Nutraceutical Effects of Lycopene in Experimental Varicocele: An "In Vivo" Model to Study Male Infertility

Supplementing ageing male laying breeders with lycopene alleviates oxidative stress in testis and improves testosterone secretion

BACKGROUND

Reproductive performance is a crucial aspect of poultry production and is carefully controlled by endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine factors. This study aimed to investigate the effect of lycopene on testosterone synthesis in Leydig cells of laying breeder roosters, clarify the mechanism of lycopene improving Leydig cells function and promoting testosterone production, and explore the role of related signal transduction pathways in testosterone synthesis.

RESULTS

A total of 96 healthy 55-week-old breeding roosters were randomly assigned to one of five dietary treatments. They were provided with a corn-soybean meal-based diet containing different levels of lycopene: 0 mg/kg (control), 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, or 200 mg/kg. The experiment lasted for 6 weeks. With the increase in lycopene levels, the testosterone content in the plasma was significantly higher than in the control group. Testicular Leydig cells were isolated and cultured from fresh testicular tissue of 45-wk-old to 60-wk-old breeding roosters. Various doses of lycopene were administered to Leydig cells, and subsequently, cells were collected for the detection of cell viability and testosterone content. The optimal concentration of lycopene to be added was determined, and changes in mRNA expression and protein levels of key proteins involved in testosterone synthesis were investigated. The results showed that lycopene treatment significantly increased testosterone secretion, mRNA expression, and protein levels of steroid-producing enzymes. Cells were collected to measure the activity of antioxidant enzymes, the mRNA transcription level of apoptotic factors, and the protein expression of apoptotic factors after treatment with lycopene. The results showed that lycopene significantly increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes, and the ability to inhibit oxygen radicals, and decreased the content of malondialdehyde. Apoptosis was inhibited by regulating the expression of apoptosis-inducing and anti-apoptosis factors. After that, the MAPK signaling pathway and downstream SF-1, Nrf2 gene, and protein expression levels were detected. The results showed that lycopene treatment significantly increased the gene and protein expression of JNK, SF-1, and Nrf2, and significantly decreased the gene and protein expression of p38.

CONCLUSIONS

Lycopene treatment could promote testosterone synthesis of testicular Leydig cells by activating MAPK-SF-1 (increasing steroid-producing enzyme level) and MAPK-Nrf2 pathways (resisting oxidative damage).

Chlorogenic acid can improve spermatogenic dysfunction in rats with varicocele by regulating mitochondrial homeostasis and inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes by oxidative mitochondrial DNA and cGAS/STING pathway

In recent years, Varicocele (VC) has been recognized as a common cause of male infertility that can be treated by surgery or drugs. How to reduce the damage of VC to testicular spermatogenic function has attracted extensive attention in recent years. Among them, overexpressed ROS and high levels of inflammation may play a key role in VC-induced testicular damage. As the key mediated innate immune pathways, cGAS-STING shaft under pathological conditions, such as in cell and tissue damage stress can be cytoplasmic DNA activation, induce the activation of NLRP3 inflammatory corpuscle, triggering downstream of the inflammatory cascade reaction. Chlorogenic acid (CGA), as a natural compound from a wide range of sources, has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, and is a potential effective drug for the treatment of varicocele infertility. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of CGA in the spermatogenic dysfunction of the rat testis induced by VC and the potential mechanisms. The results of this study have shown that CGA gavage treatment ameliorated the pathological damage of seminiferous tubules, increased the number of sperm in the lumen, and increased the expression levels of Occludin and ZO-1, which indicated the therapeutic effect of CGA on spermatogenic dysfunction in the testis of VC rats. Meanwhile, the damage of mitochondrial structure was alleviated and the expression levels of ROS, NLRP3 and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18) were significantly reduced in the testicular tissues of model rats after CGA treatment. In addition, we demonstrated for the first time the high expression status of cGAS and STING in testicular tissues of VC model rats, and this was ameliorated to varying degrees after CGA treatment. In conclusion, this study suggests that CGA can improve the spermatogenic function of the testis by reducing mitochondrial damage and inhibiting the activation of the cGAS-STING axis, inhibiting the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, and improving the inflammatory damage of the testis, highlighting the potential of CGA as a therapeutic agent for varicocele infertility.

New Insights into Adipose Tissue Metabolic Function and Dysfunction, 2nd Edition

The adipose organ is well recognized for its role in energy storage and mobilization, responding to nutrient availability, the body's needs, and thermogenesis, thereby regulating the organism's energy balance [...].

