Effect ofFalcaria vulgarisextracts on sperm parameters in diabetic rats

Efficiency evaluation of Falcaria vulgaris biomass in Co(II) uptake from aquatic environments: characteristics, kinetics and optimization of operational variables

In the present research, the seeds of Falcaria vulgaris were extracted from the investigated environment and used for crop cultivation. This study has focused on the efficiency evaluation of Falcaria vulgaris biomass (FVB) in cobalt ions removal from aqueous solutions. The biosorbent was characterized using FTIR, BET, EDAX-EDS, and SEM. The optimal conditions were determined by the response surface methodology (RSM) based on a Box-Behnken design (BBD) model. The BBD model had   R 2 ,   R adj 2 and   R pred 2 values of 0.9919, 0.9774, and 0.8929, respectively. The cobalt removal under different conditions of the BBD model varied from 36.14% to 82.11%. Based on the numerical optimization of the quadratic model, the maximum cobalt removal at a biosorbent-to-metal ratio of 10:1, pH = 4.88 and contact time of 70 min was calculated at 80.941%. The high accuracy of the model in predicting the optimal conditions for cobalt adsorption by FVB was confirmed using statistical analysis and validation tests. The adsorption process of FVB also follows a pseudo-second-order kinetic model, which suggests that the rate-controlling step in cobalt removal is the chemical interaction between functional groups in FVB and Co+2 ions. This study shows that FVB, a low-cost biosorbent, can be a suitable candidate for removing heavy metals such as cobalt from aqueous solutions.

Lauric acid improves hormonal profiles, antioxidant properties, sperm quality and histomorphometric changes in testis and epididymis of streptozotocin-induced diabetic infertility rats

Lauric acid, a 12‑carbon atom medium chain fatty acid (MCFA) has strong antioxidant and antidiabetic activities. However, whether lauric acid can ameliorate hyperglycaemia-induced male reproductive damage remains unclear. The study aimed to determine the optimal dose of lauric acid with glucose-lowering activity, antioxidant potential and tissue-protective effects on the testis and epididymis of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Hyperglycaemia was induced in Sprague Dawley rats by an intravenous injection of STZ at a dose of 40 mg/kg body weight (bwt). Lauric acid (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg bwt) was administered orally for eight weeks. Weekly fasting blood glucose (FBG), glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity were examined. Hormonal profiles (insulin and testosterone), lipid peroxidation (MDA) and antioxidant enzyme (SOD and CAT) activities were measured in the serum, testis and epididymis. The reproductive analyses were evaluated based on sperm quality and histomorphometry. Lauric acid administration significantly improved FBG levels, glucose tolerance, hormones-related fertility and oxidant-antioxidant balance in the serum, testis and epididymis compared to untreated diabetic rats. Treatment with lauric acid preserved the testicular and epididymal histomorphometry, along with the significant improvements in sperm characteristics. It is shown for the first time that lauric acid treatment at 50 mg/kg bwt is the optimal dose for ameliorating hyperglycaemia-induced male reproductive complications. We conclude that lauric acid reduced hyperglycaemia by restoring insulin and glucose homeostasis, which attributes to the regeneration of tissue damage and sperm quality in STZ-induced diabetic rats. These findings support the correlation between oxidative stress and hyperglycaemia-induced male reproductive dysfunctions.

Isoliquiritigenin ameliorates paroxetine-induced sexual dysfunction in male albino mice

