Ameliorative effect of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni on sperm parameters, in vitro fertilization, and early embryo development in a streptozotocin-induced mouse model of diabetes

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common metabolic disease characterized by high blood sugar levels. It is well known that men with diabetes frequently experience reproductive disorders and sexual dysfunction. In fact, sperm quality has a significant effect on fertilization success and embryo development. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of Stevia rebaudiana hydroalcoholic extract on serum testosterone levels, sperm parameters, in vitro fertilization (IVF) success, and in vitro embryonic developmental potential to reach the blastocyst stage in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced mouse model of diabetes. In this research, 30 male mice were distributed randomly into control, diabetic (streptozotocin 150 mg/kg) and diabetic + Stevia (400 mg/kg) groups. The results revealed a decrease in body and testis weight and elevated blood fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels in the diabetic group, compared with the control. However, Stevia treatment significantly increased body and testis weight, while serum FBS levels were decreased compared with the diabetic group. In addition, Stevia significantly increased blood testosterone levels compared with the diabetic group. Moreover, sperm parameters were improved considerably by Stevia treatment compared with the diabetic group. Furthermore, Stevia administration significantly promoted IVF success rate and in vitro development of fertilized oocytes compared with the diabetic group. In summary, our data indicated that Stevia enhanced sperm parameters, IVF success, and in vitro embryonic developmental competency in diabetic mice, probably because of its antioxidant effects. Therefore, Stevia could ameliorate sperm parameters that, in turn, increase fertilization outcomes in experimental-induced diabetes.

Evaluation of the Effect of Vitamin E on Reproductive Parameters in Morphine-Treated Male Mice

Background

Morphine is a narcotic pain reliever that is prescribed to reduce postoperative pain and can produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). Therefore, it can have negative effects on spermatogenesis and male fertility. Vitamin E is an effective antioxidant which plays an important role in membrane lipid peroxidation due to increased ROS. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of vitamin E and morphine on sperm parameters, level of malondialdehyde (MDA), and diameter of seminiferous tubules in morphine-treated mice.

Methods

In this experimental study, 80 mice were divided into ten groups (n=8) including control, normal saline, vehicle, morphine, various doses of vitamin E (100, 200, 300 mg/kg), and morphine plus vitamin E (100, 200, 300 mg/kg) groups. The groups were followed up for 30 consecutive days. Sperm parameters, testis weight, the diameter of seminiferous tubules, and the level of MDA were analyzed and compared.

Findings

Data analysis showed seminal parameters decreased significantly (excluding sperm count) and there was an increase in the level of MDA in morphine-treated mice compared with the normal saline group (P<0.05). Administration of E100 to morphinetreated mice did not show a significant difference in the evaluated parameters compared with the morphine group. However, E200 and E300 significantly reduced MDA and improved sperm parameters (P≤0.05).

Conclusion

The results showed co-administration of vitamin E in high doses (200 & 300) could prevent the deleterious effects of morphine on some reproductive parameters and decrease the level of MDA in morphine-treated mice.

The effect of adding Rosmarinic and Ascorbic acids to vitrification media on fertilization rate of the mice oocyte: An experimental study

Background

Oocytes vitrification is a pivotal step for the widespread and safekeeping of animal genetic resources. Oocytes endure notable morphological and functional damage during cryopreservation. Oxidative stress is one of the adverse effects that vitrification imparts on oocytes.

Objective

In the present study, we investigated the antioxidant effect of Rosmarinic and Ascorbic acids on the quality and fertilizing ability of frozen-thawed mice oocyte.

