Rescue effect of sodium acetate in diabetes mellitus-associated testicular dysfunction is accompanied by PCSK9 modulation.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global health burden, affecting about 463 million of the adult population worldwide. Approximately 94% of diabetic male individuals develop varying degrees of testicular disorders (TDs), which usually result in hypogonadism, hypotestosteronemia and defective spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis. Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) have shown potential benefits in metabolic health. However, its effect on TD associated with DM is not clear. Howbeit, the present study investigated the hypothesis that SCFAs, acetate would ameliorate TD accompanying DM, possibly by suppressing proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9). Male Wistar rats (210-240 g) were allotted into groups (n = 6/group): control (vehicle; po), DM with/without 200 mg/kg (po) of sodium acetate (SAc). Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin 65 mg/kg (iv) after a dose of nicotinamide (110 mg/kg). Semen/biochemical and histological analyses were performed with appropriate methods. In addition to hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia and reduced insulin sensitivity, DM led to increased serum and testicular triglyceride or total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, malondialdehyde, TNF-α, IL-6 and PCSK9 as well as reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and glutathione. Moreover, DM caused TD which is characterized by altered sperm parameters, disrupted tissue architecture, atrophied seminiferous tubules, deleterious spermatogonia, disappearance of lumen and cellular degeneration as well as decreased luteinizing hormone and testosterone. However, the administration of SAc attenuated these alterations. The study demonstrates that DM-induced TD is accompanied by elevated PCSK9. The results however suggest that SAc rescues testicular disorder/dysfunction associated with DM by suppression of PCSK9 and improvement of insulin sensitivity.

Metformin decreases testicular damages following ischaemia/reperfusion injury in rats.

The effects of metformin on a testicular torsion injury in adolescent rat testis after I/R were evaluated in the present study. Forty adolescent rats were divided into five groups with eight rats per group: a control group; a sham-operated group; an ischaemia group, where torsion was applied for 4 hr and testis was examined immediately after detorsion; an I/R group, where torsion was applied for 4 hr and the testis was examined 4 hr after detorsion; and an I/R + M group, where the metformin (300 mg/kg) administration was added to the identical procedures used for the I/R group. Spermatogenesis, basal membrane integrity and cleaved caspase-3 expression were assessed. The I/R + M group had a significantly higher Johnsen score than the I/R group (7.9 ± 0.1 vs. 7.5 ± 0.2; p < .001; F-value = 14.2). Failure of basal membrane integrity was highest in the ischaemia group (45 ± 5) compared to the other groups (control group, 20 ± 5; sham-operated group, 16.6 ± 2.8), but not different between the I/R + M (31.6 ± 12.5) and the I/R groups (25 ± 3.5). Cleaved caspase-3 expression was highest in the ischaemia group (73.5 ± 0.7), and significantly lower in the I/R + M group (33.4 ± 0.9) than the I/R group (58.5 ± 0.2; p < .05; F-value = 7.6). Metformin decreases testicular damage by exerting protection against the harmful effects of I/R on spermatogenesis and alleviating apoptosis in adolescent rat testis.

Therapeutic prospects of hydroxytyrosol on experimentally induced diabetic testicular damage: potential interplay with AMPK expression.

Male reproductive dysfunction represents one of the overlooked consequences of diabetes that still deserve more scientific attention. We designed this study to explore the therapeutic potential of hydroxytyrosol (HT) on diabetic testicular damage and to investigate its relationship with adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) expression. In this context, 30 adult male Wistar rats were utilized and subdivided into control, diabetic and HT-treated diabetic groups. Testicular sections were prepared for histopathological examination and immunohistochemical detection of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, Sertoli cell vimentin, myoid cell α-SMA, androgen receptors and caspase-3. We also assessed oxidative enzymatic and lipid peroxidation biochemical profiles, sperm count, morphology and motility. Real-time PCR of AMPK expression in tissue homogenate was performed. We observed that HT restored testicular histopathological structure and significantly reduced oxidative DNA damage and the apoptotic index. The HT-treated group also exhibited significantly higher Sertoli cell vimentin, myoid cell α-SMA and androgen receptor immune expression than the diabetic group. A rescue of the oxidative enzymatic activity, lipid peroxidation profiles, sperm count, morphology and motility to control levels was also evident in the HT-treated group. Significant upregulation of AMPK mRNA expression in the HT-treated group clarified the role of AMPK as an underlying molecular interface of the ameliorative effects of HT. We concluded that HT exhibited tangible antioxidant and antiapoptotic impacts on the testicular cytomorphological and immunohistochemical effects of experimentally induced diabetes. Furthermore, AMPK has an impactful role in the molecular machinery of these effects.

