Chronic exposure of bisphenol S (BPS) affect hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular activities in adult male rats: possible in estrogenic mode of action

BACKGROUND@#The industrial revolution has resulted in increased synthesis and the introduction of a variety of compounds into the environment and their potentially hazardous effects have been observed in the biota. The present study was aimed to evaluate the potential endocrine-disrupting effects of chronic exposure to the low concentrations of bisphenol S (BPS) in male rats.@*METHODS@#Weaning male Sprague-Dawley rats (22 days old) were either exposed to water containing 0.1% ethanol for control or different concentrations of BPS (0.5, 5, and 50 μg/L) in drinking water for 48 weeks in the chronic exposure study. After completion of the experimental period, animals were dissected and different parameters (hormone concentrations, histology of testis and epididymis, oxidative stress and level of antioxidant enzymes in the testis, daily sperm production (DSP), and sperm parameters) were determined.@*RESULTS@#Results of the present study showed a significant alteration in the gonadosomatic index (GSI) and relative reproductive organ weights. Oxidative stress in the testis was significantly elevated while sperm motility, daily sperm production, and the number of sperm in epididymis were reduced. Plasma testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations were reduced and estradiol levels were high in the 50 μg/L-exposed group. Histological observations involved a significant reduction in the epithelial height of the testis along with disrupted spermatogenesis, an empty lumen of the seminiferous tubules, and the caput region of the epididymis.@*CONCLUSION@#These results suggest that exposure to 5 and 50 μg/L of BPS for the chronic duration started from an early age can induce structural changes in testicular tissue architecture and endocrine alterations in the male reproductive system which may lead to infertility in males.

Effect of bisphenol F, an analog of bisphenol A, on the reproductive functions of male rats

OBJECTIVE@#Bisphenol A (BPA) is a monomer primarily used in the production of polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins. Bisphenol F (BPF) is apparently the main BPA replacement that is used increasingly. BPF has been detected in canned food, thermal paper receipts, and soft drinks. In the present experiment, we did both in vitro and in vivo studies to evaluate the effect of low and high-dose BPF exposures on testosterone concentration, oxidative stress, and antioxidants activity in reproductive tissues of male rats.@*METHODS@#Adult (80-90 days old) male Sprague Dawley rats (n = 36) obtained from the rodent colony of Animal Sciences Department of Quaid-i-Azam University. The direct effects of BPF on the antioxidant enzymes and testosterone secretion were measured in vitro and in vivo studies. In an in vivo experiment, adult male Sprague Dawley rats (n = 42) were exposed to different concentrations of bisphenol F (1, 5, 25, and 50 mg/kg/d) for 28 days. Various biochemical parameters were analyzed including the level of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and lipid peroxidation (LPO). Moreover, sperm motility, daily sperm production (DSP), comet assay, and histological analysis were performed.@*RESULTS@#In vitro study showed that BPF exposure significantly (p < 0.05) induced oxidative stress biomarkers, i.e., ROS and LPO, while it did not change antioxidant enzyme and testicular testosterone concentration. Whereas, an in vivo study revealed that BPF induced dose-dependent effect and high-dose (100 mg/kg) exposure of BPF significantly reduced tissue protein (p < 0.05) content, CAT (p < 0.001), SOD (p < 0.05), and POD (p < 0.05) levels while significantly (p < 0.05) augmented ROS and lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, BPF reduces testosterone, LH, and FSH secretion in a dose-dependent manner. Significant (p < 0.001) reduction in plasma and intra-testicular testosterone, LH, and FSH was noticed at 100 mg/kg BFP dose. High-dose exposure reduces spermatogenesis.@*CONCLUSION@#BPF showed an antagonistic effect on male reproductive hormones and induce alterations in testicular morphology. Increased oxidative stress and decreased testicular antioxidant status might be the underlying mechanism of BFP-induced testicular toxicity.

