Modulatory effect of liraglutide on doxorubicin-induced testicular toxicity and behavioral abnormalities in rats: role of testicular-brain axis

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a powerful chemotherapeutic agent used in many types of malignancies. However, its use results in testicular damage. DOX-induced testicular damage results in low level of serum testosterone which may affect cognitive function. The current study investigated the protective effect of liraglutide (50, 100 μg/kg/day) in testicular toxicity and the consequent cognitive impairment induced by DOX. DOX treatment reduced sperm count (62%) and sperm motility (53%) and increased sperm abnormalities (786%), as compared to control group. DOX also reduced serum testosterone level (85%) and the gene expression of testicular 3β-HSD (68%) and 17β-HSD (82%). Moreover, it increased testicular oxidative stress (MDA and GSH) by 103% and 59%, respectively, apoptotic (caspase-3 and P53) by 996% and 480%, respectively. In addition, DOX resulted in increasing autophagic markers including PAKT, mTOR, and LC3 by 48%, 56%, and 640%, respectively. Additionally, rats' behavior in Y-maze (60%) and passive avoidance task (85%) was disrupted. The histopathological results of testis and brain supported the biochemical findings. Treatment with liraglutide (100 μg/kg/day) significantly abrogated DOX-induced testicular damage by restoring testicular architecture, increasing sperm count (136%) and sperm motility (106%), and decreasing sperm abnormalities (84%) as compared to DOX group. Furthermore, liraglutide increased serum testosterone (500%) and steroidogenesis enzymes 3β-HSD (105%) and 17β-HSD (181%) along with suppressing oxidative stress (MDA and GSH) by 23% and 85%, respectively; apoptotic (caspase-3 and P53) by 59% and55%, respectively; and autophagic markers including PAKT, mTOR, and LC3 by 48%, 97%, and 60%, respectively. Moreover, it enhanced the memory functions in passive avoidance and Y-maze tests (132%). In conclusion, liraglutide is a putative agent for protection against DOX-induced testicular toxicity and cognitive impairment through its antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and antiautophagic effects.

Effects of clinical medications on male fertility and prospects for stem cell therapy

An increasing number of men require long-term drug therapy for various diseases. However, the effects of long-term drug therapy on male fertility are often not well evaluated in clinical practice. Meanwhile, the development of stem cell therapy and exosomes treatment methods may provide a new sight on treating male infertility. This article reviews the influence and mechanism of small molecule medications on male fertility, as well as progress of stem cell and exosomes therapy for male infertility with the purpose on providing suggestions (recommendations) for evaluating the effect of drugs on male fertility (both positive and negative effect on male fertility) in clinical application and providing strategies for diagnosis and treatment of male infertility.

Does air pollution exposure affect semen quality? Evidence from a systematic review and meta-analysis of 93,996 Chinese men

Background

Air pollution may impair male fertility, but it remains controversial whether air pollution affects semen quality until now.

Objectives

We undertake a meta-analysis to explore potential impacts of six pollutants exposure during the entire window (0-90 days prior to ejaculation) and critical windows (0-9, 10-14, and 70-90 days prior to ejaculation) on semen quality.

Methods

Seven databases were retrieved for original studies on the effects of six pollutants exposure for 90 days prior to ejaculation on semen quality. The search process does not limit the language and search date. We only included original studies that reported regression coefficients (β) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The β and 95% CIs were pooled using the DerSimonian-Laird random effect models.

Results

PM2.5 exposure was related with decreased total sperm number (10-14 lag days) and total motility (10-14, 70-90, and 0-90 lag days). PM10 exposure was related with reduced total sperm number (70-90 and 0-90 lag days) and total motility (0-90 lag days). NO2 exposure was related with reduced total sperm number (70-90 and 0-90 lag days). SO2 exposure was related with declined total motility (0-9, 10-14, 0-90 lag days) and total sperm number (0-90 lag days).

Conclusion

Air pollution affects semen quality making it necessary to limit exposure to air pollution for Chinese men. When implementing protective measures, it is necessary to consider the key period of sperm development.

