Protective effect of alpha glucosyl hesperidin (G-hesperidin) on chronic vanadium induced testicular toxicity and sperm nuclear DNA damage in male Sprague Dawley rats

Prevention of Male Late-Onset Hypogonadism by Natural Polyphenolic Antioxidants

Androgen production primarily occurs in Leydig cells located in the interstitial compartment of the testis. In aging males, testosterone is crucial for maintaining muscle mass and strength, bone density, sexual function, metabolic health, energy levels, cognitive function, as well as overall well-being. As men age, testosterone production by Leydig cells of the testes begins to decline at a rate of approximately 1% per year starting from their 30s. This review highlights recent findings concerning the use of natural polyphenolics compounds, such as flavonoids, resveratrol, and phenolic acids, to enhance testosterone production, thereby preventing age-related degenerative conditions associated with testosterone insufficiency. Interestingly, most of the natural polyphenolic antioxidants having beneficial effects on testosterone production tend to enhance the expression of the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (Star) gene in Leydig cells. The STAR protein facilitates the entry of the steroid precursor cholesterol inside mitochondria, a rate-limiting step for androgen biosynthesis. Natural polyphenolic compounds can also improve the activities of steroidogenic enzymes, hypothalamus-pituitary gland axis signaling, and testosterone bioavailability. Thus, many polyphenolic compounds such as luteolin, quercetin, resveratrol, ferulic acid phenethyl ester or gigantol may be promising in delaying the initiation of late-onset hypogonadism accompanying aging in males.

Testicular protective effects of hesperidin against chemical and biological toxicants

Toxic agents can adversely impact the male reproductive system mainly via activating oxidative stress affecting the seminiferous epithelia, spermatogenesis, sperms, and the testis. Toxic agents lead to the excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as hydroxyl radicals, hydrogen peroxide, and superoxide anions. ROS exert a cytotoxic effect and oxidative damage to nucleic acids, proteins, and membrane lipids. Hesperidin is a pharmacologically active phytoflavone abundantly occurring in citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons. It has shown various pharmacological properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, analgesic, antiviral, anti-coagulant, hypolipidemic, and hypoglycemic effects. Hesperidin has been found to exert protective effects against natural and chemical toxins-induced organ toxicity. Considerable evidence has implicated the testicular protective effects of hesperidin against the toxicological properties of pharmaceutical drugs as well as biological and chemical agents, and in the present review, we discussed, for the first time, the reported studies. The resultant data indicate that hesperidin can exert testicular protective effects through antioxidant properties.

Mitigating cyclophosphamide-associated gonadotoxicity in male Wistar rats: exploring the therapeutic potential of hesperidin

Hesperidin, a bioactive flavanone glycoside prevalent in citrus fruits, with remarkable therapeutic properties stands out as a formidable defender against the debilitating reproductive toxicity associated with Cyclophosphamide (CYP) chemotherapy. This study explores the protective potential of hesperidin (HSP@100 mg/kg b.wt PO daily) against CYP-induced (@ 40 mg/kg b.wt IP once in a week) reproductive toxicity in male Wistar rats as several studies were documented on single dose toxicity of CYP. In this experiment, we chose multidosage drug effects, which are more relevant in chemotherapy. Twenty-four rats were divided into four groups: Group 1 (Control), group 2 (CYP-treated), group 3 (HSP-treated), and group 4 (CYP + HSP-treated) for 28 days. The experimental design included assessments of relative testicular weight, semen analysis, testosterone levels, oxidative stress markers, inflammatory cytokines, gross and histopathological changes, and immunohistochemical evaluation. The results revealed that the administration of CYP led to a significant reduction in testicular weight, sperm count, motility, and testosterone levels, accompanied by increased oxidative stress and inflammatory response. Hesperidin co-administration demonstrated a protective effect by restoring these parameters to near-normal levels. Histopathological analysis revealed improved testicular architecture in the group 4 compared with the group 2. Oxidative stress indices indicated that hesperidin attenuated CYP-induced damage by reducing malondialdehyde levels, enhancing superoxide dismutase activity and maintaining glutathione levels. Similarly, inflammatory cytokine analysis demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects of hesperidin by reducing tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and elevating interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels in the group 4. Immunohistochemical evaluation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) revealed increased inflammation in the CYP group, while hesperidin significantly reduced NF-κB expression, suggesting its anti-inflammatory properties.

