1
|
Auer MK, Büyükerzurmulu D, Lottspeich C, Bidlingmaier M, Rieger E, Nowotny H, Tschaidse L, Auchus RJ, Reisch N. Prevalence of adrenal rest tumors and course of gonadal dysfunction in a clinical sample of men with congenital adrenal hyperplasia: a longitudinal analysis over 10 years. Eur J Endocrinol 2024; 191:370-380. [PMID: 39308408 DOI: 10.1093/ejendo/lvae112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 09/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Subfertility is prevalent in men with classic 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD). We sought to characterize the long-term evolution of their gonadal function. METHODS Retrospective longitudinal single-center study in 27 men (11 with testicular adrenal rest tissue [TART]), median observation period 12 years, testosterone (T), 11-oxygenated androgens, gonadotropins, and inhibin B measurement at each time point. RESULTS T concentrations were below the normal range (n.s.) in 43.2% (no TART) and 54.6% (TART) per patient. After accounting for body mass index, sex hormone-binding globulin, and age, men with TART exhibited higher T (14.0 ± 0.80 nmol/L) than those without (11.9 ± 0.71 nmol/L). During the observation period, T levels rose in both groups but more in men with TART (from 10.1 ± 1.1 to 17.3 ± 1.9 nmol/L vs 10.3 ± 1.0 to 12.8 ± 1.9 nmol/L); this was accompanied by rising luteinizing hormone and diminishing hydrocortisone equivalent dosages (TART: from 38.1 ± 3.2 to 35.1 ± 1.8 mg/d; vs no TART: 28.8 ± 2.7 to 28.1 ± 1.6 mg/d) without correlation with any markers of adrenal androgen control. Inhibin B declined in men with large TART over time while TART status remained stable. CONCLUSION T levels below the normal range are frequent in men with 21OHD, regardless of TART, but change little over time. Besides adrenal androgen control gonadal axis suppression from supraphysiological glucocorticoid dosages needs to be considered. While our results do not endorse regular screening for alterations in TART status among adults, Sertoli cell function should be monitored in men with large TART.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthias K Auer
- Medizinische Klinik and Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Duygu Büyükerzurmulu
- Medizinische Klinik and Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Lottspeich
- Medizinische Klinik and Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Bidlingmaier
- Medizinische Klinik and Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Eva Rieger
- Medizinische Klinik and Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Hanna Nowotny
- Medizinische Klinik and Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Lea Tschaidse
- Medizinische Klinik and Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Richard J Auchus
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Nicole Reisch
- Medizinische Klinik and Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, 80336 Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Stepanov YK, Herrmann C, Stöckl JB, Köhn FM, Pickl U, Trottmann M, Fröhlich T, Mayerhofer A, Welter H. Prolonged exposure to dexamethasone alters the proteome and cellular phenotype of human testicular peritubular cells. Proteomics 2024; 24:e2300616. [PMID: 38419139 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202300616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Human testicular peritubular cells (HTPCs) are smooth muscle cells, which in the testis form a small compartment surrounding the seminiferous tubules. Contractions of HTPCs are responsible for sperm transport, HTPCs contribute to spermatogenesis, have immunological roles and are a site of glucocorticoid receptor expression. Importantly, HTPCs maintain their characteristics in vitro, and thus can serve as an experimental window into the male gonad. Previously we reported consequences of 3-day treatment with Dexamethasone (Dex), a synthetic glucocorticoid and multi-purpose anti-inflammatory drug. However, as glucocorticoid therapies in man often last longer, we now studied consequences of a prolonged 7-day exposure to 1 µM Dex. Combining live cell imaging with quantative proteomics of samples taken from men, we confirmed our recent findings but more importantly, found numerous novel proteomic alterations induced by prolonged Dex treatment. The comparison of the 7-day treatment with the 3-day treatment dataset revealed that extracellular matrix- and focal adhesion-related proteins become more prominent after 7 days of treatment. In contrast, extended stimulation is, for example, associated with a decrease of proteins related to cholesterol and steroid metabolism. Our dataset, which describes phenotypic and proteomic alterations, is a valuable resource for further research projects investigating effects of Dex on human testicular cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Youli K Stepanov
- Gene Center Munich, Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Carola Herrmann
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, AG Mayerhofer, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Jan B Stöckl
- Gene Center Munich, Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Thomas Fröhlich
- Gene Center Munich, Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Artur Mayerhofer
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, AG Mayerhofer, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Harald Welter
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, AG Mayerhofer, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Naelitz BD, Khooblall PS, Parekh NV, Vij SC, Rotz SJ, Lundy SD. The effect of red blood cell disorders on male fertility and reproductive health. Nat Rev Urol 2024; 21:303-316. [PMID: 38172196 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-023-00838-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Male infertility is defined as a failure to conceive after 12 months of unprotected intercourse owing to suspected male reproductive factors. Non-malignant red blood cell disorders are systemic conditions that have been associated with male infertility with varying severity and strength of evidence. Hereditary haemoglobinopathies and bone marrow failure syndromes have been associated with hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis dysfunction, hypogonadism, and abnormal sperm parameters. Bone marrow transplantation is a potential cure for these conditions, but exposes patients to potentially gonadotoxic chemotherapy and/or radiation that could further impair fertility. Iron imbalance might also reduce male fertility. Thus, disorders of hereditary iron overload can cause iron deposition in tissues that might result in hypogonadism and impaired spermatogenesis, whereas severe iron deficiency can propagate anaemias that decrease gonadotropin release and sperm counts. Reproductive urologists should be included in the comprehensive care of patients with red blood cell disorders, especially when gonadotoxic treatments are being considered, to ensure fertility concerns are appropriately evaluated and managed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bryan D Naelitz
- Department of Urology, Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.
