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Ashour AM. Propolis attenuates diabetes-induced testicular injury by protecting against DNA damage and suppressing cellular stress. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1416238. [PMID: 39055492 PMCID: PMC11269134 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1416238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Propolis has a wide range of biological and pharmacological actions, including antioxidant properties-particularly its phenolic and flavonoid constituents-that could potentially protect the reproductive system from oxidative damage. Method: Four groups were allocated 40 male Wistar rats each. The vehicle was given to the first group's normal control rats negative control. The second, third, and fourth groups of diabetic rats were given vehicle (diabetic control) and propolis orally at 50 and 100 mg/kg, respectively, for 8 weeks. Diabetes was induced in rats via injection of nicotinamide and streptozotocin (STZ). Fasting blood glucose (FBG) and insulin levels, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and semen analysis were assessed. In addition, assessments of serum reproductive hormones, including total testosterone (TTST), estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone luteinizing hormone (LH), and prolactin (PRL), were measured at the end of the study. Tissue total testosterone, E2, and dihydrotestosterone were also evaluated. Serum and tissue oxidative enzymes, including catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase activities, were examined, and malondialdehyde content was determined. The pancreatic and testicular tissues were histopathologically examined, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) in testicular tissue were immunohistochemically analyzed. Testicular tissue was examined for DNA integrity using a comet assay. Results: Compared to the STZ-control group, propolis greatly decreased FBG levels and improved the glycemic status of diabetic rats. In comparison to the STZ-DC group, propolis increased the number of sperm cells and the percent of morphologically normal and viable sperm in male rats, improving their fertility. Propolis also restored the pancreatic islets, protected the testis from oxidative stress, and increased levels of reproductive hormones in the blood, especially testosterone. Moreover, propolis at high doses demonstrated a strong positive response for Bcl-2 and a negative expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen in spermatogenic cells. Conclusion: The data obtained strongly indicate that STZ causes severe impairments to the testis whereas propolis, acting as an antioxidant, protects against the adverse effects of STZ on the testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M. Ashour
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
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2
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Gad F, Abdelghaffar Emam M, Eldeeb AA, Abdelhameed AA, Soliman MM, Alotaibi KS, Albattal SB, Abughrien B. Mitigative Effects of l-Arginine and N-Acetyl Cysteine against Cisplatin-Induced Testicular Dysfunction and Toxicity through the Regulation of Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, and Antiapoptotic Markers: Role of miR-155 and miR-34c Expression. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:27680-27691. [PMID: 38947789 PMCID: PMC11209920 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c03742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Testicular dysfunction is a common adverse effect of cisplatin (CIS) administration as a chemotherapeutic drug. The current study has outlined the role of micro-RNAs (miR-155 and 34c) in CIS-induced testicular dysfunction and evaluated the protective effect of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) and/or l-arginine (LA). Seven groups of Albino rats were used for this study. The control (C) group received physiological saline; the CIS group was injected CIS (7 mg/kg IP, once) on day 21 of the experiment; the NAC group was administered NAC (150 mg/kg intragastric, for 28 days); and the LA group was injected LA (50 mg/kg IP, for 28 days). NAC+CIS, LA+CIS, and NAC+LA+CIS groups received the above regime. CIS significantly reduced serum testosterone, LH, and FSH concentrations with decline of testicular enzyme activities. CIS caused significant elevation in testicular oxidative-stress biomarkers, inflammation-associated cytokines, and apoptosis markers, along with overexpression of miR-155 and low miR-34c expression. Additionally, marked testicular degenerative changes were observed in the examined histological section; a significant decrease in the expression of PCNA with significant increase in expressions of F4/80 and BAX was confirmed. The administration of NAC or LA upregulated testicular functions and improved histopathological and immunohistochemical changes as well as miRNA expression compared with the CIS-administered group. Rats receiving both NAC and LA showed a more significant ameliorative effect compared with groups receiving NAC or LA alone. In conclusion, NAC or LA showed an ameliorative effect against CIS-induced testicular toxicity and dysfunction through the regulation of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic markers and via modulating miR-155 and miR-34c expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma
A. Gad
- Clinical
Pathology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, P.O. Box13736 Benha, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud Abdelghaffar Emam
- Histology
Department., Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, P.O. Box 13736 Benha, Egypt
| | - Abeer A. Eldeeb
- Clinical
Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, 13511 Benha, Egypt
| | - Abeer A. Abdelhameed
- Clinical
Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, 13511 Benha, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Mohamed Soliman
- Department
of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Turabah University College, Taif University, P.O.
Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid S. Alotaibi
- General
Science and English Language Department, College of Applied Sciences, AlMaarefa University, Riyadh 71666, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shatha B. Albattal
- General
Science and English Language Department, College of Applied Sciences, AlMaarefa University, Riyadh 71666, Saudi Arabia
| | - Badia Abughrien
- Anatomy and
Histology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Tripoli University, 15673 Tripoli, Libya
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Kallinikas G, Tsoporis JN, Haronis G, Zarkadas A, Bozios D, Konstantinopoulos V, Kozyrakis D, Mitiliniou D, Rodinos E, Filios A, Filios P, Vlassopoulos G. The role of oral antioxidants in the improvement of sperm parameters in infertile men. World J Urol 2024; 42:71. [PMID: 38315192 DOI: 10.1007/s00345-023-04766-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE A variety of pathologic conditions may increase oxidative stress in semen resulting in structural modifications to spermozoa's plasma membrane that interfere with sperm motility, morphology, and count. Antioxidants are currently being marketed to treat male infertility. In semen, antioxidants may decrease oxidative stress and potentially improve sperm parameters. In this narrative, mini-review we evaluated the effectiveness of antioxidants in infertility. METHODS This mini-review of the current literature has been carried out through searching of the PubMed and Google scholar databases. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS The literature review suggests that there is evidence that oral antioxidants such as selenium, carnitine, zinc, coenzymeQ10, vitamins E and C, etc. alone or in combinations, improve sperm count, motility, morphology as well as pregnancy rates in infertile men with idiopathic oligoasthenospermia. Unfortunately, most of these studies are poorly designed, limited by sample size, varying in dosage, differing in primary end points, and most notably lacking live birth data. Importantly, large randomized, well-designed, placebo-controlled trials are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Kallinikas
- Department of Urology, General hospital Konstantopouleio-Patision, N Ionia, Attika, Greece
| | - James N Tsoporis
- St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, 30 Bond St., Toronto, ON, M5B 1W8, Canada.
| | - Georgios Haronis
- Department of Urology, General hospital Konstantopouleio-Patision, N Ionia, Attika, Greece
| | - Anastasios Zarkadas
- Department of Urology, General hospital Konstantopouleio-Patision, N Ionia, Attika, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Bozios
- Department of Urology, General hospital Konstantopouleio-Patision, N Ionia, Attika, Greece
| | | | - Diomidis Kozyrakis
- Department of Urology, General hospital Konstantopouleio-Patision, N Ionia, Attika, Greece
| | - Despoina Mitiliniou
- Department of Urology, General hospital Konstantopouleio-Patision, N Ionia, Attika, Greece
| | - Evangelos Rodinos
- Department of Urology, General hospital Konstantopouleio-Patision, N Ionia, Attika, Greece
| | - Athanasios Filios
- Department of Urology, General hospital Konstantopouleio-Patision, N Ionia, Attika, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Filios
- Department of Urology, General hospital Konstantopouleio-Patision, N Ionia, Attika, Greece
| | - Gerasimos Vlassopoulos
- Department of Urology, General hospital Konstantopouleio-Patision, N Ionia, Attika, Greece
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Tvrdá E, Benko F, Slanina T, du Plessis SS. The Role of Selected Natural Biomolecules in Sperm Production and Functionality. Molecules 2021; 26:5196. [PMID: 34500629 PMCID: PMC8434568 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26175196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence from in vivo as well as in vitro studies indicates that natural biomolecules may play important roles in the prevention or management of a wide array of chronic diseases. Furthermore, the use of natural compounds in the treatment of male sub- or infertility has been proposed as a potential alternative to conventional therapeutic options. As such, we aimed to evaluate the effects of selected natural biomolecules on the sperm production, structural integrity, and functional activity. At the same time, we reviewed their possible beneficial or adverse effects on male reproductive health. Using relevant keywords, a literature search was performed to collect currently available information regarding molecular mechanisms by which selected natural biomolecules exhibit their biological effects in the context of male reproductive dysfunction. Evidence gathered from clinical trials, in vitro experiments and in vivo studies suggest that the selected natural compounds affect key targets related to sperm mitochondrial metabolism and motion behavior, oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA integrity and cell death. The majority of reports emphasize on ameliorative, stimulating and protective effects of natural biomolecules on the sperm function. Nevertheless, possible adverse and toxic behavior of natural compounds has been indicated as well, pointing out to a possible dose-dependent impact of natural biomolecules on the sperm survival and functionality. As such, further research leading to a deeper understanding of the beneficial or adverse roles of natural compounds is necessary before these can be employed for the management of male reproductive dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Tvrdá
- Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia; (F.B.); (T.S.)
