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Hess RA, Park CJ, Soto S, Reinacher L, Oh JE, Bunnell M, Ko CJ. Male animal sterilization: history, current practices, and potential methods for replacing castration. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1409386. [PMID: 39027909 PMCID: PMC11255590 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1409386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Sterilization and castration have been synonyms for thousands of years. Making an animal sterile meant to render them incapable of producing offspring. Castration or the physical removal of the testes was discovered to be the most simple but reliable method for managing reproduction and sexual behavior in the male. Today, there continues to be global utilization of castration in domestic animals. More than six hundred million pigs are castrated every year, and surgical removal of testes in dogs and cats is a routine practice in veterinary medicine. However, modern biological research has extended the meaning of sterilization to include methods that spare testis removal and involve a variety of options, from chemical castration and immunocastration to various methods of vasectomy. This review begins with the history of sterilization, showing a direct link between its practice in man and animals. Then, it traces the evolution of concepts for inducing sterility, where research has overlapped with basic studies of reproductive hormones and the discovery of testicular toxicants, some of which serve as sterilizing agents in rodent pests. Finally, the most recent efforts to use the immune system and gene editing to block hormonal stimulation of testis function are discussed. As we respond to the crisis of animal overpopulation and strive for better animal welfare, these novel methods provide optimism for replacing surgical castration in some species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rex A. Hess
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
- Epivara, Inc, Champaign, IL, United States
| | - Chan Jin Park
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
- Epivara, Inc, Champaign, IL, United States
| | | | | | - Ji-Eun Oh
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Mary Bunnell
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - CheMyong J. Ko
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
- Epivara, Inc, Champaign, IL, United States
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Romagnoli S, Krekeler N, de Cramer K, Kutzler M, McCarthy R, Schaefer-Somi S. WSAVA guidelines for the control of reproduction in dogs and cats. J Small Anim Pract 2024; 65:424-559. [PMID: 38804079 DOI: 10.1111/jsap.13724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- S Romagnoli
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, Viale dell'Università 16, University of Padova, Legnaro, 35020, Italy
| | - N Krekeler
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - K de Cramer
- Department of Production Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - M Kutzler
- Dept of Animal and Rangeland Sciences, Oregon State University, 112 Withycombe Hall, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - R McCarthy
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA, 01536, United States
| | - S Schaefer-Somi
- Center for Reproduction, Vetmeduni Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, Vienna, 1210, Austria
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Baqerkhani M, Soleimanzadeh A, Mohammadi R. Effects of intratesticular injection of hypertonic mannitol and saline on the quality of donkey sperm, indicators of oxidative stress and testicular tissue pathology. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:99. [PMID: 38468237 PMCID: PMC10926677 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-03915-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of the present study was to examine donkey sperm quality after intratesticular injection of hypertonic mannitol (HM) and saline (HS). METHODS Randomly assigned to five treatment groups were 15 adult male donkeys: (1) Control group (no treatment), (2) Surgery group (surgical castration for testosterone control), (3) NS group (normal saline intratesticular injection), (4) HS group (hypertonic saline), and (5) HM group. We injected 20 mL per testicle. We took 5 mL blood from all donkeys before injection. Castration was performed under general anesthesia 60 days later. Samples included blood and testicular tissue. Total motility (TM), progressive motility (PM), movementy features, DNA damage, morphology, viability, and plasma membrane functionality were evaluated. Hormone analyses, histomorphometric studies and oxidative stress indices including total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and NADP+/NADPH were evaluated. Apoptosis, pyroptosis-related Bax, Caspase-1, GSDMD, and Bcl-2 expression were also assessed. RESULTS In HS and HM groups, testosterone, epididymal sperm count, motility, viability, and plasma membrane functionality dropped while sperm DNA damage increased. HS and HM groups had significantly lower histomorphometric parameters, TAC, GPx, SOD, GSH, and Bcl-2 gene expression. MDA, NADP+/NADPH, Bax, Caspase-1, and GSDMD gene expression were substantially higher in the HS and HM groups than in the control group. CONCLUSIONS Toxic effects of hypertonic saline and mannitol on reproductive parameters were seen following, hence, they might be considered as a good chemical sterilizing treatment in donkeys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammadreza Baqerkhani
