Therapeutic effects of chitosan-embedded vitamin C, E nanoparticles against cisplatin-induced gametogenic and androgenic toxicity in adult male rats.

Cisplatin, an anticancer drug used in treating various types of cancers, can cause reproductive toxicities during chemotherapy. Keeping this in view, the present study was designed to investigate the possible protective effects of normal vitamin C and E and vitamin C and E nanoparticles (embedded in chitosan) against cisplatin-induced reproductive toxicities. Vitamins C, E, and their nanoparticles in this regard proved to be an effective therapy. The work aimed to treat cisplatin-induced reproductive toxicities through vitamin C and E and their nanoparticles. Cisplatin exposure caused significant reduction in the weight, testosterone level, and changed lipid profile. Similarly, cisplatin induced significant widespread testicular atrophy and testicular lesions as evidenced by the gaps in the epithelium and loss of differentiating germ cells. Vitamin C and E and their nanoparticles rescued the weight, testosterone level, and testicular disturbances, which is associated with improved histological view of testicular tissues. The current study highlights evidence that designing a medication of vitamin C and E nanoparticles is useful in mitigating cisplatin-induced reproductive toxicity in cancerous male patients underlying chemotherapy.

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.

The addition of resveratrol in tris citric acid extender ameliorates post-thaw quality parameters, antioxidant enzymes levels, and fertilizing capability of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) bull spermatozoa.

Resveratrol is a natural grape-derived polyphenol with potent antioxidant properties that protect spermatozoa against lipid peroxidation (LPO) by eradicating free radicals. The objectives of this study were to 1) appraise the effects of resveratrol in extender on post-thaw quality parameters, antioxidant enzymes, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), DNA fragmentation, LPO and 2) fertilizing capability of buffalo bull spermatozoa. Semen was collected from four fertility proven bulls with artificial vagina thrice, evaluated initially, and diluted in five different extenders containing resveratrol (T4 = 100 µM, T3 = 50 µM, T2 = 20 µM, T1 = 10 µM), and control (no resveratrol), and evaluated after post-dilution and post-thawing stage of cryopreservation. Analysis of variance revealed that, there was no difference (P > 0.05) in any parameters due to treatments at post-dilution. However, at post-thawing, sperm progressive motility (%), plasma membrane integrity (%), mitochondrial membrane potential (%) and ATP levels (nmol/106) were found higher in semen samples cryopreserved in T3 and 4 than control. Sperm supravital plasma membrane integrity (%) and viable/acrosome integrity were found higher in semen samples cryopreserved in T4 than control and T1. Furthermore, sperm catalase (U/mL), glutathione peroxidase (µM) and superoxide dismutase (U/mL) concentrations were found significantly higher in resveratrol treated groups as compared to the control. Conversely, DNA fragmentation (%) and LPO (µM/mL) were significantly (P > 0.05) decreased in semen samples cryopreserved in T4 in comparison to the control. Fertilizing capability was found higher in semen samples cryopreserved in T4 as compared to the control (%, 77.33 vs. 57.41, P < 0.05). It is concluded that the addition of resveratrol in extender ameliorates quality parameters, antioxidant enzymes levels and fertilizing capability, and alleviate DNA fragmentation and LPO in buffalo spermatozoa during cryopreservation.

Supplementation of l-tryptophan (an aromatic amino acid) in tris citric acid extender enhances post-thaw progressive motility, plasmalemma, mitochondrial membrane potential, acrosome, and DNA integrities, and in vivo fertility rate of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) bull spermatozoa.

