Histological Study of Alteration in Testes and Epididymis of Domestic Rabbits Caused by Tribulus Terrestris and Vitamin E

Tribulus Terrestris (TT) is a common herbal plant with different categories that grows in many countries of the world. Traditional Chinese and Indian therapies have used TT for infertility treatment and also as a powerful antioxidant agent. Therefore, this study aimed to use this plant supplemented with vitamin E to study their combined effects on the histological condition of the testicle and epididymis of rabbits. This study was performed on 28 healthy male rabbits (445-950 g, 2.0-3.0 months old) that were randomly divided into four groups (n=7). All animals were subjected to clinical examination to ensure that they were free of external and internal parasites with the use of some preventive treatments. The animals were housed individually (cage size: 50 cm×50 cm×40 cm) over the 60-day study period starting from January 2022, with an adaptation period of two weeks. Tribulus Terrestris and vitamin E treatments were as follows: the first group (G1) was daily fed on a standard diet and kept as the control group, the second group (G2) was daily fed on the same ration plus 1 g of TT (animal/daily), the third group (G3) was daily fed on the same ration plus 1 g of TT supplemented with 60 mg of vitamin E (orally) (animal /daily), and the fourth group (G4) was daily fed on the same ration, with the addition of 60 mg vitamin E per animal (orally). The morphometric investigation, macroscopic variables (including body weight, testicular weight, and volume), and the microscopic parameters of the testicular seminal tubule were measured. The histological section showed the absence of negative effects after the oral administration of TT at a dose of 1 g per day and 60 IU vitamin E for each animal. However, there was a positive effect on spermatogonia and spermatocytes in all animals, while the spermatogonia in the experimental groups were more dense, especially in the second and third groups, compared to the control group. The seminiferous tubules were significantly lined with spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and round spermatids (P<0.5) in the experimental groups, compared to the control group. Nevertheless, the epididymis tissue did not show traces of histological changes, such as epididymal hyperplasia. Sperms were more frequent in the lumens of the epididymis as well as the lumens larger than those of the control. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that the pole plant and vitamin E have a positive effect on the epithelial lining of the seminiferous tubules and the epididymis with an increase in sperm formation and differentiation towards maturity.

Study of different doses of zinc oxide nanoparticles by intraperitoneal and gavage methods on testicular tissue in Wistar rats: An experimental study

BACKGROUND

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPS) are widely used inhuman life; however, they do have side effects on human health.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluatethedifferent doses of ZnO-NPS on testicular tissue.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

35 male Wistar rats(10-12 wk, 220 ± 20gr) were divided into 7 groups of 5, including the control group (gavaged distilled water daily), sham group (received intraperitoneal doses of distilled water twice a week). The group receivedintraperitoneal ZnO-NPS (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg body weight, twice a week), and gavage (150 and 200 mg/kg body weight daily). All stages of the test were performed in 4 wk then serum testosterone and tissue malondialdehyde, and ferric reducing antioxidant power levels were measured, also testes histopathological evaluation was performed.

RESULTS

Our results showed that a reduced cell population of spermatozoa was observed in the group that received 25 mg/kg ZnO-NPS, while a reduced cell population of spermatozoa, edema, hyperemia, and vacuolar degeneration were observed in the group that received 50 and 100 mg/kg ZnO-NPS. The maximum amount of lesions were observed in the dose of 200 mg/kg. The highest amount of ferric reducing antioxidant power and testosterone levels were observed in the control group. Also, a 100 mg/kg intraperitoneal dose of ZnO-NPS and 150 mg/kg oral dose of ZnO-NPS were suitable doses to create a model of male genital lesions.

CONCLUSION

Nanoparticles are harmful factors for the reproductive system and consequently affect infertility, which requires the toxicity of the concentration of these nanoparticles to be evaluated and controlled.

Testosterone propionate and Swarna Bhasma treatment modulated D-galactose induced reproductive alterations in male Wistar rats: An experimental study

Background

The male reproductive system undergoes several adverse age-related changes like decreased hormone synthesis, sperm count, and testicular alteration that can impact on fertility.

Objective

The study aims to investigate the effects of testosterone propionate (TP), and ayurvedic formulation Swarna Bhasma (SB) on D-galactose (D-gal) induced reproductive aging in male Wistar rats.

Materials and Methods

60 male Wistar rats were divided into 10 groups of 6 animals. Reproductive aging was induced by D-gal (150 mg/kg Bwt) exposure for 60 days. The rats were then treated by post and combination treatment with TP (2 mg/kg Bwt) and SB (6.75 mg/kg Bwt). Then sperm parameters, reproductive hormones, inflammatory markers, testicular antioxidant enzymes, steroidogenic enzymes, and histological manifestation of testis were evaluated.

