Lipoic acid modulates adriamycin-induced testicular toxicity

Maternal supplementation of alpha-lipoic acid ameliorates prenatal cytarabine-induced mutilation in reproductive development and function in F1 male adult rats

AIMS

Cytarabine (CYT), a prevalent anticancer drug for blood cancers, detrimentally affects male reproductive development and function. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), a universal antioxidant, offers defense against chemical-induced reproductive dysfunction. Our study sought to explore ALA's protective role against prenatal CYT-induced reproductive impairment in F1 male adult rats.

MAIN METHODS

Pregnant rats were divided into 5 groups and administered normal saline, ALA 200 mg/kg, CYT 12.5 mg/kg, CYT 25 mg/kg, and CYT 25 mg/kg + ALA 200 mg/ kg from gestational day 8 to 21. On postnatal day 73, F1 male rats were sacrificed, and general, oxidative, steroidogenic, spermatogenic, histological, and morphometrical parameters were evaluated.

KEY FINDINGS

Prenatal CYT caused dose-dependent reductions in body weight, testis, and accessory gland weights; elevated oxidative stress; delayed puberty onset; sperm anomalies (decreased count, motility, viability, seminal fructose; increased morphological anomalies); impeded steroidogenesis (lower testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, 3β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase(HSD), 17β-HSD, and elevated cholesterol); and testicular histopathological and morphometric disturbances. Maternal supplementation of ALA was found to alleviate all the CYT-induced reproductive disruptions.

SIGNIFICANCE

The present work accentuates the beneficial actions of ALA against CYT-induced impairment in reproductive development and functions by combating disruptions in oxidative balance, steroidogenesis, spermatogenesis, and testicular histological aberrations. However, future experimental and clinical studies are warranted to explore the molecular mechanisms involved in the ALA's protection against prenatal CYT-induced testicular injury.

Role of Lipoic Acid in Testosterone Production in Males

Testosterone extends its impact beyond sexual function, playing a crucial role in shaping overall male health, including aspects such as muscle mass, bone density, mood regulation, and energy levels. Lipoic acid, a cofactor for specific enzymes, particularly dehydrogenases involved in cellular energy production, has been studied for its impact on testosterone. This comprehensive review systematically scoured PubMed and Scopus databases using the keywords "lipoic acid" and "testosterone." It encompassed all relevant English papers published from November 1971 to the present, including full texts and abstracts, along with research elucidating the biochemical mechanisms linking lipoic acid to testosterone. In summary, lipoic acid consistently restores testosterone levels, offering promise as an intervention in testicular health, especially in cases of testicular toxicity caused by various harmful agents. Its mechanisms encompass nitric oxide enhancement, fortification of testicular antioxidants, elevation of luteinizing hormone, enhancement of steroidogenesis, and the maintenance of energy production. These mechanisms underscore the therapeutic potential of lipoic acid for testicular health.

Modulatory effect of liraglutide on doxorubicin-induced testicular toxicity and behavioral abnormalities in rats: role of testicular-brain axis

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a powerful chemotherapeutic agent used in many types of malignancies. However, its use results in testicular damage. DOX-induced testicular damage results in low level of serum testosterone which may affect cognitive function. The current study investigated the protective effect of liraglutide (50, 100 μg/kg/day) in testicular toxicity and the consequent cognitive impairment induced by DOX. DOX treatment reduced sperm count (62%) and sperm motility (53%) and increased sperm abnormalities (786%), as compared to control group. DOX also reduced serum testosterone level (85%) and the gene expression of testicular 3β-HSD (68%) and 17β-HSD (82%). Moreover, it increased testicular oxidative stress (MDA and GSH) by 103% and 59%, respectively, apoptotic (caspase-3 and P53) by 996% and 480%, respectively. In addition, DOX resulted in increasing autophagic markers including PAKT, mTOR, and LC3 by 48%, 56%, and 640%, respectively. Additionally, rats' behavior in Y-maze (60%) and passive avoidance task (85%) was disrupted. The histopathological results of testis and brain supported the biochemical findings. Treatment with liraglutide (100 μg/kg/day) significantly abrogated DOX-induced testicular damage by restoring testicular architecture, increasing sperm count (136%) and sperm motility (106%), and decreasing sperm abnormalities (84%) as compared to DOX group. Furthermore, liraglutide increased serum testosterone (500%) and steroidogenesis enzymes 3β-HSD (105%) and 17β-HSD (181%) along with suppressing oxidative stress (MDA and GSH) by 23% and 85%, respectively; apoptotic (caspase-3 and P53) by 59% and55%, respectively; and autophagic markers including PAKT, mTOR, and LC3 by 48%, 97%, and 60%, respectively. Moreover, it enhanced the memory functions in passive avoidance and Y-maze tests (132%). In conclusion, liraglutide is a putative agent for protection against DOX-induced testicular toxicity and cognitive impairment through its antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and antiautophagic effects.