Paroxetine (PRX), a widely prescribed antidepressant, often leads to sexual dysfunction. The available management options such as sildenafil (SDF), are associated with side effects. The present study investigates the fertility-boosting properties of isoliquiritigenin (ISL) on PRX-induced sexual dysfunction in male mice. We allocated fertile mice into six different groups (n = 5): group I- DMSO; group II- PRX; group III- co-administered PRX and SDF; group IV- ISL alone; group V- co-administered PRX and ISL (low dose); and, group VI- co-administered PRX and ISL (high dose). 14 days post treatment, animals were sacrificed, and the weights of the testis and epididymis were evaluated. Furthermore, sperm parameters, testicular and epididymal antioxidant levels, serum testosterone and nitric oxide (NO) levels, histoarchitecture of testis and epididymis, and markers of cellular toxicity were assessed. Results revealed that the PRX administration reduced organ weights, sperm count, intact acrosome, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), serum testosterone, and NO levels, and increased sperm abnormalities and MDA levels (a biomarker for lipid peroxidation). Additionally, we observed damage in the testis and epididymis. The toxicity biomarker study revealed a higher concentration of SGOT, SGPT, and ALP enzymes in the PRX-treated group. However, the co-administration of PRX with ISL ameliorated the adverse effect of PRX on the parameters mentioned above. The PRX+ISL (high) results were almost at par with the PRX+SDF group. The group that received ISL alone showed overall improvements. In conclusion, our comprehensive panel of tests indicates that ISL could be helpful in managing sexual dysfunction.

Comparison of the Effects of Allium cepa L. Extract Together with Insulin on Sperm Parameters in Diabetic Rats

Background: In diabetic patients, uncontrolled blood sugar causes disorders in various systems of the body in the long term. The reproductive system is one of these susceptible systems. It is known that diabetes can adversely affect spermatogenesis. The use of medicinal plants in the treatment of various diseases has been discussed by many researchers for a long time. Onion, scientifically known as Allium cepa L., contains antioxidants. Insulin is also a drug used to control blood sugar in diabetic patients. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate and compare in vivo antidiabetic activities of hydroalcoholic onion seed extract together with insulin in diabetic rats. Methods: In this study, diabetes was induced in rats with streptozotocin (60 mg/kg). Fifty animals were equally divided into five groups: nondiabetic control (group 1); diabetic control (group 2); diabetic rats receiving streptozotocin plus insulin (group 3); and diabetic rats treated with 200 and 400 mg/kg of Allium cepa L. seed extract by gavage for four weeks (groups 4 and 5). At the end of the study, the prostate ventral lobe was removed and processed for histological studies. Next, sperm parameters from the tail of the left epididymis, biochemical parameters, and histopathological changes were analyzed and compared. Results: The sperm parameters of diabetic rats receiving 200 and 400 mg/kg of Allium cepa L. extract showed a significant increase compared to the diabetic control group. Conclusions: Administration of Allium cepa L. extract as a strong antioxidant was adequate to compensate for the toxic effects of streptozotocin and increase the motility of sperms.

Testicular ultrastructure and hormonal changes following administration of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate-loaded silver nanoparticle in type-2 diabetic rats

Reproductive dysfunctions (RDs) characterized by impairment in testicular parameters, and metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are on the rise among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients under tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). These adverse effects require a nanoparticle delivery system to circumvent biological barriers and ensure adequate ARVDs to viral reservoir sites like testis. This study aimed to investigate the effect of TDF-loaded silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), TDF-AgNPs on sperm quality, hormonal profile, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and testicular ultrastructure in diabetic rats, a result of which could cater for the neglected reproductive and metabolic dysfunctions in HIV therapeutic modality. Thirty-six adult Sprague–Dawley rats were assigned to diabetic and non-diabetic (n = 18). T2DM was induced by fructose-streptozotocin (Frt-STZ) rat model. Subsequently, the rats in both groups were subdivided into three groups each (n = 6) and administered distilled water, TDF, and TDF-AgNP. In this study, administration of TDF-AgNP to diabetic rats significantly reduced (p < 0.05) blood glucose level (268.7 ± 10.8 mg/dL) from 429 ± 16.9 mg/dL in diabetic control and prevented a drastic reduction in sperm count and viability. More so, TDF-AgNP significantly increased (p < 0.05) Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (1114.3 ± 112.6 µg), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (13.2 ± 1.5 IU/L), Luteinizing Hormone (140.7 ± 15.2 IU/L), testosterone (0.2 ± 0.02 ng/L), and IGF-1 (1564.0 ± 81.6 ng/mL) compared to their respective diabetic controls (383.4 ± 63.3, 6.1 ± 1.2, 76.1 ± 9.1, 0.1 ± 0.01, 769.4 ± 83.7). Also, TDF-AgNP treated diabetic rats presented an improved testicular architecture marked with the thickened basement membrane, degenerated Sertoli cells, spermatogenic cells, and axoneme. This study has demonstrated that administration of TDF-AgNPs restored the function of hypothalamic-pituitary–gonadal axis, normalized the hormonal profile, enhanced testicular function and structure to alleviate reproductive dysfunctions in diabetic rats. This is the first study to conjugate TDF with AgNPs and examined its effects on reproductive indices, local gonadal factor and testicular ultrastructure in male diabetic rats with the potential to cater for neglected reproductive dysfunction in HIV therapeutic modality.

