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Beltrame FL, de Santi F, Vendramini V, Cabral REL, Miraglia SM, Cerri PS, Sasso-Cerri E. Vitamin B 12 Prevents Cimetidine-Induced Androgenic Failure and Damage to Sperm Quality in Rats. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:309. [PMID: 31354617 PMCID: PMC6635670 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cimetidine, used as an anti-ulcer and adjuvant treatment in cancer therapy, causes disorders in the male reproductive tract, including steroidogenesis. However, its effect on sperm quality and male fertility has been poorly addressed. Since vitamin B12 has demonstrated to recover spermatogonia number and sperm concentration in cimetidine-treated rats, we evaluated the impact of cimetidine on sperm quality and fertility potential and whether vitamin B12 is able to prevent the harmful effect of this drug on steroidogenesis and sperm parameters. Adult male rats were treated for 52 consecutive days as follows: cimetidine group (100 mg/kg of cimetidine), cimetidine/vitamin B12 group (100 mg/kg of cimetidine + 3 μg vitamin B12), vitamin B12 group (3 μg vitamin B12) and control group (saline). Serum testosterone levels and immunofluorescence associated to western blot for detection of 17β-HSD6 were performed. Sperm morphology and motility, mitochondrial activity, acrosome integrity, DNA integrity by Comet assay, lipid peroxidation as well as fertility potential were analyzed in all groups. Apoptotic spermatids were also evaluated by caspase-3 immunohistochemistry. In the cimetidine-treated animals, reduced serum testosterone levels, weak 17β-HSD6 levels and impaired spermiogenesis were observed. Low sperm motility and mitochondrial activity were associated with high percentage of sperm tail abnormalities, and the percentage of spermatozoa with damaged acrosome and DNA fragmentation increased. MDA levels were normal in all groups, indicating that the cimetidine-induced changes are associated to androgenic failure. In conclusion, despite the fertility potential of rats was unaffected by the treatment, the sperm quality was significantly impaired. Therefore, considering a possible sperm-mediated transgenerational inheritance, the long term offspring health needs to be investigated. The administration of vitamin B12 to male rats prevents the androgenic failure and counteracts the damage inflicted by cimetidine upon sperm quality, indicating that this vitamin may be used as a therapeutic agent to maintain the androgenic status and the sperm quality in patients exposed to androgen disrupters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flávia Luciana Beltrame
- Department of Morphology and Genetics, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP/EPM), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fabiane de Santi
- Department of Morphology and Genetics, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP/EPM), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Vendramini
- Department of Morphology and Genetics, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP/EPM), São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Sandra Maria Miraglia
- Department of Morphology and Genetics, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP/EPM), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paulo Sérgio Cerri
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Department of Morphology, Dental School – São Paulo State University (UNESP/FOAr), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Estela Sasso-Cerri
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Department of Morphology, Dental School – São Paulo State University (UNESP/FOAr), Araraquara, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Estela Sasso-Cerri
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Beltrame FL, Sasso-Cerri E. Vitamin B 12-induced spermatogenesis recovery in cimetidine-treated rats: effect on the spermatogonia number and sperm concentration. Asian J Androl 2018; 19:567-572. [PMID: 27568998 PMCID: PMC5566851 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.182397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The H2-receptor antagonist cimetidine is an antiulcer drug also used for the treatment of cancer due to its antiangiogenic effect. However, this drug has caused structural changes in the seminiferous tubules. Vitamin B12 has been used as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of male infertility. The supplementation of rats with vitamin B12 during cimetidine treatment has recovered the damaged seminiferous tubules, but how this vitamin restores the seminiferous epithelium has not been clarified. In this study, we evaluated whether vitamin B12 improves the number of spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and sperm concentration in cimetidine-treated rats. Adult male rats were treated for 50 days as follows: cimetidine group received 100 mg kg−1 b.w. of cimetidine, cimetidine-B12 group received cimetidine and 3 μg of vitamin B12-hydroxocobalamin, B12 group received only 3 μg of vitamin, and control group received saline. Sperm concentration was calculated and historesin-embedded testes sections were used for the quantitative analyses of spermatogonia (A; In/B) and spermatocytes. TUNEL method and PCNA immunofluorescence were performed. Cimetidine caused a significant reduction in sperm concentration. TUNEL-positive spermatogonia and spermatocytes were correlated to a significant reduction in the number of these cells. In cimetidine-B12 group, sperm concentration was higher than cimetidine group and a significant increase in the number of spermatogonia (stages II–VI) was correlated to a high incidence of PCNA-immunolabeled spermatogonia and spermatocytes. The results show that the supplementation of rats with vitamin B12 during cimetidine treatment increases sperm concentration and exerts a potential effect in the recovery of spermatogonia and spermatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flávia L Beltrame