Materials and Methods

In this experimental study, germinal vesicle oocytes obtained from two-months-old (30–40gr) NMRI mice were randomly divided into four groups. The basic cryoprotectants were 7.5% (v/v) ethylene glycol+7.5% (v/v) Propanediol as an equilibration media. Vitrification medium contained 15% (v/v) ethylene glycol+15% (v/v) propanediol, and 0.5 M sucrose. In the first group (Control), nothing was added to vitrification mediums, whereas, in the second and third groups, 0.5 mmol/L of Ascorbic acid and 105 µmol/L of Rosmarinic acid were added into vitrification medium, respectively. The cumulative concentration of Rosmarinic and Ascorbic acids were added to group 4. Mouse oocytes were vitrified and preserved for one month. The thawed oocytes were transferred into the α-MEM medium (Alpha Minimum Essential Medium) and maintained in this medium for 24 hr, to be matured and reach the metaphase II stage.

Results

The addition of Rosmarinic and Ascorbic acids to the vitrification solution improved the survival, maturation of Germinal vesicles, fertilization rate, and finally development to 4-cell stage. Maturation rates to 4-cell stage for Ascorbic acid, Rosmarinic acid, and both of them together were 80%, 80.76%, and 86.61%, respectively.

Conclusion

These results indicate that the addition of a cumulative concentration of 0.5 mmol/L Ascorbic acid and 105 µmol/L of Rosmarinic acid to the cryopreservation solution for the mouse immature oocytes would be of significant value (p< 0.01).

The effects of human menstrual blood stem cells-derived granulosa cells on ovarian follicle formation in a rat model of premature ovarian failure

Many studies have reported that human endometrial mesenchymal stem cells (HuMenSCs) are capable of repairing damaged tissues. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of HuMenSCs transplantation as a treatment modality in premature ovarian failure (POF) associated with chemotherapy-induced ovarian damage. HuMenSCs were isolated from menstrual blood samples of five women. After the in vitro culture of HuMenSCs, purity of the cells was assessed by cytometry using CD44, CD90, CD34, and CD45 FITC conjugate antibody. Twenty-four female Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: negative control, positive control, sham, and treatment groups. The rat models of POF used in our study were established by injecting busulfan intraperitoneally into the rats during the first estrus cycle. HuMenSCs were transplanted by injection via the tail vein into the POF-induced rats. Four weeks after POF induction, ovaries were collected and the levels of Amh, Fst, and Fshr expression in the granulosa cell (GC) layer, as well as plasma estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) levels were evaluated. Moreover, migration and localization of DiI-labeled HuMenSCs were detected, and the labeled cells were found to be localized in GCs layer of immature follicles. In addition to DiI-labelled HuMenSCs tracking, increased levels of expression of Amh and Fshr and Fst, and the high plasma levels of E2 and P4 confirmed that HuMenSC transplantation had a significant effect on follicle formation and ovulation in the treatment group compared with the negative control (POF) group.

Combined Effect of Retinoic Acid and Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor on Maturation of Mouse Oocyte and Subsequent Fertilization and Development

Background

Many autocrine and paracrine elements that are produced within follicular niche have been the focus of much in vitro maturation (IVM) research. The present study was carried out to compare retinoic acid (RA) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) efficacy on IVM of mouse oocytes, and their further dual consumption to reach an optimal protocol.

Materials and Methods

In this experimental study, germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes obtained from two-months-old NMRI mice were randomly divided into control, sham and three experimental groups. The basic culture medium was α-MEM supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS), 50 mg/l streptomycin, 60 mg/l penicillin and 10 ng/ ml epidermal growth factors. Each of the experimental groups received one of the following treatments: RA (2 µM), bFGF (20 ng/ml) or combination of RA and bFGF with the indicated concentrations. After 24 hours, capacitated spermatozoa were added to in vitro matured oocytes. Five hours later, the oocytes were cultured in fresh droplets of M2 medium for 24 hours and assessed for cleavage to the two-cells stage.

Results

As compared with the control group, the rate of maturation was significantly increased in the RA (P<0.001) and bFGF+RA (P<0.02) groups with 58 ± 10 and 57 ± 3.46, respectively. The rate of maturation was significant in the RA (P<0.02) and bFGF+RA (P<0.03) groups, in comparison with the bFGF group. The bFGF+RA group had higher rate (83 ± 1.52) of two-cells development, than control (33 ± 1, P<0.001).

