Protective effect of L-carnitine and L-arginine against busulfan-induced oligospermia in adult rat

Prevention of aflatoxin B1 toxicity by pomegranate peel extract and its effects on growth, blood biochemical changes, oxidative stress and histopathological alterations

Contamination of animal feeds with mycotoxins is one of the most serious issues in the world of animal nutrition. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of pomegranate peel extract (PPE) versus oxytetracycline (OXY) in reducing aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) toxicity in rabbits fed contaminated diets. This experiment was done on 48 weaned NZW, four groups (n = 12). The first (AF) served as the control group feed on an infected diet by AFB1 between 0.02 and 0.03 mg/kg BW; second (AF + OXY) received an infected diet by AFB1 and was treated with OXY 200 mg/kg BW/day; third (AF + PPE) received an infected diet by AFB1 and treated with PPE 130 mg/kg BW/day; fourth (AF + OXY + PPE) received an infected diet by AFB1 and treated with a daily oral dose of 100 mg/kg BW/day of OXY + PPE (65 mg/kg BW/day), the experiment lasted for 8 weeks experiment. The treated group with PPE and its combination with OXY concurrent with AF showed amelioration markedly for liver and kidney function. To summarise, adding PPE and combining it with OXY at a half dose to an AFB1-contaminated diet can help minimise the harmful effects of AFB1 on rabbit performance.

The impact of busulfan on the testicular structure in prepubertal rats: A histological, ultrastructural and immunohistochemical study

Busulfan is a widely used cancer chemotherapeutic agent. Temporary or permanent sterility in male patients is one of the most common side effects of this drug. The present study was performed to evaluate the changes in the microscopic structure of the testes of prepubertal rats, as well as the changes in PCNA and caspase-3 immune expression, at different durations after busulfan administration. The rats were 5 weeks old and were divided into two main groups. Control group and busulfan treated group. Busulfan treated group received a single dose of busulfan (40 mg/kg), then animals were subdivided to three subgroups; IIa, IIb, IIc which were sacrificed after four, ten and twenty weeks, respectively, from the beginning of the experiment. Light and electron microscopic studies were done. Serum testosterone level and relative testes weight were assessed. Immunohistochemical staining for anti-proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and anti-caspase-3 antigen was also done. Morphometric and statistical studies were carried out. Group II revealed histological and ultrastructural degenerative changes including congested blood vessels and degenerated spermatogenic epithelium, Sertoli cells, and Leydig cells. These changes were more evident after 10 weeks of busulfan administration and were accompanied by absence of mature sperms in the lumen of seminiferous tubules. These changes were associated with a significant reduction in relative testes weight, testosterone level, germinal epithelial height and seminiferous tubule diameter. Moreover, PCNA and caspase-3 immune expression was significantly altered in busulfan treated group. Mild improvement in testicular structure was observed 20 weeks after busulfan treatment.

Sitagliptin ameliorates busulfan-induced pulmonary and testicular injury in rats through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, and antiapoptotic effects

Busulfan (BUS) is an anticancer agent with serious adverse effects on various body organs, including the lung and testis. Sitagliptin was proven to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, and antiapoptotic effects. This study aims to evaluate whether sitagliptin, a DPP4I, ameliorates BUS-induced pulmonary and testicular injury in rats. Male Wistar rats were split into control, sitagliptin (10 mg/kg), BUS (30 mg/kg), and sitagliptin + BUS groups. Weight change, lung and testis indices, serum testosterone, sperm parameters, markers of oxidative stress [malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH)], inflammation [tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)], and relative expression of sirtuin1 (SIRT1) and forkhead box protein type O1 (FOXO1) genes were estimated. Histopathological examination of lung and testicular tissues was done to detect architectural changes [Hematoxylin & Eosin (H&E)], fibrosis (Masson's trichrome), and apoptosis (caspase-3). Sitagliptin treatment reduced body weight loss, lung index, lung and testis MDA, serum TNF-α and sperm abnormal morphology, and increased testis index, lung and testis GSH, serum testosterone, sperm count, viability and motility. SIRT1/FOXO1 balance was restored. Also, sitagliptin attenuated fibrosis and apoptosis in lung and testicular tissues via reducing collagen deposition and caspase-3 expression. Accordingly, sitagliptin ameliorated BUS-induced pulmonary and testicular damage in rats via attenuating oxidative stress, inflammation, fibrosis, and apoptosis.

Mitigating effect of L-carnitine against atrazine-induced hepatotoxicity: histopathological and biochemical analyses in albino rats

Atrazine (ATR) is an extensively used herbicide that is often found in drinking water and waterways. After metabolization and excretion in the liver, ATR residues or its metabolites were found in tissues causing harmful effects mainly to the endocrine system and liver. This study aimed to elucidate the toxic impact of ATR on the liver and possible ameliorative effects of L-carnitine (LC). It utilized 30 adult male albino rats divided into three equal groups; the control group received 0.5 cc distilled water orally for 14 days, an ATR-treated group received ATR in a dose of 400 mg/kg BW dissolved in distilled water by oral gavage daily for 14 days, and a protected group (ATR + LC) received 400 mg/kg BW of ATR dissolved in distilled water, plus 100 mg/kg LC dissolved in distilled water by oral gavage daily for 14 days. At the end of the experiment, the liver tissue was prepared for histological and biochemical analyses and showed significant elevation of liver enzymes and oxidative parameters, altered expression of apoptotic and antiapoptotic genes, and hepatic degenerative changes in the ATR-treated group. In conclusion, atrazine induces oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in the liver of rats, and these toxic effects can be alleviated by L-carnitine.

