[Features of sexual development of adolescent boys in cities of Caspian region of the Republic of Kazakhstan]

The complex estimation of parameters of the sexual development of adolescent boys aged 14-16 years had been done in cities of Aktay and Atyrau, in Caspian region of Western Kazakhstan. Adolescent boys in cities of Caspian region of the Republic of Kazakhstan were found to have tendency to the delayed puberty according to Tanner score. Retarded sexual development is manifested by the some retardation in growth of genitals and escutcheon, in comparison with their peers from control group. The absence of differences in general physical development, as evidenced by anthropometry data, does not exclude the specific (elective) character of the impact of urbanogenic factors on growing male body, which is typical impact of hard metals salts.

Pharmacokinetics of antiretrovirals in genital secretions and anatomic sites of HIV transmission: implications for HIV prevention

The incidence of HIV remains alarmingly high in many parts of the world. Prophylactic use of antiretrovirals, capable of concentrating in the anatomical sites of transmission, may reduce the risk of infection after an unprotected sexual exposure. To date, orally and topically administered antiretrovirals have exhibited variable success in preventing HIV transmission in large-scale clinical trials. Antiretroviral mucosal pharmacokinetics may help explain the outcomes of these investigations. Penetration and accumulation of antiretrovirals into sites of transmission can influence dosing strategies and pre-exposure prophylaxis clinical trial design. Antiretroviral tissue distribution varies widely within and between drug classes, attributed in part to their physicochemical properties and tissue-specific drug transporter expression. Nucleoside(-tide) reverse transcriptase inhibitors, the CCR5 antagonist maraviroc, and the integrase inhibitor raltegravir demonstrate the highest penetration into the male and female reproductive tracts and colorectal tissue relative to blood. This review describes antiretroviral exposure in anatomic sites of transmission, and places these findings in context with the prevention of HIV and the efficacy of pre-exposure prophylactic strategies.

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

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Lycium barbarum, a Solanaceous defoliated shrubbery, has been used as a kind of traditional Chinese herbal medicines for thousands of years. Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) is the main bioactive component of Lycium barbarum. The aim of this study was to investigate the radioresistant effect of LBP on the damage of male rats' reproductive system and spermatogenic cells caused by low-dose (60)Co-γ irradiation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male rats were randomly divided into 7 groups and treated with irradiation and/or LBP: normal control group, irradiation control group 1, irradiation control group 2, irradiation control group 3, LBP + irradiation group 1, LBP + irradiation group 2, and LBP + irradiation group 3.

RESULTS

It is found that mating function and testis organ coefficient in LBP + irradiation groups were significantly better than that of the corresponding irradiation control groups. LBP significantly up-regulates the expression of Bcl-2 while down-regulating the expression of Bax. And LBP also plays an important role in prevention mitochondrial membrane potential decrease. In addition, LBP can significantly reduce spermatogenic cells apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

LBP has obvious protective effect on the male rats' reproductive function and spermatogenic dysfunction induced by irradiation.

Development of reproductive organs in the ivory shell Babylonia japonica: observations from wild populations and laboratory-reared juveniles

We histologically examined normal differentiation and development of genital tract and gonad in the ivory shell Babylonia japonica (Buccinidae) to determine whether the formation of male-type genitalia in imposex-exhibiting females mimics the normal development of male genitalia in prosobranch gastropods. We used a wild-caught 2-year-old specimen and laboratory-reared juveniles aged 0-24 months. Gonad differentiation was unclear before age 14 months, but progressed after 16 months. Both sexes had complete genital tract and mature gonad at 20 months. However, differentiation and development occurred earlier in females than in males. Development of genital tract preceded gonad differentiation. Vas deferens morphogenesis in males resembled that in imposex-exhibiting females. These findings help to understand the morphogenesis of genital tract and gonad in prosobranch gastropods and will contribute to more in-depth studies of the mode of action of organotin compounds such as TBT and TPhT in imposex development in female prosobranch gastropods.