Endocrine disruption: Reproductive toxicity of glyceryl trinitrate and isosorbide mononitrate in male Wistar rats

Glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) and isosorbide mononitrate (IM) are organic nitrates which release nitric oxide upon metabolism with potential to adversely affect male reproductive function. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the sub-chronic effect of these organic nitrates on reproductive system in male rats. Wistar rats were separately treated with GTN and IM at 2.5, 5 and 7.5 mg/kg/day by oral gavage for 45 days. At the end of treatment, serum blood samples were taken from anaesthetized rats for assessment of hormonal profile. Epididymis was removed to analyse sperm parameters. Rat testes were dissected to perform histopathological evaluation and oxidative stress biomarkers. The GTN and IM treated groups showed a significant decrease in sperm parameters (count, motility and viability) and serum testosterone in comparison to normal control group. The GTN and IM treatment also altered sperm morphology such as bent tail and head deformities as compared to control. A significant decrease in catalase activity and, increase in nitric oxide and malondialdehyde were observed in high dose drug treated groups. Moreover, a significant increase in follicle stimulating hormone and decrease in testosterone levels were evident in all drug treated groups. The level of luteinizing hormone was raised in rats treated with medium doses of drugs while it decreased at the highest dose of both drugs. Histological study showed vacuolization and degeneration of seminiferous tubules. It is concluded that GTN and IM treatment adversely affected the male reproductive function by altering sperm parameters and disrupting the reproductive hormone profile which may be attributed to the increased level of nitric oxide and oxidative stress.

The antioxidant effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Ashrasi date palm on sperm parameters and DNA fragmentation in diabetic rats

Background

Diabetes‐induced oxidative stress can have adverse effects on sperm and its DNA integrity. The Ashrasi date palm (ADP) has potent antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant effect of ADP hydroalcoholic extract on sperm parameters and sperm DNA fragmentation in diabetic rats.

Methods

Forty male rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 7): 1, control; 2, diabetic; 3–5, diabetic + ADP (30, 90 and 270 mg/kg for groups 3, 4 and 5, respectively). After preparation of ADP extract and its phytochemical screening, it was administered orally to rats, once a day for 5 weeks. At the end of the study, sperm parameters and sperm DNA fragmentation in all groups were investigated.

Results

At doses of 90 and 270 mg/kg, ADP extract significantly increased the sperm viability compared to diabetic group 2 (p = 0.04 and p = 0.03, respectively) and resulted in a significant decrease in immotile sperm (p = 0.002 and p = 0.006, respectively). At a dose of 270 mg/kg, a considerable enhancement of forward sperm motility was observed (p = 0.04) and there was a significant decrease in sperm DNA fragmentation (p = 0.04).

Conclusions

The findings of the present study show for the first time that the hydroalcoholic extract of ADP has protective and antioxidant effects against diabetes‐induced oxidative stress and can improve sperm parameters and protect sperm DNA integrity.

Royal-jelly-based apitherapy can attenuate damages to male reproductive parameter following nicotine administration

Background

Nicotine administration can generate severe oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. Royal jelly, with its antioxidant properties, acts as a scavenger of reactive oxygen species. This study describes the apitherapy effects of royal jelly on testicular damage following nicotine administration.

