Chrysin Administration Protects against Oxidative Damage in Varicocele-Induced Adult Rats

Could probiotics be used as a novel therapeutic approach to alleviate the reproductive and neurobehavioral side effects of sertraline? A study in male mice

There are still few studies that have investigated the impact of sertraline (SE) on fertility, as well as adjuvant treatments that alleviate its side effects. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the impact of SE on reproductive and neurobehavior parameters and verify whether the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus alleviates the side effects of SE. After carrying out a dose-response study with SE, experiment II was conducted. Thus, male mice were distributed into four experimental groups (n=8-9/group): control (CO)-received filtered water (vehicle); sertraline group (S)-received 20 mg/kg of SE, diluted in the vehicle; probiotic (P)-received the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus (1×109 CFU) diluted in the vehicle; and SP group that received both probiotic and SE. The treatment occurred/lasted for 30 days. At the end of treatment, behavioral aspects were analyzed. After euthanasia, the organs were weighed, the histology of the testis and epididymis were analyzed, and the sperm quality and also natural fertility were verified. Complementarily, in vitro assays were carried out to verify whether sertraline could affect sperm capacitation and embryonic development. The results showed that the SP group, compared to S, did not reduce body weight and seminal gland weight and presented a lower number of resorptions. Notably, the rate of resorption in both the SP and S groups was similar to that of the control group. It was also observed that the S group was less exploratory and more anxious than the SP group. Thus, the present study demonstrated that SE has an impact on the reproductive system and neurobehavior. Therefore, for the first time, we demonstrate that the probiotic can alleviate the side effects of SE.

Activating Transcription Factor 6 Mediates Inflammation in Experimental Varicocele-Induced Epididymal Epithelial Cells

Introduction

Varicocele is a dilatation of the internal spermatic vein and it is generally recognized as one cause of male infertility. This study aimed to analyze the roles of activating transcription factor 6 (ATF-6) in experimental varicocele-induced epididymal epithelial cells.

Methods

Experimental left varicocele was established in rats through partial left renal vein ligation. At 8 weeks after surgery, the left epididymal damage was observed using H&E and TUNEL staining. The expressions of neutral α-glucosidase (NAG), ATF-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and phospho-nuclear factor (p-NF)-κB p65 (S536) in the left epididymis were measured by immunohistochemistry. ATF-6 silence in rat epididymal epithelial cells was established by ATF-6 siRNA transfection. The cells were treated with hypoxia for 24 h, and cell viability was measured by CCK-8, levels of NAG, TNF-α, and interleukin (IL)-8 in cells were measured by ELISA, levels of p-NF-κB p65 (S536)/NF-κB p65 protein in cells were measured by Western blotting.

Results

The results showed that the experimental left varicocele induced hypertrophy and apoptosis of epididymal epithelial cells (p<0.05), and decreased the expressions of NAG in the epididymal epithelial cells compared with the sham-operated control rats (p<0.01). Meanwhile, the expressions of ATF-6, TNF-α, and p-NF-κB p65 (S536) were increased in the epididymal epithelial cells after the experimental left varicocele compared with the sham-operated control rats (p<0.05). In the hypoxia-treated cells, ATF-6 silence increased the cell viability and decreased the levels of TNF-α, IL-8, and p-NF-κB p65 (S536) compared with the control cells (p<0.05).

Discussion

The ATF-6 pathway was activated in a rat's left varicocele-induced epididymal damage. Inhibition of the ATF-6 pathway might be a possible novel therapeutic approach for left varicocele-induced epididymal damage.

Dispersion-corrected DFT calculations and umbrella sampling simulations to investigate stability of Chrysin-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes

The study of inclusion complexes of Chrysin (ChR) with three forms of cyclodextrins (CDs) α-, β-, and γ-CD was accomplished to examine the stability of ChR inside the central cavities of CDs. The aim of study was to identify the most suitable form of CD to improve the hydro-solubility of poorly soluble ChR bioactive molecule. Microsecond timescale molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed on four inclusion complexes (α-CD/ChR, β-CD/ChR, and two conformations of γ-CD/ChR) to examine the dynamics of ChR inside the cavity of CDs. The first conformation of γ-CD/ChR inclusion complex (γ-CD1/ChR) was identified to possess the highest affinity between host and guest molecule on the basis of binding energy calculated by employing Molecular Mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann Surface Area (MM-PBSA) and umbrella sampling simulations. To further strengthen the claims of classical and biased MD studies, Our own N-layered Integrated molecular Orbital and Molecular mechanics (ONIOM) (wB97XD/6-311+g(d,p):pm7) calculations were performed on the selected inclusion complexes. The ONIOM based complexation energy reaffirmed that ChR had highest affinity for the γ-CD1 host molecule. Further, the non-covalent interaction analysis was conducted using Multiwfn software on QM-optimized inclusion complexes with wB97XD/6-311+G(d,p) model chemistry, revealing non-covalent interactions between ChR and CDs. This atomic level information helped us to gain better insights into critical atoms of ChR and CD that participated in intermolecular interactions and identify γ-CD as a suitable host molecule for improving the hydro-solubulity of ChR. The structural insights would help to derive new derivatives of γ-CD with better host capacity.

