Improving effects of telmisartan on spermatogenic disorder induced by fractionated low-dose irradiation in mice

BACKGROUND

Male infertility is a hot problem worldwide, but there are few treatments, especially male infertility caused by irradiation is difficult to treat. The aim of this study was to investigate and evaluate novel drugs for the treatment of male infertility caused by irradiation.

METHODS

we randomly divided 18 male BALB/c mice into 3 groups: control, irradiated, and telmisartan. Both irradiated and telmisartan group completed whole-body 0.5 Gy five times irradiation, and the telmisartan group received intraperitoneal injection of telmisartan (1.2 mg/kg) daily on the next day after irradiation, and all groups were sampled on day 25 after irradiation.

RESULTS

Sperm motility results show that total sperm motility of irradiated group was significantly lower compared with control group, and testicular HE results showed that testis in irradiated group were severely damaged. Compared with irradiated group, the total sperm motility, sperm concentration, testicular index, Johnsen score, and the seminiferous tubule layer numbers were higher in telmisartan group (P < 0.05). The immunohistochemical staining showed γ-H2AX expression is higher in telmisartan group compared with irradiated group. And the relative mRNA expression of PLZF, GFRA1, STRA8, DMRT1, SPO11, SYCP2, OVOL2, CCNA1, TJP3, RUNX2, TXNDC2 TNP1, and PRM3 in telmisartan group was all significantly higher than irradiated group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, in vivo experiments confirmed that telmisartan ameliorated the spermatogenic disorder in mice caused by fractionated low-dose irradiation via promoting spermatogenesis.

Protective effects of tribulus terrestris extract and angiotensin blockers on testis steroidogenesis in copper overloaded rats

The rational of the current study was to assess whether Tribulus terrestris extract (TTE) could alleviate long-term copper (Cu) overload-induced testicular dysfunction compared to enalapril and losartan. Rats were administered either vehicle (control group, n = 10) or copper sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO₄·5H₂O, 200 mg/kg, p.o) for 90 days (n = 40). Cu-treated rats were randomized into four equal groups. One group was left untreated (Cu group) while the remaining three groups were daily co-treated with one of the following treatments along with CuSO4: TTE (10 mg/kg, p.o); enalapril (30 mg/kg, p.o); losartan (10 mg/kg, p.o). Excess Cu intake resulted in Cu overload coupled with a significant elevation in systolic blood pressure and serum angiotensin II levels along with a reduction in serum nitric oxide level. All concomitant treatments led to an alleviation of such deleterious effects. However, only losartan failed to ameliorate angiotensin II elevation. Additionally, all treatments protected the testes against Cu-overload-elicited zinc depletion and oxidative stress. Regarding reproductive function, the relative weights of testes, serum levels of testosterone and luteinizing hormone; the expression of steroidogenic genes; the protein levels of angiotensin II type 1 receptor and angiotensin converting enzyme 1, in addition to its activity, they were significantly reduced. Amongst all treatments, only TTE and E were able to revert these reproductive changes. In conclusion TTE and E were able to protect against Cu overload-induced impairment of testicular steroidogenesis. Thus, they might be considered as prophylactic drugs of choice against hypertension and testicular dysfunction to ameliorate Cu overload risk.