Dacarbazine induces genotoxic and cytotoxic germ cell damage with concomitant decrease in testosterone and increase in lactate dehydrogenase concentration in the testis

3-chloro-1,2-propanediol induces oxidative stress and promotes testicular damage and infertility in rats through CYP2C9

3-chloro-1,2-propanediol (3-MCPD) is a newly discovered food process pollutant with nephrotoxicity. And the mechanism by which 3-MCPD affects male spermatogenesis has not been fully studied. Cell viability, blood-testis barrier (BTB) related protein, progesterone content, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and cell apoptosis were determined by a CCK8 assay, western blot, ELISA, flow cytometry, and TUNEL staining, respectively. Wistar rats were divided into three groups: low-dose 3-MCPD, high-dose 3-MCPD, and control. Sperm parameters, hormonal levels, and biomarkers of oxidative stress in the testis and epididymis were detected by ELISA. Multiple molecular experiments including molecular docking and western blot were used to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. 3-MCPD affects testicular cell activity, and promotes ROS production and apoptosis. Disrupting the integrity of BTB in the body, downregulating sex hormones and sperm quality, and promoting apoptosis. 3-MCPD may function through CYP2C9. This study preliminarily explores the mechanism by which 3-MCPD affects spermatogenesis. It was found that 3-MCPD destroys the structure and function of BTB and damages the testicular function of male mice, thus affecting the process of spermatogenesis via CYP2C9.

Assessing Optimal Cell Counts in Sperm Shape Abnormality Assays in Rodents

Rodents have been the preferred models for the evaluation of the toxicity of pollutants and drugs and their genotoxic effects, including sperm shape abnormalities. The scientific literature is dominated by studies conducted with model animals in laboratory conditions, but a generally accepted and standardized protocol addressing the optimal number of sperm cells to count is still lacking. In this study, we reviewed the literature regarding the number of counted sperm cells in such assessments, published from 1969 to 2023. To infer the number of counts providing the best cost/benefit regarding the robustness of the assay results, a new dataset involving the analysis of two populations of wild rodents was produced. We evaluated the frequency of sperm shape abnormalities in a total of 50 wild brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) captured in two port cities, aiming to detect the impact of differential sperm cell counts in the obtained results. During necropsy, the fresh epididymis tail of adult male rats was excised, and sperm cells were fixated in slides. For each animal, a total of 300, 500, 1000, and 2000 cells were sequentially counted, and head abnormalities were registered. Counting 300 sperm cells failed to detect significant differences between groups and 500 counts resulted in marginally significant differences. Only when 1000 or 2000 sperm cells were counted, significant differences emerged between groups. We propose that studies addressing sperm shape abnormalities should standardize counts to an optimal value of 1000 cells per animal, warranting robust statistical results while providing the best compromise concerning labor time.

Melatonin ameliorates paclitaxel-induced mice spermatogenesis and fertility defects

Chemotherapeutic drug of paclitaxel (PTX) has been shown to cause reproductive toxicity thus affecting male fertility, but its underlying molecular basis is unclear. Melatonin (MLT) can mitigate the reproductive damage caused by certain chemotherapy drugs. In this study, we aimed to identify impact of PTX on the main biological processes and protective effect of MLT on reproductive damage caused by PTX. Mice exposed to PTX mainly impaired spermatogenesis, such as decreased sperm counts, reduced sperm motility and increased abnormal sperm. Decreased expressions of germ cell proliferation‐associated protein PCNA and meiosis‐related protein SYCP3 induced by PTX were determined by Western blot, while MLT ameliorated this effect and increased the expressions of PCNA, SYCP3, DMC1, STRA8 and fertility‐related protein of HSPA2, resulting in significantly improved spermatogenesis and sperm quality levels. In vitro fertilization experiment showed that PTX significantly decreased blastocyst formation rates, which can be improved by MLT administration, but not two‐cell development rates. Taken together, this work demonstrated PTX can adversely affect germ cell proliferation and meiosis, which ultimately influence sperm quality and male fertility, and highlighted the protective ability of MLT on ameliorating the side effects of PTX, especially on sperm quality. The results provide information to further the study on the molecular mechanism of PTX's effects on male reproduction and the protective mechanism of MLT.