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, P.O. Box: 57561-51818, Urmia, Iran
| | - Ali Soleimanzadeh
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, P.O. Box: 57561-51818, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Rahim Mohammadi
- Department of Surgery and Diagnostic Imaging, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
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Navanukraw P, Chotimanukul S, Kemthong T, Choowongkomon K, Chatdarong K. Impaired Testicular Function without Altering Testosterone Concentration Using an Anti-Follicular-Stimulating Hormone Receptor (Anti-FSHr) Single-Chain Variable Fragment (scFv) in Long-Tailed Macaques ( Macaca fascicularis). Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2282. [PMID: 37508065 PMCID: PMC10376863 DOI: 10.3390/ani13142282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
FSHr antibodies have been shown to inhibit the differentiation of spermatogonia to primary spermatocytes, resulting in infertility without a pathological effect on reproductive organs. The aim of this study was to develop single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) against the follicular-stimulating hormone receptor (anti-FSHr) using phage-display technology and to evaluate the effects of intratesticular administration of the anti-FSHr scFv on testicular function and testosterone production. A phage clone against the extracellular domain of FSHr selected from a scFv phagemid library was analyzed for binding kinetics by surface plasmon resonance. Using ultrasound guidance, three adult macaques (M. fascicularis) were administered with 1 mL of 0.4 mg/mL anti-FSHr scFv (treatment) and 1 mL sterile phosphate buffer solution (control) into the left and right rete testis, respectively. Testicular appearance and volume, ejaculate quality, and serum testosterone levels were recorded on day 0 (before injection) and on days 7, 28, and 56 (after injection). Testicular tissue biopsies were performed on day 7 and day 56 to quantify the mRNA expressions of androgen binding protein (ABP), inhibin subunit beta B (IHBB), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA). The results demonstrated that the anti-FSHr scFv molecule was calculated as 27 kDa with a dissociation constant (KD) of 1.03 µM. The volume of the anti-FSHr scFv-injected testicle was reduced on days 28 and 56 compared with day 0 (p < 0.05). Total sperm number was reduced from day 0 (36.4 × 106 cells) to day 56 (1.6 × 106 cells) (p < 0.05). The percentage of sperm motility decreased from day 0 (81.7 ± 1.0%) to day 7 (23.3 ± 1.9%), day 28 (41.7 ± 53.4%), and day 56 (8.3 ± 1.9%) (p < 0.05). Sperm viability on day 0 was 86.8 ± 0.5%, which reduced to 64.2 ± 1.5%, 67.1 ± 2.2%, and 9.3 ± 1.1% on days 7, 28, and 56, respectively (p < 0.05). The expression of ABP and VEGFA on days 7 (14.2- and 3.2-fold) and 56 (5.6- and 5.5-fold) was less in the scFv-treated testicle compared with the controls (p < 0.05). On day 56, the expression of IHBB was less (p < 0.05) in the treated testis (1.3-fold) compared with the controls. Serum testosterone levels were unchanged throughout the study period (p > 0.05). This study characterized the anti-FSHr scFv and demonstrated that treatment with anti-FSHr ameliorates testicular function without altering testosterone levels, offering a potential alternative contraceptive for the long-tailed macaques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pakpoom Navanukraw
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Sroisuda Chotimanukul
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Taratorn Kemthong
- National Primate Research Center of Thailand, Chulalongkorn University, Saraburi 18110, Thailand
| | - Kiattawee Choowongkomon
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Kaywalee Chatdarong
