Prophylactic and Ameliorative Effects of PPAR-γ Agonist Pioglitazone in Improving Oxidative Stress, Germ Cell Apoptosis and Inflammation in Gentamycin-Induced Testicular Damage in Adult Male Albino Rats

Hypogonadism and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), recently proposed to be renamed to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), is a major global public health concern, affecting approximately 25-30% of the adult population and possibly leading to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and liver transplantation. The liver is involved in the actions of sex steroids via their hepatic metabolism and production of the sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). Liver disease, including NAFLD, is associated with reproductive dysfunction in men and women, and the prevalence of NAFLD in patients with hypogonadism is considerable. A wide spectrum of possible pathophysiological mechanisms linking NAFLD and male/female hypogonadism has been investigated. As therapies targeting NAFLD may impact hypogonadism in men and women, and vice versa, treatments of the latter may affect NAFLD, and an insight into their pathophysiological pathways is imperative. This paper aims to elucidate the complex association between NAFLD and hypogonadism in men and women and discuss the therapeutic options and their impact on both conditions.

Integrated cell metabolomics and network pharmacology approach deciphers the anti-testosterone deficiency mechanisms of Bushen Zhuanggu Tang

Testicular dysfunction is distinguished by a deficiency in testosterone levels, which can be attributed to the occurrence of oxidative stress injury in Leydig cells. The empirical prescription known as Bushen Zhuanggu Tang, developed by a highly experienced traditional Chinese medicine practitioner with six decades of clinical expertize, aligns with the traditional Chinese medicine principle of "kidney governing bone". Researchers have demonstrated that the administration of BSZGT can effectively enhance testosterone production. The objective of this study is to investigate the potential anti-testicular dysfunction effects of BSZGT and elucidate its underlying mechanism in an in vitro setting. Specifically, the impact of oxidative stress induced by H2O2 on the activity and testosterone levels of Leydig cells (TM3) was examined. Furthermore, the utilization of UPLC-QE-Qrbitrap-MS enabled the identification of the involvement of BSZGT in various metabolic pathways, including arginine biosynthesis, amino acyl-tRNA biosynthesis, Alanine, aspartate and glutamine metabolism, and Citrate Cycle, through the modulation of 25 distinct metabolites. Additionally, a network pharmacological analysis was conducted to investigate the pivotal protein targets associated with the therapeutic effects of BSZGT. The findings demonstrate the identification of six key proteins (CYP19A1, CYP1B1, ALOX5, ARG1, XDH, and MPO) that play a significant role in augmenting testicular function through their involvement in the ovarian steroid production pathway. In summary, our study presents a comprehensive research methodology that combines cell metabonomics and network pharmacology to enhance the discovery of new therapeutic agents for TD.

Mechanistic aspects of ameliorative effects of Eicosapentanoic acid ethyl ester on methotrexate-evoked testiculopathy in rats

Disrupted spermatogenesis and testicular injury are among the devastating outcomes of methotrexate. A major contributor to methotrexate-induced testiculopathy is oxidative damage which triggers apoptosis and altered autophagy responses. Eicosapentaenoic acid ethyl ester (EPA-E) is an antihyperlipidemic derivative of omega-3 fatty acids that exhibited affinity to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) that possesses both antioxidant and autophagy modulating properties. This is an exploratory study aiming at assessing the effectiveness of EPA-E to alleviate testicular damage induced by methotrexate. The specific exploratory hypothesis of this experiment is: EPA-E administration for 1 week to methotrexate-treated rats reduces testicular damage compared to control rats. As a secondary outcome, we were interested in identifying the implicated mechanism that mediates the action of EPA-E. In adult male Wistar rats, testiculopathy was achieved by a single methotrexate injection (20 mg/kg, ip). Rats received vehicle, EPA-E (0.3 g/kg/day, po) alone or with selective PPAR-γ antagonist (bisphenol A diglycidyl ether, BADGE) at 30 mg/kg/day, ip for 1 week. EPA-E recuperated methotrexate-attenuated serum total testosterone while reduced testicular inflammation and oxidative stress, restoring superoxide dismutase (SOD) while reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). Methotrexate-induced testicular apoptosis (caspase-3 and p53) was suppressed upon EPA-E treatment. Besides, EPA-E curbed methotrexate-induced abnormal autophagy by downregulating LC3A/B and beclin-1. Interestingly, BADGE-coadministration reversed EPA-E beneficial actions. Collectively, our findings suggest PPAR-γ role in EPA-E-mediated mitigation of methotrexate-evoked testiculopathy via suppression of oxidative stress, apoptosis, as well as abnormal autophagy. Furthermore, EPA-E could be used as a preventive therapy for some testiculopathies mediated by oxidative stress.

