Bioactive phenolics fraction of Hedera helix L. (Common Ivy Leaf) standardized extract ameliorates LPS-induced acute lung injury in the mouse model through the inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress.

Hedera helix L. (family Araliaceae) is classified as a conventional plant used as a medicinal product in the cure and prevention of upper respiratory tract inflammation and infection due to its secretolytic and broncholytic effects. Our research was conducted to authenticate the anti-inflammatory effect of ivy leaves extract in the prevention of acute lung injury (ALI) caused by intranasal administration of lipopolysaccharides (LPS). In-vitro antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant were evaluated, in addition to the in-vivo acute lung inflammation model induced by LPS in mice. The animals were divided into seven groups randomly (each group containing 10 mice): control negative (saline only), control positive (LPS group), standard (Dexamethasone 2 mg/kg), ethanolic ivy leaves extract (EIE, 100 mg/kg), ethanolic ivy leaves extract (EIE, 200 mg/kg), saponin rich fraction (SRF, 100 mg/kg) and phenolic rich fraction (PRF, 100 mg/kg). Right lungs were homogenized to determine the levels of SOD, MDA, catalase, IL-10, TNF-α, NO, IL-1ß, IL-6, PGE2, and MPO. Left lungs were excised for histopathology and histomorphometry. Immunohistochemistry of Cox-2 and TNF-α levels were measured. Additionally, Western blotting was used to determine the levels of phosphorylated MAPK. Also, the ethanolic extract was also standardized through HPLC analysis for its content of rutin.The data showed that the oral supplementation with EIE, 200 mg/kg significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the pro-inflammatory mediators, and oxidative stress biomarkers induced by LPS. Interestingly, the phenolics showed promising activity, therefore they are responsible for the action. In conclusion, the standardized ivy leaf extract could be advised for acute lung injury for its antimicrobial, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities.

Anti-arthritic activity of the flavonoids fraction of ivy leaves (Hedera helix L.) standardized extract in adjuvant induced arthritis model in rats in relation to its metabolite profile using LC/MS.

Ivy leaves (Hedera helix) is a traditional plant used for common cold, cough, and bronchial disorders and can be used for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as an attempt in alternative medicine. RA is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by its increasing frequency and adverse consequences. There is an urgent need for a long-term therapy that has favorable biological effects and is less expensive than the already authorized synthetic medicines. This study aimed to determine the anti-arthritic potentials of Hedera helix with determination of the bioactive fraction and discovery of its second-generation metabolites by means of LC/MS. The total ivy ethanolic extract (TIE-E), saponins fraction (Sap-F) and flavonoids fraction (Flav-F) were investigated for their in-vitro anti-arthritic effects and in-vivo by Adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) using Complete Freund's Adjuvant (0.1 mL, CFA) intradermal relative to the usual dose of ibuprofen (5 mg/kg). We examined the physical alterations, rheumatoid biomarkers, cytokines that cause and inhibit inflammation, markers of oxidative stress, hyaluronidase and ß-glucuronidase enzyme activity. Each paw's histopathology was also evaluated. The chemical profiles of TIE-E were studied using LC/MS in both positive and negative ionization modes. TIE-E (200 mg/kg) and Flav-F (100 mg/kg) significantly (P < 0.05) lowered the edema of the paws, serum immunological indicators, inflammatory cytokines, degenerative enzymes, and indicators of reactive oxygen species with increasing in the anti-inflammatory cytokines. Our findings suggest that extracts of ivy leaves might be used effectively to treat rheumatoid arthritis, where its flavonoid content is responsible for that, and it is able to repress biochemical, oxidative, and pathological changes associated with (AIA) Adjuvant-induced arthritis.

New pyrazolopyrimidine derivatives with anticancer activity: Design, synthesis, PIM-1 inhibition, molecular docking study and molecular dynamics.

