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Guo C, Wang Q, Shuai P, Wang T, Wu W, Li Y, Huang S, Yu J, Yi L. Radiation and male reproductive system: Damage and protection. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 357:142030. [PMID: 38626814 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Male fertility has been declining in recent decades, and a growing body of research points to environmental and lifestyle factors as the cause. The widespread use of radiation technology may result in more people affected by male infertility, as it is well established that radiation can cause reproductive impairment in men. This article provides a review of radiation-induced damage to male reproduction, and the effects of damage mechanisms and pharmacotherapy. It is hoped that this review will contribute to the understanding of the effects of radiation on male reproduction, and provide information for research into drugs that can protect the reproductive health of males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caimao Guo
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, The Hengyang Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Qingyu Wang
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, The Hengyang Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Peimeng Shuai
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, The Hengyang Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Tiantian Wang
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, The Hengyang Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Wenyu Wu
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, The Hengyang Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, The Hengyang Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Shuqi Huang
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, The Hengyang Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Jia Yu
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, The Hengyang Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China.
| | - Lan Yi
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, The Hengyang Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China.
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Mekkawy MH, Abdou FY, Ali MM, Abd-ElRaouf A. A novel approach of using Maca root as a radioprotector in a rat testicular damage model focusing on GRP78/CHOP/Caspase-3 pathway. Arch Biochem Biophys 2024; 755:109963. [PMID: 38518815 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2024.109963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Despite the effectiveness of ionizing radiation in treating cancer, it can damage healthy tissues in the vicinity. Due to the high radio-sensitivity of testicular tissues, radiation therapy may affect spermatogenesis, which may result in infertility. Hence, in this study testicular damage model is constructed to investigate the mitigation effect of Maca root powder and its potential radioprotective activity through both oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stresses, besides the apoptotic pathway. METHODS Male albino rats were exposed to 6Gy of whole-body gamma radiation single dose. Maca root powder (1 g/kg b.wt./day, by oral gavage) was administered for a week before irradiation, then d-galactose (300 mg/kg, by oral gavage) and Maca daily for another week. RESULTS Gamma radiation and d-galactose revealed a significant decrease in serum testosterone, sperm count, and motility and higher percentage of the sperm head abnormality, while Maca root treatment maintained all sperm morphology parameters. Maca root treatment demonstrated a notable defense against radiation-induced oxidative stress and ameliorated malonaldehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) levels, reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and the ratio of GSH/GSSG in testis tissues. Exposure to gamma rays and d-galactose displayed a significant elevation in GRP78, CHOP, total caspase-3 as well as active (cleaved) caspase-3 levels, whereas treatment with Maca significantly reduced the ER and apoptotic markers levels. Also, Maca improved the histological changes of the disorganized seminiferous tubules induced by irradiation. CONCLUSION Our findings show for the first time that Maca has a protective effect on male reproductive damage induced by radiotherapy. Maca root reveals anti-apoptotic effect and protection against testicular damage via GRP78/CHOP/caspase-3 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai H Mekkawy
- Drug Radiation Research Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Fatma Y Abdou
- Drug Radiation Research Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Maha M Ali
- Drug Radiation Research Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Amira Abd-ElRaouf
- Drug Radiation Research Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Cairo, Egypt.
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Onyeto CA, Onwuka AM, Peter IE, Nworu CS, Akah PA. Effect of Aqueous Extract of Unripe Musa Paradisiaca Linn on Parameters Affecting Reproduction in Rats. J Evid Based Integr Med 2024; 29:2515690X241249534. [PMID: 38679583 PMCID: PMC11057342 DOI: 10.1177/2515690x241249534] [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: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Aqueous extract of unripe Musa paradisiaca fruit is commonly used for the treatment of ulcers in eastern Nigeria. This study aimed to assess the acute and subacute effects of an aqueous extract of unripe fruit on male and female fertility in rats. METHODS Aqueous extracts obtained by maceration were analyzed for acute and subacute toxicity and for the presence of phytochemical constituents using standard procedures. The extract (100, 500, and 1000 mg/kg) was administered daily to rats of both sexes for 28 d. Blood samples collected on days 0 and 28 were assessed for follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA). Testes and ovaries were harvested for histopathological analysis. Sperm were also collected to determine the sperm count and motility. RESULTS Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponins, tannins, alkaloids, and resins. After an oral dose of up to 5000 mg/kg, there were no deaths in the acute toxicity test. The extract (500 mg/kg) significantly (P < .05) enhanced sperm count and motility relative to the untreated control; significantly (P < .05) reduced SOD, CAT, and glutathione levels, while significantly (P < .05) elevated LH, FSH, and MDA levels in male and female rats. Histological examination revealed significant structural damage to the ovaries. CONCLUSION Unripe Musa paradisiaca fruit exhibited an adverse toxicological profile following prolonged administration and caused oxidative stress in rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Collins Azubuike Onyeto
