Impairment of sperm efficiency in mice following short-term nano-titanium dioxide exposure: An experimental study

Background

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) are widely used in many compounds. Recent evidence has displayed some cytotoxic effects of TiO2NPs on male reproduction.

Objective

The effects of TiO2NP administration on sperm parameters and chromatin and seminiferous histopathology of male mice were investigated.

Materials and Methods

In this experimental study, 32 NMRI male mice (35 ± 3 gr, 8-12-week-old) were divided into four groups (n = 8/each): treated groups were fed orally with 2.5 (group I), 5 (group II) and 10 (group III) mg/kg/day TiO2NPs for 40 days and the control group received phosphate buffered saline. Sperm parameters, DNA integrity and chromatin quality were assessed using chromomycin A3, aniline blue, toluidine blue staining and TUNEL. Hematoxylin eosin staining was performed to measure spermatogenic cells and the total diameter of seminiferous tubules. Also, sex hormone and malondyaldehyde levels were measured.

Results

Abnormal sperm tails rose in group III (28.87 ± 4.91) in comparison with the control group (12.75 ± 3.95). However, chromomycin A3 staining and TUNEL showed higher levels in group III in comparison with the control group, whereas aniline blue and toluidine blue staining showed no differences. A significantly lower spermatogenesis index and lumen parameters were observed in group III. Leydig cell numbers, cellular diameters and the area of the seminiferous tubules were lower in the treated groups. The testosterone level was also lower in these groups and the percentage of malondyaldehyde in the seminal fluid was higher.

Conclusion

Exact mechanisms of TiO2NPs are not clear; however, cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of TiO2NPs may relate to oxidative stress. Given their widespread use, TiO2NPs should be a public health focus of attention.

The effects of morphine abuse on sperm parameters, chromatin integrity and apoptosis in men

OBJECTIVE

Morphine is one of the major psychoactive chemicals in opium that can increase the production of free radicals and thus can negatively affect spermatogenesis. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the effects of morphine consumption on sperm parameters, DNA integrity and apoptosis in men taking morphine.

METHODS

In this case-control study, 30 man abusing morphine (cases) and 30 healthy men (controls) were compared in sperm parameters (count, motility and morphology) and sperm chromatin quality, with Aniline Blue (AB), Toluidine blue (TB) and Chromomycin A3 (CMA3) stains. The participants were matched for age, weight, amount and duration of cigarette smoking.

RESULTS

In men with morphine dependency, sperm progressive and total motility (p=0.038 and p=0.000, respectively) showed a significant decrease compared to the control group. Concerning morphine abuse, although morphine can decrease the sperm chromatin condensation and increases the rate of sperm apoptosis, these differences were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

According to our results morphine dependence can reduce male fertility by affecting sperm parameters.

The probable destructive mechanisms behind COVID-19 on male reproduction system and fertility

PURPOSE

The present study aims to summarize the current understanding of probable mechanisms and claims of adverse effects of SARS-CoV-2 on male fertility potential.

METHODS

Our search was including original articles, reviews, guidelines, letters to the editor, comments on guidelines, and editorials, regarding the male reproductive system. We used the words SARS-CoV-2, coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, "2019 ncov," testis, sperm, male factor infertility, fertility treatment, semen, assisted reproductive technology (ART), sexual transmission, and ACE2.

RESULTS

Data showed coronavirus affects men more than women because of more expression of 2019 nCoV receptors (ACE2 and TMPRSS2) in testicular cells. Also, "Bioinformatics Analysis" suggests that sperm production may be damaged, since "Pseudo Time Analysis" has shown disruption in spermatogenesis. "Gene Ontology" (GO) showed an increase in viral reproduction and a decrease in sperm production-related terms. Recently, SARS-COV-2 mRNA and protein were detected in the semen of patients that had recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Therefore, the probable disruption of blood-testis barrier (BTB) in febrile diseases is suspected in the acute phase of the disease enabling viral entry into the testes. Not only is spermatogenesis disturbed, but also disturbs gonadotropin, androgens, and testosterone secretion during SARS-CoV-2 infection. No sexual transmission has been reported yet; however, detection of the virus in semen still makes the sexual transmission an open question.

CONCLUSION

There is a concern that male fertility may be disturbed after the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Therefore, follow-up of the reproductive functions and male fertility may be necessary in recovered cases, especially in aged men.

An Overview on Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from Extraembryonic Tissues: Supplement Sources and Isolation Methods

Purpose

The main aim of this review was to provide an updated comprehensive report regarding isolation methods of MSCs from human extra embryonic tissues, including cord blood, amniotic fluid, and different parts of the placenta and umbilical cord, with respect to the efficacy of these methods.