Acylated ghrelin suppresses doxorubicin-induced testicular damage and improves sperm parameters in rats via activation of Nrf2 and mammalian target of rapamycin

Background

Exogenous administration of acylated ghrelin (AG) afforded reproductive protective effect in several animal models but not in those treated with doxorubicin (DOX). This study evaluated the protective effect of AG against DOX-induced testicular damage and impairment in sperm parameters in rats and examined the potential mechanisms of action.

Materials and Methods

Adult male rats were divided into five groups (n = 8/each) as control, control + AG (40 nmol/kg/day; subcutaneous), DOX (10 mg/kg/day 1; intraperitoneal [i.p.]), DOX + AG, and DOX + AG + brusatol (an Nrf2 inhibitor) (2 mg/kg/every 3 days; i.p.). The treatment regimen continued for 65 days.

Results

AG prevented testicular damage and apoptosis; increased sperm count, motility, and viability; and reduced the number of abnormal sperms. It also increased their circulatory levels of AG, des-acylated ghrelin (DAG), and AG/DAG ratio and the testicular mRNA levels of ghrelin and growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a Concomitantly, AG increased serum and testicular testosterone levels, reduced serum levels of the follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone, and upregulated the testicular protein levels of the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in DOX-treated rats. In the testes of the control and DOX-treated rats, AG increased the phosphorylation of mammalian target of rapamycin and stimulated the levels of glutathione and superoxide dismutase, as well as the nuclear activation of Nrf2. All these effects were completely prevented by co-treatment with brusatol.

Conclusion

AG replacement therapy could be a novel strategy to prevent reproductive toxicity in cancer patients.

Fluvastatin alleviates doxorubicin-induced cardiac and renal toxicity in rats via regulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis associated genes expressions

Doxorubicin (DOXO) is a cytostatic agent used in the chemotherapy protocol of several cancers for more than 40 years, but usage of this drug in cancer treatment has been limited due to severe renal and cardiac tissue toxicities that may result in death in patients. Fluvastatin (FV) is a fully synthetic hydroxymethyl glutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor used as a cholesterol-lowering agent in patients with hypercholesterolemia. Previous studies revealed that FV also exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor activity. Additionally, our previous study indicated that FV exerts a prophylactic effect on DOXO-induced testicular toxicity by preventing lipid peroxidation, supporting the antioxidant system, and regulating the blood-testis barrier-associated genes expression. Herein, we purposed to evaluate the possible therapeutic and the protective effects of FV on the DOXO-induced cardiac and renal toxicitiy model by histochemical, immunohistochemical, biochemical, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) analyses. Results point out protective use of FV exerts a beneficial effect by repressing lipid peroxidation and by regulating the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), nitric oxide synthase endothelial (eNOS), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), and Caspase-3 (Casp3) protein and mRNA expressions, which play an important role in mediating DOXO-induced renal and cardiac toxicity mechanisms. In conclusion, FV may be a candidate agent for the prevention of renal and cardiac toxicities in cancer patients receiving DOXO chemotherapy.

Is losartan a promising agent for the treatment of type 1 diabetes-induced testicular germ cell apoptosis in rats?

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is common metabolic disease that poses a major risk to public health and fertility. Previous studies indicate that DM may cause male infertility by triggering oxidative stress and germ cell apoptosis in the testis. Due to the undesirable effects of known antidiabetic drugs, scientists have begun to investigate the use of alternative drugs to control infertility complications observed in men. In this context, present study aimed to investigate the possible antiapoptotic effect of losartan against DM-induced testicular germ cell apoptosis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Expreimental DM model was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozocin (STZ, 55 mg/kg) to 28 rats, which were then randomly assigned to 4 groups; 1 mL saline solution was given to DM + saline group by oral gavage, 5 mg/kg/day oral losartan was given to DM + low-dose losartan, 20 mg/kg/day oral losartan was given to DM + mid-dose losartan and, 80 mg/kg/day oral losartan was given to DM + high-dose losartan group for 4 weeks. Bax, Bcl-2 and cleaved-Caspase 3 immunoexpression, terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase dutp nick end labeling (TUNEL), Annexin-V and Real Time PCR analyses performed to evaluate antiapoptotic effects of losartan on diabetic rats' testis. In addition, biochemical analyzes carried out to evaluate change in oxidative stress.

CONCLUSION

The results showed that losartan may have dose-related antiapoptotic effects on rats' testis via decreasing oxidative stress.

