Protective effects of bee bread on testicular oxidative stress, NF-κB-mediated inflammation, apoptosis and lactate transport decline in obese male rats

Whole tomato lipidic extract improved sperm quality in obese rats induced by a high-carbohydrate diet

BACKGROUND

Obesity represents a risk in the development of metabolic and oxidative stress (OS), as well as in male infertility. There is still no pharmacological treatment for obesity-induced male infertility, but the use of natural antioxidants has been proposed as a treatment.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this work is to evaluate the effect of a whole tomato lipid extract on rats that decreased their fertility and spermatogenesis after being induced obese with a high carbohydrate diet.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred fourteen male Wistar rats of 12 weeks of age were used. Two groups were randomly formed non-obese control group (C, n = 54) and obese group (Ob, n = 54) that received 30% w/v sucrose solution for 3 months. Subsequently, the C and Ob group were divided into two groups: vehicle (C-Vh and Ob-Vh) that received corn oil as vehicle and tomato lipid extract (C-Ex and Ob-Ex) that received whole tomato lipid extract. The groups that received a hypercaloric diet had a gain in visceral and retroperitoneal adipose tissue, an increase in total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, increased OS in the testis, and lesions in testicular histology, as well as a reduction in testicular size and sperm quality parameters (motility, viability, and concentration).

RESULTS

Treatment with whole tomato lipid extract significantly decreased the weight of gonadal adipose tissue and OS, maintained testicular size, showed a significant increase in sperm quality parameters and improved histology of seminiferous tubules.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate a greater therapeutic and beneficial effect of the tomato lipid extract on sperm quality parameters in obese rats and therefore on fertility.

Integrated Multiomics Analyses Reveal Molecular Insights into How Intermittent Fasting Ameliorates Obesity and Increases Fertility in Male Mice

Background: Intermittent fasting (IF) has been increasingly recognized for its potential to mitigate obesity and diabetes. However, it remains unclear whether IF can alleviate metabolic disorder-induced male infertility. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of IF to improve fertility outcomes in obese mice. Methods: Eight-week-old C57BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 24 weeks to induce obesity, followed by alternate-day fasting for 6 weeks. We assessed obesity-related metabolic changes and fertility issues postintervention. Comprehensive metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses of serum and testicular samples were used to identify significant metabolic pathway modifications attributable to IF. Results: IF effectively alleviated obesity-induced male infertility, demonstrating significant attenuation of body weight gain and restoration of testicular morphology. IF normalized hypogonadism-associated testosterone depletion and improved sperm parameters. Testis multi-omics integration revealed IF-mediated reprogramming of testicular purine metabolism, coupled with coordinated regulation of glycolipid metabolism and inflammatory-immune homeostasis. Reproductive competence was enhanced as evidenced by statistically elevated successful mating rates and embryonic developmental progression. Serum metabolomics further identified metabolites involved in amino acid metabolism, glycolipid metabolism, and inflammation (e.g., methionine, BCAA, glutathione, and spermidine) may serve as potential targets for treating obesity-related metabolic disorders. Additionally, multidimensional analysis highlighted the crucial role of allantoin in alleviating obesity and related reproductive dysfunction. Conclusions: IF not only resolves obesity-induced metabolic issues but also alleviates male infertility by regulating bioactive metabolites and gene expression linked to glycolipid metabolism, energy homeostasis, and immune responses in the testis. Our study provides a theoretical basis for IF as a clinical treatment for obesity-induced male infertility.

Expression and localization of Cyclin D1/Nanog and NF-κB/Bax protein in dysplastic testicles of mice

Testicular dysplasia significantly impairs male reproductive capacity. This study investigated the expression of Cyclin D1/Nanog and NF-κB/Bax in dysplastic testes of mice using histological staining, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. The results showed that Nanog and Bax expression were significantly higher in dysplastic testicular tissue than in normal tissue (P < 0.01). Cyclin D1 protein expression was higher in normal testis tissue than in dysplastic testis (P < 0.01). NF-κB was highly expressed in cryptorchid and normal testis with no significant difference (P > 0.05). Immunolocalization revealed that Nanog, NF-κB, and Bax were expressed in the cytoplasm of Leydig and spermatogenic cells. Cyclin D1 primarily expressed in the nucleus of Sertoli cells. These findings suggest that altered expression of Nanog, Cyclin D1, and Bax may contribute to testicular dysplasia. This study provides a scientific foundation for detecting testicular dysplasia and selecting appropriate animal models, ultimately informing strategies to improve male reproductive health.

