Repeatedly heated palm olein disrupts male reproductive system of rat: A histological and biochemical study.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of heated and unheated palm olein in different doses on the male reproductive system of rats. Forty male rats were randomly classified into five groups (n = 8) including Control, Low palm, High palm, Heated low palm and Heated high palm. The palm olein was administrated orally for 6 months. Histological and biochemical parameters of the male reproductive system were measured. There was a significant reduction in sexual hormones, serum levels of superoxide dismutase, high-density lipoprotein, testis weight and sperm parameters in the high dose and heated palm olein groups compared to the other group (p < 0.05). The levels of malondialdehyde, apoptosis rate, proteins levels (TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6), low-density lipoprotein, cholesterol, triglyceride and the weight of the rats were significantly higher in the high dose and heated palm olein groups than the others (p < 0.05). High dose and heated palm olein treatment could damage the male rat's reproductive indices that were related to increased inflammatory markers, decreased sex hormone levels, and negative effects on testicular tissue and sperm parameters.

Functional anatomy of the male reproductive system of the American lobster (Homarus americanus).

Despite supporting a valuable fishery, the reproductive system of the male American lobster (Homarus americanus) is poorly understood. The elongated H-shaped testis is responsible for spermatogenesis and is composed of follicles, a common collecting duct with interlaced scattered striated muscles, and a serosa as an external wall. Sertoli cells are associated with the spermatogenesis that produces spermatozoa, which are transferred to the collecting duct through a temporary passageway. Spermatogenesis is asynchronous between follicles and occurs on a continuous basis. The anterior and posterior lobes of the testes are independent and connect to the vasa deferentia through the Y-shaped collecting tubules that have a different cell anatomy and function than the two organs they connect. The vas deferens is divided into four regions. Spermatophores, produced in the proximal vas deferens, are packets of spermatozoa encapsulated in a single layer-the spermatophoric wall, which is composed of mucopolysaccharide acid. Large dense ovoid granules and the seminal fluid, composed of acidic sulfated mucosubstances, are secreted in the median vas deferens. Spermatophores within these secreted substances (i.e., semen) are stored in the distal vas deferens that, with the spermiduct (last region of the vas deferens), is responsible for the extrusion of the semen by striated muscle contractions. Smooth muscles suggest a peristaltic movement of the spermatophores within the vas deferens. Finally, the gonopores and the first pair of pleopods (i.e., gonopod) move the semen to the female seminal receptacle during copulation.

The effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides on the male rats׳ reproductive system and spermatogenic cell apoptosis exposed to low-dose ionizing irradiation.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Lycium barbarum, a Solanaceous defoliated shrubbery, has been used as a kind of traditional Chinese herbal medicines for thousands of years. Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) is the main bioactive component of Lycium barbarum. The aim of this study was to investigate the radioresistant effect of LBP on the damage of male rats' reproductive system and spermatogenic cells caused by low-dose (60)Co-γ irradiation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male rats were randomly divided into 7 groups and treated with irradiation and/or LBP: normal control group, irradiation control group 1, irradiation control group 2, irradiation control group 3, LBP + irradiation group 1, LBP + irradiation group 2, and LBP + irradiation group 3. RESULTS: It is found that mating function and testis organ coefficient in LBP + irradiation groups were significantly better than that of the corresponding irradiation control groups. LBP significantly up-regulates the expression of Bcl-2 while down-regulating the expression of Bax. And LBP also plays an important role in prevention mitochondrial membrane potential decrease. In addition, LBP can significantly reduce spermatogenic cells apoptosis. CONCLUSION: LBP has obvious protective effect on the male rats' reproductive function and spermatogenic dysfunction induced by irradiation.

Vitamin D in human reproduction: a narrative review.

BACKGROUND: Special attention has been given to the effect of vitamin D supplementation on fertility outcomes in both sexes. AIMS: The purpose of this narrative review was to elucidate the role of vitamin D in male and female reproduction, providing current evidence from both animal and human studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using PubMed and Medline, we searched for publications during the last 30 years regarding the role of vitamin D in human reproduction. RESULTS: Accumulating evidence from animal and human studies suggests that vitamin D is involved in many functions of the reproductive system in both genders. In women, vitamin D status has been associated with in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcome, features of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis. Although several data converge towards a beneficial effect of vitamin D supplementation in metabolic disturbances in women with PCOS, a significant knowledge gap precludes the establishment of a clear cause-effect relationship. In men, vitamin D status has been associated with semen quality and sperm count, motility and morphology. There is evidence for a favourable effect of vitamin D supplementation on semen quality, testosterone concentrations and fertility outcomes. DISCUSSION: Studies with superior methodological characteristics are needed in order to establish a role for vitamin D on the treatment of female and male infertility. CONCLUSIONS: Recent data on vitamin D provide new insights in the complex pathogenesis and treatment of infertility.

