Effects of sesame oil on the reproductive parameters of diabetes mellitus-induced male rats

Comparing of the effects of sesame oil and rapeseed oil versus suet oil and animal butter on the reproductive system of male rats

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of vegetable oils and animal oils on the reproductive system of male rats.

METHODS

This study was a random and observational study conducted on 36 male rats with the age of 6 weeks weighing 200 ± 20 grams. Different groups were fed by sesame oil, suet oil, rapeseed oil and animal butter. The control group was fed by standard food used normally to feed animals in the laboratories. At the end of six weeks, testosterone level changes and weight changes were compared among different groups. Data were analyzed by SPSS-IBM version 16.

RESULT

Weight changes among groups did not show a dramatic statistical difference (P = .571 > 0.005). Average weight in control group was 202 and about the male rats fed by 10% of animal butter and by sesame oil were 206.5 and 99, respectively. Weight changes among groups were significant (P value = 0.005 > 0.0004). The average testosterone level in the control group was 2.4. This value in the different groups fed by 10% oils, the maximum was 12.2 and the minimum was 1.35 assigned to animal butter and rapeseed oil, respectively. So we concluded that using 10% of different oils causes an increase in testosterone level (P value = 0.001 > 0.05). The maximum testosterone level was 3.6 in the rapeseed 20% group and lowest 0.45 in the sesame 20% group.

CONCLUSION

We found that animal oil-containing diet has no significant harmful effect on male rat reproductive system in comparison with plant oils.

The effect of Lycium barbarum on reproductive system and the expression of CRISP-1 protein in experimentally diabetic male rats

Aim: The main purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) on the male reproductive system and Crisp-1 protein expression in experimentally diabetic Wistar Albino male rats. Material and Method: In this study Wistar Albino male rats (3-4 months old) were randomly selected and divided into four groups; Control, LBP control (only LBP), Diabetic and Treatment (diabetic + LBP) group. For the experimental diabetes model, a single dose of 55 mg/kg STZ was injected intraperitoneally. In the treatment group, the diabetic rats were administered with 200 mg/kg of LBP by gastric gavage for 15 consecutive days. Results: In histological examinations, increased intertubular connective tissue, congestion, vacuolization and edema were observed in testicular tissues of the diabetic group. The histopathological changes were improved after LBP treatment. Also, the number of total sperm count and sperm motility were significantly increased in the treatment group. Our biochemical analysis results showed that the serum testosterone level were significantly increased and serum MDA level were significantly decreased after treatment with LBP. Compared to the diabetic group, the apoptotic cells were decreased in the treatment group. Crisp-1 protein expression was increased in the treatment group, Crisp-1 possitive vesicle-like structures and apical blebs were also examined in the epididymal tissues. Conclusion: It is concluded that Lycium barbarum polysaccharides have a therapeutic effect on the male reproductive damages of diabetes and also enhances Crisp-1 protein expression in the epididymis.

Oxidative Stress and Male Infertility: Role of Herbal Drugs

Infertility is a universal health problem affecting 15% of couples, out of which 20-30% cases are due to male infertility. The leading causes of male infertility include hormonal defects, physical reasons, sexual problems, hazardous environment, stressful lifestyle, genetic factors, epigenetic factors, and oxidative stress. Various physiological functions involve reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitrogen species at appropriate levels for proper smooth functioning. ROS control critical reproductive processes such as capacitation, acrosomal reaction, hyperactivation, egg penetration, and sperm head decondensation. The excessive free radicals or imbalance between ROS and endogenous antioxidant enzymes damages sperm membrane by inducing lipid peroxidation causing mitochondrial dysfunction and DNA damage that eventually lead to male infertility. Numerous synthetic products are available in the market to treat infertility problems, largely ending in side effects and repressing symptoms. Ayurveda contains a particular group of Rasayana herbs, called vajikarana, that deals with nourishment and stimulation of sexual tissues, improves male reproductive vitality, and deals with oxidative stress via antioxidant mechanism. The present study aims to describe oxidative stress and the role of herbal drugs in treating male infertility.

