Evaluating the histomorphological and biochemical changes induced by Tributyltin Chloride on pituitary-testicular axis of adult albino rats and the possible ameliorative role of hesperidin

This study was performed to explore in detail the toxic effects of Tributyltin Chloride (TBT) on the pituitary-testicular axis and the possible amelioration with Hesperidin. Seventy-two adult male albino rats were divided into four groups: Control group (I), TBT-treated group (II), TBT+Hesperidin group (III), and Recovery group (IV). Body and testicular weights were measured. Blood samples were taken to estimate serum levels of testosterone, FSH and LH hormones by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Malondialdehyde (MDA) level was measured in testes homogenates. Tissue samples from the pituitary glands and testes were processed for light, electron microscope examination, and immunohistochemical detection of anti-FSH, and Ki67 proteins. Results showed a statistically significant decrease in testicular weight, serum testosterone, FSH and LH levels and a significant increase in tissue MDA in the TBT group when compared to the control group. TBT treatment caused severe histopathological changes with decreased area percent of PAS-stained basophils, and anti FSH immuno-stained gonadotrophs in the pituitary gland. The testes of group II also showed marked tissue damage, cell loss with decreased epithelial height and decreased number of proliferating spermatogenic cells. Hesperidin supplementation with TBT proved significant amelioration of the previously mentioned parameters in both glands which could improve male fertility. In conclusion: The flavonoid Hesperidin has the potential to protect against the reproductive damage induced by TBT in susceptible individuals.

Tramadol aggravates cardiovascular toxicity in a rat model of alcoholism: Involvement of intermediate microfilament proteins and immune-expressed osteopontin

Tramadol and alcohol are among commonly abused drugs. Although there are potential dangers reported upon their mixing, there are no previous reports describing this mixture's effects on the cardiovascular system (CVS). The aim was to study the effects of mixed alcohol and tramadol on the CVS of adult male rats. Fifty rats were divided into four groups: control, tramadol-treated group, alcohol-treated, and coadministration groups. Tramadol caused a significant increases in creatine kinase-MB, troponin I, malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, and a significant decrease in total antioxidant capacity with histological alterations in sections of the heart and aorta and a significant increase in the area% of collagen fibers while there was a nonsignificant difference in body weight, heart weight, heart weight/body weight ratio, lipid profile, tissue tumor necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ, intermediate microfilament proteins (IFPs) {desmin, vimentin, connexin43} gene expression, mean area% of elastic fibers in aortic tissue and osteopontin expression in cardiac and aortic tissue. Alcohol treatment caused a significant change in all the measured parameters and more damage in histological sections. The changes were highest in the coadministration group. There was a strong positive correlation between the area% of collagen fibers and vimentin gene expression, and the area% of osteopontin expression was positively correlated to connexin43 in cardiac and vascular tissue. Tramadol causes CVS injury mainly through oxidative stresses, while the alcohol effect is multifactorial; mixing both aggravates CVS injury. The study also highlights the role of IFPs and osteopontin-expression in inducing injury.

Testicular microlithiasis is associated with testicular pathology

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the impact of testicular microlithiasis (TM) on male health by describing our experience. TM is an uncommon condition characterized by calcium deposits in the lumina of seminiferous tubules. These intratesticular calcifications appear as bright, 2- to 3-mm echogenic foci on testicular ultrasound (US).

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with TM by high-frequency testicular US over a 4-year period from two separate institutions were included in this study. Approximately 1100 testicular USs were performed (both hospitals combined) over the 4-year period. Patients were clinically identified by the characteristic appearance of TM on testicular US. Pathologic specimens were obtained in 14 (64%) of 22 patients.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight testicles (16 bilateral cases) in 22 patients were found to have TM. The incidence of TM was approximately 2%. Mean age at presentation was 29 years (range 8 to 63). Eight (36%) of 22 patients had testicular malignancies. Five (23%) of 22 patients were infertile. Three (14%) of 22 patients presented with unilateral necrosis of the testes due to spermatic cord torsion. Two patients had varicoceles, 1 patient had epididymitis, and another patient had torsion of an appendix testis. Previously unreported associations of TM and neurofibromatosis (1 patient) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (1 patient) were noted. No patient with TM later developed a testicular malignancy, yet the mean follow-up was only 31 months (range 1 to 108). One patient with unilateral TM developed bilateral TM, and 1 patient with bilateral TM subsequently developed unilateral TM. One patient developed spermatic cord torsion and testicular infarction 4 years after previously documented TM.

CONCLUSIONS

TM is usually diagnosed by testicular US performed for various indications. TM is an uncommon condition that is found in testes with both malignant and nonmalignant conditions. The association of TM and testicular malignancy suggests regular follow-up with testicular US examinations.

Effect of level of anastomosis and quality of intraepididymal sperm on the outcome of end-to-side epididymovasostomy

OBJECTIVES

Epididymovasostomy is commonly performed at the most distal site of the epididymis where whole sperm are present within the lumen, regardless of their motility status. Although more fresh and motile sperm can be found more proximally within the epididymis, it is believed that the outcome of epididymovasostomy is better more distally. Because the current results of epididymovasostomy are far from perfect, it would be ideal to be able to harvest motile sperm for cryopreservation at the time of surgery in case the patient remains azoospermic postoperatively. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of the level of epididymal anastomosis and quality of sperm on the outcome of surgery.

METHODS

An end-to-side epididymovasostomy was performed on 131 azoospermic men with a mean age of 39 years and a mean obstructive interval of 18 years. The etiology of obstruction was vasectomy in 48%, infectious in 19%, congenital in 20%, and unknown in 13%. The average duration of follow-up was 32 months. The overall patency rate was 67% and pregnancy rate was 27%. Subgroups of patients with an anastomosis to the same level of the epididymis on all functional sides were identified as follows: caput (56), corpus (28), and cauda (13). These groups were compared in regard to the presence of motile sperm within the epididymal lumen at the time of surgery, patency rates, postoperative semen quality, and pregnancy rates.

RESULTS

Motile sperm were present more often in both the caput (54%) and corpus (61%) than in the cauda epididymis (25%) (P < 0.05). The patency rates for the three subgroups were not significantly different. The postoperative total motile sperm count and pregnancy rate for the corpus epididymis (13 x 10(6) and 45%) was significantly (P < 0.05) better than for the caput (4.4 x 10(6) and 22%) but no different than that of the cauda (10 x 10(6) and 23%). The patency and pregnancy rates for anastomoses performed at levels demonstrating motile sperm were not significantly better than at sites with nonmotile sperm, but the postoperative total motile sperm count was better (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest that the outcomes of epididymovasostomy to the corpus and cauda epididymis are roughly equivalent and superior to the caput. Therefore, it may be reasonable to move more proximally from the cauda to corpus in the search for motile sperm for cryopreservation during an end-to-side epididymovasostomy. In contrast, moving from the corpus to the caput epididymis has a significant adverse effect upon outcome; it is, therefore, not worthwhile to search for viable sperm for cryopreservation in this clinical setting.

Clinical electroejaculation

Anejaculation is a disorder that occurs infrequently in the general population, but it occurs in some cases of spinal cord injury and dissection of retroperitoneal lymph nodes for testicular cancer. It is associated with multiple sclerosis, transverse myelitis, and diabetes mellitus. Electroejaculation, which involves electrodes in a probe placed in the rectum, electrically stimulates emission of seminal fluid. Semen thus obtained can be used for artificial insemination if a patient and his spouse wish to become natural parents.