Muscle type-specific responses to NAD+ salvage biosynthesis promote muscle function in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Salvage biosynthesis of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD(+)) from nicotinamide (NAM) lowers NAM levels and replenishes the critical molecule NAD(+) after it is hydrolyzed. This pathway is emerging as a regulator of multiple biological processes. Here we probe the contribution of the NAM-NAD(+) salvage pathway to muscle development and function using Caenorhabditis elegans. C. elegans males with mutations in the nicotinamidase pnc-1, which catalyzes the first step of this NAD(+) salvage pathway, cannot mate due to a spicule muscle defect. Multiple muscle types are impaired in the hermaphrodites, including body wall muscles, pharyngeal muscles and vulval muscles. An active NAD(+) salvage pathway is required for optimal function of each muscle cell type. However, we found surprising muscle-cell-type specificity in terms of both the timing and relative sensitivity to perturbation of NAD(+) production or NAM levels. Active NAD(+) biosynthesis during development is critical for function of the male spicule protractor muscles during adulthood, but these muscles can surprisingly do without salvage biosynthesis in adulthood under the conditions examined. The body wall muscles require ongoing NAD(+) salvage biosynthesis both during development and adulthood for maximum function. The vulval muscles do not function in the presence of elevated NAM concentrations, but NAM supplementation is only slightly deleterious to body wall muscles during development or upon acute application in adults. Thus, the pathway plays distinct roles in different tissues. As NAM-NAD(+) biosynthesis also impacts muscle differentiation in vertebrates, we propose that similar complexities may be found among vertebrate muscle cell types.

Assessment of sperm production and reproductive organs of Wistar rats to long-term exposure of Caesalpinia ferrea.

Caesalpinia ferrea Mart (Leguminosae) is a medicinal plant used to treat diabetes, among other therapeutic properties, but which is also reported to have hepatotoxic effects. Although it contains substances such as flavonoids and coumarin, which are known to have antifertility activity, no studies have apparently been conducted to evaluate the potential adverse side effects of this plant on the function of the reproductive system after a chronic treatment. Therefore, this investigation was carried out to evaluate the effect and safety of the long-term exposure to C. ferrea on male Wistar rats' vital organs, reproductive system and sperm production. Adult and immature male rats were treated with an aqueous extract of C. ferrea at a dose level of 300 mg/kg of body weight, administered during one or two spermatogenic cycles of this species. The reproductive and vital organs were analyzed, and sperm was collected from the epididymal secretion of the right epididymis cauda. The long-term administration of C. ferrea did not significantly alter the body, vital and reproductive organs weights. Gamete production was not affected either. The chronic assessment of C. ferrea suggests that this plant does not affect the normal functioning of the Wistar rat reproductive system.

Assessment of sperm production and reproductive organs of Wistar rats to long-term exposure of Caesalpinia ferrea

Caesalpinia ferrea Mart (Leguminosae) is a medicinal plant used to treat diabetes, among other therapeutic properties, but which is also reported to have hepatotoxic effects. Although it contains substances such as flavonoids and coumarin, which are known to have antifertility activity, no studies have apparently been conducted to evaluate the potential adverse side effects of this plant on the function of the reproductive system after a chronic treatment. Therefore, this investigation was carried out to evaluate the effect and safety of the long-term exposure to C. ferrea on male Wistar rats' vital organs, reproductive system and sperm production. Adult and immature male rats were treated with an aqueous extract of C. ferrea at a dose level of 300 mg/kg of body weight, administered during one or two spermatogenic cycles of this species. The reproductive and vital organs were analyzed, and sperm was collected from the epididymal secretion of the right epididymis cauda. The long-term administration of C. ferrea did not significantly alter the body, vital and reproductive organs weights. Gamete production was not affected either. The chronic assessment of C. ferrea suggests that this plant does not affect the normal functioning of the Wistar rat reproductive system.