In this study, new pyrazolopyrimidine derivatives were designed and evaluated for anticancer activity. PIM-1 inhibitiory activity were measured for the most potent compounds. Molecular docking study and molecular dynamics were also done. Thus, the novel derivatives of pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine have been synthesized and characterized using different spectroscopic techniques. HMBC and NOESY experiments were used to confirm regiospecific structure of pyrimidine ring. The newly synthesized derivatives were evaluated for their antitumor activities against HCT-116 and MCF-7 cell lines. These derivatives showed clear in vitro antitumor activities. Compound 5h showed the highest bioactivity (IC50 = 1.51 µM) against HCT-116 cell line. While, compound 6c was the most potent derivative, its IC50 was 7.68 µM against MCF-7 cell line. Compounds 5c, 5g, 5h, 6a and 6c showed PIM-1 inhibitory activity with IC50 of 1.26, 0.95, 0.60, 1.82, 0.67, respectively µM that could be correlated with their cytotoxic effect. Molecular docking study was done to predict the mode of binding of the target compounds inside PIM-1 active site. The molecular dynamic simulation was conducted in order to evaluate stability of binding of the tested compounds.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of intramammary cefquinome in lactating goats with and without experimentally induced Staphylococcus aureus mastitis.

Values for pharmacokinetic variables are usually obtained in healthy animals, whereas drugs are frequently administered to diseased animals. This study investigated cefquinome pharmacokinetics in healthy goats and goats with experimentally induced mastitis. Five adult lactating goats received 75 mg of cefquinome intramammary infusion using a commercially available product into one udder half in healthy goats and goats with clinical mastitis that was induced by intracisternal infusion of 100 cfu of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 suspended in 5 ml of sterile culture broth. Cefquinome concentrations were determined in plasma and skimmed milk samples using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Pharmacodynamics was investigated using the California Mastitis Test and pH of milk. Experimentally induced mastitis significantly increased the California Mastitis Test score and pH, and decreased the maximal cefquinome concentration and shortened the half-life in milk when compared to healthy goats. In conclusion, mastitis facilitated the absorption of cefquinome from the mammary gland of lactating goats and induced marked changes in milk pH, emphasizing the importance of performing pharmacokinetic studies of antimicrobial agents in infected animals.

Design, synthesis, modeling studies and biological evaluation of thiazolidine derivatives containing pyrazole core as potential anti-diabetic PPAR-γ agonists and anti-inflammatory COX-2 selective inhibitors.

Nowadays, diabetes and its associated inflammatory complications are important public health problems worldwide. Market limitations of drugs with dual actions as anti-inflammatory (AI) and anti-diabetic have been led to a temptation for focusing on the discovery and development of new compounds with potential AI and anti-diabetic activities. Herein, we synthesized two new series containing pyrazole ring with vicinal diaryl rings as selective COX-2 moiety and thiazolidindione (series 12a-f) or thiazolidinone (series 13a-f) as anti-diabetic moiety and the two moieties were linked together with methylene or methylenehydrazone functionality. The two series were evaluated for their COX inhibition, AI activity and ulcerogenic liability and for the anti-diabetic activity; 12a-f and 13a-f were assessed in vitro against α-glucosidase, ß- glucosidase, in vivo hypoglycemic activity (one day and 15 days studies) in addition to PPARγ activation study. Four compounds (12c, 12f, 13b and 13f) had higher COX-2 S.I. (8.69-9.26) than the COX-2 selective drug celecoxib (COX-2 S.I. = 8.60) and showed the highest AI activities and the lowest ulcerogenicity than other derivatives. Also, two thiazolidindione derivatives 12e and 12f and two thiazolidinone derivatives 13b and 13c showed higher inhibitory activities against α- and ß-glucosidase (% inhibitory activity = 62.15, 55.30, 65.37, 59.08 for α-glucosidase and 57.42, 60.07, 58.19, 66.90 for ß-glucosidase respectively) than reference compounds (acarbose with % inhibitory activity = 49.50 for α-glucosidase and d-saccharic acid 1,4-lactone monohydrate with % inhibitory activity = 53.42 for ß-glucosidase) and also showed good PPAR-γ activation and good hypoglycemic effect in comparison to pioglitazone and rosiglitazone. Moreover, Shape comparison and docking studies were carried out to understand their interaction and similarity with standard drugs.

Effect of butylated hydroxyl toluene on the immune response of Rift Valley fever vaccine in a murine model.

