1
|
Chittiboyina AG, Khan IA. Current issues in phytomedicine research - Conundrum on the chemistry of ashwagandha and its biological effects. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 325:117871. [PMID: 38325672 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ikhlas A Khan
- National Center for Natural Products Research, United States; Division of Pharmacognosy, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, University, MS, 38677, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Basudkar V, Gujrati G, Ajgaonkar S, Gandhi M, Mehta D, Nair S. Emerging Vistas for the Nutraceutical Withania somnifera in Inflammaging. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:597. [PMID: 38794167 PMCID: PMC11123800 DOI: 10.3390/ph17050597] [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: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Inflammaging, a coexistence of inflammation and aging, is a persistent, systemic, low-grade inflammation seen in the geriatric population. Various natural compounds have been greatly explored for their potential role in preventing and treating inflammaging. Withania somnifera has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine as a nutraceutical for its numerous health benefits including regenerative and adaptogenic effects. Recent preclinical and clinical studies on the role of Withania somnifera and its active compounds in treating aging, inflammation, and oxidative stress have shown promise for its use in healthy aging. We discuss the chemistry of Withania somnifera, the etiology of inflammaging and the protective role(s) of Withania somnifera in inflammaging in key organ systems including brain, lung, kidney, and liver as well as the mechanistic underpinning of these effects. Furthermore, we elucidate the beneficial effects of Withania somnifera in oxidative stress/DNA damage, immunomodulation, COVID-19, and the microbiome. We also delineate a putative protein-protein interaction network of key biomarkers modulated by Withania somnifera in inflammaging. In addition, we review the safety/potential toxicity of Withania somnifera as well as global clinical trials on Withania somnifera. Taken together, this is a synthetic review on the beneficial effects of Withania somnifera in inflammaging and highlights the potential of Withania somnifera in improving the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in the aging population worldwide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Basudkar
- PhytoVeda Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai 400 022, India
- Viridis Biopharma Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai 400 022, India
| | - Gunjan Gujrati
- PhytoVeda Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai 400 022, India
- Viridis Biopharma Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai 400 022, India
| | - Saiprasad Ajgaonkar
- PhytoVeda Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai 400 022, India
- Viridis Biopharma Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai 400 022, India
| | - Manav Gandhi
- College of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Dilip Mehta
- PhytoVeda Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai 400 022, India
- Viridis Biopharma Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai 400 022, India
| | - Sujit Nair
- PhytoVeda Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai 400 022, India
- Viridis Biopharma Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai 400 022, India
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Simón L, Mariotti-Celis MS. Bioactive compounds as potential alternative treatments to prevent cancer therapy-induced male infertility. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 14:1293780. [PMID: 38303979 PMCID: PMC10831851 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1293780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
About 8-12% of couples experience infertility, with male infertility being the cause in 50% of cases. Several congenital and acquired conditions, including chronic diseases and their treatments, can contribute to male infertility. Prostate cancer incidence increases annually by roughly 3%, leading to an increment in cancer treatments that have adverse effects on male fertility. To preserve male fertility post-cancer survival, conventional cancer treatments use sperm cryopreservation and hormone stimulation. However, these techniques are invasive, expensive, and unsuitable in prepubertal patients lacking mature sperm cells. Alternatively, nutritional therapies enriched with bioactive compounds are highlighted as non-invasive approaches to prevent male infertility that are easily implementable and cost-effective. In fact, curcumin and resveratrol are two examples of bioactive compounds with chemo-preventive effects at the testicular level. In this article, we summarize and discuss the literature regarding bioactive compounds and their mechanisms in preventing cancer treatment-induced male infertility. This information may lead to novel opportunities for future interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Layla Simón
- Nutrition and Dietetic School, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Finis Terrae, Santiago, Chile
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gómez Afonso A, Fernandez-Lazaro D, Adams DP, Monserdà-Vilaró A, Fernandez-Lazaro CI. Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on Hematological and Biochemical Markers, Hormonal Behavior, and Oxidant Response in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review. Curr Nutr Rep 2023; 12:465-477. [PMID: 37428341 PMCID: PMC10444651 DOI: 10.1007/s13668-023-00481-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Ws) is a common herb plant that has been used for centuries to treat a wide range of conditions, particularly certain chronic diseases due to its antidiabetic, cardioprotective, antistress, and chondroprotective effects, among many others. No conclusive evidence, however, exists about the potential health effects of Ws in adults without chronic conditions. We aimed to evaluate the current evidence on the health benefits of Ws supplementation in healthy adults. RECENT FINDINGS: Based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we systematically reviewed studies indexed in Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed to assess the effects of Ws on hematological and biochemical markers, hormonal behavior, and oxidant response in healthy adults. Original articles published up to March 5, 2022, with a controlled trial design or pre-post intervention design, in which supplementation of Ws was compared to a control group or data prior to intervention were included. Among 2,421 records identified in the search, 10 studies met the inclusion criteria. Overall, most of the studies reported beneficial effects of the Ws supplementation, and no serious adverse events were reported. Participants supplemented with Ws displayed reduced levels of oxidative stress and inflammation, and counterbalanced hormone levels. No evidence of the beneficial effects of Ws supplementation on hematological markers was reported. Ws supplementation appears to be safe, may regulate hormone levels, and has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. However, further studies are needed to elucidate the relevance of its application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrián Gómez Afonso
- Faculty of Physical Activity Sport Sciences, European University of Madrid, 28670, Madrid, Spain
| | - Diego Fernandez-Lazaro
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Genética, Histología y Farmacología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Campus de Soria, Universidad de Valladolid, Soria, 42004, Spain.
- Grupo de Investigación Reconocido "Neurobiología", Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, 47005, Spain.
| | - David P Adams
- University of Galway, University Road, Galway, H91 TK33, Ireland
| | - Aniol Monserdà-Vilaró
- Faculty of Physical Activity Sport Sciences, European University of Madrid, 28670, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cesar I Fernandez-Lazaro
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, 31008, Pamplona, Spain.
- IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, 31008, Pamplona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hou Y, He Y, Wang J, Zhou Y, Ma B, Li X, Shi L, Zhang Q. Comprehensive metabolomics profiling of seminal plasma in asthenozoospermia caused by different etiologies. Clin Chim Acta 2023; 548:117530. [PMID: 37652159 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2023.117530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthenozoospermia (AZS) is a disease characterized by decreased sperm motility induced by multiple etiologies, and the pathological mechanisms of various AZS are unclear. We simultaneously analyzed the metabolic profiling of four representative AZS to provide new insights into the etiologies of AZS. METHOD Seminal plasma samples were collected from healthy control (HC; n = 30) and four AZS induced by varicocele (VA, n = 30), obesity (OA, n = 22), reproductive system infections (RA; n = 17) and idiopathic (IA, n = 30), respectively, and were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Disturbed metabolites and metabolic pathways were compared between AZS and HC, as well as IA and the other three AZS. RESULTS A total of 40 different metabolites were identified in the seminal plasma of AZS and HC, of which lactic acid, fructose, citric acid, glutamine and pyruvic acid metabolic abnormalities associated with all the AZS groups, while each AZS group had unique metabolic changes. RA was significantly separated from the other three AZS, and metabolites such as cholesterol, octadecanoic acid and serine mainly contributed to the separation. CONCLUSION The comprehensive metabolomic analysis and comparison of four various AZS provided evidence and clues for the mechanism mining, which will benefit future etiology, diagnosis and treatment of AZS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuyang Hou
- College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University (NanjingTech), 30 South Puzhu Road, Nanjing 211816, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanping He
- School of Economics & Management, Nanjing Tech University (NanjingTech), 30 South Puzhu Road, Nanjing 211816, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingjie Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University (NanjingTech), 30 South Puzhu Road, Nanjing 211816, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanfen Zhou
- College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University (NanjingTech), 30 South Puzhu Road, Nanjing 211816, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo Ma
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University (NanjingTech), 30 South Puzhu Road, Nanjing 211816, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University (NanjingTech), 30 South Puzhu Road, Nanjing 211816, People's Republic of China
| | - Liang Shi
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Qi Zhang
- College of Food Science and Light Industry, Nanjing Tech University (NanjingTech), 30 South Puzhu Road, Nanjing 211816, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Mumcu A. A different approach to the quantification of human seminal plasma metabolites using high-resolution NMR spectroscopy. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2023; 229:115356. [PMID: 37011551 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2023.115356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
In this study, a reliable method was established for the absolute quantification of metabolite concentrations in human seminal plasma using ERETIC2, a quantification tool developed by Bruker based on the PULCON principle. The performance of the ERETIC2 was examined using an AVANCE III HD NMR spectrometer (600 MHz) equipped with a triple inverse 1.7 mm TXI probe in terms of some experimental parameters that may affect the accuracy and precision of the quantitative results. Then, the accuracy, precision, and repeatibility of ERETIC2 were determined using L-asparagine solutions at different concentrations. And it was evaluated by comparing it with the classical internal standard (IS) quantification method. The relative standard deviation (RSD) values for ERETIC2 were calculated in the range of 0.55-1.90% and the minimum recovery value was 99.9%, while the RSD values for the IS method were calculated in the range of 0.88-5.83% and recovery value was minimum 91.0%. Besides, the RSD values of the inter-day precisions for the ERETIC2 and IS methods were obtained to be in the range of 1.25 - 3.03% and 0.97 - 3.46%, respectively. Finally, the concentration values of seminal plasma metabolites were determined using different pulse programs with both methods for samples obtained from normozoospermic control and azoospermic patient groups. The results proved that this quantification method developed using NMR spectroscopy is easy to use in complex sample systems such as biological fluids and is a good alternative to the classical internal standard method in terms of accuracy and sensitivity. In addition, the improvement of the spectral resolution and sensitivity with the microcoil probe technology and the possibility of analyzing with minimum sample quantities has contributed positively to the results of this method.
Collapse
|
7
|
Mikulska P, Malinowska M, Ignacyk M, Szustowski P, Nowak J, Pesta K, Szeląg M, Szklanny D, Judasz E, Kaczmarek G, Ejiohuo OP, Paczkowska-Walendowska M, Gościniak A, Cielecka-Piontek J. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)—Current Research on the Health-Promoting Activities: A Narrative Review. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15041057. [PMID: 37111543 PMCID: PMC10147008 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15041057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a significant surge in reports on the health-promoting benefits of winter cherry (Withania somnifera), also known as Ashwagandha. Its current research covers many aspects of human health, including neuroprotective, sedative and adaptogenic effects and effects on sleep. There are also reports of anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, cardioprotective and anti-diabetic properties. Furthermore, there are reports of reproductive outcomes and tarcicidal hormone action. This growing body of research on Ashwagandha highlights its potential as a valuable natural remedy for many health concerns. This narrative review delves into the most recent findings and provides a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of ashwagandha’s potential uses and any known safety concerns and contraindications.