The aromatic amino acid l-tryptophan is an essential and versatile molecule, acts by transferring an electron to free radicals and protects the plasma membrane from injuries. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of l-tryptophan in extender on semen quality parameters, in vitro longevity and in vivo fertility rate of buffalo spermatozoa during cryopreservation. Two ejaculates were collected from each bull (n = 2 ejaculates and n = 4 bulls) with artificial vagina at 42 °C followed by initial evaluation for volume, motility, concentrations and were diluted in five extenders (C = lacking l-tryptophan, D1 = 25 µ M l-tryptophan, D2 = 50 µ M l-tryptophan, D3 = 75 µ M l-tryptophan, and D4 = 100 µ M l-tryptophan) respectively, and cryopreserved. The experiment was repeated four times (n = 4 replicates). At post-dilution, sperm plasma membrane integrity (PMI, %), supravital plasma membrane integrity (SVPMI, %), hypo-resistivity (HR, %) and acrosome integrity (ACR-I, %) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in extender supplemented with D4 than control. At post-thawing, progressive motility (PM, %), PMI, SVPMI, HR, ACR-I, and DNA-I of buffalo bull spermatozoa were significantly higher in D4 than control. Sperm in vitro longevity (%) assessed in terms of PM, SVPMI, and ACR-1 were significantly higher in D4 than control. Sperm mitochondrial membrane potential (%) was higher in treated groups than the control. The in vivo fertility rate was significantly higher in D4 than control (60.17% vs. 44.17%, P < 0.05). It is concluded that the supplementation of l-tryptophan in tris citric acid extender improves semen quality parameters, in vitro longevity and in vivo fertility rate of buffalo spermatozoa during freezing and thawing process.

Supplementation of green tea extract (GTE) in extender improves structural and functional characteristics, total antioxidant capacity and in vivo fertility of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) bull spermatozoa.

The aim of this study was to elucidate the beneficial effects of green tea extract (GTE) in tris citric acid extender on post thaw structural and functional characteristics, DNA fragmentation (%), total antioxidant capacity (TAC, µM/L), lipid peroxidation (LPO, µM/mL) levels and in vivo fertility of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) bull spermatozoa. GTE is a acknowledged natural antioxidant, act as a free radical scavenger and protects spermatozoa against oxidative stress. Three mature and donor buffalo bulls were used in this experiment. Two ejaculates were collected per bull on each collection day, followed by initial evaluation for consistency (colour), volume (mL), progressive motility and concentration (x109) and were diluted in five extenders @ 50 x 106/ mL (C = control, no GTE; T1 = treatment 1, GTE 0.1%; T2 = treatment 2, GTE 0.5%; T3 = treatment 3, GTE 0.75% and T4 = treatment 4, GTE1.0%). The experiment was repeated thrice. Data analysis showed that sperm progressive motility (%), plasma membrane integrity (%), supravital plasma membrane integrity (%), viable sperm with intact acrosome (%) and TAC were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in extender supplemented with T4 as compared to control. Furthermore, sperm DNA fragmentation and occurrance of LPO in buffalo bull spermatozoa were significantly lowered in T4 than control. In vitro longevity (%) of spermatozoa was significantly higher in T4 compared to control during 45 and 90 min of incubation at 37 °C. In vivo fertility rate of buffalo bull spermatozoa was significantly higher in T4 compared to control (64.96 vs. 48.40%, P < 0.05). It is concluded that supplementation of tris citric acid extender with 1.0% GTE improved structural and functional characteristics, TAC, in vitro longevity (%) and in vivo fertility, whereas decreased DNA fragmentation and LPO occurrence in buffalo bull spermatozoa after freezing and thawing protocol.

Bisphenol A analogues bisphenol B, bisphenol F, and bisphenol S induce oxidative stress, disrupt daily sperm production, and damage DNA in rat spermatozoa: a comparative in vitro and in vivo study.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a well-known endocrine-disrupting chemical with estrogenic activity. The widespread exposure of individuals to BPA is suspected to affect a variety of physiological functions, including reproduction, development, and metabolism. Here we report the mechanisms by which BPA and three of its analogues bisphenol B (BPB), bisphenol F (BPF), and bisphenol S (BPS) cause generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), sperm DNA damage, and oxidative stress in both in vivo and in vitro rat models. Sperm were incubated with different concentrations (1, 10, and 100 µg/L) of BPA and its analogues BPB, BPF, and BPS for 2 h. BPA and its analogues were observed to increase DNA fragmentation, formation of ROS, and affected levels of superoxide dismutase at higher concentration groups. In an in vivo experiment, rats were exposed to different concentrations (5, 25, and 50 mg/kg/day) of BPA, BPB, BPF, and BPS for 28 days. In the higher dose (50 mg/kg/day) treated groups of BPA and its analogues BPB, BPF, and BPS, DNA damage was observed while the motility of sperm was not affected.

Ameliorative effects of rutin against cisplatin-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats.