| | - Filip Benko
- Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia; (F.B.); (T.S.)
| | - Tomáš Slanina
- Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia; (F.B.); (T.S.)
| | - Stefan S. du Plessis
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai 505055, United Arab Emirates;
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Fadda LM, Alsharidah R, Hasan IH. Turmeric and vitamin C mitigate testicular atrophy induced by lead diacetate via regulation of GRP-78/17β-HSD pathways in rat's model. Andrologia 2021; 53:e14120. [PMID: 34028854 DOI: 10.1111/and.14120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Occupational and ecological contacts to lead persist as a universal concern. Lead alters most of the physiological processes via enhancing oxidative stress. Thus, this study was purposed to assess the influence of turmeric (TMRC) and/or vitamin C (VIT-C) on Lead diacetate (Lead diAC)-induced testicular atrophy with an emphasis on oxidative stress, inflammation, BAX/STAR and GRP-78/17β-HSD signalling. Rats were injected with Lead diAC and then treated with TMRC and/or VIT-C orally for 1 week. Lead diAC decreased serum testosterone and testicular glutathione levels. It also decreased superoxide dismutase activity. On the contrary, levels of malondialdehyde, tumour necrosis factor-α, IL-1β and caspase-3 were increased. mRNA levels and protein expressions of GRP-78 and BAX were upregulated, while the expression of both steroidogenic acute regulatory protein and 17β-HSD were downregulated. DNA fragmentation was increased as well. These changes were further confirmed by histopathological findings. Supplementation with TMRC and/or VIT-C ameliorated all of the above parameters. In Conclusion: TMRC or VIT-C specially in combination group prevents Lead diAC testicular damage via reduction of oxidative injury as well as inflammation, downregulation of GRP-78/BAX and upregulation of 17β-HSD and STAR expression as well as improvement in the histological architecture of the testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laila Mohamed Fadda
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Pharmacy College, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reem Alsharidah
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Pharmacy College, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Iman Huseein Hasan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Pharmacy College, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Shahedi A, Talebi AR, Mirjalili A, Pourentezari M. Protective effects of curcumin on chromatin quality, sperm parameters, and apoptosis following testicular torsion-detorsion in mice. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2021; 48:27-33. [PMID: 33648042 PMCID: PMC7943345 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2020.03853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The chief outcome of testicular torsion in clinical and experimental contexts is testicular ischemia. Curcumin, a compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, has fascinated researchers and clinicians for its promise in the treatment of fertility diseases. Methods Thirty-five fully grown male mice were randomly classified into five groups: control, sham, testicular torsion, treatment group 1 (testicular torsion+short-term curcumin), and treatment group 2 (testicular torsion+long-term curcumin). Thirty-five days later, spermatozoa from the right cauda epididymis were analyzed with regard to count and motility. Toluidine blue (TB), aniline blue (AB), and chromomycin A3 (CMA3) staining assays were used to evaluate the sperm chromatin integrity. In addition, the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling (TUNEL) test was used to assess apoptosis. Result Treatment group 1 exhibited a remarkably elevated sperm count compared to the testicular torsion group. Additionally, notably lower sperm motility was found in the testicular torsion group compared to the control, treatment 1, and treatment 2 groups. Staining (CMA3, AB, and TB) and the TUNEL test indicated significantly greater testicular torsion in the torsion group compared to the control group (p<0.05). The data also revealed notably lower results of all sperm chromatin assays and lower apoptosis in both treatment groups relative to the testicular torsion group (p<0.05). Significantly elevated (p<0.05) AB and TB results were noted in treatment group 1 compared to treatment group 2. Conclusion Curcumin can compensate for the harmful effects of testicular ischemia and improve sperm chromatin quality in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbas Shahedi
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Ali Reza Talebi
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.,Department of Reproductive Biology, Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Aghdas Mirjalili
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Majid Pourentezari
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
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