1-DNJ Alleviates Obesity-Induced Testicular Inflammation in Mice Model by Inhibiting IKKβ/ NF-kB Pathway

Obesity is associated with chronic inflammation that affects various organs in the body, including the reproductive system, which is a key factor in male infertility. 1-Deoxynojirimycin (1-DNJ) is a natural alkaloid in mulberry leaves, which has anti-inflammatory capabilities, yet, it's effects on obesity-induced inflammation-related male infertility remain unclear. Therefore, this research investigates the underlying mechanism by which 1-DNJ may mitigate fertility impairment in male mice caused by obesity-related inflammation. Male mice with high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity were treated with 1-DNJ or metformin for 8 weeks. Metabolic profiles were evaluated by enzyme method. Reproductive capacity was assessed by sperm viability, motility and counts, immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate the testicular damage caused by obesity and inflammation. The inflammation was assessed by measuring the levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), and interleukin 6 (IL-6). The activation of IκB kinase β (IKKβ) and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) was examined using western blot and immunohistochemistry. HFD induced obesity in mice with obvious lipid metabolism disorder. The obese male mice had a decreased testosterone level, impaired sperm motility, and increased inflammatory factors. 1-DNJ treatment improved the testosterone level in the obese mice, ameliorated the testicular structure damage and improve sperm viability. In addition, 1-DNJ treatment inhibited IKKβ/NF-kB signaling pathway and reduced inflammation in obese mice. 1-DNJ can improve the fertility of obese men by reducing obesity as well as obesity-induced inflammation. These findings provide new insights for 1-DNJ to alleviate inflammation caused by obesity and provide future possibilities for treating male infertility.

Shilajit mitigates chemotherapeutic drug-induced testicular toxicity: Study on testicular germ cell dynamics, steroidogenesis modulation, and Nrf-2/Keap-1 signaling

BACKGROUND

Medications, including chemotherapeutic drugs, contribute to male infertility as external factors by inducing oxidative stress in testicular cells. Shilajit is a naturally occurring bioactive antioxidant used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat a variety of ailments.

OBJECTIVE

This study examines the potential of Shilajit to counteract the negative effects of the chemotherapeutic drug cyclophosphamide (CPA) on testicular germ cell dynamics.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Male Parkes mice received single intraperitoneal CPA injection (200 mg/kg BW) on day one, followed by daily supplementation of Shilajit (100 and 200 mg/kg BW) for one spermatogenic cycle.

RESULTS

CPA adversely affected testicular germ cell dynamics by inhibiting the conversion of spermatogonia-to-spermatids, altering testicular histoarchitecture, impairing Sertoli cell function and testicular steroidogenesis, and disturbing the testicular oxido-apoptotic balance. Shilajit supplementation restores testicular germ cell dynamics in CPA-exposed mice, as evidenced by improved histoarchitecture of the testis. Shilajit improves testicular daily production and sperm quality by promoting the conversion of spermatogonia (2C) into spermatids (1C), stimulating germ cell proliferation (PCNA), improving Sertoli cell function (N-Cadherin and β-Catenin), and maintaining the Bax/Bcl2 ratio. Additionally, Shilajit enhances testosterone biosynthesis by activating enzymes like 3β-HSD, and 17β-HSD. Shilajit also reduces testicular oxidative stress by increasing antioxidant enzyme activity (SOD) and decreasing lipid peroxidation (LPO). These effects are mediated by upregulation of the antioxidant protein Nrf-2 and downregulation of Keap-1.

CONCLUSION

The findings underscore the potent androgenic and antioxidant characteristics of Shilajit, as well as its ability to enhance fertility in cases of testicular damage caused by chemotherapeutic drugs.

Oral administration of proniosomal glibenclamide formulation protects testicular tissue from hyperglycemia fluctuations and ROS via Nrf2/HO-1 pathway