BACKGROUND: Cisplatin (CP) or cis-diammine dichloroplatinum (II) is a platinum based standard antineoplastic drug which is used against variety of solid tumors and neoplasms. The present study aimed to evaluate the shielding effects of rutin against CP induced testicular toxicity in rats. METHODS: 28 male rats were divided into four groups. First group was given saline orally while second group received intra-peritoneal (i.p) injection of cisplatin (7 mg/kg) on day first and received saline for next 13 days. Third group received i.p injection of cisplatin at day one and treated with rutin (75 mg/kg) orally for next 13 days. Fourth group was treated with rutin orally for 13 days. Animals were sacrificed on 14th day and reproductive organs were analyzed for various parameters. RESULTS: Cisplatin treatment resulted in a significant decrease in daily sperm production, decrease in head length and % DNA in head, reduction of epithelial cell height, tubular diameter, reduction of the number of spermatogonia, spermatocytes and spermatids, increase in the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and oxidative stress in testicular tissues, and change of the intra-testicular testosterone concentrations. Rutin co-treatment resulted in reversing cisplatin effect on DNA damage, sperm count, histological and biochemical parameters. CONCLUSION: These results indicated that rutin co-treatment could ameliorate cisplatin-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats.

Impact of low-dose chronic exposure to bisphenol A and its analogue bisphenol B, bisphenol F and bisphenol S on hypothalamo-pituitary-testicular activities in adult rats: A focus on the possible hormonal mode of action.

Bisphenol A an estrogen-mimic endocrine disrupting chemical, used to manufacture polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins with toxic effects for male reproduction. Due to its toxicity, industries have started to replace it with other bisphenols. In this study, the toxicity of BPA analogues (BPB, BPF and BPS) was evaluated in a chronic study. We investigated whether the chronic exposure to low bisphenols doses affects spermatogenesis with outcomes on oxidative stress and male reproductive system. Male rats (22 day old) were exposed to water containing 0.1% ethanol for control or different concentrations of BPA and its analogues BPB, BPF and BPS (5, 25 and 50 µg/L) in drinking water for 48 weeks. Results of the present study showed a significant alteration in the gonadosomatic index (GSI) and relative reproductive organs weights. Oxidative stress in the testis was significantly elevated while sperm motility, Daily sperm production (DSP) and number of sperm in epididymis were reduced. Plasma testosterone, LH and FSH concentrations were reduced and estradiol levels were high in 50 µg/L exposed group. These results suggest that exposure to BPA and its analogues for chronic duration can induce structural changes in testicular tissue and endocrine alterations in the male reproductive system.

Bisphenol A and its analogs bisphenol B, bisphenol F, and bisphenol S: Comparative in vitro and in vivo studies on the sperms and testicular tissues of rats.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is used as the main component of many consumer products such as infant's feeding bottles, coatings of beverages, and food cans. BPA can migrate into the environment, and it has been detected in the saliva, blood, and food. BPA leakage from many consumer products resulted in a ban on its use in many countries where alternatives to BPA were introduced into the market. BPA alternatives such as bisphenol B (BPB), bisphenol F (BPF), and bisphenol S (BPS) have a similar chemical structure and binding ability for estrogen receptor (ER), which shows toxicological effects in animals. In the present study, comparative effects of exposure to BPA and its analogs BPB, BPF, and BPS on testosterone concentration in the rat testis were evaluated by in vitro and in vivo approaches in which oxidative stress markers and antioxidant enzyme activities in reproductive tissues were determined. In the in vivo study, male rats were exposed to different concentrations of BPA and its analogs BPB, BPF, and BPS (5, 25, and 50 mg/kg/day) for 28 days. In the in vitro exposure study, antioxidant enzyme activities and oxidative stress markers were induced in the testes, whereas testosterone production was reduced. In the in vivo exposure study, we observed that antioxidant enzyme activities and protein content were reduced, whereas reactive oxygen species and lipid profile were increased in the treated groups compared to the control group. The present comparative study on BPA and its analogs, namely, BPB, BPF, and BPS suggests the toxic effect of these chemicals on the testes and spermatogenesis, and we also observed that these chemicals induce oxidative stress in the reproductive tissues of male rats.

Comparative effects of Bisphenol S and Bisphenol A on the development of female reproductive system in rats; a neonatal exposure study.