The present study was planned to examine the effect of butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT) on the immune response of Rift Valley fever vaccine (RVFV) in Swiss mice. Animals were divided into four equal groups. The first group was kept as negative control. The 2nd group was orally administrated with the acceptable daily intake (ADI) of BHT 0.3 mg/kg b.wt. daily for 21 days and the 3rd group were vaccinated only by inactivated RVFV at a dose of 0.2 ml I/P two times. The 4th group was orally administrated BHT as in the 2nd group and vaccinated by inactivated RVFV as in the 4th group. Blood samples were collected from all groups two weeks from booster vaccination. The cellular immunity was determined by leucocytic indices and the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) whereas, humoral immunity was evaluated with IgG antibodies titer using enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay (ELISA) test, serum neutralization test (SNT) and challenge test. BHT induced leucopenia, neutrophilia and marked lymphocytopenia in both non-vaccinated and vaccinated mice. Moreover, BHT significantly decreased the efficiency of vaccination by inducing 70% cytopathic effect (CPE) in the infected cell cultures and increasing the ED50 value of RVFV vaccine. The present study indicates that BHT possesses a potential for decreasing both cellular and humoral mediated mechanisms.

Design, synthesis, analgesic, anti-inflammatory activity of novel pyrazolones possessing aminosulfonyl pharmacophore as inhibitors of COX-2/5-LOX enzymes: Histopathological and docking studies.

A series of newly synthesized 4-aryl-hydrazonopyrazolones were designed and their structures were confirmed by spectral and elemental analyses. All synthesized compounds were evaluated for their in vitro COXs, 5-LOX inhibition, in vivo analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities. Compounds 5d, 5f and 5i were found to be the most potent COX-2/5-LOX inhibitors with superior COX-2 selectivity index values (SI = 5.29-5.69) to reference standard celecoxib (SI = 3.52). Four compounds; 5b, 5c, 5d and 5f showed excellent anti-inflammatory activity (% edema inhibition = 72.72-54.54%) and perfect ED50 values (ED50 = 0.044-0.104 mmol/kg) relative to celecoxib (ED50 = 0.032 mmol/kg). To explore the most active compounds, ulcerogenic effect on stomach in comparison with indomethacin and celecoxib in addition to histopathological investigations were performed. Compound 5f showed better gastric profile (UI = 2.33) than celecoxib (UI = 3.00). Also, 5f caused 50% increase in thermal pain threshold close to reference drug indomethacin (53.13%). Docking study of all the target compounds into COX-2 and 5-LOX active sites was performed to rational their anti-inflammatory activities.

Non-acidic 1,3,4-trisubstituted-pyrazole derivatives as lonazolac analogs with promising COX-2 selectivity, anti-inflammatory activity and gastric safety profile.

Twelve new compounds of 1,3,4-trisubstituted-pyrazole derivatives possessing two cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) pharmacophoric moieties (SO2Me or/and SO2NH2) 11a-c, 12a-c, 13a-c and 14a-c were designed and synthesized to be evaluated for their COX inhibition, anti-inflammatory activity, ulcerogenic liability. All compounds were more selective for COX-2 isozyme and showed good in vivo anti-inflammatory activity. The bisaminosulphonyl derivatives (14a-c) were the most COX-2 selective compounds (S.I. = 9.87, 9.50 and 9.22 respectively) and showed good anti-inflammatory potency (ED50 = 15.06, 42.51 and 50.43 µmol/kg respectively) in comparison with celecoxib (COX-2 S.I. = 8.61, ED50 = 82.2 µmol/kg). Also, compounds 14a-c were less ulcerogenic (ulcer indexes = 2.72-3.72) than ibuprofen (ulcer index = 20.25) and comparable to celecoxib (ulcer index = 2.93). In addition, to explain the preferential (COX-2) inhibitory and selectivity, the designed compounds were subjected to molecular docking studies. It was found that compound 14c with the highest COX-2 activity and selectivity exhibited a binding pattern and interactions similar to that of celecoxib with formation of more hydrogen-bond features.

Discovery of a COX-2 selective inhibitor hit with anti-inflammatory activity and gastric ulcer protective effect.

AIM: A novel series of 2-arylimino-5-arylidenethiazolidin-4-ones 12a-n were synthesized and all the target compounds were fully characterized by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, mass spectroscopy and elemental analysis. Materials & methods: All the target compounds were evaluated for their COX inhibition by enzyme immunoassay kit and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity. RESULTS: Tested compounds were found more potent inhibitors of COX-2 (IC50 = 0.54-3.14 µM) than COX-1 (IC50 = 4.97-11.52 µM). The ulcerogenic liability of compounds 12(d, e, f, h, k, m) was performed and showed gastric safety more than or comparable to celecoxib. CONCLUSION: In addition, docking study of the most potent and selective compound 12h into COX-2 active site revealed that this target compound assumed interactions and binding pattern similar to that of as a cocrystallized ligand bromocelecoxib (S-58).

