Influence of vitamin E and vitamin E-selenium combination on arginase activity, nitric oxide level and some spermatological properties in ram semen.

The effects of vitamin E and vitamin E-selenium combination on seminal plasma arginase activity and nitric oxide level and some spermatological properties in rams were investigated in this study. For control group, animals were injected intramuscularly with physiological saline. For vitamin E group, rams were injected intramuscularly with 300 mg/ram vitamin E. For vitamin E + selenium group, animals were injected intramuscularly with 5 ml/ram vitamin E + selenium. The semen was collected by artificial vagina at 1st, 4th, 24th, 48th and 72nd hr after administration in each group. Significant decreases in seminal plasma arginase activity (at 1st, 24th and 48th hr), nitric oxide level (at 72nd hr) and abnormal sperm rate (at 1st, 24th and 72nd hr), and significant increases in semen volume (at 24th hr), semen mass activity (at 24th and 48th hr), sperm motility (at 24th, 48th and 72nd hr) and concentration (at 1st hr) were observed in vitamin E group compared with control group. Similarly, significant increase in semen volume (at 1st, 24th and 48th hr), mass activity, (at 48th hr), motility (at 48th and 72nd hr) and concentration (at 4th, 24th and 48th hr), and significant decrements in abnormal sperm rate (at 1st, 24th, 48th and 72nd hr), seminal plasma nitric oxide level (at 1st, 4th, 24th and 48th hr) and semen pH (at 24th and 48th hr) were detected in vitamin E + selenium group in comparison to the control group. As a result, it is suggested that vitamin E and/or vitamin E + selenium applications may improve reproductive performance.

Effect of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase supplementation in the extender on chilled semen of fertile and hypofertile dogs.

This study investigated the correlation between oxidative stress status and key canine sperm parameters and the effect of addition of a superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) combination in egg yolk tris-citrate glucose (EYT-G) extender on semen during 10 days of storage at 4℃. Ten Boxer dogs were divided into two groups, fertile (F) and hypofertile (H), depending on pregnancy and live birth rate status in the previous year. Semen evaluation was performed on the day of collection (D0) and after 5 (D5) and 10 (D10) days of cooled storage. Sperm motility, kinetic parameters, and DNA integrity were assessed. A correlation between oxidative status and key semen parameters in both F and H groups was observed. Total and progressive motilities were significantly higher in the treated (SOD, CAT, and GPx addition) versus control groups at D10 in both F and H groups, and at D5 in the H group. DNA integrity was significantly higher in both treated groups (H and F) at D5 and D10. In conclusion, the addition of SOD, CAT, and GPx in the extender allows preservation of semen quality for up to 10 days of storage at 4℃ in both fertile and hypofertile dogs.

Organic zinc and copper supplementation on antioxidant protective mechanism and their correlation with sperm functional characteristics in goats.

Trace minerals feeding had significant effects on sperm production and fertility with better absorption and proper utilization within the body for optimum reproductive function. Several studies have shown that more influenced trace elements in the diets of animals are copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn). Bucks showing deficiency of this mineral might affect the quality of semen production which in turn would affect the fertility. This experiment was thus designed to test the effects of organic Cu and Zn supplementation on antioxidants enzyme activities and sperm functional attributes in fresh semen of bucks. Forty bucks (n = 40, Aged 5 months) were assigned to ten groups of four animals in each group, supplemented (for a period of 8 months) with different levels of organic Zn: 20 mg (T2), 40 mg (T3) and 60 mg (T4), organic Cu: 12.5 mg (T5), 25 mg (T6), 37.5 mg (T7) and combined organic Zn and Cu: 20 + 12.5 mg (T8), 40 + 25 mg (T9), 60 + 37.5 mg (T10), respectively, per kg dry matter and no additional mineral diet (control; T1). One hundred and sixty semen samples were collected through electro-ejaculator and analysed for sperm quantity, quality, acrosome intactness and plasma membrane integrity and correlated with the catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase enzyme activities in seminal plasma. The results indicated organic Cu and zinc supplemented bucks produced more sperm cells, had higher sperm concentrations, maintained higher (p < .01) sperm livability, plasma membrane and acrosome integrities, more motility and velocity. The increased antioxidant enzyme activities, reduced oxidative stress and lowered lipid peroxidation were positively correlated (p < .05) with the sperm functional attributes. In conclusion, organic Cu and Zn supplement to male goats showed protective roles against oxidative damage and maintained better fresh semen characteristics.