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
| | - Akachukwu Marytheresa Onwuka
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
| | - Ikechukwu Emmanuel Peter
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
| | - Chukwuemeka Sylvester Nworu
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
| | - Peter Achunike Akah
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
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Vyas R, Kesari KK, Lukac N, Slama P, Roychoudhury S, Sisodia R. Radical scavenging activity of Chlorophytum borivilianum L. root extract and its protective role in cauda epididymal sperm integrity in Mus musculus after gamma irradiation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1064574. [PMID: 37025174 PMCID: PMC10070789 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1064574] [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: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Chlorophytum borivilianum L. is a recognized herbal medicine for the management of impotency in South Asian countries. In Ayurveda, it is used for the management of multiple health conditions, including diabetes, infection, and cardiovascular diseases. Parts of the plant have been used as excellent antioxidants and scavengers of free radicals. Since oxidative stress plays an important role in spermatogenesis and fertility in male populations, this study evaluated the role of ethanolic extract of C. borivilianum roots in epididymal sperm maturation against adversities posed by ionizing gamma irradiation. Materials and methods: Antioxidant potential of C. borivilianum root extract (CRE) was evaluated through DPPH (2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl) and NO (nitric oxide) scavenging assays. Four groups of healthy Swiss albino mice were constituted, which were labeled as follows: Group I: sham control, Group II: 7-day pre-treatment with 50 mg/kg CRE, Group III: 6 Gy irradiation without pre-treatment, and Group IV: 7-day pre-treatment with 50 mg/kg CRE and 6 Gy irradiation on day 7. Swiss albino mice were observed for 30 days and later sacrificed to evaluate sperm quality parameters. Results: CRE showed a remarkable antioxidant potential with IC50 values of 46.37 μg/ml and 98.39 μg/ml for DPPH and NO, respectively. A significant decline (p < 0.001) in cauda epididymal sperm count, motility, and viability was observed in Group III animals. Group IV also showed a substantial decline (p < 0.01) in all three parameters compared to Group I; nonetheless, these were significantly higher than Group III. Morphological alterations indicated a coiled and bent tail, with the presence of cytoplasmic droplets in Group III, which declined substantially in Group IV. The ultrastructure of sperm indicated higher curvature of hook in Group III than Group IV, indicating specific interferences in the sperm maturation process. Conclusion: It was concluded that pre-treatment with 50 mg/kg body weight of CRE could protect sperm during epididymal maturation against oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruchi Vyas
- Department of Zoology, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, India
| | - Kavindra Kumar Kesari
- Department of Applied Physics, School of Science, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland
- *Correspondence: Kavindra Kumar Kesari, ; Petr Slama, ; Shubhadeep Roychoudhury, ; Rashmi Sisodia,
| | - Norbert Lukac
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Petr Slama
- Laboratory of Animal Immunology and Biotechnology, Department of Animal Morphology, Physiology and Genetics, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
- *Correspondence: Kavindra Kumar Kesari, ; Petr Slama, ; Shubhadeep Roychoudhury, ; Rashmi Sisodia,
| | - Shubhadeep Roychoudhury
- Department of Life Science and Bioinformatics, Assam University, Silchar, India
- *Correspondence: Kavindra Kumar Kesari, ; Petr Slama, ; Shubhadeep Roychoudhury, ; Rashmi Sisodia,
| | - Rashmi Sisodia
- Department of Zoology, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, India
- *Correspondence: Kavindra Kumar Kesari, ; Petr Slama, ; Shubhadeep Roychoudhury, ; Rashmi Sisodia,
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Zygo-Albuside A: New Saponin from Zygophyllum album L. with Significant Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Antiapoptotic Effects against Methotrexate-Induced Testicular Damage. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810799. [PMID: 36142712 PMCID: PMC9501557 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemical investigation of the crude extract of the aerial part of Zygophyllum album L. (Z. album) led to the isolation of a new saponin, Zygo-albuside A (7), together with seven known compounds, one of them (caffeic acid, compound 4) is reported in the genus for the first time. NMR (1D and 2D) and mass spectrometric analysis, including high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), were utilized to set up the chemical structures of these compounds. The present biological study aimed to investigate the protective antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic activities of the crude extract from the aerial part of Z. album and two of its isolated compounds, rutin and the new saponin zygo-albuside A, against methotrexate (MTX)-induced testicular injury, considering the role of miRNA-29a. In all groups except for the normal control group, which received a mixture of distilled water and DMSO (2:1) as vehicle orally every day for ten days, testicular damage was induced on the fifth day by intraperitoneal administration of MTX at a single dose of 20 mg/kg. Histopathological examination showed that pre-treatment with the crude extract of Z. album, zygo-albuside A, or rutin reversed the testicular damage induced by MTX. In addition, biochemical analysis in the protected groups showed a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-1β, Bcl-2-associated-protein (Bax), and an increase in B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) protein, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the testis, along with an increase in serum testosterone levels compared with the unprotected (positive control) group. The mRNA expression levels of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), p53, and miRNA-29a were downregulated in the testicular tissues of the protected groups compared with the unprotected group. In conclusion, the study provides sufficient evidence that Z. album extract, and its isolated compounds, zygo-albuside A and rutin, could alleviate testicular damage caused by the chemotherapeutic agent MTX.
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