Protective role of hesperidin in finasteride-induced testicular toxicity in adult male Wistar rats: Insights into oxidative stress, apoptosis, and ultrastructure of seminiferous tubules

A negative impact of finasteride on fertility has been reported, in which over production of reactive oxygen species and apoptosis were implicated. Hesperidin, a plant-derived bioflavonoid with antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects, may mitigate these adverse effects. In order to investigate the possible protective role of hesperidin against finasteride-induced seminiferous tubules toxicity in adult male Wistar rats, 60 rats were randomized into five groups (I-V) receiving distilled water, 0.5% sodium carboxymethylcellulose solution, hesperidin, finasteride, and combined hesperidin and finasteride respectively. Testicular weight, sperm count and motility were determined. Testicular tissue homogenates were prepared to measure the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), reduced glutathione (GSH) and the gene expression of caspase-3 and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2). Testes were processed for light and electron microscopic evaluation. Johnsen score was calculated. Administration of finasteride resulted in significantly decreased testicular weights, sperm count and motility, Johnsen score, tissue levels of TAC and GSH together with significant increase in tissue MDA. Gene expression revealed significantly increased caspase-3 and decreased Bcl2. Furthermore, finasteride disrupted the seminiferous tubules, causing degenerative changes affecting Sertoli cells and spermatogenic cells. Co-administration of hesperidin with finasteride resulted in improvement in testicular weights, TAC, GSH, Bcl2, Johnsen score, sperm count and motility as well as preservation of the structure of the seminiferous tubules. To conclude, hesperidin was found to have a protective potential on finasteride-induced oxidative stress, apoptosis and testicular structural damage.

The association between levels of samarium, hafnium, tungsten and rhenium in seminal plasma and the risk of idiopathic oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia in men of childbearing age

Oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia (OAT) is a global public health problem, which affects 30% men of childbearing age. Meanwhile, with the rapid development of industry and economy, the contents of rare earth elements (REEs) in the environment are increasing. However, little is known about the associations between REEs levels and OAT risk. To evaluate the associations between the levels of four REEs (samarium (Sm), hafnium (Hf), tungsten (W), rhenium (Re)) in seminal plasma and OAT risk, from October 2021 to November 2022, semen samples from 924 men of childbearing age (460 controls and 464 cases) were collected from the reproductive center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University. Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to measure the levels of Sm, Hf, Re and W in seminal plasma. Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) was conducted to explore the joint effects of levels of four REEs in seminal plasma on the risk of OAT and select the one exerting a major role; generalized linear regression models (GLM) with log link function were employed to investigate the association of every REE level in seminal plasma and OAT risk; sankey diagram and linear regression models were utilized to describe the associations between the levels of four REEs and the indexes of sperm quality. The levels of four REEs in seminal plasma were higher in the case group than levels in the control group (pSm = 0.011, pHf = 0.040, pW = 0.062, pRe = 0.001, respectively). In BKMR analysis, the OAT risk increased when the overall levels of four REEs were higher than their 55th percentile compared to all of them at their 50th percentile, and Re level played a major role in the association. Additionally, Re level in seminal plasma was positively associated with  the OAT risk in the single element model after adjustment of covariates (medium vs. low: OR (95% CI) = 1.55 (1.10, 2.18); high vs. low: OR (95% CI) = 1.69 (1.18, 2.42)). Lastly, the sankey diagram and linear regression models revealed that Sm level was negatively associated with the PR%, total sperm count and total progressively motile sperm count; Hf level was negatively associated with the PR%; W and Re levels were negatively associated with the PR% and total motility, and Re level was positively associated with abnormal morphology rate. Men of childbearing age with OAT had higher levels of Sm, Hf and Re in seminal plasma than those in the control group. An increasing trend for the OAT risk was observed with an increase in mixture levels of Sm, Hf, W and Re, and Re exposure level played a major role in the association whether in BKMR model or single element model. Additionally, the levels of these four REEs were negatively associated with the indexes of sperm quality.

The Palliative and Antioxidant Effects of Hesperidin against Lead-Acetate-Induced Testicular Injury in Male Wistar Rats

Lead (Pb)-induced reprotoxicity is a detrimental consequence of Pb exposure, which results in abnormal spermatogenesis, testicular degeneration, and pathogenic sperm changes. The association between impaired male reproductive function and Pb-induced oxidative stress (OS) has been demonstrated, with consequent testicular antioxidant deficiency. The current study investigated the protective role of the natural antioxidant hesperidin (HSD) against lead-acetate (PbAc)-induced testicular toxicity. Male Wistar rats (n = 40) were randomly divided into four experimental groups: Group I (negative control) received 2.0 mL/kg BW 0.9% saline; Group II received 100 mg/kg BW PbAc; Group III received 100 mg/kg BW HSD; and Group IV received HSD two hours before PbAc using the abovementioned doses. The treatments were administered daily for 30 consecutive days. The results showed that HSD treatment significantly restored PbAc-induced decrease in body, epididymal, and testicular weights as well as in semen parameters, reproductive hormones, and testicular markers of OS. Reduced MDA levels and improved testicular histopathological findings were also observed. Collectively, this study sheds light on the preventive role of HSD against PbAc-induced testicular injury, which is mediated via the suppression of OS and the modulation of reproductive hormones as well as the plausibility of HSD being used as a supplementary therapeutic option for recovery.