Pioglitazone ameliorates cisplatin-induced testicular toxicity by attenuating oxidative stress and inflammation via TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Cisplatin (CIS) is a chemotherapeutic agent widely used to cure several cancers. It exerts detrimental cellular effects that restrain its clinical application as an antineoplastic agent, as testicular damage. Pioglitazone (PIO), a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-γ) agonist, is used to treat type-2 diabetes mellitus. PIO has been reported to exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in different tissues. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of PIO in a rat model of cisplatin-induced testicular toxicity and address the possible role of the Toll-like receptors (TLR4) / myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) / nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB) signal pathway.

METHODS

Rats received a single dose of cisplatin (7 mg/kg, IP) on the first day and PIO (10 mg/kg, P.O.) for 7 days. At the end of the treatment period, rats were killed. Testicular weights, histopathological alterations, and serum testosterone levels were determined. Moreover, tissue samples were collected for the estimation of oxidative stress parameters, inflammatory markers, and the determination of TLR4 /MyD88/NF-kB signaling.

RESULTS

Concurrent PIO administration with CIS markedly improved testicular weights, histopathological alteration, and serum testosterone level changes. Moreover, Concurrent PIO administration abrogated oxidative stress status and inflammatory markers caused by CIS administration. Furthermore, PIO inhibited the expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κBp65, proteins that are activated by CIS administration.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggested that PIO can protect against cisplatin-induced testicular toxicity in rats through inhibition of the TLR4 /MyD88/NF-kB signal pathway.

Pioglitazone attenuates tamoxifen-induced liver damage in rats via modulating Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 and SIRT1/Notch1 signaling pathways: In-vivo investigations, and molecular docking analysis

BACKGROUND

Tamoxifen (TAM) is a chemotherapeutic drug widely utilized to treat breast cancer. On the other hand, it exerts deleterious cellular effects in clinical applications as an antineoplastic agent, such as liver damage and cirrhosis. TAM-induced hepatic toxicity is mainly attributed to oxidative stress and inflammation. Pioglitazone (PIO), a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-γ) agonist, is utilized to treat diabetes mellitus type-2. PIO has been reported to exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in different tissues. This research assessed the impact of PIO against TAM-induced hepatic intoxication.

METHODS

Rats received PIO (10 mg/kg) and TAM (45 mg/kg) orally for 10 days.

RESULTS

TAM increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), triggered several histopathological alterations, NF-κB p65, increased hepatic oxidative stress, and pro-inflammatory cytokines. PIO protects against TAM-induced liver dysfunction, reduced malondialdehyde (MDA), and pro-inflammatory markers along with improved hepatic antioxidants. Moreover, PIO, increased hepatic Bcl-2 expression while reducing Bax expression and caspase-3 levels. In addition, PIO decreased Keap-1, Notch1, and Hes-1 while upregulated HO-1, Nrf2, and SIRT1. Molecular docking showed the binding affinity of PIO for Keap-1, NF-κB, and SIRT1.

CONCLUSION

PIO mitigated TAM hepatotoxicity by decreasing apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress. The protecting ability of PIO was accompanied by reducing Keap-1 and NF-κB and regulating Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 and Sirt1/Notch1 signaling. A schematic diagram illustrating the protective effect of PIO against TAM hepatotoxicity. PIO prevented TAM-induced liver injury by regulating Nrf2/HO-1 and SIRT1/Notch1 signaling and mitigating oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis.