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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Coimbra JLP, Dantas GDPF, de Andrade LM, Brener MRG, Viana PIM, Lopes RA, O G Gontijo D, Ervilha LOG, Assis MQ, Barcelos LS, E Szawka R, Damasceno DC, Machado-Neves M, Mota AP, Costa GMJ. Gold nanoparticle intratesticular injections as a potential animal sterilization tool: Long-term reproductive and toxicological implications. Toxicology 2023; 492:153543. [PMID: 37150288 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2023.153543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) animal sterilizing potential after intratesticular injections and long-term adverse reproductive and systemic effects. Adult male Wistar rats were divided into control and gold nanoparticle (AuNPs) groups. The rats received 200µL of saline or AuNPs solution (16µg/mL) on experimental days 1 and 7 (ED1 and ED7). After 150 days, the testicular blood flow was measured, and the rats were mated with females. After mating, male animals were euthanized for histological, cellular, and molecular evaluations. The female fertility indices and fetal development were also recorded. The results indicated increased blood flow in the testes of treated animals. Testes from treated rats had histological abnormalities, shorter seminiferous epithelia, and oxidative stress. Although the sperm concentration was lower in the AuNP-treated rats, there were no alterations in sperm morphology. Animals exposed to AuNPs had decreased male fertility indices, and their offspring had lighter and less efficient placentas. Additionally, the anogenital distance was longer in female fetuses. There were no changes in the histology of the kidney and liver, the lipid profile, and the serum levels of LH, testosterone, AST, ALT, ALP, albumin, and creatinine. The primary systemic effect was an increase in MDA levels in the liver and kidney, with only the liver experiencing an increase in CAT activity. In conclusion, AuNPs have a long-term impact on reproduction with very slight alterations in animal health. The development of reproductive biotechnologies that eliminate germ cells or treat local cancers can benefit from using AuNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- John L P Coimbra
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Graziela de P F Dantas
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Lídia M de Andrade
- Laboratory of Nanomaterials, ICEX/UFMG, Nanobiomedical Research Group, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Marcos R G Brener
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Pedro I M Viana
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Roberta A Lopes
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Daniele O G Gontijo
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Luiz O G Ervilha
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Toxicology, Department of General Biology, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Mirian Q Assis
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Toxicology, Department of General Biology, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Luciola S Barcelos
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Raphael E Szawka
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Débora C Damasceno
- Laboratory of Experimental Research on Gynecology and Obstetrics, Postgraduate Course of Tocogynecology, Botucatu Medical School, Unesp
| | - Mariana Machado-Neves
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Toxicology, Department of General Biology, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Ana P Mota
- Clinical Hematology Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Guilherme M J Costa
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
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Jivago JLPR, Brito JLM, Capistrano G, Vinícius-Araújo M, Lima Verde E, Bakuzis AF, Souza PEN, Azevedo RB, Lucci CM. New Prospects in Neutering Male Animals Using Magnetic Nanoparticle Hyperthermia. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13091465. [PMID: 34575541 PMCID: PMC8467495 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13091465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Controlling populations of free-roaming dogs and cats poses a huge challenge worldwide. Non-surgical neutering strategies for male animals have been long pursued, but the implementation of the procedures developed has remained limited to date. As submitting the testes to high temperatures impairs spermatogenesis, the present study investigated localized application of magnetic nanoparticle hyperthermia (MNH) to the testicles as a potential non-surgical sterilization method for animals. An intratesticular injection of a magnetic fluid composed of manganese-ferrite nanoparticles functionalized with citrate was administered followed by testicle exposure to an alternate magnetic field to generate localized heat. Testicular MNH was highly effective, causing progressive seminiferous tubule degeneration followed by substitution of the parenchyma with stromal tissue and gonadal atrophy, suggesting an irreversible process with few side effects to general animal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Luiz P. R. Jivago
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Brasilia 70910-900, DF, Brazil; (J.L.P.R.J.); (J.L.M.B.)
| | - Juliana Lis Mendes Brito
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Brasilia 70910-900, DF, Brazil; (J.L.P.R.J.); (J.L.M.B.)
| | - Gustavo Capistrano
- Institute of Physics and CNanoMed, Federal University of Goiás, Goiania 74884-092, GO, Brazil; (G.C.); (M.V.-A.); (A.F.B.)
| | - Marcus Vinícius-Araújo
- Institute of Physics and CNanoMed, Federal University of Goiás, Goiania 74884-092, GO, Brazil; (G.C.); (M.V.-A.); (A.F.B.)