Hesperidin partly ameliorates the decabromodiphenyl ether-induced reproductive toxicity in pubertal mice

Many materials use polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) as flame retardants. As one of the most common congeners of PBDEs, decabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE-209) is reported to harm reproductive health. However, little is known research on attenuating the reproductive toxicity induced by PBDE-209. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of hesperidin against PBDE-209-induced reproductive toxicity in male mice. Pubertal male C57BL/6 J mice were exposed to PBDE-209 groups (20, 100, 500 mg/kg·bw) and hesperidin groups (100 mg/kg·bw PBDE-209 + 100 mg/kg·bw hesperidin) for 8 weeks. The results showed that PBDE-209 increased the amount of abnormal morphological sperms and decreased the sex hormone levels. PBDE-209 induced the histopathological lesions of seminiferous tubules and blood-testis barrier in mice testis. Expressions of apoptosis-associated proteins and mRNA (Bax, Bcl-2, etc.) were altered by the PBDE-209 treatment. PBDE-209 prominently increased the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, the biomarker of oxidative stress. Hesperidin treatment partly alleviated PBDE-209-induced histopathological lesions and apoptosis in mice testis. These findings suggested that hesperidin partly protects against PBDE-induced reproductive toxicity in pubertal mice. We conclude that more work needs to be done to explore the appropriate dosage of hesperidin or find other drugs to protect against the reproductive toxicity of PBDEs.

Investigation of Changes in Spermatozoon Characteristics, Chromatin Structure, and Antioxidant/Oxidant Parameters after Freeze-Thawing of Hesperidin (Vitamin P) Doses Added to Ram Semen

We conducted this study to determine the potential cryopreservative effects of different hesperidin (vitamin P; H) doses on ram semen after freeze-thawing. Semen samples were obtained from Sönmez rams using an artificial vagina. The samples were divided into six groups: control, 10, 50, 100, 250, and 500 µg/mL H (C, H10, H50, H100, H250, and H500, respectively). At the end of the study, sperm motility and kinetic parameters, acrosome integrity (AI), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), viability, lipid peroxidation levels (LPL), chromatin damage, oxidant parameters, and antioxidant parameters were assayed. None of the doses of H added to the semen extender showed any enhancing effects on progressive motility compared to C (p > 0.05). In fact, H500 had negative effects (p < 0.05). Moreover, AI was the highest at the H10 dose, while LPL values were the lowest at the same dose (p < 0.05). The doses of H10 and H50 added to the Tris extender medium showed positive effects on sperm cell chromatin damage. Consequently, we can say that H doses used in this study are not effective on semen progressive motility, but the H10 dose is effective on AI and chromatin damage by reducing LPL.

Evaluation of the effects of hesperidin on fresh and frozen-thawed semen quality using two different cryopreservation methods in Simmental bull

In the industry of bull semen freezing centers, one-step and two-step semen dilution protocols are two standard and well-known methods in semen freezing process. As the freezing/thawing processes cause detrimental effects on sperm function, the addition of antioxidants can improve sperm characteristics. Hesperidin (Hesp) is an antioxidant used as the male reproductive protective agent. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate two different dilution methods, as well as to evaluate Hesp supplementation influence on sperm characteristics in fresh and frozen thawed semen. Semen samples were collected from 12 Simmental bulls. Two separate examinations were conducted in, with and without Hesp supplementation groups. Statistical analysis was performed by an independent t-test, Mann Whitny test, MANOVA and ANOVA tests. In comparison to the one and two-step dilution protocols without Hesp supplementation, the two-step dilution showed greater cryoprotective potential. In the Hesp supplemented group, each semen sample was divided into six equal parts for experimental groups (dilution step method/µM of Hesp). In the both one and two step dilution protocols, significant improvements were detected in semen motility parameters by Hesp administration. Also, oxidative stress status was reduced in seminal plasma of Hesp treatment groups. Interestingly, in comparison with Hesp dosage, 1µM was shown to have greater semen cryoprotective potential. In conclusion,

Galaxaura elongata Extract (GE) Modulates Vanadyl Sulfate-Induced Renal Damage via Regulating TGF-β/Smads and Nrf2/NF-κB Pathways

Nephrotoxicity becomes a provoked problem as the kidneys are the target of many chemotherapies. For this reason, we aimed to study the protective effect of Galaxaura elongata extract (GE) against the vanadyl sulfate (Van) induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Forty Wistar albino rats (male) were divided into four groups (n = 10) as follows: control group: rats received 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). Galaxa group: rats received GE at a dose (100 mg/kg orally) daily for 6 weeks. Van group: rats injected with Van at a dose (50 mg/kg i.p.) once weekly for 6 successive weeks. Galaxa + Van group: rats received GE at a dose (100 mg/kg orally) daily for 6 weeks concurrently with Van at a dose (50 mg/kg i.p.) for 6 weeks. Our results showed that Van significantly raised urea and creatinine serum levels as compared to the control group as well as disordered renal oxidative/antioxidant redox. Administration of GE with Van alleviated the adverse impact of Van over the kidney tissues. Furthermore, GE administration in Galaxa + Van group downregulates angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE1) mRNA expression, angiotensin II (Ang II) concentration, transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) mRNA expression and protein concentration and Nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) mRNA expression as compared to Van group. Also, GE administration caused a noticeable upregulation of Nrf2 and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expressions with a consequent decrease of DNA fragmentation % compared to Van group. The results of the current study show that simultaneous treatment with GE can alleviate nephrotoxicity caused by Van in diabetic rats. The GE treatment of the Van treated animals restored altered renal oxidative/antioxidant redox values towards normal and lessened fibrosis. These results are consistent with these effects being caused by interactions with the TGF-B/Smads and Nrf2/NF-κB signaling pathways.

