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Etrusco A, Laganà AS, Chiantera V, Buzzaccarini G, Unfer V. Myo-inositol in assisted reproductive technology from bench to bedside. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2024; 35:74-83. [PMID: 37798243 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2023.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Inositols are insulin-sensitizing compounds of promising efficacy in the management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). On the one hand, myo-inositol (myo-ins) plays a regulatory role in male and female reproductive function, influencing the development of oocytes, spermatozoa, and embryos. On the other hand, high concentrations of D-chiro-inositol (D-chiro-ins) in the ovary may adversely affect oocyte quality. This review analyses the available literature, which encourages the clinical use of myo-ins in assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) due to its beneficial effects on female and male reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Etrusco
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy; Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 'Paolo Giaccone' Hospital, Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonio Simone Laganà
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy; Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 'Paolo Giaccone' Hospital, Palermo, Italy; The Experts Group on Inositol in Basic and Clinical Research (EGOI)
| | - Vito Chiantera
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy; Unit of Gynecologic Oncology, National Cancer Institute - IRCCS - Fondazione 'G. Pascale', Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Buzzaccarini
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Vittorio Unfer
- The Experts Group on Inositol in Basic and Clinical Research (EGOI); UniCamillus-Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, 00131 Rome, Italy.
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Bashiri Z, Sheibak N, Amjadi F, Zandieh Z. The role of myo-inositol supplement in assisted reproductive techniques. HUM FERTIL 2023; 26:1044-1060. [PMID: 35730666 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2022.2073273] [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: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Assisted reproductive techniques can help many infertile couples conceive. Therefore, there is a need for an effective method to overcome the widespread problems of infertile men and women. Oocyte and sperm quality can increase the chances of successful in vitro fertilisation. The maturation environment in which gametes are present can affect their competency for fertilisation. It is well established that myo-inositol (MI) plays a pivotal role in reproductive physiology. It participates in cell membrane formation, lipid synthesis, cell proliferation, cardiac regulation, metabolic alterations, and fertility. This molecule also acts as a direct messenger of insulin and improves glucose uptake in various reproductive tissues. Evidence suggests that MI regulates events such as gamete maturation, fertilisation, and embryo growth through intracellular Ca2 + release and various signalling pathways. In addition to the in-vivo production of MI from glucose in the reproductive organs, its synthesis by in vitro-cultured sperm and follicles has also been reported. Therefore, MI is suggested as a therapeutic approach to maintain sperm and oocyte health in men and women with reproductive disorders and individuals of reproductive age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Bashiri
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Omid Fertility and Infertility Clinic, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Nadia Sheibak
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemehsadat Amjadi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Shahid Akbarabadi Clinical Research Development Unit (ShACRDU), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Zandieh
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Shahid Akbarabadi Clinical Research Development Unit (ShACRDU), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Kaltsas A. Oxidative Stress and Male Infertility: The Protective Role of Antioxidants. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1769. [PMID: 37893487 PMCID: PMC10608597 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59101769] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Oxidative stress is a significant factor in male infertility, compromising sperm function and overall reproductive health. As male infertility garners increasing attention, effective therapeutic interventions become paramount. This review investigates the therapeutic role of antioxidants in addressing male infertility. A detailed examination was conducted on antioxidants such as vitamin C, E, B12, D, coenzyme Q10, zinc, folic acid, selenium, l-carnitine, l-arginine, inositols, and alpha-lipoic acid. This analysis examines the methodologies, outcomes, and constraints of current clinical studies. Antioxidants show notable potential in counteracting the negative effects of oxidative stress on sperm. Based on the evidence, these antioxidants, individually or synergistically, can enhance sperm health and reproductive outcomes. However, certain limitations in the studies call for careful interpretation. Antioxidants are integral in tackling male infertility attributed to oxidative stress. The current findings underscore their therapeutic value, yet there's a pressing need for deeper, comprehensive research. Future studies should focus on refining dosage guidelines, identifying potential side effects, and discerning the most efficacious antioxidant combinations for male infertility solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aris Kaltsas