Infertility: A product of smoke emanating from Transfluthrin coated insecticide paper (TCIP)

Transfluthrin is a fast-acting insecticide used in household and hygiene products, mainly against flying insects, such as mosquito and flies, and in agriculture material pests. Its uses in these areas have not been without health risk to humans and the ecosystem. Therefore, the current study was designed to investigate the effect of smoke emanating from Transfluthrin Coated Insecticide Paper (TCIP) on adult Wistar rats’ testicular functions. The rats were grouped into three. Group A was exposed to normal environmental air. Group B and C rats were exposed via whole-body inhalation to smoke emanating from 6 g and 12 g of TCIP every day for 8 weeks. The entire groups contained eight rats each. At the end of the exposure, body and organs weight, semen analysis, biochemical assay and histological examination were evaluated and determined. The results show that the exposure significantly altered the testicular cytoarchitecture, sperm quality, hormonal profile and oxidative parameters with an increase in exposure to TCIP. This study revealed that exposure to transfluthrin is detrimental to the reproductive functions of male rats.

Ameliorative Effects of Boswellic Acid on Fipronil-Induced Toxicity: Antioxidant State, Apoptotic Markers, and Testicular Steroidogenic Expression in Male Rats

The study investigated the ability of boswellic acid (BA) to alleviate the testicular and oxidative injury FPN insecticide intoxication in the male rat model. Rats were randomly assigned to six equivalent groups (six rats each) as the following: control rats orally administered with 2 mL physiological saline/kg of body weight (bwt); boswellic acid (BA1) rats orally administered 250 mg BA/kg bwt; boswellic acid (BA2) rats orally administered 500 mg BA/kg bwt; fipronil (FPN) rats orally administered 20 mg FPN/kg bwt; (FPN + BA1) rats orally administered 20 mg FPN/kg bwt plus 250 mg BA/kg bwt, and (FPN + BA2) rats orally administered 20 mg FPN/kg bwt plus 500 mg BA/kg bwt. After 60 days, semen viability percentage and live spermatozoa percentage were decreased, and a considerably increased abnormality of the sperm cells in FPN-administered rats improved substantially with the co-administration of BA. BA had refinement of the histological architecture of testes and sexual glands. Quantitative analysis recorded a noticeable decline in the nuclear cell-proliferating antigen (PCNA) percentage area. FPN triggered cell damage, which was suggested by elevated malondialdehyde and interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factors alpha, and decreased glutathione level. Proapoptotic factor overexpression is mediated by FPN administration, while it decreased the antiapoptotic protein expression. Similarly, BA has shown significant upregulation in steroidogenic and fertility-related gene expression concerning the FPN group. Pathophysiological damages induced by FPN could be alleviated by BA's antioxidant ability and antiapoptotic factor alongside the upregulation of steroidogenic and fertility-related genes and regimented the detrimental effects of FPN on antioxidant and pro-inflammatory biomarkers.

Insight Study on the Comparison between Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and Its Bulk Impact on Reproductive Performance, Antioxidant Levels, Gene Expression, and Histopathology of Testes in Male Rats

Background: Despite the beneficial effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) on different biomedical applications, including their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ones, it might have cytotoxic and genotoxic impacts on the male reproductive system. Objective: The current study compares the effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles and their bulk form, at different doses, on male rats’ reproductive performance, testicular antioxidants, gene expression, and histopathology. Materials and Methods: Thirty male rats were randomly allocated equally in five groups. The control one was injected with Tween 80 (10%). The zinc oxide nanoparticle (ZnONP) groups received ZnONPs < 50 nm, specifically, 5 mg/kg (ZnONP-1) and 10 mg/kg (ZnONP-2). The bulk zinc oxide (BZnO) groups were administered 5 mg/kg (BZnO-1) and 10 mg/kg (BZnO-2), correspondingly. Rats were injected intraperitoneally with the respected materials, twice/week for eight consecutive weeks. Finally, the male rats’ sexual behavior and their pup’s performance were determined in a monogamous mating system. Rats were then anesthetized and sacrificed for semen characteristics evaluation and tissue collection for antioxidant and hormones analysis, gene expression, and histopathological examination. Results: It was shown that ZnONP-1 improved sexual behavior, semen characteristics, and pup’s performance compared to its bulk form. Similarly, the testicular antioxidants activity, glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) increased with a decrease in the malonaldehyde (MDA), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) levels. It also improves the reproductive hormone levels and mRNA expression of different steroidogenesis-associated genes and anti-apoptotic genes. Conclusion: It can be concluded that zinc oxide nanoparticles, administered at 5 mg/kg, had the most beneficial effect on male reproductive performance, while 10 mg/kg could have a detrimental effect.