Methods

Forty‐eight male BALB/c mice were divided into 8 groups (n = 6): saline, 3 different doses of royal jelly (100, 150, and 200 mg/kg body weight (BW) per day), nicotine (1.5 mg/kg), and 3 different groups of Nic + Roy (1.5 mg/kg of Nic + 100, 150, and 200 mg/kg BW per day of royal jelly). Nicotine was administrated intraperitoneally, and royal jelly was prescribed orally for 10 consecutive days. Serum levels of hormones (testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle‐stimulating hormone), total antioxidant capacity, nitric oxide (NO) status, malondialdehyde levels, sperm DNA fragmentation, sperm parameters, histopathological changes (H&E staining), immunohistochemistry against apoptotic proteins, and gene expression of Bcl‐2, p53, Caspase‐3, and Nrf2 (real‐time PCR) were assessed to evaluate the molecular and histological changes.

Results

Hormone levels, sperm parameters, and status of antioxidants were decreased significantly (p < .05) following nicotine administration. Moreover, royal jelly treatment normalized hormonal and antioxidant characteristics, decreased apoptotic gene expression, increased Nfr2 gene expression, and restored histopathological alteration to the physiological status significantly (p < .05).

Conclusion

Royal jelly upregulates the antioxidant status, inhibits the mitochondrial‐dependent apoptosis pathway, and increases the rate of proliferation. This therapeutic agent effectively protected the testis against nicotine‐associated damages by antioxidant and anti‐apoptotic effects.

Evaluation of biomarkers in liver following Solanum melongena green calyx administration in diabetic rats

Background

Solanum melongena green calyx (SMGC) has antioxidant properties. Diabetes mellitus (DM) increases oxidative stress and causes cellular damages in liver. This study attempts to show the protective effects of SMGC against morphometric, inflammatory, oxidative, and apoptotic changes in liver following DM induction.

Methods

For DM induction, the streptozotocin (60 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally. After the preparation of the SMGC extract, phytochemical content was analyzed. Sixty-four rats were categorized into 8 groups (n = 8); control, diabetic, SMGC, and diabetic + SMGC. SMGC administration was applied orally with doses of 100, 300, 500 mg/kg for 4 weeks. The assays of nitrite oxide, lipid peroxidation (LP), and Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma (FRAP) were conducted for sample analysis. P53, Bcl2, and Bax genes expression, inflammatory cytokines, enzymes, and morphological features were measured. Apoptotic cell index, body weight, and levels of glucose and insulin were also analyzed. A one-way ANOVA test was used for statistical analysis.

Result

According to the phytochemical analysis, the SMGC is rich in Tannins and Saponins. Antioxidant values, p53 and Bax genes expression, inflammatory cytokines, enzymes, body weight, serum glucose, and morphometrical features were increased significantly (except insulin and FRAP levels and Bcl2 gene expression which were decreased) in diabetic group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Also, evaluated parameters were reduced significantly (except insulin and FRAP levels and Bcl2 gene expression which were increased) in SMGC and diabetic + SMGC groups in comparison with the diabetic group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

These findings revealed that the SMGC attenuates blood glucose levels in diabetic animals and also eliminates destructive effects of DM on liver through antioxidant features.

Does Tribulus terrestris improve toxic effect of Malathion on male reproductive parameters?

Background:

Tribulus terrestris has antioxidant and free-radical-scavenging properties. Malathion is the most common organophosphate, which is capable to produce free radicals and induce disturbance on some of male reproductive parameters. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of T. terrestris extract against damage induced by Malathion to the reproductive parameter of male rats.

Materials and Methods:

In this experimental study, 48 male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to eight groups: first group, sham group (normal saline); second group, Malathion (250 mg/kg) group; third to fifth groups, T. terrestris groups (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg body weight, respectively); and sixth to eight groups, Malathion + T. terrestris groups (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg). Tribulus terrestris extract (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg body weight, respectively) administrated orally, and daily for 8 weeks. The sperm parameters, testis malondialdehyde (MDA), serum total antioxidant capacity, serum testosterone level, and the height of germinal layer were evaluated and analyzed statistically.

