Antioxidant effects of N-acetylcysteine on the male reproductive system: A systematic review

The Effects of a High Concentration of Dissolved Oxygen on Actinobacteria from Lake Baikal

Among the diversity of microorganisms, the rarest and least explored are microorganisms that live in conditions of high oxygen in the environment and can experience the effects of natural oxidative stress. Here we suggest that the actinobacteria of Lake Baikal, sampled in the littoral zone, may produce natural products with antioxidant activity. The current study aimed to assess the effects of experimentally increased amounts of oxygen and ozone on the morphology of actinobacteria, DNA mutations, and antioxidant potential. In this experiment, we cultivated actinobacteria in liquid culture under conditions of natural aeration and increased concentrations of dissolved oxygen and ozone. Over a period of three months, bacterial samples were collected every week for further analysis. Morphological changes were assessed using the Gram method. A search for DNA mutations was conducted for the highly conserved 16S rRNA gene. The evaluation of antioxidant activity was performed using the DPPH test. The biotechnological potential was evaluated using high-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry approaches supplemented with the dereplication of natural products. We demonstrated the synthesis of at least five natural products by the Streptomyces sp. strain only under conditions of increased oxygen and ozone levels. Additionally, we showed morphological changes in Streptomyces sp. and nucleotide mutations in Rhodococcus sp. exposed to increased concentrations of dissolved oxygen and oxidative stress. Consequently, we demonstrated that an increased concentration of oxygen can influence Lake Baikal actinobacteria.

The Protective Effects of Trametes Versicolor on Arsenic-Induced Male Reproductive Toxicity through Regulation of Oxidative Stress: A Biochemical and Histopathological Survey

Exposure to arsenic is linked to a wide range of diseases, in particular male reproductive toxicities. Trametes versicolor is a traditional medicinal fungus with a remarkable potential for antioxidant activity. The purpose of this study was to examine the ameliorating effects of water and methanol extracts of T. versicolor on arsenic-induced male reproductive toxicities via the abrogation of oxidative stress. The mice were divided as follows: control: normal saline, As: arsenic (15 mg/kg), WE: water extract (400 mg/kg), ME: methanol extract (400 mg/kg), As + WE: arsenic (15 mg/kg) + water extract (100, 200, 400 mg/kg), As + ME: arsenic (15 mg/kg) + methanol extract (100, 200, 400 mg/kg), and positive control: arsenic (15 mg/kg) + vitamin C (500 mg/kg). Animals were treated via the intraperitoneal route. About 24 hr later, the mice were euthanized, and oxidative stress parameters (reactive oxygen species [ROS], lipid peroxidation, glutathione concentration, protein carbonylation, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase activity), histopathological changes and sperm parameters (count, motility, and morphology) were examined in the testicular tissue. Arsenic caused significant pathological changes in the testicular tissue and sperm morphology and significantly reduced sperm count and motility. Moreover, arsenic mediated oxidative stress via significant increases in ROS generation, lipid peroxidation, and protein carbonyl content, as well as significant depletion in glutathione concentration and superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities. Although, coadministration of water and methanol extracts of T. versicolor at 200 and 400 mg/kg counteracted arsenic-induced oxidative and histopathological damages and improved sperm parameters. Our study indicated that T. versicolor ameliorated arsenic-induced testis toxicity and sperm dysfunction via attenuation of oxidative damage.

N-Acetylcysteine Mediated Regulation of MnSOD, UCP-2 and Cytochrome C Associated with Amelioration of Monocrotophos-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

Pesticides are now a risk to the environment and public health. Monocrotophos (MCP) is known to cause organ toxicity and impart degenerative effects at cellular levels. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a natural antioxidant having various prophylactic properties. Male Wistar rats were given NAC (200 mg/kg b.wt), MCP (0.9 mg/kg b.wt) and NAC followed by MCP; intragastrically for 28 consecutive days. Regulation of MnSOD, UCP-2 and cytochrome c was analyzed by western blotting and polymerase chain reaction. Histology, electron microscopy and weight parameters were evaluated in the liver. MCP exposure significantly decreased body weight gain, relative liver weight, and structural changes. Altered MnSOD protein expression, decreased transcription of UCP-2 and MnSOD, and released cytochrome c indicated that oxidative stress is involved in MCP exposure. Treatment of NAC to MCP-exposed rats normalized the weight and structural changes, restored MnSOD and UCP-2 levels and prevented the release of cytochrome c. The present study suggests that the regulation of UCP-2, MnSOD and cytochrome c is involved in NAC efficacy against MCP toxicity. These findings illustrate that NAC can serve as a potential therapeutic agent for toxicity and oxidative stress in mammals. 

Mediterranean diet and infertility: a systematic review with meta-analysis of cohort studies

Context

The Mediterranean diet (MD) is a dietary pattern with evidence of positive health impact, and some nutrients in this diet have already been researched for their effectiveness in fertility. However, there are still questions about whether high adherence to the MD could be a factor that contributes to positive fertility outcomes in infertile men and women.