Standardized Extract of Costus Afer Ker. Gawl leaves Modulates Reproductive Toxicity Caused by FructoseStreptozotocin Administration in Type-2 Diabetic Rats Model

Background: Co-administration of streptozotocin and fructose is believed to induce type 2 diabetes as well as to cause reproductive toxicity and testicular damage via increasing oxidative stress in rats. Objectives: In this study, the potential protective effect of Costus afer leaves methanol extract (CAME) on andrological parameters and pituitary-gonadal axis hormones of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in rats treated with streptozotocin and fructose was investigated. Methods: A total of 35 rats were divided into five groups, each including seven rats. Group 1 received normal saline, whereas T2D was induced in rats from groups 2, 3, 4, and 5. Group 2 served as diabetic control; while groups 3, 4, and 5 were treated orally with 12 mg/kg body weight (BW) of metformin as well as 100 and 200 BW of CAME, respectively, for 4 weeks. Hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal responses, andrological parameters, DNA fragmentation, and oxidative stress parameters of the reproductive organs were examined in all treatment groups. Results: Administration of CAME reduced the degenerative changes in testes, epididymis and improved pituitary-gonadal axis hormone concentrations, and sperm morphology occasioned by the treatments. Conclusion: It was concluded that the administration of CAME ameliorated reproductive abnormalities in T2D rat models treated with streptozotocin-fructose administration.

A comprehensive review on Sesamum indicum L.: Botanical, ethnopharmacological, phytochemical, and pharmacological aspects

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Sesamum indicum L. (Pedaliaceae) is an annual plant, which has been domesticated for well over 5000 years. It is widely cultivated for its seeds and is one of the oldest known oilseed crops. Traditionally, its seeds, seed oil, and different organs of the plant have been used to treat various diseases or conditions like ulcers, asthma, wound healing, amenorrhea, hemorrhoids, inflammations, etc. AIM OF THE REVIEW: The main aim of this review is to provide an outline and to assess the reported ethnopharmacological, phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological studies of Sesamum indicum L.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An extensive literature survey was done on various search engines like PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, SciFinder, Google Scholar, Science direct, etc. Other literature sources like Wikipedia, Ethnobotanical books, Chapters were also studied to get maximum information possible on the Sesamum indicum L.

RESULTS

Over 160 different phytochemical compounds have been characterized and isolated from seeds, seed oil, and various plant organs, including lignans, polyphenols, phytosterols, phenols, anthraquinones, naphthoquinones, triterpenes, cerebroside, fatty acids, vitamins, proteins, essential amino acids, and sugars using suitable analytical techniques (e.g., LC-MS, GC-MS, HPTLC, HPLC). All the reported pharmacological activities like antioxidant, anticancer, antipyretic, antihypertensive, hepatoprotective, and anti-inflammatory are due to the virtue of these phytochemical compounds.

CONCLUSION

This review mainly highlights the botanical aspect of Sesamum indicum and its phytochemical constituents, ethnomedicinal uses, different pharmacological activities followed by ongoing clinical trials and future prospects. Sesamum indicum has great importance in traditional Indian medicine, which is further supported by modern pharmacological studies, especially in hepatoprotection, inflammation, and cancer. Several researchers have suggested that Sesamum indicum extracts and isolated compounds could have a wide therapeutic potency range. More research is needed to uncover key features of Sesamum indicum in medical practice, such as structure-activity relationships, toxicity, and therapeutic potential. In order to fully explore the plant's potential, safety assessments and implementation of an integrated cultivation method are also areas that need to investigate.

Protective Effects of Sesamin on Cytoxan-Induced Spermatogenesis Dysfunction by Regulating RNF8-ubH2A/ubH2B Pathways in Male Mice

Most of the clinically infertile patients show spermatogenesis dysfunction. Cyclophosphamide, as an anticancer drug, can induce spermatogenesis dysfunction. Sesamin is the main bioactive component of natural lignans in sesame. It is abundant in sesame oil and has strong biological activities such as antioxidant, antibacterial, and hypoglycemic properties. By establishing the model of spermatogenic dysfunction induced by cyclophosphamide in male mice and then feeding sesamin (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) for 2 weeks, we proved that sesamin can improve the reproductive organ damage induced by cyclophosphamide and increase the number and activity of sperms. Sesamin can resist cyclophosphamide-induced sperm nuclear maturity and DNA damage by increasing the expression levels of histones H2A and H2B in the testis. In addition, sesamin can improve the ubiquitination of histones regulated by RNF8 to protect the testis. In conclusion, these results suggest that sesamin can improve spermatogenic dysfunction induced by cyclophosphamide, which may be mediated by ubiquitination of histones.