Collapse
|
8
|
Surendran S, Prasannan P, Jeyaram Y, Palanivel V, Pandian A, Ramasubbu R. Knowledge on ethnogynaecology of Indian Tribes- a comprehensive review. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 303:115880. [PMID: 36368564 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Ethnogynaecology is an emerging branch of science dealing with the treatment of gynaecological ailments by tribals, local healers, and traditional practitioners. The ethnogynaecological importance of medicinal plants in India is a fertile area to conduct more scientific studies to evaluate their potentialities, to isolate bioactive compounds, and thereby to develop drugs for the common gynaecological health-related issues faced by women everywhere. OBJECTIVES The Indigenous medical knowledge systems of India have not been properly documented with special reference to ethnogynaecology. This review aims to document the knowledge of ethnogynaecology among tribals, villagers, and local people inhabiting different parts of India and the bioactive compounds responsible for the action. This review provides a vast record of medicinal plants and their parts used, types of formulations, dosage, and ethno-gynaecological usage. MATERIALS AND METHODS The detailed investigation of ethnobotanical and ethnogynaecological-related literature published between 1985 and 2021 by different scientific tools such as journals, books, and current electronic databases like Springer Link, SciFinder, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Wiley, ACS, Science Direct and Pubmed have been considered for the present study. The study included 300 articles published between 1985 and 2021 by scientific search using various standard databases. The tribals, vaidyas, traditional practitioners, indigenous medical healers, and local people of different regions in India have recognized the importance of ethnogynaecological uses of plants. The study on ethnogynaecology is limited to a few common but significant gynaecological issues including abortion, contraception, infertility, menstruation, leucorrhoea, and obstetrics. The phytocompound compounds isolated from various parts of the plants and responsibility for the gynaecological action were documented. RESULTS The major ethnogynaecological disorders recorded by various studies are leucorrhoea, abortion, contraceptives, infertility and related issues, and obstetrics including the irregular physiological process of menstruation. The ethnogynaecological and ethnobotanical information has been recorded from almost all the states of India; the highest number of records on ethnogynaecology was reported from the state of Madhya Pradesh. The most explored tribal populations to record ethnogynaecological knowledge belong to the following tribes: Bhil, Munda, Irula, Kani, Malayali, Meena, Paliyar, Muthuvar, Oraon, Narikuravar, Mannan, Malayarayan, and Malapandaram. Moreover, limited or no study has been attempted to prove the knowledge of ethnogynaecology of these tribes and the efficiency of their crude drugs against pharmacological actions. The paste prepared from various parts of the plants has been used widely as primary health care materials for abortion, obstetrics, menstruation, female infertility and male infertility. Phenols, glucoside, steroids and fatty acids reported with cytotoxic activities are connected to several gynaecological disorders whereas flavonoid, coumarin, sitosterol disrupt pregnancy. The phenolic compounds induced spontaneous abortion due to the major composition aristolochic acid, ceryl alcohol, β-sitosterol. Coreopsin, butin, isobutrin, monospermoside, palastrin, butrin. Mucunine, lecithin, prurieninine, gluthione and luteolin, Indicine, kaempferol, apigenin and quercetin effected therapeutic activity against leucorrhoea. Lignin, friedelin and beta-sitosterol are reported with abortifacient properties and therapeutic ability for leucorrhoea and menorrhagia. Tannins, mimusopsic acids, taraxerol and spinaserol effected fertility problems in women and tannins, saponins, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids and alkaloids which effected infertility. CONCLUSION This review reported comprehensive data on ethnogynaecological knowledge published from available literature and evident that the indigenous medical system of Indian tribes has also contributed considerably to the healthcare system and drug development of India. The fresh plant parts were identified as effective materials against various gynaecological illnesses including infertility. The root is considered an excellent plant part against obstetrics followed by abortion, menstruation, and leucorrhoea. These studies need experimental proof as well as standardization to confirm their efficiency. Promoting the sustainable use and the equitable sharing of benefits to the knowledge provider is a pathway for harnessing the conservation of this knowledge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saranya Surendran
- Department of Biology, The Gandhigram Rural Institute (Deemed to be University), Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Priya Prasannan
- Department of Biology, The Gandhigram Rural Institute (Deemed to be University), Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Yasotha Jeyaram
- Department of Botany, PRIST Deemed University, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Venkatesh Palanivel
- Department of Biology, The Gandhigram Rural Institute (Deemed to be University), Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Arjun Pandian
- Department of Biotechnology, PRIST Deemed University, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India; Institute of Biotechnology, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Thandalam, Chennai, 602 105, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Raju Ramasubbu
- Department of Biology, The Gandhigram Rural Institute (Deemed to be University), Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, India.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Interaction between Host and Microbes in the Semen of Patients with Idiopathic Nonobstructive Azoospermia. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0436522. [PMID: 36633411 PMCID: PMC9927269 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04365-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Men with nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) face the dual problems of low sperm count and low sperm quality. Most men with NOA without a clear cause are classified as having idiopathic NOA (iNOA). Previous studies found that microbes exist in semen, and the semen microbes of NOA men are different from those of normal men. However, the relevant mechanism is not clear. In this study, we answered the three questions of "who is there," "what is it doing," and "who is doing it" by combining 16s rRNA, nontargeted metabolome detection and metabolite traceability analysis. We found that the composition and interaction of seminal plasma microbes in the iNOA group changed. Metabolite traceability analysis and metabolic pathway analysis revealed that microbial abnormalities in the NOA group were closely related to the decrease of microbial degradation of toluene and the increase of metabolism of fructose or mannose. In addition, the metabolic relationship between microbes and the host in male semen in iNOA revealed that such microbes can produce harmful metabolites that affect sperm quality, the microbes compete with sperm for essential nutrients, and their presence reduces sperm production of essential nutrients. IMPORTANCE Idiopathic nonobstructive azoospermia is one of the great challenges in assisted reproductive therapy. Although microdissection testicular sperm extraction technology is currently available, many men with iNOA still face the problem of poor sperm retrieval and poor sperm quality. The role of seminal plasma microbes in male disease has been continuously investigated since semen was demonstrated to harbor commensal microbes. To our knowledge, this is the first detailed description of the microbe-host relationship in iNOA semen. This study is an important complement to research on the treatment and etiology of iNOA and the rationale for our ongoing research.
Collapse
|
10
|
Serri O, Boguenet M, Chao de la Barca JM, Bouet PE, El Hachem H, Blanchet O, Reynier P, May-Panloup P. A Metabolomic Profile of Seminal Fluid in Extremely Severe Oligozoopermia Suggesting an Epididymal Involvement. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12121266. [PMID: 36557304 PMCID: PMC9783920 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12121266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Male infertility has increased in the last decade. Pathophysiologic mechanisms behind extreme oligospermia (EO) are not yet fully understood. In new “omics” approaches, metabolomic can offer new information and help elucidate these mechanisms. We performed a metabolomics study of the seminal fluid (SF) in order to understand the mechanisms implicated in EO. We realized a targeted quantitative analysis using high performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry to compare the SF metabolomic profile of 19 men with EO with that of 22 men with a history of vasectomy (V) and 20 men with normal semen parameters (C). A total of 114 metabolites were identified. We obtained a multivariate OPLS-DA model discriminating the three groups. Signatures show significantly higher levels of amino acids and polyamines in C group. The sum of polyunsaturated fatty acids and free carnitine progressively decrease between the three groups (C > EO > V) and sphingomyelins are significantly lower in V group. Our signature characterizing EO includes metabolites already linked to infertility in previous studies. The similarities between the signatures of the EO and V groups are clear evidence of epididymal dysfunction in the case of testicular damage. This study shows the complexity of the metabolomic dysfunction occurring in the SF of EO men and underlines the importance of metabolomics in understanding male infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Orianne Serri
- Reproductive Biology Unit, Angers University Hospital, 49000 Angers, France
- Correspondence:
| | - Magalie Boguenet
- MITOVASC, INSERM 1083-CNRS 6015, SFR ICAT, Angers University, IBS–CHU, 49000 Angers, France
| | - Juan Manuel Chao de la Barca
- MITOVASC, INSERM 1083-CNRS 6015, SFR ICAT, Angers University, IBS–CHU, 49000 Angers, France
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, Angers University Hospital, 49000 Angers, France
| | - Pierre-Emmanuel Bouet
- MITOVASC, INSERM 1083-CNRS 6015, SFR ICAT, Angers University, IBS–CHU, 49000 Angers, France
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Angers University Hospital, 49000 Angers, France
| | - Hady El Hachem
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1100, Lebanon
| | - Odile Blanchet
- CRB, BB-0033-00038, Angers University Hospital, 49000 Angers, France
| | - Pascal Reynier
- MITOVASC, INSERM 1083-CNRS 6015, SFR ICAT, Angers University, IBS–CHU, 49000 Angers, France
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, Angers University Hospital, 49000 Angers, France
| | - Pascale May-Panloup
- Reproductive Biology Unit, Angers University Hospital, 49000 Angers, France
- MITOVASC, INSERM 1083-CNRS 6015, SFR ICAT, Angers University, IBS–CHU, 49000 Angers, France
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ahmadian M, Salari R, Noras MR, Bahrami-Taghanaki HR. Herbal Medicines for Idiopathic Male Infertility: A Systematic Review. Curr Drug Discov Technol 2022; 19:e200822207800. [PMID: 35993457 DOI: 10.2174/1570163819666220820122101] [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: 12/26/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Various medications, surgeries, and assisted reproductive techniques are used to treat male infertility, but the high cost and low effectiveness have made these methods unpopular. The use of herbal medicines such as Withania somnifera, Ceratonia siliqua, Nigella sativa and Alpinia officinarum for the treatment of male infertility has become highly popular in recent years. OBJECTIVE We conducted this systematic review to evaluate the recent scientific evidence regarding herbal medicines used to treat idiopathic male infertility (IMI). METHODS Online literature resources were checked using different search engines, including ISI, Web of Knowledge, Medline, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Date restrictions were applied to 2020, and the publication language was restricted to English and Persian. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane method. RESULTS Out of 851 articles, 14 trials with 1218 participants were included. Of the 15 plants and medicinal products introduced in the selected studies, 12 cases were effective in treating male infertility. Each of these plants or products affects specific components of male fertility for which various mechanisms were mentioned, but most of them had antioxidant effects. No serious side effects were reported. CONCLUSION Whitania somnifera roots, Alpinia officinarum, Nigella sativa seeds, Tomato, and Ceratonia siliqua and the formulation of Xperm, PHF, Churna Ratnam, Svaguptadi Churna, Y virilin capsule, manix capsule, and Tradafertil tablet revealed successful outcomes in treatment of idiopathic male infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Ahmadian
- Department of Persian Medicine, School of Persian and Complementary Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Roshanak Salari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Persian Medicine, School of Persian and Complementary Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Noras
- Department of Persian Medicine, School of Persian and Complementary Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hamid Reza Bahrami-Taghanaki
- Department of Chinese Medicine, School of Persian and Complementary Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Chauhan S, Srivastava MK, Pathak AK. Effect of standardized root extract of ashwagandha (
Withania somnifera
) on well‐being and sexual performance in adult males: A randomized controlled trial. Health Sci Rep 2022; 5:e741. [PMID: 35873404 PMCID: PMC9297375 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Methods Results Conclusion
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sanjaya Chauhan
- Department of Pharmacology Narayana Hrudayalaya Allied Health Sciences Bangalore Karnataka India
| | - Manoj K. Srivastava
