Deferasirox, an Iron-Chelating Agent, Improves Testicular Morphometric and Sperm Functional Parameters in a Rat Model of Varicocele

Varicocele is characterized by testicular dysfunction that originates from hyperthermia and hypoxia, leading to defects in testicular tissue and altered spermatozoa structure and function. The varicocele testis is characterized by the presence of intracellular iron deposits that contribute to the associated oxidative stress. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that administration of an iron-chelating agent, such as deferasirox (DFX), could potentially mitigate the consequences of varicocele on testicular tissue and spermatozoa. Using a well-established rat model of varicocele (VCL), we show that treatment with DFX partially improved the structure and function of the testis and spermatozoa. In particular, sperm motility was markedly restored whereas abnormal sperm morphology was only partially improved. No significant improvement in sperm count was observed that could be associated with the proapoptotic response observed following iron chelation treatment. No reduction in oxidative damage to spermatozoa was observed since lipid peroxidation and DNA integrity were not modified. This was suggested to be a result of increased oxidative stress. Finally, we also saw no indication of attenuation of the endoplasmic reticulum/unfolded protein (ER/UPR) stress response that we recently found associated with the VCL testis in rats.

Ultraweak photon emission in strawberry fruit during ripening and aging is related to energy level

Background

Ultra-weak photon emission (UPE), or biophoton emission, is a phenomenon observed in various living organisms, including plants. In this study, we analyzed the UPE from ripening strawberry fruits, to elucidate its source and association with cellular energy.

Methods

Freshly harvested and stored strawberry fruits were measured for levels of UPE and energy molecules adenosine triphosphate (ATP), adenosine monophosphate (AMP) and adenosine diphosphate (ADP). The associations between them were calculated.

Results

In ripening fruit, a decrease in UPE positively correlated with declining levels of ATP, AMP, and energy charge. In harvested fruits, levels of UPE, ATP, and energy charge declined, but ADP and AMP increased.

Conclusion

Changes in UPE levels synchronized with changes in ATP and energy charge, which reflect cellular energy levels. Thus, cellular energy may be related to UPE, and may be an energy source for UPE.

The photon emission, ATP level and motility of boar spermatozoa during liquid storage

Changes were studied in induced photon emission (as an indicator of oxidative stress), ATP level and sperm motility during seven day-storage of boar semen at 15 degrees C extended with the use of BTS extender. Photon emission was measured using a luminometer equipped with a cooled photomultiplier with a spectral response range from 370 to 620 nm. The time of storage had a significant effect on luminescence parameters (integral and peak max), intracellular ATP level and percentage of motile spermatozoa. The increase in luminescence parameters was paralleled by a decrease in ATP level and sperm motility. A significant correlation was found between the percentage of motile spermatozoa and integral (r=-0.27) and peak max (r=-0.31). ATP level was correlated with integral (r=-0.25) but not with peak max. Our results suggest that reactive oxygen species and products of cell membrane lipid peroxidation have a negative effect on ATP level and sperm motility. Induced luminescence assessment in combination with sperm motility and ATP level can give valuable information about the status and function of spermatozoa which may be relevant for predicting the fertilizing potential of the semen.

Validation of a rapid, large-scale assay to quantify ATP concentration in spermatozoa

Quantification of ATP content in spermatozoa is a useful assay for evaluating sperm function; however, most detection methodology relies on assessing single samples. We have developed and validated a highly repeatable assay that permits simultaneous measurement of up to 78 samples. A key feature of this assay includes combination of a phosphatase inhibition and ATP extraction step that permits maximal detection of ATP and sample storage at -20 degrees C prior to assay. The assay was validated for spermatozoa from three different species, including turkey, rooster and boar. The sensitivity of the assay differed between avian and mammalian spermatozoa, with 2.5 x 10(6) spermatozoa being the lowest number of turkey and rooster spermatozoa that could be assayed compared to 2.5 x 10(5) boar spermatozoa. Concentrations of ATP in fresh turkey semen ranged from 2.14 to 15.6 nmol/10(9) spermatozoa; similarly, freshly collected rooster semen contained from 2.16 to 21.4 nmol ATP/10(9) spermatozoa. Evaluation of turkey semen that had been stored at 4 degrees C for 24 h revealed a decline in ATP concentrations (2.35 +/- 0.34 nmol ATP/10(9) spermatozoa). Likewise, cryopreserved rooster spermatozoa contained lower concentrations of ATP (0.05 +/- 0.01 nmol ATP/10(9) spermatozoa) than non-stored spermatozoa. Boar spermatozoa contained similar concentrations of ATP, whether fresh (74.2 +/- 8.1 pmol ATP/10(6) spermatozoa), stored for 1 day (77.0 +/- 8.1 pmol ATP/10(6) spermatozoa) or 5 days (81.96 +/- 8.1 pmol ATP/10(6) spermatozoa). For all three species, assay variation was low (inter-assay, 0.66-1.9% CV; intra-assay, 1.3% CV).