Recent strategies to mitigate reproductive aging in male broiler breeders: A review

The continued improvement of genetics, nutrition, and management has resulted in rapid growth, better feed efficiency, and higher meat yield with competitive prices in the broiler industry. Nowadays, however, it is well-documented that productive traits and fertility are negatively correlated, and male broiler breeders are exposed to a fertility decline after 45 wk of age. Considering a low male-to-female ratio in breeder flocks, roosters have a prominent impact on flock fertility. Consequently, strategies to maintain the fertility of male broiler breeders could guarantee the reproductive performance of commercial herds. Understanding reproductive aging demands deep insights into its molecular and physiological mechanisms. Over-weighting, Sertoli and Leydig cell dysfunctions, compromised antioxidant capacity, imbalance in sexual hormones, and epididymal lithiasis are among candidate culprits associated with reproductive aging in roosters. Nutritional and managing strategies have been successfully applied to modulate body weight, improve sperm fatty acid profile and antioxidant status, and boost spermatogenic and steroidogenic pathways. The current review characterizes the physiology and biochemistry of reproductive aging in male broiler breeders and then highlights strategies and their underlying mechanisms to mitigate this failure. In summary, applying one or more of the abovementioned strategies might result in consistent post-peak reproduction and benefit producers in the poultry industry.

Ceratonia Siliqua L: A Natural Compound with Big Impact on Male Reproductive System

Herbal products with antioxidant properties have gained attention for their potential impact on male reproductive health. One such botanical, Ceratonia siliqua (commonly known as carob), has been empirically used by infertile men in Iran and Turkey. Carob, a pod-bearing tree native to the Mediterranean, exhibits promising therapeutic potential for various aspects of male reproductive health. Carob consumption may positively affect sperm count, motility, and morphology in infertile men. The proposed mechanisms involve antioxidant activity, improved blood flow, and enhanced energy production within sperm. Carob's richness in antioxidants like polyphenols and flavonoids might counteract oxidative stress, a major contributor to sperm dysfunction. Carob may influence male sex hormones by potentially stimulating testosterone production and inhibiting estrogen conversion. While carob demonstrates promise as a natural supplement for male fertility, more robust research is necessary to solidify its therapeutic role. This exploration could pave the way for the development of novel dietary or nutraceutical interventions to address male infertility. While preliminary research suggests positive effects on sperm health and potential hormonal influence, robust clinical trials are needed to solidify carob's therapeutic efficacy. This exploration paves the way for future research on carob as a natural supplement and potentially opens doors for novel dietary or nutraceutical interventions to address male infertility.

Sitagliptin ameliorates busulfan-induced pulmonary and testicular injury in rats through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, and antiapoptotic effects

Busulfan (BUS) is an anticancer agent with serious adverse effects on various body organs, including the lung and testis. Sitagliptin was proven to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, and antiapoptotic effects. This study aims to evaluate whether sitagliptin, a DPP4I, ameliorates BUS-induced pulmonary and testicular injury in rats. Male Wistar rats were split into control, sitagliptin (10 mg/kg), BUS (30 mg/kg), and sitagliptin + BUS groups. Weight change, lung and testis indices, serum testosterone, sperm parameters, markers of oxidative stress [malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH)], inflammation [tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)], and relative expression of sirtuin1 (SIRT1) and forkhead box protein type O1 (FOXO1) genes were estimated. Histopathological examination of lung and testicular tissues was done to detect architectural changes [Hematoxylin & Eosin (H&E)], fibrosis (Masson's trichrome), and apoptosis (caspase-3). Sitagliptin treatment reduced body weight loss, lung index, lung and testis MDA, serum TNF-α and sperm abnormal morphology, and increased testis index, lung and testis GSH, serum testosterone, sperm count, viability and motility. SIRT1/FOXO1 balance was restored. Also, sitagliptin attenuated fibrosis and apoptosis in lung and testicular tissues via reducing collagen deposition and caspase-3 expression. Accordingly, sitagliptin ameliorated BUS-induced pulmonary and testicular damage in rats via attenuating oxidative stress, inflammation, fibrosis, and apoptosis.