Type 2 diabetes causes high blood sugar due to insulin malfunction and is linked to male infertility. Using proniosomes can enhance the effectiveness of Glibenclamide, a medication that stimulates insulin secretion. In our study, male rats with diabetes were treated with GLB with or without proniosomal for 14 days. Proniosomal formulations maintained glucose levels prevented weight loss and showed normal testicular tissue. GLB-proniosomal reduces ROS caused by T2DM through Nrf2, HO-1 pathway and increases CAT, SOD, and GSH production in response to insulin and glucose uptake. The reference and proniosomal treatments showed CAT and SOD significant enzymatic elevation compared to the positive and negative control. CAT significantly correlated with Gpx4 expression with P = 0.0169 and r = 0.98; similarly, the enzymatic activity of SOD also showed a positive correlation between the average glucose levels (r = 0.99 and P = 0.0037). Intestinally, GSH analysis revealed that only proniosomal-GLB samples are significantly elevated from the positive control, with a P value of 0.0210. The data showed proniosomal-GLB was more effective than pure GLB, confirmed by higher Nrf2 (2.050 folds), HO-1 (2.148 folds), and GPx4 (1.9 folds) transcript levels relative to the control with less sample diversity compared to the reference samples, indicating proniosomal stabilized GLB in the blood. Administering GLB and proniosomes formulation has effectively restored testicular function and sperm production in diabetic rats by regulating ROS levels and upregulating anti-ROS in response to glucose uptake. These findings may lead to better treatments for diabetic patients who have infertility issues.

A short-term high-fat diet alters rat testicular activity and blood-testis barrier integrity through the SIRT1/NRF2/MAPKs signaling pathways

Background

Overweight/obesity are metabolic disorder resulting from behavioral, environmental, and heritable causes. WHO estimates that 50% of adults and 30% of children and adolescents are overweight or obese, and, in parallel, an ongoing decline in sperm quality and male fertility has been described. Numerous studies demonstrated the intimate association between overweight/obesity and reproductive dysfunction due to a highly intricate network of causes not yet completely understood. This study expands the knowledge on the impact of a short-term high-fat diet (st-HFD) on rat testicular activity, specifically on steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis, focusing on the involved molecular mechanisms related to mitochondrial dynamics, blood-testis barrier (BTB) integrity, and SIRT1/NRF2/MAPKs pathways.

Methods

Ten adult Male Wistar rats were divided into two groups of five and treated with a standard diet or an HFD for five weeks. At the end of the treatment, rats were anesthetized and sacrificed by decapitation. Blood was collected for serum sex hormone assay; one testis was stored at -80ÅãC for western blot analysis, and the other, was fixed for histological and immunofluorescence analysis.

Results

Five weeks of HFD results in reduced steroidogenesis, increased apoptosis of spermatogenic cells, and altered spermatogenesis, as highlighted by reduced protein levels ofmeiotic and post-meiotic markers. Further, we evidenced the compromission of the BTB integrity, as revealed by the downregulation of structural proteins (N-Cadherin, ZO-1, occludin, connexin 43, and VANGL2) other than the phosphorylation of regulative kinases (Src and FAK). At the molecular level, the impairment of mitochondrial dynamics (fission, fusion, andbiogenesis), and the dysregulation of the SIRT1/NRF2/MAPKs signaling pathways, were evidenced. Interestingly, no change was observed in the levels of pro-inflammatory markers (TNFα, NF-kB, and IL-6).

Conclusions

The combined data led us to confirm that overweight is a less severe state than obesity. Furthermore, understanding the molecular mechanisms behind the association between metabolic disorders and male fertility could improve the possibility of identifying novel targets to prevent and treat fertility disorders related to overweight/obesity.

Malicia honey (Mimosa quadrivalvis L.) produced by the jandaíra bee (Melipona subnitida D.) improves depressive-like behaviour, somatic, biochemical and inflammatory parameters of obese rats

Malícia honey produced by the jandaíra bee has hypoglycaemic and hypolipidemic effects and antioxidant activity in vitro and in vivo, which makes it potential adjuvant treatment for obesity. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of malícia honey on somatic and biochemical parameters, depressive-like behaviour and anti-inflammatory activity in obese rats. A total of 40 adult male Wistar rats were initially randomized into a healthy group (HG, n = 20) that consumed a control diet, and an obese group (OG, n = 20) which consumed a cafeteria diet for eight weeks. Then, they were subdivided into four groups: healthy (HG, n = 10); healthy treated with malícia honey (HGH, n = 10); obese (OG, n = 10); and obese treated with malícia honey (OGH, n = 10), maintaining their diets for another eight weeks. The HGH and OGH groups received malícia honey (1000 mg/kg body weight) via gavage. Food intake was monitored daily and body weight was monitored weekly. Biochemical tests related to obesity and glucose and insulin tolerance test, somatic parameters, histological parameters and quantification of NF-κB in the brain were performed. Treatment with malícia honey improved depressive-like behaviour, reduced weight (14 %), body mass index (6 %), and improved lipid profile, leptin, insulin, HOMA-β, and glucose and insulin tolerance in obese rats. It also decreased NF-κB (58.08 %) in the brain. Malícia honey demonstrated anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory effects, and reversed changes in obesity-induced depressive-like behaviour.