Elevated seminal plasma myeloperoxidase is associated with a decreased sperm concentration in young men.

Myeloperoxidase is a major neutrophil protein which generates oxidants that are highly reactive, and if present in seminal fluid, could be potentially damaging to spermatozoa. We recruited young males aged 18-35 years, unscreened for fertility status, for a pilot study measuring seminal plasma myeloperoxidase. On three occasions, over a 3-month period, we measured parameters of semen quality and correlated these with seminal myeloperoxidase protein and activity. After baseline measurement, participants were supplemented daily with 250 mg of vitamin C, a potent scavenger of reactive oxygen species with antiinflammatory activities. Seminal plasma from eight of the 12 participants had measurable concentrations of myeloperoxidase protein, across a broad range (15-250 ng/mL). Median myeloperoxidase protein concentrations were ~45-fold higher in semen samples with low vs. high sperm concentrations. Seminal plasma myeloperoxidase protein concentration was inversely correlated with the percentage of rapidly motile spermatozoa assessed by computer-assisted sperm analysis, and the total number of spermatozoa per ejaculate, but positively correlated with sperm maturity, measured by DNA staining ability. We measured an inverse correlation between semen vitamin C concentration and seminal plasma myeloperoxidase protein concentration, although vitamin C supplementation had no effect on semen quality. Our pilot data suggest that high concentrations of myeloperoxidase were present in the seminal plasma of many of our young participants, and that this may be associated with decreases in semen quality. A larger study is required to confirm these findings.

Therapeutic effects of vitamin E supplementation in 4 dogs with poor semen quality and low superoxide dismutase activity in seminal plasma.

Four dogs with poor semen quality, low seminal plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and low blood plasma testosterone (T) levels were orally administered one vitamin E tablet containing 50 mg α-tocopheryl acetate per dog daily for 4 weeks. The mean values of semen quality were temporarily improved after the start of vitamin E treatment and the values of 4, and 5 weeks after that were significantly different from those before the treatment (P<0.05-0.001). The mean blood plasma T and seminal plasma SOD activity values slightly increased in the 4 dogs after the treatment. The results of the present study indicate that poor semen quality in dogs with low seminal plasma SOD can be improved by vitamin E treatment.

[Shugan Yiyang Capsules for the treatment of asthenospermia: A clinical study].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy of Shugan Yiyang Capsules in the treatment of asthenospermia and its action mechanisms. METHODS: We randomly assigned 135 asthenospermia patients to groups A (n = 47), B (n = 45), and C (n = 43) to be treated with Shugan Yiyang Capsules, oral levocarnitine, or combination of the two. We observed sperm quality and the level of α-glucosidase in the seminal plasma before and after medication. RESULTS: The total effectiveness rate was 70.21% in group A (markedly effective in 16 cases and effective in 17), 68.89% in group B (markedly effective in 15 cases and effective in 16), and 83.72% in group C (markedly effective in 16 cases and effective in 20), significantly higher in C than in A and B (P < 0.05). Both sperm quality and the level of α-glucosidase in the seminal plasma were improved in the three groups of patients, most obviously in group C. CONCLUSION: Shugan Yiyang Capsules can be used for the treatment of asthenospermia, and its effect can be enhanced in combination with oral levocarnitine.

In vivo adverse effects of alpha-tocopherol on the semen quality of male bucks.

