Royal jelly protects from taxol-induced testicular damages via improvement of antioxidant status and up-regulation of E2f1

Role of parthenolide in paclitaxel-induced oxidative stress injury and impaired reproductive function in rat testicular tissue

The chemotherapeutic agent paclitaxel (PTX) causes testicular toxicity due to oxidative stress. Parthenolide (PTL), the active ingredient of the Tanacetum parthenium plant, is used to treat inflammation, dizziness, and spasms. In the present study, we evaluated the therapeutic effect of PTL on PTX-induced testicular toxicity in rats and its role in reproductive function. To this end, 6 groups were formed: control, PTX, sham, T1, T2, and T3. After testicular toxicity was induced in rats with 8 mg/kg PTX, the rats were treated with 1 mg/kg, 2 mg/kg, and 4 mg/kg PTL for 14 days. GSH and MDA levels were measured in rat testicular tissue after the last dose of PTL was administered. To determine the damage caused by PTX to testicular tissue by detecting 8-OHdG and iNOS, sections were prepared and examined histopathologically and immunohistochemically. Furthermore, the gene expressions and enzymatic activities of SOD, CAT, GPx, GST, and GR were investigated in all groups. After PTL treatment, MDA, 8-OHdG, and iNOS levels decreased while GSH levels increased in testicular tissue. Increased levels of antioxidant genes and enzymes also reduced oxidative stress. Additionally, the expression levels of the Dazl, Ddx4, and Amh genes, which are involved in gametogenesis and sperm production, decreased in case of toxicity and increased with PTL treatment. The data from this study show that PTL may have a therapeutic effect in the treatment of testicular damage by eliminating the oxidative stress-induced damage caused by PTX in testicular tissue, providing an effective approach to alleviating testicular toxicity, and playing an important role in reproduction/sperm production, especially at a dose of 4 mg/kg.

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.

The role of autophagy in paclitaxel and cremophor induced damage to rat testis

The anticancer drug, paclitaxel (PTX), is used to treat a variety of solid tumors, but its effects on normal tissues remain unclear. We investigated the effects of different doses of PTX and its vehicle, cremophor EL, on testis using histochemical, immunohistochemical and biochemical methods. We used 30 adult Wistar albino rats divided randomly into five groups: physiological saline was administered to the control group; the sham 8 group received 8 mg/kg cremophor EL; the sham 16 group received 16 mg/kg cremophor EL; 8 mg/kg PTX was administered to the PTX 8 group; and the PTX 16 group received 16 mg/kg PTX. The cremophore content in PTX groups was the same as in the sham group. All treatments were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) once/week for 4 weeks. Tissue samples were excised 24 h after the last injection. Tissue sections were prepared and hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed to assess testicular morphology. Expression of Beclin-1, LC3A/B and P62 were assessed using immunohistochemistry. Serum and tissue testosterone levels were determined using ELISA. Light microscopy revealed seminiferous tubule damage, irregularities in germinal epithelium and decreased seminiferous tubule diameter in the PTX treated groups. The immunoreactivity of Beclin-1, LC3A/B, and P62 was increased significantly in the PTX groups compared to the control group. Cremophor EL alone damaged the testis, although not as much as PTX. PTX caused significant damage to testicular tissue and increased autophagy of spermatogenic cells; cremophore EL also may play a role in this effect.