- Department of Psychiatry Om Surgical Centre and Maternity Centre Varanasi Uttar Pradesh India
| | - Anklesh K. Pathak
- Department of Clinical Research Om Research Centre Lucknow Uttar Pradesh India
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Huang C, Peng Y, Lin E, Ni Z, Lin X, Zhan H, Huang Y, Chen Z. Adaptable Singlet-Filtered Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy for Chemical and Biological Applications. Anal Chem 2022; 94:4201-4208. [PMID: 35238535 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c04210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy presents a powerful detection tool for studying chemical compositions and molecular structures. In practical chemical and biological applications, 1H NMR experiments are generally confronted with the challenge of spectral congestions caused by abundant observable components and intrinsic limitations of a narrow frequency distribution range and extensive J coupling splitting. Herein, a one-dimensional (1D) general NMR method is proposed to individually extract the signals of targeted proton groups based on their endogenous spin singlet states excited from J coupling interactions, and it is suitable for high-resolution detections on complex chemical and biological samples. The applicability of the proposed method is demonstrated by experimental observations on chemical solutions containing different coupled components, intact grape tissues subjected to crowded resonances, and in vitro pig brain with various metabolites. Moreover, the proposed method is further exploited for magnetic resonance spectroscopy applications by directly combining the spatial localization module, showing promise in in vivo biological metabolite studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chengda Huang
- Department of Electronic Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Plasma and Magnetic Resonance, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University, Siming South Road 422, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Yang Peng
- Department of Electronic Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Plasma and Magnetic Resonance, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University, Siming South Road 422, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Enping Lin
- Department of Electronic Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Plasma and Magnetic Resonance, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University, Siming South Road 422, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Zhikai Ni
- Department of Electronic Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Plasma and Magnetic Resonance, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University, Siming South Road 422, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Xiaoqing Lin
- Department of Electronic Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Plasma and Magnetic Resonance, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University, Siming South Road 422, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Haolin Zhan
- Department of Electronic Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Plasma and Magnetic Resonance, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University, Siming South Road 422, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Yuqing Huang
- Department of Electronic Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Plasma and Magnetic Resonance, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University, Siming South Road 422, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Zhong Chen
- Department of Electronic Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Plasma and Magnetic Resonance, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University, Siming South Road 422, Xiamen 361005, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Malik J, Choudhary S, Mandal SC, Sarup P, Pahuja S. Oxidative Stress and Male Infertility: Role of Herbal Drugs. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1391:137-159. [PMID: 36472821 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-12966-7_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Infertility is a universal health problem affecting 15% of couples, out of which 20-30% cases are due to male infertility. The leading causes of male infertility include hormonal defects, physical reasons, sexual problems, hazardous environment, stressful lifestyle, genetic factors, epigenetic factors, and oxidative stress. Various physiological functions involve reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitrogen species at appropriate levels for proper smooth functioning. ROS control critical reproductive processes such as capacitation, acrosomal reaction, hyperactivation, egg penetration, and sperm head decondensation. The excessive free radicals or imbalance between ROS and endogenous antioxidant enzymes damages sperm membrane by inducing lipid peroxidation causing mitochondrial dysfunction and DNA damage that eventually lead to male infertility. Numerous synthetic products are available in the market to treat infertility problems, largely ending in side effects and repressing symptoms. Ayurveda contains a particular group of Rasayana herbs, called vajikarana, that deals with nourishment and stimulation of sexual tissues, improves male reproductive vitality, and deals with oxidative stress via antioxidant mechanism. The present study aims to describe oxidative stress and the role of herbal drugs in treating male infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jai Malik
- University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences - UGC Centre of Advanced Study, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India.
| | - Sunayna Choudhary
- University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences - UGC Centre of Advanced Study, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Subhash C Mandal
- Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Engineering & Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Prerna Sarup
- Swami Vivekanand College of Pharmacy, Patiala, Punjab, India
| | - Sonia Pahuja
- Swami Vivekanand College of Pharmacy, Patiala, Punjab, India
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Mateo-Otero Y, Fernández-López P, Delgado-Bermúdez A, Nolis P, Roca J, Miró J, Barranco I, Yeste M. Metabolomic fingerprinting of pig seminal plasma identifies in vivo fertility biomarkers. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2021; 12:113. [PMID: 34772452 PMCID: PMC8588628 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-021-00636-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Metabolomic approaches, which include the study of low molecular weight molecules, are an emerging -omics technology useful for identification of biomarkers. In this field, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy has already been used to uncover (in) fertility biomarkers in the seminal plasma (SP) of several mammalian species. However, NMR studies profiling the porcine SP metabolome to uncover in vivo fertility biomarkers are yet to be carried out. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the putative relationship between SP-metabolites and in vivo fertility outcomes. To this end, 24 entire ejaculates (three ejaculates per boar) were collected from artificial insemination (AI)-boars throughout a year (one ejaculate every 4 months). Immediately after collection, ejaculates were centrifuged to obtain SP-samples, which were stored for subsequent metabolomic analysis by NMR spectroscopy. Fertility outcomes from 1525 inseminations were recorded over a year, including farrowing rate, litter size, stillbirths per litter and the duration of pregnancy. Results A total of 24 metabolites were identified and quantified in all SP-samples. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that lactate levels in SP had discriminative capacity for farrowing rate (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.764) while carnitine (AUC = 0.847), hypotaurine (AUC = 0.819), sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (AUC = 0.833), glutamate (AUC = 0.799) and glucose (AUC = 0.750) showed it for litter size. Similarly, citrate (AUC = 0.743), creatine (AUC = 0.812), phenylalanine (AUC = 0.750), tyrosine (AUC = 0.753) and malonate (AUC = 0.868) levels had discriminative capacity for stillbirths per litter; and malonate (AUC = 0.767) and fumarate (AUC = 0.868) levels for gestation length. Conclusions The assessment of selected SP-metabolites in ejaculates through NMR spectroscopy could be considered as a promising non-invasive tool to predict in vivo fertility outcomes in pigs. Moreover, supplementing AI-doses with specific metabolites should also be envisaged as a way to improve their fertility potential. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40104-021-00636-5.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yentel Mateo-Otero
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003, Girona, Spain.,Department of Biology, Unit of Cell Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Pol Fernández-López
- Centre d'Estudis Avançats de Blanes (CEAB), Spanish Research Council (CSIC), ES-17300, Girona, Spain
| | - Ariadna Delgado-Bermúdez
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003, Girona, Spain.,Department of Biology, Unit of Cell Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Pau Nolis
- Magnetic Nuclear Resonance Facility, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, ES-08193, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Jordi Roca
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, ES-30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Jordi Miró
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, ES-08193, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Isabel Barranco
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003, Girona, Spain. .,Department of Biology, Unit of Cell Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003, Girona, Spain. .,Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, IT-40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003, Girona, Spain. .,Department of Biology, Unit of Cell Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003, Girona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Roozbeh N, Amirian A, Abdi F, Haghdoost S. A Systematic Review on Use of Medicinal Plants for Male Infertility Treatment. J Family Reprod Health 2021; 15:74-81. [PMID: 34721595 PMCID: PMC8520662 DOI: 10.18502/jfrh.v15i2.6447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: Male infertility is involved in about half of the casess of infertility and the only sole reason for infertility in 20%-30% of the cases. Following the recent interest in the use of medicinal plants, scientists have sought to clarify their effects on male fertility. This review aimed to summarize the results of studies available to determine the effectiveness, safety and mechanism of herbal treatments in the improvement of male fertility. Materials and methods: Medline/PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Central) databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published during 2000-2020. Studies were only included if they adhered to the CONSORT checklist. The methodological quality of the selected studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Results: Finally, 20 studies recruiting a total of 1519 individuals were reviewed. These studies compared the effects of eleven different medicinal plants, i.e. ginseng, saffron, Nigella sativa, palm pollen, ADOFON, TOPALAF, sesame, and Mucuna pruriens, on male fertility with those of placebo. All studies (except one) confirmed the beneficial effects of medicinal plants on the improvement of sperm and reproductive parameters and thus male infertility. Conclusion: The existing RCTs indicated the positive effects of medicinal plants on male fertility. Therefore, in order to develop a novel approach to the treatment of male infertility, further clinical trials are warranted to determine the maximum dosage and duration of treatment with herbal medicines and evaluate any potential side effects of such interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nasibeh Roozbeh
- Mother and Child Welfare Research Center, Hormozgan Universiy of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Azam Amirian
- Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Jiroft University of Medical Sciences, Jiroft, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Abdi
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Simin Haghdoost
- Department of Midwifery, Urmia Branch, Islamic Azad University, Urmia, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Paul S, Chakraborty S, Anand U, Dey S, Nandy S, Ghorai M, Saha SC, Patil MT, Kandimalla R, Proćków J, Dey A. Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Ashwagandha): A comprehensive review on ethnopharmacology, pharmacotherapeutics, biomedicinal and toxicological aspects. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 143:112175. [PMID: 34649336 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Solanaceae) has been used as a traditional Rasayana herb for a long time. Traditional uses of this plant indicate its ameliorative properties against a plethora of human medical conditions, viz. hypertension, stress, diabetes, asthma, cancer etc. This review presents a comprehensive summary of the geographical distribution, traditional use, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities of W. somnifera and its active constituents. In addition, it presents a detailed account of its presence as an active constituent in many commercial preparations with curative properties and health benefits. Clinical studies and toxicological considerations of its extracts and constituents are also elucidated. Comparative analysis of relevant in-vitro, in-vivo, and clinical investigations indicated potent bioactivity of W. somnifera extracts and phytochemicals as anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, apoptotic, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, anti-diabetic, hepatoprotective, hypoglycaemic, hypolipidemic, cardio-protective and spermatogenic agents. W. somnifera was found to be especially active against many neurological and psychological conditions like Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, ischemic stroke, sleep deprivation, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The probable mechanism of action that imparts the pharmacological potential has also been explored. However, in-depth studies are needed on the clinical use of W. somnifera against human diseases. Besides, detailed toxicological analysis is also to be performed for its safe and efficacious use in preclinical and clinical studies and as a health-promoting herb.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Subhabrata Paul