Results:

All the values of male reproductive parameters reduced significantly in the Malathion group as compared to the sham group (P < 0.01) except MDA level, which increased significantly. The T. terrestris and T. terrestris + Malathion treatments in all doses increased the whole parameters significantly as compared to the Malathion group (P < 0.01) except MDA level, which decreased significantly. No significant changes were observed in all T. terrestris groups as compared to the sham group (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:

Tribulus terrestris extract administration attenuates the toxic effects of Malathion on some of the male reproductive parameters.

Thymus vulgaris Attenuates Myleran-induced Reproductive Damage by Decreasing Oxidative Stress and Lipid Peroxidation in Male Rats

Context:

Thymus vulgaris is an herbal with potent antioxidant and it has been shown to have beneficial effects during short-term administration. Myleran (MYL) is used for treatment of certain types of tumors. MYL produces free radicals and induces disturbance in sperm parameters.

Aims:

This study is designed to assess the effects of T. vulgaris against damage to the male rats' reproductive features induced by MYL.

Subjects and Methods:

Sixty-four male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into eight groups: control group; MYL (10 mg/kg) group; T. vulgaris groups (4.5, 9, and 18 mg/kg); and MYL (10 mg/kg) + T. vulgaris groups (4.5, 9, and 18 mg/kg; separately). Treatments were administered daily intraperitoneal injection for 60 days. Total antioxidant capacity, sperm factors, malondialdehyde (MDA), testosterone, and germinal layer height were analyzed.

Results:

Whole variables of MYL group decreased signifcantly compared to the control group (P < 0.05) except MDA level (which increased). The T. vulgaris and T. vulgaris + MYL treatments in all doses increased all parameters significantly except MDA level (which decreased) compared to the MYL group (P < 0.05). No significant modifications were observed in all T. vulgaris groups compared to the control group (P > 0.05).

Conclusions:

T. vulgaris reduces the poisonous properties of MYL on male reproductive factors.

Loganin alleviates testicular damage and germ cell apoptosis induced by AGEs upon diabetes mellitus by suppressing the RAGE/p38MAPK/NF-κB pathway

Diabetes mellitus (DM) damages male reproduction at multiple levels, such as endocrine secretion, spermatogenesis and penile erection. We herein investigated the protective effects and mechanism of loganin targeting the advanced glycation end products (AGEs)/receptor for AGEs (RAGE)/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK)/NF-κB signalling pathway. Loganin relieved the general DM symptoms and decreased the blood glucose level of KK-Ay DM mice. Haematoxylin-eosin staining demonstrated that loganin ameliorated testicular histology and function and enhanced the activities of testis-specific markers lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), acid phosphatase (ACP) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT). Loganin also showed evident anti-oxidative stress, anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects on DM-induced reproductive damage by restoring glutathione (GSH) level and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, as well as reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio in vivo and in vitro. Western blotting exhibited that loganin significantly inhibited the AGEs/RAGE/p38MAPK/NF-κB signalling pathway. Acridine orange and ethidium bromide staining (AOEB) and Western blotting showed that loganin in combination with inhibitors of RAGE, p38MAPK and NF-κB exerted stronger anti-apoptotic effects on AGE-induced GC-2 cell damage compared with loganin alone. In conclusion, loganin can protect against DM-induced reproductive damage, probably by suppressing the AGEs/RAGE/p38MAPK/NF-κB pathway.

Effects of gallic acid on rat testopathy following morphine administration: an experimental study

Introduction: Morphine (MOR) as a psychoactive agent in the opium family causes free radicals accumulation which leads to failure in spermatogenesis. Gallic acid (GA), a polyphenolic acid, is found in various plants with antioxidant, anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-allergic activities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of GA against MOR-induced damage to the reproductive parameter of rats. Methods: Sixty-four male Wistar rats (8 weeks, 220-250 g) were categorized into 8 groups by random (n=8/each); normal control and MOR control groups; GA groups (5, 10, 20 mg/kg) and MOR + GA groups (5, 10, 20 mg/kg). Treatments were administered intraperitoneally (i.p), daily for 4 weeks. The sperm parameters, spermatogenesis index (SI), total antioxidant capacity, testosterone level, and seminiferous tube diameter (STD) were assessed. Results: All sperm parameters reduced significantly in the MOR control group than to the normal control group (P < 0.01). All parameters were significantly improved in GA and GA + MOR treatment groups compared to the MOR control group (P < 0.01). Conclusion: MOR caused a detrimental effect on male reproductive parameters. Also, no significant modifications were observed in all doses of GA treatments in comparison with the normal control group. GA compensates the toxic effect of MOR on reproductive parameters. Hence, GA administration is beneficial in MOR users.

