Cyclophosphamide-induced male subfertility in mice: An assessment of the potential benefits of Maca supplement

Influence of dietary supplementation with Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on sperm quality in dogs

Maca is a traditional Andean crop used as a nutraceutical for the fertility-enhancing properties that are linked with antioxidant activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate, for the first time, the potential beneficial effects of oral Maca (Lepidium meyenii or Lepidium peruvianum) supplementation in improving reproductive performance in male dogs. Forty-eight male dogs of different breeds were enrolled in the study, fed the same maintenance diet, and exposed to the same environmental conditions. The subjects were divided into four groups of 12 dogs each: Subfertile treatment group, Subfertile control group, Normofertile treatment group, and Normofertile control group. The dogs in the treatment groups received Lepidium meyenii in their diet in a capsule formulation [75 mg/kg Maca extract 10:1, thickening agent (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose), ground rice], while the control groups received placebo capsule (starch). For each subject included in the study, the spermiogram was analyzed at three time points of the sperm cycle: at day 0 (T0), day 31 (T31), and day 62 (T62). Dietary supplementation with Maca in subfertile subjects resulted in a significant increase in ejaculate volume and total sperm count compared to the control group. This increase was also observed in normofertile subjects in the treatment group. In addition, total and progressive motility as well as sperm morphology were significantly improved in the groups treated with Maca compared to the control groups. The results thus highlight, for the first time, the potential efficacy of supplementation with 75 mg/kg of Maca extract daily in improving semen quality in dogs.

Exploring the chemical and pharmacological variability of Lepidium meyenii: a comprehensive review of the effects of maca

Maca (Lepidium meyenii), a biennial herbaceous plant indigenous to the Andes Mountains, has a rich history of traditional use for its purported health benefits. Maca's chemical composition varies due to ecotypes, growth conditions, and post-harvest processing, contributing to its intricate phytochemical profile, including, macamides, macaenes, and glucosinolates, among other components. This review provides an in-depth revision and analysis of Maca's diverse bioactive metabolites, focusing on the pharmacological properties registered in pre-clinical and clinical studies. Maca is generally safe, with rare adverse effects, supported by preclinical studies revealing low toxicity and good human tolerance. Preclinical investigations highlight the benefits attributed to Maca compounds, including neuroprotection, anti-inflammatory properties, immunoregulation, and antioxidant effects. Maca has also shown potential for enhancing fertility, combating fatigue, and exhibiting potential antitumor properties. Maca's versatility extends to metabolic regulation, gastrointestinal health, cardio protection, antihypertensive activity, photoprotection, muscle growth, hepatoprotection, proangiogenic effects, antithrombotic properties, and antiallergic activity. Clinical studies, primarily focused on sexual health, indicate improved sexual desire, erectile function, and subjective wellbeing in men. Maca also shows promise in alleviating menopausal symptoms in women and enhancing physical performance. Further research is essential to uncover the mechanisms and clinical applications of Maca's unique bioactive metabolites, solidifying its place as a subject of growing scientific interest.

Effect of Atomized Black Maca (Lepidium meyenii) Supplementation in the Cryopreservation of Alpaca (Vicugna pacos) Epididymal Spermatozoa

Artificial insemination is an important assisted reproductive technology that has been applied in several mammalian species. However, successful cryopreservation of semen of South American camelids has been limited, hindering the commercial application of artificial insemination in alpaca species. In this scenario, the addition of antioxidants to semen extenders provides a strategy to improve the freezability of mammalian sperm. Bioactive metabolites from natural extracts of black maca have shown valuable antioxidant properties. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of atomized black maca in the freezing medium of epididymal spermatozoa of alpacas. Fifteen pairs of epididymis were collected from a local slaughterhouse. Each sample was divided into six groups: (1) fresh, (2) yolk medium (YM), (3) 10 mg/mL maca, (4) 20 mg/mL maca, (5) 30 mg/mL maca, and (6) resveratrol (as an antioxidant control). Sperm cryopreservation was performed through the slow freezing method. Markers associated with functionality, such as motility, viability, and plasma membrane integrity, as well as markers associated with oxidative damage, such as DNA integrity, total ROS production, and mitochondrial function, were analyzed. The results show that the supplementation with black maca (20 mg/mL) improved the sperm motility, viability, plasma membrane integrity, and mitochondrial function evaluated according to an index of formazan deposits. Similarly, the ROS production decreased with maca at 20 mg/mL, although the DNA integrity did not show any differences among the groups. These results suggest that maca at 20 mg/mL has cytoprotective effects during freezing/thawing of epididymal sperm of alpaca species. Further research will be focused on assessing the effects of maca supplementation on semen extenders by using biomolecular markers (proAKAP4) associated with fertility.

