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Monageng E, Offor U, Takalani NB, Mohlala K, Opuwari CS. A Review on the Impact of Oxidative Stress and Medicinal Plants on Leydig Cells. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1559. [PMID: 37627554 PMCID: PMC10451682 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12081559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Leydig cells are essential for steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis. An imbalance in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the cellular antioxidant level brings about oxidative stress. Oxidative stress (OS) results in the dysfunction of Leydig cells, thereby impairing steroidogenesis, spermatogenesis, and ultimately, male infertility. To prevent Leydig cells from oxidative insults, there needs to be a balance between the ROS production and the cellular protective capacity of antioxidants. Evidence indicates that medicinal plants could improve Leydig cell function at specific concentrations under basal or OS conditions. The increased usage of medicinal plants has been considered a possible alternative treatment for male infertility. This review aims to provide an overview of the impact of oxidative stress on Leydig cells as well as the effects of various medicinal plant extracts on TM3 Leydig cells. The medicinal plants of interest include Aspalathus linearis, Camellia sinensis, Moringa oleifera, Morinda officinale, Taraxacum officinale, Trichilia emetica, Terminalia sambesiaca, Peltophorum africanum, Ximenia caffra, Serenoa repens, Zingiber officinale, Eugenia jambolana, and a combination of dandelion and fermented rooibos (CRS-10). According to the findings obtained from studies conducted on the evaluated medicinal plants, it can, therefore, be concluded that the medicinal plants maintain the antioxidant profile of Leydig cells under basal conditions and have protective or restorative effects following exposure to oxidative stress. The available data suggest that the protective role exhibited by the evaluated plants may be attributed to their antioxidant content. Additionally, the use of the optimal dosage or concentration of the extracts in the management of oxidative stress is of the utmost importance, and the measurement of their oxidation reduction potential is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Monageng
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Faculty of Natural Science, University of Western Cape, Cape Town 7535, South Africa
| | - Ugochukwu Offor
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
| | - Ndivhuho Beauty Takalani
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Faculty of Natural Science, University of Western Cape, Cape Town 7535, South Africa
| | - Kutullo Mohlala
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Faculty of Natural Science, University of Western Cape, Cape Town 7535, South Africa
| | - Chinyerum Sylvia Opuwari
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Faculty of Natural Science, University of Western Cape, Cape Town 7535, South Africa
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Omolaoye TS, Skosana BT, du Plessis SS. The effect of Aspalathin linearis, Cyclopia intermedia and Sutherlandia frutescene on sperm functional parameters of healthy male wistar rats. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1211227. [PMID: 37351256 PMCID: PMC10282539 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1211227] [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: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Rooibos (Aspalathin linearis), honeybush (Cyclopia intermedia), and sutherlandia (Sutherlandia frutescene) are three Southern Africa indigenous plants, of which the extracts have become house-hold items and are consumed on a large scale. Although, they are known for their antioxidant properties, studies have highlighted danger in the excessive intake. Therefore, the current study investigated whether treatment with rooibos, honeybush, and sutherlandia will impact sperm functional parameters positively or otherwise, in healthy rats. Methods: Fourteen-week-old pathogen-free adult male Wistar rats (250-300 g) were randomly divided into four groups of ten, including a control, rooibos (RF), honeybush (HB) and a sutherlandia (SL) group. After 7 weeks of treatment, animals were sacrificed. Spermatozoa were retrieved from the cauda epididymis for motility, morphology and concentration analysis and the testis was used for all biochemical assays. Results: The infusion treated animals (RF, HB, and SL) presented with a non-significant decrease of -14.3%, -18.2%, -17.2% and -24.8%, -20.7%, -27.3% in total motility and progressive motility when compared to the control group, respectively. There was a significant increase in number of spermatozoa with slow speed (p = 0.03), especially in SL treated group compared to the control (p = 0.03). Additionally, there was an increase of 28.8%, 31.7%, 23% in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of RF, HB and SL compared to control, respectively. This was accompanied with a percentage decrease of -21.1%, -23.7%, 45.9% in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels compared to the control group. Conclusion: In summary, animals treated with the respective infusions presented with a percentage increase in SOD activity but have reduced sperm motility and decreased normal morphology. Paradoxically, they presented with increased sperm concentration. Hence, it is presumed that rooibos, honeybush and sutherlandia may enhance sperm quantity (concentration) but may impair sperm quality (motility morphology) when consumed by healthy animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Temidayo S. Omolaoye