Raffia palm (Raphia hookeri) wine extenuates redox imbalance and modulates activities of glycolytic and cholinergic enzymes in hyperglycemia-induced testicular injury in type 2 diabetic rats.

This study investigated the effects of Raffia palm wine (RPW) on redox imbalance, glycolytic and cholinergic enzymes, and ATPase activities in hyperglycemia-induced oxidative testicular injury. Type 2 diabetes (T2D) was induced in male albino rats (Sprague-Dawley) by first administering 10% fructose solution for 14 days, before injecting with an intraperitoneal injection (40 mg/kg body weight) of streptozotocin. Raffia palm wine was administered to two diabetic groups at 150 and 300 mg/kg body weight (bw), when untreated diabetic group was used as a negative control, and metformin-fed group was served as a positive control. The rats were sacrificed after 5 weeks of treatment, and testes were harvested. Treatment with RPW led to lower levels of nitric oxide, malondialdehyde and myeloperoxidase activity, with concomitant elevation of reduced glutathione level, superoxide dismutase, catalase and ATPase activities. Raffia palm wine also inhibited glycogen phosphorylase, glucose-6-phosphatase, fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase, and acetylcholinesterase, while restoring the altered testicular morphology to near-normal. The results of this study suggest the therapeutic potentials of RPW against the effects of T2D on testicular functions and morphology. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Diabetes mellitus is one of the fastest growing global epidemy, with most developing countries being at the receiving end owing to the cost of treatment. Testicular damage has been recognized as one of the complications of diabetes, and if left untreated will lead to erectile dysfunction followed by infertility. Raffia palm wine is among the common natural beverage in West Africa, which is utilized for both social and medicinal purposes. In this study, for the first time we showed its ability to protect diabetes-induced testicular injury in type 2 diabetic rats. This may be of great benefit in managing diabetes associated erectly dysfunction and male infertility, as Raffia palm wine is readily available in all seasons. This study will also improve the medicinal use of this wine, which may also indirectly improve its commercial benefit.

Venlafaxine and carvedilol ameliorate testicular impairment and disrupted spermatogenesis in rheumatoid arthritis by targeting AMPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways.

Testicular impairment has been commonly described in long-standing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Since depression and cardiovascular disorders are the most disturbing co-morbidities of RA, investigating the efficacy of the anti-depressant venlafaxine or the beta-blocker carvedilol in RA-associated testicular dysfunction may add to their clinical utility for RA patients. Previously, both agents have demonstrated significant in vivo anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. In the current study, venlafaxine (50 mg/kg/day) and carvedilol (10 mg/kg/day) were orally administered to adjuvant arthritic rats for 20 days. Interestingly, venlafaxine and carvedilol effectively suppressed paw edema and mitigated the testicular histopathological aberrations and the disrupted spermatogenesis. Both drugs enhanced testicular steroidogenesis through upregulation of 3ß-HSD, 17ß-HSD and StAR gene expression with concomitant augmentation of serum testosterone. They also blunted the inflammatory burden via attenuation of myeloperoxidase, TNF-α and the protein expression of NF-κBp65 along with elevation of IL-10. They attenuated testicular oxidative perturbations via lowering lipid peroxides and nitric oxide and boosting glutathione levels. With regard to apoptosis, the two agents lowered the protein expression of caspase-3, cleaved caspase-3, cleaved PARP, Bax and p53, promoting germ cell survival. They also modulated the AMPK/ERK signaling via lowering of p-AMPK and upregulation of p-ERK1/2 along with PI3K/AKT/mTOR transduction by enhancing the PI3Kp110α, p-AKT and p-mTOR protein expression. Together, the present work demonstrates the beneficial effects of venlafaxine and carvedilol in RA testicular dysfunction and impaired spermatogenesis via modulation of AMPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling and intervention with the testicular oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis.