Biflavonoid quercetin protects against cyclophosphamide-induced organ toxicities via modulation of inflammatory cytokines, brain neurotransmitters, and astrocyte immunoreactivity

BACKGROUND

Cyclophosphamide use has been associated with increased oxidative stress in cells and tissues. Quercetin's antioxidative properties make it of potential benefit in such conditions of oxidative stress.

OBJECTIVE

To assess quercetin's ability to mitigate cyclophosphamide-induced organ toxicities in rats.

METHODS

Sixty rats were assigned into six groups. Groups A and D served as normal and cyclophosphamide control and were fed standard rat chow, groups B and E were fed quercetin supplemented diet (100 mg/kg of feed), while those in groups C and F were fed quercetin at 200 mg/kg of feed. Groups A-C received intraperitoneal (ip) normal saline on days 1 and 2, while D-F received ip cyclophosphamide (150 mg/kg/day on days 1 and 2). On day 21, behavioural tests were carried out, animals were sacrificed and blood samples taken. Organs were processed for histological study.

RESULTS

Quercetin reversed cyclophosphamide-induced decrease in body weight, food intake and total antioxidant capacity, and increase in lipid peroxidation (p = 0.001), It also reversed derangement in levels of liver transaminase, urea, creatinine and proinflammatory cytokines (p = 0.001). Improvement in working-memory and anxiety-related behaviours were also observed. Finally, quercetin reversed alterations in levels of acetylcholine, dopamine and brain-derived neurotropic factor (p = 0.021); while reducing serotonin levels and astrocyte immunoreactivity.

CONCLUSION

Quercetin shows significant ability to protect against cyclophosphamide-induced changes in rats.

Guijiajiao (Colla Carapacis et Plastri, CCP) prevents male infertility via gut microbiota modulation

Male infertility is a significant cause of psychosocial and marital distress in approximately 50% of couples who are unable to conceive, with male factors being the underlying cause. Guijiajiao (Colla Carapacis et Plastri, CCP) is a Traditional Chinese Medicine commonly used to treat male infertility. The present study aimed to investigate the potential mechanisms underlying the preventive effects of CCP on male infertility. An infertile male rat model was established using cyclophosphamide (CTX), and CCP was administered for both treatment and prevention. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was also performed to explore the role of gut microbiota in the CCP-mediated prevention of male infertility in rats. Sperm motility and concentration were determined using a semi-automatic sperm classification analyzer. Subsequently, histopathological analysis using HE staining was performed to examine the changes in the small intestine and testis. Moreover, the serum levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and testosterone were measured by ELISA. In addition, immunohistochemistry was conducted to detect CD3 expression in the small intestine, while RT-qPCR was employed to assess the expressions of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), cluster of differentiation 3 (CD3), Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL-10) in the small intestine and epididymis. Finally, gut microbiota was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing. CCP improved sperm motility, number, and concentration in CTX-induced infertile male rats. CCP increased the serum testosterone level, inhibited the immune cell infiltration of the intestinal lamina propria, and promoted the aggregation of CD3⁺ T cells in CTX-induced male infertility rats. CCP also inhibited the expressions of MCP-1, CXCL-10, and IL-1β in the epididymis of male infertility rats. At the genus level, CTX led to a reduction in the abundance of Lactobacillus, Clostridia_UCG.014, and Romboutsia in the intestinal tract of rats. In contrast, CCP decreased the abundance of Ruminococcus and increased the abundance of Romboutsia in infertile male rats. Additionally, FMT experiments proved that the gut microbiota of CCP-treated rats facilitated testicular tissue recovery and spermatogenesis while also reducing the serum LPS level in infertile male rats. CCP improves the spermatogenic ability of infertile male rats by restoring gut microbiota diversity and inhibiting epididymal inflammation.