Therapeutic effects of Salvia balansae on metabolic disorders and testicular dysfunction mediated by a high-fat diet in Wistar rats

Medicinal plants offer an important therapeutic resource in treatment of male infertility. We aim to evaluate the possible therapeutic effects of Salvia balansae on metabolic disorders and testicular dysfunction resulting from a high-fat diet (HFD). Antioxidant activity of aqueous extract of S. balansae leaves was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, 2,2’-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) assay and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) assay. Antidiabetic activity was determined by α-amylase inhibition. In vivo, HFD was administered in Wistar rats for 18 weeks and aqueous extract of S. balansae for the last 6 weeks (200 mg/Kg of body weight/day). At the term of experimentation, testosterone and some plasma parameters were analyzed and removed testes were subjected to a histomorphometric study. Our results show high levels of phenolic components in aqueous extract of S. balansae and significant antioxidant and antidiabetic activity. HFD increases body weight, causes type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, liver failure and inflammation. Also, HFD decreases testosterone and alters testis histological structure (seminiferous tubular degeneration, impaired spermatogenesis and interstitial fibrosis). Treatment of HFD rats with extract of S. balansae normalizes body weight and plasma parameters, increases testosterone and regenerates testicular structure and function. In summary, S. balansae could reduce metabolic complications induced by HFD and serve the basis for developing a new therapy for testicular dysfunction.

Tert-butylhydroquinone abrogates fructose-induced insulin resistance in rats via mitigation of oxidant stress, NFkB-mediated inflammation in the liver but not the skeletal muscle of high fructose drinking rats

The effect of 21% fructose drinking water (FDW) (w/v) on some parameters of metabolic syndrome, hepatic, and skeletal muscular histology of rats was studied using standard techniques. Twenty male albino rats were divided into four groups of 5 rats each in this in vivo study. Group I received distilled water, group 2 received FDW, group 3 received FDW and metformin (300 mg/kg body weight daily, orally), group 4 received FDW and 1% tert-butylhydroquinone feed. FDW changed the serum leptin, triacylglycerol, very low-density lipoprotein, and C-reactive protein levels of the rats, inducing hypertriglyceridemia, oxidative stress, and inflammation in their liver (but not the skeletal muscle) and insulin resistance which were modulated with metformin and tBHQ as corroborated by liver and muscle histology. The study reveals the potentials of metformin and tBHQ in mitigating hepatic and skeletal muscular morphological changes arising from exposure to high fructose drinks. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: There has been an increase in the global consumption of fructose (either as a sweetner in beverages or soft and carbonated drinks) in the last few decades and this has been positively correlated with the global increase in metabolic complications. Regular intake of fructose contributes to the pathogenesis of lipid disorders, oxidant stress, and chronic inflammation, which are linked with the metabolic syndrome components (MetS) (obesity, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular diseases) as well as increased morbidity and mortality. Given that the approaches that have been applied to treat the MetS have not been able to totally arrest it, currenty study which showed that tBHQ abrogated fructose-induced insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hepatic, and skeletal muscular pathology in the rats places tBHQ in the spotlight as a nutraceutical that could be of relevance in mitigating high dietary fructose-induced hepatic and skeletal muscular pathology.

Therapeutic Effects of Heterotrigona itama (Stingless Bee) Bee Bread in Improving Hepatic Lipid Metabolism through theActivation of the Keap1/Nrf2 Signaling Pathway in an Obese Rat Model

Bee bread (BB) has traditionally been used as a dietary supplement to treat liver problems. This study evaluated the therapeutic effects of Heterotrigona itama BB from Malaysia on obesity-induced hepatic lipid metabolism disorder via the regulation of the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway. Male Sprague Dawley rats were fed with either a normal diet or high-fat diet (HFD) for 6 weeks to induce obesity. Following 6 weeks, obese rats were treated either with distilled water (OB group), BB (0.5 g/kg body weight/day) (OB + BB group) or orlistat (10 mg/kg body weight/day) (OB + OR group) concurrent with HFD for another 6 weeks. BB treatment suppressed Keap1 and promoted Nrf2 cytoplasmic and nuclear translocations, leading to a reduction in oxidative stress, and promoted antioxidant enzyme activities in the liver. Furthermore, BB down-regulated lipid synthesis and its regulator levels (SIRT1, AMPK), and up-regulated fatty acid β-oxidation in the liver of obese rats, being consistent with alleviated lipid levels, improved hepatic histopathological changes (steatosis, hepatocellular hypertrophy, inflammation and glycogen expression) and prevented progression to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. These results showed the therapeutic potentials of H. itama BB against oxidative stress and improved lipid metabolism in the liver of obese rats possibly by targeting the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway, hence proposing its role as a natural supplement capable of treating obesity-induced fatty liver disease.

