Star anise extracts modulation of reproductive parameters, fertility potential and DNA fragmentation induced by growth promoter Equigan in rat testes

Beneficial role of amygdalin extracts against animal growth regulator Boldjan induced cardiac toxicity, injury and oxidative stress in male rats

Millions of individuals have used illicit anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), but the long-term cardiovascular associations of these drugs remain incompletely understood. Boldjan is AAS medication which is used in veterinary medicine and by young adults aiming to have a better appearance improving their self-esteem. Therefore; the objective of the current investigation was to examine any potential preventative effects of amygdalin extract against anabolic steroid Boldjan induced cardic toxicity, injury and oxidative stress in male rat. Forty adult male Wistar rats were classified into five groups (Gp1, Control Gp; Gp2, Amygdalin Gp in which rats treated with amygdalin (100 mg/kg body weight/day) daily for 2 weeks; Gp3, Boldjan Gp in which rats treated with Boldjan (10 mg/Kg BW/week) for 4 weeks; Gp4, Boldjan + Amygdalin). Boldjan induced a significant rises in serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK) and creatine kinase MB (CK MB), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), and very-low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (VLDL-C), cardiac injury, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and a significant depletion in serum high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), cardiac reduced glutathione (GSH), Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (Cat) activities as compared to control Gp. In contrast, Amygdalin significantly reversed the Boldjan induced cardiac toxicity in post treated rats Gp (Boldjan + Amygdalin). Amygdalin could be an efficient preventive supplement for mitigating Boldjan induced cardiac toxicity, possibly via controlling oxidative stress events.

Therapeutic effects of vitamin B17 against anabolic steroid Trenorol induced testicular toxicity, injury, DNA damage and apoptosis in male rats

Several anabolic androgenic steroids (ASSs) are a group of synthetic molecules derived from testosterone and developed mainly for veterinary use that classed as a Schedule III and sometimes utilized by athletes to enlarge their muscles. Abuse of anabolic androgenic steroids can result in severe organ damage that cannot be repaired. Therefore; the objective of the current investigation was to examine the therapeutic effects of vitamin B17 (VitB17) on the testicular toxicity caused by the anabolic steroid Trenorol in male rats. Rats were randomly assigned into control, VitB17 (50 mg/kg b.wt./day, orally), Trenorol (received 10 mg/kg b.wt./week, IM) and Trenorol + VitB17 treated groups. At the end of experiment, hormonal assay, semen evaluation, testicular enzymes, and DNA damage were assessed. Besides, the histopathological and immunohistochemical investigations of the P53 expression were performed. Current results revealed that; Trenorol induced significant depletion in relative weights of testis (RWT), total testosterone follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH), sperm count, morphology index, viability, progressive motility, and testicular injury and a significant increase sperm abnormalities, testicular DNA damage and P53 experssions. Treatment of rats with Trenorol + VitB17 decreased the testicular toxicity, sperm parameters, DNA damage and apoptosis. We can conclude that; Trenorol induced toxicity, DNA damage and apoptosis in rat testis and treatments with VitB1 improved these parameters.

Impact of Coriandrum sativum seeds extract on albino rats' testicular toxicity caused by carbendazim

Background

A broad spectrum carbamate fungicide called carbendazim (Carb) is used to combat a number of different fungal diseases. One of the extensively utilized medicinal plants in oriental countries is Coriandrum sativum.

Aim

In the current study, the impact of C. sativum seeds extract (CSE) on albino rats' testicular toxicity caused by carbendazim was investigated.

Materials and methods

A total of 50 male albino rats were classified into 5 groups [Gp1, Control Gp; Gp2, Coriandrum Gp (CSE); Gp 3, carbendazim Gp (Carb); Gp 4, Co treated CSE with Carb (CSE + Carb); Gp 5, Post treated Carb with CSE (Carb + CSE)].

Results

Carb induced elevation in serum LH. FSH, testicular malondialdehyde (MDA), testicular nitric oxide (NO) markers and testicular injury and it reduced serum testosterone, testicular glutathione (GSH), testicular catalase and PCNA. Treatments of Carb with CSE (CSE + Carb and/or Carb + CSE) improved these parameters and reduced testicular toxicity with best results for Carb + CSE than CSE + Carb.

Conclusions

The above findings revealed that; Carb induced testicular toxicity and it supported the hypothesis that the antioxidant characteristics of one or more of CSE constituents can reduce the testicular toxicity of Carb.