Caesalpinia ferrea Mart (Leguminosae) é uma planta medicinal utilizada principalmente no tratamento do diabetes, dentre outras propriedades terapêuticas, mas que também apresenta relatos de hepatotóxicos. Embora apresente em sua constituição substâncias capazes de interferirem na fertilidade, como flavonóides e cumarina, nenhum estudo foi ainda realizado para avaliar os efeitos adversos dessa planta no funcionamento do sistema reprodutor após tratamento de longa duração. Portanto, este trabalho foi desenvolvido com o objetivo de avaliar a utilização segura e os efeitos de C. ferrea nos órgãos vitais, no sistema reprodutor e na produção de espermatozóides de ratos Wistar submetidos a tratamento crônico. Animais imaturos e adultos foram tratados com o extrato aquoso de C. ferrea na dose de 300 mg/kg de peso corporal, administrado durante um ou dois ciclos espermatogênicos dessa espécie. Os órgãos reprodutores e vitais foram analisados e os espermatozóides foram coletados na secreção epididimária proveniente da cauda do epidídimo direito. A administração crônica de C. ferrea não alterou significativamente o peso corporal e nem o peso dos órgãos reprodutores e vitais. A produção de gametas também não foi afetada. Os dados sugerem que a utilização crônica de C. ferrea não interfere com o funcionamento normal do sistema reprodutor do rato Wistar.

Anejaculation: an electrifying approach.

Anejaculation within the context of a male infertility evaluation can be a distressing condition for patients. A variety of causes for anejaculation have been identified, and although the condition cannot be reversed, in many cases a minimally invasive treatment is feasible, allowing the patient to pursue his desire for children. In most cases, men suffering from anejaculation due to spinal cord injury (SCI) are excellent candidates for ejaculation induction procedures and low-level assisted reproductive techniques. In many SCI men, penile vibratory ejaculation can be performed by the patient himself and home insemination performed as a very low cost alternative. Surgical sperm retrieval and intracytoplasmic sperm injection should be first-line therapy only in non-SCI anejaculatory men.

Evaluation of antifertility potential of Brahmi in male mouse.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of Bacopa monnieri (Brahmi) on fertility of male laboratory mouse. STUDY DESIGN: Mice of the Parkes (P) strain were orally administered Brahmi (250 mg/kg body weight/day, for 28 and 56 days), and effect of the treatment on reproductive organs and fertility was investigated. Recovery and toxicological studies were also carried out. RESULTS: The treatment caused reduction in motility, viability, morphology, and number of spermatozoa in cauda epididymidis. Histologically, testes in mice treated with the plant extract showed alterations in the seminiferous tubules, and the alterations included intraepithelial vacuolation, loosening of germinal epithelium, exfoliation of germ cells and occurrence of giant cells. In severe cases, the tubules were lined by only Sertoli cells or Sertoli cells, spermatogonia and spermatocytes. Significant reductions were also noted in height of the germinal epithelium and diameter of the seminiferous tubules in Brahmi-treated mice compared to controls. Epididymis in treated males showed slight alterations in histological appearance. The treatment had no effect on levels of testosterone, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and creatinine in blood serum, hematological parameters and on liver and kidney histoarchitecture. In Brahmi-treated males, libido remained unaffected, but fertility was notably suppressed. The alterations caused in the above reproductive endpoints by the plant extract were reversible, and by 56 days of treatment withdrawal, the parameters recovered to control levels. CONCLUSIONS: The results in P mice thus suggest that Brahmi treatment causes reversible suppression of spermatogenesis and fertility, without producing apparent toxic effects.

Lack of effect of butylparaben and methylparaben on the reproductive system in male rats.

BACKGROUND: Parabens are widely used preservatives in cosmetics and pharmaceutical products, and approved as food additives. Parabens have been considered safe for these uses for many years. Recently, adverse effects on male reproductive parameters in rats have been reported when parabens were given orally for 8 weeks starting at three weeks of age. Our studies used two representative parabens, methyl- and butylparaben, to try to replicate these studies and thereby evaluate potential reproductive effects in male Wistar rats. METHODS: Diets containing 0, 100, 1000 or 10,000 ppm of either butyl- or methylparaben were fed to male rats for eight weeks. Rats were 22 days of age at the start of exposure. Parameters evaluated included organ weights, histopathology of reproductive tissues, sperm production, motility, morphology and reproductive hormone levels (butylparaben only). RESULTS: None of the parameters evaluated for either paraben showed compound- or dosage-dependent adverse effects. Metabolism experiments of butylparaben indicate that it is rapidly metabolized by non-specific esterases to p-hydroxybenzoic acid and butanol, neither of which is estrogenic. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to methyl- or butylparaben in the diet for eight weeks did not affect any male reproductive organs or parameters at exposures as high as 10,000 ppm, corresponding to a mean daily dose of 1,141.1+/-58.9 or 1,087.6+/-67.8 mg/kg/day for methyl- and butylparaben, respectively. The rapid metabolism of parabens by esterases probably explains why these weakly estrogenic substances elicit no in vivo effects when administered by relevant exposure routes (i.e., topical and oral).