Stem cell induction and plant regeneration are affected by medium components in maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp)

BACKGROUND

In medicinal plants, selection, reproduction and preservation of important genotypes are very necessary. Nowadays, using tissue culture and regeneration techniques of medicinal plants under in vitro conditions has been able to proliferate medicinal plants widely, which is much higher than traditional methods of vegetative propagation. Maca (Lepidium meyenii), is an industrial plant whose root is the usable part. Maca has valuable medicinal effects such as sexual enhancement and reproductive power, infertility treatment, improved sperm count and quality, anti-stress, osteoporosis prevention and more.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This study was conducted to induce callus and regeneration of Maca. First, MS medium supplemented with different concentrations of Kinetin, Naphthaleneacetic acid and 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid [0.5, 1 and 2 µM respectively] and control were compared for callus induction from root and leaves. After 38 days of incubation, the first callus appeared, after 50 days of callus induction and after 79 days regeneration occurred. The callus induction experiment was performed for the study of the effect of three explants (leaf, stem and root) and seven hormone levels. The regeneration experiment was carried out by studying the effect of three explants (leaf, stem and root) on eight levels of the hormone. The results of data analysis on callus induction showed that the effects of explants, hormones and their interactions on callus induction percentage were highly significant but not significant on callus growth rate. The results of regression analysis showed that explants, hormones and their interactions had no significant effect on regeneration percentage.

CONCLUSION

Based on our results, the best medium for inducing callus was Hormone 2,4-D [2 µM] and Kinetin [0.5 µM], in which the highest percentage of callus induction was in leaf explants (62%). And the lowest were in stem (30%) and root (27%) explants. According to the comparison of the mean, the best environment for regeneration of the environment was 4 µM 6-Benzylaminopurine 2.5 + Thidiazuron, in which the highest percentage of regeneration was in leaf explant (87%) and stem (69%) and the lowest in root explant (12). %).

Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) on semen quality parameters: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: This study aimed to examine the evidence for the effect of Lepidium meyenii Walp. [Brassicaceae] (L. meyenii W.), known as maca, on improving semen quality.

Methods: Nine databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examined the parameters for improvements in semen quality, regardless of the type of L. meyenii W. The risk of bias (ROB) among the studies was evaluated according to the Cochrane ROB tool.

Results: Five RCTs met all of the inclusion criteria. Three RCTs showed mixed efficacy of maca in improving semen quality parameters, including sperm concentration and sperm motility, in men experiencing infertility. The meta-analysis also failed to show the efficacy of maca in increasing the sperm concentration compared to the placebo (weighted mean difference, 2.22, 95% confidence interval −2.94 to 7.37, p = 0.4). Two other RCTs also showed mixed effects of maca on several semen quality parameters in healthy men.

Conclusion: The evidence from the included studies suggests unclear effects of maca on semen quality parameters in both men experiencing infertility and healthy men. However, the total number of RCTs and the total sample size were too small to draw firm conclusions.

Use of Maca Powder (Lepidium meyenii) as Feed Additive in Diets of Laying Quails at Different Ages: Its Effect on Performance, Eggshell Quality, Serum, Ileum, and Bone Properties

Using additives can reduce the negative effects of aging on factors affecting profitability, such as the availability of nutrients, production, and egg quality. Maca is an herbaceous plant rich in protein, crude oil, essential acids, and pharmacological compounds. Maca has positive effects on different health parameters. In this study, the effect of adding Maca powder to the diets of young and old laying quails at the end of the 10-week trial was investigated. In total, 150 laying Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica) (209.1 ± 10.0 g) were randomly distributed to a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement with two ages (10 weeks and 30 weeks) and three Maca powder levels (0, 1, or 2 g/kg), with five subgroups per treatment. According to the study, eggshell quality, total cholesterol, triglyceride, progesterone, and testosterone concentrations of serum were lower in old quail than in young quail, while egg weight, feed intake, and follicle-stimulating hormone increased significantly as quail aged. (p < 0.05). Furthermore, aging negatively affected the histomorphology of the ileum and cortical bone thickness (p < 0.05). Additional findings show that adding 1 g/kg Maca powder to the diet of quail significantly improved eggshell, ileum, and bone traits that deteriorate with age, without affecting performance, and adding 2 g/kg Maca powder to the diet significantly reduced serum total cholesterol levels (p < 0.05). Incorporating Maca powder into the diet of aged birds could reduce the negative effects of aging.

First study of in vitro protective effect of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on frozen–thawed bovine spermatozoa

Background and Aim:

Lepidium meyenii Walp (Maca) is an herbaceous plant that grows in the Peruvian Andes and it has been widely used as a nutritional supplement and fertility enhancer and has been used in the treatment of a variety of diseases, such as rheumatism, respiratory disorders, and anemia. The most notable feature of Maca is its potent antioxidant capacity, which helps in the scavenging of free radicals and protection of cells from oxidative stress. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro effect of Maca extract on thawed sperm cells from bulls.

