Impacts of Acrylamide on testis and spermatozoa

Acrylamide (ACR) is an industrial chemical used to produce polyacrylamide, a synthetic polymer with a wide range of applications. Depending on the dosage, its presence in occupational and environmental sources poses potential health risks to humans and animals. ACR can be formed in starchy foods cooked at high temperatures. Its effects on human sperm are not well understood. Animal studies indicate that ACR induces toxicity in the male reproductive system through oxidative stress mechanisms. Exposure to ACR alters the normal structure of testicular tubules, leading to congestion, interstitial edema, degeneration of spermatogenic cells, formation of abnormal spermatid giant cells, and necrosis and apoptosis. It also disrupts the balance of important biomarkers such as malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione. ACR has a negative impact on mitochondrial function, antioxidant enzymes, ATP production, and sperm membrane integrity, resulting in decreased sperm quality. Furthermore, it interferes with the expression of steroidogenic genes associated with testosterone biosynthesis. This review explores the detrimental effects of ACR on sperm and testicular function and discusses the potential role of antioxidants in mitigating the adverse effects of ACR on male reproduction.

Phytochemicals: Alternative for Infertility Treatment and Associated Conditions

Infertility and obstetric complications have become global health issues in the past few years. Infertility is defined as the inability of a couple to conceive even after twelve months or more of regular and unprotected intercourse. According to WHO data published in the year 2020, 186 million people have infertility globally. Factors leading to infertility are variable in both males and females. But some common factors include smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, and stress. Various synthetic drugs and treatment options are available that are effective in treating infertility, but their prolonged usage produces various unwanted adverse effects like hot flashes, mood swings, headaches, and weight gain. In extreme cases, these may also lead to the development of anxiety and depression. Herbal remedies have gained a lot of popularity over the years, and people's inclination toward them has increased all over the world. The prime reason is that these show significant therapeutic efficacy and have fewer side effects. The therapeutic efficacy of plants can be attributed to the presence of diverse phytochemical classes of constituents like alkaloids, flavonoids, and volatile oils. These secondary metabolites, or phytomolecules, can be used to develop herbal formulations. The review highlights the applications and mechanisms of action of various phytochemicals for treating infertility. Also, it focuses on the various future prospects associated with it.

Comparative effects of estrogen and silibinin on cardiovascular risk biomarkers in ovariectomized rats

BACKGROUND

Silibinin is a polyphenolic compound that could modulate estrogen receptor activation. Vascular dysfunction is considered a key initiator in atherosclerosis and may occur in the postmenopausal period. This manuscript compares estrogen and silibinin's impacts on factors that change endothelial function in ovariectomized (OVX) rats.

METHODS

32 female Wistar rats were subdivided into control; OVX; OVX + estrogen (1 mg/kg/day); and OVX + silibinin (50 mg/kg/day) groups. After the experimental period, lipid profile, atherogenic indices, and histopathology of endothelium were monitored. The vascular oxidative stress, adhesion molecules, inflammatory cytokine levels, nitric oxide (NO), angiotensin-II (Ang-II), and endothelin-1 (ET-1) were also analyzed.

RESULTS

Silibinin treatment, similar to estrogen, significantly normalized the adverse changes of OVX on vascular function, including improved lipid profile and oxidative stress, increased endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression, diminished inflammatory status, and reduced adhesion molecule levels, ET-1 and Ang-II substances. Our findings also revealed that the administration with estrogen or silibinin resulted in a normal endothelium layer in the aorta tissues of OVX rats.

CONCLUSION

Estrogen and silibinin have similar effects in improving vascular function. These treatments' protective impacts on vasculature indicate their potential benefits on the cardiovascular system in the postmenopausal period.

Silibinin exerts anti-cancer activity on human ovarian cancer cells by increasing apoptosis and inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)

BACKGROUND

Silibinin, the principal flavonoid derived from milk thistle seeds, has been demonstrated to have strong inhibitory effects against human malignancies. The inhibitory function of silibinin on ovarian cancer, however, is not fully identified. In this essay, both in vivo and in vitro investigations were conducted to survey the silibinin's blocking effects on ovarian cancer.