Toxicological effects of furan on the reproductive system of male rats: An "in vitro" and "in vivo"-based endocrinological and spermatogonial study

Furan is a colorless toxic chemical produced in various food items during heat processing and in chemical industries. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have reported that it induces oxidative stress and endocrine disruption; however, limited data are available regarding the effects of furan on the reproduction of mammals. In the present study, an in vitro experiment was designed to investigate the direct effects of furan exposure on oxidative stress and testosterone concentration in rat testicular tissue. Furan not only generated high oxidative stress but also decreased antioxidant enzyme activity in the testicular tissue. On the basis of in vitro study results, an in vivo sub-chronic exposure study was performed. Male rats were orally exposed to different concentrations of furan (0, 5, 10, 20, and 40 mg kg^-1). An increase (P < 0.05) of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and of the lipid profile (cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL) in higher dose treatment groups of furan was observed, while total protein content and antioxidant enzyme activity were considerably decreased after furan exposure. Also, plasma and intratesticular testosterone concentrations were reduced in high-dose treatment groups. Sperm parameters such as sperm viability, sperm count, and sperm motility showed a decrease (P < 0.05) in a dose-dependent manner. Histopathological findings revealed significant alterations in testis and epididymis tissues. These results confirm that furan can induce toxic effects on the reproductive system of male rats.

Partial ameliorative effect of Moringa leaf ethanolic extract on the reproductive toxicity and the expression of steroidogenic genes induced by subchronic cadmium in male rats

The impact of Moringa oleifera leaf ethanol extract (MOLEE) was assessed on the expression of the steroidogenic genes (steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) and cytochrome P450c17 subfamily a (CYP17a) and luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) gene) as well as on the cadmium chloride (CdCl₂)-induced reproductive toxicity for 56 days in male rats. Four groups were used: control, Moringa-treated (MOLEE), CdCl₂-treated, and CdCl₂ + MOLEE groups. The reproductive toxicity of CdCl₂ was confirmed; it caused a significant decrease in the accessory sex organ weights, testosterone level, testicular GST level, elevated MDA level (lipid peroxidation indicator), and histopathological alterations in seminiferous tubules, prostate, seminal vesicles, and epididymis as well as sperm characteristics. It also induced downregulation in the expression of StAR and CYP17a genes without change in the expression LHR gene. Eleven active compounds were detected in the GC-MS analysis of MOLEE; six of them have antioxidant properties, and five new compounds presented variable activities. MOLEE alone induced a stimulatory effect on the expression of steroidogenic and LHR genes. It restored the weight of reproductive organs to the control level; however, the recovery in sperm count, motility, abnormalities, percentage of alive sperm, testosterone, and MDA level are still comparable with the control level. Similar findings were also reported at the histological structure of the testes, epididymis, and accessory sex glands. Complete recovery of the GST enzyme activity was observed. Additionally, a restoration in the expression level of the steroidogenic genes was also reported. Our results indicated that the concurrent administration of MOLEE with CdCl₂ can partially mitigate its harmful effects on male fertility.