- School of Biotechnology, Presidency University (2nd Campus), Kolkata 700156, West Bengal, India
| | - Shreya Chakraborty
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, 86/1 College Street, Kolkata 700073, West Bengal, India
| | - Uttpal Anand
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Swarnali Dey
- Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, Kolkata 700019, West Bengal, India
| | - Samapika Nandy
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, 86/1 College Street, Kolkata 700073, West Bengal, India
| | - Mimosa Ghorai
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, 86/1 College Street, Kolkata 700073, West Bengal, India
| | - Suchismita Chatterjee Saha
- Department of Zoology, Nabadwip Vidyasagar College (Affiliated to the University of Kalyani), Nabadwip 741302, West Bengal, India
| | - Manoj Tukaram Patil
- Post Graduate Department of Botany, SNJB's KKHA Arts, SMGL Commerce and SPHJ Science College (Affiliated to Savitribai Phule Pune University), Chandwad, Nashik 423101, Maharashtra, India
| | - Ramesh Kandimalla
- CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Uppal Road, Tarnaka, Hyderabad 500007, Telangana, India; Department of Biochemistry, Kakatiya Medical College, Warangal-506007, Telangana, India
| | - Jarosław Proćków
- Department of Plant Biology, Institute of Environmental Biology, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Kożuchowska 5b, 51-631 Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Abhijit Dey
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, 86/1 College Street, Kolkata 700073, West Bengal, India.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) for the treatment and enhancement of mental and physical conditions: A systematic review of human trials. J Herb Med 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hermed.2021.100434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
|
19
|
Mateo-Otero Y, Fernández-López P, Ribas-Maynou J, Roca J, Miró J, Yeste M, Barranco I. Metabolite Profiling of Pig Seminal Plasma Identifies Potential Biomarkers for Sperm Resilience to Liquid Preservation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:669974. [PMID: 34124051 PMCID: PMC8194698 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.669974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolomic approaches allow the study of downstream gene expression events since metabolites are considered as the products of cell signaling pathways. For this reason, many studies in humans have already been conducted to determine the influence of the metabolites present in seminal plasma (SP) on sperm physiology, and to identify putative biomarkers. However, in livestock species, these relationships are yet to be uncovered. Thus, the present study aimed to explore: (i) if concentrations of metabolites in pig SP are related to sperm quality and functionality, and (ii) if they could predict the sperm resilience to liquid storage at 17°C. To this end, 28 ejaculates were individually collected and split into three aliquots: one was used for SP analysis through nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy; another served for the evaluation of sperm concentration and morphology; and the last one was utilized to determine sperm functionality parameters using computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) and flow cytometry after 0 h and 72 h of liquid-storage at 17°C. NMR analysis allowed the identification and quantification of 23 metabolites present in pig SP which, except for fumarate, were not observed to follow a breed-dependent behavior. Moreover, specific relationships between metabolites and sperm variables were identified: (i) glutamate, methanol, trimethylamine N-oxide, carnitine, and isoleucine were seen to be related to some sperm quality and functionality parameters evaluated immediately after semen collection; (ii) leucine, hypotaurine, carnitine and isoleucine were found to be associated to the sperm ability to withstand liquid storage; and (iii) Bayesian multiple regression models allowed the identification of metabolite patterns for specific sperm parameters at both 0 h and 72 h. The identification of these relationships opens up the possibility of further investigating these metabolites as potential sperm functional biomarkers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yentel Mateo-Otero
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Pol Fernández-López
- Centre d’Estudis Avançats de Blanes (CEAB), Spanish Research Council (CSIC), Girona, Spain
| | - Jordi Ribas-Maynou
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Jordi Roca
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Jordi Miró
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Isabel Barranco
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Via Tolara di Sopra, Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Langade D, Thakare V, Kanchi S, Kelgane S. Clinical evaluation of the pharmacological impact of ashwagandha root extract on sleep in healthy volunteers and insomnia patients: A double-blind, randomized, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 264:113276. [PMID: 32818573 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2019] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal.) is long known for its sleep-inducing effects. Ashwagandha can be proposed as an alternative to the recommended present treatments for insomnia. This study aimed to evaluate the pharmacological effect of Ashwagandha root extract on sleep in healthy subjects and also in the subjects having insomnia. MATERIAL AND METHODS We performed a randomized, parallel-group, stratified design, placebo-controlled study. A total of 80 eligible participants, 40 in Arm-A (healthy) and 40 in Arm-B (insomnia) were assigned to two groups, either Ashwagandha or placebo and studied for 8-weeks. The assessment was done based on the sleep parameters (Sleep Onset Latency, Total Sleep Time, Wake After Sleep Onset, Total time in bed, and Sleep Efficiency), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Hamilton Anxiety scale-A questionnaire, mental alertness on rising assessment, and sleep quality questionnaire. Safety and adverse events along with the concomitant medication were also assessed. RESULTS In both healthy and insomnia subjects, there was a significant improvement in the sleep parameters in the Ashwagandha root extract supplemented group. The improvement was found more significant in insomnia subjects than healthy subjects. Repeat measure Analysis of variance (ANOVA) confirmed the significant improvement in SOL (p 0.013), HAM-A outcomes (p < 0.05), mental alertness (p 0.01), and sleep quality (p < 0.05) of the insomnia patients. A two-way ANOVA was used to confirm the outcomes that denoted sleep onset latency (p < 0.0001) and sleep efficiency (p < 0.0001) as the most improved parameters, followed by TST (p < 0.002) and WASO(p < 0.040). All these parameters (SOL, TST, WASO, TIB, SE, PSQI, HAM-A, Mental Alertness, and Sleep quality) were also statistically assessed for the significant improvement within the group both for the treatment, and the placebo groups in the healthy and the insomnia datasets. Obtained results suggest statistically significant (p < 0.0001) changes between the baseline values and the end of the study results except for the HAM-A and the mental alertness scoresn the healthy subject group. CONCLUSION The present study confirms that Ashwagandha root extract can improve sleep quality and can help in managing insomnia. Ashwagandha root extract was well tolerated by all the participants irrespective of their health condition and age. Additional clinical trials are required to generalize the outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Langade
- D Y Patil University School of Medicine, Navi Mumbai, 400706, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Vaishali Thakare
- D Y Patil University School of Medicine, Navi Mumbai, 400706, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Subodh Kanchi
- NAMO Medical Education and Research Institute, Silvassa, DNH&DD, India.
| | - Sunil Kelgane
- Maharashtra Emergency Medical Services, Defence Area, Pimple Gurav, Pimpri-Chinchwad, 411027, Maharashtra, India.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Afewerky HK, Ayodeji AE, Tiamiyu BB, Orege JI, Okeke ES, Oyejobi AO, Bate PNN, Adeyemi SB. Critical review of the Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal: ethnobotany, pharmacological efficacy, and commercialization significance in Africa. BULLETIN OF THE NATIONAL RESEARCH CENTRE 2021; 45:176. [PMID: 34697529 PMCID: PMC8529567 DOI: 10.1186/s42269-021-00635-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (W. somnifera) is a herb commonly known by its English name as Winter Cherry. Africa is indigenous to many medicinal plants and natural products. However, there is inadequate documentation of medicinal plants, including W. somnifera, in Africa. There is, therefore, a need for a comprehensive compilation of research outcomes of this reviewed plant as used in traditional medicine in different regions of Africa. METHODOLOGY Scientific articles and publications were scooped and sourced from high-impact factor journals and filtered with relevant keywords on W. somnifera. Scientific databases, including GBIF, PubMed, NCBI, Google Scholar, Research Gate, Science Direct, SciFinder, and Web of Science, were accessed to identify the most influential articles and recent breakthroughs published on the contexts of ethnography, ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and commercialization of W. somnifera. RESULTS This critical review covers the W. somnifera ethnography, phytochemistry, and ethnomedicinal usage to demonstrate the use of the plant in Africa and elsewhere to prevent or alleviate several pathophysiological conditions, including cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, reproductive impotence, as well as other chronic diseases. CONCLUSION W. somnifera is reportedly safe for administration in ethnomedicine as several research outcomes confirmed its safety status. The significance of commercializing this plant in Africa for drug development is herein thoroughly covered to provide the much-needed highlights towards its cultivations economic benefit to Africa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henok Kessete Afewerky
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 China
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 China
- School of Allied Health Professions, Asmara College of Health Sciences, 00291 Asmara, Eritrea
- Organization of African Academic Doctors, Nairobi, 00100 Kenya
| | - Ayeni Emmanuel Ayodeji
- Organization of African Academic Doctors, Nairobi, 00100 Kenya
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Drug Development, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, PMB 1044, Kaduna, 800211 Nigeria
| | - Bashir Bolaji Tiamiyu
- Organization of African Academic Doctors, Nairobi, 00100 Kenya
- Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, 240001 Nigeria
| | - Joshua Iseoluwa Orege
- Organization of African Academic Doctors, Nairobi, 00100 Kenya
- Department of Industrial Chemistry, Ekiti State University, PMB 5363, Ado-Ekiti, 362001 Nigeria
- Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023 China
| | - Emmanuel Sunday Okeke
- Organization of African Academic Doctors, Nairobi, 00100 Kenya
- Department of Biochemistry, FBS and Natural Science Unit, SGS, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 410001 Nigeria
- School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013 China
| | - Aanuoluwapo Opeyemi Oyejobi
- Organization of African Academic Doctors, Nairobi, 00100 Kenya
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074 China
| | - Petuel Ndip Ndip Bate
- Organization of African Academic Doctors, Nairobi, 00100 Kenya
- Guangzhou Institute of Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, 510530 China
| | - Sherif Babatunde Adeyemi
- Organization of African Academic Doctors, Nairobi, 00100 Kenya
- Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, 240001 Nigeria
- C.G. Bhakta Institute of Biotechnology, Uka Tarsadia University, Bardoli-Mahuva Road, Bardoli, Surat, Gujarat 394350 India
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Asampille G, Cheredath A, Joseph D, Adiga SK, Atreya HS. The utility of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy in assisted reproduction. Open Biol 2020; 10:200092. [PMID: 33142083 PMCID: PMC7729034 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.200092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility affects approximately 15-20% of individuals of reproductive age worldwide. Over the last 40 years, assisted reproductive technology (ART) has helped millions of childless couples. However, ART is limited by a low success rate and risk of multiple gestations. Devising methods for selecting the best gamete or embryo that increases the ART success rate and prevention of multiple gestation has become one of the key goals in ART today. Special emphasis has been placed on the development of non-invasive approaches, which do not require perturbing the embryonic cells, as the current morphology-based embryo selection approach has shortcomings in predicting the implantation potential of embryos. An observed association between embryo metabolism and viability has prompted researchers to develop metabolomics-based biomarkers. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy provides a non-invasive approach for the metabolic profiling of tissues, gametes and embryos, with the key advantage of having a minimal sample preparation procedure. Using NMR spectroscopy, biologically important molecules can be identified and quantified in intact cells, extracts or secretomes. This, in turn, helps to map out the active metabolic pathways in a system. The present review covers the contribution of NMR spectroscopy in assisted reproduction at various stages of the process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gitanjali Asampille
- Department of Clinical Embryology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India
| | - Aswathi Cheredath