Can troxerutin pretreatment prevent testicular complications in prepubertal diabetic male rats?

OBJECTIVE

The vast majority of type 1 diabetes leads to a higher prevalence of reproductive system's impairments. Troxerutin has attracted much attention owing to its favorable properties, including antihyperglycemic, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects. This investigation was proposed to evaluate whether pretreatment with troxerutin could prevent apoptosis-induced testicular disorders in prepubertal diabetic rats.

METHODS

Fifty prepubertal male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into five groups: control (C), troxerutin (TX), diabetic (D), diabetic+troxerutin (DTX), and diabetic+insulin (DI). Diabetes was induced by 55 mg/kg of streptozotocin applied intraperitoneally. In TX and DTX groups, 150 mg/kg troxerutin was administered by oral gavage. Diabetic rats in DI group received 2-4 U NPH insulin subcutaneously. Troxerutin and insulin treatments were begun immediately on the day of diabetes confirmation. After 30 days, the testicular lipid peroxidation and antioxidant activity, apoptosis process, and stereology as well as serum glucose and insulin levels were assessed.

RESULTS

The results showed that diabetes caused a significant increase in the blood glucose, the number of TUNEL positive cells and tubules, and the malondialdehyde level as well as a significant decrease in serum insulin level compared to controls. The stereological analysis also revealed various alterations in diabetic rats compared to controls. Troxerutin treatment improved these alterations compared to the diabetic group.

CONCLUSION

Troxerutin-pretreatment may play an essential role in the management of the type-1 diabetes-induced testicular disorders by decreasing blood glucose and modulating apoptosis.

The effects of sesame oil and different doses of estradiol on testicular structure, sperm parameters, and chromatin integrity in old mice

Objective

Studies of the effects of estrogens on the male reproductive system have emphasized the role of these hormones in male fertility. Sesame oil has many phytoestrogenic compounds and may improve male fertility. This study investigated the effects of sesame oil and different concentrations of estrogen on sperm parameters and DNA integrity in male mice.

Methods

Twenty old NMRI (The Naval Medical Research Institute) male mice (40 weeks; weight, 30–35 g) were treated with sesame oil or different concentrations of estrogen (estradiol, 1 and 10 μL/kg/day) or received no treatment (controls). After 35 days, sperm parameters and DNA integrity were assessed and analyzed.

Results

Sperm count, progressive motility, and morphology were decreased in the group that received 10 μL/kg of estradiol. A remarkably lower percentage of DNA fragmentation and protamine deficiency were detected in the group that received 1 μL/kg of estradiol. In the groups that received sesame oil and 1 μL/kg of estradiol, the numbers of spermatogonia and Leydig cells were higher than in controls. The combination of sesame oil and 1 μL/kg of estradiol led to improved sperm parameters and chromatin and testicular structure.

Conclusion

Based on this study, consumption of sesame oil and a low concentration of estradiol may improve testicular function in older mice.

Herbal foodstuffs in Avicenna's recommended diet to improve sperm quality and increase male fertility; an evidence-based approach

