Selected testicular enzymes as biochemical markers for procarbazine-induced testicular toxicity

Taurine reverses sodium fluoride-mediated increase in inflammation, caspase-3 activity, and oxidative damage along the brain-pituitary-gonadal axis in male rats

Excessive exposure to fluoride is associated with male reproductive dysfunction in humans and animals. Taurine (2-aminoethane sulfonic acid) is a free intracellular β-amino acid with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. However, the effect of taurine on fluoride-induced reproductive toxicity has not been reported. The present study investigated the influence of taurine on sodium fluoride (NaF)-induced functional changes along the brain-pituitary-gonadal axis in male rats. NaF was administered singly in drinking water at 15 mg·L^-1 alone or orally co-administered by gavage with taurine at 100 and 200 mg·(kg body mass)^-1 for 45 consecutive days. Results showed that taurine significantly prevented NaF-induced increase in oxidative stress indices as well as augmented antioxidant enzymes activities and glutathione level in the brain, testes, and epididymis of the treated rats. Moreover, taurine reversed NaF-induced elevation in inflammatory biomarkers and caspase-3 activity as well as histological damage in the brain, testes, and epididymis of the treated rats. The significant reversal of NaF-induced decreases in testosterone level and testicular activities of acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase by taurine was accompanied by enhancement of sperm functional characteristics in the treated rats. Taurine may be a possible chemopreventive candidate against reproductive dysfunction resulting from fluoride exposure.

Effect of dietary Astragalus Polysaccharide supplements on testicular miRNA expression profiles and enzymatic changes of breeder cocks

Astragalus Polysaccharide (APS) is an important feed additive due to its immunomodulatory functions. Previous studies have proven that miRNAs play important roles in posttranscriptional gene regulation. Our goals were to identify differentially expressed miRNAs in testes in responses to APS dietary supplements and to find the effects of APS on breeder cock testes. We measured several enzymatic activities in testes and sperm samples and further generated miRNA expression profiles of testes from breeder cocks fed with control diets and extra APS. As a result, we found APS could increase testicular functional activities of marker enzymes. Meanwhile, there were 16 up-regulated and 17 down-regulated miRNAs in APS group, compared with the control group meeting the criteria of P-values < 0.05. Meanwhile, twelve differentially expressed miRNAs were validated by Mir-XTM miRNA RT-qPCR. Further GO and KEGG analyses of target genes for differentially expressed miRNAs revealed that some miRNAs may be involved in testicular nutrient metabolisms and NK cell mediated cytotoxicity pathway. Moreover, the effect of dietary APS supplements on NK cell mediated cytotoxicity pathway was also validated by RT-qPCR. Our results provided a novel insight into the effect of dietary APS supplements on testicular miRNA expression profiles and enzymatic changes of breeder cocks.

Effects of nimesulide on testicular functions in prepubertal albino rats

BACKGROUND

Daily consumption of painkillers has almost become a routine in many parts of Africa and Asia due to manual labor, especially in young adults. In view of the wide-scale use of painkillers in many parts of Africa and Asia, it is feared that the use of nimesulide may constitute an appreciable public health risk. The present work is aimed at assessing the long-term testicular toxicity of nimesulide in growing male albino rats.

METHODS

Male albino rats aged 4-5 weeks and weighing between 36 and 42 g were obtained from the Toxicology Unit of the Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria. The animals were housed singly in a cross-ventilated room at a temperature 22°C±3°C and a 12-h light/12-h dark cycle. They were fed with standard rat pellets (Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, Ikeja, Nigeria) and were given water ad libitum. The rats were divided into three groups of five rats each: the first and second groups orally received 5 and 7.5 mg/kg/day of nimesulide, respectively, whereas the third group did not receive any drug and acted as controls for 56 days. Weekly body weight of each rat was taken. Blood samples were collected on the 56th day by cardiac puncture, and serum samples were frozen until analysis. Rats were sacrificed under ether anesthesia. Epididymal semen number was counted using a Neubauer counting chamber. Sperm motility was assayed microscopically within 5 min at 37°C. Estradiol and testosterone were analyzed with electrochemiluminescence immunoassay using Elecsys autoanalyzer, model 1010 (Roche, Mannheim, Germany). The testes were excised, weighed, and fixed in Bouin fluid and processed for histopathology.

RESULTS

Treatment with nimesulide did not significantly affect body weight, absolute and relative testis weights, or epididymal sperm number, but there were significant differences in testosterone and estradiol levels. At the doses studied, there were no significant changes in testicular architecture except for mild degenerative changes.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, nimesulide at normal therapeutic doses may not be spermatoxic, but it is feared that at higher doses, it may have testicular toxicity in albino rats.