Bee bread attenuates the progression of atherosclerosis by activating Nrf2/Keap1 and modulating TNF-α/NF-κβ-associated mast cell migration and a mitochondrial-dependent apoptotic pathway in the obese rat model

This study explores the anti-atherosclerotic effects of bee bread in the context of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis phenomena in an obesity animal model, and its vitamin composition. Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were administered with a normal diet (Normal group) and a high-fat diet (HFD) to induce obesity. After 6 weeks, obese rats that received the HFD were treated either with distilled water (Ob group), bee bread at 0.5 g per kg per day (Ob + Bb group), or orlistat at 10 mg per kg per day (Ob + Or group) concomitant with the HFD for another 6 weeks. Bee bread significantly improved atherosclerotic changes by enhancing the immunoexpressions of Nrf2/Keap1, impeding the immunoexpressions of NF-κβ downstream proteins, and intensifying Bcl-2 upregulation, attributed to the improvement in mast cell adherence and collagen deposition in the aortic wall of the Ob + Bb group. We have demonstrated that the treatment with bee bread attenuates the progression of atherosclerosis through its inhibition of vascular oxidative stress, and retardation of inflammatory reaction and apoptosis in obese rats, indicating its potential therapeutic targets for obesity-related vascular diseases. This could be partly attributed to the components of vitamins such as vitamins A, C and E that are present in bee bread, which need further study for the exact molecular mechanism of action.

Gut Microbiota Interact With the Brain Through Systemic Chronic Inflammation: Implications on Neuroinflammation, Neurodegeneration, and Aging

It has been noticed in recent years that the unfavorable effects of the gut microbiota could exhaust host vigor and life, yet knowledge and theory are just beginning to be established. Increasing documentation suggests that the microbiota-gut-brain axis not only impacts brain cognition and psychiatric symptoms but also precipitates neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and multiple sclerosis (MS). How the blood-brain barrier (BBB), a machinery protecting the central nervous system (CNS) from the systemic circulation, allows the risky factors derived from the gut to be translocated into the brain seems paradoxical. For the unique anatomical, histological, and immunological properties underpinning its permeable dynamics, the BBB has been regarded as a biomarker associated with neural pathogenesis. The BBB permeability of mice and rats caused by GM dysbiosis raises the question of how the GM and its metabolites change BBB permeability and causes the brain pathophysiology of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration (NF&ND) and brain aging, a pivotal multidisciplinary field tightly associated with immune and chronic systemic inflammation. If not all, gut microbiota-induced systemic chronic inflammation (GM-SCI) mainly refers to excessive gut inflammation caused by gut mucosal immunity dysregulation, which is often influenced by dietary components and age, is produced at the interface of the intestinal barrier (IB) or exacerbated after IB disruption, initiates various common chronic diseases along its dispersal routes, and eventually impairs BBB integrity to cause NF&ND and brain aging. To illustrate the immune roles of the BBB in pathophysiology affected by inflammatory or "leaky" IB resulting from GM and their metabolites, we reviewed the selected publications, including the role of the BBB as the immune barrier, systemic chronic inflammation and inflammation influences on BBB permeability, NF&ND, and brain aging. To add depth to the bridging role of systemic chronic inflammation, a plausible mechanism indispensable for BBB corruption was highlighted; namely, BBB maintenance cues are affected by inflammatory cytokines, which may help to understand how GM and its metabolites play a major role in NF&ND and aging.