METHODS

The impacts of silibinin on two ovarian cancer cell lines, SKOV-3 and A2870, were determined by evaluating cell viability, migration, invasion, and apoptosis. Q-RT-PCR and western blotting techniques were carried out to explore the protein levels of signaling pathway markers. A mouse xenograft model was utilized to determine the silibinin efficacy in inhibiting tumor growth.

RESULTS

After cell treatment with silibinin, cell viability, migration, and invasion were appreciably inhibited in cancer cell lines, but cell apoptosis was promoted. Also, silibinin reversed the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) mechanism by inducing E-cadherin expression and reducing N-cadherin and vimentin expression, suppressing the levels of regulators related to EMT such as Snail, Slug, and ZEB1 transcription factors, and also decreasing PI3K/AKT, Smad2/3, and β-catenin intermediate molecules in vitro. Silibinin effectively ameliorated tumor growth in vivo.

CONCLUSION

silibinin could be considered a potent agent against ovarian cancer based on the results.

Oxidative Stress and Male Infertility: Role of Herbal Drugs

Infertility is a universal health problem affecting 15% of couples, out of which 20-30% cases are due to male infertility. The leading causes of male infertility include hormonal defects, physical reasons, sexual problems, hazardous environment, stressful lifestyle, genetic factors, epigenetic factors, and oxidative stress. Various physiological functions involve reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitrogen species at appropriate levels for proper smooth functioning. ROS control critical reproductive processes such as capacitation, acrosomal reaction, hyperactivation, egg penetration, and sperm head decondensation. The excessive free radicals or imbalance between ROS and endogenous antioxidant enzymes damages sperm membrane by inducing lipid peroxidation causing mitochondrial dysfunction and DNA damage that eventually lead to male infertility. Numerous synthetic products are available in the market to treat infertility problems, largely ending in side effects and repressing symptoms. Ayurveda contains a particular group of Rasayana herbs, called vajikarana, that deals with nourishment and stimulation of sexual tissues, improves male reproductive vitality, and deals with oxidative stress via antioxidant mechanism. The present study aims to describe oxidative stress and the role of herbal drugs in treating male infertility.

Allicin, an Antioxidant and Neuroprotective Agent, Ameliorates Cognitive Impairment

Allicin (diallylthiosulfinate) is a defense molecule produced by cellular contents of garlic (Allium sativum L.). On tissue damage, the non-proteinogenic amino acid alliin (S-allylcysteine sulfoxide) is converted to allicin in an enzyme-mediated process catalysed by alliinase. Allicin is hydrophobic in nature, can efficiently cross the cellular membranes and behaves as a reactive sulfur species (RSS) inside the cells. It is physiologically active molecule with the ability to oxidise the thiol groups of glutathione and between cysteine residues in proteins. Allicin has shown anticancer, antimicrobial, antioxidant properties and also serves as an efficient therapeutic agent against cardiovascular diseases. In this context, the present review describes allicin as an antioxidant, and neuroprotective molecule that can ameliorate the cognitive abilities in case of neurodegenerative and neuropsychological disorders. As an antioxidant, allicin fights the reactive oxygen species (ROS) by downregulation of NOX (NADPH oxidizing) enzymes, it can directly interact to reduce the cellular levels of different types of ROS produced by a variety of peroxidases. Most of the neuroprotective actions of allicin are mediated via redox-dependent pathways. Allicin inhibits neuroinflammation by suppressing the ROS production, inhibition of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB, P38 and JNK pathways. As an inhibitor of cholinesterase and (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) it can be applied to manage the Alzheimer's disease, helps to maintain the balance of neurotransmitters in case of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactive syndrome (ADHD). In case of acute traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) allicin protects neuron damage by regulating inflammation, apoptosis and promoting the expression levels of Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2). Metal induced neurodegeneration can also be attenuated and cognitive abilities of patients suffering from neurological diseases can be ameliorates by allicin administration.

Investigation of Zinc Supplement Impact on the Serum Biochemical Parameters in Pulmonary Tuberculosis: A Double Blinded Placebo Control Trial

Background

Zinc (Zn) is nutritionally essential trace element, and thus deficiency may severely affect human health. The results of cross-sectional studies indicate that micronutrient deficiencies are common in patients with tuberculosis. Our goal is to investigate whether Zn supplementation can increase the effects of anti-TB treatment or not.