Materials and Methods:

Three dilutions of 1, 10, and 100 mg/mL of Maca extract were incubated with frozen–thawed bovine semen and analyzed at 1, 3, and 24 h of exposure time, evaluating the activity of the extract on the DNA, motility, morphology, viability, integrity of the membrane and acrosome of spermatozoa.

Results:

The Maca extract improved the studied sperm parameters of motility, acrosome integrity, vitality, and DNA integrity of sperm cells at a concentration of 10 mg/mL, and at 1 mg/mL, an improvement was observed in the morphology and integrity of the membrane. However, the best activity of the Maca extract was observed on the DNA integrity of the sperm, which was effective at the three concentrations evaluated after 24 h of incubation.

Conclusion:

The results indicate that L. meyenii can help in maintaining spermatozoa cellular integrity after the frozen–thaw process, especially in the protection against DNA fragmentation. Therefore, Maca would be a feasible supplementation to protect sperm to maintain their fertile ability after thawing.

New Wenshen Shengjing Decoction Improves Early Embryonic Development by Maintaining Low Levels of H3K4me3 in Sperm

Background

New Wenshen Shengjing Decoction (NWSSJD), a traditional Chinese compound medicine, has significant effect on spermatogenesis disorder and can significantly improve sperm quality. Many components in NWSSJD can induce epigenetic modifications of different types of cells. It is not yet known whether they can cause epigenetic modifications in sperm or early embryos.

Objective

This study investigated the effect of NWSSJD on mouse early embryonic development and its regulation of H3K4me3 in mouse sperm and early embryos.

Methods

Spermatogenesis disorder was induced in male mice with CPA (cyclophosphamide). NWSSJD was administrated for 30 days. Then, the male mice were mated with the female mice with superovulation, and the embryo degeneration rate of each stage was calculated. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression of H3K4me3 in sperm and embryos at various stages. Western blotting was performed to detect methyltransferase SETD1B expression. The expressions of development-related genes (OCT-4, NANOG, and CDX2) and apoptosis-related genes (BCL-2 and p53) were measured with qRT-PCR.

Results

Compared with the CPA group, NWSSJD significantly reduced the H3K4me3 level in sperms, significantly increased the number of normal early embryos (2-cell embryos, 3-4-cell embryos, 8-16-cell embryos, and blastocysts) per mouse, and reduced the degeneration rate of the embryos. The expression levels of H3K4me3 and methyltransferase SETD1B in early embryos were significantly elevated by NWSSJD. Additionally, NWSSJD significantly promoted BCL-2 expression, while reducing p53 expression, thus inhibiting embryonic cell apoptosis. Moreover, the expressions of development-related genes OCT-4 and CDX2 were significantly increased by NWSSJD, but NANOG expression had no significant difference.

Conclusion

NWSSJD may promote early embryonic development possibly by maintaining low H3K4me3 levels in sperms and normal H3K4me3 modification in early embryos and by inhibiting embryonic cell apoptosis.

Increasing dietary choline attenuates spatial memory deficits resulting from exposure to the chemotherapeutic agents cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin

BACKGROUND

Choline supplementation (+Ch) improves cognitive function in impaired animals and humans. Chemotherapy-related cognitive deficits (CRCDs) occur in cancer patients, and these deficits persist following treatment, adversely impacting quality of life. To date, there are no approved treatments for this condition.

AIM

Because +Ch improves impaired memory, it was of interest to determine whether +Ch can attenuate spatial memory deficits induced by the chemotherapeutic agents doxorubicin (DOX) and cyclophosphamide (CYP).

METHODS

Female BALB/C mice, 64 days of age, were trained in the Morris water maze and baseline performance determined on day 15. Following baseline assessment, mice were placed on +Ch diet (2.0% Ch) or remained on standard diet (0.12% Ch). Mice received intravenous injections of DOX (2.5 mg/kg) and CYP (25 mg/kg), or equivalent volumes of saline (0.9% NaCl), on days 16, 23, 30, and 37, and spatial memory was assessed weekly from day 22 to 71.

RESULTS

DOX and CYP produced a prolonged impairment in spatial memory as indicated by an increased latency to the correct zone (p < 0.05), and a decrease in time in the correct zone (p < 0.05), % of total swim distance in the correct zone (p < 0.05) and % entries to the correct zone (p < 0.05). These effects were attenuated by +Ch.

CONCLUSION

Although it remains to be determined whether this effect extends to other cognitive domains and whether +Ch is prophylactic or therapeutic, these findings suggest that +Ch may be an effective intervention for CRCDs.