| | - Ediron Lima Verde
- Instituto de Ciências Exatas e da Terra, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Pontal do Araguaia 78060-900, MT, Brazil;
| | - Andris Figueiroa Bakuzis
- Institute of Physics and CNanoMed, Federal University of Goiás, Goiania 74884-092, GO, Brazil; (G.C.); (M.V.-A.); (A.F.B.)
| | - Paulo E. N. Souza
- Laboratory of Electron Paramagnetic Resonance, Institute of Physics, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70910-900, DF, Brazil;
| | - Ricardo Bentes Azevedo
- Department of Genetics and Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Brasilia 70910-900, DF, Brazil;
| | - Carolina Madeira Lucci
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Brasilia 70910-900, DF, Brazil; (J.L.P.R.J.); (J.L.M.B.)
- Correspondence:
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de Brito JLM, Lima VND, Ansa DO, Moya SE, Morais PC, Azevedo RBD, Lucci CM. Acute reproductive toxicology after intratesticular injection of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in Wistar rats. Nanotoxicology 2020; 14:893-907. [PMID: 32529924 DOI: 10.1080/17435390.2020.1774812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an intratesticular injection of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on reproductive parameters and health of rats, and to evaluate the AgNPs biodistribution in order to develop a nanotechnological contraceptive agent for male animals. Treated animals received 220 μL of AgNPs solution (0.46 µg-Ag/ml) in each testicle and were euthanized: seven, 14, 28, and 56 days after injection. A significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the percentage of motile sperm in D7 (8.8%) was observed, comparing to the control (73.3%), D14 (86.0%), D28 (68.2%), and D56 (90.0%) groups. D7 group also presented a decrease (p < 0.05) in the percentage of normal spermatozoa. Additionally, D7 group showed an increase (p < 0.05) in abnormal midpiece and sperm head morphology compared to the Control group. Seminiferous tubules presented all germline cell types and spermatozoa for all groups. However, D7 group did not present spermatozoa in the epididymis, whereas some spermatozoa and cellular debris were visible in D14 and D28 groups. All animals presented hematological parameters, creatinine, and alanine aminotransferase values within the normal limits for Wistar rats. The percentage of silver found in the liver was always higher than in the other organs analyzed. A pioneering mathematical model is proposed, from which the half-life time of silver in the liver (17 days), spleen (23 days), lungs (30 days), and kidneys (35 days) was extracted. In conclusion, some acute and severe toxic effects were observed in sperm cells following intratesticular injection of AgNPs, although these effects were reversible. No adverse effects to general animal health were observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Lis Mendes de Brito
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Nicolau de Lima
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Dorleta Otaegui Ansa
- Mass Spectrometry Platform, Center for Cooperative Research in Biomaterials (CIC biomaGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Sergio Enrique Moya
- Soft Matter Nanotechnology Lab, Center for Cooperative Research in Biomaterials (CIC biomaGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Paulo Cesar Morais
- Institute of Physics, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil.,Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology, Catholic University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Bentes de Azevedo
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology, Department of Genetics and Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Carolina Madeira Lucci
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
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Urfer SR, Kaeberlein M. Desexing Dogs: A Review of the Current Literature. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:E1086. [PMID: 31817504 PMCID: PMC6940997 DOI: 10.3390/ani9121086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Desexing dogs is promoted for population control, preventative healthcare, and behavior modification. Common methods are orchiectomy and ovariectomy/ovariohysterectomy. GnRH superagonist implants are available in some areas. Alternative methods like vasectomy and salpingectomy/hysterectomy are uncommon. The terminology used to describe desexing is inconsistent and contradictory, showing a need for the adaption of standardized terminology. Population Control: Surprisingly, empirical studies show no effects of desexing on population control in companion and shelter dogs despite desexing being consistently recommended in the literature. There is evidence for a population control effect in free-roaming dogs, where desexing also has benefits on zoonotic disease and bite risk. Population control in free-roaming dogs is mostly correlated with female, not male desexing. Health and Lifespan: Desexing affects numerous disease risks, but studies commonly neglect age at diagnosis and overall lifespan, age being by far the most important risk factor for most diseases. We argue that lifespan is a more important outcome than ultimate cause of death. A beneficial effect of desexing on lifespan is consistently demonstrated in females, while evidence for a beneficial effect in males is inconsistent. Studies are likely biased in desexing being a proxy for better care and desexed dogs having already lived to the age of desexing. Desexing reduces or eliminates common life-limiting diseases of the