Adverse effects of bisphenol A on male reproductive function

BPA is a ubiquitous environmental contaminant, resulting mainly from manufacturing,use or disposal of plastics of which it is a component, and the degradation of industrial plastic-related wastes. Growing evidence from research on laboratory animals, wildlife, and humans supports the view that BPA produces an endocrine disrupting effect and adversely affects male reproductive function. To better understand the adverse effects caused by exposure to BPA, we performed an up-to-date literature review on the topic, with particular emphasis on in utero exposure, and associated effects on spermatogenesis, steroidogenesis, and accessory organs.BPA studies on experimental animals show that effects are generally more detrimental during in utero exposure, a critical developmental stage for the embryo. BPA has been found to produce several defects in the embryo, such as feminization of male fetuses, atrophy of the testes and epididymides, increased prostate size, shortening of AGD, disruption of BTB, and alteration of adult sperm parameters (e.g.,sperm count, motility, and density). BPA also affects embryo thyroid development.During the postnatal and pubertal periods and adulthood, BPA affects the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis by modulating hormone (e.g., LH and FSH,androgen and estrogen) synthesis, expression and function of respective receptors(ER, AR). These effects alter sperm parameters. BPA also induces oxidative stress in the testis and epididymis, by inhibiting antioxidant enzymes and stimulating lipid peroxidation. This suggests that employing antioxidants may be a promising strategy to relieve BPA-induced disturbances.Epidemiological studies have also provided data indicating that BPA alters male reproductive function in humans. These investigations revealed that men occupationally exposed to BPA had high blood/urinary BPA levels, and abnormal semen parameters. BPA-exposed men also showed reduced libido and erectile ejaculatory difficulties; moreover, the overall BPA effects on male reproduction appear to be more harmful if exposure occurs in utero. The regulation of BPA and BPA-related products should be reinforced, particularly where exposure during the fetal period can occur. The current TDI for BPA is proposed as 25 and 50 1-1g/kg bwt/day (European Food Safety Authority and Health Canada, respectively). Based on the evidence available, we believe that a TDI value of 5 1-1g/kg bwt/day is more appropriate (the endpoint is modulation of rat testicular function). Certain BPA derivatives are being considered as alternatives to BPA. However, certain of these related products display adverse effects that are similar to those of BPA. These effects should be carefully considered before using them as final alternatives to BPA in plastic production.

Slimmer or fertile? Pharmacological mechanisms involved in reduced sperm quality and fertility in rats exposed to the anorexigen sibutramine

Sperm acquire motility and fertility capacity during epididymal transit, under the control of androgens and sympathetic innervations. It is already known that the acceleration of epididymal sperm transit time can lead to lower sperm quality. In a previous work we showed that rats exposed to the anorexigen sibutramine, a non-selective serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, presented faster sperm transit time, lower epididymal sperm reserves and potentiation of the tension of epididymal duct to norepinephrine exposed acutely in vitro to sibutramine. In the present work we aimed to further investigate pharmacological mechanisms involved in these alterations and the impact on rat sperm quality. For this, adult male Wistar rats were treated with sibutramine (10 mg/kg/day) or vehicle for 30 days. Sibutramine decreased final body, seminal vesicle, ventral prostate and epididymal weights, as well as sperm transit time in the epididymal cauda. On the contrary of the in vitro pharmacological assays, in which sibutramine was added directly to the bath containing strips of distal epididymal cauda, the ductal tension was not altered after in vivo sub-chronic exposure to sibutramine. However, there is pharmacological evidence that the endogenous epididymal norepinephrine reserves were reduced in these animals. It was also shown that the decrease in prostate weight can be related to increased tension developed of the gland, due to sibutramine sympathomimetic effects. In addition, our results showed reduced sperm quality after in utero artificial insemination, a more sensitive procedure to assess fertility in rodents. The epididymal norepinephrine depletion exerted by sibutramine, associated with decreases in sperm transit time, quantity and quality, leading to reduced fertility in this experimental model, reinforces the concerns about the possible impact on fertility of man taking sibutramine as well as other non-selective serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, especially considering the lower reproductive efficiency of humans compared to males of other species.