Gallic acid ameliorates busulfan-induced testicular toxicity and damage in mature rats

Here, we studied the protective effect of gallic acid (GAL) as a potent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory agent against damage caused by busulfan (BUS) in the testes of adult rats. The adult Wistar rats were assigned as control, BUS: was intraperitoneally (i.p.) treated with busulfan (15 mg/kg, day 7 and 14), GAL + BUS: was co-treated with busulfan (i.p., 15 mg/kg, day 7 and 14) and orally treated (per os) with gallic acid (60 days, 20 mg/kg) and GAL: was treated with gallic acid (per os, 60 days, 20 mg/kg). The results showed that GAL co-treatment increased the numbers of spermatogonia (Type A and B), spermatocytes (primary and secondary) and round spermatids, along with the tubular diameter, epithelial height and gonado-somatic index. In addition, BUS-induced increase in 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase activities were inhibited on GAL co-treatment. Similarly, BUS-induced decrease in gluthathione concentration, catalase and superoxide dismutase activities along with increase in myeloperoxidase activity and malondialdehyde concentration were significantly normalized to control values on GAL co-treatment. Busulfan-induced elimination of tubular germ cells was completely prevented by GAL. Overall, GAL may inhibit BUS-mediated spermatogenesis arrest via decreasing inflammatory-mediated oxidative stress in a rat experimental model.

Hydroxytyrosol Benefits Boar Semen Quality via Improving Gut Microbiota and Blood Metabolome

Semen quality is one of the most important factors for the success of artificial insemination which has been widely applied in swine industry to take the advantages of the superior genetic background and higher fertility capability of boars. Hydroxytyrosol (HT), a polyphenol, has attracted broad interest due to its strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activities. Sperm plasma membrane contains a large proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids which is easily impaired by oxidative stress and thus to diminish semen quality. In current investigation, we aimed to explore the effects of dietary supplementation of HT on boar semen quality and the underlying mechanisms. Dietary supplementation of HT tended to increase sperm motility and semen volume/ejaculation. And the follow-up 2 months (without HT, just basal diet), the semen volume was significantly more while the abnormal sperm was less in HT group than that in control group. HT increased the “beneficial microbes” Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Eubacterium, Intestinimonas, Coprococcus, and Butyricicoccus, however, decreased the relative abundance of “harmful microbes” Streptococcus, Oscillibacter, Clostridium_sensu_stricto, Escherichia, Phascolarctobacterium, and Barnesiella. Furthermore, HT increased plamsa steroid hormones such as testosterone and its derivatives, and antioxidant molecules while decreased bile acids and the derivatives. All the data suggest that HT improves gut microbiota to benefit plasma metabolites then to enhance spermatogenesis and semen quality. HT may be used as dietary additive to enhance boar semen quality in swine industry.

Comparative Potential of Zinc Sulfate, L-Carnitine, Lycopene, and Coenzyme Q10 on Cadmium-Induced Male Infertility

The human exposure to toxic chemicals and heavy metals is one of the main predisposing factors contributing to male infertility. Acute exposure to cadmium chloride results in testicular damage and infertility. The purpose of the present study was to investigate and compare the curative effect of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), lycopene, L-carnitine (LC), and zinc sulfate against the cadmium-induced infertility in male Wistar rats. Cadmium chloride (0.4 mg/kg/day) was orally administered to rats for three consecutive days. Then, oral administration of different treatments (i.e., LC 100 mg/kg, CoQ10 20 mg/kg, lycopene 4 mg/kg, zinc sulfate 6 mg/kg, and a combination LC-CoQ10 at 500/50 mg/kg) was carried out for 30 days. The impact of different treatments on semen parameters, such as sperm count and motility, testicular antioxidants, and serum testosterone, was determined. Furthermore, the morphology of epididymis sperms and histopathology of rat testes were also assessed. Cadmium exposure decreased the sperm count, progressive sperm motility, testosterone, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase and reduced glutathione (GSH). It also caused banana sperm tail, bent sperm head, vacuolization of seminiferous tubules, and oligospermia in rat testes. All treatments with nutraceuticals improved sperm count, sperm morphology, serum testosterone, vacuolization of seminiferous tubules, and oligospermia in diseased rats. Treatment with lycopene, LC, and LC-CoQ10 improved progressive sperm motility and other parameters and increased SOD, GSH, and CAT in the rat testes. CoQ10 also increased SOD activity in rat testes' tissue homogenates. It is concluded from the current study that all nutraceuticals partially improved reproductive toxicity of cadmium. The administration of lycopene and a high-dose combination of LC-CoQ10 were more efficacious in treating cadmium-induced infertility than other treatments. Treatment of cadmium-exposed rats with lycopene, LC, CoQ10, and LC-CoQ10 improved sperm count and motility through reduction of testicular oxidative stress and improving serum testosterone.

The Role of the Natural Antioxidant Mechanism in Sperm Cells

Molecular studies of the causes of male infertility revealed a significant contribution of oxidative stress. When excessive amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced or antioxidant activity fails, the equilibrium between oxidation and reduction is disrupted, causing oxidative stress (OS). High levels of ROS can have an adverse effect on sperm function through the initiation of DNA damage, lipid peroxidation, loss of membrane integrity and increased permeability, inactivation of cellular enzymes, and cell apoptosis. In addition to endogenous factors such as immature sperm, leukocytes, and varicocele, potential causes of excessive ROS can also be found exogenously in males with testicular hyperthermia or exposed to environmental toxicity. To maintain the optimal functioning of sperm cells, it is, therefore, necessary to balance the redox potential, i.e., to balance ROS by antioxidants. The purpose of this review is to present the antioxidant defense systems in semen.