female reproductive system such as pyometra and mammary tumors, while no analogous effect exists in males. Disease risks increases across sexes and breeds include cruciate ligament rupture, various cancers, and obesity. Urinary incontinence risk is increased in females only. Various other disease risk changes show considerable variability between breeds and sexes. Behavioral Effects: Desexed males show reduced libido, roaming, conspecific mounting, and urinary marking frequency, as well as reduced male dog-directed aggression in a majority of males desexed for behavioral reasons. There is a detrimental effect on the risk and progression of age-related cognitive dysfunction. Desexed dogs may be less likely to cause bite injuries across sexes. The evidence for other effects such as human-directed aggression, human or object mounting, resource guarding, or shyness and anxiety is inconsistent and contradictory. There are few studies specific to females or individual breeds. Conclusions: The evidence for a beneficial effect of desexing is stronger in female than in male dogs; however, there is significant variation between breeds and sexes, and more research is needed to further elucidate these differences and to arrive at individualized evidence-based recommendations for clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvan R. Urfer
- Dog Aging Project, Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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Rafatmah D, Mogheiseh A, Eshghi D. Chemical sterilization with intratesticular administration of zinc gluconate in adult dogs: a preliminary report. Basic Clin Androl 2019; 29:12. [PMID: 31388429 PMCID: PMC6670226 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-019-0092-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chemical sterilization with zinc gluconate is being developed due to its permanent contraceptive effect in prepubertal dogs. In this study, five healthy adult dogs were selected randomly. Semen samples were collected and analyzed before the study to confirm normal testicular function. Under general anesthesia, pH neutralized zinc gluconate was injected directly into their testes. Testes diameter, ultrasonographic appearance, changes in the percentage of white blood cells, and testosterone concentration were monitored twice a week before and 1 month after the injection. At the end of the study, the dogs were castrated and their testes were removed for histopathological evaluation. RESULTS The general health of all dogs was normal after the injection. The appearance of testicular swelling was limited within 2 days of treatment. The average diameter of left and right testes was 2.48 and 2.03 cm before the injection and reached to diameter 2.12 and 2.15 cm, respectively, at the end of the study. Serum testosterone concentration was 4.2 ng/ml at the start and 4 ng/ml at the end of the study. The percentage of white blood cells at the start and end of the study were within normal ranges reported for dogs. Histopathological analyses indicate a degeneration of germ cells in seminiferous tubules, but Leydig cells retained their structure. CONCLUSIONS Therefore, It is inferred that the injection of pH neutralized zinc gluconate into the adult dogs' testes resulted in the loss of sperm-producing tissue without affecting the production of testosterone and the general health of adult dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorna Rafatmah
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, P.O.Box 71441-69155, Shiraz, Fars Iran
| | - Asghar Mogheiseh
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, P.O.Box 71441-69155, Shiraz, Fars Iran
| | - Davoud Eshghi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, P.O.Box 71441-69155, Shiraz, Fars Iran
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DiGangi BA, Grijalva J, Jaramillo EPP, Dueñas I, Glenn C, Cruz MEC, Pérez RPM. Post-operative outcomes of surgical and chemical castration with zinc gluconate in dogs presenting to veterinary field clinics. Vet J 2017; 229:26-30. [PMID: 29183570 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2017.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Revised: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to characterize post-operative outcomes of chemical castration as compared to surgical castration performed by existing municipal field clinics. Fifty-four healthy adult male dogs underwent chemical castration with zinc gluconate solution and 55 healthy adult male dogs underwent surgical castration in veterinary field clinics. Dogs in each group were evaluated for swelling, inflammation, and ulceration (chemical castration) or dehiscence (surgical castration) at Days 3, 7, and 14 following castration. More surgically castrated dogs required medical intervention than chemically castrated dogs (P=0.0328); the number of dogs requiring surgical repair within each group did not differ (P=0.3421). Seven chemically castrated dogs and 22 surgically castrated dogs experienced swelling, inflammation, and/or ulceration; all were managed medically. Two chemically castrated dogs experienced scrotal ulceration requiring surgical castration at Days 3 and 7. One surgically castrated dog experienced partial incisional dehiscence requiring surgical repair at Day 3. Our results suggest that chemical castration of dogs in field clinics is a feasible alternative to surgical castration, but proper follow-up care should be ensured for at least 7days post-procedurally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian A DiGangi
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States.