Soft-Shelled Turtle Peptides Extend Lifespan and Healthspan in Drosophila

In traditional Chinese medicine, soft-shelled turtle protein and peptides serve as a nutraceutical for prolonging the lifespan. However, their effects on anti-aging have not been clarified scientifically in vivo. This study aimed to determine whether soft-shelled turtle peptides (STP) could promote the lifespan and healthspan in Drosophila melanogaster and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Herein, STP supplementation prolonged the mean lifespan by 20.23% and 9.04% in males and females, respectively, delaying the aging accompanied by climbing ability decline, enhanced gut barrier integrity, and improved anti-oxidation, starvation, and heat stress abilities, while it did not change the daily food intake. Mechanistically, STP enhanced autophagy and decreased oxidative stress by downregulating the target of rapamycin (TOR) signaling pathway. In addition, 95.18% of peptides from the identified sequences in STP could exert potential inhibitory effects on TOR through hydrogen bonds, van der Walls, hydrophobic interactions, and electrostatic interactions. The current study could provide a theoretical basis for the full exploitation of soft-shelled turtle aging prevention.

Statins and Male Fertility: Is There a Cause for Concern?

The well-known 3-hydroxyl 3-methyl glutaryl-Coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, called statins, have been the main medication used in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and some cases of cardiovascular diseases. The effectiveness of this drug in controlling cholesterol production is impeccable, however, patients often complain of a variety of side effects, such as myalgia, muscle atrophy, and in some cases, rhabdomyolysis. Not only has the use of statins caused the aforementioned side effects, but they are also shown to cause testicular discomfort, erectile dysfunction, altered semen parameters, and modified steroid hormone production. These reported adverse effects on male fertility are not generally agreed upon, as some have shown the use to be beneficial. Hence, this makes the aftermath effect of statin use on male fertility debatable and controversial. The negative effects have been associated with imbalanced or reduced steroid hormones, which are necessary for proper spermatogenesis and other sexual functions. Meanwhile, the beneficial effects are related to statin's anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective properties. These contradictory findings are in part due to the different age of users, concentrations of statins, the type and duration of treatment, and the underlying disease and/or comorbidities. Therefore, the current study aims to analyze the literature and gather evidence as to the effects of statin on male sexual health and reproductive parameters, and subsequently give recommendations for the direction of future studies.

mTORC1/C2 regulate spermatogenesis in Eriocheir sinensis via alterations in the actin filament network and cell junctions

Spermatogenesis is a finely regulated process of germ cell proliferation and differentiation that leads to the production of sperm in seminiferous tubules. Although the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway is crucial for spermatogenesis in mammals, its functions and molecular mechanisms in spermatogenesis remain largely unknown in nonmammalian species, particularly in Crustacea. In this study, we first identified es-Raptor (the core component of mTOR complex 1) and es-Rictor (the core component of mTOR complex 2) from the testis of Eriocheir sinensis. Dynamic localization of es-Raptor and es-Rictor implied that these proteins were indispensable for the spermatogenesis of E. sinensis. Furthermore, es-Raptor and es-Rictor knockdown results showed that the mature sperm failed to be released, causing almost empty lumens in the testis. We investigated the reasons for these effects and found that the actin-based cytoskeleton was disrupted in the knockdown groups. In addition, the integrity of the testis barrier (similar to the blood-testis barrier in mammals) was impaired and affected the expression of cell junction proteins. Further study revealed that es-Raptor and es-Rictor may regulate spermatogenesis via both mTORC1- and mTORC2-dependent mechanisms that involve es-rpS6 and es-Akt/es-PKC, respectively. Moreover, to explore the testis barrier in E. sinensis, we established a cadmium chloride (CdCl₂)-induced testis barrier damage model as a positive control. Morphological and immunofluorescence results were similar to those of the es-Raptor and es-Rictor knockdown groups. Altogether, es-Raptor and es-Rictor were important for spermatogenesis through maintenance of the actin filament network and cell junctions in E. sinensis.

Bibliometric and visual analysis of blood-testis barrier research

Background: Extensive research on the blood-testis barrier has been undertaken in recent years. However, no systematic bibliometric study has been conducted on this subject. Our research aimed to identify the hotspots and frontiers of blood-testis barrier research and to serve as a guide for future scientific research and decision-making in the field.