Ameliorating potency of Chenopodium album Linn. and vitamin C against mercuric chloride-induced oxidative stress in testes of Sprague Dawley rats

BACKGROUND@#Mercury has been documented as an industrial risk that posed a serious danger to human health. Mercury exposure results in oxidative stress that may lead to the pathogenesis of male reproductive dysfunction. The present study investigated the ameliorating potential of Chenopodium album L. and vitamin C against mercuric chloride-induced oxidative deterioration of reproductive functions in adult male rats.@*METHODS@#Group 1 (control) received saline. Group 2 received Mercury (0.15 mg/kg b.w, i.p) dissolved in distilled water. Groups 3 and 4 were given oral gavage of vitamin C (200 mg/kg b.w) and the ethanolic extract of C. album (200 mg/kg b.w) respectively, along with Mercury (0.15 mg/kg b.w, i.p). Group 5 was treated only with C. album (200 mg/kg b.w). After 30 days of the treatment, the rats were dissected and their testicular tissue and the cauda epididymis were used for biochemical analysis while blood plasma was used for protein determination.@*RESULTS@#The applied dose-treatment of Mercury-induced oxidative stress in the testis and cauda epididymis tissues of the rats was apparent by a noteworthy decrease in total protein, CAT, SOD, POD, and GST values while there was increase in ROS and TBARS levels. Furthermore, Mercury decreases daily sperm production and enhanced sperm DNA damage as noticeable by an increase in the head and tail length of comets and decrease in intact DNA. There was no significant effect on the body weight and the weight of the reproductive tissues. Treatment with C. album significantly ameliorated the total protein, ROS, and TBARS content. Similarly, the level of CAT, SOD, POD, and GST was significantly improved and the daily sperm production was significantly increased. Furthermore, C. album administration significantly protected Mercury-induced sperm DNA damage. The results of the extract treatment group were compared with those of vitamin C in detoxifying the oxidative stress and restoring the sperm parameters.@*CONCLUSION@#C. album showed protection against Mercury-induced oxidative stress by ameliorating antioxidant enzyme activity, daily sperm production, and DNA damage in rat testes. This suggests that C. album could be beneficial against toxicity induced by an environmental toxicant.

Analgesic activity of alkyl piperidine derivatives

Piperidine is the most significant scaffold which reveals therapeutic potential because of its conformationally flexible nature. During the course of present investigations synthetic quaternary salts of alkyl piperidine with various phenacyl bromides were explored for their possible analgesic activity. Compounds I analogs [1a-1f] and compound II analogs [IIa-IIf] showed varying degree of analgesic activity when compared with pethidine as standard and its duration by tail immersion method

Antimalarial and insecticidal activities of newly synthesized derivatives of Benzimidazole

The bioactive benzimidazole and corresponding substituted phenacyl halides has been synthesized [11] new derivatives out of three compounds 8, 10 and 11 were found to inhibit the Plasmodium falciparum moderately after 72 hours of incubation hence acting as antimalarial agents. While these derivatives were exhibited negligible insecticidal activity too when analyzed by impregnated filter paper method

Prevalence of depression in university students belonging to different socioeconomic status

Objective: to study the prevalence of depression in University Students who belong to Middle, Upper Middle and Upper Socioeconomic status

Methodology: the present research involved 331 university students [165 males and 166 females]. Participants were selected with help of purposive sampling technique from different universities of Karachi, with age range of 19-30 years [Mean = 21.70 +/- 2.7]. Center for Epidemiological Studies Scale for Depression was used to screen out the level of depression and demographic form was used for Gender and Socioeconomic status

Results: among 331 participants 50 [15.1%] were not depressed, 75[22.7%] mildly depressed, 111 [33.5%] moderate and 95[28.7%] severely depressed. Males were more depressed than females and there was higher level of depression in upper middle socioeconomic status than other socioeconomic statuses

Conclusion: it is concluded that depression is common in male and female university students belonging to different socioeconomic status in Karachi, Pakistan. There is higher prevalence of depression in Upper Middle socioeconomic status than Middle and Upper socioeconomic statuses. Over all male university students have higher level of depression than female