Ameliorative role of chitosan nanoparticles against silver nanoparticle-induced reproductive toxicity in male albino rats

This study was designed to evaluate the protective potentials of chitosan nanoparticles (ChNPs) against silver nanoparticle (AgNP)-induced reproductive toxicity in male Wister albino rats. AgNPs, ChNPs, and AgNPs particles coated with ChNPs were characterized by using transmission electron microscope. Control rats were injected interperitoneally with 0.5% aqueous carboxymethyl cellulose. Second group was given ChNPs at a dose 300 mg/kg bwt. Third group was given AgNPs at a dose 50 mg/kg bwt. Fourth group was given AgNPs with chitosan nanoparticles simultaneously. Fifth group was given silver nanoparticles coated with chitosan nanoparticles at a dose 300 mg/kg bwt. TEM showed the formation of AgNPs with average size of 42.7 nm, ChNPs with average size of 33.3 nm, and AgNPs coated with ChNPs with average size of 48.1 nm. AgNPs significantly reduced serum levels of FSH, LH, testosterone and prolactin, sperm count, morphology index, vitality, total motility and progressive motility, the activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase, and the concentration of reduced glutathione in testicular tissues. However, it significantly increased malondialdehyde concentration in testicular tissues, sperm abnormalities, testicular tissue damages, non-progressive motility, and immotile sperms. On the contrast, ChNPs ameliorated AgNP-induced alteration in serum levels of sex hormones, spermogram, and testicular tissue's structure and functions. These results indicated that ChNPs had protective potential against AgNP-induced reproductive toxicity and ChNPs coating AgNPs had more potent protective effect than ChNPs administrated together with AgNPs.

Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) mitigates methotrexate-induced testicular insult in rats: Targeting oxidative stress, energy deficit and spermatogenesis

Methotrexate (MTX) is commonly used as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of malignancies and autoimmune disorders. Risk of subsequent infertility following MTX administration has been reported as a significant side effect due to testicular toxicity. The aim of the study was to evaluate the modulatory effects of Ginkgo biloba (standardized extract, EGb 761) on MTX-induced testicular oxidative stress, energy deficits and spermatogenic status in rats. All groups received intraperitoneal injection of MTX (0.5 mg/kg) twice weekly for four weeks except the control group that received the corresponding vehicles. Other groups received oral EGb761, at doses 25, 50 or 100 mg/kg/day, for four weeks, concurrently with MTX. Blood and semen sampling followed by testis dissection were performed 24 h after last EGb 761 treatment. Semen was examined for sperm progressive motility, percent of normal spermatozoa and sperm cell concentration as well as seminal plasma essential and non-essential amino acids. Serum LH, FSH and testosterone were detected as well as testicular MDA, GSH, GSSG, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, NF-κB and the nuclear, cytoplasmic and mRNA expression levels of Nrf-2 besides the testicular cell energy; AMP, ADP and ATP. Histopathological studies of interstitial fibrosis and the severity of germ cell degeneration were also conducted. MTX induced significant decline in sperm quality along with decreased essential and non-essential amino acids in seminal plasma. MTX reduced serum FSH, LH and testosterone as well as testicular ATP, GSH and Nrf2, while increased levels of testicular ADP, AMP, MDA, GSSG and TNF-α. Results were confirmed by prominent interstitial fibrosis and severe germ cell degeneration in MTX group. Concurrent treatment with EGb 761 alleviated MTX-induced testicular insult evidenced by amelioration of oxidative stress biomarkers, energy functions, seminal sperms abnormalities and spermatogenesis status. The present study suggests a beneficial role of EGb 761 in MTX-induced testicular injury and subsequent distortion of spermatogenesis.

Boldenone Undecylenate-Mediated Hepatorenal Impairment by Oxidative Damage and Dysregulation of Heat Shock Protein 90 and Androgen Receptors Expressions: Vitamin C Preventive Role

