Protective Effects of N-Acetylcysteine on Experimentally Undescended Testis

Antioxidant effects of N-acetylcysteine on the male reproductive system: A systematic review

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of N-acetyl cysteine on the male reproductive system and consensus and classification of data found from previous studies. It is undeniable that N-acetyl cysteine as a powerful antioxidant compound can medicate many diseases such as cardiovascular, kidney, liver and reproductive system disorders. With the increasing environmental pollution that has a direct adverse effect on male fertility, the use of this compound is able to positively function on human fertility health. In this study, we have been collected the main data of scientific articles (1994-2020) about N-acetyl cysteine effects. By searching in the scientific databases of PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Wiley and Web of Science, related articles were extracted. As a result, all observations have confirmed that N-acetyl cysteine can improve and normalise the spermatogenesis in the male reproduction system.

A minireview on N-acetylcysteine: An old drug with new approaches

N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a cysteine pro-drug and glutathione precursor has been used in therapeutic practices for several decades, as a mucolytic agent and for the treatment of numerous disorders including paracetamol intoxication. There is a growing interest concerning the beneficial effects of NAC against the early stages of toxicity-induced by pesticides. Nevertheless, the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic and clinical applications of NAC are not fully understood. In this review we aimed to focus on the protective effects of NAC against oxidative stress caused by pesticide in many organs. The possible mechanisms of action may be associated to its antioxidant properties. The anti-oxidative activity of NAC has been attributed to the fast reaction with free radicals as well as the restitution of reduced glutathione (GSH).

Evaluation and management of the infant with cryptorchidism

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Normal testicular descent is now recognized to occur in two steps with the first, transabdominal stage controlled by insulin-like hormone 3. The second, inguinoscrotal stage is controlled by androgens, mostly indirectly via the genitofemoral nerve, which appears to direct the migration of the gubernaculum to the scrotum. Undescended testis (UDT) is multifactorial, with only some of the genes identified. This review highlights recent developments that are leading to changes in practice.

RECENT FINDINGS

There is an emerging consensus among pediatric surgeons and urologists about the management of UDT with recommendations that the diagnosis of congenital UDT should be confirmed at 3-6 months of age and orchidopexy done at 6-12 months of age. With the recommendations for early surgery, recent studies focus on the complications of orchidopexy, to determine whether this is higher in infants than older children. In addition, there is general acceptance of the existence of 'acquired' UDT, which develops after about 2 years of age, but treatment for this group remains controversial.

SUMMARY

Evaluation of children with UDT now needs to be separated into the assessment of possible congenital UDT in infants at 0-6 months, for orchidopexy before 12 months, and preschool boys, who may be developing acquired UDT.

Protective effects of rosmarinic acid on doxorubicin-induced testicular damage

BACKGROUND

We investigated the protective effects of rosmarinic acid (RA) on testicular damage induced by doxorubicin (DXR) in rats.

METHODS

In total, 21 rats were divided into 3 groups: the control group that received no treatment, the DXR group that received intraperitoneal (i.p.) DXR on day 7 and the DXR + RA group that received intragastric RA for 10 days with i.p. DXR on day 7. The rats were sacrificed on day 11 for histological and biochemical analyses. To assess oxidative damage, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured.

RESULTS

The median modified Johnsen score of the DXR + RA group was higher than that of the DXR group (p = 0.002). The rats with the narrowest seminiferous tubules were in the DXR group (0.17 ± 0.03), and the difference between the DXR + RA and DXR groups was statistically significant (p = 0.002). The number of apoptotic cells in the DXR group was significantly higher than that in the control group, and there were significantly fewer apoptotic cells in the DXR + RA group than in the DXR group (p = 0.002). The MDA level was lowest in the control group and highest in the DXR group, and the level observed in the DXR + RA group significantly lower than that in the DXR group (p = 0.002). The GPx level was highest in the control group, with the level observed in the DXR + RA group significantly higher than that in the DXR group (p = 0.002). The testosterone level was lowest in the DXR group and highest in the control group, and that observed in the DXR + RA group was significantly higher than that in the DXR group (p = 0.018).

CONCLUSIONS

RA can correct DXR-induced testicular damage through its antioxidant properties. However, the mechanism underlying the effects of RA requires further investigation, and long-term and comparative human studies are also needed.