The protective effect of Pentoxifylline on testopathy in male rats following Dimethyl Nitrosamine administration: An experimental study

Background

Nitrosamines as a carcinogenic agent has unfavorable effects on some of the male reproductive parameters. Pentoxifylline (PX) is a xanthine derivative used as a drug inhibiting the inflammatory factors, reducing blood viscosity, improving peripheral blood flow, and so on. Objective: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effects of PX against Dimethyl nitrosamine (DMN)-inducing the damage to the reproductive parameter of male rats.

Materials and Methods

In this experimental study, 48 male Wistar rats (8 wk, 220-250 gr) were randomly assigned to eight groups (n = 6/each): normal control and DMN control groups (40 mg/kg); PX groups (25, 50, 100 mg/kg), and DMN + PX groups (25, 50, 100 mg/kg). Treatments were administered intraperitoneally and the gavage applied daily for 28 days. The sperm parameters, spermatogenesis index, total antioxidant capacity, testosterone level, and seminiferous tube diameter were assessed.

Results

The values of all parameters reduced significantly in the DMN control group compared to the normal control group (p < 0.001). The PX and PX + DMN treatments at all entirely doses improved all parameters significantly compared to the DMN control group (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

DMN caused detrimental effects on reproductive parameters. Also, no significant modifications were observed in PX treatments at all doses compared to the normal control group. PX compensated the toxic effect of DMN on reproductive parameters.

Effect of Falcaria vulgaris on oxidative damage of liver in diabetic rats

Background

Oxidative stress is strongly associated with development of diabetes mellitus. F. vulgaris, contains antioxidant ingredients. This study was designed in order to evaluate the effect of F. vulgaris on the damaged liver in diabetic rats.

Methods

In this study, hydroalcoholic extract of F. vulgaris was prepared. Sixty four male rats were divided into 8 groups (n = 8), including saline (normal control), streptozotocin (STZ) (diabetic control) (60 mg/kg), F. vulgaris (50, 100, 150 mg/kg), and STZ plus F. vulgaris (50, 100, 150 mg/kg) were administered through oral gavage on treated group once a day for 28 consecutive days. Serum nitrite oxide (NO) level, Ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP), Malondialdehyde (MDA), liver weight, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), diameter of hepatocytes and central hepatic vein have been examined. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance and the post hoc test.

Result

The outcomes showed that administrating streptozotocin enhanced liver MDA, nitrite oxide, the mean diameter of central hepatic vein and hepatocyte, liver enzymes significantly and reduced liver weight compared to saline group (P < 0.05). Though, administrating F. vulgaris and F. vulgaris plus STZ enhanced liver weight and tissue FRAP level significantly and reduced liver enzymes, NO levels, liver MDA, the mean diameter of hepatocyte and central hepatic vein in entire doses were equal to STZ group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

It seems that, were equal F. vulgaris might recover liver injuries in diabetic rats.