Lycopene and Garcinia cambogia Induce White-to-Brown Adipose Differentiation: An Innovative Strategy to Curb Obesity

Obesity is considered one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. The browning process has been recently recognized as a promising anti-obesity therapy. Lycopene (LYC) and Garcinia cambogia fruit extract (GE) might be important resources for anti-obesity drugs; therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the anti-obesity effects of LYC and GE on 3T3-L1 adipocytes and Zucker rats. Mouse 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes were differentiated in mature adipocytes and then treated with LYC (0.5 μM), GE (30 mg/mL) or LYC + GE for 24 h. Moreover, male Zucker Crl:ZUC-Leprfa rats were randomly assigned to 5 groups of 10 animals to orally receive Vehicle (Ctrl), Orlistat (20 mg/kg), LYC (5 mg/kg), GE (1000 mg/kg) or LYC + GE for 28 days. LYC, GC extracts and even more LYC + GE stimulated the mRNA and protein expression of thermogenic genes UCP1, CIDEA and DIO2, significantly reduced lipid droplet size and increased lipid droplet number in adipocytes. UCP1 mRNA and protein expression was also increased in the visceral adipose tissue of the rats that received the dietary intake of LYC, GE and even more LYC + GE. Moreover, LYC + GE induced the reorganization of visceral fat depots that showed a great number of small adipocytes and a significant reduction in weight gain and food intake compared to the control group. The obtained results demonstrated that LYC + GE might be used as new approaches for obesity management in order to induce the browning process and achieve a metabolically active tissue instead of a tissue characterized by lipid depot accumulation.

Levosimendan and Dobutamin Attenuate LPS-Induced Inflammation in Microglia by Inhibiting the NF-κB Pathway and NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation via Nrf2/HO-1 Signalling

Hypovolemic shock is a circulatory failure, due to a loss in the effective circulating blood volume, that causes tissue hypoperfusion and hypoxia. This condition stimulates reactive oxygen species (ROS) and pro-inflammatory cytokine production in different organs and also in the central nervous system (CNS). Levosimendan, a cardioprotective inodilator, and dobutamine, a β1-adrenergic agonist, are commonly used for the treatment of hypovolemic shock, thanks to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. For this reason, we aimed at investigating levosimendan and dobutamine's neuroprotective effects in an "in vitro" model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation. Human microglial cells (HMC3) were challenged with LPS (0.1 µg/mL) to induce an inflammatory phenotype and then treated with levosimendan (10 µM) or dobutamine (50 µM) for 24 h. Levosimendan and dobutamine significantly reduced the ROS levels and markedly increased Nrf2 and HO-1 protein expression in LPS-challenged cells. Levosimendan and dobutamine also decreased p-NF-κB expression and turned off the NLRP3 inflammasome together with its downstream signals, caspase-1 and IL-1β. Moreover, a reduction in TNF-α and IL-6 expression and an increase in IL-10 levels in LPS-stimulated HMC3 cells was observed following treatment. In conclusion, levosimendan and dobutamine attenuated LPS-induced neuroinflammation through NF-κB pathway inhibition and NLRP3 inflammasome activation via Nrf2/HO-1 signalling, suggesting that these drugs could represent a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of neuroinflammation consequent to hypovolemic shock.

Relevant Aspects of Combined Protocols for Prevention of N(M)AFLD and Other Non-Communicable Diseases

Obesity is a global health issue characterized by the excessive fat accumulation, leading to an increased risk of chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), which can progress from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Currently, there are no approved pharmacological protocols for prevention/treatment of MAFLD, and due the complexity lying beneath these mechanisms, monotherapies are unlikely to be efficacious. This review article analyzes the possibility that NCDs can be prevented or attenuated by the combination of bioactive substances, as they could promote higher response rates, maximum reaction results, additive or synergistic effects due to compounds having similar or different mechanisms of action and/or refraining possible side effects, related to the use of lower doses and exposures times than monotherapies. Accordingly, prevention of mouse MAFLD is observed with the combination of the omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid with the antioxidant hydroxytyrosol, whereas attenuation of mild cognitive impairment is attained by folic acid plus cobalamin in elderly patients. The existence of several drawbacks underlying published monotherapies or combined trials, opens space for adequate and stricter experimental and clinical tryouts to achieve meaningful outcomes with human applicability.

The protective impact of curcumin, vitamin D and E along with manganese oxide and Iron (III) oxide nanoparticles in rats with scrotal hyperthermia: Role of apoptotic genes, miRNA and circRNA

BACKGROUND

Infertility is one of the major factors affecting most people around the world. Short-term exposure to high temperatures can cause hyperthermia, which is one of the causes of male infertility. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of curcumin, vitamins D and E along with Iron (III) oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3-NPs) and manganese oxide nanoparticles (MnO2-NPs) on semen parameters and its effect on miRNA21 and circRNA0001518 expression.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this study, the lower part of the rat was exposed to 43 °C for 5 weeks every other day for 5 weeks. Then the animals were killed. Tissue samples were collected for sperm parameters analysis, and tissue samples were taken for evaluation of apoptosis levels in germ cells, and RNA extraction in order to examine the expression of Bax, Bcl-2, miRNA, and CircRNA genes.