The effect of alpha-lipoic acid on sperm functions in rodent models for male infertility: A systematic review

In this systematic review, we assessed different studies to evaluate the protective effect of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), as a multifaceted antioxidant, on sperm functions in rodent models. Four databases were searched to find papers reporting the effect of ALA treatment on animal models of male infertility. Up to December 2022, 11,787 articles were identified to explain the ALA protective effects. The included studies were evaluated for eligibility and risk of bias (CRD42022341370). Finally, we identified 23 studies that explain the effect of ALA on sperm functions in rodents. Among them, 15 studies indicated that ALA could restore sperm parameters. Six studies showed a significant reduction in sperm DNA damage by ALA treatment. Seventeen papers displayed the ALA antioxidant ability, and four studies indicated the ALA anti-inflammatory effect. Besides, thirteen studies displayed that ALA could modulate androgenesis. Also, eighteen studies revealed that ALA restored the testicular architecture to normal, and was also effective in restoring reproductive performance in two included studies. This systematic review provided cogent evidence for the protective effect of ALA in rodent models for male infertility by re-establishing spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis and maintaining redox and immune systems homeostasis.

Biochemical, molecular and cytological impacts of alpha-lipoic acid and Ginkgo biloba in ameliorating testicular dysfunctions induced by silver nanoparticles in rats

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are commonly utilized in medicine. However, they have negative effects on the majority of organs, including the reproductive system. AgNPs were reported to be able to reach the testicular tissues due to their nano size, which allows them to pass through blood-testicular barriers. The goal of this study was to see if alpha-lipoic acid (LA) or Ginkgo biloba (GB) might protect adult rat testes after intraperitoneal injection of AgNPs. Forty male healthy adult Wister albino rats were randomly assigned to four groups: control, AgNPs-intoxicated group intraperitoneally injected AgNPs 50 mg/kg b.w, 3 times a week; LA + AgNPs group intoxicated with AgNPs and orally gavaged with 100 mg LA/kg b.w; and GB + AgNPs group injected with AgNPs and orally given GB extract 120 mg/kg b.w for 30 consecutive days. Biochemical changes (testosterone, ACP, and prostatic acid phosphatase), oxidative indices, mRNA expression of proapoptotic (BAX) and anti-apoptotic (BCL-2) biomarkers, histological, and immunohistochemical changes in testicular tissues were investigated. Significant decrease in serum testosterone level and elevation in ACP and PACP enzyme activity in AgNPs-treated rats. As well, there were lowering in tGSH, GSH GR, GPx, and elevation in MDA and GSSG values. AgNPs-exposed rats expressed downregulation of testicular thirodexin-1 (Txn-1), transforming growth factor-1β (TGF-1β), anti-apoptotic (BCL-2), and upregulaion of proapoptotic biomarkers (BAX) mRNA expressions. Strong positive action to BAX and lowering the action of Ki-67 antibody were observed. Because of their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties, cotreatment with LA or GB could be beneficial in reducing the harmful effects of AgNPs on the testicles.

Long-Term Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) Antioxidant Therapy Reduces Damage in the Cardiovascular System of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Cellular damage, lipid oxidation and the action of inflammatory cytokines are implicated in the evolution of vascular complications associated with diabetes mellitus (DM) hyperglycemia. In contrast, alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a supplement with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This study aims to evaluate the overall effects of ALA supplementation by assessing its long-term systemic action on the vascular morphology of rats with induced diabetes. A total of 28 male rats were divided into 4 groups with seven animals each. For diabetes induction, two groups received streptozotocin. The animals in the lipoic and diabetic lipoic groups received ALA supplement. After 8 weeks the animals were anesthetized and blood collected was for hematological, biochemical and serological analyses. The thoracic aorta was removed, processed for paraffin and histological sections were stained for morphometric analysis. In diabetic groups, an improvement in hematological profile was observed, with platelet reduction in the diabetic lipoic group. ALA addition to the diet attenuated the negative effects in lipid profile; moreover, renal, hepatic and inflammatory parameters reduced or displayed values close to the values of the normal control. The anti-inflammatory effect of ALA was observed in diabetic animals, with a reduction of inflammatory citokines, accompanied by the improvement of morphological parameters in the aorta. In conclusion, long-term supplementation with ALA promoted systemic improvement, thus reducing the risk of vascular diseases. The changes in the renal and hepatic parameters without any negative impact in the hematological profile also show that ALA can be indicated as a low-risk prophylaxis or complementary therapy.

Mechanisms of doxorubicin-mediated reproductive toxicity - A review

The anticancer drug doxorubicin has been associated with several adverse side-effects including reproductive toxicity in both genders. The current review has complied the mechanisms of doxorubicin induced reproductive toxicity. The articles cited in the review were searched using Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct. Doxorubicin treatment has been found to cause a decrease in testicular mass along with histopathological deformities, oligospermia and abnormalities in sperm morphology. Apart from severely affecting the normal physiological role of both Leydig cells and Sertoli cells, doxorubicin also causes chromosome abnormalities and affects DNA methylase enzyme. Testicular lipid metabolism has been found to be negatively affected by doxorubicin treatment resulting in altered profile of sphingolipids glycerophospholipids and neutral lipids. Dysregulation of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) and 17β- hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD) are strongly linked to testicular exposure to doxorubicin. Further, oxidative stress along with endoplasmic reticulum stress are also found to aggravate the male reproductive functioning in doxorubicin treated conditions. Several antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) are downregulated by doxorubicin. It also disturbs the hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG)-axis including testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone etc. In females, the drug disturbs folliculogenesis and oogenesis leading to failure of ovulation and uterine cycle. In rodent model the drug shortens pro-estrous and estrous phases. It was also found that doxorubicin causes mitochondrial dysfunction in oocytes with impaired calcium signaling along with ER stress. The goal of the present review is to comprehends various pathways due to which doxorubicin treatment promotes toxicity in male and female reproductive system.