Results

Exposure of D-gal caused significant (p < 0.001) decrease in serum testosterone (T), testicular steroidogenic, and antioxidant enzymes. Administration of TP increased the serum T level, testicular antioxidant enzymes, and spermatogenic profile at a significant level of (p < 0.001) compared to D-gal. Further, the SB treatment significantly (p < 0.001) elevated the serum T level, sperm count, testicular antioxidant enzymes, steroidogenic enzymes, when compared to D-gal.

Conclusion

Both the treatment of TP and SB treatments recovered the reproductive impairments caused by D-gal. However, exogenous T supplementation via TP administration is associated with various side effects during long-term use. SB is an Ayurvedic formulation having a long history of usage in India. The current findings suggest that the SB may be used as a good alternative for potentiating reproductive function in aging males.

Extremely Low Frequency-Electromagnetic Fields (ELF-EMF) Can Decrease Spermatocyte Count and Motility and Change Testicular Tissue

Background

Substantial evidence indicates that exposure to extremely low frequency-electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) affects male reproductive system.

Objective

The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of long-term irradiation with ELF-EMF on sperm quality and quantity and testicular structure.

Material and Methods

In this case-control study, sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups. Experimental groups were exposed to ELF-EMF (50 Hz EMF, 100 µT) for either 1 h/day for 52 days (Group 1), 4 h/day for 52 days (Group 3), 1 h/day for 5 days (Group 5), 4 h/day for 52 days (Group 7). Groups 2, 4, 6 and 8 were only sham exposed at durations equal to Groups 1, 3, 5 and 7, respectively.

Results

Both count and motility of sperms were significantly decreased in animals exposed to ELF-EMF (1 h/day for 52 days, 4 h/day for 52 day, and 4 h/day for 5 days) compared to the sham-exposed groups (P<0.05). Serum testosterone levels showed a significant decrease in the animals exposed to ELF-EMF (4 h/day for 5 days) compared to the control groups (P<0.05). A significant decrease was observed in the volume of the seminiferous tubules, seminiferous tubules epithelium and interstitial tissue in the animals exposed to ELF-EMF for 4 h/day for 5 days. Tubules length was also reduced by 18% in animals exposed to ELF-EMF (4 h/day for 5 days).

Conclusion

Our results show that ELF-EMF can reduce spermatocyte count and motility and is able to induce structural changes in testicular tissue.

Effects of glibenclamide and troxerutin on the sperm parameters and histopathological changes of testis in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats: An experimental study

Background

Oxidative stress is a major contributor to diabetes mellitus (DM), which leads to testicular damage and infertility.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of glibenclamide (GL) as a chemical medicine and troxerutin (TR) as an herbal agent on sperm parameters and histopathological changes of testis in diabetic male rats.

Materials and Methods

Forty male Wistar rats (230-260 gr) were randomly divided into 5 groups (n = 8/each), including control, diabetic (D), GL, TR, and GL+TR. DM was induced by the administration of 60 mg/kg streptozotocin intraperitoneally. The groups were treated with 5 mg/kg/day of GL or 150 mg/kg/day of TR via oral gavage for 4 wk. In the final stage of the treatment, blood sampling was done for biochemical analysis. The rats were then sacrificed and their left testis and epididymis were dissected for sperm analysis, histopathology, and morphometric assessment.

Results

A significant decrease in the number, motility, viability, maturity, and chromatin quality of sperm was found in diabetic rats compared to control group. (p < 0.001). DM also increased the malondialdehyde level and decreased the level of the serum's total antioxidant capacity compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Furthermore, we observed a significant difference in seminiferous tubule diameter, germinal epithelium height, and testicular histological abnormalities in diabetic rats compared to control group (p < 0.001). Administration of GL, TR, and their combination improved the above-mentioned parameters, and treatment with TR provided a higher improvement (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

According to these findings, it can be concluded that TR plays a more influential role than GL to treat diabetic-induced infertility.