- Department of Morphology and Genetics, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP/EPM), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Estela Sasso-Cerri
- Department of Morphology, Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Dental School - São Paulo State University (UNESP/FOAr), Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
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Liu X, Jia Y, Chong L, Jiang J, Yang Y, Li L, Ma A, Sun Z, Zhou L. Effects of oral cimetidine on the reproductive system of male rats. Exp Ther Med 2018; 15:4643-4650. [PMID: 29805481 PMCID: PMC5958714 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2018.6065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cimetidine is widely used for the treatment of digestive tract ulcers, but it induces testis injury. To explore the mechanisms underlying cimetidine-induced toxicity towards the testis, the effects of oral cimetidine on the reproductive system of male rats were assessed. Cimetidine was orally administered to male rats at 20, 40 or 120 mg/kg/day for 9 weeks. The rats were then euthanized, and serum, testis, epididymis, prostate gland, seminal vesicle, preputial gland, levator ani muscle and sphincter ani samples were collected. Sperm parameters were obtained by computer-assisted sperm analysis. Serum hormone levels were measured by ELISA. Protein expression levels were detected by immunohistochemistry. Apoptosis was assessed with the DeadEnd™ Colorimetric Apoptosis Detection System. The results indicated that the sperm average path velocity, straight line velocity and curvilinear velocity were significantly decreased in the 120 mg/kg cimetidine group compared with the control group, while luteinizing hormone and testosterone levels were significantly higher compared with the control group. Testicular lesions were observed by histopathology in the 120 mg/kg cimetidine group. The amounts of cells positive for cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) were increased in the 120 mg/kg cimetidine group compared with the control group. The amounts of cells positive for iNOS were increased in all cimetidine treatment groups. In addition, apoptotic cells were significantly more abundant in the 120 mg/kg cimetidine group compared with the control group, as indicated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling. Overall, 9 weeks of oral cimetidine induced pathological changes in the testicles and hormone secretion disorder in rats. COX-2, iNOS and NF-κB upregulation and induction of apoptosis may be associated with the reproductive toxicity caused by cimetidine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Liu
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Research Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, P.R. China
| | - Yuling Jia
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Research Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, P.R. China.,Pharmacology and Toxicology Research Laboratory, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, National Evaluation Centre for The Toxicology of Fertility Regulating Drugs, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of National Population and Family Planning Commission, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Reproductive and Developmental Research Institute of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China.,Pharmacology and Toxicology Research Laboratory, Reproductive and Developmental Research Institute of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Liming Chong
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Research Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, P.R. China.,Pharmacology and Toxicology Research Laboratory, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, National Evaluation Centre for The Toxicology of Fertility Regulating Drugs, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of National Population and Family Planning Commission, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Reproductive and Developmental Research Institute of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China.,Pharmacology and Toxicology Research Laboratory, Reproductive and Developmental Research Institute of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Juan Jiang
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Research Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, P.R. China.,Pharmacology and Toxicology Research Laboratory, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, National Evaluation Centre for The Toxicology of Fertility Regulating Drugs, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of National Population and Family Planning Commission, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Reproductive and Developmental Research Institute of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China.,Pharmacology and Toxicology Research Laboratory, Reproductive and Developmental Research Institute of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Yang Yang