Oxidative stress has detrimental effects on semen quality during spermatogenesis and semen processing for artificial insemination. This work was conducted to study the effect of different levels of vitamin E on the semen traits, oxidative status and trace minerals in Beetal bucks. Thirty-six bucks of similar body weight and age (1 year) were randomly divided into four groups. One group was kept as control with no supplementation (group 1), and the others were supplemented with 200 (group 2), 400 (group 3) and 800 IU (group 4) vitamin E/animal/day for 2 months. At the end of the experiment, semen samples were collected and evaluated. Seminal plasma was separated to study the concentration of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and trace minerals (Zn, Cu, Mn and Fe). Group 3 showed significantly higher (p < 0.05) semen volume and per cent motility and lower dead sperm percentage compared to control group. Superoxide dismutase, GPx, Zn, Cu and Mn were higher in the same group. The level of AST decreased in group 3 without any change on the concentration of ALT. It is suggested that vitamin E at the rate of 400 IU/buck/day supported higher semen volume, per cent motility, per cent live spermatozoa, antioxidants (SOD, GPx) and trace mineral levels (Zn, Cu, Mn) in the seminal plasma. The increased supplementation from 0 to 400 showed a general increasing trend in improving semen quality. However, the dose of 800 IU/kg had no useful effect in further improving the semen quality.

Dihydroisoxazole inhibitors of Anopheles gambiae seminal transglutaminase AgTG3.

BACKGROUND: Current vector-based malaria control strategies are threatened by the rise of biochemical and behavioural resistance in mosquitoes. Researching mosquito traits of immunity and fertility is required to find potential targets for new vector control strategies. The seminal transglutaminase AgTG3 coagulates male Anopheles gambiae seminal fluids, forming a 'mating plug' that is required for male reproductive success. Inhibitors of AgTG3 can be useful both as chemical probes of A. gambiae reproductive biology and may further the development of new chemosterilants for mosquito population control. METHODS: A targeted library of 3-bromo-4,5-dihydroxoisoxazole inhibitors were synthesized and screened for inhibition of AgTG3 in a fluorescent, plate-based assay. Positive hits were tested for in vitro activity using cross-linking and mass spectrometry, and in vivo efficacy in laboratory mating assays. RESULTS: A targeted chemical library was screened for inhibition of AgTG3 in a fluorescent plate-based assay using its native substrate, plugin. Several inhibitors were identified with IC50 < 10 µM. Preliminary structure-activity relationships within the library support the stereo-specificity and preference for aromatic substituents in the chemical scaffold. Both inhibition of plugin cross-linking and covalent modification of the active site cysteine of AgTG3 were verified. Administration of an AgTG3 inhibitor to A. gambiae males by intrathoracic injection led to a 15% reduction in mating plug transfer in laboratory mating assays. CONCLUSIONS: A targeted screen has identified chemical inhibitors of A. gambiae transglutaminase 3 (AgTG3). The most potent inhibitors are known inhibitors of human transglutaminase 2, suggesting a common binding pose may exist within the active site of both enzymes. Future efforts to develop additional inhibitors will provide chemical tools to address important biological questions regarding the role of the A. gambiae mating plug. A second use for transglutaminase inhibitors exists for the study of haemolymph coagulation and immune responses to wound healing in insects.

Alpha-mannosidase activity in stallion epididymal fluid and spermatozoa.