Hydrocarbons (jet fuel JP-8) induce epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of obesity, reproductive disease and sperm epimutations

Environmental compounds have been shown to promote epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of disease. The current study was designed to determine if a hydrocarbon mixture involving jet fuel (JP-8) promotes epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of disease. Gestating F0 generation female rats were transiently exposed during the fetal gonadal development period. The direct exposure F1 generation had an increased incidence of kidney abnormalities in both females and males, prostate and pubertal abnormalities in males, and primordial follicle loss and polycystic ovarian disease in females. The first transgenerational generation is the F3 generation, and the jet fuel lineage had an increased incidence of primordial follicle loss and polycystic ovarian disease in females, and obesity in both females and males. Analysis of the jet fuel lineage F3 generation sperm epigenome identified 33 differential DNA methylation regions, termed epimutations. Observations demonstrate hydrocarbons can promote epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of disease and sperm epimutations, potential biomarkers for ancestral exposures.

Screening for potential effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in peri-urban creeks and rivers in Melbourne, Australia using mosquitofish and recombinant receptor-reporter gene assays

Sexually mature male mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) were collected from various sites around Melbourne in 2009 to evaluate the performance of gonopodial indices as a biomarker for endocrine disruption in Melbourne's waterways. The mosquitofish indices assessed were body length (BL), gonopodial length (GL)/BL ratio, ray 4:6 ratio and the absence or presence of hooks and serrae, and these varied between sites. The study was complemented by measurements of estrogenic, retinoid, thyroid and aryl hydrocarbon (AhR) receptor activities of the water. Male mosquitofish were 16.3-21.5 mm in length, and although there was a statistically significant positive relationship showing that bigger fish had longer gonopodia than small fish (r2 = 0.52, p < 0.001), there were few significant differences in GL/BL ratio of fish between sites. Measured estrogenic activity was mostly in the range 0.1-1.7 ng/L EEQ, with one site having much higher levels (~12 ng/L EEQ). Aryl hydrocarbon (AhR) receptor activity was observed in all water samples (7-180 ng/L βNF EQ), although there was no consistent pattern in the level of AhR activity observed, i.e., 'clean' sites were as likely to return a high AhR activity response as urban or wastewater treatment plant (WWTP)-impacted sites. There was no correlation between measurements of receptor actvity and gonopodial length (GL):BL ratio and BL. We conclude that the mosquitofish gonopodia only fulfills part of the criteria for biomarker selection for screening. The mosquitofish indices assessed were cheap and easy-to-perform procedures; however, there is no baseline data from the selected sites to evaluate whether differences in the morpholical indices observed at a site were a result of natural selection in the population or due to estrogenic exposure.

Toxic effects of microcystin-LR on the reproductive system of male Rana nigromaculata in vitro

This study aims to demonstrate that microcystin-LR (MC-LR) has toxic effects on the reproductive system of male Rana nigromaculata in vitro. R. nigromaculata were treated with 0, 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 nmol/L of MC-LR for 6 h. Results show that exposure to 1 nmol/L to 100 nmol/L of MC-LR decreased sperm motility and number of sperm cells and increased the sperm abnormality rate, whose values were significantly different from those of the control (P<0.01). Moreover, the same dosage of MC-LR increased reactive oxygen species production and malondialdehyde content. At the same time, antioxidant enzyme (catalase and glutathione S-transferase) activity and glutathione reduced content rapidly increased, whereas antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase activity significantly decreased. These results imply that the defense system of the testes quickly responds to oxidative stress. Ultrastructural observation shows distention of the mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus and changes in the mitochondrial matrix color, cristae number, and morphology. Moreover, using real-time PCR, increased relative expressions of P450 aromatase and SF-1 genes were observed. The results demonstrate for the first time that MC-LR could induce toxicity in the male reproductive system of R. nigromaculata. The findings in this research will provide more insights into the relationships between aquatic microcystins and amphibians.