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
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Jawad A, Oh D, Choi H, Kim M, Cai L, Lee J, Hyun SH. Myo-inositol improves the viability of boar sperm during liquid storage. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1150984. [PMID: 37565079 PMCID: PMC10411888 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1150984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Liquid preservation of boar semen is a highly preferred method for semen preservation in pig production. However, oxidative stress is the main challenge during the liquid preservation of boar semen in a time dependent manner. Therefore, supplementation of sperm with antioxidants during storage to protect them from oxidative stress has been the focus of recent research. Myo-inositol (Myo-Ins), the most active form of inositol, which belongs to the vitamin (Vit.) (B1 group has been shown to improve semen quality) (1). This study aimed to investigate whether Myo-Ins supplementation protects boar sperm in liquid preservation against oxidative stress and determine the appropriate concentration of Myo-Ins to be used in this regard. Methods Boar sperm was diluted with a semen extender with different concentrations of Myo-Ins (2, 4, 6, and 8 mg/mL) depending on the previous studies (1, 24). Sperm motility and viability, plasma membrane and acrosome integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), semen time survival, and gene expression were measured and analyzed on days 0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 for the different samples. Results Different concentrations of Myo-Ins exerted different protective effects on the boar sperm quality. The addition of 2 mg/mL Myo-Ins resulted in higher sperm motility and viability, plasma membrane and acrosome integrity, MMP, and effective survival time. Investigation of mRNA expression patterns via qRT-PCR suggested that the 2 mg/mL Myo-Ins sample had increased expression of antioxidative genes. Conclusion The addition of Myo-Ins to semen extender improved the boar semen quality by decreasing the effects of oxidative stress during liquid preservation at 17°C. Additionally, 2 mg/mL is the optimum inclusion concentration of Myo-Ins for semen preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Jawad
- Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongjin Oh
- Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyerin Choi
- Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Mirae Kim
- Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Lian Cai
- Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
- Graduate School of Veterinary Biosecurity and Protection, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Joohyeong Lee
- Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Hwan Hyun
- Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
- Graduate School of Veterinary Biosecurity and Protection, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
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Keyser S, van der Horst G, Maree L. Progesterone, Myo-Inositol, Dopamine and Prolactin Present in Follicular Fluid Have Differential Effects on Sperm Motility Subpopulations. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:1250. [PMID: 34833125 PMCID: PMC8617736 DOI: 10.3390/life11111250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Considering the challenges surrounding causative factors in male infertility, rather than relying on standard semen analysis, the assessment of sperm subpopulations and functional characteristics essential for fertilization is paramount. Furthermore, the diagnostic value of sperm interactions with biological components in the female reproductive tract may improve our understanding of subfertility and provide applications in assisted reproductive techniques. We investigated the response of two sperm motility subpopulations (mimicking the functionality of potentially fertile and sub-fertile semen samples) to biological substances present in the female reproductive tract. Donor semen was separated via double density gradient centrifugation, isolated into high (HM) and low motile (LM) sperm subpopulations and incubated in human tubal fluid (HTF), capacitating HTF, HD-C medium, progesterone, myo-inositol, dopamine and prolactin. Treated subpopulations were evaluated for vitality, motility percentages and kinematic parameters, hyperactivation, positive reactive oxygen species (ROS), intact mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and acrosome reaction (AR). While all media had a significantly positive effect on the LM subpopulation, dopamine appeared to significantly improve both subpopulations' functional characteristics. HD-C, progesterone and myo-inositol resulted in increased motility, kinematic and hyperactivation parameters, whereas prolactin and myo-inositol improved the LM subpopulations' MMP intactness and reduced ROS. Furthermore, progesterone, myo-inositol and dopamine improved the HM subpopulations' motility parameters and AR. Our results suggest that treatment of sub-fertile semen samples with biological substances present in follicular fluid might assist the development of new strategies for IVF treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Liana Maree
- Comparative Spermatology Laboratory, Department of Medical Bioscience, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa; (S.K.); (G.v.d.H.)