Boldenone Undecylenate (BLD) is a synthetic derivative of testosterone and a widely used anabolic androgenic steroid. The health risk of BLD use as a pharmaceutical or dietary supplement is still underestimated and under-reported. Vitamin C (VC) has been recognized as an antioxidant with prominent hepatorenal protective effects. This study investigated the possible preventive activity of VC against BLD-induced hepatorenal damage. Forty adult male Wistar rats were classified into five groups: control, vehicle control, VC (orally given 120 mg/kg b. wt./day), BLD (intramuscularly injected 5 mg/kg b. wt./week), and BLD + VC-treated groups. The experiment continued for eight weeks. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were measured. Serum contents of total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), globulin, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), and very-low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (VLDL-C) were also assayed. Urea, creatinine, and uric acid levels were determined together with sodium and potassium electrolytes measuring. Moreover, oxidative stress indicators including reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and glutathione reductase (GSR) as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured in both hepatic and renal tissues. Corresponding histological examination of renal and hepatic tissues was conducted. Besides, immunohistochemical evaluations for androgen receptors protein (AR) and heat shock protein 90 (Hsp 90) expressions were performed. BLD caused significant rises in serum ALT, AST, TP, ALB, TC, TG, LDL-C, VLDL-C, urea, creatinine, uric acid, potassium, and MDA levels. Further, BLD-injected rats showed significant declines in the serum levels of HDL-C, sodium, GSH, GPx, GST, and GSR. Besides, distinct histopathological perturbations were detected in renal and hepatic tissues of BLD-injected rats. AR and Hsp 90 immunoexpression were increased in hepatic and renal tissues. In contrast, VC significantly reversed the BLD-induced hepatorenal damage in co-treated rats but not ameliorated AR protein overexpression. VC could be an efficient preventive supplement for mitigating BLD-induced hepatorenal damage, possibly via controlling oxidative stress events.

Ehrlich ascites carcinoma as model for studying the cardiac protective effects of curcumin nanoparticles against cardiac damage in female mice

While clinical innovation has improved, cancer or malignant growth stays a genuine medical issue and has been perceived as a significant factor in mortality and morbidity. Current work aimed to define the cardiac defensive effects of curcumin nanoparticles (Cur Nps) against EAC induced cardiac toxicity, injury, and alterations in apoptosis, proliferation, and cytokines immunoreactivity. Forty female mice were aimlessly and equally divided into four groups [Gp1, Control; Gp2, Cur NPs; Gp3, Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC); Gp4, Co-treatment of EAC with Cur NPs (Cur NPs + EAC)]. Serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), phosphocreatine kinase (CPK), creatine kinase myoglobin (CK-MB), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), cholesterol, triglycerides, potassium ions, cardiac injury, P53, vascular endothelial growth factor protein (VEGF), Bax, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) expressions were significantly elevated while sodium ions levels were significantly depleted in EAC when compared to control. Co-treatment of EAC with Cur NPs (Cur NPs + EAC) improved these parameters as compared with EAC group. So, our results indicate that; Cur NPs induced protection to the blood and heart tissue during Ehrlich ascites carcinoma.

The Modulatory Role of Vitamin C in Boldenone Undecylenate Induced Testicular Oxidative Damage and Androgen Receptor Dysregulation in Adult Male Rats

Background: This study explored the effect of vitamin C (Vit-C) administration on the reproductive function of adult male Wistar rats injected with boldenone undecylenate (BOL). Methods: Rats were randomly assigned into control, vehicle control, Vit-C (120 mg/kg b.wt./day, orally), BOL (received 5 mg/kg b.wt./week, IM) and BOL+Vit-C-treated groups. After eight weeks, hormonal assay, semen evaluation, testicular enzymes, and antioxidants biomarkers were assessed. Besides, the histopathological and immunohistochemical investigations of the androgen receptor (AR) expression were performed. Results: The results revealed that serum testosterone, acid phosphatase, sorbitol dehydrogenase, sperm abnormalities, and testicular malondialdehyde were significantly incremented in the BOL-treated group. Testicular weight, sperm count, and sperm motility together with serum levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and estradiol, and testicular testosterone, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and reduced glutathione showed a significant decrease following BOL treatment. Besides, the AR immunoreactivity was significantly decreased in testicular tissues. Vit-C co-administration with BOL significantly relieved the BOL-induced sperm abnormalities, reduced sperm motility, testicular enzyme leakage, and oxidative damage. However, Vit-C could rescue neither BOL-induced hormonal disturbances nor AR down-regulation. Conclusions: The results provide further insight into the mechanisms of BOL-induced reproductive dysfunction and its partial recovery by Vit-C.