Methods: Studies on the blood-testis barrier were found in the Web of Science Core Collection. VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and Microsoft Excel were used to conduct the bibliometric and visual analyses.

Results: We found 942 blood-testis barrier studies published in English between 1992 and 2022. The number of annual publications and citations increased significantly between 2011 and 2022, notably in the United States. China and the United States, the US Population Council, Endocrinology, and Cheng C. Yan were the most productive countries, institution, journal, and author, respectively. The study keywords indicated that blood-testis barrier research involves a variety of compositional features (tight junctions, cytoskeleton, adherens junctions), cell types (Sertoli cells, germ cells, Leydig cells, stem cells), reproductive toxicity (cadmium, nanoparticles, bisphenol-a), and relevant mechanisms (spermatogenesis, apoptosis, oxidative stress, dynamics, inflammation, immune privilege).

Conclusion: The composition and molecular processes of the blood-testis barrier as well as the blood-testis barrier in male infertility patients are the primary research hotspots in this field. In addition, future research will likely focus on treatment and the development of novel medications that target signal pathways in oxidative stress and apoptosis to preserve the blood-testis barrier. Further studies must extend to clinical diagnosis and therapy.

Targeting p-AKT/mTOR/MAP kinase signaling, NLRP3 inflammasome and apoptosis by fluvastatin with or without taxifolin mitigates gonadal dysfunction induced by bisphenol-A in male rats

Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a chemical substance that is widely used in industry for manufacturing of plastic bottles and resins. Recent reports found that BPA may mimic the effects of estrogen to a great manner that might disrupt the normal hormonal balance in the human body. Fluvastatin is an agent used for treatment of hypercholesterolemia that was proven to possess promising antioxidant ant anti-inflammatory properties. Taxifolin is a polyphenolic compound with potential antioxidant and antiestrogenic effects. The present study investigated the prospect of fluvastatin with or without taxifolin to mitigate testicular dysfunction elicited by BPA in rats. In a model of BPA-induced testicular toxicity, the hormonal profile was assessed and the testicular tissues were examined by biochemical analysis, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry. Fluvastatin with or without taxifolin improved the body weight gain, hormonal profile, testicular weight and functions, sperm characteristics, the antioxidant status, and the anti-inflammatory mechanisms together with enhancement of autophagy and suppression of the proapoptotic events induced by BPA in the testicular tissues. In addition, fluvastatin with or without taxifolin significantly mitigated the histopathological and the immunohistochemical changes induced by BPA in the testicular tissues. These desirable effects were more pronounced with fluvastatin/taxifolin combination relative to the use of each of these agents alone. In tandem, fluvastatin/taxifolin combination might counteract the pathogenic events induced by BPA in the testicular tissues which may be considered as a novel strategy for amelioration of these disorders.

How safe is the use of intrathecal vancomycin?

AIM

Central Nervous System (CNS) infection after neurosurgical procedures is a severe complication with high morbidity rates and sometimes mortality. The present experimental study aims to investigate the biochemical and histopathological effects of vancomycin on neural tissues when applied to the cisterna magna.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into four groups: Control (Group 1) and different vancomycin dose groups (groups 2, 3 and 4). In Group 1, 0.1 mL Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) was drained from the cisterna magna, and 0.1 mL 0.9% NaCI (normal saline) was administered into the subarachnoid space. In the study groups, 0.1 mL CSF was drained from the cisterna magna, 0.1 mg/day (Group 2), 0.2 mg/day (Group 3) and 0.4 mg/day (Group 4) vancomycin were administered into the subarachnoid space for seven days, and all rats were sacrificed on 8th day. Serum Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT) levels were measured. Histopathologic and immunohistochemical analyses were conducted.

RESULT

The findings showed that the administration of 0.2 and 0.4 mg/kg doses had significant differences in SOD and CAT activity compared to the controls (p<0.05). These vancomycin doses also induced the apoptotic process, and the enzyme activity results correlated with immunohistochemical results.

CONCLUSION

Dose-related neurotoxicity of intrathecal vancomycin was shown at the cellular level. The importance of dose regulation of intrathecal vancomycin has come into view. To our knowledge, this is the first study in the literature that has investigated the neurotoxic effects of vancomycin.