Attention to diet was considered important issues in improvement of men infertility in Persian Medicine (PM). The purpose of this study was to extract herbal foodstuffs introduced by Avicenna, one of the greatest PM physicians to improve the semen production and to provide evidence of their impact on the basis of current studies."Canon of Medicine", the most important Avecinna's book, was searched with keywords equivalent to semen, fertility and infertility, main herbal foodstuffs were extracted and was searched with keywords sperm, semen, infertility, and fertility in Google scholar, PubMed and Scopus databases. Manuscripts from 1950 up to December 2019 were selected and reviewed. Almond, Onion, Chickpea, Garlic, Coconut, Palm date, Sesame, Fenugreek, Carrot, Fig, Grapes, Pistachio, Hazelnut and Walnut are among main foodstuffs which recommended by Avicenna and there is also evidence that they have positive effects on testosterone production and improvement of various sperm parameters, including count, motility and morphology. Containing large amount of different macro and micronutrients such as vitamins including vit B, C, A and E, minerals such as Mg, Se, Zn, Cu and Fe, important unsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic and oleic acids, amino acids such as lysine and arginine and phytochemicals such as polyphenols, flavonoids, triterpenes and steroids can be considered as a main factor in the effectiveness of these foodstuffs. Designing a diet based on the fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds that Avicenna has recommended, may be effective in treating male infertility but further studies are needed to clarify this issue. Research on the effectiveness of his other recommended foodsuffs may also offer new treatments and supplements for this purpose.

Loganin alleviates testicular damage and germ cell apoptosis induced by AGEs upon diabetes mellitus by suppressing the RAGE/p38MAPK/NF-κB pathway

Diabetes mellitus (DM) damages male reproduction at multiple levels, such as endocrine secretion, spermatogenesis and penile erection. We herein investigated the protective effects and mechanism of loganin targeting the advanced glycation end products (AGEs)/receptor for AGEs (RAGE)/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK)/NF-κB signalling pathway. Loganin relieved the general DM symptoms and decreased the blood glucose level of KK-Ay DM mice. Haematoxylin-eosin staining demonstrated that loganin ameliorated testicular histology and function and enhanced the activities of testis-specific markers lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), acid phosphatase (ACP) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT). Loganin also showed evident anti-oxidative stress, anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects on DM-induced reproductive damage by restoring glutathione (GSH) level and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, as well as reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio in vivo and in vitro. Western blotting exhibited that loganin significantly inhibited the AGEs/RAGE/p38MAPK/NF-κB signalling pathway. Acridine orange and ethidium bromide staining (AOEB) and Western blotting showed that loganin in combination with inhibitors of RAGE, p38MAPK and NF-κB exerted stronger anti-apoptotic effects on AGE-induced GC-2 cell damage compared with loganin alone. In conclusion, loganin can protect against DM-induced reproductive damage, probably by suppressing the AGEs/RAGE/p38MAPK/NF-κB pathway.

Effects of Myricitrin and Solid Lipid Nanoparticle-Containing Myricitrin on Reproductive System Disorders Induced by Diabetes in Male Mouse

Purpose

The present study investigates the effects of myricitrin and solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) containing myricitrin on the reproductive system of type 2 diabetic male mice.

Materials and Methods

In this experimental study, SLN containing myricitrin was prepared by the cold homogenization method. Then, 90 adult male Naval Medical Research Institute mice were divided into 9 groups (n=10): control, vehicle, diabetic, diabetic+myricitrin or SLN containing myricitrin 1, 3, and 10 mg/kg. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (65 mg/kg) 15 minutes after nicotinamide (120 mg/kg) injection. Myricitrin and SLN containing myricitrin administered during 1 month. At the 34th days of the experiment, plasma and tissue samples were taken for experimental assessments.

Results

Testis weight and volume decreased in the diabetic group. These variables increased in diabetic treated mice by a high dose of myricitrin or all doses of SLN containing myricitrin (p<0.05). Total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase levels decreased in diabetic mice, and administration of myricitrin 10 mg/kg or all doses of SLN containing myricitrin increased them (p<0.05). Luteinizing hormone, Follicle-stimulating hormone, testosterone, and sperm count decreased in the diabetic group, treatment with a high dose of myricitrin or all doses of SLN containing myricitrin recovered them (p<0.05). Diabetes induced vacuoles and apoptosis in testicular cells, meanwhile myricitrin and SLN containing myricitrin improved them (p<0.05).

Conclusions

Diabetes induced reproductive problem via increased oxidative stress and decrease antioxidant capacity, administration of myricitrin or SLN containing myricitrin improved them. Further, SLN containing myricitrin was more potent than myricitrin.

