L. draba can help to maintain sexual potency and fertility in patients undergoing chemotherapy by controlling their apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant pathways. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Lepidium draba have considerable antioxidant properties and can help to maintain sexual potency and fertility in patients undergoing chemotherapy by controlling their apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant pathways. The present results are useful to find a suitable supplement for improving the sexual performance of patients treated with chemotherapy drugs.

Effects of dipyrone and acetylsalicylic acid on contractions of distal cauda epididymis duct, serum testosterone and sperm count in rats

The effects of dipyrone and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) on male fertility are still not fully understood, mainly considering the epididymis as a putative target for their anti-fertility effects. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of dipyrone and ASA on the contractions of distal cauda epididymis duct, serum testosterone levels and sperm parameters in rats. Firstly, we checked the in vitro effects of dipyrone and ASA (10-1000 μM) on the contractions of distal cauda epididymis duct by pharmacological experiments. We also evaluated the effects of in vivo treatment with dipyrone and ASA 100 mg/kg (p.o.) for 15 days on epididymal duct contractions, serum testosterone levels and sperm parameters. In vitro dipyrone or ASA decreased the epididymal duct contractions induced by phenylephrine or carbachol. We observed that in vivo treatment with both drugs decreased the daily sperm production, serum testosterone levels and sperm count through epididymis without altering the epididymal duct contractions and sperm transit time through epididymis. In conclusion, in vitro dipyrone and ASA were able to diminish the contractions of epididymal duct, whilst in vivo administration decreased the sperm count throughout epididymis as a consequence of a low sperm production caused by reduced testosterone levels.

Antidepressants' effects on testosterone and estrogens: What do we know?

Various antidepressants are commonly used to treat depression and anxiety disorders, and sex differences have been identified in their efficacy and side effects. Steroids, such as estrogens and testosterone, both in the periphery and locally in the brain, are regarded as important modulators of these sex differences. This review presents published data from preclinical and clinical studies that measure testosterone and estrogen level changes during and/or after acute or chronic administration of different antidepressants. The majority of studies show an interaction between sex hormones and antidepressants on sexual function and behavior, or in depressive symptom alleviation. However, most of the studies omit to investigate antidepressants' effects on circulating levels of gonadal hormones. From data reviewed herein, it is evident that most antidepressants can influence testosterone and estrogen levels. Still, the evidence is conflicting with some studies showing an increase, others decrease or no effect. Most studies are conducted in male animals or humans, underscoring the importance of considering sex as an important variable in such investigations, especially as depression and anxiety disorders are more common in women than men. Therefore, research is needed to elucidate the extent to which antidepressants can influence both peripheral and brain levels of testosterone and estrogens, in males and females, and whether this impacts the effectiveness or side effects of antidepressants.