Attenuation potentials of royal jelly against hydroxyurea-induced infertility through inhibiting oxidation and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in male rats

Hydroxyurea (HDU), a class of antineoplastic drugs, has a powerful efficacy in the treatment of several types of malignancies. However, it has multiple adverse effects including reduced fertility, especially in males. Thus, 60 male albino rats were used to investigate the chemoprotective potentials of royal jelly on HDU-induced testicular damage. Animals were gastro-gavaged with HDU (225 or 450 mg kg^-1 bw day^-1) before royal jelly (100 mg kg^-1 bw day^-1) for 60 days. Blood samples and testicles were collected, and spermatozoon was obtained. In a dose-dependent manner, the sperm count, motility and liveability, and testosterone, GSH, and catalase concentrations were decreased in HDU groups, whereas MDA, FSH, LH, IL-6, and IFN-γ expression levels were increased. Germinal epithelium degeneration, germ cell sloughing, reduction in the number of luminal spermatozoa, interstitial congestion, and severe leukocyte infiltration besides no glandular secretion in most of the acini were identified. However, royal jelly intake in HDU-treated rats successfully improved sperm quality, hormonal and antioxidant status, and reproductive organ histoarchitecture. Thus, it could be concluded that royal jelly is endowed with antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities and could be, therefore, used as an adjuvant remedy to improve HDU-induced male subfertility.

Co-administration of glutathione alleviates the toxic effects of 2,3,7,8 TCDF on the DNA integrity of sperm and in the testes of mice

This study aimed to investigate the toxic impact prompted in the testes of adult mice exposed to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran (TCDF). Four groups of 12 mice each were used in the present study. Group 1 mice were kept as control and administered corn oil only. Group 2 animals were given glutathione (GSH) in a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight by oral gavage twice a week. Group 3 was given TCDF orally twice per week, in a dose of 0.5 μg/kg body weight for 8 weeks. Group 4 was administered GSH orally in a dosage of 100 mg/kg body weight plus TCDF twice a week for 8 weeks. Animals were sacrificed after 2, 4, and 8 weeks of exposure, serum samples were collected for estimation of testosterone hormone, the testes were dissected and one part was used for estimation of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. Another portion of the testis was kept in formalin for histopathological examination. The results showed that the activities of SOD were decreased while the levels of lipid peroxidation MDA were increased in the testicular tissues of the exposed mice. The serum testosterone level and the steroidogenic enzyme 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity of testicular homogenate were essentially decreased in TCDF-treated mice. A significant increment in the testicular LDH activity in testicular tissues was recorded in mice exposed to TCDF. The percentage of DNA chromatin disintegration was significantly increased in TCDF-treated mice. Histopathological changes were recorded in TCDF-exposed group as degenerative changes of the seminiferous tubules with formation of spermatid giant cells at 2 weeks in addition to exhaustion of germinal epithelium and detachment of the germ cells from the basal lamina at 4 and 8 weeks. Co-administration of GSH could reestablish MDA and LDH levels besides reduction in percentage of sperm DNA damage and improvement of the testicular tissue architecture.

Abd Elwahab A. Ameliorative effect of taurine-chloramine in azathioprine-induced testicular damage; a deeper insight into the mechanism of protection

BACKGROUND

The male reproductive system is a sensitive and intricate process that can be distressed following exposure to various toxicants. Therapeutic drugs, especially chemotherapeutics, can also adversely affect male fertility by instigating hormonal changes leading to testicular cells injury. Azathioprine (AZA) is an effective anticancer drug, but some cases of testicular toxicity have been reported. The aim of this work was to investigate the protective effects of taurine chloramine (TAU-Cl), a reported antioxidant and antiinflammtory peptide, against AZA-induced testicular dysfunction in male rats and ascertain the contributing mechanisms.

METHODS

Forty male rats were allocated into four equal groups; (i) normal control rats, (ii) TAU-Cl group (100 mg/kg b.w/day for 10 weeks, (iii) AZA group (5 mg/day for 4 weeks); (iv) TAU-Cl/AZA group.

RESULTS

AZA caused increased DNA damage in the testes, and alterations in sex hormones and sperm quality, including sperm count, viability, and motility. Moreover, testicular tissue from the AZA-treated group had increased levels of oxidative stress indicator, MDA, and decreased activity of the antioxidant enzymes as superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT) levels. These deleterious events were accompanied by upregulated levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and protein expression of iNOS and NFκB-p65, interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), and proapoptotic marker; caspase-9, together with decreased Bcl-2, NrF2 and hemeoxygenase (HO-1) expression. In contrast, TAU-Cl pretreatment significantly abrogated these toxic effects which were confirmed histologically.