[Clinical report of testicular hypoplasia combined with 21-hydroxylase deficiency].

OBJECTIVE To investigate the correlation of 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD) with male testicular dysplasia. METHODS Clinical data of 8 infertile males with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-OHD was retrospectively analyzed. In addition, potential mutations of the CYP21A2 gene was detected. RESULTS All patients were referred because of azoospermia or severe oligospermia and had small testis with averaged testicular volume of 6.1 mL. Three patients had testicular adrenal rest tumors. Endocrinologic examinations revealed low levels of leutinizing hormone and follicular stimulating hormone, normal or elevated testosterone, elevated progesterone, elevated or normal adrenocoticotropic hormone, and low or normal cortisol. All patients had adrenal cortical hyperplasia, 5 with adrenal adenoma, 1 case associated with bilateral adrenal myelolipoma. All patients were given glucocorticoid replacement therapy for 3 to 6 months, which successfully improved the seminal status of 6 patient and resulted pregnancies in 5 couples. Seven pathogenic mutations of the CYP21A2 gene among the 8 patients. CONCLUSION 21-OHD can cause testicular hypoplasia and spermatogenic failure. Glucocorticoids and operations can obtain good result and improve spermatogenesis. Our results have shown a good genotype/phenotype correlation in these cases. All patients have carried the p.Ile172Asn mutation, which is associated with simple virilizing form.

Induction of CYP2E1 in testes of isoniazid-treated rats as possible cause of testicular disorders.

Isoniazid is reported to be the most reliable and cost-effective remedy for tuberculosis treatment and prophylaxis among first line anti-tuberculosis drugs. Conventionally, the most common and best studied adverse effect of isoniazid is hepatotoxicity, but as for testicular toxicity the problem has not yet explored extensively. The aim of the study was to identify in vivo influence of isoniazid on induction of testicular cytochrome Р-450 2Е1 (CYP2E1) mRNA expression and enzymatic activity, testes DNA fragmentation, serum total testosterone level, and spermatogenesis indices. The significant induction of CYP2E1 was demonstrated in rat's testes following isoniazid administration, specifically CYP2E1 mRNA expression and p-nitrophenolhydroxylase activity was increased in 28 and 7 times as compared with control, respectively. These changes were accompanied by activating of testicular GST in 32%, changing in levels and character of DNA fragmentation, as well as damaging of the spermatogenic epithelium, decreasing in serum testosterone content (1.62 fold), sperm count (19%), and losing of fertility in comparison with untreated males. We assume that in testes of isoniazid-treated rats CYP2E1 may act as a trigger in generating of reactive oxygen species and other toxic metabolites which subsequently mediates DNA damage, spermatogenesis disturbances, and altered male fertilizing capacity.

Protective effects of different antioxidants against cadmium induced oxidative damage in rat testis and prostate tissues.