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Dinicola S, Unfer V, Facchinetti F, Soulage CO, Greene ND, Bizzarri M, Laganà AS, Chan SY, Bevilacqua A, Pkhaladze L, Benvenga S, Stringaro A, Barbaro D, Appetecchia M, Aragona C, Bezerra Espinola MS, Cantelmi T, Cavalli P, Chiu TT, Copp AJ, D’Anna R, Dewailly D, Di Lorenzo C, Diamanti-Kandarakis E, Hernández Marín I, Hod M, Kamenov Z, Kandaraki E, Monastra G, Montanino Oliva M, Nestler JE, Nordio M, Ozay AC, Papalou O, Porcaro G, Prapas N, Roseff S, Vazquez-Levin M, Vucenik I, Wdowiak A. Inositols: From Established Knowledge to Novel Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10575. [PMID: 34638926 PMCID: PMC8508595 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Myo-inositol (myo-Ins) and D-chiro-inositol (D-chiro-Ins) are natural compounds involved in many biological pathways. Since the discovery of their involvement in endocrine signal transduction, myo-Ins and D-chiro-Ins supplementation has contributed to clinical approaches in ameliorating many gynecological and endocrinological diseases. Currently both myo-Ins and D-chiro-Ins are well-tolerated, effective alternative candidates to the classical insulin sensitizers, and are useful treatments in preventing and treating metabolic and reproductive disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and male fertility disturbances, like sperm abnormalities. Moreover, besides metabolic activity, myo-Ins and D-chiro-Ins deeply influence steroidogenesis, regulating the pools of androgens and estrogens, likely in opposite ways. Given the complexity of inositol-related mechanisms of action, many of their beneficial effects are still under scrutiny. Therefore, continuing research aims to discover new emerging roles and mechanisms that can allow clinicians to tailor inositol therapy and to use it in other medical areas, hitherto unexplored. The present paper outlines the established evidence on inositols and updates on recent research, namely concerning D-chiro-Ins involvement into steroidogenesis. In particular, D-chiro-Ins mediates insulin-induced testosterone biosynthesis from ovarian thecal cells and directly affects synthesis of estrogens by modulating the expression of the aromatase enzyme. Ovaries, as well as other organs and tissues, are characterized by a specific ratio of myo-Ins to D-chiro-Ins, which ensures their healthy state and proper functionality. Altered inositol ratios may account for pathological conditions, causing an imbalance in sex hormones. Such situations usually occur in association with medical conditions, such as PCOS, or as a consequence of some pharmacological treatments. Based on the physiological role of inositols and the pathological implications of altered myo-Ins to D-chiro-Ins ratios, inositol therapy may be designed with two different aims: (1) restoring the inositol physiological ratio; (2) altering the ratio in a controlled way to achieve specific effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Dinicola
- Systems Biology Group Lab, 00161 Rome, Italy; (S.D.); (V.U.); (M.B.); (C.A.); (M.S.B.E.); (G.M.)
| | - Vittorio Unfer
- Systems Biology Group Lab, 00161 Rome, Italy; (S.D.); (V.U.); (M.B.); (C.A.); (M.S.B.E.); (G.M.)
| | - Fabio Facchinetti
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, Mother-Infant and Adult Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41121 Modena, Italy
| | - Christophe O. Soulage
- CarMeN Lab, INSA-Lyon, INSERM U1060, INRA, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69100 Villeurbanne, France;
| | - Nicholas D. Greene
- Newlife Birth Defects Research Centre and Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK; (N.D.G.); (A.J.C.)
| | - Mariano Bizzarri
- Systems Biology Group Lab, 00161 Rome, Italy; (S.D.); (V.U.); (M.B.); (C.A.); (M.S.B.E.); (G.M.)
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Simone Laganà
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital “Filippo Del Ponte”, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy;
| | - Shiao-Yng Chan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore;
| | - Arturo Bevilacqua
- Department of Dynamic, Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Lali Pkhaladze
- Zhordania and Khomasuridze Institute of Reproductology, Tbilisi 0112, Georgia;
| | - Salvatore Benvenga
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy;
| | - Annarita Stringaro
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Italian National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Daniele Barbaro
- U.O. Endocrinology in Livorno Hospital, USL Nordovest Toscana, 57100 Livorno, Italy;
| | - Marialuisa Appetecchia
- Oncological Endocrinology Unit, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, IRCCS, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Cesare Aragona
- Systems Biology Group Lab, 00161 Rome, Italy; (S.D.); (V.U.); (M.B.); (C.A.); (M.S.B.E.); (G.M.)
| | | | - Tonino Cantelmi
- Institute for Interpersonal Cognitive Therapy, 00100 Rome, Italy;
| | - Pietro Cavalli
- Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy;
| | | | - Andrew J. Copp
- Newlife Birth Defects Research Centre and Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK; (N.D.G.); (A.J.C.)
| | - Rosario D’Anna
- Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy;
| | - Didier Dewailly
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Lille, 59000 Lille, France;
| | - Cherubino Di Lorenzo
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome Polo Pontino, 04100 Latina, Italy;
| | - Evanthia Diamanti-Kandarakis
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, HYGEIA Hospital, Marousi, 15123 Athens, Greece; (E.D.-K.); (E.K.); (O.P.)