| | - Prajit S Khooblall
- Department of Urology, Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Neel V Parekh
- Department of Urology, Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Sarah C Vij
- Department of Urology, Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Seth J Rotz
- Department of Paediatric Hematology and Oncology, Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Scott D Lundy
- Department of Urology, Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Azimi Zangabad E, Shomali T, Roshangar L. Effects of pharmacological doses of niacin on subacute glucocorticoid-induced testicular damage in rats. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2023; 11:e01128. [PMID: 37589322 PMCID: PMC10433454 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.1128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoid excess adversely affects male reproduction. This study evaluates effects of pharmacological doses of niacin on testicular structure and function in dexamethasone-treated rats. Adult rats (48) were randomly assigned to 6 equal groups: (1) Negative control (NC): normal rats; (2) Positive control (PC): dexamethasone at 7 mg/kg/day by intraperitoneal injections for 7 days; groups 3-6 (N50, N100, N200, and N400): dexamethasone and concomitant treatment with niacin at 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/day by oral gavages. Testicular weight and volume of PC rats were significantly lower than the NC group (p < .05). Testicular volume of rats in the N50 and N200 groups was statistically similar to the NC group. Significant decreases in serum testosterone with a slight LH increase were detected in the PC group. Nacin at 50 mg/kg reversed serum testosterone to NC levels and increased serum LH concentration. Niacin only slightly increased epididymal spermatozoa number while all groups of niacin-treated rats had significantly higher percentages of motile spermatozoa compared with the PC group. Hypospermatogenesis, germ cell degeneration and depletion, epithelial vacuolization, and degenerated Leydig cells were observed in PC rats. Lesions were relatively milder in niacin-treated rats. Johnsen scores were also significantly higher in niacin-treated rats. Niacin reduced apoptosis as shown by TUNEL assay. In conclusion, niacin administration at pharmacological doses dose-dependently ameliorates the destructive effects of dexamethasone on sperm motility, Johnsen score, and testicular cell apoptosis in rats with the latter can be considered a decisive mechanism for its positive effects on testis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E. Azimi Zangabad
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Veterinary MedicineShiraz UniversityShirazIran
| | - Tahoora Shomali
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Veterinary MedicineShiraz UniversityShirazIran
| | - L. Roshangar
- Stem Cell Research CenterTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Cho HL, Kim JH, Ryu SM, Noh J, Lee SW, Choi MH. Interactive metabolic signatures of testicular testosterone with bilateral adrenalectomy in mice. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2023; 231:106333. [PMID: 37244300 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2023.106333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axes have reciprocal relationships with steroidogenesis regulation. However, the relationship between testicular steroids and defective glucocorticoid production under chronic stress remains unclear. Metabolic changes of testicular steroids in bilateral adrenalectomized (bADX) 8-week-old C57BL/6 male mice were measured using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Twelve weeks after surgery, testis samples were obtained from the model mice, which were divided into tap-water (n = 12) and 1% saline (n = 24) supplementation groups, and their testicular steroid levels were compared with those of sham controls (n = 11). An increased survival rate with lower testicular levels of tetrahydro-11-deoxycorticosterone was observed in the 1% saline group compared to both the tap-water (p = 0.029) and sham (p = 0.062) groups. Testicular corticosterone levels were significantly decreased in both tap-water (4.22 ± 2.73ng/g, p = 0.015) and 1% saline (3.70 ± 1.69, p = 0.002) groups compared to those in sham controls (7.41 ± 7.39). Testicular testosterone levels tended to increase