The mechanism analysis using PI3K/AKT pathway for the effects of levocarnitine in the treatment of spermatogenic dysfunction

LEV improves the percentage of forward-motion spermatozoon and total sperm motility in patients with oligozoospermia or asthenospermia in clinical settings. However, the mechanism of action of levocarnitine (LEV) in the treatment of spermatogenic dysfunction was unclear. Based on in vitro and in vivo experiments, we used Glucosides of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F (GTW) to construct a cell model (using spermatogenic GC-1 spg cells) and an animal model (using rats) of spermatogenic dysfunction. LEV and LY294002 (a PI3K pathway inhibitor) were then administered. By assessing apoptosis and sperm quality and motility, the underlying mechanism was explored. We found that GTW induced spermatogenic dysfunction, and LEV ameliorated the GTW-induced spermatogenic dysfunction. LEV inhibited GC-1 spg cell apoptosis and improved the sperm count and percentages of PR (forward motion) + NP (non-forward motion) (p < .01). Besides, the morphology of testicular tissue in the GTW + LEV and LY + LEV groups was superior to that in the GTW group. We can to the conclusion that LEV may operate via the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway, with increases in PI3K, p-AKT, and BCL-2 protein and mRNA expression, so that the percentages of GC-1 spg cells apoptosis decrease, and the sperm count and motility improve.

CRISP2, CATSPER1 and PATE1 Expression in Human Asthenozoospermic Semen

The etiology of human asthenozoospermia is multifactorial. The need to unveil molecular mechanisms underlying this state of infertility is, thus, impelling. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are involved in microRNA (miRNA) inhibition by a sponge activity to protect mRNA targets. All together they form the competitive endogenous RNA network (ceRNET). Recently, we have identified differentially expressed circRNAs (DE-circRNAs) in normozoospermic and asthenozoospermic patients, associated with high-quality (A-spermatozoa) and low-quality (B-spermatozoa) sperm. Here, we carried out a differential analysis of CRISP2, CATSPER1 and PATE1 mRNA expression in good quality (A-spermatozoa) and low quality (B-spermatozoa) sperm fractions collected from both normozoospermic volunteers and asthenozoospermic patients. These sperm fractions are usually separated on the basis of morphology and motility parameters by a density gradient centrifugation. B-spermatozoa showed low levels of mRNAs. Thus, we identified the possible ceRNET responsible for regulating their expression by focusing on circTRIM2, circEPS15 and circRERE. With the idea that motility perturbations could be rooted in quantitative changes of transcripts in sperm, we evaluated circRNA and mRNA modulation in A-spermatozoa and B-spermatozoa after an oral amino acid supplementation known to improve sperm motility. The profiles of CRISP2, CATSPER1 and PATE1 proteins in the same fractions of sperm well matched with the transcript levels. Our data may strengthen the role of circRNAs in asthenozoospermia and shed light on the molecular pathways linked to sperm motility regulation.

Red-Fleshed Apple Anthocyanin Extracts Attenuate Male Reproductive System Dysfunction Caused by Busulfan in Mice

In this research, we analyzed the effect of an intragastrical oral administration of red-fleshed apple anthocyanin extract (RAAE) on busulfan-treated mice. First, we showed that the most abundant component in RAAE was cyanidin 3-O-galactoside. To determine the effect of the RAAE, the mice were divided into control and four other different concentrations of RAAE feeding treatment groups (BA0, no RAAE; BA.1, 0.1 mg/kg; BA1, 1 mg/kg; and BA5, 5 mg/kg) following busulfan injection. We observed that RAAE treatments displayed ameliorative effects on male reproductive system dysfunction caused by busulfan, such as recovering the irregular arrangements of seminiferous tubules, increasing the number of spermatogonia and spermatocytes, improving sperm concentration by 3-fold in BA.1, and improving sperm motility by 2-fold in BA1. The liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis showed significant up- or downregulation of certain metabolites, such as lysophosphatidylcholine (LysoPC), L-arginine, glycine, anandamide, and L-carnitine, which could contribute to the positive effects of RAAE, especially in PBA1 (plasma of BA1) and PBA5 (plasma of BA5). Taken together, the results indicate that 1 mg/kg of RAAE is a suitable concentration for rescuing spermatogenesis in mice. The research suggests that RAAE could be a potential nutraceutical for protecting spermatogenesis after busulfan therapy in cancer.

L-carnitine extenuates endocrine disruption, inflammatory burst and oxidative stress in carbendazim-challenged male rats via upregulation of testicular StAR and FABP9, and downregulation of P38-MAPK pathways

We have addressed in the current study the potential of L-carnitine (LC) to extenuate the reproductive toxic insults of carbendazim (CBZ) in male rats, and the molecular mechanisms whereby carnitine would modify the spermatogenic and steroidogenic derangements invoked by the endocrine disruptor. Herein, animals received daily doses of carbendazim (100 mg/kg) by gavage for 8 weeks. Another CBZ-challenged group was co-supplemented with LC (500 mg/kg, IP) twice weekly for 8 weeks. Sperm quantity and quality (morphology, motility and viability), serum testosterone and gonadotropins, and thyroid hormone levels were assessed. Serum tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) concentrations were determined by ELISA. Oxidant/antioxidant status in rat testis was investigated via measuring testicular contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH), as well as the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Immunohistochemical localizations of the junctional protein; occludin, and inflammatory markers; inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κB) were further analyzed. A host of transduction genes that regulate spermatogenic and steroidogenic pathways, and their encoded proteins namely, Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory Protein (StAR), Fatty acid binding protein 9 (FABP9) and P38-mitogen activated protein kinase (P38-MAPK) were assessed by real time quantitative (RT-qPCR) and Western blot. LC improved rat spermiogram, testicular histological alterations and endocrine perturbances, and modulated genes' expressions and their respective proteins. In conclusion, LC effects appear to reside for the most part on its endocrine-preserving, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties through a myriad of interlaced signal transductions that ultimately recapitulated its beneficial effects on spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis.