Results

Extra embryonic tissues are the most available source for harvesting of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). They make a large number of cells accessible using non-invasive methods of isolation and the least immune-rejection reactions. A successful culture of primary cells requires obtaining a maximum yield of functional and viable cells from the tissues. In addition, there are many reports associated with their differentiation into various kinds of cells, and there are some clinical trials regarding their utilization for patients.

Conclusion

Currently, cord blood-MSCs have been tested for cartilage and lung diseases. Umbilical cord-MSCs were tested for liver and neural disorders. However, these MSCs can be isolated, expanded, and cryopreserved in a cell bank for patients in need.

Combination of 5-azaytidine and hanging drop culture convert fat cell into cardiac cell

One of the promising approaches for the treatment of cardiac disease is stem cell therapy. In this study, we compared the cardiomyogenic differentiation rate, from human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) in a three-dimensional (3D) hanging drop (HD) spheroid culture system, versus a two-dimensional (2D) culture condition at different concentrations of 5-azacytidine (5-Aza). 5-Azaytidine (5-Aza) is a pyrimidine nucleoside analogue of cytidine that initiates cell differentiation programs through DNA demethylation. The hADSCs were isolated and cultured both in 2D and 3D HD conditions, with either 10 or 50 μM concentrations of 5-Aza. Then DNA content, gene expression, and protein content were analyzed. 3D HD culture resulted in a higher percentage of cells in G0/G1 and S phase in the cell division cycle, whereas 2D culture led to a greater percentage of cells in the G2/M phase. A significantly higher gene expression rate of HAND1, HAND2, cTnI, Cx43, βMHC, GATA4, NKX2.5, and MLC2V was observed in HD treated with 50 μM 5-Aza. This was confirmed by immunocytochemistry. These findings suggest that 50 μM concentration of 5-Aza can induce hADSCs to differentiate into cardiomyocytes. The differentiation rate was significantly higher when accompanied by the 3D HD culture system. This work provides a new culture system for cell differentiation for cardiovascular tissue engineering.

The effect of aqueous extract of Rosa damascena on formaldehyde-induced toxicity in mice testes

CONTEXT

Rosa damascena L. (Rosaceae) (RD) essential oil and extracts are commonly used as a flavour in herbal medicine which increase libido. Previous studies have shown inhalation of RD flower's oil increases libido and causes protective effects in formaldehyde (FA)-induced testicular damage.

OBJECTIVE

The protective effects of aqueous extract of RD on the male reproductive system of mice were examined following FA-induced damage.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-eight adult NMRI male mice were randomly assigned to six groups (n = 8): control (normal saline, 10 mg/kg); RD40 (40 mg/kg, p.o.); FA treated (10 mg/kg of 10%, i.p.) and FA + RD treated at 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg (FA + RD10), (FA + RD20) and (FA + RD40), respectively, for 40 days. At the end of treatment regimes, serum testosterone (T) level and the reproductive activity, viz. body/organ weights, testicular structure and sperm characteristics were studied.

RESULTS

Formaldehyde administration significantly decreased serum T level (p < 0.001), testicular weight/volume, tubular diameter and sperm characteristics compared to the control group (p < 0.05). RD (40 mg/kg) administration in FA-treated mice significantly improved serum T level, testicular weight/histological structure, tubular diameter, Leydig cell number and epididymal sperm characteristics in comparison to its lower doses and the control group (p < 0.05).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

We may conclude that RD flower extract can withstand effects of FA in the male reproductive system of mice possibly due to its antioxidative properties.

Polymorphisms in protamine 1 and 2 genes in asthenozoospermic men: A case-control study

BACKGROUND

Asthenozoospermia is one of the etiologies for male factor infertility. It was shown that any abnormality in protamines genes, reduction of protamines transcript and protamines deficiency may play a key role in asthenozoospermia.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the current study was the evaluation of protamine-1 and 2 genes (PRM1 and PRM2) polymorphisms in asthenozoospermic men.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this case-control study, the samples were corresponded to asthenozoospermic specimens of infertile men. The normozoospermic samples were considered as the control group. DNA sequence amplification was performed using four PRM1 and PRM2 primers, designed from 5' to 3' flank regions. The human PRM1 and PRM2 gene sequences were screened in search of potential mutations in highly prevalent polymorphism regions in asthenozoospermia versus normozoospermia.

RESULTS

Totally, nine highly prevalent polymorphism regions between the forward and reverse primers were screened. Three of them corresponded to PRM1 and six to PRM2. The most prevalent polymorphism regions in PRM1 were related to 102G>T (rs35576928), 49C>T (rs140477029) and 139C>A (rs737008). In the PRM2, 6 highly prevalent polymorphisms regions were screened, including 248C>T (rs779337774), 401G>A (rs545828790), 288C>T (rs115686767), 288G>C (rs201933708), 373C>A (rs2070923), and 298G>C (rs1646022). The allele frequencies of three upper mentioned single nucleotide polymorphisms in asthenozoospermic men including 373C>A, 298G>C and 139C>A was higher than the control group.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicated that the frequency of some altered genotypes in asthenozospermia was slightly higher than control group. We proposed more extensive studies to be sure that; these genotypes can precisely be related to diagnosis of asthenozoospermia, as the molecular markers.