The expression of α-D-mannosidase activity was fluorometrically and electrophoretically assessed in spermatozoa, epididymal fluid and homogenates of stallion epididymal tissue. Enzyme activity had regional differences; it was higher (P<0.05) in samples from the cauda epididymal region than in samples from the proximal caput region (largely composed of efferent ducts). Based on enzyme activity, as a function of pH of the assay substrate, electrophoretic analysis in native and native/SDS-PAGE conditions, and the effect of inhibitors or activators, we inferred the presence of at least two catalytically active forms of α-D-mannosidase. The neutral form of the enzyme (α-mannosidase II) was activated by Co2+, whereas the acid form (optimum pH 3.5 to 4.0) was sensitive to swainsonine (an inhibitor of α-mannosidase I), stabilized or stimulated by Zn2+, and not activated by Co2+ (activator of the neutral form). The activity of the acid form of the enzyme was highest in the epididymal fluid, where it seemed to be mainly in a secretory form. This form of the enzyme may have a role in plasma membrane remodeling associated with sperm maturation. In contrast, the activity of α-mannosidase II was higher in mature spermatozoa. It has been postulated that α-mannosidase II may act as a receptor in the recognition and binding of the complementary carbohydrate moieties present on the zona pellucida. With non-denaturing electrophoresis, α-D-mannosidase had an electrophoretic mobility of 0.35 and 0.24. When resolved by 1D and 2D SDS-PAGE (under denaturing conditions) the enzyme had a major protein band of molecular weight 154 kDa in spermatozoa and epididymal samples. Based on its properties under native conditions, we inferred that this enzyme might interact with other proteins and form transitory aggregates.

Vitamin E and organic selenium enhances the antioxidative status and quality of chicken semen under high ambient temperature.

1. The effects of supplemental dietary vitamin E and organic selenium (Se), and their combination, on improving semen quality characteristics and antioxidative status were investigated in cockerels exposed to high ambient temperature. 2. A total of 36 Egyptian local cross males, 40 weeks old, were housed individually in cages in an open-sided building (average daily temperature ranged from 33 to 36°C and relative humidity from 60 to 70%). Birds were divided randomly into 4 experimental treatments (n=9 each): (1) control (basal diet without any supplementation with vitamin E or Se); (2) vitamin E (basal diet +200 mg α-tocopherol acetate/kg diet); (3) Se (basal diet +0.3 mg organic Se/kg diet); and (4) vitamin E+Se (basal diet +200 mg α-tocopherol acetate/kg diet +0.3 mg organic Se/kg diet). 3. Under heat stress conditions, inclusion of vitamin E and/or organic Se in the diets enhanced the semen quality traits, including the spermatozoa count and motility, and reduced the percentage of dead spermatozoa. 4. A combination of 200 mg/kg vitamin E with 0.3 mg/kg organic Se reduced the thiobarbituric acid reactive substance concentration in seminal plasma samples to about 28% of the controls; and also enhanced the seminal plasma glutathione peroxidase activity by two-fold compared with controls. 5. It was concluded that dietary vitamin E in combination with organic Se has a synergistic effect in minimising lipid peroxidation and improving the antioxidative status in seminal plasma of the domestic fowl, which probably translated into enhanced spermatozoa count, motility and reduced percentage of dead spermatozoa under heat stress conditions.

Measurement of carbonic anhydrase isozyme VI (CA-VI) in swine sera, colostrums, saliva, bile, seminal plasma and tissues.

Swine secretory carbonic anhydrase VI (CA-VI) was purified from swine saliva and an antibody to CA-VI was generated. A specific and sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has been developed for the measurement of swine CA-VI. The assay can detect as little as 5 ng/mL of swine CA-VI. Typical standard curves were determined for a range of CA-VI solutions (7.8 to 500 ng/mL). The coefficients of variation for these solutions were less than 5%. When 500, 250 or 100 ng/mL of swine CA-VI was added to swine sera, the recoveries were 102.0%, 109.7% and 100.2%, respectively. The concentrations of CA-VI in the saliva (26.2 ± 30.4 µg/mL), sera (3.3 ± 4.9 ng/mL), bile (153.0 ± 114.0 ng/mL), seminal plasma (124.0 ± 39.0 ng/mL) and parotid gland (441.3 ± 90.0 µg/g wet tissue), submaxillary gland (88.1 ± 124.4 µg/g wet tissue), sublingual gland (58.6 ± 24.6 µg/g wet tissue) and gallbladder (2.4 ± 1.3 µg/1g wet tissue) were determined by ELISA. The concentration of CA-VI in colostrum was 163.3 ± 101.4 ng/mL and did not decrease within 10 days following parturition. An immunohistochemical reaction to anti-CA-VI antiserum was observed in the columnar epithelial cells lining the gallbladder. These data suggest that secretory CA-VI plays various roles in pH regulation and the maintenance of ion and fluid balance.

Effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation on semen profile and enzymatic anti-oxidant capacity of seminal plasma in infertile men with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratospermia: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised study.

Effective medical treatments of infertile men with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratospermia (OAT) have yet to be determined. This study considered two major aims: (i) to measure the changes in semen parameters, omega-3 fatty acids (FA) compositions and anti-oxidant activity; (ii) to determine if the administration of omega-3 FA affect semen quality in infertile men with OAT. Two hundred thirty-eight infertile men with idiopathic OAT were randomised to eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acids (DHA), 1.84 g per day (EPAX 5500TG; Lysaker, Norway), or placebo for 32 weeks. The semen parameters were assessed according to WHO criteria, and the EPA and DHA concentrations were determined in red blood cells (RBCs), seminal plasma and sperm cells at baseline and 32-week treatment period. Of randomised subjects, 211 (88.7%) completed the full 32-week randomisation period. The anti-oxidant status of seminal plasma was also evaluated by measuring the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase-like activity. In the total group of participants, all EPA and DHA levels in RBC, and seminal plasma, were statistically significantly correlated with those in spermatozoa (both P = 0.001). A significant improvement of sperm cell total count (from 38.7 ± 8.7 ' 106 to 61.7 ± 11.2 ' 106, P = 0.001) and sperm cell concentration (from 15.6 ± 4.1 ' 106 per ml to 28.7 ± 4.4 ' 106 per ml, P = 0.001) was observed in the omega-3 group. A significant positive correlation was found between the EPA and DHA in seminal plasma and the semen parameters. Seminal plasma EPA and DHA concentrations were positively correlated with seminal plasma SOD-like and catalase-like activity (both P = 0.001). In seminal plasma, both SOD-like and catalase-like activity were positively correlated with sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm morphology. Oligoasthenoteratospermic men with low levels of EPA and DHA may benefit from omega-3 FA supplementation. Further studies are warranted to shed more light on this important issue.

Antioxidant systems of brown trout (Salmo trutta f. fario) semen.

The present study characterizes the antioxidant systems of brown trout, Salmo trutta, semen as supplementation of semen dilution media with antioxidants can be beneficial to improve techniques for semen storage and cryopreservation. Antioxidants and oxidant defensive enzymes of spermatozoa and seminal plasma were analyzed. To determine whether antioxidants and oxidant defensive enzymes have an effect on sperm functionality, in vitro experiments were performed. Selected antioxidants and oxidant defensive enzymes were added to sperm motility-inhibiting saline solution and their effects on sperm viability (motility when activated, membrane integrity, and lipid peroxidation) were measured. In seminal plasma and spermatozoa the enzymes catalase, glutathione reductase, methionine sulfoxide reductase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase and the metabolites ascorbic acid, glutathione, methionine, tocopherol, and uric acid were detected. Of the enzymes superoxide dismutase had the highest activity, of the metabolites uric acid occurred in highest concentrations. During in vitro incubation uric acid and catalase increased the sperm motility, sperm membrane integrity, and decreased the sperm lipid peroxidation in comparison to the control. However, catalase was effective only at an activity much higher than that occurring in seminal plasma. Reduced methionine increased the sperm motility and sperm membrane integrity and oxidized methionine the motility. However, neither reduced nor oxidized methionine decreased the sperm membrane lipid peroxidation. It is concluded, that uric acid is the main antioxidant of brown trout semen.

Effect of elemental nano-selenium on semen quality, glutathione peroxidase activity, and testis ultrastructure in male Boer goats.