Antioxidant and antiapoptotic paracrine effects of mesenchymal stem cells on spermatogenic arrest in oligospermia rat model

BACKGROUND

Oligospermia is one of the common causative factors of male infertility. Some medical and hormonal therapy for male infertility is typically with unsatisfactory outcome. Stem cell therapy has become a new therapeutic strategy for restoring function in addition to inducing proliferation and differentiation of malfunctioning germ cells. This work aims at investigating the potential ability of BM-MSCs to repair the spermatogenic arrest in oligospermic rat model.

METHODS

In this work, a rat model of oligospermia was induced using two intraperitoneal injections of busulfan (15 mg/kg) with two weeks interval. Rats were divided into (i) donor group [source of the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) that were labelled and transfected with green fluorescent protein (GFP)] and (ii) experimental groups that were subdivided into: GpI (control), GpII (spermatogenic arrest model), GpIII (untreated rats), and GpIV (BM-MSCs treated rats). Estimation of the testicular weight, sperm count and motility % were performed. Histological and immunohistochemical staining for inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and caspase-3 (Cas-3) were conducted. Besides, the level of the testicular malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and testicular testosterone were estimated by ELISA.

RESULTS

Oligospermic rats illustrated hypospermatogenesis of the seminiferous tubule with spermatocyte and spermatid arrest, focal thickening of the basement membrane and significant increase in germ cells apoptosis and testicular oxidative stress. Compared with the control, MDA and TNF-α were markedly elevated with marked suppression of the testicular testosterone. Intra-testicular injection of BM-MSCs substantially ameliorated these changes and effectively improved the sperm count and motility %.

CONCLUSIONS

BM-MSCs improved the induced-spermatogenic arrest in the rat model mainly through anti-apoptotic and antioxidant paracrine effects.

Effect of l-carnitine on cardiotoxicity and apoptosis induced by imatinib through PDGF/ PPARγ /MAPK pathways

A tyrosine kinase inhibitor Imatinib (IM) is used in the treatment of different varieties of cancers. The current study was designed to explore the beneficial role of l-carnitine against IM-induced cardiotoxicity in rats. Male albino rats received IM (40 mg/kg, i.p.) either alone or/in combination with l-carnitine (100 mg/kg, i.p.) for 7 days. IM increased serum inflammatory cytokines, concomitant with activation of cardiac MAPK, α-SMA, malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide(NO), decreased cardiac peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) level, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and glutathione (GSH) content. The expression levels of Bcl-2 and PDGF were significantly decreased, while the expression levels of CTGF and BAX were significantly increased in the IM group. The l-carnitine treatment successfully protected the heart as indicated by the improvement of the biochemical and histopathological parameters. l-carnitine didn't affect the serum concentration of IM and increased intracellular concentration in the combination-treated group as measured by the mass spectrometer. Conclusion: l-carnitine abrogated IM-induced cardiac damage and apoptosis via PDGF/PPARγ/MAPK pathways.

Chronic exposure of adult male Wistar rats to bisphenol A causes testicular oxidative stress: Role of gallic acid

OBJECTIVES

Bisphenol A (BPA) has been reported that among other male reproductive dys-functions, it can cause marked estrogenic effects including alteration in serum hormones as well as testicular lesions in exposed animals. This work sought to study the role of gallic acid (GA), a known antioxidant, on the BPA-induced testicular oxidative stress in adult male Wistar rats using serum hormone analysis, histopathology, and biochemical assays.

METHODS

Adult male rats were divided into four groups (n=10) including control (0.2 ml of corn oil), GA (20 mg/kg/day), BPA (10 mg/kg/day), BPA+GA (BPA, 10 mg/kg/day + GA, 20 mg/kg/day). All medications were given by oral gavage for 45 consecutive days. The body and testicular weights were measured. Blood and organ samples were collected for the serum hormonal assay: testosterone (T), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and prolactin (PRL), and tissue biochemistry analysis: superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), respectively.

RESULTS

The BPA-treated rats showed significant reduction in the gonadosomatic index. BPA also caused significant decrease in the levels of the serum testosterone and prolactin. Furthermore, BPA induced testicular oxidative stress by decreasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes and increasing reactive oxygen species. However, co-treatment with GA protected against these alterations.

CONCLUSION

Findings from the present study confirmed the previously reported data and show that the ability of GA, as a potent antioxidant, may protect against BPA-induced alterations in the male reproductive function. Hence, GA protects against testicular oxidative stress in adult male Wistar rats following chronic exposure to BPA.

Enrichment of Broiler Chickens' Meat with Dietary Linseed Oil and Lysine Mixtures: Influence on Nutritional Value, Carcass Characteristics and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of four combinations of dietary linseed oil and lysine mixtures on performance, fatty and amino acid profiles, oxidative stress biomarkers, cell energy and meat quality parameters of broiler chickens. One hundred and sixty broiler chicks were allocated into four groups. Birds of groups 1–4 were fed diets containing optimum lysine and 2% of linseed oil, optimum lysine and 4% of linseed oil, high lysine and 2% of linseed oil, and high lysine and 4% of linseed oil, respectively, for a period of 35 days. High linseed oil or lysine levels did not affect the performance of the tested birds, but the high level of dietary linseed oil decreased the concentrations of muscles’ saturated fatty acids (SFA). The highest values of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty (ω-3 PUFA) and arachidonic acids with lowest levels of monounsaturated fatty (MUFA) were detected in the muscles of birds fed diets containing high linseed oils and/or lysine levels. High linseed oil or lysine levels provided the best essential amino acid profile and improved antioxidant components as well as cell energy, and tenderness and redness of the meat. Conclusively, high dietary lysine and linseed oil combinations improved the nutritional value, antioxidant status and cell energy of broiler chickens’ meat.