RESULTS

The results of this study showed that administration of curcumin, vitamin D, and vitamin E with Fe2O3-NPs and MnO2-NPs can improve the parameters of semen, Bax gene expression, Bcl-2 as well as miRNA and CircRNA in rats with testicular hyperthermia. In addition, curcumin by reducing the toxicity of Fe2O3 nanoparticles was able to reduce its negative effects and also reduce apoptosis in germ cells. This decrease in apoptosis was attributed to decreased Bcl-2 gene expression and increased expression of Bax, miRNA-21, and circRNA0001518.

CONCLUSION

All the results of this study confirmed that Fe2O3-NPs and Mno2-NPs containing antioxidants or vitamins are useful in improving fertility in rats due to scrotal hyperthermia. Although Fe2O3-NPs and Mno2-NPs containing both antioxidants and vitamins had a greater effect on improving fertility and reducing the toxic effects of nanoparticles.

Lycopene protects against ionizing radiation-induced testicular damage by inhibition of apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction

Ionizing radiation (IR) is one of the key contributors that cause male infertility by disturbing spermatogenesis. Lycopene, a carotenoid with strong antioxidant properties, was shown to protect against oxidative damage induced by IR in several experimental models. The present study was designed to explore the possible protective effects of lycopene against IR-induced testicular damage in C57BL/6 mice. Mice were administered lycopene (20 mg/kg) by oral gavage for seven consecutive days prior to a single dose of whole-body X-ray irradiation (4 Gy, 1 Gy/min). We observed that lycopene remarkably augmented sperm motility and reduced sperm abnormalities in mice following IR exposure. Histopathological analyses also revealed that lycopene ameliorated the structural damage of seminiferous tubules and enhanced the regeneration of seminiferous epithelium following IR stress. Moreover, lycopene attenuated IR-induced oxidative stress, as evidenced by a decreasing lipid peroxidation level and an increase in the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase activity. In addition, lycopene reduced the γH2AX expression and the number of TUNEL-positive cells in the germinal epithelium, as well as restoring the imbalance of Bax/Bcl-2 expression induced by IR exposure. Furthermore, lycopene prevented mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization and ATP reduction and preserved the activities of mitochondrial complexes I-IV in the testes of mice after exposure to IR. Lycopene also improved mitochondrial biogenesis in testes of mice exposed to IR, presenting as restored expressions of PGC-1α, Nrf1, and Tfam. Taken together, our results suggest that lycopene alleviates IR-induced testicular damage, and the underlying mechanism involves at least in part the inhibition of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway and the maintenance of mitochondrial respiration and biogenesis. The beneficial effect of lycopene highlights the therapeutic potential of this plant-derived antioxidant against impaired spermatogenesis and male infertility induced by IR.

Effect of Psidium guajava Juice on The Seminiferous Tubules Diameter and Epithelium Thickness in Rattus norvegicus Exposed by Lead Acetate

Lead is one of humans and animals' most common and hazardous heavy metals. This study aimed to investigate the effect of white guava (Psidium guajava) fruit juice on the seminiferous tubule diameter and epithelium thickness in rats (Rattus norvegicus) exposed to lead acetate. The research design was a completely randomized design (CRD). A total of 25 male rats with an average weight of 200 grams were used for the study, divided into 5 treatment groups, each consisting of 5 rats. The treatments were as follows: the control group (C) was given distilled water orally; the T0 group was induced with lead acetate (50 mg/Kg BW) orally; the T1, T2, T3 groups were induced with lead acetate (50 mg/Kg BW) and then given 25%, 50%, and 100% concentration of white guava fruit juice, respectively. All the treatments were conducted for 14 days. The histopathology slides of the testis were made with HE staining, and the seminiferous tubule diameter and epithelium thickness were measured. The data were analyzed using One Way ANOVA and Duncan test (p<0.05). The results showed that the control group (C) which was given distilled water only had a seminiferous tubule diameter and epithelium thickness of 336.24±23.32 µm and 66.46±4.39 µm, respectively. The T0 group which was induced with lead acetate only showed a reduction in the diameter and epithelium thickness of seminiferous tubules (243.38±49.35 µm and 44.08±14.45 µm). The members of the T1, T2 and T3 groups showed positive effects on the diameter (323.49±22.82 µm; 314.41±13.04 µm; 325.04±16.88 µm, respectively) and epithelium thickness (56.36±3.36 µm; 60.50±3.81 µm; 66.744±9.50 µm, respectively). There was no significant difference reported between each group. The administration of guava juice to rats induced with lead acetate can positively affect the diameter and epithelium thickness of seminiferous tubules.