Chrysin, a 5,7-dihydroxyflavone restrains inflammatory arthritis in rats via subsiding oxidative stress biomarkers and inflammatory cytokines

This study was intended to appraise the anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic potential of Chrysin (CR), a natural dietary flavone found in several plant genera, including Passiflora and Propalis, and honey. The in vitro anti-arthritic potential was assessed by protein denaturation and membrane stabilization assays. The acute anti-inflammatory action was assessed by Carrageenan and Xylene induced oedema models in Wistar rats. For determining anti-arthritic potential, 0.1 ml Complete Freund's adjuvant was injected into the left hind paw of rats to induce adjuvant-induced arthritis, followed by initiation of treatment with individual CR at 25, 50, 100 mg/kg and in combination with methotrexate (MTX) by oral gavage for 21 days. The standard treatment group was given MTX (1 mg/kg). Treatment with MTX, chrysin and their combination exhibited a notable inhibition of paw oedema and pain, restoration of body weight and immune organ weight as evident by the histology of ankle joints. Treatment with chrysin alone and in combination significantly (p < 0.0001) restored altered blood parameters (CRP, RF, Hb, WBC, and platelets) with notable (p < 0.0001) down-regulation of interleukin (IL)-6,-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, NF-κβ, and cyclooxygenase-2 and up-regulation (p < 0.0001) of IL-4, 10, and I-κβ in contrast to disease control rats. The treatment with the combination noticeably improved the superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities while reduced the peroxidation level in liver homogenate. It can be concluded from the findings that chrysin especially in combination with MTX ameliorated CFA-induced arthritis owing to its profound anti-oxidant, analgesic and anti-inflammatory actions.

The ZIP9-centered androgen pathway compensates for the 2605 MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation-mediated reduction in resistance to H2O2 damage in Sertoli cells of adult rats

The direct biological effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) from wireless communication equipment on the testes are still unclear. Our previous study proved that long-term exposure to 2605 MHz RF-EMR gradually damage spermatogenesis and resulted in time-dependent reproductive toxicity by directly disrupting blood-testis barrier circulation. Although short-term exposure did not cause readily observable damage to fertility, whether it caused specific biological effects and how these effects contributed to the time-dependent reproductive toxicity of RF-EMR were currently unknown. Studies on this issue are important for elucidating the time-dependent reproductive toxicity of RF-EMR. The present study established a 2605 MHz RF-EMR (SAR=1.05 W/Kg) scrotal exposure model with rats and extracted primary Sertoli cells for exposure to investigate the direct biological effects of short-term RF-EMR exposure on the testis. The results showed that short-term RF-EMR exposure did not decrease sperm quality and spermatogenesis, but it increased the levels of testicular testosterone (T) and zinc transporter 9 (ZIP9) in Sertoli cells of rats. In vitro, 2605 MHz RF-EMR exposure did not increase the apoptosis rate of Sertoli cells, but it increased the apoptosis rate and MDA of Sertoli cells exposed to H₂O₂. T reversed these changes and increased ZIP9 level in Sertoli cells, whereas inhibiting ZIP9 expression significantly suppressed these T-mediated protective effects. Moreover, T increased the levels of phosphorylated inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (P-IRE1), phosphorylated protein kinase R (PKR)-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (P-PERK), phosphorylated eukaryotic initiation factor 2a (P-eIF2a) and phosphorylated activating transcription factor 6 (P-ATF6) in Sertoli cells, and these effects were reversed by ZIP9 inhibition. With prolonged exposure time, testicular ZIP9 was gradually downregulated, and testicular MDA increased. ZIP9 level was negatively correlated with MDA level in the testes of exposed rats. Thus, although short-term exposure to 2605 MHz RF-EMR (SAR=1.05 W/kg) did not significantly disturb spermatogenesis, it suppressed the ability of Sertoli cells to resist external insults, which was rescued by enhancing the ZIP9-centered androgen pathway in the short term. Increasing the unfolded protein response might be an important downstream mechanism involved. These results promote a better understanding of the time-dependent reproductive toxicity of 2605 MHz RF-EMR.