Does alpha-lipoic acid-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers improve post-thawed sperm quality and ameliorate apoptosis-related genes of rooster sperm?

Oxidative stress could be prevented by antioxidant-loaded nanoparticles. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of 10 (A10), 20 (A20), 30 (A30), 40 (A40), and 50 (A50) μM alpha-lipoic acid and alpha-lipoic acid nanostructured lipid carriers (ALN) at 10 (ALN10), 20 (ALN20), 30 (ALN30), 40 (ALN40), and 50 (ALN50) μM on post-thawed sperm quality, fertility, and apoptosis-related genes of rooster sperm. The extender supplemented with ALN30 led to higher total and progressive motility, straight-line velocity, and linearity in comparison to the control group. The ALN30 resulted in higher percentage of mitochondria activity and glutathione peroxidase level compared with control (P < 0.05). The extender supplemented with ALN30 led to lower percentage of apoptotic sperm, when compared with the control. CASPASE 3 expression in ALN30 was lower (P < 0.05) than the other groups. The results showed that BCL-2 mRNA expression of sperm was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in ALN30 compared with the other groups (P < 0.05). Higher percentages of fertility and hatchability rates were observed in ALN30 group. The results indicate that ALN30 could be regarded as a novel potential cryoprotectant for the cryopreservation of rooster semen. Therefore, nanostructured lipid carriers improve not only the active compound (such as alpha-lipoic acid) of biomedical applicability but also the potential for industrial application in sperm cryopreservation.

Protective role of chrysin on doxorubicin-induced oxidative stress and DNA damage in rat testes

This study investigated the role of chrysin (CR) in DNA damage likely to occur in the testicle and oxidative stress caused by doxorubicin (DXR). Twenty-eight rats were divided into four groups as control, DXR, DXR + CR and CR groups. Sperm parameters, oxidative status, testicular biopsy score, DNA damage and plasma testosterone levels were analysed. Noticeable reductions in sperm count, motility and testosterone were detected in the DXR group compared to controls. In addition, significant increases in malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) levels, and in abnormal sperm rates were detected. Severe degenerative changes occurred in the tubules of DXR rat testes; the inter-tubular areas were oedematous. Immunofluorescence staining was conducted with 8-OhDG (8 oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine) to evaluate DNA damage, and severe positivity was found in tubular gaps in the DXR rat testes. When the DXR + CR group was compared with the DXR group, the abnormal sperm rate was found to have decreased significantly. Positivity in the tubular space and degenerative changes in the seminiferous tubules were also diminished. We recommend the administration of CR with DXR to reduce the possible adverse effects of DXR, a medicine preferred in cancer therapy.

The role of propolis against paclitaxel-induced oligospermia, sperm abnormality, oxidative stress and DNA damage in testes of male rats

Paclitaxel (taxol) is one of the most powerful anticancer drugs but it possesses toxic effects on male reproductive system. Propolis, from folkloric remedy, have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. The present study established to examine the protective impact of Propolis against malformation of semen induced by taxol. Twenty-four male rats equally divided into four groups. Group I (normal control); group II, administrated Propolis alone; group III, taxol-treated group received taxol; group IV, co-administered of taxol and Propolis extract. After 4 weeks of treatment, the semen were collected and testis 24 hr after the last treatment. Sperm count, motility, viability and sperm morphology were assayed. Tissue supernatants were isolated for oxidative stress, cell energy parameters and 8-OHdG. DNA damage was evaluated using Comet assay in testes. Our results confirmed that taxol-induced significant reduction in sperm count, motility, viability and recorded marked elevation in sperm abnormalities. Also, taxol caused increased in 8-OHdG and DNA damage versus that recorded in control group. Treatment with Propolis improving semen quality and protected testis from detrimental effects of taxol and minimises its toxicity. In conclusions, Oral administration of Propolis modulates the toxic impact of taxol by amelioration semen quality, diminishing oxidation state, DNA damage and preserving cell energy.