Effect of pentoxifylline on kidney damage induced by nitrosamine in male rats

Nitrosamines are well-known carcinogenic agents. Humans are exposed to nitrosamines in various ways, the most important of which is the diet. Pentoxifylline is a xanthine derivative, which is used as a drug that inhibits inflammatory factors, reduces blood viscosity, improves peripheral blood flow, and increases oxygenation of tissue. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of pentoxifylline against damage induced by nitrosamine to the kidneys of rats. In this study, 48 male rats were randomly assigned to 8 groups: control normal group and nitrosamine control treated group (40 mg/kg); pentoxifylline groups (25, 50, 100 mg/kg) and nitrosamine + pentoxifylline treated groups (25, 50, 100 mg/kg). Treatments were administered either intraperitoneally (nitrosamine) or orally (pentoxifylline) on a daily basis for 28 days. The normalized kidney weight, glomeruli characteristics, thiobarbituric acid reactive species, antioxidant capacity, kidney function indicators, and serum nitrite oxide levels were investigated. Nitrosamine administration increased kidney malondialdehyde (MDA) level, kidney weight, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and nitrite oxide levels and decreased significantly glomeruli number and tissue ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) level compared to the control normal group (P < 0.05). The pentoxifylline and pentoxifylline + nitrosamine treatments reduced BUN, kidney MDA level, creatinine, glomerular diameter, and nitrite oxide levels significantly at all doses and increased the glomeruli number, kidney weight, and tissue FRAP level compared to the nitrosamine control group (P < 0.05). It seems that pentoxifylline administration improved kidney injury induced by nitrosamine in rats.

Effects of Crocin on Sperm Parameters and Seminiferous Tubules in Diabetic Rats

Background:

Diabetes can increase the generation of free radicals and can be harmfully effective in spermatogenesis. Crocin is a carotenoid and is accountable for the red color of saffron. Crocin has shown numerous pharmacological actions such as antioxidant roles and radical scavenging. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of crocin on sperm parameters and the diameter of seminiferous tubules in diabetic rats.

Materials and Methods:

In this experimental study, diabetic rats were induced by Streptozotocin (STZ) (60 mg/kg). Sixty-four rats were equally divided into the following eight groups; (1) normal control group, (2–4) crocin groups, receiving various doses of crocin (12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg), (5) diabetic control group, and (6–8) diabetic groups, receiving STZ plus crocin (12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg) injected intraperitoneally once a day for 28 consecutive days. The sperm count, motility, morphology, viability, spermatogenesis index (SI), and the diameter of seminiferous tubules were examined and compared.

Results:

The results demonstrated that count, motility, viability, normal sperm morphology, SI, and the diameter of seminiferous tubules decreased significantly in the diabetic control group compared to the normal control group (P < 0.05). However, in the diabetic groups, count, motility, normal morphology, viability, SI, and the diameter of seminiferous tubules enhanced significantly in total doses compared to those of the diabetic control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

It seems that, as a strong antioxidant, crocin could compensate for the toxicity induced through STZ and raise the quality of some sperm parameters.

Falcaria vulgaris Extract Attenuates Ethanol-induced Renal Damage by Reducing Oxidative Stress and Lipid Peroxidation in Rats

Background:

Alcohol consumption is capable of producing free radicals and inducing disturbance in body antioxidant. Falcaria vulgaris (F. vulgaris) is a vegetable and it has beneficial antioxidant effects.

Materials and Methods:

Forty-eight Wistar rats were divided randomly into eight groups (n = 6): control normal (saline) and ethanol (5g EtOH/kg body weight/24h) control groups, F. vulgaris groups (50, 100, and 150mg/kg), and F. vulgaris + ethanol treated groups (50, 100, and 150mg/kg). Treatments were administered intraperitoneally and through gavage daily for 12 weeks. Parameters related to the function and the histology of the kidneys were evaluated and statistically analyzed from kidney and blood serum samples with respect to the groups.

Results:

Ethanol administration increased significantly Bowman’s space, qualitative histopathology indices, kidney malondialdehyde (MDA) level, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and nitrite oxide levels and decreased significantly total antioxidant capacity (TAC) level and diameter and number of renal corpuscles compared to that in the control normal group (P < 0.001). The F. vulgaris and F. vulgaris + ethanol treatments in a dose-dependent manner reduced significantly Bowman’s space, qualitative histopathology indices, kidney MDA level, BUN, creatinine, and nitrite oxide levels and increased significantly TAC level and diameter and number of renal corpuscles compared to that in the ethanol normal group (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

It seems that F. vulgaris administration in a dose-dependent manner improved kidney injury induced by ethanol in rats.