The effect of vitamin E & vitamin B on sperm function in rat varicocele model

We assessed the effect of vitamin E and vitamin B (Vit E & Vit B) and their combination on sperm functional parameters in the rat varicocele model. Male rats (n = 120) were divided into control (n = 30), sham (n = 30) and varicocele induction (n = 60) groups. After 2 months, 10 rats from each group were sacrificed to verify varicocele model. This part of results showed that sperm parameters, DNA damage, lipid peroxidation and residual histone were adversely effected in the varicocele group. From the 50 remaining rats in varicocele group, 10 rats received Vit B complex (6, 9.6, 30.4, 9.6 and 0.006 mg/kg for B6, B2, B9, B1 and B12 respectively), 10 rats received Vit E (40 mg/kg), 10 rats received Vit B & E, 10 rats only received water and 10 rats were only received sesame oil as a solvent for Vit E, for 2 months. From 40 remaining rats in control and sham groups, 20 rats only received water and other 20 rats only received sesame oil for 2 months. Then, all the aforementioned parameters were assessed. These results showed that Vit B antioxidant was more efficient in improvement of sperm parameters, chromatin integrity and lipid peroxidation in varicocelized rats compared with Vit E.

Protective effects of catalpol on diabetes mellitus-induced male reproductive damage via suppression of the AGEs/RAGE/Nox4 signaling pathway

AIMS

Diabetes mellitus (DM)-induced reproductive damage is an important cause of infertility for male DM patients, we herein evaluated the effects of catalpol on diabetic reproductive damage through the suppression of the AGEs/RAGE/Nox4 signaling pathway.

METHODS

KK-Ay diabetic reproductive damage mice were administered with catalpol for 8 weeks, the testis/body weight ratio, testicular histopathology, the levels of endogenous hormone and the activity of testicular marker enzymes were determined. In vitro, the GC-2 cell injury model was induced by advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) and pretreated with catalpol. Cell viability, apoptosis, and oxidative stress markers were detected and the mechanism based on the AGEs/RAGE/Nox4 pathway was explored.

KEY FINDINGS

Catalpol showed remarkable capacity on protecting diabetic reproductive damage by improving the histomorphology of the testes, increasing the testis/body weight ratio and activity of acid phosphatase (ACP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), gamma-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT). The reduced testosterone (T), luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in DM mice were also reversed with catalpol intervention. Moreover, catalpol showed markedly effects of anti-oxidative in vivo and in vitro, which significantly down-regulated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and restored superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, meanwhile decreased GC-2 cell apoptosis and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Moreover, the over-expression of receptors for AGEs (RAGE), NADPH oxidase type 4 (Nox4) and phosphorylation of nuclear transcription factor-κB p65 (NF-κB p65) were suppressed by catalpol.

SIGNIFICANCE

Catalpol could alleviate DM-induced male reproductive damage by inhibiting oxidative stress-induced apoptosis and inflammation mediated by AGEs/RAGE/Nox4 signaling pathway.

Beneficial treatment effects of dietary nitrate supplementation on testicular injury in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats

RESEARCH QUESTION

Do low doses of dietary nitrate help to attenuate the progression of diabetic reproductive disorders in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats?

DESIGN

Fifty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: controls receiving distilled water; controls receiving 100 mg/l nitrate in distilled water; diabetic rats receiving distilled water; diabetic rats receiving insulin 2-4 U/day of neutral protamine hagedorn insulin; and diabetic rats receiving 100 mg/l nitrate in distilled water. Diabetes was induced by 45 mg/kg streptozotocin. Nitrate and insulin treatment were started 4 weeks after diabetes induction for 8 weeks. Serum insulin, nitrogen oxide, stereology of testis, apoptosis, sperm parameters, and mRNA expression of Pdcd4, Pacs2, p53 and miR-449a were assessed at the end of the study.