Co-delivery of paclitaxel and gemcitabine by methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(lactide-coglycolide)-polypeptide nanoparticles for effective breast cancer therapy

Traditional chemotherapeutic drugs have shown limited clinical curative effects in antitumor therapy. The application of multidrug combination and adjuvant-drug carriers is a feasible strategy to overcome the limitations while minimizing the dosage of single drug and acquiring the synergistic effects in tumor therapy. However, the systemic toxicity, drug resistance, and tumor recurrence are still unavoidable. Here we develop core-shell nanoparticles (NPs) to encapsulate paclitaxel (PTX) and gemcitabine (GEM) for breast cancer therapy. We find that the NPs could encapsulate PTX and GEM, with an encapsulation efficiency of 96.3 and 95.13%, respectively. Moreover, the drug loading of these NPs is 2.71% (PTX) and 2.64% (GEM). Notably, the co-delivery of GEM and PTX performs enhanced anticancer effect compared with the PTX alone or GEM alone therapy at the same concentration, which indicates a synergistic effect. Moreover, encapsulation of PTX and GEM by methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(lactide-coglycolide) also shows enhanced anticancer effects (81.5% tumor inhibition) and reduced systemic toxicity in vivo compared with free drugs (65% tumor inhibition). Together with those results, co-delivery of PTX and GEM by methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(lactide-coglycolide) might have important potencies in clinical applications for breast cancer therapy.

Fluvastatin attenuates doxorubicin-induced testicular toxicity in rats by reducing oxidative stress and regulating the blood–testis barrier via mTOR signaling pathway

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an anthracycline derivative antibiotic that still frequently used in the treatment of solid tumors and hematological malignancies. The clinical use of DOX is largely restricted due to acute and chronic renal, cardiac, hematological, and testicular toxicities. Previous studies have indicated that oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and apoptosis in germ cells are the main factors in DOX-induced testicular toxicity, but the entire molecular mechanisms that responsible for DOX-induced testicular damage are not yet fully understood. Fluvastatin is a cholesterol-lowering agent that acts by inhibiting hydroxylmethyl glutaryl coenzyme A, the key enzyme for cholesterol biosynthesis. In addition to its cholesterol-lowering effect, fluvastatin showed an antioxidant effect by cleaning hydroxyl and superoxide radicals and this drug could have a protective effect by acting on the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signal pathway in testicular damage caused by obesity. This study aimed to investigate the possible protective and therapeutic effects of fluvastatin on the DOX-induced testicular toxicity model by histochemical, immunohistochemical, biochemical, and real-time polymerase chain reaction analyses. The present study indicates that fluvastatin may have a protective and therapeutic effect by removing reactive oxygen species and by regulating the mTOR, connexin 43, and matrix metalloproteinase 9 protein and messenger ribonucleic acid expressions, which play an important role in regulating the blood–testis barrier. On the other hand, the use of fluvastatin as a protective/prophylactic agent was found to be more effective than the use of this drug for treatment. In light of this information, fluvastatin may be a candidate agent that can be used to prevent testicular toxicity observed in men receiving DOX treatment.

The impact of several hydraulic fracking chemicals on Nile tilapia and evaluation of the protective effects of Spirulina platensis

Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) chemicals are used to maximize the extraction of hard-to-reach underground energy resources. Large amounts of fracking fluid could escape to the surrounding environments, including underground and surface water resources, during the chemical mixing stage of the hydraulic fracturing water cycle due to equipment failure or human error. However, the impact of pollution resulting from operational discharges is difficult to assess in aquatic ecosystems. In this study, pathological investigations, chromosomal aberrations, DNA damage, and biochemical and hematological parameters were used to evaluate the effects of such chemicals on Nile tilapia. Chromosomal aberrations are considered very sensitive genetic markers of exposure to genotoxic chemicals and are used as indicators of DNA damage. The appearance of different types of chromosomal aberrations (gaps and breaks) due to chemical exposure was significantly reduced by treatment with spirulina. Various deleterious findings in Nile tilapia, in the current study, could attributed to the presence of fracking chemicals in the aquatic environment. However, the presence of spirulina in the diet reduced the hazards of such chemicals. In addition, cytogenetic studies in the current work revealed the importance of spirulina in ameliorating the genotoxic effects of a mixture of some chemicals used in fracking.

In vitro study of doxorubicin-induced oxidative stress in spermatogonia and immature Sertoli cells

Pediatric chemotherapy treatments can impair long-term male fertility. Unfortunately, no fertility preservation solution is available for pre-pubertal boys. Studies suggest that doxorubicin, used against pediatric cancers, induces oxidative stress in the testis. However, the targeted testicular cell types remain unknown. The goal of this study was to determine whether doxorubicin can induce oxidative stress in rat spermatogonia (GC-6Spg) and immature Sertoli (Ser-W3) cell lines, and to assess their protection by antioxidants. Using the MTT assay, we have shown that doxorubicin induces a time- and dose-dependent cytotoxicity in these two cell lines, Ser-W3 being more sensitive than GC-6Spg. After 3 h of treatment, reactive oxygen species and nuclear 8-oxo-deoxyguanosine increase in Ser-W3, but not in GC-6Spg. Moreover, after 6 h of treatment, intracellular reduced glutathione levels decrease significantly in Ser-W3 cells. These results show that doxorubicin induces oxidative stress in the Ser-W3 cell line. However, a depletion in glutathione does not affect their survival, and supplementation only offers a weak protection after exposure to doxorubicin, suggesting that the glutathione system is not essential for Ser-W3 cell line's defense against doxorubicin. On the other hand, among four antioxidants selected from the literature, none reduces the cytotoxicity of doxorubicin in Ser-W3 cells. Together, our data suggest that oxidative stress may not be a major pathway for doxorubicin's cytotoxicity in GC-6Spg and Ser-W3 lines. This study provides new insights in the mechanisms by which chemotherapies affect the pre-pubertal testis, with the long-term goal to help improve the quality of life of pediatric cancer survivors.