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Research Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, P.R. China.,Pharmacology and Toxicology Research Laboratory, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, National Evaluation Centre for The Toxicology of Fertility Regulating Drugs, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of National Population and Family Planning Commission, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Reproductive and Developmental Research Institute of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China.,Pharmacology and Toxicology Research Laboratory, Reproductive and Developmental Research Institute of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Lei Li
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Research Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, P.R. China.,Pharmacology and Toxicology Research Laboratory, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, National Evaluation Centre for The Toxicology of Fertility Regulating Drugs, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of National Population and Family Planning Commission, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Reproductive and Developmental Research Institute of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China.,Pharmacology and Toxicology Research Laboratory, Reproductive and Developmental Research Institute of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Aicui Ma
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Research Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, P.R. China.,Pharmacology and Toxicology Research Laboratory, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, National Evaluation Centre for The Toxicology of Fertility Regulating Drugs, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of National Population and Family Planning Commission, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Reproductive and Developmental Research Institute of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China.,Pharmacology and Toxicology Research Laboratory, Reproductive and Developmental Research Institute of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Zuyue Sun
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Research Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, P.R. China.,Pharmacology and Toxicology Research Laboratory, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, National Evaluation Centre for The Toxicology of Fertility Regulating Drugs, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of National Population and Family Planning Commission, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Reproductive and Developmental Research Institute of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China.,Pharmacology and Toxicology Research Laboratory, Reproductive and Developmental Research Institute of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Li Zhou
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Research Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, P.R. China.,Pharmacology and Toxicology Research Laboratory, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, National Evaluation Centre for The Toxicology of Fertility Regulating Drugs, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of National Population and Family Planning Commission, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Reproductive and Developmental Research Institute of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China.,Pharmacology and Toxicology Research Laboratory, Reproductive and Developmental Research Institute of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
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Impact of L-carnitine and Selenium Treatment on Testicular Apoptosis in Rats Exposed to 2.45 GHz Microwave Energy. W INDIAN MED J 2015; 64:55-61. [PMID: 26360675 DOI: 10.7727/wimj.2014.205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2014] [Accepted: 10/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE It has been suggested that electromagnetic radiation (EMR) by wireless devices (2.45 GHz) induces testicular apoptosis. We investigated if supplemental selenium (Se) and L-carnitine may reduce this adverse effect. MATERIAL Twelve-week old male Wistar albino rats were used in this study. Twenty-four rats were equally divided into four groups which were named as: sham group, EMR-only, EMR+L-carnitine (1.5 mg L-carnitine/kg/day) and EMR+Se (1.5 mg Se/kg/-every other day). RESULTS The level of Bcl-2, Bax, caspase-3 and -8 were compared and a significant difference was found between the sham and EMR-only groups (p < 0.05), and Bcl-2, Bax, caspase-3 and -8 expressions increased in the EMR-only group. The level of Bcl-2, Bax, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), caspase-3 and -8 were compared and a significant difference was found between the sham and EMR+L-carnitine groups (p < 0.05) and Bcl-2, Bax, TNF-α, caspase-3 and -8 expressions increased in the EMR+L-carnitine group. The level of Bcl-2, Bax, TNF-α, caspase-3 and -8 were compared and a significant difference was found between the sham and EMR+Se groups (p < 0.05) and Bcl-2, Bax, TNF-α, caspase-3 and -8 expressions increased in the EMR+Se group. When the expression of caspase-8 was compared, a significant difference was found between the EMR-only and EMR+Se groups (p < 0.05). Caspase-8 expression decreased in EMR+Se group compared with EMR-only group. CONCLUSION Electromagnetic radiation exposure resulted in testicular apoptosis in rats, mainly by the intrinsic pathways by down-regulated expression of caspase-8. Reduction in the activation of the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis was found higher with selenium administration compared with L-carnitine administration.