Amniotic fluid-derived exosomes improved spermatogenesis in a rat model of azoospermia

AIMS

This study aimed to explore the therapeutic effects of amniotic fluid-derived extracellular vesicles including exosomes (AF-Exos) on the recovery of sperm production capacity in a rat model of azoospermia.

MAIN METHODS

The non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) was induced in rats using intratesticular administration of Busulfan. Azoospermia was confirmed by testis histology. AF-Exos samples containing 10 or 40 μg exosomal proteins were injected into testicular tissue of NOA rats. After two months, the recovery of spermatogenesis was monitored via histopathological staining, spermiogram, and hormonal analysis. Immunohistochemistry staining for OCT-3/4 was used to identify of spermatogonial progenitors. The expression of DAZL and VASA, was also measured.

KEY FINDINGS

AF-Exos exhibited sphere-shaped morphology with the mean diameter and zeta potential of 50 ± 7.521 nm and -7.16 mV. Immunoblots revealed that isolated nanoparticles were CD63, CD9, and CD81 positive. Histopathological evaluation revealed that spermatogenesis was improved significantly in NOA rats after AF-Exos injection. Data showed that the sperm parameters and spermatogenesis index were significantly improved after AF-Exos injection compared to azoospermic groups. OCT-3/4⁺ cells were increased in NOA rats after AF-Exos injection, showing the restoration of spermatogenesis. In the present study, both doses of exosome (10 and 40 μg) restored the testicular function of NOA rats. DAZL and VASA were increased significantly in animals who received 40 μg exosomal protein compared to azoospermic rats. Except in a high dose of AF-Exos (40 μg) for Testosterone and FSH, no statistically significant differences were found regarding hormones post-exosome injection.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our study demonstrated that AF-Exos regenerated spermatogenesis and improved sperm quality in NOA rats.

NMR-based metabolomics approach to study the effects of Wu-Zi-Yan-Zong-Wan on triptolide-induced oligospermia in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Wu-Zi-Yan-Zong-Wan (WZYZW) is a commonly used Chinese medicinal recipe for oligozoospermia. Oligozoospermia is a common disease that harms human fertility, there is no effective therapeutic medicine at present. However, the underlying pharmacological mechanism remains unclear.

METHODS

Oligozoospermia rats model induced by Tripterygium glycosides (TG) was established to inspect the efficiency of WZYZW in the treatment of oligozoospermia by traditional pharmacodynamics combined with NMR-based metabolomics. Multivariate statistics were used to extracted the underlying biomarkers and metabolic pathways of WZYZW in the treatment of oligozoospermia.

RESULTS

The results showed that TG disturbed many metabolites and metabolic pathways such as oxidative stress (choline, O-phosphocholine, betaine and ascorbate), energy metabolism in mitochondria (glucose, lactate, succinate, fumarate, 3-hydroxybutyrate and alanine), mitochondrial apoptosis markers (Bax and Bcl-2) and amino acids metabolisms (arginine, branched-chain amino acids, taurine and myo-inositol).

CONCLUSIONS

WZYZW could significantly reverse the disturbed metabolites to their normal status by their abilities of anti-oxidation, anti-apoptosis, balancing the osmotic pressure regulatory molecules and regulating the amino acids metabolism. This study provides pharmacological basis and guidance for the clinical usage of WZYZW.

Impact of Dietary Betaine and Metabolizable Energy Levels on Profiles of Proteins and Lipids, Bioenergetics, Peroxidation and Quality of Meat in Japanese Quail

Three different diets were formulated with three levels of metabolizable energy (ME) (optimum; 2900, restricted; 2800 and low; 2700 kcal ME/kg diet) without or with (0 and 0.15%) betaine supplementation in 2 × 3 factorial design to evaluate the effect of six experimental diets on performance, proteins and lipids profiles, bioenergetics, peroxidation and meat quality of Japanese quail. Therefore, 360 quails allocated into six groups in a 23-day experiment. Dietary betaine and ME levels did not affect the performance, meat energy indices (ATP and AMP) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels of Japanese quail meat. Dietary betaine and/or ME levels induced significant changes in serum triacylglycerol (TAG), total cholesterols (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-c), meat total lipids and cholesterol of Japanese quail. Optimum and restricted ME levels reduced total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN) whereas dietary betaine increased ecosapentaenoic (EPA), docosahexaenoic acids (DHA) and glutamine concentrations in breast meat of Japanese quail. Dietary betaine and low energy diet improved cooking loss, thawing loss (ThL) and water holding capacity (WHC) in breast meat of Japanese quail. Conclusively, dietary betaine improved meat quality of Japanese quail fed diets containing either restricted or low ME by enrichments the meat with omega-3 fatty acids and reduction of lipids levels.

Testicular transcriptome analysis under the dietary inclusion of l-carnitine reveals potential key genes associated with oxidative defense and the semen quality factor in aging roosters

l-carnitine (LC) has been widely studied as a natural antioxidant molecule for treating low-fertility gametes. However, the molecular mechanism of the effect of LC supplementation on the testes of aging cocks has not been evaluated. Therefore, the objective of this study was to reveal the mechanism of testicular oxidative defense induced by LC supplementation in relation to the semen quality factor (SQF) in the aging cock through a transcriptome study conducted from a new perspective. A total of 24 Jinghong cocks at 55 wk of age were randomly divided into 2 groups (n = 12). All cocks were fed a standard isocaloric and isonitrogenic breeder diet (control, LC-0), and the other group was supplemented with LC at 150 mg/kg/d (treated, LC-150) for 12 wk. Remarkably, seminal characteristics and enzymes, sex hormones, and cock fertility related to testicular oxidative defense were considerably improved by LC supplementation. LC-150 testes showed the differential upregulation and downregulation of 97 and 90 transcripts, respectively, compared with LC-0 testes. Most upregulated transcripts were involved in testicular oxidative defense and spermiogenesis optimization, whereas the downregulated genes were responsible for oxidative stress, in contrast to the SQF. Functional analysis of the transcriptionally altered genes indicated the testicular deregulation of long-chain fatty acid and lipid peroxidation, enhancing fatty acid breakdown to release ATP production via β-oxidation. These findings could lay the foundation for the discovery of new molecular markers of SQF-associated LC supplementation and potential targets for therapeutic intervention to optimize fertility in aging cocks.