Hormonal, Histological, and Comparative Study of the Effect of Pure Ginseng on Testicular Function in the Breeding/Non-Breeding Season of Rams in Basrah

This study aimed to investigate the effect of the administration of powdered Panax ginseng as a dietary supplement on testosterone concentration, spermatogenesis stimulating hormone, interstitial cell-stimulating hormone levels, sperms morphological characteristics, testis histological traits, and testicular size in the breeding and non-breeding season in adult rams. In total, 20 adult rams were included and randomly divided into three groups. The first group of adult rams (n=8) was subdivided into two subgroups of four rams (Sub-G1-B and Sub-G2-B). TheSub-G1-B and Sub-G2-B were fed 2 and 5 g of P. ginseng once a day, respectively, for 90 days during the breeding season. The second group of adult rams (n=8) was subdivided into two subgroups of four rams (Sub-G1-NB and Sub-G2-NB). The Sub-G1-NB and Sub-G2-NB were fed 2 and 5 g of P. ginseng once a day, respectively, for 90 days during the non-breeding season. The third group of adult rams (n=4) was considered the control group two times (in and out of the season). The results showed that the testosterone concentration and gonad protective and interstitial cell-stimulating hormone levels increased significantly (P<0.05) in both the experimental groups that received ginseng supplementation, compared to the control group in and out of the breeding season. The evaluation of sperm morphometric parameters, such as total sperm count, total motility, and progressive motility, showed superiority in improving the above-mentioned parameters. However, the total immotile sperms and non-progressive sperms underwent a significant decrease (P<0.05) in both experimental groups of ginseng supplemented, compared to the control group in and out of season. The angiogenesis of the seminiferous tubules increased significantly (P<0.05) in both experimental groups. Through a microscopic examination, the recorded data showed a significant increase in the population of spermatogonial stem cells as well as primary and secondary spermatocytes in both experimental groups. Values of testicular diameter showed a significant increase (P<0.05) after a period of 75 and 90 days following the initiation of treatments in both experimental groups, compared to the control group in and out of the season. It can be concluded that P. ginseng has some beneficial effects on the antioxidant status of the semen, the morphometric parameters, and other critical traits of sperm and testicles which are the important factors in male fertility.

Detrimental effects of cerium oxide nanoparticles on testis, sperm parameters quality, and in vitro fertilization in mice: An experimental study

Background

Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) as an important nanomaterial have a wide range of applications in many fields and human beings' exposure to this nanomaterial is unavoidable. The effects of CeO2 NPs on the male reproductive system are controversial.

Objective

To determine the effects of the administration of CeO2 NPs on the testis tissue, sperm parameters, and in vitro fertilization (IVF) in mice.

Materials and Methods

Twenty-four male mice were divided into three groups (n = 8/each): one control and two experimental groups receiving CeO2 NPs at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight, respectively, for 35 days. At the end of the experiment, the diameter of seminiferous tubules (SNTs), epithelial height of SNTs, spermiogenesis index in testes, sperm parameters (count, motility, viability, and morphology), sperm chromatin condensation, DNA integrity, and IVF assays were analyzed.

Results

Histological results showed that the tubular diameter, the epithelial height of the SNTs, and the spermiogenesis index were significantly decreased in the experimental groups receiving CeO2 NPs. All sperm parameters in the experimental groups were significantly reduced and, additionally, the percentages of immature sperms and sperms with DNA damage were significantly increased in groups treated with CeO2 NPs compared to the control. Furthermore, the rates of IVF and in vitro embryo development were decreased.

Conclusion

Collectively, the current study showed that oral administration of CeO2 NPs in mice had detrimental effects on the male reproductive system through inducing testicular tissue alterations, decreasing sperm parameters quality, and also diminishing the IVF rate and in vitro embryonic development.

Can Common Lead Apron in Testes Region Cause Radiation Dose Reduction during Chest CT Scan? A Patient Study

BACKGROUND

Computed tomography (CT) is a routine procedure for diagnosing using ionization radiation which has hazardous effects especially on sensitive organs.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to quantify the dose reduction effect of lead apron shielding on the testicular region during routine chest CT scans.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this measurement study, the routine chest CT examinations were performed for 30 male patients with common lead aprons folded and positioned in testis regions. The patient's mean body mass index (BMI) was 26.2 ± 4.6 kg/m2. To calculate the doses at testis region, three thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD-100) were attached at the top surface of the apron as an indicator of the doses without shielding, and three TLDs under the apron for doses with shielding. The TLD readouts were compared using SPSS software (Wilcoxon test) version 16.

RESULTS

The radiation dose in the testicular regions was reduced from 0.46 ± 0.04 to 0.20 ± 0.04 mGy in the presence of lead apron shielding (p < 0.001), the reduction was equal to 56%. Furthermore, the heritable risk probability was obtained at 2.0 ×10-5 % and 4.6 ×10-5 % for the patients using the lead apron shield versus without shield, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Applying common lead aprons as shielding in the testis regions of male patients undergoing chest CT scans can reduce the radiation doses significantly. Therefore, this shield can be recommended for routine chest CT examinations.