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - Bongekile T. Skosana
- Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - Stefan S. du Plessis
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
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Takalani NB, Adefolaju GA, Henkel RR, Opuwari CS. In vitro effects of aqueous extract of unfermented rooibos on human spermatozoa. Andrologia 2022; 54:e14452. [PMID: 35545422 PMCID: PMC9541412 DOI: 10.1111/and.14452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The inability to conceive is a baleful experience for thousands of couples worldwide. Among different well‐known reproductive techniques, medicinal plants have been utilized to treat male infertility. Medicinal plants, provide a therapeutic alternative, which is available and affordable for infertile couples. We investigated the direct effect of unfermented rooibos aqueous extract on human spermatozoa. Semen samples (n = 50) collected from donors and patients consulting for fertility were reassigned as normal (n = 22) and abnormal (n = 28) samples based on the outcome of the baseline semen analysis, using the World Health Organization (WHO) cut off value. Semen samples were allowed to liquefy and subsequently washed with human tubular fluid in bovine serum albumin medium. The samples were then treated with aqueous extracts of unfermented rooibos (0, 0.15, 1.5, 15, 150 μg/ml) at 37°C for 1 h and assessed thereafter. Sperm motility, vitality, DNA fragmentation, intracellular reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial membrane potential in both groups remained unchanged (p > 0.05). However, aqueous extract of unfermented rooibos (only at 1.5 μg/ml) significantly increased capacitation and acrosome reaction in the abnormal sample group (p > 0.05). Unfermented rooibos aqueous extract had no deleterious impact on human spermatozoa's function and might be attributed to its antioxidant properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ndivhuho Beauty Takalani
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa.,Department of Pathology and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, South Africa
| | | | - Ralf R Henkel
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa.,American Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland, Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK.,LogixX Pharma, Theale, Berkshire, UK
| | - Chinyerum Sylvia Opuwari
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
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4
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Omolaoye TS, Windvogel SL, Du Plessis SS. The Effect of Rooibos ( Aspalathus linearis), Honeybush ( Cyclopia intermedia) and Sutherlandia ( Lessertia frutescens) on Testicular Insulin Signalling in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes in Wistar Rats. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes 2021; 14:1267-1280. [PMID: 33776463 PMCID: PMC7989961 DOI: 10.2147/dmso.s285025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Testicular insulin signalling is altered in diabetic (DM) males. While unravelling the mechanism through which DM exert these detrimental effects, studies have shown the importance of insulin regulation in glucose homeostasis, and how a lack in insulin secretion indirectly led to reduced male fertility. The current study aimed to investigate the role of rooibos, honeybush and Sutherlandia on insulin signalling in the testicular tissue of type I diabetic rats. METHODS Animals (n=60) were randomly divided into six groups. The groups include a control group, a vehicle group, and diabetes was induced in the remainder of animals via a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ at 45mg/kg. The remaining four groups included a diabetic control (DC), diabetic + rooibos (DRF), diabetic + honeybush (DHB) and diabetic + Sutherlandia group (DSL). Animals were sacrificed after seven weeks of treatment, and blood and testes were collected. RESULTS All diabetic groups (DC, DRF, DHB, DSL) presented with a significant increase in blood glucose levels after diabetes induction compared to the control and vehicle (p<0.001). The DC animals presented with decreased testicular protein expression of IRS-1, PkB/Akt and GLUT4 compared to controls. DRF and DHB animals displayed an acute upregulation in IRS-1, while the DSL group showed improvement in IRS-2 compared to DC. Although, DRF animals presented with a decrease in PkB/Akt, DHB and DSL animals displayed upregulation (22.3%, 48%) compared to controls, respectively. CONCLUSION The results taken together, it can be suggested that these infusions may enhance insulin signalling through diverse pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Temidayo S Omolaoye
- Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shantal Lynn Windvogel
- Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
- Centre for Cardio-Metabolic Research in Africa, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Stefan S Du Plessis
- Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Correspondence: Stefan S Du Plessis Department of Basic Sciences, College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, P.O. Box 505055, Dubai, 505055, United Arab Emirates Email
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Green tea consumption increases sperm concentration and viability in male rats and is safe for reproductive, liver and kidney health. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15269. [PMID: 32943691 PMCID: PMC7498455 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72319-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Green tea is a popularly consumed beverage worldwide and contains polyphenols, whose antioxidant activities could improve sperm parameters and fertility thereof. We investigated the effect of green tea on the male rat reproductive system as well as its safety. Male Wistar rats were administered 2 and 5% aqueous extract of green tea for 52 days’ ad libitum, while the control group received tap water. Total polyphenol, flavanol, flavonol and soluble solids significantly increased in a concentration-dependent manner in vitro (P < 0.01). Weights of body, testis, epididymis, prostate gland, seminal vesicles, and liver, serum levels of testosterone, ferric reducing antioxidant power, creatinine, and sperm motility, remained unchanged (P > 0.05). Kidney weight, sperm concentration and vitality, spontaneous acrosome reaction increased (P < 0.05), while alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase levels decreased (P < 0.05). Catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione and lipid peroxidation remained unchanged in the testes, liver and kidney (P > 0.05). Histological sections of testis, epididymis, kidney and liver showed no conspicuous alteration. Diameter and epithelial height of seminiferous tubule decreased, while caudal epididymis epithelial height increased (P < 0.01). Consumption of green tea in the conditions used in the present study seems to be safe and improved sperm parameters. However, subtle structural changes observed in the decreased diameter and epithelial height of the seminiferous tubule and increased acrosome reaction needs further investigation.
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Opuwari CS, Matshipi MN, Phaahla MK, Setumo MA, Moraswi RT, Zitha AA, Offor U, Choma SSR. Androgenic effect of aqueous leaf extract of
Moringa oleifera
on Leydig TM3 cells in vitro. Andrologia 2020; 52:e13825. [DOI: 10.1111/and.13825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chinyerum S. Opuwari
- Department of Pre‐Clinical Sciences University of Limpopo Polokwane South Africa
| | - Matome N. Matshipi
- Department of Pathology and Medical Sciences University of Limpopo Polokwane South Africa
| | - Mantaneng K. Phaahla
- Department of Pathology and Medical Sciences University of Limpopo Polokwane South Africa
| | - Mmaphulane A. Setumo
- Department of Pathology and Medical Sciences University of Limpopo Polokwane South Africa
| | - Rantobeng T. Moraswi
- Department of Pathology and Medical Sciences University of Limpopo Polokwane South Africa
| | - Amukelani A. Zitha
- Department of Pathology and Medical Sciences University of Limpopo Polokwane South Africa
| | - Ugochukwu Offor
- Department of Pre‐Clinical Sciences University of Limpopo Polokwane South Africa
| | - Solomon S. R. Choma
- Department of Pathology and Medical Sciences University of Limpopo Polokwane South Africa
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Caltabiano R, Condorelli D, Panza S, Boitani C, Musso N, Ježek D, Memeo L, Colarossi L, Rago V, Mularoni V, Spadola S, Castiglione R, Santoro M, Aquila S, D'Agata R. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor is expressed in human and rodent testis. Andrology 2020; 8:1935-1945. [PMID: 33460247 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incretin hormone glucagon-like peptide-l (GLP-1) is an important regulator of post-prandial insulin secretion, acting through a G protein-coupled cell surface receptor (GLP-1R). In addition to its expression in pancreatic β-cells, several studies suggested that GLP-1R is located in extra-pancreatic tissues. OBJECTIVES In this study, we examined for the first time the testicular distribution of the GLP-1R, both in normal human and neoplastic testicular tissues as well as in rodent testis and rodent testicular cell lines. METHODS AND METHODS The GLP-1R distribution in testicular section has been evaluated by immunohistochemistry, the specificity of IHC was validated by demonstrating a positive staining for GLP-1RmRNA by RISH technology. While GLP-1R expression in terms of protein was detected by western blot analysis, Moreover, mRNA levels