Objective

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to determine whether a greater adherence to the MD can improve fertility markers and outcomes in infertile men and women.

Data sources

The MEDLINE, BVS, SciELO, CENTRAL, and Embase databases and gray literature were searched from their inception to May 2022.

Study selection

Data were included from cohort studies that addressed MD and outcomes.

Data extraction

Data searches, article selection, data extraction, and risk-of-bias assessments were performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

Results

A total of 11 studies met the inclusion criteria (n = 13 157 women and 1338 men). Greater adherence to the MD was associated with live births (I2 = 83.16%; odds ratio [OR], 0.652; 95%CI, 0.408–3.194), pregnancy rate (I2 = 93.83%; OR, 1.192; 95%CI, 0.349–4.325), sperm concentration >15 × 106/mL (I2 = 32.97%; OR 2.862; 95%CI, 1.583–5.174), and sperm count > 39 × 106/mL (I2 = 48.1%; OR, 2.543; 95%CI, 1.319–4.904); however, in an inconsistent scenario regarding the meta-analysis.

Conclusion

Current evidence of high adherence to MD and fertility markers is insufficient to support their clinical application, even though it indicates sperm improvement and a possibility of better pregnancy outcomes.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO registration no. 169396.

Reactive sulfur species and their significance in health and disease

Reactive sulfur species (RSS) have been recognized in the last two decades as very important molecules in redox regulation. They are involved in metabolic processes and, in this way, they are responsible for maintenance of health. This review summarizes current information about the essential biological RSS, including H₂S, low molecular weight persulfides, protein persulfides as well as organic and inorganic polysulfides, their synthesis, catabolism and chemical reactivity. Moreover, the role of RSS disturbances in various pathologies including vascular diseases, chronic kidney diseases, diabetes mellitus Type 2, neurological diseases, obesity, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and in the most current problem of COVID-19 is presented. The significance of RSS in aging is also mentioned. Finally, the possibilities of using the precursors of various forms of RSS for therapeutic purposes are discussed.

Reactive Sulfur Compounds in the Fight against COVID-19

The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pandemic outbreak in 2019 resulted in the need to search for an effective and safe strategy for treating infected patients, relieving symptoms, and preventing severe disease. SARS-CoV-2 is an RNA virus that can cause acute respiratory failure and thrombosis, as well as impair circulatory system function. Permanent damage to the heart muscle or other cardiovascular disorders may occur during or after the infection. The severe course of the disease is associated with the release of large amounts of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Due to their documented anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral effects, reactive sulfur compounds, including hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), lipoic acid (LA), N-acetylcysteine (NAC), glutathione (GSH), and some other lesser-known sulfur compounds, have attracted the interest of scientists for the treatment and prevention of the adverse effects of diseases caused by SARS-CoV-2. This article reviews current knowledge about various endogenous or exogenous reactive sulfur compounds and discusses the possibility, or in some cases the results, of their use in the treatment or prophylaxis of COVID-19.

Infertility in Men: Advances towards a Comprehensive and Integrative Strategy for Precision Theranostics

Male infertility is an increasing and serious medical concern, though the mechanism remains poorly understood. Impaired male reproductive function affects approximately half of infertile couples worldwide. Multiple factors related to the environment, genetics, age, and comorbidities have been associated with impaired sperm function. Present-day clinicians rely primarily on standard semen analysis to diagnose male reproductive potential and develop treatment strategies. To address sperm quality assessment bias and enhance analysis accuracy, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended standardized sperm testing; however, conventional diagnostic and therapeutic options for male infertility, including physical examination and semen standard analysis, remain ineffective in relieving the associated social burden. Instead, assisted reproductive techniques are becoming the primary therapeutic approach. In the post-genomic era, multiomics technologies that deeply interrogate the genome, transcriptome, proteome, and/or the epigenome, even at single-cell level, besides the breakthroughs in robotic surgery, stem cell therapy, and big data, offer promises towards solving semen quality deterioration and male factor infertility. This review highlights the complex etiology of male infertility, especially the roles of lifestyle and environmental factors, and discusses advanced technologies/methodologies used in characterizing its pathophysiology. A comprehensive combination of these innovative approaches in a global and multi-centric setting and fulfilling the suitable ethical consent could ensure optimal reproductive and developmental outcomes. These combinatorial approaches should allow for the development of diagnostic markers, molecular stratification classes, and personalized treatment strategies. Since lifestyle choices and environmental factors influence male fertility, their integration in any comprehensive approach is required for safe, proactive, cost-effective, and noninvasive precision male infertility theranostics that are affordable, accessible, and facilitate couples realizing their procreation dream.