Potential testicular toxicity of sodium nitrate in adult rats

Nitrate is a common contaminant in groundwater aquifers. Current study aimed at evaluating the potential testicular toxicity of sodium nitrate in rats. Sodium nitrate was given orally to rats at doses of 50, 100 or 200 mg/kg/day for 60 consecutive days. Sperm count and motility, daily sperm production and testis weight were significantly decreased specially at high doses. Testicular activity of lactate dehydrogenase-X, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and acid phosphatase were inhibited in a dose-related manner. Lipid peroxides and hydrogen peroxide production were significantly increased in all treated animals. This was accompanied by inhibition of testicular activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. Fifty mg/kg of sodium nitrate did not significantly alter catalase or glutathione reductase activity. Glutathione was significantly decreased by sodium nitrate in a dose-related manner. The decrease in sperm count and motility and daily sperm production was confirmed by histopathological studies which indicated chromatolysis, pyknosis and necrosis in spermatocytes. In conclusion, subchronic exposure of rats to sodium nitrate results in testicular toxicity as evidenced by decreased sperm count and motility, daily sperm production and testis weight, inhibited activity of enzyme markers of spermatogenesis and induction of histopathological changes. These effects are attributed, at least partly, to testicular oxidative stress.

Effect of antispermatogenic agents on cell marker enzymes of rat Sertoli cells in vitro

OBJECTIVE

To examine the role of Sertoli cells in the antispermatogenic action of two nonsteroidal male contraceptive compounds (CDRI-84/35 and gossypol) by evaluating their effect on some key parameters of Sertoli cell function in vitro.

METHODS

Primary cultures of Sertoli cell were established from 18-day-old rat testis and treated on day 5 with different concentrations (1.0, 0.1, 0.01, and 0.001 mM) of either CDRI-84/35 or gossypol in vitro. Lactate (secretion), along with beta-glucuronidase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and aromatase activities, was measured in these cells to examine the functions targeted by antispermatogenic agents in Sertoli cells.

RESULTS

CDRI-84/35 significantly affected Sertoli cell parameters (stimulation in most of the cases) that are important for germ cell development like lactate secretion, LDH activity, aromatase activity (estradiol secretion) and so on. Gossypol in comparison to CDRI-84/35 had a more severe effect on Sertoli cells with complete inhibition of enzyme activities at higher concentrations.

CONCLUSION

It is probable that the antispermatogenic action of CDRI-84/35 and gossypol is routed through Sertoli cells by disruption of important cell functions that support spermatogenesis in vivo. However, the two compounds appear to have different course of action in Sertoli cells, ultimately leading to spermatogenic failure.

Testicular effects of sub-chronic administration of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx aqueous extract in rats

The sub-chronic effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS) calyx aqueous extract on the rat testes was investigated with a view to evaluate the pharmacological basis for the use of HS calyx extract as an aphrodisiac. Three test groups received different doses of 1.15, 2.30, and 4.60 g/kg based on the LD(50). The extracts were dissolved in the drinking water. The control group was given equivalent volume of water only. The animals were allowed free access to drinking solution during the 12-week period of exposure. At the expiration of the treatment period, animals were sacrificed, testes excised and weighed, and epididymal sperm number recorded. The testes were processed for histological examination. Results did not show any significant (P>0.05) change in the absolute and relative testicular weights. There was, however, a significant (P<0.05) decrease in the epididymal sperm counts in the 4.6 g/kg group, compared to the control. The 1.15 g/kg dose group showed distortion of tubules and a disruption of normal epithelial organization, while the 2.3 g/kg dose showed hyperplasia of testis with thickening of the basement membrane. The 4.6 g/kg dose group, on the other hand, showed disintegration of sperm cells. The results indicate that aqueous HS calyx extract induces testicular toxicity in rats.

Effect of antispermatogenic compound CDRI-84/35 on marker enzymes of rat testis cells. A study on site of action

Marker enzymes of Sertoli and germ cells were estimated to study the mechanism of action of antispermatogenic compound CDRI 84/35 in adult male rat testis. Animals were killed after 22, 41, and 64 days of treatment with antispermatogenic dose of CDRI 84/35 in order to evaluate the effect of the compound on spermatid, spermatocyte, and spermatogonial stages, respectively. Studies were also extended to a recovery period of 90 days. Results indicate a direction action of the compound on germ cells, with no apparent effect on Sertoli cells. Studies also show a massive depletion of postmeiotic germ cells after the treatment, with some damage to premeiotic germ cells as well. Reversibility of the compound was partial, with the marker enzymes of pre- and postmeiotic germ cells not being restored to control levels after withdrawal of treatment.

A study on the reproductive toxicity of erythrosine in male mice

Worldwide usage of different colouring agents in the food industry prompted us to study their toxicity. The potential adverse effects of erythrosine (ER, FD & C Red No. 3) on the spermatogenesis process were investigated in adult mice. Testicular lactic dehydrogenase isoenzyme activity (LDH-X), a pachytene spermatocyte marker of testicular toxicity, was significantly decreased to 71.8% and 68.6% of the control value after daily p.o. administration of ER (21 days) in doses of 68 and 136 mg kg-1 respectively. At the same time, the normal average epididymal sperm count as well as the percentage of motile sperms were significantly inhibited by about 50% and 57% respectively. Moreover, ER was shown to disrupt the normal morphology of the sperm head. Thus, after 5 daily p.o administrations of ER in doses of 680 and 1360 mg kg-1 (equivalent to 10 and 20% of its LD50) it increased the incidence of sperms with abnormal head by about 57% and 65% respectively. The induced increase in sperm abnormalities could enhance the spermatogenic dysfunction and germ cell mutagenicity. These findings indicate that ER in the used doses has a potential toxic effect on spermatogenesis in mice and in turn, it may affect its testicular function and reproductive performance.