The potential protective effect of melatonin and N-acetylcysteine alone and in combination on opioid-induced testicular dysfunction and degeneration in rat

Methadone (Met) is the most common treatment for opioid addiction. Although Met is effective for treatment of opioid dependence, sexual dysfunctions and infertility have been reported as a major problem in patients under Met treatment. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of melatonin and N-acetylcysteine (N) on morphine and Met-induced oxidative stress, apoptosis, suppression of blood sexual hormones, impairment in sperm parameters, and sexual dysfunction. Adult male Wistar rats (n = 66) were randomly divided into 11 equal groups (n = 6) as follows: control, sham, morphine, Met, Met+N, Met+ melatonin, Met+melatonin+N, morphine+ Met, morphine+Met+ melatonin, morphine+Met+N, and morphine+Met+ melatonin+N groups. On day 56 post-treatment, the blood was collected from the tail and the serum levels of sex hormones were evaluated, then the rats were sacrificed, and their bilateral testes and epididymis were retrieved for histological, immunohistochemical, molecular, testicular tissue stress oxidative status, and sperm parameters assays. Exposure to morphine, Met, and shift of morphine to Met resulted in testicular degeneration that can be attributed to generating the stress oxidative-induced- apoptotic testicular cell death and impairing spermatogenesis. Melatonin and N alone and particularly, in combination with each other improved testicular degeneration, sex hormone suppression, and testicular function mediated by increasing the testicular antioxidant capacity and inhibition of the apoptosis pathway. It's suggested that oral administration of antioxidants may be an effective treatment for attenuating some opioid-related testicular dysfunction and degeneration.

Rosiglitazone attenuates amyloid beta and glial fibrillary acidic protein in the hippocampus and neuroinflammation associated learning and memory impairments in rats

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the current study was to investigate the beneficial effects of rosiglitazone (Rosi) on amyloid beta(Aβ) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in the hippocampus and neuroinflammation-associated learning and memory impairments in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The rats were grouped and treated as follows: (1) Control in which saline and vehicle were administered instead of LPS and Rosi respectively. (2) Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) group in which LPS was dissolved in saline and injected (1 mg/kg) intraperitoneally. Vehicle was administered instead of Rosi in this group. (3-5) LPS+ Rosi 1, LPS+ Rosi 3, and LPS+ Rosi 5 groups in them 1, 3, or 5 mg/kg of Rosi respectively was administered 30 min before LPS. The treatments were done for two weeks. In the first week, Rosi or its vehicle was injected 30 min before LPS. In the second week, the treatments were the same as the first week and behavioral tests were also carried out in the second week. The hippocampal tissues were finally detached for biochemical assessment.

RESULTS

The results showed that Rosi reversed increased levels of Aβ, GFAP, interleukin (IL)- 6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), nitric oxide (NO) metabolites, and malondialdehyde (MDA) due to LPS injection. Rosi also reversed attenuating effects of LPS on IL-10 and thiol concentration and activities of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). In the Morris water maze test, the LPS group had a longer latency to find the platform while spent a shorter time spent in the target quadrant in the probe trial than the control group. In the passive avoidance test, the animals of the LPS group had a shorter delay to enter the dark chamber than the animals of the control group. Treatment with Rosi reversed these parameters.

CONCLUSION

The findings showed Rosi attenuated Aβ, GFAP, and oxidative stress in the hippocampus and neuroinflammation-associated learning and memory impairments in rats.

Pioglitazone enhances brain mitochondrial biogenesis and phase II detoxification capacity in neonatal rats with 6-OHDA-induced unilateral striatal lesions