N-Acetylcysteine Reverses Monocrotophos Exposure-Induced Hepatic Oxidative Damage via Mitigating Apoptosis, Inflammation and Structural Changes in Rats

Oxidative stress-mediated tissue damage is primarily involved in hepatic injuries and dysfunctioning. Natural antioxidants have been shown to exert hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic properties. The present study evaluated the effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) against monocrotophos (MCP) exposure-induced toxicity in the rat liver. Albino Wistar rats were divided into four groups: (1) control, (2) NAC-treated, (3) MCP-exposure, (4) NAC and MCP-coexposure group. The dose of MCP (0.9 mg/kg b.wt) and NAC (200 mg/kg b.wt) were administered orally for 28 days. Exposure to MCP caused a significant increase in lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation and decreased glutathione content along with the depletion of antioxidant enzyme activities. Further MCP exposure increased pro-inflammatory cytokines levels and upregulated Bax and Caspase-3 expressions. MCP exposure also caused an array of structural alternations in liver tissue, as depicted by the histological and electron microscopic analysis. Thepretreatment of NAC improved glutathione content, restored antioxidant enzyme activities, prevented oxidation of lipids and proteins, decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines levels and normalized apoptotic protein expression. Treatment of NAC also prevented histological and ultrastructural alternations. Thus, the study represents the therapeutic efficacy and antioxidant potential of NAC against MCP exposure in the rat liver.

N-Acetylcysteine (NAC): Impacts on Human Health

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a medicine widely used to treat paracetamol overdose and as a mucolytic compound. It has a well-established safety profile, and its toxicity is uncommon and dependent on the route of administration and high dosages. Its remarkable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity is the biochemical basis used to treat several diseases related to oxidative stress and inflammation. The primary role of NAC as an antioxidant stems from its ability to increase the intracellular concentration of glutathione (GSH), which is the most crucial biothiol responsible for cellular redox imbalance. As an anti-inflammatory compound, NAC can reduce levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukins (IL-6 and IL-1β) by suppressing the activity of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Despite NAC's relevant therapeutic potential, in several experimental studies, its effectiveness in clinical trials, addressing different pathological conditions, is still limited. Thus, the purpose of this chapter is to provide an overview of the medicinal effects and applications of NAC to human health based on current therapeutic evidence.

Dietary Antioxidants in the Treatment of Male Infertility: Counteracting Oxidative Stress

Infertility affects about 15% of the population and male factors only are responsible for ~25-30% of cases of infertility. Currently, the etiology of suboptimal semen quality is poorly understood, and many environmental and genetic factors, including oxidative stress, have been implicated. Oxidative stress is an imbalance between the production of free radicals, or reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the capacity of the body to counteract their harmful effects through neutralization by antioxidants. The purpose of this review, by employing the joint expertise of international researchers specialized in nutrition and male fertility areas, is to update the knowledge about the reproductive consequences of excessive ROS concentrations and oxidative stress on the semen quality and Assisted Reproduction Techniques (ART) clinical outcomes, to discuss the role of antioxidants in fertility outcomes, and finally to discuss why foods and dietary patterns are more innocuous long term solution for ameliorating oxidative stress and therefore semen quality results and ART fertility outcomes. Since this is a narrative review and not a systematic/meta-analysis, the summarized information in the present study should be considered cautiously.

The effect of N-Acetyl cysteine on the expression of Fxr (Nr1h4), LXRα (Nr1h3) and Sirt1 genes, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in the liver of rats exposed to different doses of cadmium

The aim of this study was to consider the expression of farnesoid X receptor (Fxr), liver X receptor (LXRα) and sirtuin 1 (Sirt1), oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and the protective role of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in the liver of rats treated with cadmium (Cd). 30 Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups: G1 (control), G2 (single dose of Cd), G3 (continuous dose of Cd), G4 (single dose of Cd + continuous dose of NAC), and G5 (continuous dose of Cd + continuous dose of NAC). The apoptosis of hepatic cells was measured using the TUNEL assay. Levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), IL-10, TNF-α, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured by specific kits. The expression of Fxr, LXRα, and Sirt1 genes and ratio of Bax/Bcl2 was considered using RT-PCR. While NAC treatment improved TAC and IL-10 values, it decreased MDA and TNF-α levels in the liver of rats exposed to Cd (P < 0.001). NAC decreased Bax/Bcl2 in the liver of G4 and G5 groups (P < 0.001). Exposure to a continuous dose of Cd decreased Fxr, LXRα, and Sirt1 expression by 36.65- (P < 0.001), 12.52- (P < 0.001) and 11.34-fold (P < 0.001) compared to control, respectively. NAC increased Fxr, LXRα, and Sirt1 expression (P < 0.01) and decreased Cd concentrations in both serum and tissue samples in G4 and G5 groups. Our results suggested that NAC protects liver tissue against Cd toxicity by elevating antioxidant capacity, mitigating oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis and up-regulation of FXR, LXR, and SIRT1 genes.