Radioprotective Effects of Zinc and Selenium on Mice Spermatogenesis

The Influence of Platelet-Derived Growth Factors on the Proliferation of Germinal Epithelium After Local Irradiation with Electrons

Background

At present, the damage of male reproductive function caused by electron irradiation, as well as the development of methods for its correction are the relevant topics for further research. In fact, the effect of leukocyte-poor platelet-rich plasma (LP-PRP) growth factors are poorly investigated on different aspects of male fertility.

Methods

In this study, Wistar rats were divided into four groups; I) control which were injected with saline; II and III) groups (n=65) whose testes were locally irradiated with electrons to a dose of 2 Gy (linear accelerator "NOVAC-11"); III) the group (n=30) which received LP-PRP for 11 weeks after irradiation; and IV) animals (n=30) which received only LP-PRP (conditional control). The testes were studied by histological, immunohistochemical (IHC), western blotting, and TUNEL methods using Ki-67, Bcl-2, and p53. Comparison between groups was performed and p<0.01 was set as the level of significance.

Results

The results showed a decrease in the expression levels of Ki-67 and Bcl-2 besides an increase in p53-positive cells by the end of the experiment (p<0.01). After injection of LP-PRP, a gradual restoration of the proliferative activity of gametes was noted, which was confirmed by an increase in the proportion of Ki-67- and Bcl-2-positive germ cells (46.4±2.3, p<0.01 and 23.5±1.1, respectively, p<0.01).

Conclusion

Ki-67 expression and TUNEL analysis in the testes revealed a modulation of the proliferative-apoptotic balance towards apoptosis of germ cells after 2 Gy local electron irradiation. A tendency to restore the proliferative-apoptotic balance was noted after LP-PRP injections as indicated by increase in Ki-67-positive germ cells.

Radioprotective countermeasures for radiation injury (Review)

A series of physiological and pathological changes occur after radiotherapy and accidental exposure to ionizing radiation (IR). These changes cause serious damage to human tissues and can lead to death. Radioprotective countermeasures are radioprotective agents that prevent and reduce IR injury or have therapeutic effects. Based on a good understanding of radiobiology, a number of protective agents have achieved positive results in early clinical trials. The present review grouped known radioprotective agents according to biochemical categories and potential clinical use, and reviewed radiation countermeasures, i.e., radioprotectors, radiation mitigators and radiotherapeutic agents, with an emphasis on their current status and research progress. The aim of the present review is to facilitate the selection and application of suitable radioprotectors for clinicians and researchers, to prevent or reduce IR injury.

Protective effects of selenium on Bisphenol A-induced oxidative stress in mouse testicular mitochondria and sperm motility

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the impact of selenium (SE) on Bisphenol-A (BPA)-exposed sperm and isolated testicular mitochondria of mice.

METHODS

Mouse sperm and isolated mitochondria were exposed to BPA (0.8 mM) and different concentrations of SE (50, 100, and 200 μM) for four hours. The viability of sperm and isolated mitochondria as well as the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were evaluated. SOD (superoxide dismutase), GSH (glutathione), MDA (malondialdehyde), and ROS (reactive oxygen species) levels in testicular mitochondria were also examined.

RESULTS

BPA concentration-dependently enhanced ROS and MDA levels in isolated mitochondria, while MMP and acclivity of GSH and SOD significantly reduced. BPA also considerably impaired spermatozoa survival and motility. SE concentration-dependently reduced mitochondrial oxidative stress, MMP, sperm survival, and total sperm motility.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings collectively suggested that SE concentration-dependently reversed BPA-caused mitochondrial toxicity and reduced sperm motility by suppressing oxidative stress.