The therapeutic effect of hesperetin on doxorubicin-induced testicular toxicity: Potential roles of the mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase (mTOR) and dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1)

Clinical utilization of doxorubicin (DOX), which is a commonly used chemotherapeutic, is restricted due to toxic effects on various tissues. Using hesperetin (HST), an antioxidant used in Chinese traditional medicine protects testis against DOX-induced toxicity although the molecular mechanisms are not well-known. The study was aimed to examine the possible role of the mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase (mTOR) and dynamin 1-like dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1) in the therapeutic effects of HST on the DOX-induced testicular toxicity. Rats were divided into Control, DOX, DOX + HST, and HST groups (n = 7). Single-dose DOX (15 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally and HST (50 mg/kg) was administered by oral gavage every other day for 28 days. Total antioxidant status (TAS), histopathological evaluations, immunohistochemistry, and gene expression level detection analyses were performed. Histopathologically, DOX-induced testicular damage was ameliorated by HST treatment. DOX reduced testicular TAS levels and increased oxidative stress markers, 8-Hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and 4-Hydroxynonenal (4-HNE). Also, upregulated mTOR and DRP1 expressions with DOX exposure were decreased after HST treatment in the testis (p < 0.05). On the other hand, DOX-administration downregulated miR-150-5p and miR-181b-2-3p miRNAs, targeting mTOR and mRNA levels of beclin 1 (BECN1) and autophagy-related 5 (ATG5), autophagic markers. Furthermore, these levels were nearly similar to control testis samples in the DOX + HST group (p < 0.05). The study demonstrated that HST may have a therapeutic effect on DOX-induced testicular toxicity by removing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and by modulating the mTOR and DRP1 expressions, which have a critical role in regulating the balance of generation/elimination of ROS.

The regulatory effects of clomiphene and tamoxifen on mTOR and LC3-II expressions in relation to autophagy in experimental polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

BACKGROUND

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a metabolic disease that causes infertility due to anovulation in women in reproductive age. It is known that clomiphene citrate (CC) and tamoxifen citrate (TMX) induce ovulation in women with PCOS. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of CC and TMX on the autophagy pathway in PCOS.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Experimental PCOS model was induced by letrozole (1 mg/kg) in rats by gavage for 21 days. After the last letrozole administration, rats were treated TMX (1 mg/kg) or CC (1 mg/kg) for 5 days. At the end of the experimental procedures, rats in all groups were sacrificed and ovarian tissues were removed. It was observed that mRNA and protein expressions of LC3-II were significantly higher in TMX and CC groups than control and PCOS groups (p < 0.05), while mRNA and protein expressions of mTOR in TMX and CC groups were found significantly lower than control and PCOS groups (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, present study suggests that TMX and CC induce autophagy in ovaries with PCOS. Autophagy is a promising target for understanding pathophysiology of this disease and for developing more effective and safe new protocols for the treatment of PCOS-related anovulation.

Effects of chemotherapeutic agents on male germ cells and possible ameliorating impact of antioxidants

Treatment of cancer in young adults is associated with several side effects, particularly in the reproductive system. Detrimental effects of chemotherapy on the germ cells depend on many factors including primary semen parameters, the way of drug administration, the kind and dose of chemotherapeutic regimens, and the phase of spermatogenesis during the time of drug administration. Lack of appropriate fertility preservation treatments particularly in the affected children necessitates the introduction of methods to amend the harmful effects of chemotherapeutic agents on male germ cells. Several studies have assessed the toxic effects of chemotherapeutic agents in rodent models and tested a number of antioxidants to evaluate their possible impact on the preservation of sperm cells. In the present manuscript, we describe the effects of the mostly investigated chemotherapeutic drugs in this regard i.e., cisplatin, doxorubicin, paclitaxel, 5-fluorouracil, and cyclophosphamide. As several in vivo and in vitro studies have shown the impact of antioxidants on chemotherapy-induced damage of sperms, we also describe the protective effects of antioxidants in this regard.