Protective role of naftidrofuryl against methotrexate-induced testicular damage via the amelioration of the p53/miRNA-29a/CDC42 apoptotic pathway, inflammation, and oxidative stress

This study aimed to assess the possible protective effects of naftidrofuryl (Naf) against methotrexate (MTX)-induced testicular toxicity in rats. Male rats were randomly distributed into four groups: control, Naf, MTX, and MTX+Naf groups. MTX administration induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in the testicular tissue, while pretreatment with Naf attenuated these pathways. Naf pretreatment significantly decreased malondialdehyde and interleukin-6 contents, microRNA-29a (miRNA-29a) expression level, and nuclear factor kappa B and p53 immunostaining in the testicular tissues compared to the MTX group. Conversely, it significantly increased Johnsen's score, serum testosterone level, serum total antioxidant capacity, testicular superoxide dismutase activity, testicular catalase activity, and testicular cell division cycle 42 (CDC42) expression compared to the MTX group. In conclusion, Naf exerted a significant protective effect against MTX-induced testicular toxicity via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms and modulating the p53/miRNA-29a/CDC42 apoptotic pathway.

COVID-19 and varicocele: the possible overlap factors and the common therapeutic approaches

Varicocele is recognized as one of the main attributable causes of male infertility which can affect spermatogenesis by various pathophysiological mechanisms. Recent studies have identified oxidative stress and reduction in antioxidant, hyperthermia, hypoxia, hormonal dysfunction, and inflammatory conditions as major factors in the pathophysiology of varicocele, all of which have known direct associations with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and can significantly increase the risk of detrimental COVID-19-related outcomes. Emerging data have shown an association between COVID-19 and inflammation, overproduction of cytokine, and other pathophysiological processes. The present review, summarizes the current understanding of the pathophysiology of varicocele and investigates the potential correlation between the severity of COVID-19 and the varicocele disease. In addition, various possible treatments which can be effective in both diseases were examined. Despite numerous challenges associated with the prevalence of COVID-19 in healthcare systems in infected countries, special attention should be given to maintaining a high level of care for complex patients with a pre-existing disease such as varicocele and providing appropriate practical advice for optimal control of the COVID-19 disease. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Effect of Chrysin on Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in a Rat Model of Testicular Torsion

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the possible therapeutic effect of chrysin (CHS) on testicular torsion/detorsion (T/D) injury in vivo through the mechanisms of oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS).

METHODS

Eighteen male rats were divided into three groups of six subjects in each group: control, T/D and T/D + CHS (100 mg/kg). To evaluate the degree of oxidative stress, tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS) levels were determined using colorimetric methods, while tissue superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were determined using an ELISA kit. To evaluate the degree of ERS, tissue glucose regulatory protein 78 (GRP78), activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6) and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) levels were determined using ELISA kits. Johnsen's testicle scoring system was used for histological evaluation.

RESULTS

In the T/D group, it is determined that statistically significant decreasing in the levels of TAS, SOD and Johnsen score, and increasing in TOS, MDA, GRP78, ATF6 and CHOP levels compared to control group (p < 0.05). CHS administration statistically significantly restored this T/D-induced damage (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to show that CHS prevent T/D-induced testicular damage through its ERS inhibitor activity. More comprehensive studies are needed to understand the underlying mechanisms.

Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/08941939.2021.2015489 .

NLRP3 Inflammasome: A New Pharmacological Target for Reducing Testicular Damage Associated with Varicocele

Many bioactive natural compounds are being increasingly used for therapeutics and nutraceutical applications to counteract male infertility, particularly varicocele. The roles of selenium and Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) were investigated in an experimental model of varicocele, with particular regard to the role of NLRP3 inflammasome. Male rats underwent sham operation and were daily administered with vehicle, seleno-L-methionine (Se), PDRN, and with the association Se-PDRN. Another group of rats were operated for varicocele. After twenty-eight days, sham and varicocele rats were sacrificed and both testes were weighted and analyzed. All the other rats were challenged for one month with the same compounds. In varicocele animals, lower testosterone levels, testes weight, NLRP3 inflammasome, IL-1β and caspase-1 increased gene expression were demonstrated. TUNEL assay showed an increased number of apoptotic cells. Structural and ultrastructural damage to testes was also shown. PDRN alone significantly improved all considered parameters more than Se. The Se-PDRN association significantly improved all morphological parameters, significantly increased testosterone levels, and reduced NLRP3 inflammasome, caspase-1 and IL-1β expression and TUNEL-positive cell numbers. Our results suggest that NLRP3 inflammasome can be considered an interesting target in varicocele and that Se-PDRN may be a new medical approach in support to surgery.

Varicocoele and oxidative stress: New perspectives from animal and human studies

BACKGROUND

Varicocoele (VCL), one of the main causes of male subfertility, negatively affects testicular function. Due to limited access to human testicular tissue, animal model studies have been used to evaluate molecular and, recently, epigenetic changes attributed to pathophysiology induced by VCL.