RESULTS

Blood glucose, apoptotic index of seminiferous tubules and expression of p53, Pdcd4, and Pacs2 mRNA were significantly higher in the diabetic rats (P < 0.001). Decreased body weight, serum insulin and nitrogen oxide level, and miR-449a were observed in the diabetic group (P < 0.01 for insulin; P < 0.001 for others). Most sperm parameters and stereological results differed between diabetic and control rats; nitrate recovered almost all these alterations, including dead spermatozoa, sperm motility grade, sperm deformity index, spermatozoa with damaged DNA, malformations in abnormal spermatozoa, total volume of seminiferous tubule, germinal epithelium, capsule, lumen, interstitial tissue, seminiferous tubule diameter, germinal epithelium height, the number of spermatogenic, Sertoli and Leydig cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with sodium nitrate could modulate apoptosis, which is a major cause of diabetic testicular disorder. These experiments suggest that nitric oxide plays an important role in the function of the reproductive system.

Protective effects of sodium nitrate against testicular apoptosis and spermatogenesis impairments in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats

AIMS

As nitric oxide (NO) production is essential for insulin signaling, glucose uptake, endothelial function, and regulation of apoptosis, the loss of bioavailable NO may be a mechanism underlying the development of diabetes complication. Dietary nitrate acts as a substrate for NO generation, thus serving as a physiological source of NO. This study evaluated the therapeutic effects of nitrate supplementation on the apoptosis-induced testicular disorders in diabetic rats.

MAIN METHODS

Fifty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups; control, control with 100 mg/L nitrate in distilled drinking water, diabetes, diabetes treated with 2-4 U/day NPH insulin, diabetes treated with 100 mg/L nitrate in distilled drinking water. After 8 weeks, blood samples, testis, and epididymis were collected to assess the apoptosis process and the stereology of testis tissue, sperm motility, morphology and DNA fragmentation, and also mRNA expression of miR-449a, p53, Pdcd4, and Pacs2 mRNA, as well as serum glucose, insulin, and NOx levels were investigated.

KEY FINDINGS

The results of this study indicated that nitrate treatment ameliorated the sperm parameters, testicular morphometrical and stereological alterations, reduced blood glucose, the number of TUNEL positive cells and tubules, and testicular expressions of p53, Pdcd4, and Pacs2 mRNA as well as increased body weight, serum insulin and NOx levels, and testicular expression of miR-449a in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our in vivo evidence revealed that nitrate treatment may has a favorable effect as an exogenous NO donor on experimental diabetic testicular damages in which NO bioavailability is impaired.

Protective effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide on male sexual dysfunction and fertility impairments by activating hypothalamic pituitary gonadal axis in streptozotocin-induced type-1 diabetic male mice

Diabetes-associated male sexual dysfunction and fertility impairments are both common clinical complications with limited therapeutic options; hence it seriously affects the quality of life of the patients, in particular, the patients of reproductive age. Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) has long being believed to maintain and to promote reproductive functions in the traditional medical practice in China. The current study was to investigate if LBP may contribute to recovery of male sexual dysfunction and fertility impairments in diabetic individuals. The effects of LBP on sexual behaviors and histological changes of testis were studied in the type-1 diabetes male mice induced by intra-peritoneal (i.p.) injection of streptozotocin (STZ). After oral administration of LBP (10, 20 or 40 mg/kg), sildenafil citrate (SC, 5 mg/kg) or saline for 62 consecutive days, the typical abnormal changes in the sperm parameters, in relative weight of reproductive organs and in morphology of testis were observed in diabetic mice. LBP treatment of the diabetic mice considerably reversed those changes and Johnsen's testicular score, serum testosterone (T), follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) level were also increased to different degrees. Moreover, our data have also shown that a marked improvement in sexual behavior and fertility level after administration of LBP (40 mg/kg) compared to the diabetic group. These results suggested that LBP can exert functional recovery of male sexual dysfunction and fertility damages induced by diabetes in male mice, which is likely to be mediated through regulating the hypothalamus- pituitary-gonadal axis endocrine activity.