Reversal of Loperamide Induced Intestinal Smooth Muscle Relaxation by Glibenclamide and Repaglinide in Vitro

Objective: To compare the inhibitory effects of Glibenclamide and Repaglinide on loperamide induced relaxation of isolated ileum of Rabbit. Study Design: Comparative controlled in-vitro experimental Study. Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at Department of Pharmacology, Yusra Medical and Dental College Islamabad from February to April 2014. Materials and Methods: Isolated pieces of small intestine of rabbits placed in freshly prepared Tyrode nutritional solution. Six groups were designed. In group I, effect of Acetylcholine on the intestine was observed. In group I1 ileum was exposed to serial dilutions of acetyl choline in the presence of fixed concentration of loperamide dose response curve was plotted. In group 111 fixed dose of Glibenclamide 1u6 was given and dose response curve was plotted with Acetylcholine. In group IV fixed dose of Repaglinide was given and dose response curve was lotted with Acetylcholine. Group V was given Loperamidffilibenclamide and dose responce curve was plotted with Acetylcholine, while group VI was given Loperamide+Repaglinide and dose response curve was plotted with Acetylcholine. The effects were observed and recorded on Power lab. Results: Acetyl choline has produced dose dependent increase in force of contraction from 4.9 to 7.2 mN. In the presence of glibenclamide the force of intestinal smooth muscle contraction increase from 6.4 to 7.8mN and in the presence of loperamide the force decreased from 4.8 to 3.03mN. In the end effect observed with acetyl choline in the presence of loperamide and glibenclamide is 6.5 to 7.7mN. Similarly with repaglinide alone the force of contraction increased from 5.4 to 9.6mN and with repaglindie + loperamide from 4.3 to 21.5 mN. On statistical analysis 't' test as applied and P value was found to be significant that is PK0.05. The dose response curve of acetylcholine on intestinal smooth muscle of rabbit shifted towards left side with glibenclarnide and rapaglinide alone. In the presence of Loperamide the curve shifted towards right side. Glibenclamide and repaglinide when given together with loperamide respectively lead to leftwards shift of the dose response curve. Conclusion: Hence sulfonylurea glibenclamide and repaglinide, the oral anti-diabetics effectively reversed the relaxation of intestinal smooth muscle by loperamide

Synthesis and cytotoxic activity of some derivatives of alkyl piperidine

Synthesis of novel phenacyl derivatives of alkyl piperidine as cytotoxic agents via simple and single step reaction procedure is going to be reported here. Twelve new compounds were successfully synthesized in moderate yield and in solid form. Their synthesis was confirmed by TLC, melting point, CHN analysis and through different spectral studies such as UV, IR, Mass and proton NMR. The advantages of this synthetic route are simple operation, mild reaction conditions and good yields. These newly synthesized derivatives were extensively explored for their cytotoxicity by brine shrimp lethality assay

Association of maternal anthropometry with the neonatal birth weight in 3rd trimester of normal pregnancy

There is scarcity of data from Pakistan, which looks at the relationship of maternal nutritional status with the neonatal birth weight The objective of study was to investigate association of increase in the neonatal birth weight with maternal height and weight, in 3rd trimester in normal pregnancy. The study was conducted between the months of April-November 2007 at Gynecology and Obstetrics Unit of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad. This Descriptive case series included a total of 118 patients who were selected by consecutive sampling. Dietary history was taken by a semi structured Food Frequency questionnaire at the time of registration and 24 hours dietary recall was conducted at least three times from time of registration until the last visit before pregnancy and mean dietary intake for third trimester was calculated. Differences between group means were calculated by Student's t-test. Regression analysis was used to examine the trends between neonatal birth weight and the maternal dietary intake including energy, protein, carbohydrates and lipids. Energy consumption of the pregnant women was 2168.89 Kcal/day during the third trimester of pregnancy. Maternal energy intake showed a highly significant [P = 0.007] increase in the birth weight of the neonates. Neonatal birth weight was positively associated with increasing maternal height [p=0.02] as well as increasing maternal weight gain [P=0.008]. No significant difference was observed between the mean maternal energy consumption [kcal/day], maternal weight gain in the last trimester [g/wk], and neonatal birth weight [g] between the pregnant women belonging to the different categories of Body Mass Index and mean upper arm circumference. Maternal nutritional status is positively associated with the neonatal birth weight. Expecting mothers and young girls nutritions must be given special attention to ensure delivery of a healthy and a normal child