were determined in human testis, in rodent Leydig, and Sertoli cell lines. RESULTS Using immunohistochemistrya specific staining for GLP-1R was detected in Leydig cells. The specificity of IHC was validated by demonstrating a positive staining for GLP-1RmRNA only in these cell types. Species differences in the GLP-1R expression between humans and rodents were observed. Interestingly, a decreased expression of the receptor in rodent tumor Leydig cell line and an absence in human Leydig tumor samples was detected. DISCUSSION It may be hypothesized that GLP-1R acts like an oncosuppressor in Leydig tumors. A role in regulation of hormone secretion by GLP-1 has been shown in other endocrine cells, therefore we hypothesized that GLP-1R is able to modulate somehow the Leydig cell function. CONCLUSION In our findings, a careful evaluation of human testicular tissues and rodent testis revealed Leydig cells as a potential target for GLP-1. Collectively, an effect of GLP-1R in Leydig cell function may be presumed although future studies are needed to ascertain the GLP-1R's role both in normal and tumor Leydig cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Caltabiano
- Department "G.F. Ingrassia"- Section of Anatomical Pathology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Daniele Condorelli
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of medical Biochemistry, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Panza
- Centro Sanitario, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy.,Department of Pharmacy and Sciences of Health and Nutrition, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Carla Boitani
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine, Orthopedics, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Nicolò Musso
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of medical Biochemistry, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Davor Ježek
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Lorenzo Memeo
- Division of Pathology, Mediterranean Institute of Oncology, Catania, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Colarossi
- Division of Pathology, Mediterranean Institute of Oncology, Catania, Italy
| | - Vittoria Rago
- Department of Pharmacy and Sciences of Health and Nutrition, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Valentina Mularoni
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine, Orthopedics, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Saveria Spadola
- Department "G.F. Ingrassia"- Section of Anatomical Pathology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Roberto Castiglione
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Marta Santoro
- Centro Sanitario, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy.,Department of Pharmacy and Sciences of Health and Nutrition, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Saveria Aquila
- Centro Sanitario, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy.,Department of Pharmacy and Sciences of Health and Nutrition, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Rosario D'Agata
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Masuku NP, Unuofin JO, Lebelo SL. Phytochemical content, antioxidant activities and androgenic properties of four South African medicinal plants. JOURNAL OF HERBMED PHARMACOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.34172/jhp.2020.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction:This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical contents, antioxidant activities, and androgenic properties ofPeltophorum africanumSond,Trichilia emeticaVahl,Terminalia sambesiaca, andXimenia caffra.Methods:The finely powdered leaves of the selected plants were extracted using acetone, aqueous, and methanol as solvents. The total phenolics and flavonoids contents were determined from gallic acid and quercetin standard curves. The antioxidant activities of these extracts were evaluated using 1, 1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl ( DPPH) assay. The effect of plant extracts (100-1000 µg/mL) on TM3 Leydig cells was assessed using 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium (MTT) assay. Testosterone levels were measured using ELISA kit.Results:The methanol extracts ofT. sambesiacaandX. caffrarevealed higher total phenolic and flavonoid contents (102.13±2.32 mg/g GAE and 1.05±0.04 mg/g QE, respectively) than other plant extracts. The acetone and methanol extracts ofP. africanumrevealed the best IC50value (12.50 ± 0.052 µg/mL) against DPPH than the other plant extracts and ascorbic acid. The MTT assay results showed that all varying concentrations of plant extracts maintained cell viability and were not cytotoxic with IC50values of greater than 20 µg/mL. The methanol extract ofT. sambesiacahad the highest testosterone production at 500 µg/mL (0.399 ng/mL) when compared with the basal control while at the concentration of 500 µg/mL the acetone extracts ofP. africanumandT. sambesiacahad significantly high testosterone production 0.147 and 0.188 ng/mL respectively when compared with basal control.Conclusion:The results reveal that these plants possess antioxidants and androgenic property and suggest the potential use for the treatment of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelisiwe Prenate Masuku
- Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, University of South Africa, Cnr Christiaan de Wet and Pioneer Ave, Private Bag X6, Florida, 1710, South Africa
| | - Jeremiah Oshiomame Unuofin
- Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, University of South Africa, Cnr Christiaan de Wet and Pioneer Ave, Private Bag X6, Florida, 1710, South Africa
| | - Sogolo Lucky Lebelo
- Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, University of South Africa, Cnr Christiaan de Wet and Pioneer Ave, Private Bag X6, Florida, 1710, South Africa
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Opuwari CS, Monsees TK. In vivo effects of black tea on the male rat reproductive system and functions of the kidney and liver. Andrologia 2020; 52:e13552. [PMID: 32141104 DOI: 10.1111/and.13552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
This study focused on the effects of black tea on the male reproductive system as well as the kidney and liver functions. Male Wistar rats were given aqueous extract of black tea (2% and 5%) for 52 days as the only means of drinking fluid, while control rats received tap water. Black tea enhanced sperm vitality (44%-49%), total sperm motility (10%-12%) and acrosome reaction (2%-9%) (p < .05). Body weight gain, testis, epididymis, seminal vesicles, prostate, liver weight, testosterone level, sperm concentration, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and antioxidant levels in the testes, liver and kidney remained unchanged (p > .05). Black tea (5%) increased kidney weight (p < .05). Testis and epididymis showed normal histological appearance. However, black tea significantly reduced the diameter (9%-10%) and epithelial height (9%-10%) of the seminiferous tubule, but increased the epithelial height of the cauda epididymis (8%-24%) (p < .05). A significant reduction in serum levels of alanine aminotransaminase (ALT) (38%) and aspartate aminotransaminase (AST) (23%-34%) was observed (p < .05); creatinine level, on the other hand, increased (8%-72%) (p < .05). Black tea improved several sperm parameters, but may cause subtle changes in certain reproductive organs and the kidney functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinyerum S Opuwari
- Department of Pre-Clinical Sciences, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, South Africa
| | - Thomas K Monsees
- Department of Medical Biosciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
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Bara N, Kaul G. Enhanced steroidogenic and altered antioxidant response by ZnO nanoparticles in mouse testis Leydig cells. Toxicol Ind Health 2018; 34:571-588. [PMID: 29768980 DOI: 10.1177/0748233718774220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are important nanomaterials with myriad applications and in widespread use. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the direct effect of ZnO NPs on steroidogenesis by considering mouse testicular Leydig cells (TM3) as an in vitro model system. The uptake, intracellular behaviour, cytotoxicity and morphological changes induced by ZnO NPs (0-200 µg/ml) in a time-dependent manner in the TM3 were assessed. A significant ( p < 0.05) decrease in TM3 viability was observed at 2 µg/ml ZnO NP after a 1-h incubation time period. Increased antioxidant enzyme activity, namely, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase, was regularly observed. Not surprisingly, apoptosis also increased significantly after a 4-h exposure period. Transmission electron micrographs illustrated that ZnO NPs were taken up by Leydig cells and resulted in the formation of autophagosomes, autolysosomes and autophagic vacuoles. Concomitant real-time data indicated that ZnO NPs significantly increased the expression of steroidogenesis-related genes (steroidogenic acute regulatory protein and cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage enzyme) and significantly ( p < 0.05) decreased antioxidant enzyme gene (SOD) expression after a 4-h incubation period. Moreover, ZnO NPs exposure significantly increased testosterone production at 2 µg/ml concentration after a 12-h incubation period. Our findings confirm the adverse effects of ZnO NPs by being cytotoxic, enhancing apoptosis, causing steroidogenic effect in Leydig cells and increasing autophagic vacuole formation possibly via alteration of antioxidant enzyme activity in TM3 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisha Bara
- 1 Animal Biochemistry Division, N.T. Lab-I, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute (Deemed University) (Government of India), Karnal, Haryana, India
| | - Gautam Kaul
- 1 Animal Biochemistry Division, N.T. Lab-I, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute (Deemed University) (Government of India), Karnal, Haryana, India
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11