Conclusion

Our findings showed beneficial effects of 2 µM RA and 20 ng/ml bFGF combination on mouse oocyte IVM.

The effect of the ovarian varicose vein on the DNA methylation in the rat's oocyte

Objective(s):

We intended to determine whether the ovarian varicose which is one of the common etiologies of the pelvic congestion syndrome, has the ability to interfere with the DNA methylation reprogramming in the oocyte and thereby affect the oocyte quality or not.

Materials and Methods:

Varicose model was induced according to the Turner’s method in the rats. Briefly, a 20-gauge needle was placed on the left renal vein and a thread was tied over both the needle and the renal vein medial to the insertion of the ovarian vein, and then the needle was removed. Evaluation of prooxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB) was assessed using specific kits and the expression level of the DNA methyltransferase genes Dnmt1, Dnmt3a and Dnmt3L was assessed by Real-time PCR. Immunofluorescent staining for 5-methylcytosine in the oocytes evaluated the global DNA methylation.

Results:

A significant PAB increase in the ovaries from varicose group was seen. Real-time PCR demonstrated a remarkable decrease in the expression of the Dnmt3a and Dnmt3L which are responsible for de novo DNA methylation in the oocytes. Immunofluorescent staining for 5-mC showed a reduction in the fluorescence intensity in the oocytes collected from the varicose group.

Conclusion:

Our findings from Real-time PCR and immunocytochemistry suggest that the epigenetic parameters in the oocyte could be affected by varicose induction and these epigenetic alteration has the potential to affect the oocyte quality. We suggest that the epigenetic changes could happen in the oocytes after the induction of ovarian varicose and lead to the oocyte quality reduction or even infertility.

The effects of unilateral varicose ovarian vein on antioxidant capacity and oocyte quality in rat ovary

OBJECTIVES

Several researchers have reported the relationship between infertility in male and varicocele for so many years but the implication of varicocele in female patients is remains elusive. Here, we aim to examine the effects of unilateral varicose ovarian vein on antioxidant capacity and oocyte quality of rat ovary after the experimental creation of varicocele in female rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, thirty adult female albino rats were divided into three equal groups: Group 1 as the control group has 10 rats, Group 2 as the sham group has 10 rats and they underwent a sham operation and finally Group 3 has the varicocele group has 10 rats. Antioxidant assays for superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase were performed using specific assay kits and gene expression for Bax, Bmp-15, Hsp-27 and Gdf-9 was done via real time PCR.

RESULTS

The adverse effects of the experimentally induced varicocele were reported and recorded on the left ovary compared to the right sided ovary (no varicocele induction) in the varicocele group. Real time PCR data shows that the expression of Gdf-9, Hsp-27 and Bmp-15 genes were all significantly reduced at p≤ 0.05.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study show that reduced gene expression of Bmp-15, Gdf-9 and Hsp-27, increased gene expression of bax and an imbalance between pro-oxidant/antioxidant ratio are few of the several mechanisms by which varicocele may lead to infertility in female.

Protective effect of beta-carotene against titanium dioxide nanoparticles induced apoptosis in mouse testicular tissue

In this study, the effects of beta-carotene (BC) on testicular germ cell apoptosis arising from titanium dioxide nanoparticles (NTiO2 ) have been evaluated. In NTiO2 -treated mice, expression of apoptotic related genes including Bid, FasL, caspase-3 and p38MAPK was significantly increased. Measurement apoptosis using TUNEL method showed significant increase in apoptotic index of germ cells in NTiO2 -treated mice (P < 0.05). TUNEL assessments showed that the increase of apoptotic index of testicular germ cells in NTiO2 -treated mice was reversed by BC. Beta-carotene pre-treatment could also effectively attenuate the expression of apoptotic related genes. The application of BC may serve as a beneficial medication to protect germ cells against apoptosis induced by nanoparticles and be helpful for male fertility.