The present study was performed to determine the effects of different antioxidants on testicular histopathology and oxidative damage induced by cadmium (Cd) in rat testis and prostate. Twenty five rats were equally divided into five groups (n = 5/group). The control group was injected subcutaneously with saline while the Cd alone treated group received a subcutaneous injection of 0.2 mg/kg CdCl(2). Other groups were treated with sulphoraphane (25 µg/rat), vitamin E (75 mg/kg), and Ficus Religiosa plant extract (100 mg/kg) orally along with subcutaneous injections of 0.2 mg/kg CdCl(2) for fifteen days. Oxidative damage in the testicular and prostate tissues were assessed by the estimation of catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione reductase (GSR) activity. Lipid peroxidation (TBARS), protein estimation, and histomorphology were also assessed. Cadmium exposure caused a significant decrease in antioxidant enzymes like CAT, POD, SOD, GSR, protein concentrations, and a marked increase in TBARS activity in rat testis and prostate. Histological examination of adult male rat testes showed a disruption in the arrangement of seminiferous tubules along with a reduction in the number of germ cells, Leydig cells, tunica albuginea thickness, diameter of seminiferous tubules, and height of germinal epithelium. Co-treatment with vitamin E, sulphoraphane, and Ficus religiosa were found to be effective in reversing Cd induced toxicity, representing potential therapeutic options to protect the reproductive tissues from the detrimental effects of Cd toxicity.

Influences of maternal B12 and methionine intake during gestation and lactation on testicular development of offspring in rats.

The influence of maternal vitamin B12 malnutrition on testicular development of offspring was examined using soy protein-based B12-deficient diets with or without 0.5% DL-methionine supplementation. Dams were fed the B12-deficient diet throughout gestation and lactation, whereas dams in a control group were fed a control diet which contained cyanocobalamin in the B12-deficient diet without methionine. Offspring born to dams fed the B12-deficient diet without methionine showed poor testicular development, e.g. decreased numbers of seminiferous tubules containing healthy spermatocytes and a high ratio of apoptotic cells per all germ cells. The abnormality was rarely observed in the group fed the B12-deficient diet with methionine. It was likely that the testicular abnormality of offspring was caused by B12-deficiency post partum and was prevented by the methionine supplementation. These observations suggested that maternal B12 nutritional status during the pre-weaning period is quite important for spermatogenesis of male offspring and that the requirement of B12 for testicular development is to produce active B12-dependent methionine synthase.

Effects of 3-aminobenzamide on unilateral testicular ischemia-reperfusion injury: what is the role of PARP inhibition?

The therapeutic effects of poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase inhibition by 3-aminobenzamide (3-AB) were investigated in testicular ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, using sperm analysis and histopathological and biochemical examinations, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels. Male rats were divided into 3 groups: sham (n = 12), I/R (n = 12), and I/R with 3-AB (I/R-3-AB) (n = 12). The left testicular artery was occluded for 1 h, followed by 24 h (for biochemical and histopathological examinations) and 30 days (for sperm analysis) of reperfusion. 3-AB treatment intraperitoneally 10 min prior to and 1 h after reperfusion increased the I/R-induced decrease in sperm motility in both testes and reduced the increased abnormal sperm rates in the ipsilateral testis. However, 3-AB treatment failed to prevent the I/R-induced decrease in sperm concentration in both testes. SOD and CAT activities did not change in any group. GSH-Px activity and GSH levels were increased by I/R. 3-AB treatment reversed the I/R-induced increase in GSH-Px activity, similar to the level in sham rats, but did not alter GSH levels. 3-AB treatment significantly increased the I/R-induced decrease in histopathologic score. In conclusion, 3-AB treatment has potential biochemical and histopathological benefits beyond improving sperm quality and may have the potential to decrease damage from testicular torsion.

Upregulated NADPH oxidase contributes to diabetic testicular complication and is relieved by strontium fructose 1,6-diphosphate.