Lipoic acid and Calligonum comosumon attenuate aroclor 1260-induced testicular toxicity in adult rats

Aroclor 1260 is one of the more representative polychlorinated biphenyls found in biota. This study was designed to delineate the testicular toxicity of Aroclor 1260 and to elucidate the potential protective role of Calligonum comosum (C. comosum) and lipoic acid in adult rats. Aroclor 1260 was dissolved in corn oil and given to rats by gavage at doses 0, 20, 40, or 60 mg/kg/day for 15 consecutive days (Groups I, II, III, and IV, respectively). Groups V and VI were pretreated with C. comosum (200 mg/kg/day) and lipoic acid (35 mg/kg/day) respectively 24 h before Aroclor 1260 (40 mg/kg/day) treatment for 15 consecutive days. Aroclor 1260 (20, 40 or 60 mg/kg/day) treatment significantly decreased testes weight, sperm count and motility and daily sperm production. Serum testosterone was significantly decreased in response to treatment with 40 and 60 mg/kg/day of Aroclor 1260. LDH-X activity was significantly decreased at the three dose levels. Hydrogen peroxide (H₂ O₂ ) production (in a dose-related manner) and lipid peroxidation were significantly increased in response to Aroclor 1260 (20, 40, or 60 mg/kg/day) treatment. Aroclor 1260 at the three dose levels decreased the activities of the antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT, GPx, and GR and the non-enzymatic antioxidant GSH level. CAT, GPx and GSH showed a dose-response effect. These abnormalities were effectively attenuated by pretreatment with C. comosum (200 mg/kg/day) or lipoic acid (35 mg/kg/day). Histopathological examination showed a dose-related increase in morphological abnormalities of the testis in response to Aroclor 1260 treatment. In conclusion, Aroclor 1260 induced testicular toxicity at least, in part, by induction of oxidative stress. By reversal of biochemical and morphological changes towards normalcy, the cytoprotective role of C. comosum and lipoic acid is illuminated. In comparison, lipoic acid was more protective than C. comosum extract against testicular toxicity induced by Aroclor 1260. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 1147-1157, 2017.

Codelivery of thioridazine and doxorubicin using nanoparticles for effective breast cancer therapy

Cancer chemotherapy can benefit from the combination of different anticancer drugs. Here, we prepared doxorubicin (Dox)- and thioridazine (Thio)-coloaded methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(l-lactic acid) (MPEG-PLA) nanoparticles (NPs) for breast cancer therapy. These NPs have an average particle size of 27 nm. The drug loading efficiencies of Thio and Dox are 4.71% and 1.98%, respectively. Compared to the treatment of Thio or Dox alone, the combination of Thio and Dox exhibited a synergistic effect in inhibiting the growth of 4T1 breast cancer cells in vitro. In addition, the Thio- and Dox-coloaded MPEG-PLA NPs could efficiently suppress the growth of breast cancer cells in vivo. This study suggests that Thio- and Dox-coloaded MPEG-PLA NPs might have potential applications in breast cancer treatment.

Melatonin and alpha lipoic acid attenuate lopinavir/ritonavir - induced testicular toxicity in albino rats

The use of lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r) could be associated with testicular toxicity as a limiting factor. The present study evaluated the effects of melatonin (MT) and alpha lipoic (ALA) acid on LPV/r–induced testicular toxicity in male albino rats. Eighty five male albino rats used for this study were randomized into 6 groups (A-F). Rats in groups A1 and A2 served as placebo and solvent control and were orally exposed to water and 1% ethanol, respectively. Rats in group B were exposed to oral doses of MT (10 mg kg-1/day), ALA (10 mg kg-1/day) and combined doses of MT and ALA, respectively. Rats in group C were exposed to oral doses of LPV/r (22.9/5.71 - 91.4/22.9 mg kg-1/ day), respectively. Rats in group D-F were exposed to oral doses of MT (10 mg kg-1/day), ALA (10 mg kg-1/day) and combined doses of MT and ALA prior to oral exposure to LPV/r (22.9/5.71 - 91.4/22.9 mg kg-1/day), respectively. At the end of 60 days of exposure to drugs, rats were sacrificed; blood was collected and serum extracted and evaluated for testosterone. Testes were collected and evaluated for sperm parameters. LPV/r-treated rats showed significant (P<0.05) and dose-dependent decreases in sperm count, sperm motility, sperm viability and serum testosterone levels with increases in abnormal sperm cells, debris, and primordial sperm cells when compared to placebo control. However, LPV/r-induced changes in sperm parameters and serum testosterone levels were attenuated in rats pretreated with MT and ALA. The best effects were observed in rats pretreated with combined doses of MT and ALA. Melatonin and alpha lipoic acid have potential to reduce testicular toxicity associated with lopinavir/ritonavir treatment.