Positive Effects of the Nutraceutical Association of Lycopene and Selenium in Experimental Varicocele

Many natural substances commonly found in healthy diets have been studied for their potential to reduce male infertility associated with varicocele. A positive role of selenium (Se) or lycopene alone was demonstrated in experimental varicocele, while no data are available on their association. One group of male Sprague-Dawley rats was sham operated and daily treated with Se (3 mg/kg, i.p.), lycopene (1 mg/kg, i.p.), or their association. A second group underwent surgery to induce varicocele. Sham and half of the varicocele animals were sacrificed after twenty-eight days, while the residual animals were treated for one more month and then sacrificed. In varicocele animals, testosterone levels and testes weight were reduced, Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1α (HIF-1α) expression was absent in the tubules and increased in Leydig cells, caspare-3 was increased, seminiferous epithelium showed evident structural changes, and many apoptotic germ cells were demonstrated with TUNEL assay. The treatment with lycopene or Se alone significantly increased testis weight and testosterone levels, reduced apoptosis and caspase-3 expression, improved the tubular organization, decreased HIF-1α positivity of Leydig cells, and restored its tubular positivity. Lycopene or Se association showed a better influence on all biochemical and morphological parameters. Therefore, the nutraceutical association of lycopene plus Se might be considered a possible therapeutic tool, together with surgery, in the treatment of male infertility. However, long-term experimental and clinical studies are necessary to evaluate sperm quantity and quality.

Gum Acacia attenuates cisplatin toxic effect spermatogenesis dysfunction and infertility in rats

This study aimed to investigate the potential benefits Gum Arabic/Acacia senegal (GA) in mitigating the harmful effects of cisplatin (CP) on spermatogenesis and testicular health in male adult rats. A total of forty albino rats were used in the study and divided into four groups; control, GA, CP, and Co-treated group, which received both CP and GA concurrently. The results revealed that CP caused a significant increase in oxidative stress and a decrease in antioxidant activities (CAT, SOD, and GSH), which disturbed the testicular machinery. This caused significant histological and ultrastructural damage to the testicular structure, including atrophied seminiferous tubules with severely reduced germinal epithelium. Additionally, CP caused a decrease in reproductive hormones (testosterone and LH), a decline in nucleic proliferation PCNA immunoexpression, and an increase in cytoplasmic apoptotic Caspase-3 protein expression in testicular tissue, when compared to the control and GA groups. Moreover, the CP treatment impaired spermatogenesis and decreased sperm number and motility with abnormal morphology. However, co-administration of GA with CP mitigated the dysfunction in spermatogenesis and reversed testicular damage caused by CP through significantly (P < 0.01) reducing oxidative stress (MDA) and increasing the activities of CAT, SOD, and GSH. Additionally, co-administration of GA elevated the levels of testosterone and luteinizing hormone in blood sera, significantly (P < 0.01) improved the histometric measurements of seminiferous tubules diameter, their epithelial height, Johnsen's score of spermatogenesis, 4-level histological grading scale Cosentino's score, immunohistochemical expression of nucleic PCNA, and cytoplasmic Caspase-3 proteins. Furthermore, TEM examination confirmed the synergistic effect of GA in restoring the germinal epithelial cells ultrastructure, the elongated and transverse sections of spermatozoa in the lumen, and the interstitial tissue. All of these effects resulted in a significant improvement in sperm quality in the Co-treated animals compared with the CP group, as well as, a significant decline in the morphological abnormalities of sperm in Co-treated rats compared to those in the CP group. GA is a valuable agent for ameliorating chemotherapy-related infertility.

Potential Benefits of Lycopene Consumption: Rationale for Using It as an Adjuvant Treatment for Malaria Patients and in Several Diseases

Malaria is a disease that affects thousands of people around the world every year. Its pathogenesis is associated with the production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) and lower levels of micronutrients and antioxidants. Patients under drug treatment have high levels of oxidative stress biomarkers in the body tissues, which limits the use of these drugs. Therefore, several studies have suggested that RONS inhibition may represent an adjuvant therapeutic strategy in the treatment of these patients by increasing the antioxidant capacity of the host. In this sense, supplementation with antioxidant compounds such as zinc, selenium, and vitamins A, C, and E has been suggested as part of the treatment. Among dietary antioxidants, lycopene is the most powerful antioxidant among the main carotenoids. This review aimed to describe the main mechanisms inducing oxidative stress during malaria, highlighting the production of RONS as a defense mechanism against the infection induced by the ischemia-reperfusion syndrome, the metabolism of the parasite, and the metabolism of antimalarial drugs. Furthermore, the effects of lycopene on several diseases in which oxidative stress is implicated as a cause are outlined, providing information about its mechanism of action, and providing an evidence-based justification for its supplementation in malaria.