Diabetes is frequently associated with declining sexual function resulting from oxidative damage. NADPH oxidase is a major resource of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the testes and is likely related to an activated endothelin-1 (ET-1) system. An activation of NADPH oxidase-ET-1 pathway was hypothesized in diabetic testopathy. We verified the hypothesis and tested if strontium fructose 1,6-diphosphate (FDP-Sr) could relieve these changes in diabetic testis as compared to testosterone propionate (TP) and sildenafil. Diabetes was produced in male Sprague-Dawley rats 8 weeks after a single injection of streptozotocin (STZ), and interventions with testosterone propionate (TP), sildenafil and FDP-Sr were conducted in the last 4 weeks. Blood glucose, testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) , luteinizing hormone (LH) and expressions of NADPH oxidase subunits and the ET system were measured. Decreased insulin, FSH, LH and testosterone in serum were found associating with testicular oxidative stress in STZ-injected rats. Additionally, over-expressions of NADPH oxidase p22, p47, p67 subunits and the ET pathway were significant in the diabetic testis relative to normal and were completely abolished by FDP-Sr. Both TP and sildenafil were not beneficial to diabetic testopathy except serum androgen raised by TP. Activated NADPH oxidase and ET system are significant contributing to testis injury and are responded to FDP-Sr only, against both TP and sildenafil, by restoring the testis function and the hypothalamus-pituitary-testis axis. It is due to its extra-energy supply and an antioxidant activity of FDP-Sr.

Melatonin modulates acute testicular damage induced by carbon ions in mice.

The present study was performed to obtain evidence of the radioprotective function of melatonin at different administration levels on carbon ion-induced mouse testicular damage. Outbred Kun-Ming strain mice were divided into six groups, each composed of eight animals: control group, melatonin alone group, irradiation group and three melatonin plus irradiation-treated groups. An acute study was carried out to determine alterations in DNA-single strand break, cell apoptosis, and oxidative stress parameters as well as histopathology in mouse testis 24 h after whole-body irradiation with a single dose of 4 Gy. The results showed that pre-treatment and post-treatment with high-dose melatonin (10 mg/kg) both significantly alleviated carbon ion-induced acute testicular damage, a greater radioprotective effect being observed in the pre-treatment group. On the other hand, low-dose melatonin (1 mg/kg) had a limited radioprotective effect on irradiation-induced degeneration and DNA lesions in mouse testis. Taken together, the data suggest that prophylactic treatment with a higher dose of melatonin is probably advisable to protect against the effects of heavy-ion irradiation.

Effect of di(n-butyl) phthalate on testicular oxidative damage and antioxidant enzymes in hyperthyroid rats.

This study compared the effects of di(n-butyl) phthalate (DBP) on the oxidative damage and antioxidant enzymes activity in testes of hyperthyroid rats. Hyperthyroidism was induced in pubertal male rats by intraperitoneal injection of triiodothyronine (T3, 10 microg/kg body weight) for 30 days. An oral dose of DBP (750 mg/kg) was administered simultaneously to normal or hyperthyroid (T3) rats over a 30-day period. No changes in body weight were observed in the hyperthyroid groups (T3, T3 + DBP) compared with controls. There were significantly higher serum T3 levels observed in the hyperthyroid rats than in the control, but the serum thyroid stimulating hormone levels were markedly lower in the hyperthyroid rats. DBP significantly decreased the weight of the testes in the normal (DBP) and hyperthyroid (T3 + DBP) groups. The serum testosterone concentrations were significantly lower in only DBP group. DBP significantly increased the 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) level in the testes, whereas the DBP-induced 8-OHdG levels were slightly higher in T3 + DBP group. Superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities were significantly higher in the testes of the DBP or T3 + DBP groups. Catalase (CAT) activity was significantly higher in the DBP treatment group, but the T3 + DBP group showed slightly lower DBP-induced CAT activity. The testicular expression of thyroid hormone receptor alpha-1 (TRalpha-1) was significantly higher in the DBP groups, and androgen receptor (AR) expression was not detected in the DBP treatment group. In addition, DBP significantly increased the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-r (PPAR-r) levels in the testis. These results suggest that hyperthyroidism can cause a change in the expression level of PPAR-r in testes, and may increase the levels of oxidative damage induced by the metabolic activation of DBP.