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Engeli RT, Fürstenberger C, Kratschmar DV, Odermatt A. Currently available murine Leydig cell lines can be applied to study early steps of steroidogenesis but not testosterone synthesis. Heliyon 2018; 4:e00527. [PMID: 29560447 PMCID: PMC5857625 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2018.e00527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Revised: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Androgen biosynthesis in males occurs to a large extent in testicular Leydig cells. This study focused on the evaluation of three murine Leydig cell lines as potential screening tool to test xenobiotics interfering with gonadal androgen synthesis. The final step of testosterone (T) production in Leydig cells is catalyzed by the enzyme 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 3 (17β-hsd3). The endogenous 17β-hsd3 mRNA expression and Δ4-androstene-3,17-dione (AD) to T conversion were determined in the murine cell lines MA-10, BLTK1 and TM3. Additionally, effects of 8-Br-cAMP and forskolin stimulation on steroidogenesis and T production were analyzed. Steroids were quantified in supernatants of cells using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Unstimulated cells incubated with AD produced only very low T but substantial amounts of the inactive androsterone. Stimulated cells produced low amounts of T, moderate amounts of AD, but high amounts of progesterone. Gene expression analyses revealed barely detectable 17β-hsd3 levels, absence of 17β-hsd5 (Akr1c6), but substantial 17β-hsd1 expression in all three cell lines. Thus, MA-10, BLTK1 and TM3 cells are not suitable to study the expression and activity of the gonadal T synthesizing enzyme 17β-hsd3. The low T production reported in stimulated MA-10 cells are likely a result of the expression of 17β-hsd1. This study substantiates that the investigated Leydig cell lines MA-10, BLTK1, and TM3 are not suitable to study gonadal androgen biosynthesis due to altered steroidogenic pathways. Furthermore, this study emphasizes the necessity of mass spectrometry-based steroid quantification in experiments using steroidogenic cells such as Leydig cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger T Engeli
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology and Division of Molecular and Systems Toxicology, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Cornelia Fürstenberger
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology and Division of Molecular and Systems Toxicology, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Denise V Kratschmar
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology and Division of Molecular and Systems Toxicology, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alex Odermatt
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology and Division of Molecular and Systems Toxicology, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
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Ros-Santaella JL, Pintus E. Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) extract enhances boar sperm velocity up to 96 hours of semen storage. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0183682. [PMID: 28837611 PMCID: PMC5570286 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0183682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) is a native shrub from South African fynbos and has become very popular in the last decades for its antioxidant and medicinal attributes. Several studies have shown its beneficial properties in numerous cell lines, but to date, the in vitro effects of rooibos extract on sperm cells are still unknown. In this study, boar semen was supplemented with four concentrations both of fermented and unfermented rooibos extracts during 96 h of liquid storage at 17°C. The effects of rooibos extracts on sperm velocity, membrane integrity, and acrosomal status were evaluated at 2 h, 48 h, and 96 h of semen storage. Overall our results indicate that rooibos extract enhances sperm velocity, protects the acrosome structure, and tends to preserve the membrane integrity during semen storage. Although the unfermented rooibos showed higher total polyphenol content and total antioxidant capacity than the fermented one, the latter had better effects on sperm velocity leading to, for instance, an increase of 30% in the rectilinear velocity (VSL) at 48 h compared to the control group. Taking into account the different storage times, we established a suitable range of extracts concentrations to be used in boar semen. The rooibos extract ought to be considered as a powerful and natural source of antioxidants for the preservation of boar semen.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Luis Ros-Santaella
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
- * E-mail: (JLRS); (EP)
| | - Eliana Pintus
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
- * E-mail: (JLRS); (EP)
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Štochmaľová A, Kádasi A, Vlčková R, Sopková D, Nitray J, Nitrayová S, Sirotkin AV. Direct influence of rooibos-derived compound on rabbit ovarian functions and their response to gonadotropins. Biologia (Bratisl) 2015. [DOI: 10.1515/biolog-2015-0163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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