| | - Jaime Grijalva
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Erika Pamela Puga Jaramillo
- Universidad Central del Ecuador, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnica, Ciudadela Universitaria Av. América, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Ivette Dueñas
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Diego de Robles s/n y Pampite, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Christine Glenn
- Humane Society of Tampa Bay, 3809 North Armenia Avenue, Tampa, FL 33607, United States
| | | | - Renán Patricio Mena Pérez
- Universidad Central del Ecuador, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnica, Ciudadela Universitaria Av. América, Quito, Ecuador
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11
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Nanocarrier-mediated delivery of α-mangostin for non-surgical castration of male animals. Sci Rep 2017; 7:16234. [PMID: 29176590 PMCID: PMC5701201 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-16563-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The overpopulation of abandoned and stray companion animals has become a global crisis. The main purpose of this study was to develop a novel nanomedicine-based antifertility compound for non-surgical castration of male animals. Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L) pericarp extract has been shown to exhibit anti-fertility property. α-mangostin (AM)-loaded nanostructured lipid carrier (AM-NLC) was developed to improve male germ cell apoptosis. This study was conducted to investigate physicochemical properties of AM-NLC and determine the biological effects of AM-NLC on spermatogonia cells and testicular explants obtained from castrated testes. AM-NLC was produced through a hot homogenization technique. The negatively charged particle of AM-NLC was nano-sized with a narrow dispersity. AM-NLC exhibited antiproliferative activity towards spermatogonium cells. It induced apoptosis in the cells. In addition, AM-NLC exhibited anti-inflammatory activities in lipopolysaccharide-activated macrophages. Abnormal anatomy of seminiferous tubule was noted following treatment of testicular explant with AM-NLC. This nanomedicine-based sterilant would be a promising platform that may have utility in non-surgical castration of male animals by intra-testicular injection.
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12
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Cavalieri J. Chemical sterilisation of animals: A review of the use of zinc- and CaCl 2 based solutions in male and female animals and factors likely to improve responses to treatment. Anim Reprod Sci 2017; 181:1-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2017.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2016] [Revised: 03/11/2017] [Accepted: 03/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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13
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Effects of surgical and chemical sterilization on the behavior of free-roaming male dogs in Puerto Natales, Chile. Prev Vet Med 2015; 123:106-120. [PMID: 26657528 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2015.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2015] [Revised: 11/04/2015] [Accepted: 11/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Population management of free-roaming domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) is of interest due to the threat these animals pose to people, other animals and the environment. Current sterilization procedures for male dogs include surgical and chemical methods. However, little is known about how these procedures affect their behavior. The primary objective of this study was to investigate changes in selected behaviors following chemical and surgical sterilization in a male free-roaming dog (FRD) population in southern Chile. We also examined the association between serum testosterone levels and behaviors thought to be influenced by circulating androgens. A total of 174 dogs were randomly assigned to either a surgical or chemical sterilization group, or a control group. At the onset of the intervention period, 119 dogs remained and 102 dogs successfully completed the study. Each dog was monitored pre- and post-intervention using video recordings, GPS collars, and blood samples for the measurement of testosterone. Analysis of behavior revealed that surgically castrated dogs showed no reduction of sexual activity or aggression when compared to their pre-intervention behavior. Chemically sterilized dogs showed a statistically significant increase in dog-directed aggression, but no change in sexual activity. There was no change in home range size in any groups between the pre- and post-intervention measurement. We found no consistent association between levels of serum testosterone concentration and behavioral changes in any of the groups. This study presents the first detailed behavioral observations following surgical and chemical sterilization in male FRDs. The information generated is highly relevant to communities struggling with the control of FRDs. Complementary studies to further our understanding of the effects of male sterilization on the behavioral and reproductive dynamics of FRD populations are needed.