The psychostimulant methylphenidate (MPH) is the first-line pharmacological treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but has numerous adverse side effects. The PPARγ receptor agonist pioglitazone (PIO) is known to improve mitochondrial bioenergetics and antioxidant capacity, both of which may be deficient in ADHD, suggesting utility as an adjunct therapy. Here, we assessed the effects of PIO on ADHD-like symptoms, mitochondrial biogenesis and antioxidant pathways in multiple brain regions of neonate rats with unilateral striatal lesions induced by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) as an experimental ADHD model. Unilateral striatal injection of 6-OHDA reduced ipsilateral dopaminergic innervation by 33% and increased locomotor activity. This locomotor hyperactivity was not altered by PIO treatment for 14 days. However, PIO increased the expression of proteins contributing to mitochondrial biogenesis in the striatum, hippocampus, cerebellum and prefrontal cortex of 6-OHDA-lesioned rats. In addition, PIO treatment enhanced the expression of the phase II transcription factor Nrf2 in the striatum, prefrontal cortex and cerebellum. In contrast, no change in the antioxidant enzyme catalase was observed in any of the brain regions analyzed. Thus, PIO may improve mitochondrial biogenesis and phase 2 detoxification in the ADHD brain. Further studies are required to determine if different dose regimens can exert more comprehensive therapeutic effects against ADHD neuropathology and behavior.

Attenuative effect of astilbin on polystyrene microplastics induced testicular damage: Biochemical, spermatological and histopathological-based evidences

Polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) are the potential environmental pollutants that possess the ability to induce testicular damage. Astilbin (ASB) is a dihydroflavonol, abundantly reported in multiple plants that has various pharmacological properties. This research elucidated the mitigative potential of ASB against PS-MPs-instigated testicular toxicity. 48 adult male rats (200 ± 10 g) were distributed into 4 groups (n = 12): control, PS-MPs received (0.01 mg/kg), PS-MPs + ASB received (0.01 mg/kg + 20 mg/kg) and ASB supplemented group (20 mg/kg). After 56th day of the trial, animals were sacrificed and testes were harvested for the estimation of biochemical, hormonal, spermatogenic, steroidogenic, apoptotic and histological profiles. PS-MPs intoxication significantly (P < 0.05) lowered glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GSR) as well as catalase (CAT) activities, whereas elevated MDA as well as ROS levels. Besides, the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) along with cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity were raised. PS-MPs treatment reduced luteinizing hormone (LH), plasma testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) level besides decreased epididymal sperm number, viability, motility as well as the count of HOS coil-tailed spermatozoa and increased sperm morphological irregularities. PS-MPs exposure lowered steroidogenic enzymes (17β-HSD, 3β-HSD and StAR protein along with Bcl-2 expression, besides increasing Caspase-3 and Bax expressions and histopathological alterations in testicular tissues. However, ASB treatment significantly reversed PS-MPs mediated damage. In conclusion, ASB administration is protective against PS-MPs-instigated testicular damage owing to its anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, antioxidant and androgenic nature.

Mechanism of testicular injury induced by Di-ethylhexyl phthalate and its protective agents

Di-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) is used as an important plasticizer in a wide range of products such as paints, food packaging, medical devices and children's toys. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the toxic effects of DEHP on the male reproductive organs, the testicles. Here, we reviewed the basic pathways of testicular damage caused by DEHP. The mechanism involves oxidative stress, ferroptosis, interfering with hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPGA) and testosterone level. We summarized the protective agents that have been shown to be effective in repairing this type of testicular damage in recent years. This provides a new perspective and direction for future research into the health effects and molecular mechanisms of DEHP.

Reprotoxic Effect of Tris(2,3-Dibromopropyl) Isocyanurate (TBC) on Spermatogenic Cells In Vitro

Tris(2,3-dibromopropyl) isocyanurate (TBC) belongs to the class of novel brominated flame retardants (NFBRs) that are widely used in industry. It has commonly been found in the environment, and its presence has been discovered in living organisms as well. TBC is also described as an endocrine disruptor that is able to affect male reproductive processes through the estrogen receptors (ERs) engaged in the male reproductive processes. With the worsening problem of male infertility in humans, a mechanism is being sought to explain such reproductive difficulties. However, so far, little is known about the mechanism of action of TBC in male reproductive models in vitro. Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of TBC alone and in cotreatment with BHPI (estrogen receptor antagonist), 17β-estradiol (E₂), and letrozole on the basic metabolic parameters in mouse spermatogenic cells (GC-1 spg) in vitro, as well as the effect of TBC on mRNA expression (Ki67, p53, Pparγ, Ahr, and Esr1). The presented results show the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of high micromolar concentrations of TBC on mouse spermatogenic cells. Moreover, an increase in Pparγ mRNA levels and a decrease in Ahr and Esr1 gene expression were observed in GS-1spg cells cotreated with E₂. These results suggest the significant involvement of TBC in the dysregulation of the steroid-based pathway in the male reproductive cell models in vitro and may be the cause of the currently observed deterioration of male fertility. However, more research is needed to reveal the full mechanism of TBC engagement in this phenomenon.