Repeated evolution of male sacrifice behavior in spiders correlated with genital mutilation.

According to sexual cannibalism theory, male complicity in terminal mating can be adaptive when the male's future reproductive value is low relative to the benefits of self sacrifice. Spiders and insects that exhibit male sacrifice behavior (either complicity in cannibalism or spontaneous death associated with copulation) often also have male genitalia that stereotypically become broken or disfigured the first time they are used for copulation, potentially lowering his future reproductive value. Theoretical work on monogamy has identified male bias in the effective sex ratio as a precursor to the evolution of monogamy (including male sacrifice) as an adaptive form of paternity protection. Using phylogeny-based statistics and drawing on several phylogenetic studies of araneoid spiders, I investigate relationships between male sacrifice behavior, genital mutilation, extreme sexual size dimorphism, and the accumulation of multiple males in the female web (as an indicator of a male-based effective sex ratio). This investigation focuses on araneoid spiders because several independent origins of sacrifice behavior are known for this group and the phylogenetic structure of the lineage is relatively well studied. I report that male genital mutilation is significantly correlated with sacrifice behavior and argue that this finding is consistent with sexual cannibalism theory. Male sacrifice behavior is also correlated with male accumulation, a result that is consistent with theoretical work on the evolution of monogamy. Male accumulation and extreme sexual size dimorphism are correlated suggesting that sex-based differences in maturation time can lead to a male biased effective sex ratio. Similar patterns of correlated characters may hold for some insect taxa. Studying traits that have appeared independently in multiple lineages is a powerful method for developing general theories about the evolution of biological phenomena.

Pro-ejaculatory effect of the aqueous crude extract of cihuapatli (Montanoa tomentosa) in spinal male rats.

In the present study, the pro-sexual effect of the cihuapatli (Montanoa tomentosa) and its possible pro-ejaculatory properties in spinal male rats were examined. Systemic administration of the aqueous crude extracts of Montanoa tomentosa exerted a pro-ejaculatory effect and produced an increase in the number of discharges in the ejaculatory motor patterns in the spinal rats. The cihuapatli-induced ejaculatory responses included the expression of penile erections and penile movements and the potent expulsion of urethral contents and in some cases the expulsion of seminal plugs. The cihuapatli-induced ejaculatory motor patterns were similar to that obtained after systemic oxytocin. Cihuapatli- and oxytocin-induced ejaculatory motor responses and the penile erections and movements were abolished by the pre-treatment with hexamethonium, a selective oxytocin antagonist. Present data show that the cihuapatli extract acts directly at the spinal system in charge of the expression of the ejaculatory motor patterns and suggest that the aqueous crude extract exerts its aphrodisiacs properties by increasing sexual potency acting as an oxytocic agent.

Phytoestrogens alter the reproductive organ development in the mink (Mustela vison).

The aim of the present study was to examine the reproductive effects of two perorally applied phytoestrogens, genistein (8 mg/kg/day) and beta-sitosterol (50 mg/kg/day), on the mink (Mustela vison) at human dietary exposure levels. Parental generations were exposed over 9 months to these phytoestrogens and their offspring were exposed via gestation and lactation. Parents and their offspring were sampled 21 days after the birth of the kits. Sex hormone levels, sperm quality, organ weights, and development of the kits were examined. The exposed females were heavier than the control females at the 1st postnatal day (PND). The control kits were heavier than the exposed kits from the 1st to the 21st PND. Phytoestrogens did not affect the organ weights of the adult minks, but the relative testicular weight of the exposed kits was higher than in the control kits. The relative prostate weight was higher and the relative uterine weight lower in the beta-sitosterol-exposed kits than in the control kits. Moreover, the plasma dihydrotestosterone levels were lower in the genistein-exposed male kits compared to the control male kits. This study could not explain the mechanisms behind these alterations. The results indicate that perinatal phytoestrogen exposures cause alterations in the weight of the reproductive organs of the mink kits.

Evaluation of long-term exposure to Mikania glomerata (Sprengel) extract on male Wistar rats' reproductive organs, sperm production and testosterone level.