Beneficial effects of Salvia officinalis essential oil on vanadium-induced testicular injury, DNA damage and histological alterations in Wistar rats

Vanadium has been shown to catalyze the generation of reactive oxygen species. Since free radical production and lipid peroxidation are potentially important mediators in testicular physiology and pathophysiology, the present study was conducted to elucidate vanadium-induced oxidative damage in rat testis and the ameliorative role of Salvia officinalis essential oil (SEO) against the adverse effects of this heavy metal. Adult male Wistar rats were treated daily during 10 days either with ammonium metavanadate (5 mg/kg bw, intraperitoneally), SEO (15 mg/kg bw, orally) or their combination. A group of rats receiving daily a saline solution served as a negative control. Vanadium treatment induced a significant decrease in body and reproductive organ weights, serum testosterone level and sperm number and motility. An increase in lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation as well as a marked inhibition in the activities of antioxidant enzymes in the testes and seminal vesicles indicated the occurrence of oxidative stress after vanadium toxicity. Histopathological changes in testis and seminal vesicles were also observed following vanadium administration. However, co-administration of SEO to vanadium-treated rats resulted in an appreciable improvement of these parameters, emphasizing the therapeutic effects of SEO. It can be suggested that SEO mitigates vanadium-induced reproductive damage due to its antioxidant capacity. Thus, we can hypothesize that SEO supplementation could protect against vanadium poisoning.

Heavy metal and metalloid - induced reproductive toxicity

Heavy metals and metalloid exposure are among the most common factors responsible for reproductive toxicity in human beings. Several studies have indicated that numerous metals and metalloids can display severe adverse properties on the human reproductive system. Metals like lead, silver, cadmium, uranium, vanadium, and mercury and metalloids like arsenic have been known to induce reproductive toxicity. Moderate to minute quantities of lead may affect several reproductive parameters and even affect semen quality. The ecological and industrial exposures to the various heavy metals and metalloids have disastrous effects on the reproductive system ensuing in infertility. This work emphasizes the mechanism and pathophysiology of the aforementioned heavy metals and metalloids in reproductive toxicity. Additionally, this work aims to cover the classical protective mechanisms of zinc, melatonin, chelation therapy, and other trending methods to prevent heavy metal-induced reproductive toxicity.

Identifying the dose response relationship between seminal metal at low levels and semen quality using restricted cubic spline function

Environmental exposure to metals, including essential and nonessential elements, may be related to semen quality. Our goal was to explore the continuous relationship between seminal metals and sperm parameters. A restricted cubic spline (RCS) was applied to automatic selection criteria to ascertain the optimal smoothing degree. We recruited 841 male volunteers from Henan Province, China. Eighteen seminal metals, namely Al, Cr, Mn, Cu, Zn, Se, As, Ni, Cd, Pb, Co, V, Rb, Ag, Ba, TI, Fe, and Li, and 21 semen parameters were detected. Seminal malondialdehyde (MDA) was also detected to express oxidative stress. We revealed a non-linear relationship of the vanadium and chromium exposure to semen parameters. There were inverse 'U' shapes found between seminal Cr and sperm concentrations, total sperm count, and semen quality. The best semen quality was observed when the seminal Cr concentration was 5.05 ppb, and an increase or decrease in chromium concentration led to decreased semen quality. The V concentration was associated with reduced sperm concentration, total sperm count, normal morphology, and progressive motility at high doses (V > 0.58 ppb). Seminal MDA had a strong adverse association with sperm motility parameters, such as curve line velocity (VCL) (P < 0.001), straight line velocity (VSL) (P = 0.004), velocity of average path (VAP) (P < 0.001), and lateral head movement (ALH) (P = 0.001), whereas it was adversely associated with seminal Zn (β [95% confidence interval (CI)], -0.28(-0.41-0.16), P < 0.001) after adjusting for confounding factors. Our findings represent the curves of the dose-response relationship between seminal Cr, seminal V, and semen quality, in which seminal MDA was a good indicator of sperm movement. These models provide new insight into the dose-relationship between metal exposure and semen quality, and further investigation is needed to validate this.

Exploring the Potential Pharmacological Mechanism of Hesperidin and Glucosyl Hesperidin against COVID-19 Based on Bioinformatics Analyses and Antiviral Assays