Human sperm parameter improvement associated with Ceratonia siliqua extract as a cryopreservation supplement after vitrification

OBJECTIVE

Given the destructive effects of oxidative stress on sperm structure, this study was conducted to investigate the antioxidant effects of different concentrations of Ceratonia siliqua plant extract on human sperm parameters after the freezing-thawing process.

METHODS

A total of 20 normozoospermic samples were frozen. Each sample was divided into two control groups (fresh and cryopreservation) and three cryopreservation experimental groups (containing C. siliqua extract at concentrations of 20, 30, and 40 μg/mL in the freezing extender). Motility, intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), plasma membrane integrity (PMI), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), viability, and acrosome reaction parameters were evaluated.

RESULTS

Statistical analysis showed that the highest motility, viability, and PMI were associated with the 20 μg/mL concentration of C. siliqua extract. At all concentrations, intracellular ROS levels were significantly lower and the levels of MMP and the acrosome reaction were significantly higher than in the cryopreservation control group (p≤0.05).

CONCLUSION

C. siliqua extract supplements at concentrations of 20, 30, and 40 μg/mL improved sperm motility, viability, PMI, MMP, intracellular ROS, and the acrosome reaction.

Kolaviron abates busulfan-induced episodic memory deficit and testicular dysfunction in rats: The implications for neuroendopathobiological changes during chemotherapy

Busulfan is a popular antileukemia chemotherapeutic alkylating agent widely known to induce variety of serious adverse effects including chemobrain-related cognitive impairments and dysfunction in male reproductive system. Whether kolaviron, a neuro- and repro-active compound obtained from Garcinia kola, with neuroprotective and reproductive-promoting activities, mitigates busulfan-induced cognitive and male reproductive impairments remain unknown. Hence, we investigated the reversal effects of kolaviron on busulfan-induced episodic memory deficit and testicular dysfunction, and its underlying mechanisms in male rats. In the treatment-protocol, rats in groups 1 and 2 received saline (10 mL/kg/p.o./day) and DMSO (10 mL/kg/p.o./day) respectively, group 3 was given kolaviron (200 mg/kg/p.o./day), group 4 received busulfan (50 mg/kg/p.o./day) and group 5 was pretreated with busulfan (50 mg/kg/p.o./day) consecutively for 56 days prior to kolaviron treatment (200 mg/kg/p.o./day) from days 29-56. Episodic memory deficit was assessed using passive avoidance task (PAT). Following euthanization, blood samples, epididymal sperm, testes and brain were harvested and hormonal and neurochemical contents and their metabolizing enzymes were assayed. Kolaviron reversed busulfan-induced episodic cognitive deficit in the PAT. The reduced serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline concentrations, elevated glutamate levels, acetylcholinesterase, monoamine oxidase-A and B activities were normalized by kolaviron. Kolaviron also reversed the busulfan-induced decreased testicular/body weights and spermatogenesis. Kolaviron abated busulfan-induced changes in androgenic hormones (testosterone, FSH, LH), dehydrogenase enzymes (3ß-HSD and 17ß-HSD), altered sperm-chromatin, sperm-membrane integrity and sperm-acrosomal reaction and capacitation impairments. Our findings suggest that kolaviron could mitigate busulfan-induced episodic memory deficit and dysfunction in male reproductive system via neurochemical modulations and increase testicular androgenic hormones/enzymes in rats.

Comparison of the effect of Ceratonia siliqua L. fruit oral capsule and vitamin E on semen parameters in men with idiopathic infertility: a triple-blind randomized controlled clinical trial

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effect of oral Ceratonia siliqua (Carob) and vitamin E on sperm parameters in idiopathic infertile men.

METHODS

In this triple-blind randomized controlled trial study, fifty 20-45-year-old infertile men with idiopathic abnormal sperm parameters were selected among men referring to the infertility clinic of Al Zahra-Iran Hospital, and randomly allocated into two groups. The first group received Carob capsules, 500 mg, and the second group received vitamin E capsules three times a day for 90 days. The primary outcomes of this study were the sperm parameters (count, motility, and morphology).