Methods

Patients with newly diagnosed tuberculosis were divided in to 2 groups. One group (n= 37) received capsule contains 50 mg of elemental zinc (as zinc sulfate) for 6 months every other day (micronutrient group) and Group II (n= 37) received placebo. Both groups received the same anti-tuberculosis treatment recommended by the WHO. Clinical examination, BMI, chest X-ray, direct sputum examination, assessment of serum zinc levels (by atomic absorption spectrophotometry), and biochemical markers serum concentration (by using an RA1000 AutoAnalyzer) were carried out before and after 2- and 6-months anti-tuberculosis treatment.

Results

Plasma zinc concentrations in the micronutrient group was higher than placebo group After treatment. In the placebo group increasing in SGOT and SGPT concentrations were significantly higher than micronutrient group after 2 months of treatment (p< 0.05). The significant changes (p< 0.05) were observed on the serum levels of total protein, albumin. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels, serum creatinine, uric acid and urea in groups were not significantly different.

Conclusion

Zinc supplementation results in earlier sputum smear conversion in the micronutrient group during the first 6 weeks. Increased body weight and serum zinc and serum albumin and decrease in total protein was observed in the micronutrient group.

Amelioration of sperm fertilizability, thyroid activity, oxidative stress, and inflammatory cytokines in rabbit bucks treated with phytogenic extracts

This study investigated the beneficial effect of phytogenic extracts on semen quality, reproductive hormones, thyroid activity, immunity, hepatic antioxidant activity, and fertility in rabbit bucks. We divided 70 bucks into seven groups (10 in each). Group 1 was fed a basal diet (control); groups 2, 3, and 4 were fed the control diet with 30, 60, and 90 mg/kg of turmeric, respectively; and groups 5, 6, and 7 were fed the control diet with 50, 75, and 100 mg/kg of garlic extract, respectively, for 8 weeks. Rectal and skin temperatures decreased, while follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, triiodothyronine, thyroxine, testosterone, immunoglobulin M, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-6 in blood serum and glutathione peroxidase in the liver increased in all groups (p < .05). Garlic extract (100 mg/kg diet) increased adenosine triphosphate and glutathione in the liver tissues. All treatments significantly increased net semen volume, percentages of progressive motility, livability, curled tail, and intact acrosomes of spermatozoa, sperm cell concentration, and outputs of total and motile spermatozoa, while significantly decreased percentage of sperm abnormality. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of turmeric or garlic extract can be used as a suitable tool for enhancing the hepatic antioxidant activity, immunity, and semen quality in rabbit bucks.

Effect of dietary coated granules containing garlic oil diallyl disulphide and diallyl trisulphide on performance, in vitro digestibility and gastrointestinal functionality in laying hens

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with coated granules (CG) on performance, in vitro digestibility and the gastrointestinal functionality in laying hens. A total of 40 Hisex Brown laying hens (36 weeks of age) were randomly divided into five equal groups; one served as a control and the other four were actual experimental groups supplemented with 0.75, 1.5, 3 or 6 g CG per day. All the hens were fed restrictively with target feed intake of 100 g basal diet/hen per day. There were no differences in egg production or egg weight among the groups, but feed conversion ratio was significantly improved (linearly, p < 0.05) with the dose level of CG in diet. Dietary CG increased the jejunal weight (linear and quadratic terms, p < 0.05) but decreased the ileal weight (linearly, p < 0.05). There was mostly statistical interaction between dietary CG and specific activity of intestinal digestive enzymes with similar patterns for dietary CG treatments (p < 0.05). A positive linear correlation was observed with in vitro protein digestibility by using the crude enzyme extract from dietary CG supplementation. Dietary CG decreased the caecal Escherichia coli population while the Lactobacillus spp.: E. coli ratio increased (quadratic fit, p < 0.05). CG supplementation, on the other hand, significantly altered intestinal morphology by increasing the height of duodenal and ileal villi (linearly, p < 0.05). Also, duodenal antioxidant capacity observed via remaining reducing power improved linearly (p < 0.05). This suggests that CG, unlike garlic oils without encapsulation, may be a good candidate for feed supplementation in commercial egg production. It could be included up to 6 g CG per day without any adverse effects on performance, which may relate to improving nutrient digestibility and better utilization of limited feed intake when using a low amount of diet or other observations in this study.