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Koshimizu JY, Beltrame FL, de Pizzol JP, Cerri PS, Caneguim BH, Sasso-Cerri E. NF-kB overexpression and decreased immunoexpression of AR in the muscular layer is related to structural damages and apoptosis in cimetidine-treated rat vas deferens. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2013; 11:29. [PMID: 23570504 PMCID: PMC3727959 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-11-29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2012] [Accepted: 03/17/2013] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cimetidine, histamine H2 receptors antagonist, has caused adverse effects on the male hormones and reproductive tract due to its antiandrogenic effect. In the testes, peritubular myoid cells and muscle vascular cells death has been associated to seminiferous tubules and testicular microvascularization damages, respectively. Either androgen or histamine H2 receptors have been detected in the mucosa and smooth muscular layer of vas deferens. Thus, the effect of cimetidine on this androgen and histamine-dependent muscular duct was morphologically evaluated. METHODS The animals from cimetidine group (CMTG; n=5) received intraperitoneal injections of 100 mg/kg b.w. of cimetidine for 50 days; the control group (CG) received saline solution. The distal portions of vas deferens were fixed in formaldehyde and embedded in paraffin. Masson´s trichrome-stained sections were subjected to morphological and the following morphometrical analyzes: epithelial perimeter and area of the smooth muscular layer. TUNEL (Terminal deoxynucleotidyl-transferase mediated dUTP Nick End Labeling) method, NF-kB (nuclear factor kappa B) and AR (androgen receptors) immunohistochemical detection were also carried out. The birefringent collagen of the muscular layer was quantified in picrosirius red-stained sections under polarized light. The muscular layer was also evaluated under Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). RESULTS In CMTG, the mucosa of vas deferens was intensely folded; the epithelial cells showed numerous pyknotic nuclei and the epithelial perimeter and the area of the muscular layer decreased significantly. Numerous TUNEL-labeled nuclei were found either in the epithelial cells, mainly basal cells, or in the smooth muscle cells which also showed typical features of apoptosis under TEM. While an enhanced NF-kB immunoexpression was found in the cytoplasm of muscle cells, a weak AR immunolabeling was detected in these cells. In CMTG, no significant difference was observed in the birefringent collagen content of the muscular layer in comparison to CG. CONCLUSIONS Cimetidine induces significant damages in the epithelium; a possible antiandrogenic effect on the basal cells turnover should be considered. The cimetidine-induced muscle cells apoptosis confirms the susceptibility of these cells to this drug. The parallelism between enhanced cytoplasmic NF-kB immunolabeling in the damaged muscular tissue and muscle cell apoptosis suggests that this drug may avoid the translocation of NF-kB to the nucleus and interfere in the control of NF-kB-mediated smooth muscle cell apoptosis. The decreased immunoexpression of ARs verified in the damaged muscular tissue reinforces this possibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Y Koshimizu
- Department of Morphology, Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Araraquara Dental School-UNESP Univ. Estadual Paulista, Brazil
| | - Flávia L Beltrame
- Department of Morphology and Genetics, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP) São Paulo/SP, Brazil
| | - José P de Pizzol
- Department of Morphology, Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Araraquara Dental School-UNESP Univ. Estadual Paulista, Brazil
| | - Paulo S Cerri
- Department of Morphology, Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Araraquara Dental School-UNESP Univ. Estadual Paulista, Brazil
| | - Breno H Caneguim
- Department of Morphology, Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Araraquara Dental School-UNESP Univ. Estadual Paulista, Brazil
| | - Estela Sasso-Cerri
- Department of Morphology, Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Araraquara Dental School-UNESP Univ. Estadual Paulista, Brazil
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