Caspase-dependent and -independent DNA fragmentation in Sertoli and germ cells from men with primary testicular failure: relationship with histological diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: Germ cell elimination and sperm DNA fragmentation in men with primary testiculopathies involve apoptosis-related processes whose mechanisms are poorly understood. This study examines the participation of typical (caspase-dependent) and atypical (caspase-independent) pathways in these processes. METHODS: Caspase activity and DNA fragmentation were evaluated in Sertoli and germ cells from 63 men with non-obstructive azoospermia and with different histological diagnoses who were undergoing testicular biopsy for an assisted reproduction attempt. In eight of these men, phosphatidylserine externalization was also examined. RESULTS: The percentage of Sertoli cells showing caspase activity and DNA fragmentation was low and uniform in all diagnoses. In germ cells that remained tightly associated with Sertoli cells despite vigorous mechanical treatment, the incidence of both caspase activity and DNA fragmentation was high, particularly in men with maturation arrest. In Sertoli cell-free germ cells, high incidence of DNA fragmentation contrasted with low incidence of caspase activity and phosphatidylserine externalization. CONCLUSIONS: In men with primary testicular failure, apoptosis of Sertoli cells is insignificant. Some germ cells undergo caspase-dependent apoptosis, show phosphatidylserine externalization and are tightly associated with Sertoli cells. Other germ cells show caspase-independent DNA fragmentation, do not externalize phosphatidylserine and lack a tight association with Sertoli cells.

Testis-specific cytochrome c-null mice produce functional sperm but undergo early testicular atrophy.

Differentiating male germ cells express a testis-specific form of cytochrome c (Cyt c(T)) that is distinct from the cytochrome c expressed in somatic cells (Cyt c(S)). To examine the role of Cyt c(T) in germ cells, we generated mice null for Cyt c(T). Homozygous Cyt c(T)(-/-) pups were statistically underrepresented (21%) but developed normally and were fertile. However, spermatozoa isolated from the cauda epididymis of Cyt c(T)-null animals were less effective in fertilizing oocytes in vitro and contain reduced levels of ATP compared to wild-type sperm. Sperm from Cyt c(T)-null mice contained a greater number of immotile spermatozoa than did samples from control mice, i.e., 53.1% +/- 13.7% versus 33.2% +/- 10.3% (P < 0.0001) for vas deferens sperm and 40.1% +/- 9.6% versus 33.2% +/- 7.5% (P = 0.0104) for epididymal sperm. Cyt c(T)-null mice often exhibit early atrophy of the testes after 4 months of age, losing germ cells as a result of increased apoptosis. However, no difference in the activation of caspase-3, -8, or -9 was detected between the Cyt c(T)(-/-) testes and controls. Our data indicate that the Cyt c(T)-null testes undergo early atrophy equivalent to that which occurs during aging as a consequence of a reduction in oxidative phosphorylation.

Infertility and testicular defects in hormone-sensitive lipase-deficient mice.

The 84-kDa hormone-sensitive lipase (gene designation Lipe; EC 3.1.1.3) is a cholesterol esterase and triglyceride hydrolase that functions in the release of fatty acids from adipocytes. The role of hormone-sensitive lipase in other tissues such as the testis, where a specific 120-kDa testis-specific isoform is expressed, is unknown. To study this, we examined the fertility and testicular histology of gene-targeted hormone-sensitive lipase-deficient mice. Homozygous hormone-sensitive lipase-deficient male mice are infertile and have decreased testis weights; female homozygotes are fertile. Testicular abnormalities, detected at the light and electron microscopic levels, included the presence of multinucleated round and elongating spermatids, vacuolization of the seminiferous epithelium, asynchronization of the spermatogenic cycle, sloughing of postmeiotic germ cells from the seminiferous epithelium into the lumen, and a marked reduction in the numbers of late spermatids. Extensive nuclear head deformation was noted in late spermatids as well as the sharing of a common acrosome in multinucleated cells. In some multinucleated cells, nuclei were separated from their acrosomes, with the acrosomes remaining attached to areas of ectoplasmic specializations, suggesting defects in intercellular cytoplasmic bridge integrity. Although the lumen of the epididymis was essentially devoid of spermatozoa and filled instead with spherical degenerating cells, the epididymal epithelial cells appeared normal. The few late spermatids present in the epididymis were abnormal. There was no morphological evidence, as judged by the absence of lipid droplets of triacylglycerol or cholesteryl ester accumulation in the testis. Together, the data suggest that hormone-sensitive lipase deficiency results in abnormalities in spermiogenesis that are incompatible with normal fertility. We speculate that a metabolite downstream from the hormone-sensitive lipase reaction may be essential for membrane stabilization and integrity in the seminiferous epithelium and, in particular, may play an important role in the maintenance of intercellular cytoplasmic bridges between postmeiotic germ cells.