The objective of this experiment is to study the effects of novel elemental nano-selenium in the diet on testicular ultrastructure, semen quality and GSH-Px activity in male goats. Forty-two 2-month-old bucks were offered a total mixed ration which had been supplemented with nano-Se (0.3mg/kg Se) or unsupplemented (the control group only received 0.06mg/kg Se-background), for a period of 12 weeks (from weaning to sexual maturity). Results showed that the testicular Se level, semen glutathione peroxidase and ATPase activity increased significantly in the nano-Se supplementation group compared with control (P<0.05). The semen quality (volume, density, motility and pH) was not affected by added Se in diets, however, the sperm abnormality rate of control bucks was significantly higher than Se supplemented bucks (P<0.05). The testes of 5 goats in each group were examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and showed that in Se-deficient bucks the membrane was damaged, and showed the occurrence of abnormalities in the mitochondria of the midpiece of spermatozoa. In conclusion, selenium deficiency resulted in abnormal spermatozoal mitochondria, and supplementation with nano-Se enhanced the testis Se content, testicular and semen GSH-Px activity, protected the membrane system integrity and the tight arrayment of the midpiece of the mitochondria. Further studies are required to research the novel elemental nano-Se with characterization of bioavailability and toxicity in small ruminants.

Organic selenium enhances the antioxidative status and quality of cockerel semen under high ambient temperature.

1. The objective was to examine the effect of supplemental dietary organic selenium (Se) on improving semen quality and antioxidative status in male domestic fowls exposed to high ambient temperature. 2. Thirty-six Egyptian local cross males, 42 weeks old, were housed individually in cages in an open-sided building under 16 h L:8 h D and were provided with commercial feed and water ad libitum. In the house average daily temperature ranged from 33 to 36 degrees C and relative humidity from 60 to 70%. Birds were divided into 4 experimental treatments (n = 9) and were fed the basal diet supplemented with 0 (control), 01, 02 or 03 mg organic Se/kg in the form of a yeast source (Sel-Plex) for 8 weeks. 3. Under heat stress conditions, inclusion of organic Se in the cockerel diets enhanced the semen quality traits, including the sperm count and motility and reduced the percentage of dead sperms in a dose-dependent manner. 4. In seminal plasma, organic Se supplementation ameliorated some of the adverse effects of heat stress on lipid peroxidation and antioxidative properties. The inclusion of organic Se (03 mg/kg) in the cockerel diets doubled seminal plasma glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity, compared to controls and reduced lipid peroxidation. 5. In conclusion, supplemental dietary organic Se improved semen quality characteristics when cockerels were subjected to heat stress. It increased both sperm count and motility, reduced the percentage of dead sperm and enhanced the antioxidative status of seminal plasma.

Sesame radiatum phytoestrogens stimulate spermatogenic activity and improve sperm quality in adult male Sprague Dawley rat testis / Fitoestrógenos sesame radiatum estimulan la actividad espermatogénica y mejoran la calidad del esperma en el testículo de ratas Sprague Dawley adulto de sexo masculino

Increasing concern has been expressed about the declining sperm count of humans and the potential environmental effects of both synthetic and natural estrogenic endocrine disruptors (EEDs) on human reproductive health in the last few decades. However, due to paucity of knowledge, we evaluate the chronic reproductive toxicity of sesame phytoestrogenic lignans on the male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats' testis. Thirty adult male SD rats weighing 150-200g were divided into three groups. Two treated groups received a daily dose of aqueous leaves extract of Sesamum radiatum at 14.0 mg/kg bw and 28.0mg /kg bw respectively via gastric gavage, while equal volume of normal saline was administered to the control group for six weeks. Seminal analysis and hormonal assay study were analyzed using SPSS software and P< 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The results showed significant (P< 0.05) body weight gains observed in all the animals with significant (P< 0.05) weight increase in their raw testicular weights compared to control. The relative testicular weight per 100g bw was significantly (P< 0.05) higher in control than treated. However, the weight gain was dose related with a reversal in their relative testicular weight. The cauda sperm count including the motility and morphology of the treated were significantly (P< 0.05) higher than control in a dose related manner. In addition, significant (P > 0.05) increases in testosterone and a significant decrease in FSH in the high dose (treated) compared to control. Sesame phytoestrogenic lignans improves spermatozoa quality in a dose related manner.