Vitamin B17 Ameliorates Methotrexate-Induced Reproductive Toxicity, Oxidative Stress, and Testicular Injury in Male Rats

Methotrexate (MTX; 4-amino-10-methylfolic acid) is a folic acid reductase inhibitor used to treat autoimmune diseases and certain types of cancer. Testicular toxicity resulting from MTX is a significant side effect that may cause subsequent infertility. The present study was conducted to examine the ameliorating effects of vitamin B17 (VitB17) against testicular toxicity induced by MTX in male rats. A total of 50 male albino rats were equally divided into five groups [control group; vitamin B17 group (VitB17) administered VitB17 only; methotrexate group administered MTX only; cotreated group, (VitB17+MTX) and posttreated group (MTX+VitB17)]. In methotrexate group (MTX), a significant decrease was observed in body weight and the testicular weight, as well as the levels of plasma testosterone, luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone compared with control. The sperm count, viability, morphology index, total motility, and progressive motility also decreased in MTX rats compared with control. Furthermore, the levels of reduced glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase, as well as proliferating cell nuclear antigen protein expression, in the testicular tissue decreased in MTX compared with control. In addition, MTX caused a significant increase in DNA and tissue damage compared with control. However, VitB17 ameliorated these effects, indicating that it has a preventative and curative effect against MTX-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats. The protective effect of VitB17 may be associated to its antioxidant properties as it possibly acts as a free-radical scavenger and lipid peroxidation inhibitor, as well as its protective effect on the levels of GSH, SOD, and CAT.

Ameliorative effects of vitamin B17 on the kidney against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma induced renal toxicity in mice

Cancer is the major cause of death and many factors that lead to its occurrences, such as environmental pollution and pesticides and other factors. Ehrlich carcinoma development depends on many things associated with the environment, nutrition, personal habits, and family history. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential protective effects of vitamin B17 (VB17) against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) that induced kidney toxicity in female mice. The mice were divided into five groups (first group, control group; second group, VB17 group; third group, EAC group; fourth group, pretreated EAC with VB17; fifth group, cotreated EAC with VB17). Results showed the VB17 in pretreated (G4) and cotreated (G5) groups lead to an improvement in DNA damage and cytological examination, in addition significantly (P < .05) increase in Na⁺ , red blood cell, hemoglobin, hematocrit value, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and MCH concentration, whereas significantly (P < .05) decrease in urea, creatinine, K⁺ , platelets, and white blood cells while insignificant (P < .05) changes in mean corpuscular volume when compared to the EAC group. Many histopathological changes were observed in kidney sections in EAC as marked damage and degenerated, glomerular atrophy, the Malpighian corpuscles that lost their characteristic configuration. On the other hand, a moderate improvement and arrangement in the kidney histological structure in pretreated VB17 + EAC, while a mild enhancement and arrangement of the kidney structure in cotreated EAC + VB17. In addition, depletion in renal P53 and PCNA protein expression compared with the EAC group. It could be concluded that VB17 has a potential renal protective effect against EAC cells induced kidney injury.

Hepatic ameliorative role of vitamin B17 against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma-induced liver toxicity

Vitamin B17 (VB17), also known as amygdalin and laetrile, is a type of carbohydrate occurring naturally in many plants, such as apricot kernels which have obtained a great interest in cancer therapy. This study aimed to investigate the hepatic protective potential of VB17 against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC)-bearing mice-induced liver injury, DNA damage, apoptotic P53, and PCNA alterations. A total of 100 female mice were divided into 5 groups (1st group, control group; 2nd group, VB17 group; 3rd group, EAC group; 4th group, pre-treated EAC with VB17; 5th group, co-treated EAC with VB17). Results showed that the presence of VB17 in pre-treated and co-treated groups lead to decreased DNA damage, microsomal protein, NADPH cytochrome c reductase, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), AST, ALT, and ALP while showed increased cytochrome b5, cytochrome P450 amidopyrine N-demethylase, and aniline 4-hydroxylase compared with the EAC group. Many histopathological changes were observed in liver sections in EAC as moderate fibrosis and marked diffuse necrosis of hepatic tissue, marked inflammatory cells, and congested blood sinusoids. On the other hand, there was a moderate degree of improvement in hepatocytes in liver sections in pre-treated VB17+EAC, while a mild degree of improvement in hepatocytes, moderate cellular infiltrations, and moderate cytoplasmic vacuolization of hepatocytes in liver sections in co-treated EAC+VB17. In addition, there was a depletion in hepatic P53 and PCNA protein expression compared with the EAC group. It could be concluded that VB17 has a potential hepatoprotective effect against EAC cell-induced liver toxicity.