Comparison of Tamoxifen and Testosterone Propionate in Male Rats: Differential Prevention of Orchidectomy Effects on Sex Organs, Bone Mass, Growth, and the Growth Hormone-IGF-I Axis

Testis dysfunction can weaken bone and reduce muscle mass as well as impair sexual function. Testosterone (T) therapy has useful effects on sex organs, bone, and muscle in T-deficient males, but prostate concerns can preclude T use in some men. Although estrogens or other drugs can protect bone in men, gynecomastia makes estrogens unappealing, and other drugs may also be undesirable in some cases. Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) inhibit estrogen-evoked sex organ growth but mimic estrogen effects on bone and cholesterol and are advantageous for some women. SERMs may also be useful in men who must avoid androgens. As a preclinical test of this idea, tamoxifen (a SERM) and testosterone propionate (TP, a classic androgen) were compared for their efficacy in preventing varied effects of orchidectomy (ORX) in adult male rats. ORX led to ventral prostate and seminal vesicle atrophy and decreases in somatic growth, proximal tibia bone mineral density (BMD), and serum growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I). ORX also increased anterior pituitary glandular kallikrein, serum cholesterol, and body temperature. Pituitary prolactin (PRL) content was unaltered. ORX effects on sex organs, somatic growth, IGF-I, cholesterol, body temperature, and pituitary kallikrein were prevented by TP at 1 mg/kg (3 doses per week), but BMD and GH were unresponsive. ORX effects on BMD and GH were prevented by TP at 10 mg/kg, but this dose evoked supraphysiologic increases in sex organs and PRL, failed to restore somatic growth, and further reduced IGF-I. Tamoxifen (1 mg/kg daily) prevented ORX effects on BMD, GH, and cholesterol without altering basal or TP-induced sex organ growth and further reduced IGF-I and somatic growth. Tamoxifen did not alter basal PRL but blocked increases caused by TP at 10 mg/kg. In summary, tamoxifen prevented ORX effects on bone and cholesterol in male rats without affecting sex organs or PRL and might be useful for men who must avoid androgens. Unexpectedly, a TP dose that replicated testis effects on sex organs and other targets had no effect on BMD or GH, and a larger TP dose that restored BMD and GH was worse at replicating normal male physiology. In addition, correlation/regression results suggested that the GH-IGF-I axis contributes to changes in BMD.

Uterotrophic and Hershberger assays for endocrine disruption properties of plastic food contact materials polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET)

Plasticizers or plastic materials such as phthalates, bisphenol-A (BPA), and styrene are widely used in the plastic industry and are suspected endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDC). Although plastic materials such as polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are not EDC and are considered to be safe, their potential properties as EDC have not been fully investigated. In this study, plastic samples eluted from plastic food containers (PP or PET) were investigated in Sprague-Dawley rats using Hershberger and uterotrophic assays. In the Hershberger assay, 6-wk-old castrated male rats were orally treated for 10 consecutive days with plastic effluent at 3 different doses (5 ml/kg) or vehicle control (corn oil, 1 ml/100 g) to determine the presence of both anti-androgenic and androgenic effects. Testosterone (0.4 mg/ml/kg) was subcutaneously administered for androgenic evaluation as a positive control, whereas testosterone (0.4 mg/ml/kg) and flutamide (3 mg/kg/day) were administered to a positive control group for anti-androgenic evaluation. The presence of any anti-androgenic or androgenic activities of plastic effluent was not detected. Sex accessory tissues such as ventral prostate or seminal vesicle showed no significant differences in weight between treated and control groups. For the uterotrophic assay, immature female rats were treated with plastic effluent at three different doses (5 ml/kg), with vehicle control (corn oil, 1 ml/100 g), or with ethinyl estradiol (3 μg/kg/d) for 3 d. There were no significant differences between test and control groups in vagina or uterine weight. Data suggest that effluents from plastic food containers do not appear to produce significant adverse effects according to Hershberger and uterotrophic assays.