in both bADX groups compared to those in the sham controls. In addition, increased metabolic ratios of testosterone to androstenedione in tap-water (2.24 ± 0.44, p < 0.05) and 1% saline (2.18 ± 0.60, p < 0.05) mice compared to sham controls (1.87 ± 0.55) suggested increased production of testicular testosterone. No significant differences in serum steroid levels were observed. Defective adrenal corticosterone secretion and increased testicular production in bADX models revealed an interactive mechanism underlying chronic stress. The present experimental evidence suggests the crosstalk between the HPA and HPG axes in homeostatic steroidogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hae Lim Cho
- Center for Advanced Biomolecular Recognition, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Korea; Department of Chemistry, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Ji-Hoon Kim
- Center for Advanced Biomolecular Recognition, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Korea
| | - Seuk-Min Ryu
- Center for Advanced Biomolecular Recognition, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Korea
| | - Jongsung Noh
- Center for Advanced Biomolecular Recognition, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Korea
| | - Sang Won Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Man Ho Choi
- Center for Advanced Biomolecular Recognition, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Stepanov YK, Speidel JD, Herrmann C, Schmid N, Behr R, Köhn FM, Stöckl JB, Pickl U, Trottmann M, Fröhlich T, Mayerhofer A, Welter H. Profound Effects of Dexamethasone on the Immunological State, Synthesis and Secretion Capacity of Human Testicular Peritubular Cells. Cells 2022; 11:cells11193164. [PMID: 36231125 PMCID: PMC9562650 DOI: 10.3390/cells11193164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The functions of human testicular peritubular cells (HTPCs), forming a small compartment located between the seminiferous epithelium and the interstitial areas of the testis, are not fully known but go beyond intratesticular sperm transport and include immunological roles. The expression of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) indicates that they may be regulated by glucocorticoids (GCs). Herein, we studied the consequences of the GC dexamethasone (Dex) in cultured HTPCs, which serves as a unique window into the human testis. We examined changes in cytokines, mainly by qPCR and ELISA. A holistic mass-spectrometry-based proteome analysis of cellular and secreted proteins was also performed. Dex, used in a therapeutic concentration, decreased the transcript level of proinflammatory cytokines, e.g., IL6, IL8 and MCP1. An siRNA-mediated knockdown of GR reduced the actions on IL6. Changes in IL6 were confirmed by ELISA measurements. Of note, Dex also lowered GR levels. The proteomic results revealed strong responses after 24 h (31 significantly altered cellular proteins) and more pronounced ones after 72 h of Dex exposure (30 less abundant and 42 more abundant cellular proteins). Dex also altered the composition of the secretome (33 proteins decreased, 13 increased) after 72 h. Among the regulated proteins were extracellular matrix (ECM) and basement membrane components (e.g., FBLN2, COL1A2 and COL3A1), as well as PTX3 and StAR. These results pinpoint novel, profound effects of Dex in HTPCs. If transferrable to the human testis, changes specifically in ECM and the immunological state of the testis may occur in men upon treatment with Dex for medical reasons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jan Dominik Speidel
- Biomedical Center, Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Carola Herrmann
- Biomedical Center, Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Nina Schmid
- Biomedical Center, Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Behr
- Platform Degenerative Diseases, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Jan Bernd Stöckl
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis LAFUGA, Gene Center, LMU München, 81377 München, Germany
| | | | | | - Thomas Fröhlich
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis LAFUGA, Gene Center, LMU München, 81377 München, Germany
| | - Artur Mayerhofer
- Biomedical Center, Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Correspondence: (A.M.); (H.W.); Tel.: +49-89218075859 (A.M.); +49-89218071882 (H.W.)