CONCLUSION

Pretreatment with TAU-Cl exerts a protective effect against AZA-induced male reproductive testicular atrophy. This finding could open new avenues for the use of TAU-Cl as a complementary approach to chemotherapy supportive care.

Genotoxic and mutagenic studies of teratogens in developing rat and mouse

In this review, genotoxic and mutagenic effects of teratogenic chemical agents in both rat and mouse have been reviewed. Of these chemicals, 97 are drugs and 33 are pesticides or belong to other groups. Large literature searches were conducted to determine the effects of chemicals on chromosome abnormalities, sister chromatid exchanges, and micronucleus formation in experimental animals such as rats and mice. In addition, studies that include unscheduled DNA synthesis, DNA adduct formations, and gene mutations, which help to determine the genotoxicity or mutagenicity of chemicals, have been reviewed. It has been estimated that 46.87% of teratogenic drugs and 48.48% of teratogenic pesticides are positive in all tests. So, all of the teratogens involved in this group have genotoxic and mutagenic effects. On the other hand, 36.45% of the drugs and 21.21% of the pesticides have been found to give negative results in at least one test, with the majority of the tests giving positive results. However, only 4.16% of the drugs and 18.18% of the pesticides were determined to give negative results in the majority of the tests. Among tests with major negative results, 12.50% of the teratogenic drugs and 12.12% of the teratogenic pesticides were negative in all conducted tests.

Reduction of Dacarbazine cytogenetic effects on somatic cells in male mice using bee glue (Propolis) to manifest the scientific miracles in the Quran

Objective

This study was carried out to investigate the ability of Propolis to ameliorate the adverse cytogenetic effects of Dacarbazine on bone marrow cells

Methods

In this experimental in vivo study, 18 mice were used, divided into four groups: control group; Propolis-treated group (treated with 50mg/kg Propolis); and Dacarbazine-treated group (treated with 3.5mg/kg Dacarbazine). The fourth, fifth, and sixth were treated with Dacarbazine and Propolis as pre 2h, post 2h, and concomitant treatment. After five days, the Bone Marrow (BM) samples were obtained for cytogenetic investigation.

Results

The in vivo studies revealed that Dacarbazine induced an abnormalities in polychromatic erythrocytes cells (PECs) as increase of cell with micronuclei, while the dual treatment accompanied with improvement of this abnormalities.

Conclusions

It could be concluded that there are protective effects of Propolis against the adverse effects of Dacarbazine. It could be recommended to use Propolis as an adjuvant with chemotherapeutic agents.

Melatonin controlled apoptosis and protected the testes and sperm quality against bisphenol A-induced oxidative toxicity

Epidemiological reports have indicated a correlation between the increasing bisphenol A (BPA) levels in the environment and the incidence of male infertility. In this study, the protective effects of melatonin on BPA-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis were investigated in the rat testes and epididymal sperm. Melatonin (10 mg/kg body weight (bw)) was injected concurrently with BPA (50 mg/kg bw) for 3 and 6 weeks. The administration of BPA significantly increased oxidative stress in the testes and epididymal sperm. This was associated with a decrease in the serum testosterone level as well as sperm quality, chromatin condensation/de-condensation level, and the percentage of haploid germ cells in the semen. BPA administration caused a significant increase in apoptosis accompanied by a decrease in the expression of the antiapoptotic proteins Bcl-2 in the testes and epididymal sperm. The concurrent administration of melatonin decreased oxidative stress by modulating the levels of glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase as well as the malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide concentrations in the testes and sperm. Melatonin sustained Bcl-2 expression and controlled apoptosis. Furthermore, melatonin maintained the testosterone levels, ameliorated histopathological changes, increased the percentages of seminal haploid germ cells, and protected sperm chromatin condensation process, indicating appropriate spermatogenesis with production of functional sperm. In conclusion, melatonin protected against BPA-induced apoptosis by controlling Bcl-2 expression and ameliorating oxidative stress in the testes and sperm. Thus, melatonin is a promising pharmacological agent for preventing the potential reproductive toxicity of BPA following occupational or environmental exposures.