Royal jelly reduce DNA damage induced by alkylating agent in mice

Royal jelly (RJ) is a creamy white-yellow liquid that is secreted by the mandibular and hypopharyngeal glands of bees to nourish the larvae. RJ has gained increasing interest in recent years owing to its antioxidant potential. However, little is known about adequate RJ dosing and its effects on genetic material. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the in vivo effects of RJ on genotoxicity and mutagenicity induced by the alkylating agent methyl methanesulfonate (MMS). In this study, 3-month-old Swiss albino male mice (N = 66) were divided into 11 groups for experimentation. Experiments were performed by administering lyophilized RJ (150 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg, and 1000 mg/kg) or water via gavage as pre- and posttreatment processes with the alkylating agent MMS. After treatment, blood samples were collected from the mice via an incision at the end of the tail to conduct comet assays at times of 24 h and 48 h posttreatment. The mice were then euthanized to remove the bone marrow for a micronucleus test. Overall, regardless of dose, RJ did not exhibit genotoxic, mutagenic activity and the administration of high doses, mainly in the form of posttreatment, presented antigenotoxic and antimutagenic actions. Further, a dose-response correlation was observed in the RJ posttreatment groups. These results demonstrate that RJ administration was effective in reversing the damage caused by the alkylating agent MMS.

Effects of chemotherapeutic agents on male germ cells and possible ameliorating impact of antioxidants

Treatment of cancer in young adults is associated with several side effects, particularly in the reproductive system. Detrimental effects of chemotherapy on the germ cells depend on many factors including primary semen parameters, the way of drug administration, the kind and dose of chemotherapeutic regimens, and the phase of spermatogenesis during the time of drug administration. Lack of appropriate fertility preservation treatments particularly in the affected children necessitates the introduction of methods to amend the harmful effects of chemotherapeutic agents on male germ cells. Several studies have assessed the toxic effects of chemotherapeutic agents in rodent models and tested a number of antioxidants to evaluate their possible impact on the preservation of sperm cells. In the present manuscript, we describe the effects of the mostly investigated chemotherapeutic drugs in this regard i.e., cisplatin, doxorubicin, paclitaxel, 5-fluorouracil, and cyclophosphamide. As several in vivo and in vitro studies have shown the impact of antioxidants on chemotherapy-induced damage of sperms, we also describe the protective effects of antioxidants in this regard.

Review on Bee Products as Potential Protective and Therapeutic Agents in Male Reproductive Impairment

Bee products are sources of functional food that have been used in complementary medicine to treat a variety of acute and chronic illnesses in many parts of the world. The products vary from location to location as well as country to country. Therefore, the aim of this review was to identify various bee products with potential preventive and therapeutic values used in the treatment of male reproductive impairment. We undertook a vigorous search for bee products with preventive and therapeutic values for the male reproductive system. These products included honey, royal jelly, bee pollen, bee brood, apilarnil, bee bread, bee wax, and bee venom. We also explained the mechanisms involved in testicular steroidogenesis, reactive oxygen species, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, which may cumulatively lead to male reproductive impairment. The effects of bee pollen, bee venom, honey, propolis, royal jelly, and bee bread on male reproductive parameters were examined. Conclusively, these bee products showed positive effects on the steroidogenic, spermatogenic, oxidative stress, inflammatory, and apoptotic parameters, thereby making them a promising possible preventive and therapeutic treatment of male sub/infertility.

Achillea millefolium alleviates testicular damage in paclitaxel-intoxicated rats via attenuation of testicular oxido-inflammatory stress and apoptotic responses

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Achillea millefolium extract in paclitaxel-induced testicular toxicity in rats. The groups were designed as (1) control, (2) paclitaxel (8 mg/kg, intraperitoneally), (3) paclitaxel (8 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) + Achillea millefolium (200 mg/kg, orally for 14 consecutive days) and (4) paclitaxel (8 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) + Achillea millefolium (400 mg/kg, orally for 14 consecutive days). Serum levels of testosterone, luteinising hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone, as well as total antioxidant capacity and total oxidant status were measured one day after receiving the last dose of Achillea millefolium extract. Testicular superoxide dismutase activity, malondialdehyde, tumour necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-1β levels, the expressions of nuclear factor kappa B and caspase-3 were evaluated. In addition, testicular sections were evaluated histopathologically and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine was detected immunohistochemically. Achillea millefolium improved the levels of luteinising hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone and testosterone, upregulated testicular antioxidant enzymes and downregulated inflammation. Furthermore, we observed that Achillea millefolium restored testicular histopathological structure and significantly suppressed oxidative DNA damage and apoptosis by reducing the expression of caspase-3. Taken together, our results suggest that Achillea millefolium has protective effects against paclitaxel-induced testicular toxicity and is a promising natural product with the potential to improve male fertility.