Bee Bread as a Promising Source of Bioactive Molecules and Functional Properties: An Up-To-Date Review

Bee bread is a natural product obtained from the fermentation of bee pollen mixed with bee saliva and flower nectar inside the honeycomb cells of a hive. Bee bread is considered a functional product, having several nutritional virtues and various bioactive molecules with curative or preventive effects. This paper aims to review current knowledge regarding the chemical composition and medicinal properties of bee bread, evaluated in vitro and in vivo, and to highlight the benefits of the diet supplementation of bee bread for human health. Bee bread extracts (distilled water, ethanol, methanol, diethyl ether, and ethyl acetate) have been proven to have antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, and antitumoral activities, and they can also inhibit α-amylase and angiotensin I-converting enzyme in vitro. More than 300 compounds have been identified in bee bread from different countries around the world, such as free amino acids, sugars, fatty acids, minerals, organic acids, polyphenols, and vitamins. In vivo studies have revealed the efficiency of bee bread in relieving several pathological cases, such as hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, inflammation, and oxidative stress.

Effects of whole-life exposure to low-dose cadmium with post-weaning high-fat diet on offspring testes in a male mouse model

Although several studies have reported testicular impairments caused by cadmium (Cd) or obesity alone, the combined effect of Cd and obesity on the testes and its underlying mechanism remains unclear. We examined the combined effect of whole-life exposure to low-dose Cd started at preconception and post-weaning high-fat diet (HFD) on the testes of offspring mice. At weaning, male offspring parented with and without exposure to low-dose Cd were continued on the same drinking water regimen as their parents and fed with either a normal diet (ND) or HFD for 10 or 24 weeks. Whole-life exposure to Cd resulted in its accumulation in testes, and HFD induced obesity and lipid metabolism disorder. Exposure to Cd or HFD alone significantly decreased Johnsen scores, disrupted testicular structure, and increased germ cell apoptosis at both 10 and 24 weeks. However, co-exposure to Cd and HFD did not induce the toxic effects that were induced by either alone, as revealed by preserved testicular structure and spermatogenesis, lack of significant apoptosis, and increased cell proliferation. Mechanistically, the combined effects of low-dose Cd and HFD consumption were associated with the activation of the JAK/STAT pathway. These findings suggest that co-exposure to low-dose Cd and HFD did not cause Cd- or HFD-induced testicular injury, probably because of the activation of the JAK/STAT pathway to prevent germ cell apoptosis.

Therapeutic Effects of Bee Bread on Obesity-Induced Testicular-Derived Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Apoptosis in High-Fat Diet Obese Rat Model

Obesity is a debilitating disorder with a variety of problems including oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. The aim of our study was to investigate the therapeutic role of bee bread on oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation in the testis of obese rats. Thirty-two adult male Sprague Dawley rats, with weights between 230–300 g, were distributed into four groups (n = 8/group), namely normal control (C), obese (Ob), obese + BB or obese + OR [high-fat diet (HFD) for 6 weeks then HFD plus bee bread or orlistat for another 6 weeks] groups. Bee bread (0.5 g/kg) or orlistat (10 mg/kg/day) was diluted with distilled water and administered daily for 6 weeks by oral gavage. There were significant decreases in the activities of antioxidant enzymes [glutathione-S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR)], glutathione (GSH)] and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels and mRNA expressions of nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2), superoxide dismutase (Sod), catalase (Cat) and glutathione peroxidase (Gpx) in the obese group relative to the control group. Meanwhile, the mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory markers, namely: inducible nitric oxide synthase (Inos), nuclear factor kappa B (Nf-κβ), tumour necrotic factor α (Tnf-α) and interleukin 1β (Il-1β) were significantly increased while interleukin (Il-10) was decreased in the obese group relative to the control group. Further, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunoexpressions decreased while cleaved caspase-3 immunohistochemical staining increased significantly in the obese group, in addition to increases in the mRNA levels of p53, Bax, Caspases-8, 9 and 3, relative to the control group. Treatment with bee bread showed increases in antioxidant enzymes and PCNA immunoexpression, as well as decreases in inflammation and apoptosis markers in the testes. This study has shown that bee bread has therapeutic effects against oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis in the testis of HFD-induced obese male rats, thereby suggesting its role as a natural supplement capable of treating obesity-induced male reproductive impairment.

Ameliorating high-fat diet-induced sperm and testicular oxidative damage by micronutrient-based antioxidant intervention in rats

PURPOSE

Emerging evidence from rodent studies suggests that high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced obesity is characterized by increased oxidative damage in sperm and testis. However, interventions using micronutrient supplementation to mitigate oxidative damage in obesity have not been extensively studied. This study aimed to investigate the effect of an antioxidant-based micronutrient supplement (added folate, vitamin B₆, choline, betaine, and zinc) on sperm and testicular oxidative damage in HFD-fed male Sprague Dawley rats.