Perfluorooctane sulfonate-induced testicular toxicity and differential testicular expression of estrogen receptor in male mice

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS, CAS#1763-23-1) causes male reproductive toxicities, but the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. In this study, 0, 0.5 and 10mg/kg/day PFOS were given by oral gavage to adult mice for 5 weeks. In the 10mg/kg group, serum testosterone levels decreased significantly. Sperm counts declined which might be associated with the decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis of germ cells. In relation to increased apoptosis, bax, cleaved caspase-9 and cleaved caspase-3 levels elevated significantly, indicating that PFOS induced germ cell apoptosis by activating the mitochondrial pathway. In addition, the increase in levels of testicular estrogen receptor (ER) β was observed in both 0.5 and 10mg/kg group, whereas a decrease in ERα expression was only observed in 10mg/kg group. These results suggested that the alterations in testicular ERs expression, together with decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis of germ cells, might be involved in PFOS-induced testicular toxicity.

Effect of sorafenib on sperm count and sperm motility in male Swiss albino mice

The issue of male germ line mutagenesis and the effects on developmental defects in the next generation has become increasingly high profile over recent years. Mutagenic substance affects germinal cells in the testis. Since the cells are undergoing different phases of cell division and maturation, it is an ideal system to study the effect of chemotherapeutic agents. There are lacunae in the literature on the effect of sorafenib on gonadal function. With background, a study was planned to evaluate the effects of sorafenib on sperm count and sperm motility in male Swiss albino mice. Male Swiss albino mice were used for the study. The animals were segregated into control, positive control (PC) and three treatment groups. PC received oral imatinib (100 mg/kg body weight) and treatment groups received 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg body weight of sorafenib orally for 7 consecutive days at intervals of 24 h between two administrations. The control group remained in the home cage for an equal duration of time to match their corresponding treatment groups. The animals were sacrificed at the end of 1(st), 2(nd), 4(th), 5(th), 7(th), and 10(th) weeks after the last exposure to drug, respectively. Sperm suspensions were prepared and introduced into a counting chamber. Total sperm count and motility were recorded. There was a significant decrease in sperm count and sperm motility by sorafenib which was comparable with the effect of PC imatinib. Sorafenib adversely affects sperm count and sperm motility which are reversible after discontinuation of treatment.

Novel o-naphthoquinones induce apoptosis of EL-4 T lymphoma cells through the increase of reactive oxygen species

Novel β-lapachone analogs 2-phenyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[h]chromene-5,6-dione (NQ1), 2-p-tolyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[h]chromene-5,6-dione (NQ3) and 2-methyl-2-phenyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[h]chromene-5,6-dione (NQ7), which have trypanocidal activity, were assayed for cytotoxic effects on murine EL-4 T lymphoma cells. The NQs inhibited the proliferation of EL-4 cells at concentrations above 1μM. Nuclear staining of the EL-4 cells revealed chromatin condensation and a nuclear morphology compatible with the induction of apoptosis. Flow cytometry assays with annexin V-FITC and propidium iodide confirmed the cell death by apoptosis. Using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), a semiquinone radical was detected in EL-4 cells treated with NQs. In addition, a decrease in the GSH level in parallel with reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was observed. Preincubation with n-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) was able to reverse the inhibitory effects of the NQs on cell proliferation, indicating that ROS generation is involved in NQ-induced apoptosis. In addition, the NQs induced a decrease in the mitochondrial membrane potential and increased the proteolytic activation of caspases 9 and 3 and the cleavage of Poly (ADP-Ribose) Polymerase (PARP). In conclusion, these results indicate that redox cycling is induced by the NQs in the EL-4 cell line, with the generation of ROS and other free radicals that could inhibit cellular proliferation as a result of the induction of the intrinsic apoptosis pathway.

Impact of temozolomide on gonadal function in patients with primary malignant brain tumors

BACKGROUND

Cumulative exposure to alkylating agents may produce impaired reproductive function. Temozolomide is an alkylating agent approved for treating malignant gliomas.

OBJECTIVE

A pilot study was undertaken to investigate the effects of temozolomide on semen integrity in men with newly diagnosed or recurrent malignant gliomas.

METHODS

Eligible patients had no known fertility problems or impotence. Comprehensive semen analysis and serum sex hormones were obtained at baseline and following 3 and at least 6 months of temozolomide.