Sodium Selenium Enhances the Antioxidative Activities and Immune Functions of Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae) and Increases the Selenium Content in Royal Jelly

Selenium (Se), as an essential micronutrient, has been demonstrated to play an important role in life activities. In this study, we studied the effects of sucrose solutions containing sodium selenite on Apis mellifera (L.). We obtained the appropriate level of sodium selenite for A. mellifera by determining the life span by lab rearing, and then, we studied the effects of sodium selenite on antioxidant activity, phenol oxidase activity, development of the hypopharyngeal gland, Se content of body tissues and royal jelly (RJ), and related gene transcription levels for a bee colony. The results of lab rearing showed that a concentration of 0.57 mg/liter sodium selenium could extend life. After feeding the colony sodium selenium at concentrations of 0.3 mg/liter and 0.6 mg/liter, the results showed that 0.6 mg/liter sodium selenite could enhance the antioxidant and immune activity of 6-d-old larvae and 1-d-old and 9-d-old worker bees (P < 0.05), increase the Se content of body tissues (P < 0.05) and RJ (P < 0.05), and improve the expression of related genes (P < 0.05).

Effect of monosodium glutamate on testicular tissue of paclitaxel-treated mice: An experimental study

Background

Paclitaxel (PTX), a chemotherapeutic agent, and monosodium glutamate (MSG) have oxidative effects on testicular tissue.

Objective

In this study, the effects of MSG administration on the exacerbation of testicular tissue alterations related to PTX treatment were evaluated.

Materials and Methods

MSG (30 & 60 mg/kg i.p.) was administrated to six groups (n = 8/each) of adult mice before or after PTX treatment: control, PTX-treated, MSG30 + PTX, MSG60 + PTX, PTX + MSG30, and PTX + MSG60. Following the euthanizing, the body weight measurement, pituitary-testicular axis hormonal analysis and serum lipid peroxidation index assessment was prepared, testicular histomorphometry (tubular diameter and germinal epithelium height), immunohistochemistry of p53 was completed. Microscopic indices of spermatogenesis (tubular differentiation, spermiogenesis and repopulation indices) were studied.

Results

Body weight was not changed significantly. The levels of testosterone (p = 0.0001), follicle stimulating hormone (p = 0.019), and luteinizing hormone (p = 0.08) were decreased while the level of lipid peroxidation index was increased (p = 0.208) in the treated groups. The histomorphometry indices (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.001, respectively), germ cells population (p < 0.05) and microscopic indices of spermatogenesis (p = 0.001, p = 0.005, p < 0.0001, respectively) were significantly reduced in all treated groups. The administration of MSG before PTX treatment induces more changes. The most positive reaction to p53 was observed in MSG30 or 60 + PTX groups compared to other groups.

Conclusion

The administration of MSG could intensify testicular tissue alterations related to PTX chemotherapy.

The role of propolis against paclitaxel-induced oligospermia, sperm abnormality, oxidative stress and DNA damage in testes of male rats

Paclitaxel (taxol) is one of the most powerful anticancer drugs but it possesses toxic effects on male reproductive system. Propolis, from folkloric remedy, have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. The present study established to examine the protective impact of Propolis against malformation of semen induced by taxol. Twenty-four male rats equally divided into four groups. Group I (normal control); group II, administrated Propolis alone; group III, taxol-treated group received taxol; group IV, co-administered of taxol and Propolis extract. After 4 weeks of treatment, the semen were collected and testis 24 hr after the last treatment. Sperm count, motility, viability and sperm morphology were assayed. Tissue supernatants were isolated for oxidative stress, cell energy parameters and 8-OHdG. DNA damage was evaluated using Comet assay in testes. Our results confirmed that taxol-induced significant reduction in sperm count, motility, viability and recorded marked elevation in sperm abnormalities. Also, taxol caused increased in 8-OHdG and DNA damage versus that recorded in control group. Treatment with Propolis improving semen quality and protected testis from detrimental effects of taxol and minimises its toxicity. In conclusions, Oral administration of Propolis modulates the toxic impact of taxol by amelioration semen quality, diminishing oxidation state, DNA damage and preserving cell energy.