Doxorubicin-loaded pH-sensitive polymeric blends for synergistic cancer treatment

An intelligentized system that can transport chemotherapeutics to targets in tumors is an attractive strategy to reverse drug resistance in tumor cells.

Randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial examining the effects of alpha-lipoic acid supplement on the spermatogram and seminal oxidative stress in infertile men

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate effects of supplementation with alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) on the spermatogram and seminal oxidative stress biomarkers.

DESIGN

Randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

SETTING

Infertility clinic.

PATIENT(S)

Infertile men.

INTERVENTION(S)

ALA (600 mg) or placebo for 12 weeks.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Semen analysis, anthropometric, dietary, and physical activity assessments, total antioxidant capacity, and malondialdehyde.

RESULT(S)

At the end of study, the total sperm count, sperm concentration, and motility in the intervention group were significantly higher than in the control group. In the ALA group, the total sperm count, sperm concentration, and motility levels were also significantly increased at the end of study compared with baseline values. However, there were no significant differences in ejaculate volume, normal morphology percentage, and live sperm between groups. ALA supplementation also resulted in a significant improvement in seminal levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde compared with the placebo.

CONCLUSION(S)

According to the results, medical therapy of asthenoteratospermia with ALA supplement could improve quality of semen parameters. However, further investigation is suggested in this regard.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

IRCT2013111010181N3.

Effects of lipoic Acid on acrylamide induced testicular damage

INTRODUCTION

Acrylamide is very toxic to various organs and associated with significant increase of oxidative stress and depletion of antioxidants. Alpha-lipoic acid enhances cellular antioxidant defense capacity, thereby protecting cells from oxidative stress.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to evaluate the protective role of alpha-lipoic acid on the oxidative damage induced by acrylamide in testicular and epididymal tissues.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Forty adult male rats were divided into four groups (10 rats each). Control group; acrylamide treated group administered acrylamide 0.05% (w/v) in drinking water for 21 days; alpha-lipoic acid group received basal diet supplemented with 1% alpha-lipoic acid and forth group was exposed to acrylamide and treated with alpha-lipoic acid at the same doses and treatment regimen mentioned before.

RESULTS

The administration of acrylamide resulted in significant elevation in testicular and epididymal malondialdehyde level (MDA) and significant reduction in the level of reduced glutathione (GSH) and the activities of glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and glutathione reductase (GR). Also, acrylamide significantly reduced serum total testosterone and progesterone but increased estradiol (E2) levels. Treatment with alpha-lipoic acid prior to acrylamide induced protective effects and attenuated these biochemical changes.

CONCLUSION

Alpha-lipoic acid has been shown to possess antioxidant properties offering promising efficacy against oxidative stress induced by acrylamide administration.

Evaluation of the oxidative deoxyribonucleic acid damage biomarker 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine in the urine of leukemic children by micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography

Determining the level of urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), an oxidative DNA damage biomarker, is vital to the study of clinical pathogenesis and drug toxicity. The principal limitation of capillary electrophoresis (CE) with UV detection is its low sensitivity. To overcome this shortcoming, we developed a micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography (MEKC) with solid-phase extraction (SPE) for urinary 8-OHdG analysis. The sensitivity of MEKC-UV was improved using a reasonable UV system, injection mode, and SPE. The parameters affecting MEKC and SPE were also optimized. The calibration curve was linear within the range from 1 to 500 μg L(-1). The limits of detection and quantification were 0.27 μg L(-1) and 0.82 μg L(-1), respectively. Interday and intraday precision were both <5.6%. The recovery of 8-OHdG in urine ranged from 94.5% to 103.2%. This method was used to measure urinary 8-OHdG from eight normal children, eight newly diagnosed leukemic children, and eight leukemic children undergoing chemotherapy. The results show that the proposed method can be used to assess oxidative stress in patients and the side effects of chemotherapeutic drugs by measuring urinary 8-OHdG.

Co-delivery of thioridazine and doxorubicin using polymeric micelles for targeting both cancer cells and cancer stem cells

In this study, thioridazine (THZ), which was reported to kill cancer stem cells, was used in a combination therapy with doxorubicin (DOX) to eradicate both cancer cells and DOX-resistant cancer stem cells to mitigate the reoccurrence of the disease. Both THZ and DOX were loaded into micelles with sizes below 100 nm, narrow size distribution and high drug content. The micelles were self-assembled from a mixture of acid-functionalized poly(carbonate) and poly(ethylene glycol) diblock copolymer (PEG-PAC) and urea-functionalized poly(carbonate) (PUC) and PEG diblock copolymer (PEG-PUC). The drug-loaded mixed micelles (MM) were used to target both cancer cells and stem cells via co-delivery. Cancer stem cells were sorted by a side population assay from BT-474 and MCF-7 human breast cancer cell lines, and identified by CD44+/CD24- phenotype. The cytotoxicity of various formulations was evaluated on the sorted cancer stem cells (side population SP cells), sorted non-stem-like cancer cells (non-side population NSP cells) and unsorted cancer cells. Antitumor activity was also evaluated on BT-474 xenografts in nude mice. As compared with NSP cells, DOX suppressed SP cell growth less effectively, while THZ and THZ-MM were more effective in the inhibition of SP cells. A stronger inhibitory effect was observed on SP cells with the co-delivery of free DOX and THZ or DOX-MM and THZ-MM as compared to free DOX or DOX-MM. THZ and THZ-MM were capable of lowering the population of SP cells in unsorted cells. In the BT-474 xenografts, the co-delivery of DOX-MM and THZ-MM produced the strongest antitumor efficacy, and both THZ and THZ-MM showed strong activity against cancer stem cells. This combination therapy may provide a promising strategy for breast cancer treatment by targeting both cancer cells and cancer stem cells.