Synthesis, cyclooxygenase inhibition, anti-inflammatory evaluation and ulcerogenic liability of new 1,5-diarylpyrazole derivatives.

A new series of 1,5-diarylpyrazoles 10a-l was designed and synthesized for evaluation as COX inhibitors and as anti-inflammatory agents. All compounds were more selective for COX-2 isozyme and showed good in vivo anti-inflammatory activity. Compound 10e was the most COX-2 selective compound (S.I. = 10.67) and the most potent anti-inflammatory derivative (ED50 = 46 µmol/kg) which is approximately 11-folds more potent than ibuprofen (ED50 = 499 µmol/kg) and had 2/3 potency of celecoxib (ED50 = 31 µmol/kg). All compounds were less ulcerogenic (ulcer indexes = 1.20-4.61) than ibuprofen (ulcer index = 20.25) and comparable to celecoxib (ulcer index = 2.90).

Synthesis of new thiazolo-celecoxib analogues as dual cyclooxygenase-2/15-lipoxygenase inhibitors: Determination of regio-specific different pyrazole cyclization by 2D NMR.

Two new series of 1,5-diaryl pyrazoles (5a, 5b, 7a, 7b and 10) and 1,5-diaryl pyrazoline (12a and 12b) were prepared as both Cyclooxygenase-2 and 15-lipoxygenase inhibitors. Carrageenan-induced rat paw edema, ulcer index and anti-COX-1/COX-2 and 15-LOX inhibition assays were also included. Cyclization of different pyrazoles was discussed using 2D NMR such as HSQC, HMBC and NOSEY determinations. Compound 5a is more effective with ED50 = 0.98 and 3.98 µM against COX-2 and 15-lipoxygenase respectively, than the references celecoxib (1.54 µM) and meclofenamate sodium (5.64 µM).

Synthesis, cyclooxygenase inhibition, anti-inflammatory evaluation and ulcerogenic liability of new 1,3,5-triarylpyrazoline and 1,5-diarylpyrazole derivatives as selective COX-2 inhibitors.

Two new series of 1,3,5-triarylpyrazolines 10a-m and 1,5-diarylpyrazoles 14a-d were synthesized. All prepared compounds were evaluated for their in vitro COX-1/COX-2 inhibitory activity and the in vivo anti-inflammatory activity. All compounds were more selective for COX-2 isozyme and showed good in vivo anti-inflammatory activity. Compound 10k was the most COX-2 selective compound (S.I.=5.91) and the most potent anti-inflammatory derivative (ED50=99µmol/kg) which is approximately five folds more potent than ibuprofen (ED50=499µmol/kg) and had half potency of celecoxib (ED50=47µmol/kg). All compounds were less ulcerogenic (Ulcer Indexes=1.20-5.00) than ibuprofen (Ulcer Index=20.25) and comparable to celecoxib (Ulcer Index=2.90).

Synthesis and anti-inflammatory evaluation of new 1,3,5-triaryl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole derivatives possessing an aminosulphonyl pharmacophore.

A novel series of 2-pyrazoline derivatives 13a-l was synthesized via aldol condensation of 4-substituted acetophenones with appropriately substituted aldehydes followed by cyclization of the formed chalcones with 4-hydrazinobenzenesulfonamide hydrochloride. The chemical structures of the target pyrazoline derivatives were proved by means of IR, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, mass spectroscopy and elemental analyses data. All the synthesized compounds were evaluated for their cyclooxygenase selectivity, anti-inflammatory and ulcerogenic liability. While compounds 13e, 13h and 13i showed moderate COX-2 selectivity in vitro and good anti-inflammatory activity in vivo, compound 13i showed the highest anti-inflammatory activity that is very close in potency to the reference drug (celecoxib) with better gastric profile than celecoxib.

Celecoxib analogs bearing benzofuran moiety as cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors: design, synthesis and evaluation as potential anti-inflammatory agents.