Onion peel extract and its constituent, quercetin inhibits human Slo3 in a pH and calcium dependent manner

Sperm function and male fertility are closely related to pH dependent K⁺ current (KSper) in human sperm, which is most likely composed of Slo3 and its auxiliary subunit leucine-rich repeat-containing protein 52 (LRRC52). Onion peel extract (OPE) and its major active ingredient quercetin are widely used as fertility enhancers; however, the effect of OPE and quercetin on Slo3 has not been elucidated. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of quercetin on human Slo3 channels. Human Slo3 and LRRC52 were co-transfected into HEK293 cells and pharmacological properties were studied with the whole cell patch clamp technique. We successfully expressed and measured pH sensitive and calcium insensitive Slo3 currents in HEK293 cells. We found that OPE and its key ingredient quercetin inhibit Slo3 currents. Inhibition by quercetin is dose dependent and this degree of inhibition decreases with elevating internal alkalization and internal free calcium concentrations. Functional moieties in the quercetin polyphenolic ring govern the degree of inhibition of Slo3 by quercetin, and the composition of such functional moieties are sensitive to the pH of the medium. These results suggest that quercetin inhibits Slo3 in a pH and calcium dependent manner. Therefore, we surmise that quercetin induced depolarization in spermatozoa may enhance the voltage gated proton channel (Hv1), and activate non-selective cation channels of sperm (CatSper) dependent calcium influx to trigger sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction.

Beyond tribulus (Tribulus terrestris L.): The effects of phytotherapics on testosterone, sperm and prostate parameters

ETHNO-PHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Phytotherapeutic approaches have been widely proposed to improve male health. Despite the well-touted effects of tribulus (Tribulus terrestris L) on men's health, an optimal phytotherapy remains an elusive challenge.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

We sought to critically analyze the evidence in the phytotherapic literature beyond the effects of tribulus on testosterone (T) concentration and sperm analysis to also include indications for prostate health.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A focused literature search was conducted to include studies published in Cochrane, Pubmed, and Web of Science databases between the years 2002 and 2018.

RESULTS

The use of tribulus and maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp, Brassicaceae) were not scientifically supported to improve serum T levels in men. Moderate evidence supports the use of long Jack (Eurycoma longifolia Jack, Simaroubaceae), mucuna (Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC., Fabaceae), ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, Solanaceae), fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graceum L., Fabaceae), and black seeds (Nigella sativa L., Ranunculaceae) to increase total T and improve seminal parameters. Data suggests an increase in total T with the use of 5000 mg/d of powdered mucuna seed and ashwagandha root (151 and 143 ng/dL, respectively) over a 12-week period in patients with oligozoospermia. The use of mucuna was supported for patients with oligozoospermia to improve sperm parameters, with an increase of 83.3 million/mL observed after use of 5000 mg/d of powdered mucuna seed over a 12-week period. Evidence supporting the use of saw palmetto (Serenoa repens, (W.Bartram) Small, Arecaceae) to improve prostate health remains equivocal; whereas, evidence supporting the use of Pygeum africanum Hook.f., Rosaceae, Urtica dioica L., Urticaceae, beta-sitosterols, pollen extract, onion, garlic, and tomato, appears favorable and promising.

CONCLUSION

Scientific evidence supports the use of mucuna and ashwagandha as phytotherapics for improving serum T concentrations and semen parameters. Despite inconclusive evidence for use of tribulus as a T booster, it may provide advantageous effects on sperm parameters in men with idiopathic infertility. Nutraceutical strategies and some phytotherapics may also be effective to promote prostate health. Popular foodstuffs (onion, garlic, and tomato), nutraceutical agents (pollen extract and beta-sitosterols), and herbal medicines (Pygeum africanum and Urtica dioica) are rational approaches.