| | - Harald Welter
- Biomedical Center, Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Correspondence: (A.M.); (H.W.); Tel.: +49-89218075859 (A.M.); +49-89218071882 (H.W.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Grison S, Legendre A, Svilar L, Elie C, Kereselidze D, Gloaguen C, Lestaevel P, Martin JC, Souidi M. Multigenerational Exposure to Uranium Changes Sperm Metabolome in Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:8349. [PMID: 35955476 PMCID: PMC9369047 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Male infertility is a major public health issue that can be induced by a host of lifestyle risk factors such as environment, nutrition, smoking, stress, and endocrine disruptors. Regarding the human population exposed to uranium, it is necessary to explore these effects on male reproduction in multigenerational studies. The sensitivity of mass spectrometry (MS)-based methods has already proved to be extremely useful in metabolite identification in rats exposed to low doses of uranium, but also in human sperm. We applied this method to rat sperm over three generations (F0, F1 and F2) with multigenerational uranium exposure. Our results show a significant content of uranium in generation F0, and a reduction in the pregnancy rate only in generation F1. Based on principal component analysis (PCA), we observed discriminant profiles between generations. The partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) of the 48 annotated variables confirmed that parental exposure of generation F0 (during both the preconceptional and prenatal periods) can have metabolic effects on spermatozoa for the next two generations. Metabolomics applied to epididymal spermatozoa is a novel approach to detecting the multigenerational effects of uranium in an experimental model, but could be also recommended to identify potential biomarkers evaluating the impact of uranium on sperm in exposed infertile men.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Grison
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, PSE-SANTE, 92260 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; (A.L.); (C.E.); (D.K.); (C.G.); (P.L.); (M.S.)
| | - Audrey Legendre
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, PSE-SANTE, 92260 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; (A.L.); (C.E.); (D.K.); (C.G.); (P.L.); (M.S.)
| | - Ljubica Svilar
- C2VN, CRIBIOM, Aix Marseille Université, 13007 Marseille, France;
| | - Christelle Elie
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, PSE-SANTE, 92260 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; (A.L.); (C.E.); (D.K.); (C.G.); (P.L.); (M.S.)
| | - Dimitri Kereselidze
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, PSE-SANTE, 92260 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; (A.L.); (C.E.); (D.K.); (C.G.); (P.L.); (M.S.)
| | - Céline Gloaguen
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, PSE-SANTE, 92260 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; (A.L.); (C.E.); (D.K.); (C.G.); (P.L.); (M.S.)
| | - Philippe Lestaevel
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, PSE-SANTE, 92260 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; (A.L.); (C.E.); (D.K.); (C.G.); (P.L.); (M.S.)
| | - Jean-Charles Martin
- C2VN, INRAE, INSERM, BIOMET, Aix Marseille Université, 13007 Marseille, France;
| | - Maâmar Souidi
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, PSE-SANTE, 92260 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; (A.L.); (C.E.); (D.K.); (C.G.); (P.L.); (M.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
OUP accepted manuscript. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2022; 11:426-436. [PMID: 35782652 PMCID: PMC9244228 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfac022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The central objective of this study was to investigate the cumulative effects restraint stress and sodium arsenite on reproductive health in male rats. Methods Healthy male Wistar rats were allocated into 4 groups (n = 8). Animals in group 1 served as controls and did not subjected to any stress. Rats in groups 2, 3, and 4 were subjected to either restraint stress (5 h/day) or maintained on arsenic (25 ppm) via drinking water or both for 65 days. After completion of the experimental period, all the rats were analyzed for selected reproductive endpoints. Results Restraint stress or sodium arsenite treatment increased serum corticosterone levels, reduced testicular daily sperm count, epididymal sperm viability, motility, membrane integrity, and decreased testicular steroidogenic enzymes such as 3β- and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases associated with reduced serum testosterone levels, deteriorated testicular architecture, and reduced activity levels of testicular superoxide dismutase and catalase accompanied by elevated lipid peroxidation levels. In rats subjected to restraint stress and sodium arsenite, a significant decrease in selected sperm qualitative and quantitative parameters, serum testosterone levels were observed as compared with rats subjected to sodium arsenite alone. A significant increase in the levels of lipid peroxidation with a concomitant decrease in the activities of antioxidant enzymes was observed in the testis of rats subjected to both restraint stress and sodium arsenite treatment as compared with sodium arsenite alone intoxicated rats. Surprisingly, serum corticosterone levels were significantly elevated in rats following both stressors as compared with arsenic alone treated rats. Analysis of atomic absorption spectroscopy revealed that the accumulation of arsenic in the testis of arsenic-treated and arsenic plus immobilization stress groups was significant as compared with controls. Conclusions Based on the findings, it can be concluded that deterioration of male reproductive health could be accelerated in arsenic intoxicated rats following restraint stress.
Collapse
|