Effect of an anti-thyroid drug, 2,8-Dimercapto-6-hydroxy purine on reproduction in male rats

This histomorphological study is designed to evaluate the peripheral action of 2,8-Dimercapto-6-hydroxypurine [an antithyroid drug] on male reproductive system. The drug was administered as i.p. injection for 21 days to investigate its role on morphology of intratesticular cells and plasma testosterone level. Adult male rats [n=12], divided into three groups i.e. control, dimethylsulphoxide [DMSO] and 2,8-Dimercapto-6-hydroxypurine treated groups and treated with saline, DMSO and 2,8-Dimercapto-6-hydroxypurine for 21 consecutive days respectively. Blood samples were collected at day 1, 7, 14 and 21 and analyzed by using EIA systems. All the animals were scarified on 22nd day and testicular tissues were studied by histomorphpological assesment. 2,8-Dimercapto-6-hydroxypurine caused a significant decrease [P<0.0001] in mean testicular cell population, testicular cell diameter and resulted in arrested spermatogenesis. A significant decrease [P<0.0001] was observed in mean Sertoli and Leydig cell population and diameter in treated group. Similarly a significant decrease was observed in plasma testosterone levels at days 1, 7 and 14 [P<0.05] and further decrease by day 21 [P<0.01] of drug treatment. The present study suggests that 2,8-Dimercapto-6-hydroxypurine is a negative modulator of reproductive system as it suppressed the plasma testosterone level and proliferation of different testicular cell types in adult male rats

Translation and adaptation of perceived social self efficacy scale [PSSE]

The objective of the present study is to adapt the scale of Perceived Social Self-Efficacy [PSSE; Smith and Betz, 2000] in Urdu [national language of Pakistan] and to estimate the reliability of Urdu version of Perceived Social Self-Efficacy. The process of translation included Expert Panel approach, Forward translation and Back translation. Linguistic equivalence of the translated version of Perceived Social Self-Efficacy was checked on a sample of bilingual adolescent students. Moreover reliability of scale was established on a sample of adolescent students with the age range of 16-l9yrs, mean age 17.09yrs. High degree of Cronbach alpha of Urdu version was found on the sample of 67 adolescent students with coefficient alpha .902. Test retest reliability over one week interval was r=.887 significant at .01 level. Translated version was found reliable in Pakistan. Implications and recommendation for future researches are discussed

Association of computational ability and digit span in schizophrenia patients

Present study is an endeavor to assess the relationship between computational abilities and digit span in patients of schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is characterized by various executive function disabilities; working memory is one of few very important aspects among these. The construct being very significant in understanding the cognitive deficits associated with the schizophrenia, has been reported to be well assessed by various indices. Present study is an endeavor to study the performance of patients of schizophrenia on two of them that is, an Arithmetic test and a Digit span measure. It was assumed that the two set of scores will be highly correlated in patients of schizophrenia. For the purpose 101 individuals were included as participants in the study, 57 of them were the diagnosed patients of schizophrenia while the remaining 44 were the controls selected from the community. Both of the groups were tested on Arithmetic and digit span tasks. Results reflect that scores of schizophrenia patients on both measures were found significantly correlated [r=.610, p<.001], while in controls the association found was not significant [r=. 169, p>. 05]