The development of anti-COVID-19 drugs has become the top priority since the outbreak of the epidemic, and Traditional Chinese medicine plays an important role in reducing mortality. Here, hesperidin and its glycosylation product, glucosyl hesperidin were selected to determine their antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 due to their structural specificity as reported. To be specific, their binding ability with ACE2, M, S, RBD and N proteins were verified with both in silico and wet lab methods, i.e., molecular docking and binding affinity tests, including biolayer interferometry assay (BLI) and isothermal titration calorimetry assay (ITC). Moreover, systematic pharmacological analysis was conducted to reveal their pharmacological mechanism in treating COVID-19. Finally, their antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 was determined in vitro in a biosafety level 3 (BSL3) laboratory. The results demonstrated their outstanding binding affinity with ACE2, M, S and RBD proteins, while showed barely unobserved binding with N protein, indicating their key roles in influencing the invasion and early replication phase of SARS-CoV-2. In addition, both hesperidin and glucosyl hesperidin were shown to have a great impact on immune, inflammation and virus infection induced by COVID-19 according to the systematic pharmacological analysis. Moreover, the IC50s of hesperidin and glucosyl hesperidin against SARS-CoV-2 were further determined (51.5 [Formula: see text]M and 5.5 mM, respectively) with cell-based in vitro assay, suggesting their great anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity. All in all, present research was the first to verify the binding ability of hesperidin and glucosyl hesperidin with SARS-CoV-2 proteins with both in silico and wet-lab methods and proposed the possibility of applying hesperidin and glucosyl hesperidin to treat COVID-19.

Changes in heavy metal levels, reproductive characteristics, oxidative stress markers and testicular apoptosis in rams raised around thermal power plant

Male reproductive dysfunction is one of the damages in the organism caused by heavy metals. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the changes in heavy metal levels in serum and testicular tissue, and serum hormone levels, epididymal spermatozoa characteristics, tissue oxidative stress levels, testicular histology and testicular apoptosis level in rams raised in remote and near regions of a thermal power plant. A total of 75 rams were divided into 3 groups according to the regions, where they were born and raised, being far [250 km distance, group 1 (control), n = 25], close (20 km distance, group 2, n = 25) and very close (10 km distance, group 3, n = 25) to the thermal power plant. The blood along with testis and epididymis tissues was taken from the animals after slaughtering. In addition, soil and water heavy metal analyzes were also performed. The highest levels of serum Al, Cr, As, Ag, Sn and testicular Al, V, Ni, Ag, Cd, Cr, As, Pb, and the lowest levels of serum Cu, testicular Cu and Zn were determined in group 3 compared to control. Soil and water heavy metal results were similar to those found in serum and testis. The lowest serum testosterone level, tissue glutathione-peroxidase and catalase activities, spermatozoon concentration, and the highest tissue malondialdehyde level, dead spermatozoon rate, Bax apoptotic protein expression level and Bax/Bcl-2 rate alongside some testicular histopathological lesions were found in group 3 in comparison to control. Significant correlations were determined between some heavy metal levels and some parameters measured. As a result, heavy metals accumulate in the soil and water in the region close to the thermal power plant. The endocrine and exocrine reproductive potentials of rams born and grown in these regions were clearly damaged by the increased testicular heavy metals due to water drank and herbs consumed.

Effects of VO2 nanoparticles on human liver HepG2 cells: Cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and glucose and lipid metabolism disorders

The rapid development of smart materials stimulates the production of vanadium dioxide (VO₂) nanomaterials. This significantly increases the population exposure to VO₂ nanomaterials via different pathways, and thus urges us to pay more attentions to their biosafety. Liver is the primary accumulation organ of nanomaterials in vivo, but the knowledge of effects of VO₂ nanomaterials on the liver is extremely lacking. In this work, we comprehensively evaluated the effects of a commercial VO₂ nanoparticle, S-VO₂, in a liver cell line HepG2 to illuminate the potential hepatic toxicity of VO₂ nanomaterials. The results indicated that S-VO₂ was cytotoxic and genotoxic to HepG2 cells, mainly by inhibiting the cell proliferation. Apoptosis was observed at higher dose of S-VO₂, while DNA damage was detected at all tested concentrations. S-VO₂ particles were internalized by HepG2 cells and kept almost intact inside cells. Both the particle and dissolved species of S-VO₂ contributed to the observed toxicities. They induced the overproduction of ROS, and then caused the mitochondrial dysfunction, ATP synthesis interruption, and DNA damages, consequently arrested the cell cycle in G2/M phase and inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 cells. The S-VO₂ exposure also resulted in the upregulations of glucose uptake and lipid content in HepG2 cells, which were attributed to the ROS production and autophagy flux block, respectively. Our findings offer valuable insights into the liver toxicity of VO₂ nanomaterials, benefiting their safely practical applications.

Hesperidin prevents the combined toxicity of decabromodiphenyl ether and sodium nitrite in vitro

Decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) and Sodium nitrite (SN) coexist in the processing meat and fish foods, but there is no research considering them together. The present study aimed to investigate the binary mixture's toxicity of BDE-209 and SN and explore the protective effect of hesperidin (Hsp) on the combined toxicity. Results showed that compared with the impact of BDE-209 or SN alone, the binary mixture had a synergistic toxic effect on impairing the viability of HepG2 cells, accompanied by oxidative stress, Ca²⁺ accumulation, mitochondrial dysfunction. The increase of γ-H2AX fluorescent foci and micronuclei number also indicated its genotoxicity. Pretreatment of Hsp could significantly alleviate the above damage caused by the binary combination. These findings revealed the toxicological interaction of BDE-209 and SN and highlighted that food containing abundant natural flavonoids, as hesperidin, could reduce this toxicological risk.