Bisphenol A (BPA) has been well documented for its endocrine disrupting potential however, very little is known about endocrine disrupting abilities of bisphenol S (BPS). The present study aimed to compare the endocrine disrupting potentials of BPS with BPA, using female rats as an experimental animal model. On postnatal day 1 (PND 1) female pups born were randomly assigned to seven different treatments. Control group received subcutaneous injection of castor oil (50 µL) from PND 1 to PND 10. Three groups of female pups were injected subcutaneously with different concentrations (0.5, 5 and 50 mg/kg in 50 µL castor oil) of BPS, while remaining three groups were treated with 0.5, 5 and 50 mg/kg BPA. Highest doses treatments of both compounds resulted in delayed puberty onset and altered estrous cyclicity. Final body weight was significantly high in the highest dose treated groups of both BPS and BPA. Gonadosomatic index, absolute and relative weight of uteri was significantly reduced in BPS (5 and 50 mg/kg) and BPA (5 and 50 mg/kg) treated groups than control. Plasma concentrations of testosterone and estradiol were significantly increased, while plasma progesterone, Luteinizing hormone (LH) and Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations were significantly reduced in highest doses treated groups. Dose dependent increase in the number of cystic follicles in the ovaries was evident along with an increase in the number of atratic follicles. The results suggest that neonatal exposure to higher concentrations of BPS can lead to BPA like structural and endocrine alterations in female rats.

Protective effects of GABA against metabolic and reproductive disturbances in letrozole induced polycystic ovarian syndrome in rats.

BACKGROUND: PCOs is a heterogeneous disorder with anovulation/oligo ovulation usually taken as oligo menorrhoea or amenorrhoea, hyperandrogenemia, hirsutism, acne, androgen alopecia and polycystic ovaries as the key diagnostic feathers. The study was undertaken to investigate the possible protective and ameliorating effects of GABA in Letrozole induced PCOS model in rats by targeting insulin resistance. METHODS: PCOs in Adult female rat was induced by the daily gastric administration of letrozole (1 mg/kg/day) in CMC (0.5%) for 36 days. Rats were given metformin (2 mg/kg), GABA (100 mg/kg/day) and GABA (500 mg/kg/day) along with letrozole. One group severed as vehicle control. On the 37 day, the animals were euthanized, and anthropometrical, biochemical (glucose, insulin, lipids, testosterone, Estradiol, Progesterone, oral glucose tolerance test, total protein content in ovary, cholesterol level, triglyceride, HDL, LDL), Antioxidants (CAT, POD, GSR, ROS, GSH, TBARS), and histopathological evaluation of ovaries were carried out. Daily colpocytological examination was also carried out until the termination. RESULTS: Both the doses of GABA significantly reduced body weight, body mass index and testosterone. While the levels of CAT, SOD, POD and Estradiol (E2) were significantly increased in the both doses of GABA. A favourable lipid profile, normal glucose tolerance, and decreased in the percentage of estrus smears were observed. Histopathological examination of ovary revealed a decreased in the number of cystic follicles, and decreased in the adipocytes respectively. The effects observed with GABA were comparable to that with metformin. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that GABA treatment has shown protective effect in PCOs and provide beneficial effect either by reducing insulin resistance or by inducing antioxidant defence mechanisms.

Ameliorative effects of rutin against metabolic, biochemical and hormonal disturbances in polycystic ovary syndrome in rats.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most prevalent endocrinopathy in women of reproductive age. The study was commenced to assess the favorable effects of Rutin against metabolic, biochemical, histological, and androgenic aspects of polycystic ovary syndrome in rats. METHODS: Female Sprague-Dawley rats were administered letrozole (1 mg/kg) per orally (p.o) for a period of 21 days for the induction of PCOS, followed by dose of rutin (100 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg, p.o) for 15 days using 0.5% w/v CMC as vehicle. Metformin was also given as a standard control to one of the rat groups. Serum estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, serum lipid parameters, CRP and glucose levels were evaluated. Furthermore, antioxidant activity was tested using superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione per-oxidase and reactive-oxygen species level. RESULTS: Rutin flavonoid had a dose-dependent effect on androgenic levels depicting more recovery in the rutin-I treated group, while rutin-II treated groups showed better antioxidant and lipid profiles as compared with PCOS groups. A decrease in the value of C reactive protein (CRP) and a restoration in the proportion of estrous phase smears were observed in the rutin treated groups. Histopathological examination of ovary revealed a significant decrease in the number of cystic follicles in post treated groups. The effects observed with rutin were moderately similar to that with standard metformin, a widely used treatment drug for PCOS. CONCLUSION: The study provides evidence for the potential ameliorative effects of rutin against clinical and biochemical features of PCOS.