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14
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Vannucchi C, Angrimani D, Eyherabide A, Mazzei C, Lucio C, Maiorka P, Silva L, Nichi M. Effects of intratesticular administration of zinc gluconate and dimethyl sulfoxide on clinical, endocrinological, and reproductive parameters in dogs. Theriogenology 2015; 84:1103-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2015] [Revised: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 06/10/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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15
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Chemical sterilisation of Bos indicus bull calves following intratesticular injection of zinc acetate: Effects on growth and concentrations of testosterone. Anim Reprod Sci 2015; 159:163-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2015.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2014] [Revised: 06/11/2015] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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16
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Chemical sterilisation of Bos indicus bull calves following intratesticular injection of zinc acetate: Effects on semen quality and testicular changes. Anim Reprod Sci 2015; 156:23-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2015.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2014] [Revised: 01/30/2015] [Accepted: 02/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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17
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Vanderstichel R, Forzán MJ, Pérez GE, Serpell JA, Garde E. Changes in blood testosterone concentrations after surgical and chemical sterilization of male free-roaming dogs in southern Chile. Theriogenology 2014; 83:1021-7. [PMID: 25557187 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2014] [Revised: 11/29/2014] [Accepted: 12/01/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
There is a growing interest in chemical sterilization as an alternative to surgical castration in large-scale sterilization campaigns to control canine populations. An important step toward understanding the short-term and long-term effects of chemical sterilants is to determine their impact on blood testosterone concentrations, particularly as these could influence dog behavior after treatment. A field trial was conducted with 118 free-roaming male dogs in the Chilean Patagonia, where 36 dogs were chemically sterilized using EsterilSol, 39 dogs were surgically castrated, and 43 dogs remained intact as controls. Blood testosterone levels were determined at four time periods: on enrollment 6 months before treatment (t-6m), at the time of treatment (t0, within one hour after surgical castration or chemical sterilization and during a concurrent 2-week period for the control group), four (t+4m), and six (t+6m) months after treatment. Intrinsic and temporal factors were evaluated; age was significantly associated with testosterone, where dogs 2- to 4-year-old had the highest testosterone concentrations (P = 0.036), whereas body weight and body condition scores were not associated with testosterone; testosterone concentration was not influenced by time of day, month, or season. After treatment (t+4m and t+6m), all of the surgically castrated dogs had testosterone concentrations below 1.0 ng/mL. On the basis of this cut point (<1 ng/mL), testosterone remained unchanged in 66% of the chemically sterilized dogs at both t+4m and t+6m; it remained low for 22% of dogs at both t+4m and t+6m; it was unchanged at t+4m but low at t+6m in 9% of dogs; and, it was low at t+4m but reverted back to unchanged at t+6m in one dog (3%). Incidentally, testosterone in chemically sterilized dogs increased dramatically within 1 hour of treatment (t0), more than doubling (131%) the concentration of control dogs at the time of treatment (t0), likely because of severe necrosis of interstitial cells. The use of EsterilSol as a method of sterilizing dogs had a variable effect on blood testosterone concentrations. Approximately, 30% of chemically sterilized dogs had a reduced testosterone concentration (actual maximum, 1 ng/mL) after 6 months, similar to that of surgically castrated dogs. Most chemically sterilized dogs, however, showed no long-term changes in blood testosterone concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Vanderstichel
- Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada.
| | - M J Forzán
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada
| | - G E Pérez
- Veterinarians without Borders/Vétérinaires sans Frontières Canada, Latin America Regional Office, Ottawa, Ontario; The Global Alliance for Animals and People, Valdivia, Chile
| | - J A Serpell
- Department of Clinical Studies-Philadelphia, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - E Garde
- Veterinarians without Borders/Vétérinaires sans Frontières Canada, Latin America Regional Office, Ottawa, Ontario; The Global Alliance for Animals and People, Valdivia, Chile
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