Royal jelly protects male mice against nicotine-induced reproductive failure

Effect of nanocurcumin on fertility in murine model of polycystic ovary syndrome

The precise pathophysiology of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is not well-founded. In an attempt to fill this gap, the current study was executed to probe the effect of nanocurcumin (NCC) on ovarian tissue, in vitro fertilization (IVF) and pre-implantation embryo development in a mouse model of PCOS. Fifty adult female mice were randomly categorized into five equal groups including non-treated control and PCOS (receiving 0.20 mg estradiol valerate (EV) intra-peritoneally once a day for 21 days) as well as NCC12.50 + PCOS, NCC25 + PCOS and NCC50 + PCOS (receiving respectively 12.50, 25.00 and 50.00 mg kg-1 NCC daily along with EV injection through oral gavages for 21 days) groups. Subsequently, ovarian histo-architecture and total anti-oxidant capacity, and malonaldehyde and catalase levels as well as in vitro fertilizing potential, early embryonic development and serum testosterone concentration were analyzed. Results showed that NCC in a dose-dependent manner improved ovarian cyto-architectural organization and oxidant/anti-oxidant balance along with IVF rate and pre-implantation embryo development in PCOS mice. These findings revealed that NCC at the doses of 25.00 and 50.00 mg kg-1 could alleviate PCOS-linked reproductive disruptions in female mice.

Activation of Nrf-2 Transcription Factor and Caspase Pathway with Royal Jelly Reduces Fluoride Induced Testicular Damage and Infertility in Rats

This study was carried out to investigate the protective properties of royal jelly on the testicular tissue of rats with testicular damage by giving fluoride. Sperm motility, epididymal sperm density and abnormal sperm ratios were examined and visualized with a light microscope. Expression levels of Caspase-3, Bcl-2, Nrf-2, NF-κB, COX-2, TNF-α and IL1-α proteins in testis tissue were determined by western blot technique. As a result of the study, MDA level, expression level of Bcl-2, NFҡB, COX-2, TNF-α and IL1-α proteins, abnormal sperm rates were found higher in Fluoride-50 and Fluoride100 groups compared to other groups. In addition GSH, Catalase enzyme levels, expression levels of Caspase-3 and Nrf-2 proteins were found to be higher in Fluoride + Royal Jelly groups compared to Fluoride-50 and Fluoride-100 groups. In addition, lower degeneration of testicular tissue was found in the histological evaluation in the Fluoride + Royal Jelly groups compared to the other groups. When the data are evaluated royal jelly provides effective protection against testicular damage. From this point of view, we hope that similar results will be obtained when royal jelly is tested on humans.

Effect of silymarin and metformin on the sperm parameters and histopathological changes of testes in diabetic rats: An experimental study

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress is a major contributor to diabetes, which can lead to testicular damage and infertility.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare the effects of metformin as a chemical drug with silymarin as an herbal agent on the sperm parameters and histopathological changes of testes in diabetic rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-two male Wistar rats (250-270 gr) were randomly divided into four groups: 1) control; 2) diabetic; 3) diabetic+metformin 200 mg/kg; and 4) diabetic+silymarin 100 mg/kg. Daily injections were administered intraperitoneally for 56 days. At the end of the treatment, blood sampling was performed for biochemical assessment. Then, the rats were sacrificed and their left testis and epididymis were cut for sperm analysis as well as histopathology and morphometric evaluation.

RESULTS

Diabetes was associated with a reduced sperm count, motility, viability, maturity, and chromatin quality of sperm (p ≤ 0.001). It was also associated with a higher malondialdehide level and lower total antioxidant capacity level of serum in comparison with the control group (p ≤ 0.001). There was a significant difference in the seminiferous tubule diameter, germinal epithelium height, and testicular histopathological alterations in the diabetic rats compared with the control rats (p ≤ 0.001). Treatment with metformin and silymarin improved the above-mentioned parameters and this improvement was more substantial in silymarin-treated animals (p ≤ 0.001).

CONCLUSION

In diabetic rats, metformin and silymarin improved sperm parameters, sperm DNA integrity, seminiferous tubule diameter, germinal epithelium thickness, and testicular histopathological complications; this improvement was more substantial in the silymarin-treated group. So, the findings of this study suggest that silymarin is more effective than metformin in treating diabetic-induced infertility.

Improving Reproductive Performance and Health of Mammals Using Honeybee Products

Honeybee products have positive effects on the reproductive performance of mammals. Many honeybee product constituents are biologically active, with antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antifungal, wound-healing, and cardio-protective properties. Honeybee products also improve male and female fertility rates by enhancing gamete cryopreservation, in vitro maturation and fertilization, and embryo development. Previously published studies confirmed their efficacy for alleviating reproductive toxicity caused by contaminants and lifestyle habits that impair overall health and well-being. However, high-dose oral administration of honeybee products may adversely affect the reproductive system, and unfavorable effects were alleviated by treatment cessation. For this reason, this review proposes that bioactive components from bee products can be used as a strategy for improving the reproductive performance and health of mammals.