Aucubin supplementation alleviate diabetes induced-disruption of blood-testis barrier and testicular damage via stabilizing cell junction integrity

Disruption of blood-testis barrier (BTB) was a crucial pathological feature of diabetes induced-testicular injury at early phase. Aucubin (AU), a main active component in Eucommiae Cortex, has drawn attention for its benefits against male reproductive system disease. The current study was aimed at investigating the protective role of AU and exploring the underlying mechanism in diabetic model. A murine model of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) was induced by high-fat diet (HFD) combined with streptozocin (STZ). Testicular weight index and morphology, sperm quality, integrity of BTB and protein levels were analyzed. The underlying mechanism of the protective effect of AU was further explored in Sertoli cells (SCs) cultured with high glucose (HG). Our results showed AU inhibited testicular structural destruction, restored disruption of BTB and improved abnormal spermatogenic function in diabetic mice. Consistent with in vivo results, HG induced decreased transcellular resistance and increased permeability in SCs monolayers, while AU exposure reverses this trend. Meanwhile, reduced expression of Zonula occludin-1(ZO-1) and Connexin43(Cx43) in testicular tissue diabetic mice and HG-induced SCs was prominently reversed via AU treatment. Mechanistic studies suggested a high affinity interaction between AU and c-Src protein was identified based on molecular docking, and the activation of c-Src was significantly inhibited in AU treatment. Furthermore, AU significantly increased the expression of Cx43 and ZO-1 proteins HG-induced SCs, which can be further enhanced in gene-silenced c-Src cells to some extent. Our results suggested that AU ameliorated disruption of BTB and spermatogenesis dysfunction in diabetic mice via inactivating c-Src to stabilize cell junction integrity.

Lycopene improves testicular damage and sperm quality in experimentally induced varicocele: Relationship with apoptosis, hypoxia, and hyperthermia

Varicocele is considered the main reason for male infertility. Antioxidants are common drugs used to reduce the complications of varicocele in these patients. So, we investigated the effects of lycopene on sperm quality, testicular histology, and the expression of some genes in experimentally induced varicocele. Fifty adult male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: control (n = 12), sham (n = 5), and varicocele (n = 33) groups. After 2 months of induced varicocele, five rats were randomly sacrificed and induced varicocele was investigated in each group. Finally, 35 rats were divided into five groups: the control, varicocele, varicocele reserving solvent, and varicocele reserving lycopene (4 and 10 mg/kg) for 2 months. At the end of the experiment, sperm viability, membrane integrity, the expression of Bax, Bcl2, hypoxia (hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α [HIF1‐α]), heat‐shock protein (heat‐shock protein A2 [HSPA2]) genes, and the histology of testes were measured. The results showed a significant decrease in the sperm viability, membrane integrity, Johnson's score, and the expression of the Bcl2 gene in the varicocele group compared to the control group. Also, there was a significant increase in Bax, HSPA2, and HIF1‐α expressions in the varicocele group compared to the control group. Although the administration of lycopene (10 mg/kg) in rats with varicocele improved sperm viability and membrane integrity, Johnson's score, and Bax expression compared to the varicocele group. Our findings indicated that the administration of lycopene in the varicocele group improved sperm quality and testicular injury induced by varicocele via decreasing apoptosis.

Testicular toxicity of cisplatin in rats: ameliorative effect of lycopene and N-acetylcysteine

Lycopene (LP) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) protective effects were assessed for testicular toxicity mediated by cisplatin (CP) in rats. Forty-nine rats were divided into 7 groups (n = 7); these groups included the control group (saline, PO), LP (10 mg/kg, PO), NAC (150 mg/kg, PO), CP (7.5 mg/kg, IP) on the 27th day of the study, LP + CP, NAC+CP, and LP + NAC + CP. Serum levels of testosterone were decreased following CP injection. Malondialdehyde (MDA) has been increased with considerable glutathione (GSH), and dismutase superoxide (SOD) and catalase (CAT) decline in the testis tissues after CP injection. CP caused severe alterations in testicular tissues and elevated caspase-3 expression. Besides that, LP and/or NAC administration improved CP-induced testicular toxicity and apoptosis, probably via their antioxidant properties.

Protective and therapeutic role of melatonin against tunicamycin-induced ER stress in testicular tissue of rats

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the possible consequences of administering exogenous melatonin as prevention or treatment against tunicamycin-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the testicular tissue of rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, 42 adult Sprague Dawley rats, randomly divided into seven equal groups, were administered intraperitoneal tunicamycin to induce ER stress. Both prophylactic (PMel) and therapeutic melatonin (TMel) groups were administered melatonin for seven days. ER stress in the cell was detected through immunohistochemical and molecular analyses using GPR78 expression.