Theobromine toxicity on Sertoli cells and comparison with cocoa extract in male rats

The target cell(s) of theobromine toxicity on rat testes and reproductive toxicity induced by pure theobromine and cocoa extract are evaluated in the present studies. Theobromine (500 mg/kg x 7 days) inhibited body weight gain in treated rats. Decreased cauda epididymal sperm reserve (38%), seminiferous tubule fluid (STF) volume (33%), lactate concentration in STF (22%), inhibition of binding activity of androgen binding protein (ABP, 21%) and reduced ABP content in STF were also observed in theobromine-treated animals. Cocoa extract containing an equivalent amount of theobromine did not produce significant toxicity in treated rats. Theobromine concentrations in serum and testes from pure theobromine-treated rats were 1.8- and 1.6-fold higher, respectively, than that in rats treated with cocoa extract. The results support Sertoli cells as the primary target cells of theobromine toxicity. The lower theobromine concentrations in serum and testes of cocoa extract-treated rats could account for the lower toxicity in these animals.

Testicular effects of bis(2-methoxyethyl) ether in the adult male rat

The onset of testicular pathology in the rat and possible recovery over an 8-week period were evaluated after the administration of up to 20 daily oral doses of bis(2-methoxyethyl) ether (diglyme) at 5.1 mmol/kg bw (684 mg/kg bw). Primary and secondary spermatocyte degeneration and spermatidic giant cells were observed after six to eight treatments. In addition, the testes-to-body weight ratio was significantly reduced by the tenth day of treatment and continued to be depressed eight weeks after discontinuation of the treatment. Testicular LDH-X activity, a pachytene spermatocyte marker enzyme, was significantly decreased in animals by the eighteenth day of treatment with diglyme.

Biochemical and structural evidence for ethanol-induced impairment of testicular development: apparent lack of Leydig cell involvement

The present study was conducted to provide biochemical and morphological evidence for ethanol-induced impairment of testicular development. The specific activities of testicular postmeiotic enzyme markers--sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and alpha-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase (GDH)--increased with age in CFW mice from ages 23 to 60 days, providing a biochemical measure of testicular development during puberty. Chronic ethanol treatment via liquid diets from ages 20 to 55 days resulted in decreased activities of SDH and LDH at ages 40 and 44 days, and of GDH at ages 34, 40, and 44 days. These decreases were consistent with an arrest in the developmental increase in SDH, LDH, and GDH at ages 31 +/- 0.6, 31 +/- 2.6, and 24 +/- 0.5 days, respectively. After 29 days of ethanol treatment (age 50 days), testicular weights, epididymal sperm content, and sperm motility were reduced, relative to controls, by 37, 83, and 60%, respectively (p less than 0.05). Epididymal weights were unaffected. Light microscopic evaluation of testes revealed disorganization of spermatogenesis, germ cell degeneration, decreased tubular luminal diameter, and vacuolation of Sertoli cells in ethanol-treated mice at age 50 days. Electron microscopic analysis showed that germ cell degeneration was not restricted to a specific cell type. Stage IX-XI tubules were observed in which spermatids had been retained and underwent phagocytosis within the Sertoli cell. Sertoli cells showed evidence of atypical nuclear invaginations. Sertoli cells underwent degenerative changes and were sloughed into the rete testis. However, relative Leydig cell size, as well as fractional volume occupied by the nucleus, mitochondria, and endoplasmic reticulum were unaffected by ethanol. The data (1) confirm previous findings suggesting ethanol-induced delayed testicular development; (2) suggest that certain aspects of testicular development are arrested relatively early in ethanol treatment (4-11 days); and (3) indicate that the Sertoli cell, rather than the Leydig cell, is the primary target with regard to the deleterious effect of chronic ethanol treatment on testicular maturation.

Effects of co-administration of di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate and testosterone on several parameters in the testis and pharmacokinetics of its mono-de-esterified metabolite

The administration of 1 g/kg di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) or 5 mg/kg testosterone for 1 week did not affect the testicular and prostatic gland weights in rats. However, co-administration of DEHP and testosterone induced severe testicular atrophy accompanied by a decrease of zinc concentration in the testis and reduction of the activity of testicular specific lactate dehydrogenase isozyme. These changes were similar to the results of high dose administration of DEHP alone. Values of biological half-life and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) of mono(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, the main metabolite of DEHP, in testes after a single co-administration of DEHP (p.o.) and testosterone (i.p.) were higher than those after DEHP administration alone. Results suggest that the co-administration of DEHP and testosterone enhanced the adverse effects of DEHP on testes as the result of changes in pharmacokinetic values of MEHP.