Vitamin B12 suppresses GADD153, prevents apoptosis and regulates the testicular function in methotrexate treated rat testis

Methotrexate (MTX) is an anti-neoplastic drug that also causes testicular damage. Vitamin B12 (Vit B12) is a water soluble vitamin that is required for normal metabolism. We investigated Vit B12 as a possible protective agent against testicular damage caused by MTX treatment. We divided rats into four groups: control group, Vit B12 group treated with Vit B12 daily for 15 days, MTX group treated with MTX on day 8, MTX + Vit B12 group treated with MTX on day 8 + Vit B12 for 15 days. Serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone were measured. We also measured proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), connexin43 (Cx43) and the growth arrest- and DNA damage-inducible gene, 153 (GADD153), using immunohistochemical staining. Apoptosis was assessed using TUNEL staining. The MTX group exhibited degeneration of seminiferous tubules; decreased serum testosterone, LH and FSH levels; fewer PCNA positive cells; increased Cx43 expression; and increased GADD153 and TUNEL stained cells compared to the control group. These pathologic findings were substantially reversed In the MTX + Vit B12 group. MTX caused increased endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis via GADD153. Consequently, Vit B12 potentially is a protective agent against damage caused by MTX.

The effect of statins on semen parameters in patients with hypercholesterolemia: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Statins constitute the mainstay of treatment in patients with hypercholesterolemia. However, their effect on semen parameters is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to systematically review the best available evidence regarding the effect of statins on ejaculate volume and sperm concentration, motility, morphology, or vitality.

MATERIALS/METHODS

A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, CENTRAL and Scopus databases up to January 10, 2021. Either randomized-controlled trials or prospective cohorts, conducted in males with hypercholesterolemia, were included.

RESULTS

Four studies, published between 1992 and 2014, were eligible. The number of participants ranged from 8 to 120 (n = 161). Study duration ranged from 14 to 48 weeks. The type and dose of statin used were pravastatin 20-80 mg/day and simvastatin 20-40 mg/day. With regard to ejaculate volume (n = 3) and sperm concentration (n = 4), no effect was shown with either pravastatin or simvastatin. Regarding sperm motility, either an increase (n = 2; pravastatin, simvastatin), decrease (n = 1; pravastatin), or no effect (n = 1; pravastatin, simvastatin) was found. With respect to sperm morphology, either a decrease (n = 2; pravastatin, simvastatin) or no effect (n = 2; pravastatin, simvastatin) was shown. Concerning sperm vitality, a single study showed a decrease with simvastatin. Because of the high heterogeneity of the populations studied and the limited number of studies, a meta-analysis was not performed.

CONCLUSION

This is the first systematic review on the effect of statins on semen parameters. As there is no evidence for such a detrimental effect, no specific approach has to be suggested regarding the preservation of reproductive function in men with hypercholesterolemia.

Mechanisms of doxorubicin-mediated reproductive toxicity - A review

The anticancer drug doxorubicin has been associated with several adverse side-effects including reproductive toxicity in both genders. The current review has complied the mechanisms of doxorubicin induced reproductive toxicity. The articles cited in the review were searched using Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct. Doxorubicin treatment has been found to cause a decrease in testicular mass along with histopathological deformities, oligospermia and abnormalities in sperm morphology. Apart from severely affecting the normal physiological role of both Leydig cells and Sertoli cells, doxorubicin also causes chromosome abnormalities and affects DNA methylase enzyme. Testicular lipid metabolism has been found to be negatively affected by doxorubicin treatment resulting in altered profile of sphingolipids glycerophospholipids and neutral lipids. Dysregulation of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) and 17β- hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD) are strongly linked to testicular exposure to doxorubicin. Further, oxidative stress along with endoplasmic reticulum stress are also found to aggravate the male reproductive functioning in doxorubicin treated conditions. Several antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) are downregulated by doxorubicin. It also disturbs the hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG)-axis including testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone etc. In females, the drug disturbs folliculogenesis and oogenesis leading to failure of ovulation and uterine cycle. In rodent model the drug shortens pro-estrous and estrous phases. It was also found that doxorubicin causes mitochondrial dysfunction in oocytes with impaired calcium signaling along with ER stress. The goal of the present review is to comprehends various pathways due to which doxorubicin treatment promotes toxicity in male and female reproductive system.