Many plant substances are known for their interference with the reproductive system. Mikania glomerata is a plant popularly used to treat respiratory diseases and is reported to have flavonoids and coumarin, which have been shown to have antifertility activity in male dogs and female rats, respectively. This work analyzes the effect of a high dose of M. glomerata extract administered during the spermatogenic cycle of rats. Adult Wistar rats were treated with 1 mL of a M. glomerata extract at a dose level of 3.3 g/kg of body weight for 52 days. Body and organ weights, sperm production, circulating testosterone level and food consumption were evaluated. The results showed that the administration of the M. glomerata extract during the rat spermatogenic cycle did not significantly alter the body and organ weights nor did it interfere with gamete production, serum testosterone level or food intake.

Mammalian lipocalin-type prostaglandin D2 synthase in the fluids of the male genital tract: putative biochemical and physiological functions.

Prostaglandin D2 synthase (PGDS) is a major epididymal secretory protein in several species. We quantified PGDS in ram and bull semen using a specific antiserum. Strong variations in PGDS concentration existed between animals. In the bull, the highest concentrations were found preferentially in animals with normal or high fertility, as was previously suggested. However, low concentrations were found in males with all ranges of fertility, suggesting that the function of PGDS either is not necessary for male fertility or can be assumed by other proteins when its concentration is low. In the ram and stallion, cDNA and deduced protein sequences of PGDS were obtained by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and showed that PGDS possessed the sequences involved in the three-dimensional folding characteristic of the lipocalin family and a cysteine at position 65 that is involved in the enzymatic activity. The enzymatic activity of PGDS was estimated in the ram by in vitro incubation of epididymal-isolated tubules with radioactive arachidonic acid. Prostaglandin (PG) D2 represented approximately 10% of the PGs produced in the lumen, irrespective of the presence or absence of luminal PGDS, suggesting that this protein is not involved in PGD2 biosynthesis. These results were corroborated by the absence of conversion of PGH2 to PGD2 when epididymal fluids were incubated with PGH2. In the rat, inhibition of PG biosynthesis in vivo by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for 60 days did not change spermatozoa mobility or male fertility. It is likely that PGDS, which has a structure similar to that of lipocalin, functions as a lipophilic carrier protein, because we have shown that epididymal PGDS binds retinoic acid and testosterone in vitro.

Sources of oestrogen in the testis and reproductive tract of the male.

The cytochrome P450 aromatase (P450arom) is the terminal enzyme responsible for the irreversible transformation of androgens into oestrogens and is present in the endoplasmic reticulum of various tissues throughout at least the phylum of vertebrates. The CYP 19 gene is unique and its expression is regulated in a tissue and more precisely in a cell-specific fashion via the alternative use of several promoters located in the first exons. The P450arom has been immunolocalized in germ cells of the mouse, brown bear and rooster. According to age, aromatase activity has been measured in immature and mature rat Leydig cells as well as in Sertoli cells, whereas in the pig, ram and human aromatase is mainly present in Leydig cells. In the adult rat testis, four complementary approaches (RTPCR, in situ hybridization, immunocytochemistry and the tritiated water assay) demonstrate that not only somatic cells but also mature germ cells represent a source of oestrogen synthesis. Taking into account the widespread distribution of oestrogen receptors (ER alpha & ER beta) in testicular cells and the genital tract of the male on the one hand, and the cross-talk between sex steroids and growth factors, and between membrane receptors and nuclear receptors for steroids on the other hand, it is anticipated that understanding of the pathophysiological roles of these 'female' hormones in the male will advance understanding of the hormonal regulation of male reproductive function. One of the future goals is to define oestrogen-targeted genes in the male gonad and indeed, a lot of work is now focused on this specific area in order to clarify the role of oestrogens in the reproductive tract of the male as well as to elucidate the regulation of aromatase gene expression.

Molecular aspects of steroid hormone action in the male reproductive axis.

Both T and E play important roles in the regulation of reproductive function at the cellular and tissue levels in males. In addition to a causal role in the development of the male reproductive phenotype, androgens provide feedback regulation to the hypothalamus and to the pituitary in humans. Estrogen action is critical for normal bone fusion and mineralization in both men and women, and E action appears to play an important role in hypothalamic suppression of gonadotropin levels.

The aging male reproductive system.

The frequency of sexual activity declines dramatically with age, but this cannot be attributed, with any degree of certainty, to the rather modest hormonal and spermatogenic changes observed with advancing age. Despite the development of intrinsic age-related defects at all levels of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis, reproductive capacity is maintained in most healthy elderly men.