Xeno-free culture condition for human bone marrow and umbilical cord matrix-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells using human umbilical cord blood serum

BACKGROUND

Fetal bovine serum (FBS) is widely used in cell culture laboratories, risk of zoonotic infections and allergic side effects create obstacles for its use in clinical trials. Therefore, an alternative supplement with proper inherent growth-promoting activities is demanded.

OBJECTIVE

To find FBS substitute, we tested human umbilical cord blood serum (hUCS) for proliferation of human umbilical cord matrix derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) and human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal cells (hBM-MSCs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Umbilical cord blood of healthy neonates, delivered by Caesarian section, was collected and the serum was separated. hUC-MSCs and hBM-MSCs were isolated and characterized by assessment of cell surface antigens by flow cytometry, alkaline phosphatase activity and osteogenic/adipogenic differentiation potential. The cells were then cultured in Iscove's Modified Dulbecco's Medium (IMDM) by conventional methods in three preparations: 1- with hUCS, 2- with FBS, and 3- without serum supplements. Cell proliferation was measured using WST-1 assay, and cell viability was assessed by trypan blue staining.

RESULTS

The cells cultured in hUCS and FBS exhibited similar morphology and mesenchymal stem cells properties. WST-1 proliferation assay data showed no significant difference between the proliferation rate of either cells following hUCS and FBS supplementation. Trypan blue exclusion dye test also revealed no significant difference for viability between hUCS and FBS groups. A significant difference was detected between the proliferation rate of stem cells cultured in serum-supplemented medium compared with serum-free medium.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that human umbilical cord serum can effectively support proliferation of hBM-MSCS and hUC-MSCs in vitro and can be used as an appropriate substitute for FBS, especially in clinical studies.

Prenatal Exposure to Silver Nanoparticles Causes Depression Like Responses in Mice

Despite increasing studies on silver nanoparticles, their mechanism of action is not so clear, especially their probable toxicity on reproduction procedure, developmental process and offspring behavior. Therefore in the present study the effect of silver nanoparticles exposure during gestational period on offspring's depression behavior was assessed. Thirty virgin female mice were divided into three groups (n=10 for each group) including: one control and two experimental groups, which received an equal volume (0.2 ml) of suspension containing 0, 0.2 and 2 mg/kg of silver nanoparticles, respectively. After mating, the suspension was injected and repeated every 3 days till accouchement. Depression behaviors were assessed by tail suspension test and forced swimming test, in 45-day-old male and female progenies (6 groups, n=10). In males, both dose of silver nanoparticles (0.2 and 2 mg/kg) decreased mobility and increased immobility time in forced swimming test (P<0.05), but in female no effects were observed in mobility and immobility time. In tail suspension test, 2 mg/kg of silver nanoparticles lead to decrease of mobility time (P<0.05) and increase of immobility time (P<0.05) in female offspring but in males no significant effect was observed on mobility and immobility time. We may concluded that the prenatal exposure to silver nanoparticles probably cause gender-specific depression like behaviors in offspring, possibly through neurotoxic effect during neuronal development.

Transplantation of differentiated umbilical cord mesenchymal cells under kidney capsule for control of type I diabetes in rat

Nowadays, stem cells have been introduced as an appropriate source of regenerative medicine for treatment of type I diabetes. Human umbilical cord matrix-derived mesenchymal cells (hUCMC) have successfully been differentiated into insulin producing cells. The isolated hUCM cells were characterized by the expression of stem cell surface markers and by differentiation into adipocytes and osteocytes. The hUCMCs were cultured with different concentrations of neural conditional medium (NCM) and were induced to differentiate into insulin producing cells (IPCs). As 60% NCM concentration resulted in higher nestin and PDX1 expression, the cells were first exposed to 60% NCM and were then induced for IPCs differentiation. PDX1 and insulin gene expression was evaluated in the treated cells. Also, the secretion capacity of the IPCs was assessed by glucose challenge test. IPCs were transferred under the rat kidney capsule. Blood glucose level, weight gain and immunohistochemistry assessments were done in the treated animals. hUCMC expressed mesenchymal cell surface markers and successfully differentiated into adipocytes and osteocytes. Higher NCM concentration resulted in higher PDX1 and nestin expression. The IPCs expressed insulin and PDX1. IPCs were detectable under the kidney capsule 2 months after injection. IPCs transplantation resulted in a sharp decline of blood sugar level and less weight loss. Differentiated hUCM cells could alleviate the insulin deprivation in the rat model of type I diabetes. In addition, higher NCM concentration leads to more differentiation into IPCs and more nestin and PDX1 expression. Kidney capsule can serve as a suitable nominee for IPCs transplantation.