The effects of hesperidin on colistin-induced reproductive damage, autophagy, and apoptosis by reducing oxidative stress

This study has been conducted to investigate the effect of hesperidin on colistin-induced reproductive damage in male rats. Twenty-four adult male Sprague Dawley rats were used as animal material. They were divided into four groups: control group, received physiological saline for 7 days by oral gavage; hesperidin group, received 300 mg/kg day hesperidin for 7 days; colistin group, received 73 mg/kg (total dose) colistin during 7 days; and colistin + hesperidin group, received 300 mg/kg day hesperidin following the colistin treatment. At the end of the study, routine spermatological parameters and biochemical evaluations were assayed. Also, apoptosis and autophagy biomarkers in testes were evaluated. Colistin increased oxidative stress, apoptosis and autophagy expression levels in testis. Hesperidin supplementation significantly decreased the oxidative stress levels in the testes of the colistin + hesperidin group when compared to the colistin group. The highest apoptosis and autophagy expression levels were detected in the colistin group. These values were statistically lower in the colistin + hesperidin group when compared to the colistin group. Colistin treatment decreased the percentage of sperm motility and increased sperm abnormality. Hesperidin supplementation mitigated significantly mentioned side effects compared to the colistin group. In conclusion, hesperidin supplementation can be a good strategy to mitigate colistin-induced testicular toxicity.

Vanadium adversely affects sperm motility and capacitation status via protein kinase A activity and tyrosine phosphorylation

Vanadium is a chemical element that enters the atmosphere via anthropogenic pollution. Exposure to vanadium affects cancer development and can result in toxic effects. Multiple studies have focused on vanadium's detrimental effect on male reproduction using conventional sperm analysis techniques. This study focused on vanadium's effect on spermatozoa following capacitation at the molecular level, in order to provide a more detailed assessment of vanadium's reproductive toxicity. We observed a decrease in germ cell density and a structural collapse of the testicular organ in seminiferous tubules during vanadium treatment. In addition, various sperm motion parameters were significantly decreased regardless of capacitation status, including sperm motility, rapid sperm motility, and progressive sperm motility. Curvilinear velocity, straight-line velocity, average path velocity, beat cross frequency, and mean amplitude of head lateral displacement were also decreased after capacitation. Capacitation status was altered after capacitation. Vanadium dramatically enhanced protein kinase A (PKA) activity and tyrosine phosphorylation. Taken together, our results suggest that vanadium is detrimental to male fertility by negatively influencing sperm motility, motion kinematics, and capacitation status via abnormal PKA activity and tyrosine phosphorylation before and after capacitation.

Improvement of Testicular Steroidogenesis Using Flavonoids and Isoflavonoids for Prevention of Late-Onset Male Hypogonadism

Androgen production, being important for male fertility, is mainly accomplished by the Leydig cells from the interstitial compartment of the testis. Testosterone plays a critical role in testis development, normal masculinization, and the maintenance of spermatogenesis. Within seminiferous tubules, appropriate Sertoli cell function is highly dependent on testicular androgen levels and is essential to initiate and maintain spermatogenesis. During aging, testosterone production by the testicular Leydig cells declines from the 30s in humans at a rate of 1% per year. This review outlines the recent findings regarding the use of flavonoids and isoflavonoids to improve testosterone production, contributing to normal spermatogenesis and preventing age-related degenerative diseases associated with testosterone deficiency. With the cumulation of information on the actions of different flavonoids and isoflavonoids on steroidogenesis in Leydig cells, we can now draw conclusions regarding the structure-activity relationship on androgen production. Indeed, flavonoids having a 5,7-dihydroxychromen-4-one backbone tend to increase the expression of the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), being critical for the entry of cholesterol into the mitochondria, leading to increased testosterone production from testis Leydig cells. Therefore, flavonoids and isoflavonoids such as chrysin, apigenin, luteolin, quercetin, and daidzein may be effective in delaying the initiation of late-onset hypogonadism associated with aging in males.

Protective effects of hesperidin against MTX-induced hepatotoxicity in male albino rats

Hesperidin (HD), a bioflavonoid, has been shown to exert hepatoprotective effects. Our aim is to investigate the possible protective effects of HD against methotrexate (MTX) hepatotoxicity in adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats that were divided into four groups (10 rats/each) and were exposed to MTX with or without HD co-administration for consecutive 28 days. The results showed that HD significantly ameliorated MTX-induced increase in liver enzymes and histopathological changes. Hepatic oxidative stress was suppressed by HD, as evidenced by the decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA), with a concomitant increase in total antioxidant activity (TAC), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH) levels. Moreover, co-administration of HD with MTX remarkably upregulated the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 compared with the MTX group. By the decrease in nuclear factor-kB (NF-κB) pathway and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), HD obviously attenuated inflammatory response in MTX-lesioned livers. Likewise, the downregulation of P53 by HD could explain its antiapoptotic effects as indicated by increase BCl2 and the significant decrease of caspase-9 mRNA expression as compared with the MTX group. Thus, these findings revealed the hepatoprotective nature of HD against MTX hepatotoxicity by attenuating the pro-inflammatory and apoptotic mediators and improving antioxidant aptitude.