The calcium-sensing receptor participates in testicular damage in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Male infertility caused by testicular damage is one of the complications of diabetes mellitus. The calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) is expressed in testicular tissues and plays a pivotal role in calcium homeostasis by activating cellular signaling pathways, but its role in testicular damage induced by diabetes remains unclear. A diabetic model was established by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 40 mg kg⁻¹) in Wistar rats. Animals then received GdCl₃ (an agonist of CaSR, 8.67 mg kg⁻¹), NPS-2390 (an antagonist of CaSR, 0.20 g kg⁻¹), or a combination of both 2 months after STZ injection. Diabetic rats had significantly lower testes weights and serum levels of testosterone compared to healthy rats, indicating testicular damage and dysfunction in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Compared with healthy controls, the testicular tissues of diabetic rats overexpressed the CaSR protein and had higher levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), lower superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity, and higher numbers of apoptotic germ cells. The testicular tissues from diabetic rats also expressed lower levels of Bcl-2 and higher levels of Bax and cleaved caspase-3 in addition to higher phosphorylation rates of c-Jun NH₂-terminal protein kinase (JNK), p38, and extracellular signaling-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2. The above parameters could be further increased or aggravated by the administration of GdCl₃, but could be attenuated by injection of NPS-2390. In conclusion, the present results indicate that CaSR activation participates in diabetes-induced testicular damage, implying CaSR may be a potential target for protective strategies against diabetes-induced testicular damage and could help to prevent infertility in diabetic men.

Ferulic acid prevents lead-induced testicular oxidative stress and suppressed spermatogenesis in rats

Lead affects multiple organ systems including testis. We investigated the effects of ferulic acid (FA) on lead-induced oxidative stress and spermatogenesis suppression in rats. Animals received lead acetate (500 mg/L in drinking water) and/or FA (50 mg/kg, i.g.) for eight weeks. Lead increased testicular malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitrite levels and decreased glutathione (GSH) content and catalase (CAT) activity. Lead decreased testis weight and testosterone level. Sperm parameters decreased in lead group. FA ameliorated the decreased testis weight, serum testosterone as well as sperm count, viability, motility and normal morphology in lead group. FA improved antioxidant capacity as well as sperm count, viability, motility and normal morphology. FA decreased Johnsen's mean testicular biopsy score (MTBS) criteria by restoring degeneration, atrophy and tubular disarrangement. FA also normalised spermatogonia, spermatocytes and spermatids numbers in lead group and led to increases in number of Leydig and Sertoli cells. FA showed beneficial effects in lead-induced testicular oxidative stress and spermatological disorders, through inhibiting lipid peroxidation and enhancing antioxidant defence systems. The positive effects of FA on Leydig cells may be involved in restoring testosterone levels in lead group. FA can be considered a potential candidate to protect testis against the deleterious effect of lead intoxication.

Effects of Vernonia cinerea on reproductive performance in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

The present study investigated the effects of Vernonia cinerea (VC) on the reproductive function in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic male rats. Six-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: group 1, normal control rats; group 2, diabetic untreated rats; group 3, diabetic rats treated with VC (10 mg/kg); and group 4, diabetic rats treated with VC (40 mg/kg). Diabetes mellitus (DM) was induced by intraperitoneal injection of STZ (60 mg/kg). All animals were treated for 30 consecutive days. Body weight, blood glucose, food intake, epididymal sperm parameters, testicular microstructure and serum testosterone levels were evaluated. VC treatment significantly restored the sperm motility and testosterone concentration, and decreased the testicular histopathological changes in DM rats. Moreover, high-dose VC exhibited an antidibetic activity and significantly improved the sperm count. In conclusion, we found, for the first time, that administration of VC significantly restored the testicular function and testosterone concentration in diabetic male rats.