Preliminary study on the effects of Buchholzia coriacea seed extract on male reproductive parameters in rats

The effects of methanol extract of Buchholzia coriacea seed was studied on male reproductive system of albino rats. Administration of 200mg/kg b.w.(p.o.) of the extract for 6 weeks resulted in significant reduction (P˂0.05) in the weight of the epididymis and seminal vesicle, but not the testes and prostate gland. Also the weight of the visceral organs- lungs, liver, heart and kidney were unaffected. A marked decrease (P<0.05) in sperm motility and volume was also observed in sperm collected from the caudal epididymis of the treated animals. Sperm count and morphology were not significantly affected (P<0.05). Total tissue protein of the epididymis and testes of the treated rats was significantly increased (P<0.05) and fertility was zero in the treated rats. Histological section showed that the epididymal ducts were mostly empty, though the epithelial lining appeared normal. There were fewer spermatozoa and late stage spermatids in the testes, with normal testicular epithelium. The results suggest that the extract of Buchholzia coriacea may have antifertility effects in male rats, the site of action most probably the epididymis.

Ethnopharmacological studies of Tribulus terrestris (Linn). in relation to its aphrodisiac properties

Synergism and antagonism impact of different plant metabolites present in crude fruit extract of Tribulus terrestris 'the herbal Viagra' have been studied. Variability in plant composition, biomass and metabolites concentration in different modules was significantly contributed by spatial factor. However the edhaphic parameters also changes with both spatial and temporal factors significantly. Fruit is the officinal part and the fruit production significantly related with soil nitrogen (P<0.01), whereas the soil nitrogen and pH also influenced the alkaloid content in fruit (P<0.05). The linear relation between fruit protein and fruit alkaloid (P<0.01) also observed and the relationship in between different soil parameters were established. Bioassay work confirmed its aphrodisiac properties, and site III is suggested for maximum biomass and high concentration of different metabolites.

Management of boys and men with disorders of sex development

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review of disorders of sex development (DSDs) in boys and men will outline the conditions that may lead to this phenotype, present some guidance on how to evaluate and investigate affected cases and then review the medical and surgical management and subsequent outcome.

RECENT FINDINGS

DSDs are a wide range of relatively rare conditions which need multidisciplinary input. The underlying cause is clearer in girls with DSDs, but the actual diagnosis remains unclear in the majority of boys with DSDs.

SUMMARY

There is a need to improve the diagnostic yield and develop standardized methods for assessing, describing and investigating DSDs as well as for reporting outcome. This will lead to improved clinical management and genetic counselling.

Bridging epidemiology and model organisms to increase understanding of endocrine disrupting chemicals and human health effects

Concerning temporal trends in human reproductive health has prompted concern about the role of environmentally mediated risk factors. The population is exposed to chemicals present in air, water, food and in a variety of consumer and personal care products, subsequently multiple chemicals are found human populations around the globe. Recent reviews find that endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can adversely affect reproductive and developmental health. However, there are still many knowledge gaps. This paper reviews some of the key scientific concepts relevant to integrating information from human epidemiologic and model organisms to understand the relationship between EDC exposure and adverse human health effects. Additionally, areas of new insights which influence the interpretation of the science are briefly reviewed, including: enhanced understanding of toxicity pathways; importance of timing of exposure; contribution of multiple chemical exposures; and low dose effects. Two cases are presented, thyroid disrupting chemicals and anti-androgens chemicals, which illustrate how our knowledge of the relationship between EDCs and adverse human health effects is strengthened and data gaps reduced when we integrate findings from animal and human studies.