Auditory brainstem implant: part I. Auditory performance and its evolution over time

OBJECTIVE

Evaluation of auditory performance and its evolution over time in patients with the auditory brainstem implant.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective study.

SETTING

Tertiary referral center.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between May 1996 and April 2000, 14 patients with neurofibromatosis type 2 underwent implantation with a multichannel auditory brainstem implant. Auditory performance data were obtained in 13 patients who had used their device on a regular daily basis for 1 to 41 months (average 19 months). Hearing evaluation was based on the results of four tests (vowel confusion, consonant confusion, Freiburger numbers, and speech-tracking test), which were performed with and without lip-reading at regular intervals after device activation.

RESULTS

12 patients received auditory sensation through the auditory brainstem implant immediately after device activation. In one patient, because of postoperative electrode migration, device activation was not successful. In this case, after the electrode array was repositioned, activation was successful. The results of the audiovisual mode 2 weeks after device activation revealed a lip-reading enhancement above the chance level in about 50% of the patients in the vowel confusion and speech-tracking tests and in 70% of the patients in the consonant confusion test. Lip-reading enhancement improved within the first 6 months and then entered a plateau phase, which was more prominent in the monosyllabic vowel and consonant tests. In the auditory alone mode, more than half of the patients showed their first positive result in the vowel test 3 months after device activation, but it took about 6 months until half of the patients revealed a result above the chance level in the consonant and Freiburger numbers tests. Open set speech recognition in the auditory alone mode (in the speech-tracking test) was not common and happened relatively late (within 1 year or later).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Although auditory sensation appeared immediately after device activation, a period of 6 months was necessary for relearning and adaptation of the central auditory system to the altered form of auditory information presented by the auditory brainstem implant.

Auditory brainstem implants: current neurosurgical experiences and perspective

The objective of this study was to present aspects of the current treatment protocol, such as patient evaluation and selection for therapy, multimodality monitoring for optimal auditory brainstem implant (ABI) positioning and radiological evaluation, that might have an impact on the functional results of ABI. Out of a series of 145 patients with bilateral vestibular schwannomas 10 patients received an ABI, eight of which are reported here. Patient selection was based on disease course, clinical and radiological criteria (according to the Hannover evaluation and prognosis scaling of neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2)), extensive otological test battery and psycho-social factors. ABI placement was controlled by multimodality electrophysiological monitoring in order to activate the auditory pathway and to prevent false stimulation of the cranial nerve nuclei or long sensory or motor tracts. Results of hearing function were correlated with patients' ages, duration of deafness, tumour extension, tumour-induced compression or deformation of the brainstem, and numbers of activated electrodes without any side-effects. Out of 59 patients with pre-operative deafness eight patients received an ABI of the Nucleus 22 type. All these patients became continuous users without any side effects and experienced improved quality of life. Speech reception in combination with lip-reading was markedly improved, with further improvement over a long period. A short duration of deafness may be favourable for achieving good results, while age was not a relevant factor. Lateral recess obstruction may necessitate a more meticulous dissection, but did not prevent good placement of the ABI in the lateral recess. Pre-existing brainstem compression did not prevent good results, but brainstem deformation and ipsi- and contralateral distortion were followed by a less favourable outcome. Among the factors that can be influenced by the therapy management are the selection of patients with a slow progressing NF2 disease, a short duration of deafness, a careful analysis of brainstem deformation and consideration of either side for implantation. Long-standing brainstem deformation might not lead to recovery, but instead lead to a low number of active electrodes and possibly only moderate results. ABI treatment is a safe procedure that can increase a patient's quality of life considerably. ABI placement along with neurophysiological control helps to prevent side effects and to improve acoustic activation. Further studies on structural and functional changes of the brainstem after previous tumour compression and distortion should increase our understanding and facilitate a decision on the best side for ABI implantation.

Carbohydrate composition and electrophoretic properties of tomato polygalacturonase isoenzymes

Two polygalacturonase isoenzymes, PG I and PG II, were extracted from Murrieta tomato and purified by gel exclusion and ion-exchange chromatography. The kinetic constants and activation energies of the purified isoenzymes have been determined. Polygalacturonase I has two polypeptide chains (Mr = 47 500 and 41 400) whereas polygalacturonase II is a single polypeptide (Mr = 47 500) as shown by electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gels in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulphate. Both isoenzymes are glycoproteins. Through gas liquid chromatography, polygalacturonase II was shown to contain 4.6% neutral hexoses and 1.5% amino sugars. There are eight D-mannose, two L-fucose, two D-xylose and three N-acetylglucosamine residues per mole of PG II. The carbohydrate portion of PG II was shown to be attached to the protein part through an N-acetylglucosaminylasparaginyl bond.