Freeze-Dried Royal Jelly Proteins Enhanced the Testicular Development and Spermatogenesis in Pubescent Male Mice

Simple Summary

Spermatogenesis and hormones secretions are serious life-threating and complicated process, which can be improve through science-based approaches. Royal jelly is a thick white milky fluid secreted by the hypopharyngeal and mandibular glands of young nurse worker bees (Apis mellifera) and used to feed their queen to expand their life. The results of the study revealed that, the growth performance of testis in exposed mice to freeze-dried Royal Jelly for 35 consecutive days were significantly enhanced in moderate dose among other treated doses. However, at Post Natal Days (PNDs 14 and PNDs 21), obviously changes were observed in histological examination of the testis while at PNDs-07 no major changes were observed. The Tunnel assay showed that, less apoptotic cells were detected in the testis of mice in high dose of freeze-dried RJ and oral administration of freeze-dried royal jelly can aggravate adverse effects via tempestuous on sexual hormone secretion at both PNDs 21 and PNDs 35 respectively.

Abstract

Spermatogenesis and hormones secretions are crucial endocrine and physiological process for maintaining the life. Royal Jelly (RJ) bioactive components are Major Royal Jelly Proteins (MRJPs), owing exceptional biological properties. However, the effects of RJ on pup’s testicular development during neonatal and pubertal period exposure hasn’t been adequately studied. The aim of the study was to detect neonatal sexual hormones concentration and histopathological changes on testicular development of the male progeny after oral exposure to freeze-dried RJ for 35 consecutive days. After mice give birth, male pups were collected together, separated by sex, and randomly standardized to seven (7) male pups per dam. Male pups were assigned to control diet (CON group), low dose RJ (L-RJ group) diet (control diet + 125 mg/kg/day RJ), moderate dose RJ (M-RJ group) diet (control diet + 250 mg/kg/day RJ) and high dose of RJ (H-RJ group) diet (control diet + 500 mg/kg/day RJ). After weaning, male pups were continuously fed with freeze-dried RJ until the age of PNDs 35. The results revealed that, oral M-RJ (250 mg/kg/day) administration significantly (p < 0.05) increased the testis weight, the diameter of seminiferous tubule and the height of seminiferous epithelium of offspring mice at PNDs 14. However, high-dose RJ (500 mg/kg/day) decreased the diameter of seminiferous tubule but increased the height of seminiferous epithelium of male offspring (p < 0.05) at the same time point. Furthermore, oral M-RJ treatment significantly (p < 0.05) increased the testis weight and spermatogenesis at PNDs 21. Whereas, oral H-RJ treatment significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the diameter of seminiferous tubule and the height of seminiferous epithelium at PNDs 21. At PNDs 35, oral M-RJ treatment increased the testis weight, the diameter of seminiferous tubule and the level of FSH. While, high-dose of RJ reduced testis weight and size (diameter of seminiferous tubule and height of seminiferous epithelium), ratio of apoptotic germ cells and incomplete spermatogenesis collectively. In addition, sexual hormone secretions (FSH, LH, E2) were decreased after RJs treatment (L-RJ, M-RJ, H-RJ) at PNDs 21 respectively. In conclusion, the results concluded that oral administration of low and moderate doses of RJ could enhance the development of testis at neonate period until pubescent, whereas unfavorable adverse effects induced by high dose of RJ might remain.