Trichloroethylene induced testicular toxicity in rats exposed by inhalation.

Trichloroethylene (TCE) is an organic solvent used in dry cleaning, metal degreasing, thinner for paints and varnishes, anesthetic agent, and so forth. Human beings are appreciably exposed to TCE vapours by inhalation route. The present study has been undertaken to investigate whether TCE inhalation may also bring about testicular toxic effects. Our results indicate that inhalation of TCE by male rats for 12 and 24 weeks brings about significant reduction in absolute testicular weight, and alters marker testicular enzymes activity associated with spermatogenesis and germ cell maturation, along with marked histopathological changes showing depletion of germs cells and spermatogenic arrest.

Highly sensitive quantitative telomerase assay of diagnostic testicular biopsy material predicts the presence of haploid spermatogenic cells in therapeutic testicular biopsy in men with Sertoli cell-only syndrome.

The role of a telomerase assay in the recognition of Sertoli cell-only syndrome with testicular foci of haploid cells was evaluated. Men with Sertoli cell-only syndrome (n = 23) were given a new diagnostic testicular biopsy. Part of the biopsy was stained and the remainder was processed for the quantitative telomerase assay. After 3-13 months, a therapeutic testicular biopsy was performed. This material was minced and then examined using confocal laser scanning microscopy and fluorescent in-situ hybridization. Histology of diagnostic testicular biopsy material confirmed the diagnosis of Sertoli cell-only syndrome in all the participants. All seven men with a telomerase assay value in their diagnostic testicular biopsy of >42 total product generated (TPG) U/microg protein had haploid cells (i.e. spermatozoa and/or spermatids) in their therapeutic testicular biopsy. Among participants with telomerase assay values <42 TPG U/microg protein, only one man had haploid cells in his therapeutic testicular biopsy. Thus, telomerase assay values >42 TPG U/microg protein in the diagnostic biopsy identified 87.5% of the Sertoli cell-only syndrome men with haploid cells in their therapeutic testicular biopsy. Significantly higher values of the telomerase assay were found in men with testicular foci of haploid cells than in men without these foci. The use of a quantitative telomerase assay biopsy appears to be important for identifying those men with Sertoli cell-only syndrome who have foci of haploid cells and can be candidates for assisted reproduction techniques.

A comparative study of the EpiScreen kit and a conventional method for the determination of seminal alpha-glucosidase activity.

Low alpha-glucosidase activity in seminal plasma is a marker of epididymal obstruction. The criterion standard for determining activity is the epididymal specific method, whereby the neutral iso-enzyme, specifically produced by the epididymis, is measured. A kit that determines total alpha-glucosidase activity (neutral iso-enzyme and the acid iso-enzyme originating from the prostate) has become available. The objective of the laboratory-based study was to compare alpha-glucosidase activity values measured by both the EpiScreen and the epididymal specific method, to determine if the kit may provide reliable results to substitute the neutral iso-enzyme specific method in the routine clinical setting. The neutral iso-enzyme activity according to both methods was measured in seminal plasma of 23 post-vasectomy and 24 normozoospermic patients. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were found between the activities measured according to both methods, but these differences pertained mostly to high values (> 40 mU ejaculate-1), which was not clinically significant. In conclusion, the epididymal specific method is best suited for research purposes, but the EpiScreen kit is convenient for routine use in infertility clinics.