Una mayor preocupación se ha expresado en las últimas décadas por la disminución en la cantidad de espermatozoides de los seres humanos y los posibles efectos ambientales de disruptores endocrinos estrogénicos (DES) sintéticos y naturales sobre la salud reproductiva humana. Sin embargo, debido a la escasez de conocimientos, evaluamos la toxicidad crónica para la reproducción de fitoestrógenos lignanos del sésamo en el testículo de ratas Sprague Dawley (SD) macho. Treinta ratas macho adultas, de un peso de 150-200g se dividieron en tres grupos. Dos grupos de tratamiento recibieron una dosis diaria de extracto acuoso de las hojas Sesamum radiatum de 14,0 mg/kg de peso corporal y 28,0mg / kg de peso corporal, respectivamente, a través de una sonda gástrica, mientras que igual volumen de solución salina normal se administró al grupo control durante seis semanas. El análisis seminal y estudio de ensayo hormonal fueron analizados mediante el software SPSS y P <0,05 fue considerado estadísticamente significativo. Los resultados mostraron significativas (P <0,05) ganancias de peso corporal observados en todos los animales con un peso significativo (P <0.05), aumento de peso en su peso testicular bruto en comparación con el control. El relativo peso testicular por 100 g de peso corporal fue significativamente mayor (P <0,05) en control que en tratamiento. Sin embargo, el aumento de peso dosis se ha relacionado con un retroceso en su peso relativo testicular. La cantidad de espermatozoides, incluyendo la motilidad y morfología de los que recibieron tratamiento fue significativamente más alto que el control (P <0,05) en una dosis relacionados. Además, significativo aumento en los niveles de testosterona (P> 0,05) y una disminución significativa de FSH en la dosis alta (tratados), en comparación con el control. Fitoestrógenos lignanos del sésamo mejoran la calidad de los espermatozoides en una dosis adecuada.

Reproductive toxicologic effects of gossypol on male rabbits: biochemical, enzymatic, and electrolytic properties of seminal plasma.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of two sublethal doses of gossypol on biochemical, enzymatic, and electrolytic properties of male rabbit seminal plasma. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: A university-affiliated laboratory. ANIMAL(S): Fifteen adult male New Zealand white rabbits. INTERVENTION(S): Two sublethal doses of gossypol (4 and 20 mg per kilogram of body weight, every other day) were given orally. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Biochemical, enzymatic, and electrolytic properties of male rabbit seminal plasma. RESULT(S): Seminal plasma total protein and albumin were statistically significantly increased by treatment with gossypol. Total lipids concentration was statistically significantly decreased by treatment with both doses of gossypol, whereas cholesterol was statistically significantly decreased by treatment with the low gossypol dose. Seminal plasma lactate dehydrogenase and alanine aminotransferase activities were statistically significantly decreased by treatment with the low dose of gossypol, whereas activities of these enzymes as well as of aspartate aminotransferase were statistically significantly increased by treatment with the high dose. Treatment with the high dose of gossypol statistically significantly reduced K+ concentration in the seminal plasma, whereas it statistically significantly increased Na+ and the Na+-K+ ratio. CONCLUSION(S): Seminal plasma values of total protein, total lipids, cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase, and Na+ concentration returned to control levels after withdrawal of gossypol, whereas the effect of this drug on other parameters continued during the recovery period.

The influence of trehalose, taurine, cysteamine and hyaluronan on ram semen Microscopic and oxidative stress parameters after freeze-thawing process.