Leptin levels in infertile males

To determine the leptin levels in the serum of normal, subfertile and infertile men. Analytical study. Department of Animal Sciences Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad, National Institute of Health [NIH], Islamabad and Dr. Salma and Kafeel Medical Centre, Islamabad, from April to December 2009. Serum leptin levels hormonal concentrations [LH, FSH and testosterone] were determined by EIA in 154 males including 24 [15.58%] fertile, 19 [12.34%] polyzoospermic [PZs], 26 [16.88%] teratozoospermic [TZs], 27 [17.53%] astheno-teratozoospermic [ATZs], 18 [11.69%] oligozoospermic [OZs], 18 [11.69%] oligo-astheno-teratozoospermic [OATZs], 11 [7.14%] obstructive azoospermic [OBST-AZOOs] and 11 [7.14%] non-obstructive azoospermic [NON-OBST- AZOOs]. BMI was also determined, divided into groups of greater than 24. Hormonal concentrations were compared by ANOVA and correlation was performed by using Graph pad prism version 5. Significantly high levels of leptin concentrations were found in fertile [p < 0.001] as well as TZs, PZs, OZs, ATZs,[p < 0.001], OATZs [p < 0.01] and NON-OBST-AZOOs [p < 0.05] male subjects with BMI > 24 compared to fertile and infertile male patients with BMI < 24. Serum testosterone concentrations were significantly lower in PZs, OATZs, OZs, NON-OBST-AZOOs male patients with BMI < 24 compared to PZs [p < 0.05], OATZs, OZs [p < 0.01], OBST-AZOOs [p < 0.001] male patients with BMI > 24. Leptin showed a significant positive correlation with LH [p < 0.01] and FSH [p < 0.002] and a significant negative correlation with testosterone [p < 0.001]. Abnormal leptin level was significantly associated with fertility problems in males. Providing a link between leptin and reproduction factors contributing in control of testosterone and gonadotropins secretion in many aspects depending on fertility status in male subjects. BMI appears to have significant association with serum leptin levels

Negative emotional states, marital status and gender: a comparative study

The aim of the present study was to investigate negative emotional states of depression, anxiety and stress in married and unmarried men and women. It was hypothesized that the level of depression, anxiety and stress would be high in unmarried men and women as compared to married men and women. The sample of the study comprised of 137 participants, 82 participants were male [50 married and 32 unmarried] and 55 were female [31 married and 24 unmarried] age ranging from 35 to 50 years. Their socioeconomic status was middle and their minimum educational level was graduation. Depression Anxiety Stress Scales [DASS] [Lovibond and Lovibond, 1995] was administered to measure negative emotional states of depression, anxiety and stress in married and unmarried men and women. Two-Way ANOVA was applied through statistical package for social sciences [SPSS, V-12.0] to test the significance of results. Results reflect Marital Status as a significant determinant for depression [F [1, 133] =21.69, p<.001], anxiety [F [1, 133]= 24.44, p<.001] and stress [F [1, 133] = 12.06, p<.001]. However factor of gender found to be not significant as trivial difference was found among males and females on variable of depression, anxiety and stress. Further, interaction effect of gender and marital status found to play significant role in determining depression and anxiety but not in stress. It was found that unmarried females are the most vulnerable group for all the three negative emotional states

Kohl [SURMA]: retrospect and prospect

Kohl, since antiquity has always been given a prime importance in ophthalmology for the protection and treatment of various eye ailments. However, for decades various conflicting reports in the literature have been published relating to Kohl application to eyes being responsible for causing higher blood lead concentration, which may cause lead poisoning. While at the same time, a number of research studies and reports have also been published negating any such links with increased blood lead level upon Kohl [surma] application. In view of the above mentioned facts, this review article is written with the objective to highlight various data from past and present research studies and reports about Kohl, so as to provide valuable information to both the users and the research workers about it-s scientific background and effects when applied into eyes. A large number of items and topics [such as Kohl, surma, eye cosmetic, traditional eye preparations, environmental lead pollution, galena, lead sulphide etc.] have been taken into consideration while compiling this review article. In conclusion, the authors of this review article feel that the relation between Kohl and toxicity or increased blood lead concentration upon it-s application to eyes as reported elsewhere is likely to be more of theoretical nature rather than a practical health hazard