Antioxidant enzymes status and reproductive health of adult male workers exposed to brick kiln pollutants in Pakistan.

The present study was designed to study the effect of brick kilns emissions on the reproductive health and biochemical status of brick kiln workers and people living in the area near brick kilns. Body mass index (BMI) was significantly reduced in brick makers, carriers, and bakers compared to the control. Red blood cells count and hematocrit (%) were significantly high in brick bakers while MCH was significantly reduced in brick makers and brick bakers. Heavy metals (lead, cadmium, and chromium) concentration in whole blood of the brick kiln workers were significantly higher as compared to the control. Antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD, POD, GSH, and GR) were significantly reduced in brick kiln workers as compared to the control while TBARS level were significantly high in brick bakers as compared to the control. Plasma leutinizing hormone (LH) was significantly high in brick bakers while testosterone concentrations were significantly reduced in brick makers, carriers, and bakers. The present study shows that brick kiln workers and people living in the brick kiln vicinity are exposed to heavy metals and other pollutants that is a serious threat to their health. Alternate technology is needed to be developed and brick kilns should be replaced.

Effect of bisphenol S exposure on male reproductive system of rats: A histological and biochemical study.

Bisphenol S (BPS) has been introduced into the industry as a safer alternative to Bisphenol A. BPS has been detected in human urine sample and induces oxidative stress in vitro and exhibit endocrine disrupting potential in vivo. However, data regarding effect of BPS in mammals is very limited and only a few studies have been carried out. In the present study, direct effect of BPS exposure on oxidative stress and testosterone concentration in rat testis was evaluated in vitro. BPS exposure not only induced oxidative stress but also enhanced antioxidant enzymes activity in the tissue. Based on in vitro results, in vivo study was carried out. In the in vivo sub-chronic study, adult male rats were exposed to different doses of BPS (1-50 µg/kg day). Significant increase in the testicular reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation were observed in the higher doses tested while antioxidant enzymes activity and protein content were significantly reduced. Plasma and intra-testicular testosterone concentrations were reduced in groups treated with higher doses of BPS. Testicular morphology revealed thin seminiferous epithelium in the treated groups as compared to the control. In the epididymis, area of the tubular epithelium showed significant reduction and empty lumen were observed in the groups treated with higher concentrations of BPS. The present data suggest that BPS has the potential to induce oxidative stress in the testis and might have effect on spermatogenesis in rats.

Therapeutic effects of quercetin against bisphenol A induced testicular damage in male Sprague Dawley rats.

The present study was designed to investigate protective effects of quercetin against bisphenol A (BPA) induced testicular toxicity in male Sprague Dawley rats. Twenty adult male rats were divided into four groups. The first group served as the control and was provided with normal saline. The second group of rats was treated with 50 mg/kg of BPA dissolved in alcoholic saline. The third group received oral gavage of 50 mg/kg quercetin while the fourth group was treated with quercetin (50 mg/kg) along with BPA (50 mg/kg). All of the treatments were carried out for 52 days. Testicular tissues and epididymis were used for histology while blood plasma was used for hormonal and biochemical analysis. BPA administration resulted in a significant reduction in seminiferous tubule diameter and epithelial height with impaired spermatogenesis. Quercetin treatment resulted in restoration of spermatogenesis and reversal of histological damage. In addition, BPA treatment significantly reduced (p < 0.05) plasma testosterone level (ng/ml) while estrogen was not affected. Similarly, BPA caused a significant alteration in the lipid profile. Interestingly, quercetin treatment led to a marked increase in plasma testosterone, decrease in estrogen concentration, as well as a normalized lipid profile. In conclusion, results indicated that BPA administration induces toxic effects on testis and epididymis, impairs spermatogenesis, with an imbalance in hormonal levels and lipid profile while quercetin amended these toxic effects by restoring normal spermatogenesis, testicular tissue damage, and hormonal levels. This suggests that quercetin may be a potential therapeutic against BPA induced testicular toxicity.

Ameliorative effect of quercetin against arsenic-induced sperm DNA damage and daily sperm production in adult male rats.