Novel series of celecoxib analogs endowed with benzofuran moiety 3a-e and 9a-d were synthesized and evaluated for COX-1/COX-2 inhibitory activity in vitro. The most potent and selective COX-2 inhibitors - compounds 3c, 3d, 3e, 9c and 9d - were assessed for their anti-inflammatory activity and ulcerogenic liability in vivo. The 3-(pyridin-3-yl)pyrazole derivatives 3c and 3e exhibited the highest anti-inflammatory activity, that is equipotent to celecoxib. Furthermore, the tested compounds proved to have better gastric safety profile compared to celecoxib. In particular, compound 3e demonstrated about 40% reduction in ulcerogenic potential relative to the reference drug. Finally, molecular docking simulation of the new compounds in COX-2 active site and drug likeness studies showed good agreement with the obtained pharmaco-biological results.

Convenient synthesis, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and ulcerogenic activites of some new bis-hydrazones and pyrazole derivatives.

The reaction of acid hydrazides (1a-c) with 2-chloro-1-(4-chlorophenyl)ethanone (2a) or 2-bromo-1-(4-bromophenyl)ethanone (2b) afforded bis-hydrazones 6a-d, while the reaction of la-c with 2-oxo-N-arylpropanehydrazonoyl chlorides (3a,b) furnished N-(aryl)propanehydrazonoyl chlorides 8a-c. The reaction of the latter chlorides with sodium benzenesulfinate furnished sulfones 11a-c. On the other hand, treatment of benzothiazole-2-carbohydrazide (1c) with the appropriate ketones yielded the corresponding hydrazones 13a,b, while the reaction of 1c with 2-(ethoxymethylene)malononitrile (14) or with 2-[bis(methylthio)methylene]malononitrile (16) afforded pyrazole derivatives 15 and 17, respectively. In acute toxicity study, no mortalities were observed for the tested compounds. All the tested compounds showed significant anti-inflammatory activity, while some of them exhibited potent analgesic activity. In addition, all compounds exhibited lower ulcerogenic effects than the standard ketoprofen.

Isolation of biologically active constituents from Moringa peregrina (Forssk.) Fiori. (family: Moringaceae) growing in Egypt.

BACKGROUND: Moringa peregrina is a wild plant that grown in the eastern desert mountains in Egypt. Although, this plant is native to Egypt, no details studies were traced on its chemical composition and biological activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The different fractions of the ethanolic extract of the dried aerial parts of the plants were subjected to fractionation and purification on various silica and sephadex columns for the isolation of the major compounds which were tested for there anticancer activity. The aqueous and ethanolic extract as well as its different fractions were tested for antihyperglycemic effect on Streptozitocin-induced diabetes in rats. RESULTS: Investigation of the different fractions of the ethanolic extract of the aerial parts of M. peregrina yielded lupeol acetate (1), ß-amyrin (2), α-amyrin (3), ß-sitosterol (4), ß-sitosterol-3-O-glucoside (5), apigenin (6), rhamnetin (7), neochlorogenic acid (10), rhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside (12), and 6-methoxy-acacetin-8-C-ß-glucoside (13) which were isolated for the first time from the plant. Compound (13) was isolated for the first time from genus Moringa. In addition, quercetin (8), chryseriol-7-O-rhamnoside (9) and quercetin-3-O-rutinoside (11) were also isolated. Identification has been established by spectral data (UV, MS, IR, 1H, 1H -1H COSY, and 13C-NMR). The major isolated compounds were found to have valuable cytotoxic activities against breast (MCF 7) and colon (HCT 116) cancer cell lines and their activities were comparable to the reference drug doxorubicin. On the other hand, the aqueous and ethanolic extracts as well as the n-hexane fraction were found to have potent antihyperglycemic effect on Streptozitocin-induced diabetes in rats. CONCLUSION: The Egyptian plant M. peregrina is rich in biologically active ingredients which showed potent cytotoxic activity and also its ethanolic extraxt exert a significant antihyperglycemic effect.

Pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution of doxycycline in broiler chickens pretreated with either: diclazuril or halofuginone.