Antioxidants in Fish Sperm and the Potential Role of Melatonin

In recent years, the effects of novel antioxidants have played an important role in the research focusing on fish cell protection. As food demand grows, aquaculture production becomes more intensive, and fish are more exposed to oxidative stress conditions, like high densities, temperature shifting, frequent fish handling and samplings, and prophylactic or disease treatments, which expose fish to a different environment. Particularly in reproduction, germ cells lose antioxidant capacity with spermatogenesis, as spermatozoa are more prone to oxidative stress. Antioxidants have been used in a variety of fish physiological problems including in reproduction and in the establishment of cryopreservation protocols. From the most used antioxidants to natural plant food and herbs, and endogenously produced antioxidants, like melatonin, a review of the literature available in terms of their effects on the protection of fish spermatozoa is presented here in a classified structure. Several direct and indirect approaches to improve gamete quality using antioxidants administration are mentioned (through feed supplementation or by adding in cryopreservation media), as well as factors affecting the efficiency of these molecules and their mechanisms of action. Special attention is given to the unclear melatonin pathway and its potential scavenger activity to prevent and counteract oxidative stress damage on fish spermatozoa.

The protective role of l-carnitine on spermatogenesis after cisplatin treatment during prepubertal period in rats: A pathophysiological study

AIMS

As the spermatogenesis process is targeted by cisplatin (Cis) that changes testicular morphology, alters sperm quality, and hence causes male infertility. This study investigated the possible therapeutic effects of l-carnitine (LC) on Cis impaired spermatogenesis's establishment during the prepubertal phase.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ninety-six prepubertal Sprague Dawley male rats were divided into four groups.

CONTROL GROUP

rats were injected with 0.9% saline solution intraperitoneally (i.p.). LC group: animals were injected for eight weeks, with 250 mg/kg/wk. LC (i.p.). Cis group: animals were injected with a single dose of 5 mg/kg Cis (i.p.). LC + Cis group: animals were pre-injected with LC 250 mg/kg 2 h before Cis injection. The rats were sacrificed at 37, 60, and 90 days old, and their testes were taken for biochemical, molecular, and histopathological studies. The motility, viability, morphology, and DNA fragmentation of sperm in adult rats were also measured.

KEY FINDINGS

Group treated with LC and Cis showed an increase in antioxidant and hormonal activity compared to the Cis treated group in the pre and post-pubertal period. Moreover, there was an increase in sperm survival, motility, and DNA integrity. Furthermore, LC showed an increase in the anti-apoptotic and chromatin remodeling genes and a decrease in the pro-inflammatory genes.

SIGNIFICANCE

LC could enhance the spermatogenesis process after exposure to Cis during the prepubertal phase by restoring the balance between reactive oxygen species and antioxidant activity, improving hormonal activity, sperm quality and DNA integrity, promoting protamination and blood-testis barrier integrity, and maintaining the testicular architecture.

L-Carnitine and vitamin E ameliorate cardiotoxicity induced by tilmicosin in rats

The present study aimed to investigate the possible mitigating effect of L-carnitine (LC) and/or α-tocopherol (Vit. E) administration against tilmicosin (TIL)-induced cardiotoxicity in rats. Fifty-six male albino rats were divided into seven groups according to LC, Vit. E, and/or TIL administration. Control, LC, and Vit. E groups were given saline, 150 mg LC/kg body weight (BW)/day and 100 mg Vit. E/kg BW/day, respectively, orally once daily for 15 days. The TIL group was administered saline orally once daily for 15 days and a single dose of TIL (75 mg/kg BW) subcutaneously (SC) on day 14 from the starting of the experimental period (15 days). The TIL-LC, TIL-Vit. E, and TIL-LC-Vit. E groups received 150 mg LC/kg BW/day, 100 mg Vit. E/kg BW/day, and 150 mg LC/kg BW pulse 100 mg Vit. E/kg BW, respectively, orally once daily for 15 days with TIL as described above. The results revealed that the administration of TIL significantly (P ≤ 0.05) raised serum activities of heart injury indicators, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), and CK-MB with substantial increase (P ≤ 0.05) in the cardiac contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and decreased in antioxidants. The pathological changes appeared in the form of necrotic muscle fibers and massive inflammatory cellular infiltrations in the cardiac muscle and increased the caspase-3 immunohistochemical expression in the heart tissues as well. These changes were ameliorated by LC and/or Vit. E administration. In conclusion, supplementation of LC and/or Vit. E ameliorated the cardiotoxicity of the TIL SC injection in the rat.

The Nutraceutical Value of Carnitine and Its Use in Dietary Supplements

Carnitine can be considered a conditionally essential nutrient for its importance in human physiology. This paper provides an updated picture of the main features of carnitine outlining its interest and possible use. Particular attention has been addressed to its beneficial properties, exploiting carnitine's properties and possible use by considering the main in vitro, in animal, and human studies. Moreover, the main aspects of carnitine-based dietary supplements have been indicated and defined with reference to their possible beneficial health properties.