- Department of Clinical Embryology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India
| | - David Joseph
- NMR Research Centre, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
- Solid State and Structural Chemistry Unit, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Satish K. Adiga
- Department of Clinical Embryology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Boguenet M, Bocca C, Bouet PE, Serri O, Chupin S, Tessier L, Blanchet O, El Hachem H, Chao de la Barca JM, Reynier P, May-Panloup P. Metabolomic signature of the seminal plasma in men with severe oligoasthenospermia. Andrology 2020; 8:1859-1866. [PMID: 32770844 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male factor is incriminated in approximately 50% of cases of infertility. The metabolomic approach has recently been used in the assessment of sperm quality and male fertility. MATERIALS AND METHODS We analyzed the metabolomic signatures of the seminal plasma in 20 men with severe oligoasthenospermia (prewash total motile sperm count < 5.106 ) (SOA) and compared it to 20 men with normal semen parameters, with a standardized approach of targeted and quantitative metabolomics using high-performance liquid chromatography, coupled with tandem mass spectrometry, and the Biocrates Absolute IDQ p180 kit. RESULTS Among the 188 metabolites analyzed, 110 were accurately measured in the seminal plasma. A robust model discriminating the two populations (Q2(cum) = 55.2%) was obtained by OPLS-DA (orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis), based on the drop in concentrations of 37 metabolites with a VIP (variable important for projection) greater than 1. Overall, in men with SOA, there was a significant decrease in: 17 phosphatidylcholines and four sphingomyelins; acylcarnitines, with free L-carnitine being the most discriminating metabolite; polyunsaturated fatty acids; six amino acids (glutamate, aspartate, methionine, tryptophan, proline, and alanine); and four biogenic amines (spermine, spermidine, serotonin, and alpha-aminoadipate). DISCUSSION Our signature includes several metabolic changes with different impacts on the sperm quality: a change in phospholipid composition and the saturation of their fatty acids that is potentially linked to the deterioration of sperm membranes; a carnitine deficiency that can negatively impact the energy production via fatty acid oxidation and oxidative phosphorylation; and a decreased level of amino acids and biogenic amines that can lead to dysregulated metabolic and signaling pathways. CONCLUSION We provide a global overview of the metabolic defects contributing to the structural and functional alteration of spermatozoa in severe oligoasthenospermia. These findings offer new insights into the pathophysiology of male factor infertility that could help to develop future specific treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Magalie Boguenet
- Unité Mixte de Recherche MITOVASC, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) 6015, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1083, Université d'Angers, Angers, France
| | - Cinzia Bocca
- Unité Mixte de Recherche MITOVASC, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) 6015, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1083, Université d'Angers, Angers, France
| | - Pierre-Emmanuel Bouet
- Unité Mixte de Recherche MITOVASC, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) 6015, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1083, Université d'Angers, Angers, France.,Department de Médecine de la Reproduction, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Angers, France
| | - Orianne Serri
- Department de Médecine de la Reproduction, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Angers, France
| | - Stéphanie Chupin
- Département de Biochimie et Génétique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Angers, France
| | - Lydie Tessier
- Département de Biochimie et Génétique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Angers, France
| | - Odile Blanchet
- CRB - BB-0033-00038,, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Angers, France
| | - Hady El Hachem
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Saint Joseph Fertility Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Juan Manuel Chao de la Barca
- Unité Mixte de Recherche MITOVASC, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) 6015, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1083, Université d'Angers, Angers, France.,Département de Biochimie et Génétique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Angers, France
| | - Pascal Reynier
- Unité Mixte de Recherche MITOVASC, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) 6015, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1083, Université d'Angers, Angers, France.,Département de Biochimie et Génétique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Angers, France
| | - Pascale May-Panloup
- Unité Mixte de Recherche MITOVASC, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) 6015, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1083, Université d'Angers, Angers, France.,Department de Médecine de la Reproduction, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Angers, France
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Alahmadi BA. Effect of Herbal Medicine on Fertility Potential in Experimental Animals - an Update Review. Mater Sociomed 2020; 32:140-147. [PMID: 32843864 PMCID: PMC7428893 DOI: 10.5455/msm.2020.32.140-147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Sexual function greatly affects the quality of life. Any problem which affects satisfaction is considered sexual dysfunction. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate how recently used of complementary and alternative medicines has increased in treating infertility. Methods: Study has descriptive character based on searched and analyzed facts from the published articles in scientific journals. Results: The majority of the studies done for the detection of the efficacy of medicinal plants in treating male infertility were done on experimental animals with few clinical studies. However, there is still a need for more studies to have certain results, as conflicting results were noted in different studies done on the effect of the same medicinal plant on spermatogenesis. It might be referred it to the absence of standardization among research models, the difference in extracts, administration route, doses and how long did the experiment last added to differences in the part of the plant used and plant collection. This review summarized the finding of many studies that studied the effect of different medicinal herbs on the testes, epididymis, sperm and prostate parameters, testosterone level and steroidogenesis, erection/ejaculation function and libido. Conclusion: The protective effect might be due to OLE competence to antagonize the oxidative stress and LPO. Londium suffruticosum I. suffruticosum leaf extract was administered to sub-fertile male rats, subfertility was induced by carbendazim, it resulted in increased spermatogenesis, increased sperm counts, lessened sperm agglutination by preserving normal pH in testicular microenvironment, increasing the testicular oxidative biomarkers, SOD, and CAT. It was found that the main active components of the extract are alkaloids, steroidal lactones and flavonoids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bassam A Alahmadi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Mateo-Otero Y, Fernández-López P, Gil-Caballero S, Fernandez-Fuertes B, Bonet S, Barranco I, Yeste M. 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance of Pig Seminal Plasma Reveals Intra-Ejaculate Variation in Metabolites. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E906. [PMID: 32549232 PMCID: PMC7355445 DOI: 10.3390/biom10060906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In pigs, ejaculate is expelled in fractions, mainly the sperm-rich fraction (SRF) and the post-SRF (PSRF), which differ in both sperm content and origin. In addition, intra-ejaculate variability between fractions in terms of sperm reproductive characteristics has been previously reported, the highest sperm quality being observed in the first 10 mL of the SRF (SRF-P1). As seminal plasma (SP) composition has been purported to influence sperm physiology, the aim of this study was to profile pig SP metabolite composition and to find putative differences between the ejaculate portions (SRF-P1, the rest of SRF [SRF-P2], PSRF) and entire ejaculate (EE). To this end, ejaculates (n = 8, one per boar) were collected in fractions and SP was analyzed using 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy. We identified 19 metabolites present in all ejaculate portions and the EE, and reported correlations between the metabolites. Additionally, and for the first time in mammals, we found intra-ejaculate variability in the SP metabolites, observing different relative abundances in choline, glycerophosphocholine and glycine. Regarding their influence in sperm physiology, we hypothesize that these metabolites may explain the specific reproductive characteristics of each ejaculate portion. Finally, the reported SP metabolites could serve as a first steppingstone in the study of quality, functionality, and fertility biomarkers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yentel Mateo-Otero
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain; (Y.M.-O.); (B.F.-F.); (S.B.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Pol Fernández-López
- Theoretical and Computational Ecology Group, Centre for Advanced Studies of Blanes (CEAB), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), E-17300 Girona, Spain;
| | - Sergi Gil-Caballero
- NMR Facility, Research Technical Services (STR), University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain;
| | - Beatriz Fernandez-Fuertes
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain; (Y.M.-O.); (B.F.-F.); (S.B.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Sergi Bonet
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain; (Y.M.-O.); (B.F.-F.); (S.B.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Isabel Barranco
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain; (Y.M.-O.); (B.F.-F.); (S.B.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, E-30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain; (Y.M.-O.); (B.F.-F.); (S.B.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Tandon N, Yadav SS. Safety and clinical effectiveness of Withania Somnifera (Linn.) Dunal root in human ailments. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2020; 255:112768. [PMID: 32201301 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.112768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 01/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Withania somnifera popularly known as Aswagandha or Indian Ginseng/Poison Gooseberry have thousands years of history of use in Indian traditional medicine. Besides, finding place root of the plant as Indian Ginseng, Ayurveda also uses root of this plant as general health tonic, adaptogenic, nootropic, immunomodulatory etc. With its widespread and growing use, it becomes prudent to scientifically evaluate and document both the efficacy and safety of this plant in humans. AIM OF THE STUDY Aswagnadha root is rapidly gaining popularity abroad for use as medicine. Current article attempts to primarily review the human efficacy and safety of Aswagandha generated through clinical trials. METHODS A systematic search both for indexed and non-indexed literature was made for W. somnifera using various search engines and databases and the details of research articles pertaining to all clinical trials/human studies, animal studies addressing safety issues of CNS, CVS, general toxicity, mutagenicity, genotoxicity, reproductive safety and herb-drug interactions were reviewed and compiled comprehensively from full texts. RESULTS A total of 69 (39 pre-clinical and 30 clinical) studies documenting efficacy and safety aspects were identified and the desired information of these studies is comprehensively presented in this review. Retrieved thirty(30) human studies demonstrated reasonable efficacy of root preparations in subclinical hypothyroidism (1), schizophrenia (3), chronic stress (2), insomnia (2), anxiety (1), memory and cognitive improvement (2), obsessive-compulsive disorder (1), rheumatoid arthritis (2), type-2 diabetes (2), male infertility (6), fertility promotion activity in females (1), adaptogenic (3), growth promoter in children (3) and chemotherapy adjuvant (1). Reasonable safety of root preparations of Aswagandha has been established by these retrieved 30 human trials. No serious adverse events or any changes in haematological, biochemical or vital parameters were reported in these human studies. Only mild and mainly transient type adverse events of somnolence, epigastric pain/discomfort and loose stools were reported as most common (>5%); and giddiness, drowsiness, hallucinogenic, vertigo, nasal congestion (rhinitis), cough, cold, decreased appetite, nausea, constipation, dry mouth, hyperactivity, nocturnal cramps, blurring of vision, hyperacidity, skin rash and weight gain were reported as less common adverse events. Pre-clinical chronic toxicity studies conducted up to 8 months also found root extracts to be safe. No mutagenicity or genotoxicity was reported for the root; only mild CNS depression and increase in thyroxine (T4) levels were reported with rootby some studies. Further, there was no in vitro and in vivo inhibition seen for CYP3A4 and CYP2D6, the two major hepatic drug metabolizing enzymes. CONCLUSION Root of the Ayurvedic drug W. somnifera (Aswagandha) appears a promising safe and effective traditional medicine for management of schizophrenia, chronic stress, insomnia, anxiety, memory/cognitive enhancement, obsessive-compulsive disorder, rheumatoid arthritis, type-2 diabetes and male infertility, and bears fertility promotion activity in females adaptogenic, growth promoter activity in children and as adjuvant for reduction of fatigue and improvement in quality of life among cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Properly designed, randomized-controlled, large-size, prospective trials with standardized preparations are needed to ascertain efficacy of Aswagandha root in previously studied and other new indications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neeraj Tandon
- Indian Council of Medical Research, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, India.
| | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Lopresti AL, Drummond PD, Smith SJ. A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study Examining the Hormonal and Vitality Effects of Ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera) in Aging, Overweight Males. Am J Mens Health 2020; 13:1557988319835985. [PMID: 30854916 PMCID: PMC6438434 DOI: 10.1177/1557988319835985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera) is a herb commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine to promote youthful vigor, enhance muscle strength and endurance, and improve overall health. In this 16-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study, its effects on fatigue, vigor, and steroid hormones in aging men were investigated. Overweight men aged 40-70 years, with mild fatigue, were given a placebo or an ashwagandha extract (Shoden beads, delivering 21 mg of withanolide glycosides a day) for 8 weeks. Outcome measures included the Profile of Mood States, Short Form (POMS-SF), Aging Males' Symptoms (AMS) questionnaire, and salivary levels of DHEA-S, testosterone, cortisol, and estradiol. Fifty-seven participants were enrolled, with 50 people completing the first 8-week period of the trial and 43 completing all 16 weeks. Improvements in fatigue, vigor, and sexual and psychological well-being were reported over time, with no statistically significant between-group differences. Ashwagandha intake was associated with an 18% greater increase in DHEA-S ( p = .005) and 14.7% greater increase in testosterone ( p = .010) compared to the placebo. There were no significant between-group differences in cortisol and estradiol. In conclusion, the intake of a standardized ashwagandha extract (Shoden beads) for 8 weeks was associated with increased levels of DHEA-S and testosterone, although no significant between-group differences were found in cortisol, estradiol, fatigue, vigor, or sexual well-being. Further studies with larger sample sizes are required to substantiate the current findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrian L Lopresti
- 1 School of Psychology and Exercise Science, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,2 Clinical Research Australia, Duncraig, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Peter D Drummond
- 1 School of Psychology and Exercise Science, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Stephen J Smith
- 1 School of Psychology and Exercise Science, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,2 Clinical Research Australia, Duncraig, Western Australia, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Abarikwu SO, Onuah CL, Singh SK. Plants in the management of male infertility. Andrologia 2020; 52:e13509. [PMID: 31989693 DOI: 10.1111/and.13509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This review attempts to collate existing data and provide the perspectives for future studies on the effects of plants on the male gonads. For many of these medicinal plants such as Lepidium meyenii, Rupus coreanus, Tribulus terrestres, Panax ginseng, Petasites japonicas, Apium graveolens, Eurycoma longifólia, Pedalium murex, Corchorus depressus, Mucuna pruriens, Astragalus membranaceus, Nigella sativa, Crataegus monogyna, Fagara tessmannii, Phaleria macrocarpa, Anacyclus pyrethrum, Cynomorium songaricum and Morinda officinalis, the mechanism of actions of their active principles and crude extracts has been shown in both laboratory animals, in vitro, and human studies, and includes their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, spermatogenesis-inducing, aphrodisiac, smooth muscle relaxing and androgenic properties. Several active chemical leads including glucosinolates, anthocyanins, protodioscin, ginsenosides, sesquiterpenes, phyto-oestrogens, quassinoids, diosgenin, thymoquinone, proanthocyanidins and bajijiasu isolated from these plants are known to have target effects on the testis, but efforts have been limited in their application at the clinical level. There still appear to be many more extracts of medicinal plants that have not been characterised to determine the phytochemicals unique to them that have target effects on the gonads. Further, collaborative efforts at isolating pro-drug candidates from medicinal plants for studies at the molecular, cellular and clinical level towards elucidating their mechanisms of action on the testes are therefore warranted in the light of the current male fertility crisis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sunny O Abarikwu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
| | - Chigozie Linda Onuah
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
| | - Shio Kumar Singh
- Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Huang Q, Liu L, Wu Y, Wang X, Luo L, Nan B, Zhang J, Tian M, Shen H. Seminal plasma metabolites mediate the associations of multiple environmental pollutants with semen quality in Chinese men. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 132:105066. [PMID: 31394396 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.105066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/28/2019] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Environmental exposure to arsenic, phthalate esters (PAEs) and perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) has been associated with human semen quality. However, the epidemiological "black-box" of these associations remains poorly uncovered. In this study, based on the association analysis between arsenic, PAE and PFC exposure and semen quality parameters (i.e., semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm count, progressive motility, total motility and normal morphology) in a Chinese male population, we explored the seminal plasma metabolic signatures that may mediate the exposure-outcome relations by using the meet-in-metabolite-analysis (MIMA) approach. As a result, a negative association was found between DMA and sperm concentration, whereas MEHP and PFHxS were positively associated with sperm count and concentration, respectively. Metabolomics analysis revealed that sixteen and twenty-two seminal plasma metabolites were related to sperm concentration and count, respectively, and they are mainly involved in fatty acid, lipid and amino acid metabolism. Moreover, it was further indicated that eicosatetraenoate, carnitines and DHA may impact the inverse association between DMA and sperm concentration, while eicosatetraenoate, carnitines, DHA, PGB2 and tocotrienol are possible mediators of the positive association between PFHxS and sperm concentration. As these metabolic biomarkers are relevant to antioxidation and fatty acid β-oxidation, we suggest that redox balance and energy generation shifts in seminal plasma are involved in the association of human semen quality with environmental DMA and PFHxS exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingyu Huang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China.
| | - Liangpo Liu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Yan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Xiaofei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Lianzhong Luo
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Marine Medical Natural Products Resources, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen 361023, China
| | - Bingru Nan
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Meiping Tian
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Heqing Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Mumcu A, Karaer A, Dogan B, Tuncay G. Metabolomics analysis of seminal plasma in patients with idiopathic Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia using high-resolution NMR spectroscopy. Andrology 2019; 8:450-456. [PMID: 31520509 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male infertility is a global health issue caused by a combination of different factors. Specialists generally rely on semen analysis to diagnose male infertility. However, it is known that diagnostic semen analysis fails to identify about 50% of male infertility disorders. Recently, metabolomics has been proven to be a powerful technique for the diagnosis of different diseases. OBJECTIVE To determine whether metabolites could be used as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of male factor infertility through comparing seminal plasma samples from infertile men with oligoasthenoteratozospermia (OAT) and samples from normozoospermic controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study utilized high-resolution 1 H NMR spectroscopy to reveal whether the metabolomic changes of seminal plasma obtained from 31 patients with oligoasthenoteratozospermia (OAT) are different from the ones obtained from 28 normozoospermic controls. RESULTS Multivariate statistical analysis of NMR data concluded that the metabolomic profile of samples from patients with OAT exhibits statistically significant differences when compared to the controls. The differences were based on the metabolites lactate, citrate, lysine, arginine, valine, glutamine, creatinine, α-ketoglutaric acid, spermine, putrescine, and tyrosine. Except the tyrosine, levels of the above metabolites were significantly decreased in patients with OAT compared to the controls. The levels of citrate, choline, spermine, putrescine, α-ketoglutaric acid, valine, and tyrosine were significantly different (p < 5 × 10-4 ) between two groups. On the other hand, levels of lactate, creatinine, lysine, arginine, and glutamine were also statistically significant (0.001 < p < 0.05). However, considering the p-values, the physiological relevance of these metabolites may be lower when compared to the others. A PLS-DA model built on the NMR data achieved 89.29% sensitivity and 93.55% specificity results in a leave-one-out cross-validation process. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION 1 H NMR spectroscopy-based metabolomic analysis could be used as a diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of oligoasthenoteratozospermia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Mumcu
- Laboratory of NMR, Scientific and Technological Research Center, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
| | - A Karaer
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
| | - B Dogan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
| | - G Tuncay
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Durg S, Shivaram SB, Bavage S. Withania somnifera (Indian ginseng) in male infertility: An evidence-based systematic review and meta-analysis. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2018; 50:247-256. [PMID: 30466985 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2017.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2017] [Revised: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Withania somnifera Dunal, commonly known as Indian ginseng, has been in use since ancient times as anti-stress agent, aphrodisiac, for impotence and infertility treatment. PURPOSE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of W. somnifera treatment in infertile men. STUDY DESIGN An evidence-based systematic review and meta-analysis using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. METHODS Published literature was searched in PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and DHARA. Grey literature was assessed from the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (http://apps.who.int/trialsearch/) and the US National Institutes of Health (https://clinicaltrials.gov/). RESULTS Four clinical trials (comprising 5 publications: observational, n = 4; randomized controlled trial [RCT], n = 1) were included in the study. As only one RCT included, meta-analysis of RCT was not performed; however, systematically reviewed data demonstrated statistical (p ≤ .002 versus baseline) increase in sperm concentration (167%), semen volume (59%), and sperm motility (57%) in oligospermic males after 90 days of W. somnifera treatment, as well, serum testosterone (17%) and luteinizing hormone (34%) levels. Meta-analysis of observational (versus pre-treatment) studies showed that W. somnifera treatment significantly improved semen parameters (semen volume: mean difference [MD], 0.28 ml; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.12 to 0.43; p = .0004; sperm concentration: MD, 13.57 million/ml; 95% CI, 11.12 to 16.01; p < .00001; sperm motility: MD, 8.50%; 95% CI, 7.36 to 9.63; p < .00001) with 14% of pregnancy outcome success rate in normozoospermic men. Meta-analysis findings also evidenced significant improvement in serum hormonal profile, oxidative biomarkers and antioxidant vitamins in seminal plasma. No adverse effects were reported in infertile men taking W. somnifera treatment. CONCLUSION Due to a small number of eligible studies, the available data, though promising, are too limited to provide novel and sufficiently robust evidence of the benefits of W. somnifera in male infertility. Additional RCTs of high quality with a larger sample size are warranted to further strength clinical use of W. somnifera in treating male factor infertility. Future research also needs to elucidate the molecular mechanism(s) of W. somnifera as well its active principles in male infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sachin Bavage