Following IV injection of doxycycline in a dose of 20 mg kg(-1) b.wt., its serum concentration was best fitted in two-compartment open model in chickens fed either on control or on anticoccidials-containing rations. Diclazuril and halofuginone resulted in a significant short distribution half-life (t(½α)) (7.17±0.39 and 11.88±1.05 min, respectively) and increased total body clearance (Cl(tot)) 0.37±0.024 and 0.295±0.034 L/kg/h, respectively. Following oral dosing the tested drug absorbed with t(½ab) of 41.38±1.6, 17.48±0.86 and 41.83±1.8 min, respectively and their C(max) values (3.18±0.18, 5.425±0.48 and 0.986±0.037 µg/ml) were attained at 2.07±0.097, 1.403±0.074 and 2.55±0.106 h. For doxycycline alone and in presence of diclazuril and halofuginone, respectively. Systemic bioavailability was 22.64±3.46, 86.74±9.23 and 22.38±3.09%, respectively. Following IM injection t(½ab) were 9.096±1.34 for doxycycline alone, 16.24±2.21 and 15.6±1.7 min in the presence of diclazuril and halofuginone, respectively. C(max) was 3.10±0.28, 4.63±0.57 and 0.55±0.07 µg/ml reached at 0.8±0.083, 1.13±0.126 and 1.21±0.105 h. For the antibiotic alone, and in presence of either diclazuril and halofuginone, respectively. Systemic bioavailability was 22.41±3.86, 88.97±12.9 and 12.31±0.99% in chickens fed on anticoccidial-free, diclazuril- and halofuginone-containing rations, respectively. Both the tested anticoccidials induced higher doxycycline tissue residues in all tested tissue samples.

Hepatoprotective Effect of Methanol Extracts of Zingiber officinale and Cichorium intybus.

The present work was carried out to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of ginger, chicory and their mixture against carbon tetrachloride intoxication in rats. Carbon tetrachloride treatment significantly elevated the alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and gamma glutamyltransferase activities and the serum triglycerides and cholesterol concentration as compared to control group. It also increased RBCs counts and Hb concentration, total or differential leucocytes counts. However it decreased platelet counts, platelet distribution width, mean platelet volume, platelet larger cell ratio. Methanol extract of ginger (250 and 500 mg/kg) and chicory (250 and 500 mg/kg) given alone or mixed (1:1 wt/wt) significantly restored the carbon tetrachloride-induced alterations in the biochemical and cellular constituents of blood. No toxic symptoms were reported in doses up to 5 g/kg. Alkaloids and/or nitrogenous bases, carbohydrates and/or glycosides, tannins, flavonoids, saponins and unsaturated sterols and/or triterpenes are the main active constituents of their methanol extract. The hepatoprotective effect of ginger and chicory was also confirmed by the histopathological examination of liver tissue.

Effect of alpha-tocopherol and simvastatin on male fertility in hypercholesterolemic rats.

The effect of alpha-tocopherol, simvastatin and both on male fertility in hypercholesterolemic rats was studied. Induction of hypercholesterolemia was done by feeding rats on a diet containing 1% cholesterol for 30 days. Hypercholesterolemic rats were orally given alpha-tocopherol (3 mg kg(-1) BW) or simvastatin (1 mg kg(-1) BW) or both for 65 days. Fertility index, serum testosterone level, sex organs weight, semen analysis and histopathological examination of testes, seminal vesicles and prostate glands were the parameters used to evaluate the reproductive efficiency of rats. In hypercholesterolemic rats (control +ve), there was a marked decrease in fertility index, testicular weight, sperm cell count, and percentages of sperm motility and viability associated with a significant increase in sperm cell abnormalities. Oral administration of either alpha-tocopherol or simvastatin to hypercholesterolemic rats for 65 days significantly improved the fertility index, testicular weight and semen quality. Concomitant administration of alpha-tocopherol and simvastatin to hypercholesterolemic rats markedly increased fertility index and sperm motility and viability associated with a significant reduction of sperm cell abnormalities. Histopathological examination revealed that testes of hypercholesterolemic rats (control +ve) had degenerated, non-functioning and atrophied seminiferous tubules associated with arrest of spermatogenesis. Oral administration of alpha-tocopherol and simvastatin concomitantly to hypercholesterolemic rats resulted in active mature and full functioning seminiferous tubules. In conclusion, concomitant administration of alpha-tocopherol and simvastatin to hypercholesterolemic male rats improved their reproductive efficiency and produced additional protection against reduced fertility induced by hypercholesterolemia.