RESULTS

Increased oxidant levels and apoptosis rates were shown in testicular tissue because of ER stress. The sections in the melatonin-administered and control groups were similar, with melatonin-administered groups showing an increase in the antioxidant ratio. Histometric examinations revealed both TMel and melatonin applications reduced the diameter of the tubules. However, immunohistochemical and molecular analyses showed that PMel administration decreased the concentration of GRP78 more effectively than TMel.

CONCLUSION

Applying melatonin prior to cell damage occurrence can be recommended for its effectiveness in protecting from tunicamycin-induced ER stress.

Melatonin epigenetic potential on testicular functions and fertility profile in varicocele rat model is mediated by Silent information regulator1

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Varicocele is a leading cause of male infertility. Melatonin is a highly pleiotropic neurohormone. We aimed to characterize the melatonin epigenetic potential in varicocele and the involved molecular mechanisms.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Fifty-two male albino rats were randomly divided into four groups (13 rats each): control (I), melatonin (II), varicocele (III) and melatonin treated varicocele (IV) groups. Left varicocele was induced by partial left renal vein ligation. Reproductive hormones, epididymal sperm functional parameters, testicular 3/17 β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases, antioxidant enzymes, malondialdehyde, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine and histopathological/Johnsen's score were evaluated. Flow cytometry and Comet were carried out to explore extent of sperm and testicular DNA damage. Testicular expression of silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1), forkhead transcription factors-class O (type1) (FOXO1), tumour suppressor gene, P53, cation channels of sperm (CatSper) and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein was evaluated by western blot technique. Testicular expression of Bcl-2 and its associated X protein and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells were assayed by immunohistochemical staining. Testicular miR-34a expression was quantified by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.

KEY RESULTS

The varicocele induced testicular histological injury, enhanced oxidative stress, P53-mediated apoptosis, DNA damage and increased testicular miR-34a expression paralleled with down-regulated SIRT1/FOXO axis. Melatonin treatment of varicocele rats displayed antioxidant/anti-apoptotic efficacy and improved reproductive hormones axis, CatSper expression and fertility parameters. MiR-34a/SIRT1/FOXO1 epigenetic axis integrates testicular melatonin mediated intracellular transduction cascades in varicocele.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

Melatonin can be used as an adjuvant therapy to improve varicocele and its complication.

Lycopene protects sperm from oxidative stress in the experimental varicocele model

Oxidative stress (OS) is an important parameter in the evaluation of infertility caused by varicocele. Antioxidants are the most commonly prescribed drugs in these patients. Lycopene molecule, as the powerful antioxidant in the carotenoid family, has beneficial effects on improving fertility in males. Therefore, we investigated the effects of lycopene on induced OS by varicocele in an animal model. Forty-five adult male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: control (n = 12) and varicocele (n = 33). Two months after induced varicocele, five rats in each group were sacrificed randomly and induced varicocele was investigated. Remained rats were divided into five groups (n = 7), including the control (I), varicocele (II), varicocele reserving solvent (III), varicocele reserving lycopene 4 mg/kg (IV), and 10 mg/kg (V) for two months. At the end of the experiment, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), %DNA damage, and antioxidant enzymatic levels were measured. The results indicated that there were significant increases in the levels of ROS, MDA, DNA damage, superoxide dismutase (SOD), sperm concentration, and motility in the varicocele groups compared with the control group. In the lycopene group (10 mg/kg), sperm concentration, the levels of TAC, and catalase (CAT) activity were improved so the levels of ROS, MDA, and %DNA damage were reduced compared with varicocele group. Our findings indicated that the administration of lycopene especially at a dose of 10 mg/kg in the varicocele group could protect sperm from OS and sperm DNA damage by increasing antioxidant activity and reducing ROS.

Polystyrene microplastics disrupt the blood-testis barrier integrity through ROS-Mediated imbalance of mTORC1 and mTORC2

It has been found that polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) exposure leads to decreased sperm quality and quantity, and we aim to explore the underlying mechanisms. Therefore, we gave 20 mg/kg body weight (bw) and 40 mg/kg bw 4 μm and 10 μm PS-MPs to male Balb/c mice by gavage. RNA sequencing of testes was performed. After PS-MPs exposure, blood-testis barrier (BTB) integrity was impaired. Since cytoskeleton was closely related to BTB integrity maintenance, and cytoskeleton disorganization could be induced by PS-MPs exposure in the testis, which resulted in the truncation of actin filaments and disruption of BTB integrity. Such processes were attributed to the differential expression of Arp3 and Eps8 (two of the most important actin-binding proteins). According to the transcriptome sequencing results, we examined the oxidative stress level in the testes and Sertoli cells. We found that PS-MPs exposure induced increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, which destroyed the balance between mTORC1 and mTORC2 (the mTORC1 activity was increased, while the mTORC2 activity was decreased). In conclusion, PS-MPs induced the imbalance of mTORC1 and mTORC2 via the ROS burst, and altered the expression profile of actin-binding proteins, resulting in F-actin disorganization and reduced expression of junctional proteins in the BTB. Eventually PS-MPs led to BTB integrity disruption and spermatogenesis dysfunction.