Maternal cigarette smoking and effects on androgen action in male offspring: unexpected effects on second-trimester anogenital distance

INTRODUCTION

Fertility, sperm counts, and testis weights are reduced in men whose mothers smoked in pregnancy. Animal studies suggest this could be due to impaired androgen action. Anogenital distance (AGD) provides a readout of fetal androgen exposure and is reduced by in utero exposure to harmful chemicals in rodents. This study assessed whether maternal cigarette smoking disturbs AGD in the second trimester human fetus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Morphological indices, including AGD, and circulating cotinine concentrations were measured in 83 electively terminated, normally progressing, second-trimester fetuses between 11 and 20 wk gestation.

RESULTS

A gender difference in AGD (1.4-fold longer in males) was already apparent at 11-13 wk, rising to 2.00-fold longer in males at 17-20 wk gestation. In males, AGD and AGD normalized against ponderal index (a measure of fetal leanness) were significantly increased by maternal smoking (1.19- and 1.31-fold, respectively). The difference between smoke-exposed and nonexposed male AGD was greatest at 11-13 wk (1.25-fold) but had declined to 1.01-fold by 17-20 wk gestation. AGD in females was not affected by maternal cigarette smoking.

CONCLUSIONS

Androgen programming of masculinization occurs before 11-13 wk gestation in the human because AGD is already significantly longer in male fetuses by that stage. AGD reaches the 2-fold difference reported for the neonate by 17-20 wk gestation. Significantly longer AGD in smoke-exposed males was surprising and may indicate increased androgen exposure in the early programming window. Convergence of AGD by late second trimester suggests, however, that by birth, male AGD may be shorter in smoke-exposed individuals.

An assessment of androgenic/anti-androgenic effects of GH transgenic carp by Hershberger assay

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the androgenic and anti-androgenic effects of GH (growth hormone) transgenic carp in male rats.

METHODS

Hershberger assay was carried out in castrated male SD rats aged 4-5 weeks. Testosterone propionate (TP) (0.4 mg/kg BW) was administrated for a positive control, GH transgenic carp (3.0 g/kg BW)+TP (0.4 mg/kg BW), parental carp (3.0 g/kg BW) + TP (0.4 mg/kg BW), and flutamide (Flu) (3.0 g/kg BW) were used for negative controls, and vehicle was administered orally for a blank control. All groups were administrated for 10 consecutive days. At the end of the test, animals were anesthetized, then weights of accessory sex organ were measured. Serum testosterone (T), luteinizing hormone (LH), and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) levels were detected.

RESULTS

The weights ratios of the accessory sex organs and body weights showed no significant differences between the solvent control and the GH transgenic carp-treated groups. Serum concentrations of FSH, LH, and T of the rats treated with GH transgenic carp + TP showed no significant changes, compared with those treated with TP only.

CONCLUSION

GH transgenic carp does not have any androgenic agonist or antagonist properties in vivo screening tests.

The role of sonic hedgehog-Gli2 pathway in the masculinization of external genitalia

During embryogenesis, sexually dimorphic organogenesis is achieved by hormones produced in the gonad. The external genitalia develop from a single primordium, the genital tubercle, and their masculinization processes depend on the androgen signaling. In addition to such hormonal signaling, the involvement of nongonadal and locally produced masculinization factors has been unclear. To elucidate the mechanisms of the sexually dimorphic development of the external genitalia, series of conditional mutant mouse analyses were performed using several mutant alleles, particularly focusing on the role of hedgehog signaling pathway in this manuscript. We demonstrate that hedgehog pathway is indispensable for the establishment of male external genitalia characteristics. Sonic hedgehog is expressed in the urethral plate epithelium, and its signal is mediated through glioblastoma 2 (Gli2) in the mesenchyme. The expression level of the sexually dimorphic genes is decreased in the glioblastoma 2 mutant embryos, suggesting that hedgehog signal is likely to facilitate the masculinization processes by affecting the androgen responsiveness. In addition, a conditional mutation of Sonic hedgehog at the sexual differentiation stage leads to abnormal male external genitalia development. The current study identified hedgehog signaling pathway as a key factor not only for initial development but also for sexually dimorphic development of the external genitalia in coordination with androgen signaling.