Protective Effects of Dietary Antioxidants against Vanadium-Induced Toxicity: A Review

Vanadium (V) in its inorganic forms is a toxic metal and a potent environmental and occupational pollutant and has been reported to induce toxic effects in animals and people. In vivo and in vitro data show that high levels of reactive oxygen species are often implicated in vanadium deleterious effects. Since many dietary (exogenous) antioxidants are known to upregulate the intrinsic antioxidant system and ameliorate oxidative stress-related disorders, this review evaluates their effectiveness in the treatment of vanadium-induced toxicity. Collected data, mostly from animal studies, suggest that dietary antioxidants including ascorbic acid, vitamin E, polyphenols, phytosterols, and extracts from medicinal plants can bring a beneficial effect in vanadium toxicity. These findings show potential preventive effects of dietary antioxidants on vanadium-induced oxidative stress, DNA damage, neurotoxicity, testicular toxicity, and kidney damage. The relevant mechanistic insights of these events are discussed. In summary, the results of studies on the role of dietary antioxidants in vanadium toxicology appear encouraging enough to merit further investigations.

Improvement of fertility parameters with Tribulus Terrestris and Anacyclus Pyrethrum treatment in male rats

OBJECTIVE

Anacyclus Pyrethrum (AP) and Tribulus Terrestris (TT) have been reported as male infertility treatment in several studies; however, in Iranian traditional medicine these two plants are prescribed simultaneously. In this study, we aimed to determine the effects of AP and TT extracts both separately and simultaneously on the male Wistar rat fertility parameters.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

32 male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: Control, TT, AP, and AT treated groups. Treatment continued for 25 days and rats were weighed daily. Their testes were dissected for histological studies. Sperm analysis including sperm count, viability and motility were performed. Serum was obtained to evaluate testosterone, LH and FSH levels. Histological studies were conducted to study Leydig, and Sertoli cells, spermatogonia and spermatid cell numbers, and to measure seminiferous diameter and epithelium thickness.

RESULTS

Sperm count increased in all the treatment groups. Sperm viability and motility in AT and AP groups were elevated. TT and AT groups showed signifi cantly increased testosterone level compared to control group (P=004, P=0.000, respectively) and TT, AP and AT treatment groups showed increased LH level (P=0.002, P=0.03 and P=0.000, respectively) compared to control, while only AT group showed increased FSH (p=0.006) compared to control. Histological studies showed signifi cant increase of spermatogonia, Leydig and Sertoli cell numbers and epithelial thickness in AT group compared to other groups. All the treatment groups had higher number of Leydig, spermatogonia and spermatid cells.

CONCLUSION

TT and AP improved sexual parameters; however, their simultaneous administration had higher improving effects on studied parameters.

In vitro study of the protective effect of manganese against vanadium-mediated nuclear and mitochondrial DNA damage

We aimed to study the effect of vanadium(V) exposure on cell viability, nuclear DNA (nDNA) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and to elucidate if these effects can be reverted by co-exposure to V and manganese (Mn). HepG2 cells were incubated with various concentrations of bis(maltolato)oxovanadium(IV) or MnCl2 for 32 h for viability study. The higher concentrations (59   μM V, 54 nM Mn and 59   μM V+54 nM Mn) were used to study DNA damage and uptake of V and Mn. Comet assay was used for the study of nDNA damage; mtDNA damage was studied by determining deletions and number of copies of the ND1/ND4 mtDNA region. Cellular content of V and Mn was determined using ICPMS. Cellular exposure to 59   μM V decreased viability (14%) and damaged nDNA and mtDNA. This effect was partially prevented by the co-exposure to V + Mn. Exposure to V increased the cellular content of V and Mn (812.3% and 153.5%, respectively). Exposure to Mn decreased the content of V and Mn (62% and 56%, respectively). Exposure to V + Mn increased V (261%) and decreased Mn (56%) content. The positive effects on cell viability and DNA damage when incubated with V + Mn could be due to the Mn-mediated inhibition of V uptake.

Protective efficiency of Ashrasi date palm hydroalcoholic extract against diabetes-induced testicular toxicity: A biochemical and stereological study

The present study was designed to investigate the protective effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Ashrasi date palm (ADP) on diabetes-induced testicular injuries. Adult male rats were randomly allocated into five groups (n = 8 in each group): 1: control; 2: diabetic; 3: diabetic + 30 mg/kg of ADP extract; 4: diabetic + 90 mg/kg of ADP extract; and 5: diabetic + 270 mg/kg of ADP extract. Diabetes was induced by a single dose of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg) intraperitoneally. Testicular changes were assessed quantitatively using stereological method followed by measuring antioxidant enzymes including catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase and serum testosterone level. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Bcl-2 expression were also evaluated in tissue samples. Diabetes resulted in significant deleterious alterations in the architecture of testicular tissue, suppressed antioxidant enzymes and testosterone levels and increased lipid peroxidation. The expression of Bcl-2 was downregulated in diabetic testis and resulted in enhanced apoptosis. Eight weeks of ADP extract treatment especially at higher doses could markedly improve structural changes of testis and restore the antioxidant defence and testosterone levels in testicular tissue. In conclusion, this findings showed that ADP extract can play as a potent antioxidant and can attenuate the adverse effects of diabetes on male reproduction.