Oxidative Stress: A Comprehensive Review of Biochemical, Molecular, and Genetic Aspects in the Pathogenesis and Management of Varicocele

Oxidative stress is a condition due to an imbalance between the concentrations of oxidants and antioxidants, and it is a well-recognized contributor in several male infertility conditions. Varicocele, a common vascular condition, may cause male infertility due to hyperthermia, hypoxia and/or exposure to toxic adrenal and renal metabolites. In this review, the mechanisms by which oxidative stress can affect cellular integrity and functions are described, along with molecular markers of cellular oxidative damage, and the most commonly performed techniques for their detection in seminal fluid. Moreover, we focus on the role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of varicocele based on recently published evidence from omics based studies, such as proteomics and genomics. Finally, we discuss strategies for the management of oxidative stress and the clinical guidelines for testing oxidative stress-related sperm DNA fragmentation in this group of patients.

Scientometric and Methodological Analysis of the Recent Literature on the Health-Related Effects of Tomato and Tomato Products

The health benefits of tomato, a vegetable consumed daily in human diets, have received great attention in the scientific community, and a great deal of experiments have tested their utility against several diseases. Herein, we present a scientometric analysis of recent works aimed to estimate the biological effects of tomato, focusing on bibliographic metadata, type of testers, target systems, and methods of analysis. A remarkably variable array of strategies was reported, including testers obtained by standard and special tomatoes, and the use of in vitro and in vivo targets, both healthy and diseased. In vitro, 21 normal and 36 cancer human cell lines derived from 13 different organs were used. The highest cytotoxic effects were reported on cancer blood cells. In vivo, more experiments were carried out with murine than with human systems, addressing healthy individuals, as well as stressed and diseased patients. Multivariate analysis showed that publications in journals indexed in the agriculture category were associated with the use of fresh tomatoes; conversely, medicine and pharmacology journals were associated with the use of purified and formulate testers. Studies conducted in the United States of America preferentially adopted in vivo systems and formulates, combined with blood and tissue analysis. Researchers in Italy, China, India, and Great Britain mostly carried out in vitro research using fresh tomatoes. Gene expression and proteomic analyses were associated with China and India. The emerging scenario evidences the somewhat dichotomic approaches of plant geneticists and agronomists and that of cell biologists and medicine researchers. A higher integration between these two scientific communities would be desirable to foster the assessment of the benefits of tomatoes to human health.

The Nutraceutical N-Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) Reveals Widespread Molecular Effects Unmasking New Therapeutic Targets in Murine Varicocele

Varicocele is an age-related disease with no current medical treatments positively impacting infertility. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression is present in normal testis with an involvement in the immunological reactions. The role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α), a nuclear receptor, in fertility is still unclear. N-Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), an emerging nutraceutical compound present in plants and animal foods, is an endogenous PPAR-α agonist with well-demonstrated anti-inflammatory and analgesics characteristics. In this model of mice varicocele, PPAR-α and TLR4 receptors’ roles were investigated through the administration of ultra-micronized PEA (PEA-um). Male wild-type (WT), PPAR-α knockout (KO), and TLR4 KO mice were used. A group underwent sham operation and administration of vehicle or PEA-um (10 mg/kg i.p.) for 21 days. Another group (WT, PPAR-α KO, and TLR4 KO) underwent surgical varicocele and was treated with vehicle or PEA-um (10 mg/kg i.p.) for 21 days. At the end of treatments, all animals were euthanized. Both operated and contralateral testes were processed for histological and morphometric assessment, for PPAR-α, TLR4, occludin, and claudin-11 immunohistochemistry and for PPAR-α, TLR4, transforming growth factor-beta3 (TGF-β3), phospho-extracellular signal-Regulated-Kinase (p-ERK) 1/2, and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor (NLR) family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) Western blot analysis. Collectively, our data showed that administration of PEA-um revealed a key role of PPAR-α and TLR4 in varicocele pathophysiology, unmasking new nutraceutical therapeutic targets for future varicocele research and supporting surgical management of male infertility.