OBJECTIVES

This review aims to provide an update on the latest findings regarding the link between VCL-induced biochemical stress and molecular changes in germ cells and spermatozoa. Endocrine and antioxidant status, testicular chaperone-specific hemostasis failure, altered testicular ion balance, metabolic disorders, and altered carbon cycling during spermatogenesis are among the many features that will be presented.

DISCUSSION

Literature review coupled with our own findings suggests that ionic imbalance, hypoxia, hyperthermia, and altered blood flow could lead to severe chronic oxidative and nitrosative stress in patients with VCL leading to defective spermatogenesis and impairment of the integrity of all sperm cell components and compartments down to the epigenetic information they carry.

CONCLUSION

Since oxidative stress is an important feature of the reproductive pathology of VCL, therapeutic strategies such as the administration of appropriate antioxidants could be undertaken as a complementary non-invasive treatment line.

Administration of sodium hydrosulfide reduces remote organ injury by an anti-oxidant mechanism in a rat model of varicocele

OBJECTIVES

Infertility in varicocele may have an adverse outcome on the future life of an infertile male. This study was designed to investigate whether varicocele affects remote organs, including the kidney, liver, and brain. We have also evaluated the protective effects of NaHS administration on the structure and function of these organs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-six rats were randomly assigned to 3 experimental groups: 1) Sham, 2) Varicocele, and 3) Varicocele + sodium hydrosulfide. Varicocele was induced via partial ligation of the left renal veins. Animals in the Varicocele + sodium hydrogen sulfide group received 30 µmol/l NaHS in drinking water for 56 days. On the 57th day of the treatment, blood samples, as well as kidney, liver, and brain tissues, were collected to assess kidney and liver functions, measurement of oxidative stress markers, and histological changes. For evaluation of sperm parameters caudal epididymis was used. The behavioral tests were performed to evaluate the animal's anxiety-related behaviors.

RESULTS

Varicocele caused significant decrease in sperm parameters (motility and viability) and superoxide dismutase activity in the kidney, liver, and brain tissue. Anxiety-related parameters decreased in varicocele. Moreover, varicocele resulted in a significant increase in malondialdehyde levels in the kidney, liver and brain tissue, and liver function enzymes. Varicocele did not alter kidney function parameters. The administration of NaHS improves the above parameters.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that notice to remote organs such as the liver and brain beside reproductive organs in varicocele is important. The administration of NaHS improved remote organ injury in varicocele via its anti-oxidant mechanism.

In vitro and in vivo activities of flavonoids – apigenin, baicalin, chrysin, scutellarin – in regulation of hypertension – a review for their possible effects in pregnancy-induced hypertension

Flavonoids and their conjugates are the most important group of natural chemical compounds in drug discovery and development. The search for pharmacological activity and new mechanisms of activity of these chemical compounds, which may inhibit mediators of inflammation and influence the structure and function of endothelial cells, can be an interesting pharmacological strategy for the prevention and adjunctive treatments of hypertension, especially induced by pregnancy. Because cardiovascular diseases have multi-factorial pathogenesis these natural chemical compounds with wide spectrum of biological activities are the most interesting source of new drugs. Extracts from one of the most popular plant used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi could be a very interesting source of flavonoids because of its exact content in quercetin, apigenin, chrysin and scutellarin as well as in baicalin. These flavonoids exert vasoprotective properties and many activities such as: anti-oxidative via several pathways, anti-in-flammatory, anti-ischaemic, cardioprotective and anti-hypertensive. However, there is lack of summaries of results of studies in context of potential and future application of flavonoids with determined composition and activity. Our review aims to provide a literature survey of in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo pharmacological studies of selected flavonoids (apigenin, chrysin and scutellarin, baicalin) in various models of hypertension carried out in 2008–2018.

Chrysin protects against renal ischemia reperfusion induced tubular cell apoptosis and inflammation in mice

Renal ischemia reperfusion (IR) is a major cause of acute kidney injury with no effective treatment. Chrysin is an anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-cancer agent. However, the effect of chrysin on renal IR injury remains unknown. In this study, sham operation, IR and IR+chrysin group mice were treated with or without renal IR injury. For renal IR, bilateral renal pedicles were clamped for 30 min and then released for 48 h of reperfusion. Blood and kidney samples were collected for analysis. Results demonstrated that chrysin pretreatment remarkably decreased the levels of serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen and attenuated morphological abnormalities in renal IR injury. Consistently, tubular cell apoptosis and inflammation were more attenuated in the chrysin pretreatment group compared with the IR group. Chrysin pretreatment decreased the expression of Bax and cleaved caspase-3 and increased the expression of Bcl-2 in renal IR injury. Furthermore, chrysin administration decreased the mRNA and protein levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6. Furthermore, the IκBα/nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway was more suppressed in the chrysin pretreatment group compared with the IR group. In conclusion, chrysin protects against tubular cell apoptosis and inflammation in renal IR injury.