- Independent Researcher, Bidar 585401, Karnataka, India
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Nasimi Doost Azgomi R, Nazemiyeh H, Sadeghi Bazargani H, Fazljou SMB, Nejatbakhsh F, Moini Jazani A, Ahmadi AsrBadr Y, Zomorrodi A. Comparative evaluation of the effects ofWithania somniferawith pentoxifylline on the sperm parameters in idiopathic male infertility: A triple-blind randomised clinical trial. Andrologia 2018; 50:e13041. [DOI: 10.1111/and.13041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- R. Nasimi Doost Azgomi
- Department of Iranian Traditional Medicine; School of Traditional Medicine; Tabriz University of Medical Sciences; Tabriz Iran
| | - H. Nazemiyeh
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology; Faculty of Pharmacy; Tabriz University of Medical Sciences; Tabriz Iran
| | - H. Sadeghi Bazargani
- Road Traffic Injury Research Center; Tabriz University of Medical Sciences; Tabriz Iran
| | - S. M. B. Fazljou
- Department of Iranian Traditional Medicine; School of Traditional Medicine; Tabriz University of Medical Sciences; Tabriz Iran
| | - F. Nejatbakhsh
- Department of Iranian Traditional Medicine; School of Traditional Medicine; Tehran University of Medical Sciences; Tehran Iran
| | - A. Moini Jazani
- Department of Iranian Traditional Medicine; School of Traditional Medicine; Tabriz University of Medical Sciences; Tabriz Iran
| | - Y. Ahmadi AsrBadr
- Department of Urology; Sina Hospital; Tabriz University of Medical Science; Tabriz Iran
| | - A. Zomorrodi
- Department of Urology; Emam Reza Hospital; Tabriz University of Medical Sciences; Tabriz Iran
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Role of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) in the management of male infertility. Reprod Biomed Online 2018; 36:311-326. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2017.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Revised: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
34
|
Effects of Withania somnifera on Reproductive System: A Systematic Review of the Available Evidence. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:4076430. [PMID: 29670898 PMCID: PMC5833251 DOI: 10.1155/2018/4076430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Withania somnifera (WS) also known as ashwagandha is a well-known medicinal plant used in traditional medicine in many countries for infertility treatment. The present study was aimed at systemically reviewing therapeutic effects of WS on the reproductive system. Methods This systematic review study was designed in 2016. Required data were obtained from PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, Web of Knowledge, Web of Science, and manual search of articles, grey literature, reference checking, and expert contact. Results WS was found to improve reproductive system function by many ways. WS extract decreased infertility among male subjects, due to the enhancement in semen quality which is proposed due to the enhanced enzymatic activity in seminal plasma and decreasing oxidative stress. Also, WS extract improved luteinizing hormone and follicular stimulating hormone balance leading to folliculogenesis and increased gonadal weight, although some animal studies had concluded that WS had reversible spermicidal and infertilizing effects in male subjects. Conclusion WS was found to enhance spermatogenesis and sperm related indices in male and sexual behaviors in female. But, according to some available evidences for spermicidal features, further studies should focus on the extract preparation method and also dosage used in their study protocols.
Collapse
|
35
|
Tahvilzadeh M, Hajimahmoodi M, Toliyat T, Karimi M, Rahimi R. An evidence-based approach to medicinal plants for the treatment of sperm abnormalities in traditional Persian medicine. Andrologia 2016; 48:860-79. [DOI: 10.1111/and.12676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- M. Tahvilzadeh
- Department of Traditional Pharmacy; School of Traditional Medicine; Tehran University of Medical Sciences; Tehran Iran
| | - M. Hajimahmoodi
- Department of Drug and Food Control; Faculty of Pharmacy; Tehran University of Medical Sciences; Tehran Iran
| | - T. Toliyat
- Department of Pharmaceutics; Faculty of Pharmacy; Tehran University of Medical Sciences; Tehran Iran
| | - M. Karimi
- Department of Traditional Medicine; School of Traditional Medicine; Tehran University of Medical Sciences; Tehran Iran
| | - R. Rahimi
- Department of Traditional Pharmacy; School of Traditional Medicine; Tehran University of Medical Sciences; Tehran Iran
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Abbas MA. Is the use of plants in Jordanian folk medicine for the treatment of male sexual dysfunction scientifically based? Review of in vitro and in vivo human and animal studies. Andrologia 2016; 49. [PMID: 27312517 DOI: 10.1111/and.12619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Male sexual dysfunction is a serious problem which has an impact on the quality of life. In Jordanian folk medicine, 56 plant species were reported to be used by males to improve sexual potency and as aphrodisiacs. The aim of this study was to search for scientific evidence justifying their folk use. Of the 15 studied plants, only five were found to enhance spermatogenesis. The other 10 were reported to decrease spermatogenesis at least by one study. The majority of the studied plants possessed a protective effect on testis in different in vivo models as well as antioxidant activities. The effect of these plants on steroidogenesis and the hypothalamic-gonadal axis was also reviewed. The effect of only five plants was studied on sexual behaviour enhancement and three of them were active. Three of the four studied plants enhanced erection. The mechanism of action of active constituents isolated from the studied plants was also investigated. In conclusion, many plants used in Jordanian folk medicine decreased or had no effect on spermatogenesis in animal models. These plants have antioxidant and/or adaptogenic effects, and this may result in a beneficial action on male reproductive system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M A Abbas
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman, Jordan
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Ebrahimi F, Ibrahim B, Teh CH, Murugaiyah V, Chan KL. Urinary NMR-based metabolomic analysis of rats possessing variable sperm count following orally administered Eurycoma longifolia extracts of different quassinoid levels. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2016; 182:80-89. [PMID: 26899442 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2016.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Eurycoma longifolia (Tongkat Ali, TA) roots have been ethnically used as a remedy to boost male sexual desire, libido, energy and fertility. AIM OF THE STUDY The study evaluated the effect of TA extracts with different quassinoid levels on rats sperm count and examined corresponding post-treatment urinary metabolic changes. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats, categorized into 4 groups of 6 rats each, were orally administered for 48 days with water for the control (group 1), 125mg/kg of TA water extract (TAW, group 2), 125mg/kg of TA quassinoid-poor extract (TAQP, group 3) and 21mg/kg of TA quassinoid-rich extract (TAQR, group 4). Upon completion of the 48-day treatment, the urine samples were analyzed by NMR and the animals were subsequently sacrificed for sperm count analysis. The urine profiles were categorized according to sperm count level. RESULTS The results showed that the sperm count in TAW- and TAQR-treated groups was significantly higher compared to the TAQP-administered and control groups. The orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) model indicated a clear separation among the urine profiles with respect to sperm count level. Urine (1)H-NMR profiles of the high-sperm count group contained higher concentrations of trigonelline, alanine, benzoic acid and higher intensity of a signal at 3.42ppm, while ethanol was at higher concentration in the normal-sperm count group. CONCLUSIONS The results proved the efficacy of quassinoids on sperm count increase in rats and provided quantitative markers in urine suitable for analysis of sperm profile and male fertility status.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Forough Ebrahimi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia
| | - Baharudin Ibrahim
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia
| | | | | | - Kit-Lam Chan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Zhou X, Wang Y, Yun Y, Xia Z, Lu H, Luo J, Liang Y. A potential tool for diagnosis of male infertility: Plasma metabolomics based on GC-MS. Talanta 2015; 147:82-9. [PMID: 26592580 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2015.09.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2015] [Revised: 09/11/2015] [Accepted: 09/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Male infertility has become an important public health problem worldwide. Nowadays the diagnosis of male infertility frequently depends on the results of semen quality or requires more invasive surgical intervention. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a novel approach for early diagnosis of male infertility. According to the presence or absence of normal sexual function, the male infertility is classified into two phenotypes, erectile dysfunction (ED) and semen abnormalities (SA). The aim of this study was to investigate the GC-MS plasma profiles of infertile male having erectile dysfunction (ED) and having semen abnormalities (SA) and discover the potential biomarkers. The plasma samples from healthy controls (HC) (n=61) and infertility patients with ED (n=26) or with SA (n=44) were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for discrimination and screening potential biomarkers. The partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was performed on GC-MS dataset. The results showed that HC could be discriminated from infertile cases having SA (AUC=86.96%, sensitivity=78.69%, specificity=84.09%, accuracy=80.95%) and infertile cases having ED (AUC=94.33%, sensitivity=80.33%, specificity=100%, accuracy=87.36%). Some potential biomarkers were successfully discovered by two commonly used variable selection methods, variable importance on projection (VIP) and original coefficients of PLS-DA (β). 1,5-Anhydro-sorbitol and α-hydroxyisovaleric acid were identified as the potential biomarkers for distinguishing HC from the male infertility patients. Meanwhile, lactate, glutamate and cholesterol were the found to be the important variables to distinguish between patients with erectile dysfunction from those with semen abnormalities. The plasma metabolomics may be developed as a novel approach for fast, noninvasive, and acceptable diagnosis and characterization of male infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Zhou
- Research Center of Modernization of Chinese Medicines, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Male department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yonghuan Yun
- Research Center of Modernization of Chinese Medicines, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Zian Xia
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Male department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hongmei Lu
- Research Center of Modernization of Chinese Medicines, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China.