NLRP3 Inflammasome: A New Pharmacological Target for Reducing Testicular Damage Associated with Varicocele

Many bioactive natural compounds are being increasingly used for therapeutics and nutraceutical applications to counteract male infertility, particularly varicocele. The roles of selenium and Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) were investigated in an experimental model of varicocele, with particular regard to the role of NLRP3 inflammasome. Male rats underwent sham operation and were daily administered with vehicle, seleno-L-methionine (Se), PDRN, and with the association Se-PDRN. Another group of rats were operated for varicocele. After twenty-eight days, sham and varicocele rats were sacrificed and both testes were weighted and analyzed. All the other rats were challenged for one month with the same compounds. In varicocele animals, lower testosterone levels, testes weight, NLRP3 inflammasome, IL-1β and caspase-1 increased gene expression were demonstrated. TUNEL assay showed an increased number of apoptotic cells. Structural and ultrastructural damage to testes was also shown. PDRN alone significantly improved all considered parameters more than Se. The Se-PDRN association significantly improved all morphological parameters, significantly increased testosterone levels, and reduced NLRP3 inflammasome, caspase-1 and IL-1β expression and TUNEL-positive cell numbers. Our results suggest that NLRP3 inflammasome can be considered an interesting target in varicocele and that Se-PDRN may be a new medical approach in support to surgery.

Novel hydrogen-producing Si-based agent reduces oxidative stress, and improves sperm motility and in vitro fertilization rate in varicocoele

BACKGROUND

Varicocoele-induced male infertility potentially involves oxidative stress. Although varicocoelectomy is recommended for varicocoele patients presenting abnormal semen findings, no pharmacotherapeutic methods currently exist. We have recently developed a silicon-based agent that produces hydrogen by the reaction with water.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of oral administration of a Si-based agent on varicocoele rat.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-one rats were divided into four groups: varicocoele + normal diet (n = 5), varicocoele + Si-based agent-supplemented diet (n = 6), sham + normal diet (n = 5), and sham + Si-based agent-supplemented diet (n = 5). All rats were euthanized four weeks after surgery.

RESULTS

The mean left epididymal sperm motility was 74.4% in the sham group, 72.3% in the sham + Si group, 57.6% in the varicocoele group, and 66.9% in the varicocoele + Si group. Epididymal sperm motility was significantly lower in the varicocoele group, but was significantly higher upon Si-based agent ingestion (P < .01). The mean left testicular weight, Johnsen's score, and left epididymal sperm concentration did not differ significantly between groups. The 8-OHdG concentration and DNA fragmentation rate were significantly increased in the varicocoele group, but were significantly decreased in the Si-based agent intake group (P < .01). Additionally, the IVF rate was significantly lower in the varicocoele group (26.3%) compared with the sham group (73.4%; P < .01), and was significantly higher in the varicocoele + Si group (51.8%) compared with the varicocoele group (P < .05), indicating that the Si-based agent improves IVF rates.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Oral intake of the silicon-based agent improves epididymal sperm motility and in vitro fertilization rates through hydrogen production and subsequent reduction of oxidative stress. Considering the lack of effective noninvasive methods, this Si-based agent is potentially applicable for treating varicocoele-induced abnormal semen parameters.

Gui-A-Gra Attenuates Testicular Dysfunction in Varicocele-Induced Rats via Oxidative Stress, ER Stress and Mitochondrial Apoptosis Pathway

Gui-A-Gra, a commercial insect powder from Gryllus bimaculatus, is registered as an edible insect by the Korean food and drug administration. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Gui-A-Gra on testicular damage induced by experimental left varicocele in male Sprague Dawley rats. A total of 72 rats were randomly divided into the following six groups (12 rats in each group): a normal control group (CTR), a group administrated with Gui-A-Gra 1.63 gm/kg (G1.63), a group administrated with Gui-A-Gra 6.5 gm/kg (G6.5), a varicocele (VC)-induced control group (VC), a VC-induced group administrated with Gui-A-Gra 1.63 gm/kg (VC + G1.63), and a VC-induced group administrated with Gui-A-Gra 6.5 gm/kg (VC + G6.5). Rats were administrated 1.63 or 6.5 gm/kg Gui-A-Gra once daily for 42 days. Indicators of sperm parameters, histopathology, reproductive hormones, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial apoptosis were analyzed to evaluate effects of Gui-A-Gra on VC-induced testicular dysfunction. Gui-A-Gra administration to VC-induced rats significantly (p < 0.05) increased sperm count and sperm motility, Johnsen score, spermatogenic cell density, serum testosterone, testicular superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase, GPx4, and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) level. Moreover, pretreatment with Gui-A-Gra significantly (p < 0.05) decreased terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) positive cells/tubules, serum luteinizing hormone (LH), serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testicular tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS)/reactive nitrogen species (RNS) level, glucose-regulated protein-78 (Grp-78), phosphorylated c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (p-JNK), phosphorylated inositol-requiring transmembrane kinase/endoribonuclease 1α (p-IRE1α), cleaved caspase-3, and BCL2 associated X protein: B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bax: Bcl2) ratio in VC rats. These results suggest that protective effects of Gui-A-Gra on VC-induced testicular injury might be due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and androgenic activities that might be mediated via crosstalk of oxidative stress, ER stress, and mitochondrial apoptosis pathway.