Effects of Hydro-Alcoholic Extract of Rhus coriaria (Sumac) Seeds on Reproductive Complications of Nicotinamide-Streptozotocin Induced Type-2 Diabetes in Male Mice

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the hydro-alcoholic extract of Rhus coriaria seeds on the reproductive system of nicotinamide-streptozotocin-induced type-2 diabetic mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this experimental study, 56 male Naval Medical Research Institute mice were randomly divided into seven groups (n=8): control; diabetic mice; diabetic mice administered glibenclamide (0.25 mg/kg); diabetic mice who received the hydro-alcoholic extract of R. coriaria seeds (200 and 400 mg/kg groups); and normal mice who received this extract (200 and 400 mg/kg groups). Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal administration of streptozotocin (65 mg/kg) 15 minutes after an injection of nicotinamide (120 mg/kg). Then, glibenclamide and the above mentioned extract were administered orally for 28 consecutive days. Twenty-four hours after the last treatment, serum samples, the testes, and the cauda epididymis were removed immediately for hormonal, testis morphology, and sperm parameter assessments.

RESULTS

Body and testicular weight, sperm count and viability, and serum luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone and testosterone levels were significantly lower in the diabetic mice (p<0.05). The diabetic mice treated with 400 mg/kg of the hydro-alcoholic extract of R. coriaria seeds recovered from these reductions (p<0.05). Further, glibenclamide alleviated hormonal and sperm count depletion in diabetes-induced mice (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The present results indicated that the hydro-alcoholic extract of R. coriaria seeds has anti-infertility effects in diabetic males.

Modulation of diabetes-mellitus-induced male reproductive dysfunctions in experimental animal models with medicinal plants

Today diabetes mellitus has emerged as a major healthcare problem throughout the world. It has recently broken the age barrier and has been diagnosed in younger people also. Sustained hyperglycemia is associated with many complications including male reproductive dysfunctions and infertility. Numerous medicinal plants have been used for the management of the diabetes mellitus in various traditional system of medicine and in folklore worldwide as they are a rich source of bioactive phytoconstituents, which lower blood glucose level and/or also act as antioxidants resulting in the amelioration of oxidative-stress-induced diabetic complications. The present review describes the ameliorative effects of medicinal plants or their products, especially on male reproductive dysfunctions, in experimental diabetic animal models.

Chlorophytum borivilianum (Safed Musli) root extract prevents impairment in characteristics and elevation of oxidative stress in sperm of streptozotocin-induced adult male diabetic Wistar rats

Background

We hypothesized that C. borivilianum root, known to improve male reproductive performance, prevents impairment in characteristics, morphology and elevation of oxidative stress in sperm of diabetics. We therefore investigated the effect of aqueous root extract of C. borivilianum on these parameters in diabetic rat model.

Methods

C. borivilianum root aqueous extract (250 and 500 mg/kg/day) or glibenclamide (600 μg/kg/day) were administered to streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic male rats for 28 consecutive days. At the end of treatment, animals were sacrificed and sperm were collected. Sperm count and percentages of forward motility, viability, hypoosmotic swelling (HOS) tail-coiled and abnormal sperm were evaluated. Sperm lipid peroxidation product (LPO), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and nitric oxide (NO) levels, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), activity levels of endogenous antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase-SOD, catalase-CAT and glutathione peroxidase-GPx), epididymal sperm density, serum fasting blood glucose (FBG) and HbA1c levels were measured. The expression of sperm caspase-3 was assessed. Meanwhile, in-vitro free radical scavenging activity of C. borivilianum root extract was determined and the root extract was analyzed for the presence of bioactive compounds by FTIR spectroscopy.

Results

C. borivilianum root aqueous extract prevents the decrease in sperm count, percentages of forward motility, viability, HOS and the increase in abnormal sperm percentage and caspase-3 level in diabetic rats. Sperm LPO, H₂O₂ and NO levels, FBG and HbA1c were lower while TAC, SOD, CAT, GPx and epididymal sperm density were higher in diabetic rats receiving C. borivilianum root extract treatment. C. borivilianum root exhibited strong in-vitro free radical scavenging activity which may be due to the phenolic compound.

Conclusions

C. borivilianum root extract prevents impairment in sperm characteristics and morphology via preventing elevation of oxidative stress, apoptosis and free radicals levels of the sperm in diabetes. These effects may be achieved through maintaining sperm antioxidant level which could be related to free radical scavenging activity of the root extract by phenolic compounds. These effects could also be due to ability of the extract to maintain near normal serum FBG and HBA1c levels in diabetes.