RESULTS

After the intervention, the mean of sperm count increased from 49.08 to 60.22 million/mL in the carob vs. it increased from 47.64 to 58.88 million/mL in the vitamin E group (adjusted mean difference (aMD)=1.124 million/ml, 95% CI: -12.892 to 15.141). The mean sperm motility increased from 45.90 to 52.90% in the carob group but decreased from 55.23 to 38.10% in the vitamin E group (aMD=17.22%, 95% CI: 8.53 to 25.92). The mean sperms with normal morphology increased from 11.52 to 67.05% in the carob, and from 10.20 to 77.47% in the vitamin E group (aMD=-10.88%, 95% CI: -22.30 to 0.536). There was no serious side effect during the treatment course.

CONCLUSIONS

Taking 1,500 mg oral dose of Carob capsule per day for 90 days improved sperm motility but had no significant effect for improving morphology and count comparing to vitamin E capsule.

Effect of Ceratonia siliqua L. extract on DNA Fragmentation of Sperm in Adult Male Mice Treated with Cyclophosphamide

This study was conducted to determine the effects of Ceratonia siliqua L. (CS) extract on sperm parameters and DNA damage in adult male mice treated with cyclophosphamide (CP). Based on an initial dose response experiment on Ceratonia siliqua L. extract, five treatment groups were set up: control, sham (normal saline: 0.2 ml per day, IP), CP (15 mg kg^-1 per week; IP), Ceratonia siliqua L. (100mg l^-1 per day; IP), and group of Ceratonia siliqua L. along with CP for 35 days. After euthanizing the animals, sperms from caudal part of epididymis were collected, and their parameters, Malone Di-Aldehyde (MDA) level, and DNA fragmentation were analyzed. In the mice exposed to cyclophosphamide, reduction in the sperm count and viability and increase in the abnormal sperm and MDA levels were detected (p < .05). In addition, an increase in sperms with damaged DNA was detected in CP group, while the use of Ceratonia siliqua L. Extract significantly recovered these disturbances in the treatment group (p < .05). This study suggested the competence of Ceratonia siliqua L. extract in the improvement of sperm parameters and DNA fragmentation in animals treated with CP.

Comparison of the Effect of Ceratonia siliqua L. (Carob) Syrup and Vitamin E on Sperm Parameters, Oxidative Stress Index, and Sex Hormones in Infertile Men: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Herbal products with an antioxidant capacity can boost male reproductive functions. The empiric use of Ceratonia siliqua (carob) for its antioxidant properties is common among infertile men in Iran and Turkey. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of C. siliqua (carob) on semen parameters, oxidative stress markers, and pregnancy rate in a parallel randomized, controlled study. A total of 60 infertile men with oligozoospermia, asthenospermia, and teratospermia were recruited from April 2018 to March 2019. Participants were divided randomly into the following two groups: carob syrup twice a day or vitamin E 100 mg twice a day for 3 months. Semen analysis was performed and hormonal levels and stress oxidative markers were measured in each treatment arm after 3 months. The quality of semen parameters improved in the carob group compared with Vit E semen count (p = 0.04 Cohen's d = .51), morphology (p = 0.001 Cohen's d = .93) and motility parameters (p = 0.002 Cohen's d = .90) were significantly higher in the carob group. No significant difference can be detected in post-treatment hormonal parameters and oxidative markers between groups, except for total antioxidant capacity(TAC) which was higher after post-treatment in carob group. A significantly higher pregnancy rate was found among the carob group. The administration of carob may be an effective agent for the improvement of semen parameters, probably related both to its involvement in the changing of testosterone level and to its antioxidant properties. Nevertheless, additional studies to evaluate the optimal dose and duration of treatment are needed. The trial has been registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (Registration number: IRCT20171209037794N1.

Thymus vulgaris Attenuates Myleran-induced Reproductive Damage by Decreasing Oxidative Stress and Lipid Peroxidation in Male Rats

Context:

Thymus vulgaris is an herbal with potent antioxidant and it has been shown to have beneficial effects during short-term administration. Myleran (MYL) is used for treatment of certain types of tumors. MYL produces free radicals and induces disturbance in sperm parameters.

Aims:

This study is designed to assess the effects of T. vulgaris against damage to the male rats' reproductive features induced by MYL.