[Effect of anabolic preparation fenobolin on blood, reproductive system and hormone levels in blood serum of fractionally irradiated male rats]

Influence of anabolic drug (phenobolin) injection at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg on some indexes of blood, reproductive system, the level of thyroid hormones, corticosterone and testosterone in blood serum of the male rats exposed to a fractional irradiation at the total dose of 2.0 Gy have been studied. A significant decrease in the quantity of leucocytes and lymphocytes after a fractional irradiation without and with phenobolin introduction was determined. Introduction of anabolic drug resulted in a significant drop of relative mass of testes and, particularly, epididymes, and also in a sharp decrease of the number of mature germ cells isolated from epididymes. A combined action of phenobolin and fractional irradiation (2.0 Gy) led to a significant reduction (3-5 times) in the quantity of mature germ cells in an epididymis. In some cases phenobolin influenced the level of testosterone in blood serum of the intact and irradiated animals. The anabolic steroid drug affects negatively the state of reproductive system of male rats.

Effect of propetamphos on the male rats reproductive system

The present study aimed at defining the testicular toxicity of propetamphos. Mature male albino rats (5-6 months old) were treated with propetamphos orally at doses of 0, 0.18, 0.38, 0.75, 1.5 and 3mg/kg/day for 60 consecutive days. Propetamphos at a dose of 0.38 mg/kg/day significantly reduced the sperm motility only. At 0.75 mg/kg/day sperm count, sperm motility, plasma testosterone level and activity of sorbiol dehydrogenase (SDH) were significantly reduced and sperm morphological abnormalities were significantly increased. At 1.5mg/kg/day weight of testes, seminal vesicle and epididymis were reduced dose dependently whereas, at 3mg/kg/day, weight of prostate gland and activities of acid phosphatase (ACP) and glucose-6-P-dehydrogenase (G6PDH) were decreased significantly. On histopathological examination indicated toxicity of propetamphos on testes depending on dose and observed at doses higher than 0.38 mg/kg/day. These results indicate testicular toxicity of propetamphos at dose of 0.38 mg/kg/day or higher in male albino rats.

Changes in male reproductive system and mineral metabolism induced by soy isoflavones administered to rats from prenatal life until sexual maturity

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the influence of high-dose soy isoflavones (daidzein and genistein) administered from prenatal life to sexual maturity on testosterone and estradiol levels, testicular and epididymal morphology, the number of epididymal spermatozoa, and mineral metabolism in rats.

METHODS

Pregnant Wistar rats received orally soy isoflavones, daidzein, and genistein at a dose of 200 mg/kg of body weight per day. After separating sucklings from their mothers, male rats received the same dose of isoflavones until reaching the age of sexual maturity, i.e., for 3 mo.

RESULTS

In the isoflavone-treated group, statistically significant decreased concentrations of zinc (determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry) in blood serum and increased concentrations in bone were observed. The isoflavones induced changes in the morphology of the seminiferous epithelium of rat testes. However, there were no significant changes in the number of spermatozoa in the epididymis. The levels of estradiol in serum and cauda epididymis homogenates of rats receiving phytoestrogens were significantly higher than in the control group. No differences were observed in testosterone concentrations in the serum of treated and control rats. The testosterone levels in the homogenates of the treated rat testes were significantly lower than in the control group.

CONCLUSION

The relatively mild effects of phytoestrogen administration on the morphology of testes and epididymides and the number of epididymal spermatozoa were observed despite the high dose used. The exposure of rats to genistein and daidzein during intrauterine life until sexual maturity influenced the mineral metabolism of the organism by significant decreases of Zn concentration in serum and increased Zn concentration in bones.