METHODS

Rats (3-weeks-old, 12/group) were weaned onto control (C) or HFD (H) or these diets with micronutrient supplement (CS; HS); sperm and testis were harvested at 30.5 weeks. To assess oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity in testis, levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), folate and susceptibility index (SI) of pro-oxidative damage, mRNA expression of Nrf2, NFκB-p65, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α, in addition to superoxide-dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione-peroxidase (GPx) activities were measured. 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were assessed in both sperm and testis.

RESULTS

HFD-fed rats had significantly increased 8-OHdG content in sperm and testis, increased testicular SI, decreased testicular weight, SOD and GPx activity compared to control. Strikingly, supplementation of HFD appeared to significantly reduce 8-OHdG in sperm and testis (22% and 24.3%, respectively), reduce testicular SI and MDA content (28% and 40%, respectively), increase testicular weight (24%), SOD and GPX activity (30% and 70%, respectively) and GSH content (19%). Moreover, supplementation had significant impact to increase testicular folate content regardless of diet. Furthermore, an overall effect of supplementation to increase testicular mRNA expression of Nrf2 was observed across groups. Interestingly, testicular SI was positively correlated with sperm and testicular 8-OHdG and MDA content, suggesting a critical role of testicular antioxidant activity to combat oxidative damage in sperm and testis.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that antioxidant-based micronutrient supplement has the potential to interrupt HFD-induced sperm and testicular oxidative damage by improving testicular antioxidant capacity.

Hepatoprotective Effect of Bee Bread in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) Rats: Impact on Oxidative Stress and Inflammation

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a pathological accumulation of hepatic lipid closely linked with many metabolic disorders, oxidative stress and inflammation. We aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of bee bread on oxidative stress and inflammatory parameters in MAFLD rats. Twenty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned into four groups (n = 7/group): normal control (NC), high-fat diet (HFD), bee bread (HFD + Bb, HFD + 0.5 g/kg/day bee bread) and orlistat (HFD + Or, HFD + 10 mg/kg/day orlistat) groups. After 12 weeks, the HFD group demonstrated significantly higher body weight gain, serum levels of lipids (TG, TC, LDL), liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP) and adiponectin, liver lipids (TG, TC) and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Furthermore, the HFD group showed significantly decreased antioxidant enzyme activities (GPx, GST, GR, SOD, CAT) and GSH level, and increased liver oxidative stress (TBARS, NO), translocation of Nrf2 to the nucleus, Keap1 expression and inflammation (TNF-α, NF-κβ, MCP-1) together with histopathological alterations (steatosis, hepatocyte hypertrophy, inflammatory cell infiltration, collagen deposition), which indicated the presence of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and fibrosis. Bee bread significantly attenuated all these changes exerted by HFD feeding. In conclusion, our results suggest that bee bread might have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-steatotic and anti-fibrotic effects that are beneficial in protecting liver progression towards NASH and fibrosis.

Protective and Therapeutic Effects of Orlistat on Metabolic Syndrome and Oxidative Stress in High-Fat Diet-Induced Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) in Rats: Role on Nrf2 Activation

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is an excessive buildup of liver lipids closely associated with various kinds of undesirable metabolic effects and oxidative stress. We aimed to investigate the protective and therapeutic effects of orlistat on metabolic syndrome and oxidative stress parameters in high-fat diet (HFD) induced-MAFLD rats. Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 6/group), i.e., Normal control (N), HFD, HFD + orlistat (HFD + O) (10 mg/kg/day administered concomitantly for 12 weeks as a protective model), and obese+orlistat (OB + O) (10 mg/kg/day administered 6 weeks after induction of obesity as a therapeutic model) groups. After 12 weeks, the HFD group had significantly increased Lee obesity index, serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein levels, liver total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, insulin resistance and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) together with decreased serum high-density lipoprotein level. Additionally, the HFD group also showed increased Nrf2 translocation to the nucleus with high Keap1 expression and increased liver oxidative stress parameters. Orlistat significantly improved all these alterations in HFD rats. We demonstrated that orlistat might have protective and therapeutic effects against HFD-induced MAFLD rats by its activation on Nrf2 signaling pathway, which subsequently improved metabolic syndrome and oxidative stress parameters.