Subjects and Methods:

Sixty-four male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into eight groups: control group; MYL (10 mg/kg) group; T. vulgaris groups (4.5, 9, and 18 mg/kg); and MYL (10 mg/kg) + T. vulgaris groups (4.5, 9, and 18 mg/kg; separately). Treatments were administered daily intraperitoneal injection for 60 days. Total antioxidant capacity, sperm factors, malondialdehyde (MDA), testosterone, and germinal layer height were analyzed.

Results:

Whole variables of MYL group decreased signifcantly compared to the control group (P < 0.05) except MDA level (which increased). The T. vulgaris and T. vulgaris + MYL treatments in all doses increased all parameters significantly except MDA level (which decreased) compared to the MYL group (P < 0.05). No significant modifications were observed in all T. vulgaris groups compared to the control group (P > 0.05).

Conclusions:

T. vulgaris reduces the poisonous properties of MYL on male reproductive factors.

Efficacy of Herbal Based Syrup on male sexual experiences: A double-blind randomized clinical trial

Background and aim

An Aphrodisiac includes any drug and food that arouses sexual instinct, induces venereal desire, and increases pleasure and performance. The present study was designed to clinically evaluate efficacy and safety of Herbal Based Syrup (HBS) composed of Tribulus terrestris L., Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer., Zingiber officinale Rosc, Ceratonia siliqua L., Papaver rhoeas L., and Palm tree pollen on sexual experience of men.

Experimental procedure

The study was designed as a double-blind randomized clinical trial. The main outcome measures were the responses obtained from using the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX). The ASEX was completed by 100 married and seemingly healthy men before and after taking one dose of HBS or placebo and at least one sexual intercourse. In addition, possible side effects were observed. A split-plot ANOVA (SPANOVA) design was used for statistical analysis.

Results

Results of analysis of data for each variable of the ASEX showed significantly lower scores in HBS-treated group compared to the placebo (control) group in items of desire, arousal, erection, orgasm and satisfaction (p < 0.05). No drug-related serious adverse events were observed.

Conclusion

Results of this study indicated a significant improvement in sexual experience of men following consumption of HBS. Due to various complications reported about the use of chemical sexual drive enhancers, HBS can be introduced as an alternative with fewer side effects.

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The syrup enhances sexual desire, arousal, erection, orgasm and satisfaction.

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The syrup may be a useful supplement to improve sexual experience of healthy men.

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The syrup was stable more than 1 year in room temperature.

In vitro application of Ceratonia siliqua improved sperm parameters and chromatin quality after vitrifacation in normozoospermic aged men

Background

Vitrification is the main technique in the assisted reproductive technique (ART) labs. Sperm vitrification exposes sperm to damage. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro effect of Ceratonia siliqua (C. siliqua) application on sperm parameters and chromatin quality in normozoospermic aged men. Semen samples (n = 40) were collected from normozoospermic men over 45 years old. Each specimen was divided into four aliquots to form the subsequent groups: fresh (group I), vitrification without treatment (group II), vitrification with the medium supplemented by 20 μg/ml C. siliqua (group III), and vitrification with the thawing medium supplemented by 20 μg/ml C. siliqua (group IV). Sperm progressive motility, normal morphology and viability were assessed. Also, sperm chromatin quality was evaluated by aniline blue (AB), toluidine blue (TB), and sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) staining.

Results

Vitrification caused a significant decrease in sperm progressive motility, normal morphology and viability as well as chromatin quality compared to fresh samples (p < 0.05). Supplementation of vitrification/thawing medium with C. siliqua significantly improved sperm progressive motility, normal morphology, viability, and chromatin quality compared to vitrification without any supplementation (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The study showed that C. siliqua can improve the detrimental effect of vitrification on sperm parameters and chromatin quality of normozoospermic aged men.