Food Yellow4 reprotoxicity in relation to localization of DMC1 and apoptosis in rat testes: Roles of royal jelly and cod liver oil

Food Yellow 4 (FY4) is a lemon-yellow-colored synthetic organic azo dye, which is used widely for imparting pleasant and attractive appearance to foods and cosmetics. The present study aimed at evaluating the possible mechanism underlying the FY4-induced reprotoxicity in rats, and the potential supportive role of royal jelly (RJ) or cod liver oil (CLO), which is a natural remedy with several pharmacological benefits, against induced toxicity. Forty-eight male rats were divided into different groups-the control group, the CLO group (0.4 mL/kg), the RJ group (300 mg/kg), the FY4 group (500 mg/kg b.w.), and the co-treated groups (FY4 + CLO or FY4 + RJ). Semen analysis, serum hormones, and enzyme activities were estimated. Immunohistochemical staining was performed using anti-PCNA, anti-Sox 9, anti-STRA8, anti-DMC1, and anti-ssDNA antibody. The FY4 group exhibited a significant decrease in sperm concentration and motility percentage (%) and a substantial reduction in the TES and LH levels. Testicular LDH, ACP, and SDH were observed to be inhibited. Furthermore, co-localization of DMC1 and ssDNA, which reflected apoptotic induction in the leptotene and zygotene spermatocytes, respectively, was observed to have markedly elevated in the FY4 treated rats, with fewer PCNA-positive and SOX9-positive cells and higher ssDNA-positive cells in the seminiferous epithelium in comparison to the control groups. Interestingly, co-treatment with CLO or RJ exhibited healthy sperms and restored their features, activated the enzyme production, and raised the levels of sexual hormones. In addition, both RJ and CLO restored the features of the testicular tissue as observed under a light microscope, and limited the apoptosis as observed through antibody staining. Collectively, the results of the present study revealed that the co-administration of RJ or CLO with FY4 improved the biochemical, hormonal, and structural aspects of the testicular tissue in rats. Therefore, CLO and RJ may be considered promising agents that would be able to improve the testicular structure and function in the FY4-exposed individuals.

Antioxidant Potential of Propolis, Bee Pollen, and Royal Jelly: Possible Medical Application

Honeybees products comprise of numerous substances, including propolis, bee pollen, and royal jelly, which have long been known for their medicinal and health-promoting properties. Their wide biological effects have been known and used since antiquity. Bee products are considered to be a potential source of natural antioxidants such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, or terpenoids. Nowadays, the still growing concern in natural substances capable of counteracting the effects of oxidative stress underlying the pathogenesis of numerous diseases, such as neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, diabetes, and atherosclerosis, as well as negative effects of different harmful factors and drugs, is being observed. Having regarded the importance of acquiring drugs from natural sources, this review is aimed at updating the current state of knowledge of antioxidant capacity of selected bee products, namely, propolis, bee pollen, and royal jelly, and of their potential antioxidant-related therapeutic applications. Moreover, the particular attention has been attributed to the understanding of the mechanisms underlying antioxidant properties of bee products. The influence of bee species, plant origin, geographic location, and seasonality as well as type of extraction solutions on the composition of bee products extracts were also discussed.

In Vitro Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Three Fatty Acids from Royal Jelly

Trans-10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-H2DA), 10-hydroxydecanoic acid (10-HDAA), and sebacic acid (SEA) are the three major fatty acids in royal jelly (RJ). Previous studies have revealed several pharmacological activities of 10-H2DA and 10-HDAA, although the anti-inflammatory effects and underlying mechanisms by which SEA acts are poorly understood. In the present study, we evaluated and compared the in vitro anti-inflammatory effects of these RJ fatty acids in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. The results showed that 10-H2DA, 10-HDAA, and SEA had potent, dose-dependent inhibitory effects on the release of the major inflammatory-mediators, nitric oxide, and interleukin-10, and only SEA decreased TNF-α production. Several key inflammatory genes have also been modulated by these RJ fatty acids, with 10-H2DA showing distinct modulating effects as compared to the other two FAs. Furthermore, we found that these three FAs regulated several proteins involved in MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways. Taken together, these findings provide additional references for using RJ against inflammatory diseases.