There is a lack of information regarding lipid peroxidation and antioxidant capacity in cryopreserved ram semen, and cryopreservation is associated with the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which lead to lipid peroxidation (LPO) of sperm membranes, resulting in a loss of motility, viability and fertility of sperm. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of certain additives and their different doses on standard semen parameters, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant activities after the cryopreservation/thawing of ram semen. Ejaculates collected from four Akkaraman rams, a native breed of sheep, were evaluated and pooled at 33 degrees C. Semen samples which were diluted with a Tris-based extender containing additives including trehalose (50, 100mM), taurine (25, 50mM), cysteamine (5, 10mM), and hyaluronan (0.5, 1mg/ml), and an extender containing no additives (control) were cooled to 5 degrees C and frozen in 0.25ml French straws, being stored in liquid nitrogen. Frozen straws were thawed individually at 37 degrees C for 20s in a water bath for evaluation. The use of a Tris-based extender supplemented with 50mM trehalose, 25mM taurine, and 5 and 10mM cysteamine led to higher percentages of post-thaw motility, in comparison to the control group (P<0.01). No significant differences were observed in the percentages of acrosome and total abnormalities, and the hypoosmotic swelling test upon the supplementation of the freezing extender with antioxidants after the thawing of semen. In biochemical assays, the addition of antioxidants did not cause significant differences in levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), after thawing, when compared to groups with no additives. In this study, catalase (CAT) activities were higher in the group that was applied 25mM taurine as an antioxidant, than in all of the other groups (P<0.001). Compared to the controls, antioxidant treatment with 100mM trehalose, 50mM taurine, 5mM cysteamine and 0.5mg/ml hyaluronan, significantly elevated vitamin E (vit E) levels in samples (P<0.001).

Porcine germinal angiotensin I-converting enzyme: isolation, characterization and molecular cloning.

Germinal angiotensin I-converting enzyme (gACE) was purified to homogeneity from porcine seminal plasma. The molecular weight of the purified enzyme was calculated to be 182,000 on non-denaturing PAGE and 94,000 and 93,000 on SDS-PAGE in the absence and presence of beta-ME, respectively. These findings suggest that the enzyme is composed of two identical subunits in seminal plasma. The K(m), V(max), K(cat) and K(cat)/K(m) values of gACE at optimal pH (pH 7.2) were 680 microM, 1.0 micromol/mg/min, 33.1 s(-1) and 4.87 x 10(4) s(-1) M(-1) for Z-Val-Lys-Met-MCA, respectively. gACE was potently inhibited by EDTA, 1,10-phenanthroline, captopril and lisinopril, and it promptly released the dipeptides His-Leu and Phe-Arg from angiotensin I and bradykinin. Met- and Leu-enkephalins, neuromedine B and beta-neo-endorphin were also good natural substrates for gACE. We determined the structure of gACE cDNA from the porcine testis, and deduced the amino acid sequence of gACE. The cDNA is composed of 2508 bp of nucleotides in length and encodes 745 amino acids in the coding region. The overall homology of amino acid sequences between porcine, human, sheep and rat gACEs is 72.6 to 84.7%. Zinc-binding motif, chloride-binding site and positions of cysteine residues were well conserved.

Effect of exogenous selenium on the testicular toxicity induced by ethanol in rats.

The effects of supplementation of selenium at a dose of 10 microg/ kg body weight were investigated on ethanol induced testicular toxicity in rats. In the present study, four groups of male albino rats were maintained for 60 days, as follows: (1) Control group (normal diet) (2) Ethanol group (4g/kg body weight) (3) Selenium (10 microg/kg body weight) (4) Ethanol + Selenium (4g/kg body weight + 10 microg/kg body weight). Results revealed that ethanol intake caused drastic changes in the sperm count, sperm motility and sperm morphology. It also reduced the levels of testosterone and fructose. The activities of 3betaHSD, 17betaHSD in the testis and SDH in the seminal plasma were also reduced. Lipid peroxidation was also enhanced as the lipid peroxidation products were increased and the activities of the scavenging enzymes were reduced. But on coadministration of selenium along with alcohol all the biochemical parameters were altered to near normal levels indicating a protective effect of selenium. These results were reinforced by the histopathological studies.