Effects of Carob Fruit Extract on Spermatogenesis, Antioxidant Status, and Apoptosis in Adult Male Mice

Background: Certain plants stimulate spermatogenesis and increase fertility; in contrast, some plants arrest the spermatogenesis cycle. Ceratonia siliqua is an herb plant with a strong antioxidant property. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of carob fruit extract on spermatogenesis, testicular apoptosis, and oxidative stress in adult male mice. Methods: Forty adult male mice were randomly divided into five groups: control, sham, and carob 1–3. The sham group was injected with normal saline and the carob 1–3 groups were injected with 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg of the carob fruit extract intraperitoneally for 14 days, respectively. At the end of the injection period, spermatogenesis, testicular apoptosis, and oxidative stress were examined. Results: The sperm parameters increased in the mice that received 200 mg/kg of carob compared to the sham group (p <0.05). There was a significant increase in the weight index of the epididymis in the carob 3 group in comparison to the sham group (p = 0.01). The number of positive tunnel cells was not statistically significant between different groups (p>0.05). The level of malondialdehyde decreased in the carob 1 and carob 3 groups, but this reduction was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). In addition, the statistical analysis showed a significant difference in the mean superoxide dismutase levels in the carob 2 and carob 3 groups in comparison to the sham group (p ≤ 0.001). The statistical analysis showed a significant increase in the mean level of the catalase enzyme in the carob 1 group in comparison to the sham (p = 0.02), and carob 2 groups (p = 0.008). Conclusion: The administration of 200 mg of the carob fruit extract for 14 days increased the testicular index as well as sperm parameters and decreased the level of oxidative stress in the testicular tissue of adult mice.

Does supplementation of sperm freezing/thawing media with Ceratonia siliqua improve detrimental effect of cryopreservation on sperm parameters and chromatin quality in normozoospermic specimens?

Human sperm banking is an important procedure in the assisted reproductive technique centers. It entails sperm damage. The aim of this study was to investigate beneficial effect of Ceratonia siliqua (C. siliqua) supplement in freezing/thawing media on post thaw sperm parameters and sperm chromatin quality in normozoospermic samples. Forty normozoospermic specimens were included in this prospective study. Each sample was divided into ten groups. In groups one to five, 0 (as control group) 5, 10, 20 and 30 µg/ml C. siliqua were added to freezing medium and in groups six to ten, similar concentration of C. siliqua were added to thawing medium for 30 min incubation. Sperm concentration, progressive motility, normal morphology, viability, aniline blue (AB), toluidine blue (TB) and sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) staining tests were evaluated before vitrification and after thawing. The results showed that 10 and 20 µg/ml supplementation of C. siliqua in freezing/thawing media significantly increased progressive motility, normal morphology and viability of sperm (p < 0.05) as well as decreased AB, TB and SCD (p < 0.05). Also, 20 µg/ml had significantly higher improvement compared to 10 µg/ml C. siliqua (p < 0.05). The present study showed that C. siliqua supplemented freezing/thawing media can improve sperm quality of normozoospermic samples after freezing/thawing.

Effects of Bene (Pistacia atlantica) on Histopathology of Testis, Sperm Chromatin Quality and Stress Oxidative in Busulfan-Induced Infertile Mice

Background: Some plants stimulate spermatogenesis and increase fertility, while some cause spermatogenesis arrest. So far, the effects of bene (Pistacia atlantica) on male fertility have not been studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of bene on sperm parameters, testicular histopathology, sperm quality, and oxidative stress in busulfan-induced infertile mice. Methods: Thirty-five male BALB/c mice were randomly assigned to control, sham, busulfan, bene, and bene + busulfan groups. The busulfan group received 10 mg/kg as a single dose and intraperitoneally. The bene group received pellets containing 10% of bene. Another group received 10 mg/kg busulfan and was fed with pellet containing 10% bene. Then, sperms, sperm chromatin quality, testicular histopathology, and oxidative stress levels were studied on the 35th day of the experiment. Results: Busulfan injection resulted in a significant reduction in sperm parameters compared to the control group (p<0.001); it decreased after bene administration (p<0.001). In addition, in the group treated with bene, the sperm count with damaged DNA was reduced and the level of malondialdehyde decreased compared to the busulfan group. A significant increase was observed in the mean level of superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymes in the bene + busulfan group compared to the busulfan group (p<0.001). The histopathological improvement of the testis was observed in the bene + busulfan group. Conclusion: The administration of 10 mg/kg of bene powder for 35 days reduced the oxidative stress, improved testicular histopathology, sperm chromatin quality, and sperm parameters in the infertile mice model.