Concentrations of vanadium in urine and seminal plasma in relation to semen quality parameters, spermatozoa DNA damage and serum hormone levels

Widespread human exposure to vanadium has been well documented. Vanadium exposure was reported to induce male reproductive toxicity in toxicological studies, yet human epidemiologic studies are lacking. Here we determined the associations between environmental exposure to vanadium and semen quality, spermatozoa DNA damage and serum reproductive hormones. Concentrations of vanadium in seminal plasma and repeated urine samples were determined among 764 men recruited from a reproductive medicine centre. Associations of vanadium concentrations with semen quality parameters (n = 764), DNA integrity measures (n = 404) and serum reproductive hormones (n = 381) were assessed by logistic or linear regression models with adjustment for potential confounders. Significant positive dose-response relationships were observed between vanadium concentrations in seminal plasma and tail length and serum estradiol, as well as odds ratios for a below-reference-value sperm concentration; whereas inverse relationships between seminal plasma vanadium with total testosterone (T) and free T (all p values for trends <0.05) were observed. These relationships were maintained after adjusting for seminal plasma concentrations of other elements (i.e., arsenic, cadmium, copper, selenium, or tin). No significant associations was revealed between urinary vanadium concentrations and semen quality, spermatozoa DNA integrity and reproductive hormones. Our findings suggested that elevated vanadium exposure may be adversely associated with male reproductive health, and that seminal plasma vanadium may be a more direct exposure biomarker for the male reproductive system than urinary vanadium.

Aluminium phosphide-induced testicular toxicity through oxidative stress in Wistar rats: Ameliorative role of hesperidin

The present study was designed to investigate aluminium phosphide (ALP)-induced testicular toxicity, including its effects on sperm parameters and histological alterations in Wistar rats, and the possible protective role of hesperidin (HSD). Oral administration of ALP at 1.15 mg/kg body weight (1/10 LD50) for 30 days resulted in a significant increase in testicular malondialdehyde, lipid hydroperoxides, and oxidized protein levels. These indicators of oxidative stress were accompanied by decreased activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase, followed by a drastic reduction in the non-enzymatic antioxidant indices of glutathione and total antioxidant capacity when compared to control. Furthermore, ALP treatment produced a marked reduction in sperm count, motility and viability while increasing abnormal sperm morphology and adverse histopathological changes in testis. Co-administration with HSD significantly ameliorated ALP-induced testicular damage by suppressing oxidative stress indices and enhancing antioxidant status while also improving the sperm parameters and histological alterations in ALP-treated rats. The results of the present study indicated that testicular toxic effects of ALP are due to oxidative imbalance and that HSD could be a potential therapeutic agent against ALP-induced testicular damage.

Optimization of Regioselective α-Glucosylation of Hesperetin Catalyzed by Cyclodextrin Glucanotransferase

The regioselective α-glucosylation of hesperetin was achieved by a transglycosylation reaction catalyzed by cyclodextrin glucanotransferase (CGTase) from Thermoanaerobacter sp. using soluble starch as glucosyl donor. By combining mass spectrometry (ESI-TOF) and 2D-NMR analysis, the main monoglucosylated derivative was fully characterized (hesperetin 7-O-α-d-glucopyranoside). In order to increase the yield of monoglucoside, several reaction parameters were optimized: Nature and percentage of cosolvent, composition of the aqueous phase, glucosyl donor, temperature, and the concentrations of hesperetin and soluble starch. Under the optimal conditions, which included the presence of 30% of bis(2-methoxyethyl) ether as cosolvent, the maximum concentration of monoglucoside was approximately 2 mM, obtained after 24 h of reaction. To our knowledge, this is the first report of direct glucosylation of hesperetin employing free enzymes instead of whole cells.

Protective effects of flavonoids against microbes and toxins: The cases of hesperidin and hesperetin

Many plants produce flavonoids as secondary metabolites. These organic compounds may be involved in the defense against plant-threatening factors, such as microbes and toxins. Certain flavonoids protect their origin source against plant pathogens, but they also exhibit potential healthy properties in human organisms. Hesperidin (Hsd) and its aglycone, hesperetin (Hst), are two flavonoids from the Citrus species that exhibit various biological properties, including antioxidant, antiinflammatory and anticancer effects. Recent studies indicated that Hst and Hsd possess antimicrobial activity. Although the exact mechanisms behind their antimicrobial properties are not fully understood, several mechanisms such as the activation of the host immune system, bacterial membrane disruption, and interference with microbial enzymes, have been proposed. Hsd and Hst may also have protective effects against toxicity induced by various agents. These natural substances may contribute to the protection of cells and tissues through their antioxidant and radical scavenging activities. This review discusses the protective activities of Hsd and Hst against microbes and several toxicities induced by oxidants, chemicals, toxins, chemotherapy and radiotherapy agents, which were reported in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the probable mechanisms behind these activities are discussed.