Histochemical and histomorphological evidence of the modulating role of 1-isothiocyanate-4-methyl sulfonyl butane on cisplatin-induced testicular-pituitary axis degeneration and cholesterol homeostasis in male Sprague-Dawley rats

BACKGROUND

This study examine the histochemical and histomorphological effect of 1-isothiocyanato-4-methyl sulfonyl butane (SFN) on cisplatin (CP) induced testicular alteration and cholesterol homeostasis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ninety adult-male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into nine groups of ten (n=10) rats each. Group A (control) received normal saline, group B received a single dose of 10mg/Kg body weight (bwt) CP (i.p.), group C received 50mg/Kg bwt of SFN, group D received 100mg/Kg bwt of SFN, group E received 10mg/Kg bwt CP and 50mg/Kg bwt of SFN, group F received 10mg/Kg bwt CP and 100mg/Kg bwt of SFN, group G received 10mg/Kg bwt CP and 50mg/Kg bwt vitamin C, group H received 50mg/Kg bwt of SFN and 10mg/Kg bwt CP, group I received 100mg/Kg bwt of SFN and 10mg/Kg bwt CP. The procedure lasted for 56 days. Testicular histomorphology and histochemistry, testicular testosterone, sperm parameters, total antioxidant status (TSA), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), and serum lipid profile were examined.

RESULTS

Cisplatin decrease intra-testicular testosterone, sperm quality, and expression of glycogen and increases testicular TOS and OSI, serum lipid profile, collagen, and disruption of germinal epithelium. However, the intervention of SFN reversed the effect of CP on testes' weight and volume, DSP, ESP, testosterone production, TAS, TOS, and OSI. Histoarchitectecture showing normal seminiferous tubules and even distribution of glycogen and collagen fibers.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with SFN ameliorate CP-induced testicular toxicity by reversing the cytotoxic mechanisms of CP.

MLN-4760 Induces Oxidative Stress without Blood Pressure and Behavioural Alterations in SHRs: Roles of Nfe2l2 Gene, Nitric Oxide and Hydrogen Sulfide

Reduced angiotensin 1-7 bioavailability due to inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) may contribute to increased mortality in hypertensive individuals during COVID-19. However, effects of ACE2 inhibitor MLN-4760 in brain functions remain unknown. We investigated the selected behavioural and hemodynamic parameters in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) after a 2-week s.c. infusion of MLN-4760 (dose 1 mg/kg/day). The biochemical and molecular effects of MLN-4760 were investigated in the brainstem and blood plasma. MLN-4760 had no effects on hemodynamic and behavioural parameters. However, MLN-4760 increased plasma hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) level and total nitric oxide (NO) synthase activity and conjugated dienes in the brainstem. Increased NO synthase activity correlated positively with gene expression of Nos3 while plasma H₂S levels correlated positively with gene expressions of H₂S-producing enzymes Mpst, Cth and Cbs. MLN-4760 administration increased gene expression of Ace2, Sod1, Sod2, Gpx4 and Hmox1, which positively correlated with expression of Nfe2l2 gene encoding the redox-sensitive transcription factor NRF2. Collectively, MLN-4760 did not exacerbate pre-existing hypertension and behavioural hyperactivity/anxiety in SHRs. However, MLN-4760-induced oxidative damage in brainstem was associated with activation of NO- and H₂S-mediated compensatory mechanisms and with increased gene expression of antioxidant, NO- and H₂S-producing enzymes that all correlated positively with elevated Nfe2l2 expression.