Protective role of atorvastatin against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity and testicular toxicity in mice

Doxorubicin (DOX), a potent chemotherapeutic agent, is widely used for the treatment of various malignancies. However, its clinical uses are limited due to its dose-dependent adverse effects particularly cardiac and testicular toxicities. DOX-induced toxicity is mainly due to the induction of oxidative stress. Atorvastatin (ATV), a 3-hydroxy 3-methyl glutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor, with lipid-lowering activity, acts as an antioxidant at lower doses. It possesses pleiotropic effects independent of cholesterol-lowering property usually shown at lower doses, which include antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The present study was aimed to investigate the possible protection exerted by atorvastatin against oxidative stress and DNA damage induced by DOX in the heart and testes of mice. The protective role of ATV in the heart and testes of DOX-treated mice was evident from the amelioration of oxidative stress, DNA and cellular damage. The present study clearly indicates that ATV offers a significant protection against DOX-induced oxidative stress and DNA damage in the heart and testes of mice.

Alfa-lipoic acid protects testosterone secretion pathway and sperm quality against 4-tert-octylphenol induced reproductive toxicity

The protective effect of α-lipoic acid (LA) (50 mg/kg bw) against 4-tert-octylphenol (OP) (50 mg/kg bw) induced reproductive toxicity in male rats was studied. LA was injected 1h prior to OP administration three times a week. OP caused significant increase in oxidative stress in hypothalamus and epididymal sperm, disturbed hormonal levels in serum, decreased sperm quality, increased DNA fragmentation and loss of 35 and 95 kDa proteins in sperm, as well as elevated proliferating index in testis. LA protected against oxidative stress through promoting the levels of glutathione and glutathione-S-transferase in hypothalamus and sperm. In addition, LA prevented the decrease in testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, and inhibited the elevations in sex-hormone-binding globulin levels and showed normal sperm quality. LA modulated proliferation of germ cell, protected against DNA fragmentation and maintained membrane protein organization in the sperm. In conclusion, LA normalized oxidative stress and protected testosterone synthesis pathway across hypothalamus-testicular axis and sperm quality indicating its defensive influence against OP-induced oxidative reproductive dysfunction in male rats.

In vivo amelioration of adriamycin induced oxidative stress in plasma by gamma-glutamylcysteine ethyl ester (GCEE)

Adriamycin (ADR) is a common chemotherapeutic known to generate significant amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Although ROS generation is one of several means by which ADR attacks cancerous tissues, oxidative stress-related toxicity has been documented in several non-targeted organs as a result of anthracycline chemotherapy. Oxidative damage to tissues has been shown in the past to be minimized with co-administration of various antioxidants. Gamma-glutamylcysteine ethyl ester (GCEE) is an antioxidant and precursor to glutathione that has been shown to successfully defend brain against ADR-induced oxidative stress. The current study shows ADR in vivo also causes oxidative stress in plasma in the form of protein oxidation [indexed by protein carbonyls and protein bound 3-nitrotyrosine] and lipid peroxidation [indexed by protein-bound-4-hydroxynonenal]. All three markers of oxidative stress are significantly suppressed with in vivo co-administration of GCEE. This work further supports the concept that administration of GCEE can protect patients undergoing anthracycline chemotherapy from non-targeted oxidative damage.

Melatonin controls oxidative stress and modulates iron, ferritin, and transferrin levels in adriamycin treated rats

AIM

Chemotherapy with adriamycin (ADR) is limited by its iron-mediated pro-oxidant toxicity. Because melatonin (MLT) is a broad spectrum antioxidant, we investigated the ability of MLT to control iron, its binding proteins, and the oxidative damage induced by ADR.

MAIN METHODS

ADR was given as single i.p. dose of 10 mg kg(-1) body weight into male rats. MLT at a dose of 15 mg kg(-1) was injected daily for 5 days before ADR treatment followed by another injection for 5 days. Biochemical methods were used for this investigation.

KEY FINDINGS

ADR injection caused elevations in plasma creatine kinase isoenzyme, lactic dehydrogenase, and aminotransferases, iron, ferritin, and transferrin. These changes were associated with increases in lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation as well as decreases in glutathione (GSH) levels and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity, while glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT) activity were elevated in the heart and liver of ADR treated rats. In the MLT+ADR group, the cardiac and hepatic function parameters and the levels of iron, transferrin and ferritin in plasma were normalized to control levels. The rats that were subjected to MLT+ADR had normalized CAT and GSH-Px activity and decreased TBARS and protein carbonyl levels compared the group only treated with ADR. GST activity and GSH concentration in the heart and liver were normalized when MLT accompanied ADR treatment.