The effect of Laminaria japonica polysaccharides on the recovery of the male rat reproductive system and mating function damaged by multiple mini-doses of ionizing radiations

To evaluate the radiation-protect effects of Laminaria japonica polysaccharides (LJP) on male reproductive system damage and mating dysfunction induced by multiple mini-dose ionizing radiations, male rats were administrated with radiation and/or LJP. Results showed that mating function (such as erection, mount and ejaculation), sperm count and survival rate in LJP group were significantly better than the corresponding model group after the radiation. The testis organ coefficient, GSH (glutathione) content, serum sex hormones (luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, testosterone and estradiol) levels improved while MDA (malondialdehyde) content decreased. In addition, SOD (superoxide dismutase), GSH-PX (glutathione peroxidase), LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) activities were enhanced while testicular tissue damage was reduced, 14 days after the cessation of radiation; all indicators in the LJP group were similar to the control group. Our results suggest that, LJP has some promoting effects on the recovery of the reproductive system and mating dysfunction induced by radiation.

[Drug induced man infertility]

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive in a given pair, despite regular sexual intercourse for at least 12 months. In 2004, the World Health Organization has recognized infertility as a social disease. Nowadays, the problem of infertility, meets 1 to 6 pairs, which affects approximately 13-15% of couples the world's population. In Poland, this problem affects between 700 thousand to a million pairs. Male infertility may arise from the use of pharmacotherapy and adverse drug reactions. This publication provides an overview of the type of drugs impairing function of male genitalia and to discuss mechanisms for their action on the process of spermatogenesis.

Testosterone replacement therapy by testosterone ointment relieves lower urinary tract symptoms in late onset hypogonadism patients

INTRODUCTION

Patients with late onset hypogonadism (LOH) also suffered from lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and LOH symptoms. The objects of this study are to evaluate the efficacy of testosterone replace therapy (TRT) by testosterone ointment (Glowmin: GL) for LUTS in LOH patients.

METHODS

The Aging Male Symptom (AMS) scale, Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) and the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) were obtained from patients with LOH. A total of 41 patients with LOH have been treated with TRT using 6 mg/day of GL for 3 months. Serum free testosterone levels (FT) and these four scores were compared before and after TRT.

RESULTS

Serum FT levels and the scores for the four parameters of AMS, six of eight domains in SF-36, IIEF-5 and total IPSS improved significantly after 3 months TRT. In addition, all IPSS domains also improved significantly, and voiding disturbance seems to have improved more than storage disturbance (P = 0.0280 vs. 0.0483).

CONCLUSION

TRT by administration of GL is considered to be effective in the improvement of not only ED and LOH symptoms, but also LUTS (especially voiding disturbance) of patients with LOH.

Efficacy of echinacea on the action of cyproterone acetate in male rats

The study aimed to evaluate the effect Echinacea extract (E) on the testicular antioxidants function in normal rats or that subjected to anti-androgenic compound, cyproterone acetate (CA). Rats were divided into 5 groups treated daily via an oral tube for two intervals 2 and 4 weeks, 1st control, 2nd E (Echinacea treated group in dose 63 mg kg(-1)), 3rd CA (cyproterone acetate treated group in dose 25 mg kg(-1)), 4th E+CA and 5th E as prophylactic one week before E+CA treatment with the same aforementioned E or CA doses. The body, testes, epididymis and vas deferens weights were recorded. Sperm count, Nitric Oxide (NO), calcium ion (Ca2+) and malondialdhyde (MDA) contents in addition to superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities were determined in testicular tissues. CA exhibited direct negative effect on reproductive organs weight and significant reducing effect on sperm count and Ca2+ contents. SOD and GST activities significantly decreased in addition to significant increase in NO, MDA contents reflecting the oxidative status of testis in CA treated rats. The prophylactic effect of E treatment, in time related manner, showed significant improvement in the antioxidant status of the testicular tissue which is more pronounced as compared to E+CA treatment.