RESULTS

Thirteen men were recruited. Mean age was 42 years (28-58). Three had recurrent and 10 newly diagnosed malignant glioma. Four were unable to ejaculate or were azoospermic at baseline. Four provided samples at baseline and after at least 6 months of temozolomide. Five were unable to complete the study. Two of four patients with paired baseline and 6-month samples received 6 months of standard monthly temozolomide. Two patients received standard radiation and concurrent temozolomide followed by adjuvant temozolomide. At 6 months, three of these four patients demonstrated low sperm motility (two low at baseline); three had abnormally low percent normal forms (one abnormal at baseline); two developed abnormally low sperm density. Sex hormone values were normal in all four patients at all time points.

CONCLUSION

Changes in semen analysis parameters following 6 months of temozolomide were observed. The small sample size precludes any firm conclusions regarding the importance and duration of these findings and their relation to temozolomide exposure. With validation in a larger study, these results may have important implications for counseling prior to initiation of temozolomide therapy in these patients.

Effect of imatinib on the biochemical parameters of the reproductive function in male Swiss albino mice

BACKGROUND

Treatment of cancers with cytotoxic agents such as tyrosine kinase inhibiting drugs often, but not always, result in transient to permanent testicular dysfunction. Germ cells are important targets of many chemicals. Most of the drugs are genotoxins and induce irreversible effect on genetic makeup. These mutagenic changes are proportionally related to carcinogenesis. This is alarmingly dangerous in youth and children, since these effects last longer, affecting fertility or forming basis for carcinogenesis. There is paucity of reports on planned studies of imatinib on the testicular function. Hence, the study was planned to assess the effects of imatinib on biochemical markers of testicular functions in male Swiss albino mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male Swiss albino mice were treated with imatinib and sacrificed at the end of first, second, fourth, fifth, seventh, and tenth week after the last exposure to imatinib. The testis were removed, weighed, and processed for biochemical analysis.

RESULTS

The intratesticular testosterone level was significantly (P<0.001) reduced in treated groups and severe effect was observed on week 4 and 5. The intratesticular lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level was significantly increased by imatinib in all treated groups up to week 5.

CONCLUSION

Imatinib does affect testosterone and LDH level significantly, but this effect is reversible once the drug is withdrawn. This finding may help the clinicians to plan and address the fertility-related issues in young patients of reproductive age who are being treated with imatinib for gastrointestinal tumors and chronic myeloid leukemia.

Protective effect of vitamin E and selenium combination on deltamethrin-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats

The current study was performed to assess the adverse effect of deltamethrin (DLM) on reproductive organs and fertility in male rats and to evaluate the protective role of vitamin E (VE) and selenium (Se) combination in alleviating the detrimental effect of DLM on male fertility. The lethal dose 50 (LD(50)) of DLM for male rats was estimated at 6 mg/kg bwt. Thirty male albino rats (10-weeks-old) were divided into three groups (10 rats each): Control group was injected subcutaneously with 2 ml/kg bwt saline twice weekly and was daily administered 2 ml distilled water intra-gastrically; DLM-treated group received 0.6 mg/kg bwt (1/10 LD(50)) DLM intra-gastrically once daily; DLM+VE/Se-treated group was injected subcutaneously with 1.2 mg/kg bwt Viteselen(®)15 (VE/Se) twice weekly with concurrent daily administration of 0.6 mg/kg bwt (1/10 LD(50)) DLM intra-gastrically. The experiment was conducted for 60 consecutive days. DLM caused a significant reduction in reproductive organs weights, sperm count, sperm motility percent, alive sperm percent, serum testosterone level and testicular reduced glutathione concentration (GSH). DLM-treated group showed a significant increase in sperm abnormalities and testicular malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations. Histopathologically, DLM caused impairments in testes, epididymes and accessory sex glands. Conversely, treatment with VE/Se combination improved the reduction in the reproductive organs weights, sperm characteristics, DLM-induced oxidative damage of testes and the histopathological alterations of reproductive organs. Results indicate that DLM exerts significant harmful effects on male reproductive system and that the concurrent administration of VE/Se partly reduced the detrimental effects of DLM on male fertility.