Effect of Dietary Microalgae on Growth Performance, Profiles of Amino and Fatty Acids, Antioxidant Status, and Meat Quality of Broiler Chickens

Simple Summary

The use of feed additives with no side effectsfor enhancing growth performance and improving meat quality in broilers chickens is an essential research topic. In these regards, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of three species of microalgae namely Chlorella vulgaris (CV), Spirulina platensis (SP) and Amphora coffeaformis (AC) on growth performance, profiles of fatty and amino acids, antioxidant status and meat quality of breast muscles. The results demonstrated that the inclusion of studied microalgae notably AC has a positive effect on performance, antioxidant status and meat quality of breast muscle in broiler chickens.

Abstract

The study used 96 broiler chickens to evaluate the impact of three species of microalgae on performance, profiles of fatty and amino acids, antioxidants, and meat quality of breast muscles. Birds were divided into four groups (24 birds/each) with 4 replicates (6 birds each). Birds in the first group were fed basal diet and served as a control (C). Birds of 2–4 groups were fed basal diet mixed with same dose (1 g/kg diet) of Chlorella vulgaris (CV), Spirulina platensis (SP), and Amphora coffeaformis (AC). At the age of 36 days, performance parameters were reported, and breast muscle samples were collected and stored frozen at −80 °C. AC shared CV in the superiority of increasing final body weight and body weight gain compared to SP and control. AC shared SP in the superiority of increasing the level of essential fatty and amino acids and decreasing the microbial growth in breast muscle compared to CV and control. All studied microalgae reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl (PC) levels, cooking loss, and aerobic plate count (APC) and increased the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in breast muscle compared to control. The current study indicated that studied microalgae, notably AC, can be used to enhance performance and meat quality in broilers chickens.

A combination of Semen Cuscutae and Fructus Lycii improves testicular cell proliferation and inhibits their apoptosis in rats with spermatogenic dysfunction by regulating the SCF/c-kit--PI3K--Bcl-2 pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Semen Cuscutae is the seed of Cuscuta japonica Choisy, and Fructus Lycii is the mature fruit of Lycium barbarum L. (Solanaceae). Semen Cuscutae and Fructus Lycii (SC-FL) are well-known Chinese medicine which have been used to tonify the kidney and replenish the essence for thousands of years. Chinese physicians prefer to prescribe them for treating male infertility. Recent studies have found that SC-FL repair spermatogenic dysfunction, however, the therapeutic mechanism has yet to be clearly elucidated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed at evaluating the therapeutic effect of SC-FL in glucosides of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f (GTW)-induced dyszoospermia rats and elucidating the underlying molecular mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventy-eight Sprague-Dauley (SD) rats were randomly divided into five groups: normal control (treated with saline), GTW (treated with saline), GTW + levocarnitine (treated with levocarnitine), GTW + SCFL (treated with SC-FL), and LY (LY294002, the PI3K inhibitor) +SCFL (treated with SC-FL). GTW (40 mg/kg/d) was intragastrically administered for 4 weeks to establish dyszoospermia model. From the start of the study, LY was additionally injected into the tail vein of rats of the LY + SCFL group once a week. After 8 weeks, semen quality and organ coefficient were determined and sex hormone, inhibin B, and epididymal carnitine levels were measured. Testicular tissue and its ultrastructure were observed using H&E (hematoxylin-eosin) staining and electron microscopy. Immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were used to determine the protein and mRNA expression of SCF, c-kit, PI3K, p-Akt, Bad, Bcl-2, and Bax in rat testis.

RESULTS

Compared with the GTW group, semen quality, the organ coefficient, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), and epididymal carnitine levels were significantly improved in the GTW + SCFL group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Histomorphology and testicular ultrastructural evaluation showed that in the GTW + SCFL group, the structure and arrangement of seminiferous tubules were better, the amount of spermatogenic cells increased significantly, the morphology of spermatogenic cells improved, and the mitochondria increased, compared to those in the GTW group. Immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and qRT-PCR results showed that compared with the GTW group, the expression of SCF, c-kit, PI3K, p-Akt, and Bcl-2 in the GTW + SCFL group was increased, while that of Bax and Bad was decreased. The expression of p-Akt and Bcl-2 decreased, while that of Bad and Bax increased in the LY + SCFL group compared with the SCFL group.

CONCLUSION

SC-FL can effectively inhibit spermatogenic cell apoptosis and promote their proliferation, and the mechanism may be related to the regulation of the SCF/c-kit--PI3K--Bcl-2 pathway.

Maternal exposure to environmentally relevant doses of bisphenol A causes reproductive dysfunction in F1 adult male rats: protective role of melatonin

This study investigated the protective effects of melatonin (MLT), a potent antioxidant, in male Wistar rats exposed to environmentally relevant doses of bisphenol A (BPA) in utero. Pregnant Wistar rats were randomly assigned into five groups. Group 1 (control) received 0.2 mL 1% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)/99% canola oil as vehicle; group 2 received BPA at 25 μg/kg/day; group 3 received BPA at 250 μg/kg/day; group 4 received BPA at 25 μg/kg/day with concurrent MLT 1 mg/kg/day while group 5 received BPA at 250 μg/kg/day with concurrent MLT 1 mg/kg/day. Treatments were by gavage from gestational day (GD) 10-21. The BPA-treated rats showed dose-dependent significant reduction in body weight, gonosomatic index, sperm motility, livability and count. Also, BPA caused significant reduction in the levels of serum testosterone and luteinizing hormone while it caused significant increases in the levels of follicle stimulating hormone as well as estradiol. Furthermore, BPA induced testicular oxidative stress including significant decreases in the activities of testicular SOD, GSH and GPx as well as GST, increasing the levels of testicular MDA and H2O2. It further induced interstitial necrosis and germinal cell degeneration in the testis with a subsequent diminution of the tubular and luminal diameter. However, co-treatment with MLT offered protection against testicular damage induced by BPA. Melatonin is likely to protect against alterations of the male reproductive system caused by BPA through a direct action on the mechanism of anti-oxidants as well as through the inhibition of necrosis.