Evaluation of the effect of Lepidium meyenii Walpers in infertile patients: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Male infertility refers to the inability to conceive a natural pregnancy in a fertile female, and approximately 15% of reproductive‐aged couples worldwide face this problem. Several plants were used to treat fertility disorders and, among them, Lepidium meyenii, a folk medicament of Andean regions, is still used to enhance vitality and treat sterility in humans and domestic animals. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of L. meyenii Walpers on infertile patients by a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial. Fifty patients suffering from various reproductive‐related problems were enrolled for 16 weeks to evaluate the effect of yellow maca on semen quality and serum hormone levels. Treatment with maca improved the percentage of sperm concentration by 40%, whereas the placebo improved by 76% after 8 and 16 weeks of treatment, but the results were statistically non‐significant. No statistically significant change in hormone levels was reported by using maca, except a decrease in the level of free testosterone. Results are not sufficient to assess the efficacy of maca on male fertility. Further investigation and trials are required to obtain conclusive results.

Morin-5'-Sulfonic Acid Sodium Salt (NaMSA) Attenuates Cyclophosphamide-Induced Histological Changes in Genitourinary Tract in Rats-Short Report

Cyclophosphamide (CPX) exerts toxicity in the urogenital system. The current study was designed to evaluate the effect of morin-5′-sulfonic acid sodium salt (NaMSA) on CPX-induced urogenital toxicity in rats. NaMSA (100 mg/kg/daily) and CPX (15 mg/kg/daily) alone or in combination and 0.9% NaCl (as a control) were given intragastrically for 10 days. Testes and epididymes from male and urinary bladders from male and female rats were evaluated histologically. In testes and epididymes, morphological changes and relative decrease in sperm count were assessed. In urinary bladders edema, hemorrhage and urothelium erosions were described by 0–2 points scoring system. Reproductive score (RS—in total 6 points) and urinary bladder score (BS—in total 6 points) were thereafter calculated. In CPX-receiving group RS (2.7) and BS (3.3) were significantly higher than in the control (0.5 and 0.25 for RS and BS, respectively). Co-administration of NaMSA reversed most of the morphological changes, which was reflected by lower RS and BS score (0.5 and 1.2 for RS and BS, respectively). The preliminary findings suggest that NaMSA may attenuate CPX-induced histological changes in rat urogenital tract.

Infertility in Female and Male Solid Organ Recipients - From Diagnosis to Treatment: An Up-To-Date Review of the Literature

Around 20% to 30% of patients after solid organ transplantation are of reproductive age. The estimated rate of infertility in this group is slightly higher than in the general population. Choosing the optimal moment for pregnancy in transplanted patients plays a pivotal role, regardless of the method of conception. The first part of this article presents an up-to-date review of the problem of infertility in female and male solid organ recipients, with special attention to the influence of specific immunosuppressive drugs on semen parameters. The second part discusses the current knowledge regarding infertility treatment and the results of assisted reproductive techniques in this specific group of patients.

Despite restoring gonadal functions after transplantation, the patients should be informed about possible negative effects of medications on fertility, course of pregnancy, and the fetus. Interdisciplinary care should always be provided for infertile graft recipients, especially women, as it ensures safety both for the graft and for the potential gestation. The process of infertility diagnosis and tools used for that purpose are the same in transplanted patients as in the general population. The treatment with assisted reproductive techniques is acceptable and gives favorable results as long as patients are managed rationally, with special attention paid to prevention of iatrogenic complications.

Role of Antioxidant Natural Products in Management of Infertility: A Review of Their Medicinal Potential

Infertility, a couple's inability to conceive after one year of unprotected regular intercourse, is an important issue in the world. The use of natural products in the treatment of infertility has been considered as a possible alternative to conventional therapies. The present study aimed to investigate the effects and the mechanisms of various natural products on infertility. We collected articles regarding infertility and natural products using the research databases PubMed and Google Scholar. Several natural products possess antioxidant properties and androgenic activities on productive factors and hormones. Antioxidants are the first defense barrier against free radicals produced by oxidative stress (OS). They remove reactive oxygen stress (ROS), reducing insulin resistance, total cholesterol, fat accumulation, and cancer growth. Moreover, various natural products increase endometrial receptivity and fertility ability showing androgenic activities on productive factors and hormones. For example, Angelica keiskei powder and Astragalus mongholicus extract showed anti-infertility efficacies in males and females, respectively. On the other hand, adverse effects and acute toxicity of natural products were also reported. Tripterygium glycoside decreased fertility ability both in males and females. Results indicate that management of infertility with natural products could be beneficial with further clinical trials to evaluate the safety and effect.