Reproductive toxicity potentials of methanolic extract of Portulaca oleracea in male rats: An experimental study

BACKGROUND

Purslane is an edible widely distributed shrub and one of the herbs used in decoctions for the treatment of different ailments including infertility. However, there is a shortage of evidence to validate its reproductive effects.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of methanolic extract of Portulaca oleracea (MEPO) on the reproductive system of male rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifteen 10-wk old male Wistar rats with an average weight of 183 gr were randomly divided into three groups (n = 5/each). Group A (the control group) received distilled water only; group B received 400 mg/kg MEPO; and group C received 800 mg/kg MEPO for 14 days. The animals fasted overnight after the 14th day of administration and euthanized by cervical dislocation. Blood samples, sperm, testes, and epididymis were collected for serum hormones, sperm, and histological analyses.

RESULTS

There was no significant change in the serum luteinizing hormone and testosterone levels across all groups when compared to the control. However, group C showed a significant increase (p = 0.020) in follicle-stimulating hormone levels when compared to the control. There was a significant reduction (p = 0.006) in the sperm count in group C when compared with the control group. There was also a significantly reduced (p = 0.003) sperm motility in MEPO-treated groups compared to the control. While the testis showed no abnormalities in its histoarchitecture across groups, the epididymis showed some blood congestion in MEPO-treated groups.

CONCLUSION

Portulaca oleracea showed the ability to reduce sperm count and motility at higher doses.

Sulforaphane response on aluminum-induced oxidative stress, alterations in sperm characterization and testicular histomorphometry in Wistar rats

Background

The exposure of male individual to environmental toxicant is regarded as a channel that results in reduced sperm counts and infertility.

Objective

This study investigated the ameliorative response of Sulforaphane (SFN) on Aluminum trichloride (AlCl3) induced testicular toxicity in adult male Wistar rats.

Materials and Methods

A total of 32 adult male Wistar rats (180-200 gm between 8-10 wk) were divided into four groups (n = 8/each). Group A) received distilled water orally as placebo; Group B) received 100 mg/kgbw AlCl3 only orally; Group C) received 100 mg/kgbw AlCl3 and 100 mg/kgbw SFN orally; and Group D) received 100 mg/kgbw SFN only orally. After 28 days of experiment, animals underwent cervical dislocation, blood serum was obtained for analysis, and testes were harvested for biochemical assays, histology, hormonal profile, and sperm characterization.

Results

The sperm parameters showed a significant difference within the AlCl3 only group compared with the control and SFN only groups (p = 0.02). However, AlCl3 and SFN co-treatment showed improvement in the motility, viability, and sperm count compared with the AlCl3 only group (p = 0.02). Furthermore, there was a significant decline in the levels of hormones profile and antioxidant status in AlCl3 only group compared to the control and SFN only (p = 0.02). The testicular histoarchitecture of the AlCl3 only group showed shrinkage of seminiferous tubules, spermatogenesis disruption, and empty lumen compared to the control and SFN only groups.

Conclusion

The present study revealed the ameliorative response of SFN on AlCl3-induced testicular toxicity on serum hormone profiles, antioxidant status, lipid peroxidation, and histomorphometric analysis through oxidative stress.

The effect of green tea extract on the sperm parameters and histological changes of testis in rats exposed to para-nonylphenol

Background

Para-nonylphenol (p-NP), an environmental contaminant, can generate free radicals that disturbs the reproductive properties. Green tea extract (GTE) is an antioxidant which may prevent the adverse effects of free radicals. Objective: The aim was to investigate the effect of GTE on sperm parameters and testis tissue in p-NP-treated rats.

Materials and Methods

24 adult male Wistar rats (215 ± 20 gr) were randomly divided into four groups (n = 6/each) – including control, p-NP (200 mg/kg/day), GTE (200 mg/kg/day), and p-NP + GTE – and orally treated for 56 days. The right testes and left caudal epididymis were used to evaluate selected parameters. In addition, the concentration of serum malondialdehyde was calculated.

Results

A significant decrease in the sperm number, motility, viability and morphology (p < 0.001) was observed in the rats treated with p-NP compared to the control ones. The diameter of seminiferous tubules (p < 0.001), thickness of germinal epithelium (p = 0.018), total volume of testis (p = 0.009), volume of seminiferous tubules (p < 0.001), and testis weight (p = 0.017) decreased in the p-NP group in contrast with the other groups. Moreover, a significant increase of the malondialdehyde concentration was seen in the p-NP group when compared with the controls (p = 0.043). The majority of adverse effects of p-NP could be recovered following the administration of GTE.

Conclusion

It seems GTE can be used as a potent antioxidant in the case of p-NP toxication.