Changes in Adult Rats’ Testis structure Induced by Hypothyroidism and Alleviating Role of L-Carnitine

Background Hypothyroidism is a metabolic disorder affecting the functions of many tissues in the body including the testis. Testis is rich in the polyunsaturated fatty acids content and lacks strong intrinsic antioxidant system making it prone to such oxidative stress. L-carnitine (LC) regulates long chain fatty acids metabolism; and is considered a valuable antioxidant factor. Aim It was to evaluate the effect of hypothyroidism induced by propylthiouracil (PTU) on rats’ testes and the possible protective role of LC. Methods Forty-eight adult male albino rats were used in this work. The animals were divided into three groups with sixteen animals in each. Group 1 (Control): Animals were kept without medications. Group 2 (PTU-treated): was subjected to administration of PTU; while group 3 (PTU and LC) received both PTU and LC. By the end of the experiment “30 days”, blood samples were taken for hormonal assay; then animals were anaesthetized and sacrificed. Specimens were homogenized for biochemical analysis; epididymal content of each rat was obtained immediately for semen analysis. Testes’ specimens were harvested, prepared and examined by light microscope examination. Results Induced hypothyroidism was noticed to cause histopathological, morphometric and biochemical changes in rat’s testes. LC protected the testicular specimens against such changes; it also improved the seminal quality and quantity as well as testicular structure and biochemistry. Conclusion Hypothyroidism could result in hazards to the structure of testis. Fortunately co-administration of LC might reduce such hazards.

The potent therapeutic effect of novel cyanobacterial isolates against oxidative stress damage in redox rats

AIMS

Cyanobacteria are immense sources of several pharmacological active compounds such as flavonoids and carotenoids with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. The potential therapeutic effect of two novel cyanobacterial isolates, Cronbergia siamensis (KY296358.1) and Sphaerospermopsis aphanizomenoides (KU212886.1), against hydrogen peroxide (H₂ O₂ )-induced oxidative stress damage in the rat model was determined in this study.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In vitro antioxidant activity of the two studied isolates was evaluated by radical scavenging assay and ferric reducing power. The possible prophylactic activity of S. aphanizomenoides (KU212886.1) against H₂ O₂ -induced oxidative stress in the rat model was assessed in vivo. Serum alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase were measured for the liver functions in redox rats. Liver malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione, oxidized glutathione, nitric oxide, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were assessed as oxidative stress markers. The effect of S. aphanizomenoides on the transcripts level of superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) and catalase (CAT) genes in the rat's liver tissues was measured using qRT-PCR. Oral administration of S. aphanizomenoides extract in low and high doses (100, 200 mg kg^-1 b.w) resulted in significant improvement in biochemical parameters of liver functions and oxidative stress markers. Also, the endogenous antioxidant defence enzymes and the expression of their related genes (Mn/SOD, CAT) were upregulated. Immunohistochemistry of Caspase-3, an apoptotic marker, showed potent amelioration in the liver tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

The novel isolate S. aphanizomenoides proved in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activity against redox rat model.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This isolate provides a new source of pharmacological compounds with great importance in pharmacological and medical fields.

Melatonin attenuates bisphenol A-induced toxicity of the adrenal gland of Wistar rats

This study investigated the role of melatonin (MLT) on adrenal gland toxicity induced by bisphenol A (BPA). Adult male rats were divided into four groups of seven animals each: Group I (control) received oral 0.2 ml canola oil; group II received intra-peritoneal 10 mg/kg BW/day MLT; and group III received oral BPA (10 mg/kg BW/day). Group IV rats were treated with same dose of BPA as group III with a concomitant intra-peritoneal 10 mg/kg BW/day MLT. All treatments lasted for 14 days. BPA significantly increased (P < 0.05) adrenal index, circulating levels of corticosterone and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in the rats. BPA caused marked vascular congestion, hyperplasia, cellular distortion, increased lipid peroxidation, decreased antioxidant enzymes, and decreased expression of αSmooth muscle actin as well as vimentin proteins. The concomitant treatment with MLT ameliorated these BPA-induced alterations. It is likely that melatonin attenuates BPA-induced alterations of the adrenal gland of rats through the antioxidant defense mechanism.

Protein Kinases Type II (PKG II) Combined with L-Arginine Significantly Ameliorated Xenograft Tumor Development: Is L-Arginine a Potential Alternative in PKG II Activation?

BACKGROUND The mammalian cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-dependent protein kinases type II (PKG II) plays critical physiological or pathological functions in different tissues. However, the biological effects of PKG II are dependent on cGMP. Published data indicated that L-arginine (L-Arg) promoted NO production, NO can activate soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), and catalyzes guanosine triphosphate (GTP) into cGMP, which suggested L-Arg could activate PKG II. Therefore, the present work was performed to address: (i) whether L-Arg could be a potential alternative in PKG II activation, and (ii) whether L-Arg also contributes to PKG II against cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS Nude BALB/c mice were inoculated with human MCF-7, HepG2, and SW480 cell lines via subcutaneous (s.c.) injecting. After 7 days of inoculation, Ad-PKG II was injected into the cancer tissues every 4 days, and the next day 10 μmol/mouse L-Arg was administered. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were used to assess protein expression. RESULTS Our results demonstrated that L-Arg significantly activated PKG II and effectively ameliorated xenograft tumor development through inhibiting cancer growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis, which was partially dependent on blocking of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activity, as well as downstream signaling pathways such as Erk1/2. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide an exciting new insight: L-Arg is a potential alternative to PKG II activation.