SIGNIFICANCE

MLT ameliorated oxidative stress by controlling iron, and binding protein levels in ADR treated rats demonstrating the usefulness of adriamycin in cancer chemotherapy and allowing a better management of iron levels.

A study of the antioxidant effect of alpha lipoic acids on sperm quality

OBJECTIVE

Assisted reproductive techniques are useful in helping infertile couples achieve successful conception. Initial studies have shown that sperm cryopreservation, one step in assisted reproduction, causes a dramatic reduction in sperm quality. This has been attributed to, among other things, free radical activities. The aim of the present study was to minimize this oxidative attack by adding an antioxidant into the sperm microenvironment. Alpha lipoic acids were selected for this purpose for their efficient free radical scavenging properties and solubility in lipid and aqueous phases.

METHODS

For this investigation, semen from six Boer bucks was pooled. Seminal analysis of the baseline prior to incubation of samples with different concentrations of Alpha lipoic acids (0.00625, 0.0125, 0.025, 0.05, 0.1 mmol/ml) was performed, and post-seminal analysis was conducted after a one-hour incubation. The comet assay was used to observe the effect of Alpha lipoic acids on sperm DNA integrity. Statistical analysis using an unpaired t-test with a significance level of p<0.05 was then performed.

RESULTS

Our results indicate that the sperm motility rate was improved after incubation with Alpha lipoic acids at a concentration of 0.02 mmol/ml. This concentration was also capable of reducing DNA damage.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, Alpha lipoic acids renders cryoprotection to sperm, thereby improving sperm quality.

Protective effect of lipoic acid on oxidative and peroxidative damage in cyclosporine A-induced renal toxicity

Free radical generation, including reactive nitrogen and reactive oxygen species, is known to participate in cell physiology in both a positive and negative manner. Moreover, alterations in their concentrations are implicated in a number of renal diseases. However, there is evidence that high concentration of nitric oxide (NO) occurring as a result of iNOS induction and peroxynitrite formation, is capable of causing lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation in cyclosporine A (CsA) induced cellular damage. The present study was conducted to investigate the possible protective role of Lipoic acid (LA) in nitric oxide mediated cellular abnormalities induced by CsA in rat kidney. Adult male albino rats of Wistar strain were given CsA at a dose of 25 mg/kg body weight, orally for 21 days. An extensive elevation in the activities of xanthine oxidase was noted in the renal tissue of the CsA administered rats. These changes were associated with significant increase in the levels of plasma lipid peroxidation with high protein carbonyl contents and 3-nitrotyrosine formation coupled with diminished protein thiols. In addition, plasma nitrite/nitrate (NO(x)), RT-PCR for inducible NOS (iNOS) mRNA, and immunohistochemically demonstrable iNOS protein were evaluated to assess peroxidative damage. Concomitant treatment with LA (20 mg/kg body weight, orally for 21 days showed that the oxidative stress alteration were significantly decreased in CsA treated renal tissue. While the expression of iNOS and the amounts of NO(x) were decreased simultaneously. These results indicate that the antioxidant LA might have a protective effect against CsA-induced peroxidative changes and cellular damage of the renal tissue of the rat.

Preparation and characterization of N-succinyl-N′-octyl chitosan micelles as doxorubicin carriers for effective anti-tumor activity

N-Succinyl-N'-octyl chitosan (SOC) was prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, FTIR, (1)H NMR, WAXD and TG. An anticancer drug, doxorubicin (DOX), was incorporated into polymeric micelles forming by SOC in aqueous solutions. Critical micelle concentrations (CMC) of SOC were determined by fluorescence spectroscopy. The DOX-loaded SOC micelles were characterized by measurement of size and drug loading. The loading content of DOX increased with increasing drug-to-carrier ratio, and the more amount of the octyl chain, the higher the drug loading content. The average size, which was affected by the amount of octyl chain and drug loading content, was in the range of 100-200 nm. The polymeric micelles containing doxorubicin in the core region exhibited a sustained release and more cytotoxic activity against HepG2, A549, BGC and K562 than doxorubicin alone, this can be attributed to an endocytosis mechanism rather than passive diffusion.

Modulatory role of lipoic acid on adriamycin-induced testicular injury

The present study investigated the protective efficacy of dl-alpha-lipoic acid (LA) on adriamycin (ADR)-induced oxidative damage in rat testis. Adult male albino rats of Wistar strain were administered ADR (1 mg/kg body weight, i.v.), once a week for 10 weeks. ADR injected rats showed increased oxidative stress with a concomitant decrease in cellular thiols. The mRNA level for phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (PHGPx) was also significantly decreased by ADR administration. Transmission electron microscopic (TEM) observations of testicular germ cells revealed abnormal ultrastructural changes in ADR treated rats. Treatment with lipoic acid (35 mg/kg body weight, i.p.) 1 day prior to ADR administration, effectively reverted these abnormal changes towards normalcy. These findings indicate a cytoprotective role of LA in this experimental model of testicular toxicity.