| | - Jiekun Luo
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Male department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Yizeng Liang
- Research Center of Modernization of Chinese Medicines, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Bonechi C, Collodel G, Donati A, Martini S, Moretti E, Rossi C. Discrimination of human semen specimens by NMR data, sperm parameters, and statistical analysis. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2015; 61:353-9. [PMID: 26236922 DOI: 10.3109/19396368.2015.1054003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Human seminal fluid is a complex mixture of secretions originated from epididymis and the male accessory sex glands. It contains a variety of both inorganic and organic components, among which proteins are a major part of the high molecular-mass substances. In this study, 83 human seminal plasma samples were analyzed using a combined Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) approach to discriminate patients in relation to semen characteristics and/or conditions affecting the fertility status. Results showed a discrimination between patients with leukocytospermia and with the concomitant presence of varicocele/ex varicocele and leukocytospermia. Patients with testicular cancer, necrozoospermia, and azoospermia were separated from the other patient clusters. In addition, a differentiation of semen quality was also possible. This study represents to first use of sperm parameters together with NMR data as variables in the PCA analysis. Furthermore, this methodology allows the identification of the metabolites which play the most important role in identifying differences among human seminal plasma samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Bonechi
- a Department of Biotechnology , Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena , Via Aldo Moro , Siena , Italy .,b Centre for Colloid and Surface Science (CSGI), University of Florence , Florence , Italy , and
| | - Giulia Collodel
- c Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine , Policlinico Universitario Santa Maria alle Scotte , Siena , Italy
| | - Alessandro Donati
- a Department of Biotechnology , Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena , Via Aldo Moro , Siena , Italy .,b Centre for Colloid and Surface Science (CSGI), University of Florence , Florence , Italy , and
| | - Silvia Martini
- a Department of Biotechnology , Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena , Via Aldo Moro , Siena , Italy .,b Centre for Colloid and Surface Science (CSGI), University of Florence , Florence , Italy , and
| | - Elena Moretti
- c Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine , Policlinico Universitario Santa Maria alle Scotte , Siena , Italy
| | - Claudio Rossi
- a Department of Biotechnology , Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena , Via Aldo Moro , Siena , Italy .,b Centre for Colloid and Surface Science (CSGI), University of Florence , Florence , Italy , and
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Paiva C, Amaral A, Rodriguez M, Canyellas N, Correig X, Ballescà JL, Ramalho-Santos J, Oliva R. Identification of endogenous metabolites in human sperm cells using proton nuclear magnetic resonance ((1) H-NMR) spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Andrology 2015; 3:496-505. [PMID: 25854681 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2014] [Revised: 01/26/2015] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to contribute to the first comprehensive metabolomic characterization of the human sperm cell through the application of two untargeted platforms based on proton nuclear magnetic resonance ((1) H-NMR) spectroscopy and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Using these two complementary strategies, we were able to identify a total of 69 metabolites, of which 42 were identified using NMR, 27 using GC-MS and 4 by both techniques. The identity of some of these metabolites was further confirmed by two-dimensional (1) H-(1) H homonuclear correlation spectroscopy (COSY) and (1) H-(13) C heteronuclear single-quantum correlation (HSQC) spectroscopy. Most of the metabolites identified are reported here for the first time in mature human spermatozoa. The relationship between the metabolites identified and the previously reported sperm proteome was also explored. Interestingly, overrepresented pathways included not only the metabolism of carbohydrates, but also of lipids and lipoproteins. Of note, a large number of the metabolites identified belonged to the amino acids, peptides and analogues super class. The identification of this initial set of metabolites represents an important first step to further study their function in male gamete physiology and to explore potential reasons for dysfunction in future studies. We also demonstrate that the application of NMR and MS provides complementary results, thus constituting a promising strategy towards the completion of the human sperm cell metabolome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Paiva
- Faculty of Medicine, Human Genetics Research Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain.,Biology of Reproduction and Stem Cell Group, CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,PhD Program in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine (PDBEB), Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (IIIUC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - A Amaral
- Faculty of Medicine, Human Genetics Research Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain.,Biology of Reproduction and Stem Cell Group, CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - M Rodriguez
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV) and Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), Tarragona, Spain
| | - N Canyellas
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV) and Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), Tarragona, Spain
| | - X Correig
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV) and Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), Tarragona, Spain
| | - J L Ballescà
- Clinic Institute of Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J Ramalho-Santos
- Biology of Reproduction and Stem Cell Group, CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - R Oliva
- Faculty of Medicine, Human Genetics Research Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Kumar V, Dey A, Hadimani MB, Marcovic T, Emerald M. Chemistry and pharmacology of withania somnifera: An update. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.5667/tang.2014.0030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
42
|
Identification of biochemical differences between different forms of male infertility by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. J Assist Reprod Genet 2014; 31:1195-204. [PMID: 24965760 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-014-0282-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2013] [Accepted: 06/16/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to analyze the seminal plasma of patients with idiopathic/male factor infertility and healthy controls with proven fertility by NMR spectroscopy, with a hope of establishing difference in biomarker profiles, if any, between the groups. METHODS A total of 103 subjects visiting the infertility clinic of Manipal University with normozoospermic parameters, oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, azoospermia and teratozoospermia were included. Semen characteristics were analysed by standard criteria. Seminal plasma was subjected to NMR spectroscopy at a 700 MHz (1)H frequency. The resultant data was analyzed by appropriate software. RESULTS The analysis revealed significant differences between the fertile control group and other forms of male infertility. Interestingly, seminal plasma profile of the idiopathic infertility group showed distinct segregation from the control population as well as other infertile groups. The difference in biomarker profiles between the idiopathic infertility and the rest of the groups combined could originate from either the up-regulation or down regulation of a several compounds, including lysine, arginine, tyrosine, citrate, proline and fructose. CONCLUSION Our data suggests the presence of a metabolic reason behind the origin of idiopathic infertility. (1)H NMR based metabonomic profiling based on concentration of biomarker lysine has the potential to aid in the detection and diagnosis of idiopathic infertility in an efficient manner.
Collapse
|
43
|
Lee LK, Foo KY. Recent insights on the significance of transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis of male factor infertility. Clin Biochem 2014; 47:973-82. [PMID: 24875852 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2014.05.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2014] [Revised: 05/10/2014] [Accepted: 05/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Infertility is a worldwide reproductive health problem which affects approximately 15% of couples, with male factor infertility dominating nearly 50% of the affected population. The nature of the phenomenon is underscored by a complex array of transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolic differences which interact in unknown ways. Many causes of male factor infertility are still defined as idiopathic, and most diagnosis tends to be more descriptive rather than specific. As such, the emergence of novel transcriptomic and metabolomic studies may hold the key to more accurately diagnose and treat male factor infertility. This paper provides the most recent evidence underlying the role of transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis in the management of male infertility. A summary of the current knowledge and new discovery of noninvasive, highly sensitive and specific biomarkers which allow the expansion of this area is outlined.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L K Lee
- Nutrition Program, School of Health Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.
| | - K Y Foo
- Environment and Occupational Health Programme, School of Health Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia; River Engineering and Urban Drainage Research Centre, Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Penang, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Huang Y, Cai S, Zhang Z, Chen Z. High-resolution two-dimensional J-resolved NMR spectroscopy for biological systems. Biophys J 2014; 106:2061-70. [PMID: 24806938 PMCID: PMC4017288 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2014.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2013] [Revised: 03/13/2014] [Accepted: 03/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
NMR spectroscopy is a principal tool in metabolomic studies and can, in theory, yield atom-level information critical for understanding biological systems. Nevertheless, NMR investigations on biological tissues generally have to contend with field inhomogeneities originating from variations in macroscopic magnetic susceptibility; these field inhomogeneities broaden spectral lines and thereby obscure metabolite signals. The congestion in one-dimensional NMR spectra of biological tissues often leads to ambiguities in metabolite identification and quantification. We propose an NMR approach based on intermolecular double-quantum coherences to recover high-resolution two-dimensional (2D) J-resolved spectra from inhomogeneous magnetic fields, such as those created by susceptibility variations in intact biological tissues. The proposed method makes it possible to acquire high-resolution 2D J-resolved spectra on intact biological samples without recourse to time-consuming shimming procedures or the use of specialized hardware, such as magic-angle-spinning probes. Separation of chemical shifts and J couplings along two distinct dimensions is achieved, which reduces spectral crowding and increases metabolite specificity. Moreover, the apparent J coupling constants observed are magnified by a factor of 3, facilitating the accurate measurement of small J couplings, which is useful in metabolic analyses. Dramatically improved spectral resolution is demonstrated in our applications of the technique on pig brain tissues. The resulting spectra contain a wealth of chemical shift and J-coupling information that is invaluable for metabolite analyses. A spatially localized experiment applied on an intact fish (Crossocheilus siamensis) reveals the promise of the proposed method in in vivo metabolite studies. Moreover, the proposed method makes few demands on spectrometer hardware and therefore constitutes a convenient and effective manner for metabonomics study of biological systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Huang
- Department of Electronic Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Plasma and Magnetic Resonance, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Shuhui Cai
- Department of Electronic Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Plasma and Magnetic Resonance, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Zhiyong Zhang
- Department of Electronic Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Plasma and Magnetic Resonance, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Zhong Chen
- Department of Electronic Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Plasma and Magnetic Resonance, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Bansal N, Gupta A, Mitash N, Shakya PS, Mandhani A, Mahdi AA, Sankhwar SN, Mandal SK. Low- and high-grade bladder cancer determination via human serum-based metabolomics approach. J Proteome Res 2013; 12:5839-50. [PMID: 24219689 DOI: 10.1021/pr400859w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
To address the shortcomings of urine cytology and cystoscopy for probing and grading urinary bladder cancer (BC), we applied (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy as a surrogate method for the identification of BC. This study includes 99 serum samples comprising low-grade (LG; n = 36) and high-grade (HG; n = 31) BC as well as healthy controls (HC; n = 32). (1)H NMR-derived serum data were analyzed using orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). OPLS-DA-derived model validity was confirmed using an internal and external cross-validation. Internal validation was performed using the initial samples (n = 99) data set. External validation was performed on a new batch of suspected BC patients (n = 106) through a double-blind study. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was also performed. OPLS-DA-derived serum metabolomics (six biomarkers, ROC; 0.99) were able to discriminate 95% of BC cases with 96% sensitivity and 94% specificity when compared to HC. Likewise (three biomarkers, ROC; 0.99), 98% of cases of LG were able to differentiate from HG with 97% sensitivity and 99% specificity. External validation reveals comparable results to the internal validation. (1)H NMR-based serum metabolic screening appears to be a promising and less invasive approach for probing and grading BC in contrast to the highly invasive and painful cystoscopic approach for BC detection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Navneeta Bansal
- Department of Urology, King George's Medical University , Lucknow 226003, India
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|