| | - Imelda Hernández Marín
- Human Reproduction Department, Hospital Juárez de México, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City 07760, Mexico;
| | - Moshe Hod
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 6997801, Israel;
| | - Zdravko Kamenov
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Sofia, 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria;
| | - Eleni Kandaraki
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, HYGEIA Hospital, Marousi, 15123 Athens, Greece; (E.D.-K.); (E.K.); (O.P.)
| | - Giovanni Monastra
- Systems Biology Group Lab, 00161 Rome, Italy; (S.D.); (V.U.); (M.B.); (C.A.); (M.S.B.E.); (G.M.)
| | | | - John E. Nestler
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA;
| | | | - Ali C. Ozay
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Near East University Hospital, Nicosia 99138, Cyprus;
| | - Olga Papalou
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, HYGEIA Hospital, Marousi, 15123 Athens, Greece; (E.D.-K.); (E.K.); (O.P.)
| | | | - Nikos Prapas
- IAKENTRO, Infertility Treatment Center, 54250 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Scott Roseff
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, South Florida Institute for Reproductive Medicine (IVFMD), Boca Raton, FL 33458, USA;
| | - Monica Vazquez-Levin
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME, CONICET-FIBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas de Argentina (CONICET), Buenos Aires 2490, Argentina;
| | - Ivana Vucenik
- Department of Medical & Research Technology and Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
| | - Artur Wdowiak
- Diagnostic Techniques Unit, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland;
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Ferlazzo N, Micali A, Marini HR, Freni J, Santoro G, Puzzolo D, Squadrito F, Pallio G, Navarra M, Cirmi S, Minutoli L. A Flavonoid-Rich Extract from Bergamot Juice, Alone or in Association with Curcumin and Resveratrol, Shows Protective Effects in a Murine Model of Cadmium-Induced Testicular Injury. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14050386. [PMID: 33919028 PMCID: PMC8142973 DOI: 10.3390/ph14050386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
It is known that cadmium damages testis structure and functionality. We examined the effects of nutraceuticals such as a flavonoid-rich extract of bergamot juice (BJe), alone or in association with curcumin (Cur) and resveratrol (Re), on mice testicular dysfunction caused by cadmium chloride (CdCl2). Controversial data on the protective effects of Cur and Re are available, while no evidence on the possible role of BJe exists. Adult male C57 BL/6J mice were administered with CdCl2 and treated with Cur, Re, or BJe alone or in combination for 14 days. Then, testes were removed and processed for molecular, structural, and immunohistochemical analyses. CdCl2 increased the mRNA of IL-1β, TNF-α, p53, and BAX while reduced that of Bcl-2 and induced tubular lesions and apoptosis of germinal cells. Cur, Re, and BJe at 40 mg/kg significantly improved all of these parameters and events, although BJe at 20 mg/kg showed a lower protective effect. The association of Cur, Re, and BJe at both doses of 50/20/20 and 100/20/40 mg/kg brought each parameter close to those of the control. Our results indicate that the nutraceuticals employed in this study and their associations exert a positive action against Cd-induced testicular injury, suggesting a possible protection of testis functionality in subjects exposed to environmental toxicants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Ferlazzo
- Department of Biomedical, Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (N.F.); (A.M.); (J.F.); (G.S.); (D.P.)
| | - Antonio Micali
- Department of Biomedical, Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (N.F.); (A.M.); (J.F.); (G.S.); (D.P.)
| | - Herbert Ryan Marini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (H.R.M.); (F.S.); (G.P.); (L.M.)
| | - Josè Freni
- Department of Biomedical, Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (N.F.); (A.M.); (J.F.); (G.S.); (D.P.)
| | - Giuseppe Santoro
- Department of Biomedical, Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (N.F.); (A.M.); (J.F.); (G.S.); (D.P.)
| | - Domenico Puzzolo
- Department of Biomedical, Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (N.F.); (A.M.); (J.F.); (G.S.); (D.P.)
| | - Francesco Squadrito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (H.R.M.); (F.S.); (G.P.); (L.M.)
| | - Giovanni Pallio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (H.R.M.); (F.S.); (G.P.); (L.M.)
| | - Michele Navarra
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy;
| | - Santa Cirmi
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy;
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70125 Bari, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Letteria Minutoli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (H.R.M.); (F.S.); (G.P.); (L.M.)
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