Exploring predictors of compulsive buying behavior among young college/university students

The objective of the present study is to find out the significance of Materialism and self-esteem as the predictors of compulsive buying behavior among young college/university students belongingto middle socioeconomic status. 155 students between the ages of 18 years and 25 years participated in the research, and completed measures of compulsive buying [Edwards, 1993], Material value scale [Richins, 2004] and self-esteem [Rosenberg 1965]. Multiple regression analysis was used to assess the hypothesized relationship of Materialism and self esteem with compulsive buying behavior which yields significant results reflecting Materialism and Self esteem as significant predictors of compulsive buying behavior [R[2] = .113, F [2, 152] = 9.646, p<001]

Translation and adaptation of brief fear of negative evaluation [BFNE] scale in Pakistan

The objective of the present study is to translate and adapt Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale [BFNE; Leary, 1983] in national language [Urdu] and estimation of its psychometric properties. After the process of Forward, back translation and committee approach the linguistic equivalence of the translated version of the scale was assessed on a sample of 71 bilingual adolescent students with the age range of 16-19 years, randomly selected from different schools of Karachi. The estimate shows significant results [r- .614] at .01 significant level. The split half reliability estimate was found to be .788, which is significant at .01 probability level. The Cronbach's alpha of the Urdu version of the BFNE scale is .762 indicating considerable internal consistency of the translated version of BFNE. The Urdu version of BFNE has found to be a reliable scale for adolescents in Pakistan

Conceptual ability advantages in patients of schizophrenia with paranoid ideation

Reasoning and planning deficits of conceptual ability are characteristically related to the diagnosis of schizophrenia, however a broad range of literature suggest the advantage of those with paranoid delusions over other patients of schizophrenia. To determine the relationship of paranoid ideation with the conceptual ability, sample of 52 patients diagnosed as having schizophrenia, with age of 20-50 years and minimum education of intermediate, was assessed on the [similarities] subtest of Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised [Wechsler, 1981], and [Paranoia] scale of Personality Assessment Inventory [Morey, 1991]. Results reflect significant relationship between the two variables, with paranoid ideation explaining 12% variation in the scores on the measure of conceptual ability. Results were discussed with reference to the characteristic style of those with high paranoid ideation

Effect of sperm parameters on intrauterine insemination pregnancy rate

To assess the effect of sperm parameters on pregnancy rate following Intrauterine Insemination [IUI] in primary and secondary infertile patients. An observational study. The Assisted Conception Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Services Institute of Medical Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan, from January 2004 to January 2006. One hundred and thirty-six couples, comprising 110 couples with primary and 26 with secondary infertility, of at least one year of infertility, were studied. All underwent a total of 231 intrauterine insemination cycles. A detailed history for infertility evaluation was taken. Hormonal profiles were done on day two of the menstrual cycle. Ovarian stimulation of all patients with Clomiphene citrate was done from day two of the menstrual cycle for 5 days and subsequent transvaginal scans on day twelve, for follicular tracking were done. Semen analysis was done, after 2-3 days abstinence and sperms for intrauterine insemination were prepared according to Density Gradient Sperm Wash Method. IUI was done 36 hours after tracking of the dominant follicles and injection hCG was given for follicular maturation and rupture. The main outcome measures were determining the effect of normal and abnormal sperm parameters on pregnancy outcome, in ovulation induced infertile couples, undergoing intrauterine insemination cycles. Of the 136 couples, who underwent IUI cycles, 18 had male factor infertility and the rest were with normal semen parameters. An IUI pregnancy rate of 13.7% was seen with a total of 4 conceptions. This study confirms that IUI, because of its cost effectiveness and minimum complications, can be applied as a first line treatment in infertile couples after considering the sperm parameters