In this study, the protective effect of quercetin was evaluated against arsenic induced reproductive ailments in male rats. For this purpose, male rats (n = 5/group) weighing 180-250 g were used. First group served as control, second group received arsenic (50 ppm) in drinking water. Third group was treated with quercetin (50 mg/kg) alone, while fourth group received arsenic + quercetin. All treatments were carried out for 49 days. After treatment, animals were killed by decapitation; testis and epididymis were dissected out. Right epididymis was minced immediately for comet assay, while left epididymis was processed for histology. Similarly, right testis was homogenized for estimation of daily sperm production (DSP) and detection of metal concentration. The results of our research revealed that arsenic treatment did not cause any significant change in body weight and testicular volume. Quercetin treatment significantly prevented tissue deposition of arsenic within the testis. Arsenic treatment caused a significant reduction in DSP, however, in the arsenic + quercetin-treated group and quercetin alone-treated group, DSP was significantly high as compared to the arsenic-treated group. Histological study of epididymis showed empty lumen in arsenic-treated group while in arsenic + quercetin-treated group and quercetin alone-treated group, lumen were filled with sperm and were comparable to control. Sperm DNA damage, induced by arsenic, was significantly reversed toward control levels by supplementation of quercetin. These results suggest that quercetin not only prevents deposition of arsenic in tissues, but can also protect the sperm DNA damage.

Alleviative effect of quercetin on rat testis against arsenic: a histological and biochemical study.

The preventive effect of quercetin on arsenic stimulated reproductive ailments in male Sprague Dawely (SD) rats was investigated. Twenty rats were divided into four groups. The first group served as a control and was provided tap water. The second group of rats was treated with sodium arsenite at the dose of 50 ppm in drinking water. The third group served as a positive control and received an oral dose of quercetin (50 mg/kg). In the fourth group, quercetin (50 mg/kg) was co-administered orally with arsenic (50 ppm in drinking water). All the treatments were carried out for 49 days. Arsenic treatment resulted in adverse morphological and histopathological changes in testis of rats including reduced epithelial height and tubular diameter, and increased luminal diameter. In contrast, these adverse effects of arsenic were eliminated by co-administration of quercetin. Additionally arsenic treatment significantly increased testicular thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) levels while catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and glutathione reductase (GSR) activities, and plasma and intra-testicular testosterone concentrations, were decreased significantly. Lipid peroxidation (LPO) was significantly suppressed and depleted antioxidant defense mechanism was restored by the quercetin co-treatment. Also quercetin treatment resulted in a marked increase in plasma and testicular testosterone concentrations. On the basis of these findings, it was concluded that quercetin may be used as a potential therapeutic drug against arsenic induced reproductive toxicity.

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.

Comparative analysis of antioxidants against cadmium induced reproductive toxicity in adult male rats.

The present study was conducted to compare and evaluate the potential benefits of three different antioxidants in reversing cadmium (Cd)-induced reproductive toxicity in adult male rats. Rats (n = 5) weighing 180 +/- 20 gm were divided into five groups (control, Cd, Cd + sulforaphane, Cd + vitamin E, and Cd + plant extract). Treated groups received CdCl2 (0.2 mg/kg), sulforaphane (25 µg/rat), vitamin E (75 mg/kg), and plant extract (100 mg/kg) for 15 days. Blood samples and testicular tissues were obtained for estimation of testosterone, Zn, and Cd concentration and daily sperm production/efficiency of sperm production. Cadmium exposure caused a significant decrease in final body weight (p < 0.0001). The plasma concentrations of Cd were significantly increased and Zn concentration decreased (p < 0.0001) in the Cd group as compared to the control group. The testicular concentrations of Cd were significantly increased and Zn concentration decreased (p < 0.0001) in the Cd group as compared to the control group. Cadmium exposure caused a significant decrease (p < 0.0001) in plasma testosterone concentrations and daily sperm production as compared to the control group. More significant effects were observed with Cd+sulforaphane, Cd + vitamin E, and Cd + plant extract treated groups in slashing Cd-induced toxicity. Present findings suggest that Ficus religiosa and sulforaphane are more powerful antioxidants as compared to vitamin E in reversing the oxidative stress and can have a protective role against Cd induced reproductive toxicity in adult male rats. Part of the mechanism involved in this protective role seems to be associated with the antioxidant properties of these agents in reducing reproductive damage.