The role of different compounds on the integrity of blood-testis barrier: A concise review based on in vitro and in vivo studies

Sertoli cells are "nurturing cells'' in the seminiferous tubules of the testis which have essential roles in the development, proliferation and differentiation of germ cells. These cells also divide the seminiferous epithelium into a basal and an adluminal compartment and establish the blood-testis barrier (BTB). BTB shields haploid germ cells from recognition by the innate immune system. Moreover, after translocation of germ cells into the adluminal compartment their nutritional source is separated from the circulatory system being only supplied by the Sertoli cells. The integrity of BTB is influenced by several organic/ organometallic, hormonal and inflammatory substances. Moreover, several environmental contaminants such as BPA have hazardous effects on the integrity of BTB. In the current review, we summarize the results of studies that assessed the impact of these agents on the integrity of BTB. These studies have implications in understanding the molecular mechanism of male infertility and also in the male contraception.

Protective effects of crimson snapper scales peptides against oxidative stress on Drosophila melanogaster and the action mechanism

Peptides derived from crimson snapper scales (CSSPs) were reported to possess excellent free radical scavenging activities in vitro. In present study, the anti-aging and anti-oxidative stress effects of CSSPs were evaluated in Drosophila melanogaster models. Results showed that the addition of CSSPs in the diets of normal Drosophila could effectively extend their lifespan and improve the motor ability of aged Drosophila. Moreover, CSSPs could protect Drosophila from oxidative damage induced by H₂O₂, paraquat and UV irradiation. The extension of lifespan was found to be associated with the effects of CSSPs in improving the antioxidant defense system of Drosophila, manifesting as the reduction of oxidation products MDA and PCO, the elevated activities of T-SOD, CAT and GSH-Px, and the upregulated expression of antioxidant related genes after CSSPs supplemented. Furthermore, CSSPs at 6 mg/mL significantly downregulated mTOR signaling pathway and activated autophagy in aged male Drosophila, and the inhibition on mTOR activation was probably mediated by the antioxidant effects of CSSPs. Our findings suggest that CSSPs have the potential in making dietary supplements against natural aging and oxidative stress in organisms.

Comparison of the protective effects of curcumin and caffeic acid phenethyl ester against doxorubicin-induced testicular toxicity

Whether testicular toxicity is mediated by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) is an important question that has not been examined. This study investigated the suppressive effect of curcumin and caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on oxidative stress, apoptosis, and whether MMPs mediate doxorubicin (DOX)-induced testicular injury. Male rats were randomly divided into eight groups (n = 8 per group). The groups were as follows: sham, dimethyl sulphoxide (100 µL), DOX (3 mg/kg), CAPE (2.68 mg/kg), curcumin (30 mg/kg), DOX+CAPE (3 mg/kg DOX and 2.68 mg/kg CAPE), DOX+curcumin (3 mg/kg DOX and 30 mg/kg curcumin) and DOX+CAPE+curcumin (3 mg/kg DOX, 2.68 mg/kg CAPE and 30 mg/kg curcumin). Injections were administered daily for 21 days. The oxidative stress, MMPs, proinflammatory cytokines and apoptotic markers in the DOX group were higher than the sham group (p < .05); these measures were lower in the groups treated with CAPE and curcumin together with DOX compared with the DOX group (p < .05). The results showed that MMPs mediated DOX-induced testicular injury, but CAPE and especially curcumin suppressed testis injury and cell apoptosis by suppressing DOX-induced increases in MMPs, oxidative stress and proinflammatory cytokines. However, curcumin exhibited more pronounced effects than CAPE in terms of all studied parameters.

Role of flavonoids against adriamycin toxicity

Doxorubicin (DOX), or adriamycin, is an anthracycline antineoplastic drug widely used in the chemotherapy of a large variety of cancers due to its potency and action spectrum. However, its use is limited by the toxicity on healthy cells and its acute and chronic side effects. One of the developed strategies to attenuate DOX toxicity is the combined therapy with bioactive compounds such as flavonoids. This review embraces the role of flavonoids on DOX treatment side effects. Protective properties of some flavonoidss against DOX toxicity have been investigated and observed mainly in heart but also in liver, kidney, brain, testis or bone marrow. Protective mechanisms involve reduction of oxidative stress by decrease of ROS levels and/or increase antioxidant defenses and interferences with autophagy, apoptosis and inflammation. Studies in cancer cells have reported that the anticancer activity of DOX was not compromised by the flavonoids. Moreover, some of them increased DOX efficiency as anti-cancer drug even in multidrug resistant cells.