Protective Effect of Royal Jelly against Cyclophosphamide-Induced Thrombocytopenia and Spleen and Bone Marrow Damages in Rats

Objective

Despite the effective role of chemotherapy in cancer treatment, several side effects have been reported to date. For instance, Cyclophosphamide (CP) induces deleterious effects on both cancer and normal cells. Royal jelly (RJ) has a lot of beneficial properties, such as anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The aim of the present study was to examine the protective effect of RJ against CP-induced thrombocytopenia, as well as bone marrow, spleen, and testicular damages in rats.

Materials and Methods

In this experimental study, 48 male Wistar rats were divided into six groups (n=8/group); control, CP, RJ (100 mg/kg), RJ (200 mg/kg), RJ (100 mg/kg)+CP, and RJ (200 mg/kg)+CP groups. RJ was administered orally for 14 days. Then, CP at concentrations of 100, 50, and 50 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected at day 15, 16, 17, respectively. The animals were sacrificed three days after the last injection of CP. Hematological parameters, serum levels of platelet factor 4 (PF4), nitric oxide (NO), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were measured. Also, the pathological analysis of bone marrow, spleen, and testicles was assessed.

Results

CP caused a significant decrease in the number of platelets, white and red blood cells (P<0.001), as well as the levels of FRAP (P<0.01), whereas the serum levels of PF4 and NO were significantly increased. These detrimental alterations were significantly reversed to the baseline upon pretreatment of rats with RJ in the RJ100+CP and RJ200+CP groups (P<0.05). CP caused histological changes in bone marrow, spleen, and testes. Pretreatment with RJ showed noticeable protection against these harmful effects.

Conclusion

RJ prevented CP-induced biochemical and histological damages.

High Dietary Fat Modulates Neurobehavioural Effect of Lopinavir/ Ritonavir in Mice

BACKGROUND

Lopinavir/Ritonavir (LR) is a protease inhibitor used human immunodeficiency virus infection management. There have been issues regarding the effects of fat on LR efficacy and the possibility of neurological deficits following prolonged use, there is however a dearth of research examining this.

AIMS

The effects of LR administered with normal or High-Fat Diet (HFD) on neurobehaviour, neurochemistry and oxidative stress in healthy mice were examined.

METHODS

Mice were randomly-assigned into eight groups of ten (n=10) animals each. The groups were normal control [Standard Diet, (SD)], HFD control, 3 groups of LR incorporated into SD (100/25, 200/50 and 400/100 mg/kg of feed), and 3 groups of LR with HFD (100/25, 200/50 and 400/100 mg/kg of feed). Mice were fed daily for six weeks, following which open field, elevated-plus maze (EPM), radial-arm maze and Y-maze behaviours were scored. Twenty-four hours after tests, mice were euthanised and brains were homogenised for estimation of oxidative stress, L-glutamate level and acetylcholinesterase activity.

RESULTS

LR was associated with a reduction in HFD-induced weight gain, suppression of open-field behaviours with SD, and counteraction of HFD-induced changes in working-memory, open-field and anxiety-related behaviours. Also, LR causes increased lipid peroxidation and superoxide dismutase activity; and a decrease in brain glutamate, irrespective of dietary composition. Increased fat catabolism leading to increased oxidative stress could possibly account for the weight changes, while a decrease in brain glutamate could account for the changes in open-field behaviours in mice fed SD.

CONCLUSION

LR alters neurobehaviour, oxidative stress and brain glutamate in mice; however, only its effects on neurobehaviour are affected by diet.

Cancer treatment in childhood and testicular function: the importance of the somatic environment

Testicular function and future fertility may be affected by cancer treatment during childhood. Whilst survival of the germ (stem) cells is critical for ensuring the potential for fertility in these patients, the somatic cell populations also play a crucial role in providing a suitable environment to support germ cell maintenance and subsequent development. Regulation of the spermatogonial germ-stem cell niche involves many signalling pathways with hormonal influence from the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis. In this review, we describe the somatic cell populations that comprise the testicular germ-stem cell niche in humans and how they may be affected by cancer treatment during childhood. We also discuss the experimental models that may be utilized to manipulate the somatic environment and report the results of studies that investigate the potential role of somatic cells in the protection of the germ cells in the testis from cancer treatment.