Bee bread mitigates downregulation of steroidogenic genes, decreased spermatogenesis, and epididymal oxidative stress in male rats fed with high-fat diet

The pituitary-gonadal axis plays an important role in steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis, and by extension, fertility. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective role of bee bread, a natural bee product, against obesity-induced decreases in steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis. Thirty-two adult male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing between 200 and 300 g were divided into four groups (n = 8/group), namely: normal control (NC), high-fat diet (HFD), HFD plus bee bread administered concurrently for 12 wk (HFD + B), HFD plus orlistat administered concurrently for 12 wk (HFD + O) groups. Bee bread (0.5 g/kg) or orlistat (10 mg/kg/day) was suspended in distilled water and given by oral gavage daily for 12 wk. Levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, and adiponectin, as well as sperm count, motility, viability, normal morphology, and epididymal antioxidants decreased, whereas levels of leptin, malondialdehyde, and sperm nDNA fragmentation increased significantly in the HFD group relative to the NC group. There were significant decreases in the testicular mRNA transcript levels of androgen receptor, luteinizing hormone receptor, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, cytochrome P450 enzyme, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) and 17β-HSD in the testes of the HFD group. Furthermore, mount, intromission and ejaculatory latencies increased, and penile cGMP level decreased significantly in the HFD group. Supplementation with bee bread significantly reduced leptin level and increased adiponectin level, enhanced sperm parameters and reduced sperm nDNA fragmentation, upregulated the levels of steroidogenic genes and proteins in HFD-induced obese male rats. Bee bread improved steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis by upregulating steroidogenic genes. Therefore, bee bread may be considered as a potential supplementation to protect against infertility in overweight men or men with obesity.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The high-fat diet utilized in the present study induced obesity in the male rats. Bee bread supplementation mitigated impaired steroidogenesis, spermatogenesis, mating behavior, and fertility potential by counteracting the downregulation of steroidogenic genes, thus increasing testosterone levels and suppressing epididymal oxidative stress. These benefits may be due to the abundance of phenolic and flavonoid compounds in bee bread.

Review on Bee Products as Potential Protective and Therapeutic Agents in Male Reproductive Impairment

Bee products are sources of functional food that have been used in complementary medicine to treat a variety of acute and chronic illnesses in many parts of the world. The products vary from location to location as well as country to country. Therefore, the aim of this review was to identify various bee products with potential preventive and therapeutic values used in the treatment of male reproductive impairment. We undertook a vigorous search for bee products with preventive and therapeutic values for the male reproductive system. These products included honey, royal jelly, bee pollen, bee brood, apilarnil, bee bread, bee wax, and bee venom. We also explained the mechanisms involved in testicular steroidogenesis, reactive oxygen species, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, which may cumulatively lead to male reproductive impairment. The effects of bee pollen, bee venom, honey, propolis, royal jelly, and bee bread on male reproductive parameters were examined. Conclusively, these bee products showed positive effects on the steroidogenic, spermatogenic, oxidative stress, inflammatory, and apoptotic parameters, thereby making them a promising possible preventive and therapeutic treatment of male sub/infertility.

Effect of bee bread on some biochemical parameters and skeletal muscle histology of high-fat diet-induced obese Sprague-Dawley rats

The effect of bee bread (BB) on the biochemical parameters-body weights, calorie intake, Lee obesity indices, serum amylase, aspartate and alanine amino transferases, skeletal muscle activities of creatine kinase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, malondialdehyde, glutathione-S-transferase, total antioxidant activity, endogenous secretory receptor for advanced glycation end products (esRAGE), and muscle histology of high-fat diet (HFD) obese rats-was studied. Thirty-six male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into six groups: Control: received rat feed and water (1 ml/kg); HFD: received HFD and water (1 ml/kg): BB or orlistat preventive: received HFD and BB (0.5 g/kg) or HFD and orlistat (10 mg/kg; weeks 1 to 12); BB or orlistat treated: received HFD and BB (0.5 g/kg) or HFD and orlistat (10 mg/kg; weeks 6 to 12), following obesity induction. At week 12, HFD group had altered (p < .05) levels of some biochemical parameters which were modulated by BB and corroborated by muscle histology. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Obesity is a global health problem, which prevalence has continued to be on the increase due to changes in lifestyle and dietary behavior. Additionally, the approaches that currently are being used for the treatment of this disease have not been able to successfully reverse obesity and its associated complications. The current study which showed that bee bread prevented or attenuated obesity-induced muscular pathology, places bee bread in the spotlight as a functional food that could be useful in preventing or mitigating obesity-induced muscular pathology.