Glutamine restores testicular glutathione-dependent antioxidant defense and upregulates NO/cGMP signaling in sleep deprivation-induced reproductive dysfunction in rats

A metabolomic perspective on the mechanisms by which environmental pollutants and lifestyle lead to male infertility

The incidence of male infertility (MI) is rising annually. According to epidemiological studies, environmental pollution (e.g., organic, inorganic, and air pollutants), occupational exposure (e.g., high temperature, organic solvents, and pesticides), and poor lifestyle (e.g., diet, sleep, smoking, alcohol consumption, and exercise) are important non-genetic causative factors of MI. Due to multiple and complex causative factors, the dose-effect relationship, and the uncertainty of pathogenicity, the pathogenesis of MI is far from fully clarified. Recent data show that the pathogenesis of MI can be monitored by the metabolites in serum, seminal plasma, urine, testicular tissue, sperm, and other biological samples. It is considered that these metabolites are closely related to MI phenotypes and can directly reflect the individual pathological and physiological conditions. Therefore, qualitative and quantitative analysis of the metabolome, the related metabolic pathways, and the identification of biomarkers will help to explore the MI-related metabolic problems and provide valuable insights into its pathogenic mechanisms. Here, we summarized new findings in MI metabolomics biomarkers research and their abnormal metabolic pathways triggered by the presented non-genetic risk factors, providing a metabolic landscape of semen and seminal plasma in general MI patients. Then, we compared the similarities and differences in semen and seminal plasma biomarkers between MI patients exposed to environmental and poor lifestyle factors and MI patients in general, and summarized some common biomarkers. We provide a better understanding of the biological underpinnings of MI pathogenesis, which might offer novel diagnostic, prognostic, and precise treatment approaches to MI.

Glutamine-mediated Modulation of XO/uric acid/NF-kB Signaling Pathway Ameliorates Intestinal I/R-induced Bacterial Translocation and Cardiorenal Inflammatory Injury

This study explored the effect of intestinal ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) on cardiorenal tissues. The involvement of xanthine oxidase/uric acid/NF-kB signaling in intestinal I/R was also investigated. In addition, the possible protective effect of glutamine was also evaluated. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were acclimatized and then randomly assigned to four groups (n = 6); sham-operated, glutamine-treated rats (GLUT), I/R, and I/R + GLUT. The sham-operated rats were sham-operated and received 0.5 mL of distilled water, GLUT rats were sham-operated and had 1 g/kg b.w. of glutamine, I/R animals had an intestinal I/R procedure and received 0.5 mL of distilled water, and the I/R + GLUT rats had an intestinal I/R procedure and also received 1 g/kg b.w. of glutamine. Treatments were daily and per os. Glutamine attenuated intestinal I/R-induced rise in intestinal and cardiorenal activities of creatinine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase and lactate level. More so, glutamine alleviated I/R-induced rise in malondialdehyde, xanthine oxidase, uric acid, myeloperoxidase, NF-kB, TNF-α, IL-1β, caspase 3 activity, and DNA fragmentation. Furthermore, glutamine suppressed I/R-induced decline in GSH levels and SOD and catalase activities. Moreover, glutamine improved intestinal, cardiac, and renal histology in animals subjected to intestinal I/R.

Cadmium as a male reproductive toxicant and natural and non-natural ways to tackle it: a review

Cadmium (Cd) is a naturally occurring environmental pollutant, a toxic substance that causes oxidative stress. According to epidemiological studies, the data suggested that environmental and occupational Cd exposure may be related to several diseases and severe testicular damage. However, studies are going on to explore the mechanism of Cd-induced male reproductive toxicity and its treatment strategies. Currently, researchers are focusing on naturally occurring bioactive compounds, plant extracts, and biochemical, which have better efficacy, less toxicity, and high bioavailability. This review focuses on the mechanistic effect of Cd on testicular toxicity and different categories of compounds having a beneficial impact on Cd-induced male reproductive toxicity. Some potent bioactive antioxidants are quercetin, caffeic acid phenethyl ester, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, curcumin, and silymarin. In comparison, plant extracts are Costus afer leaf methanol extract, methanol root extract of Carpolobia lutea, red carrot methanolic extract, Panax ginseng extract, and biochemicals including melatonin, progesterone, glutamine, L-carnitine, and selenium. Advanced and more detailed studies are needed on these compounds to explore their mechanism in attenuating Cd-induced testicular toxicity and can be potential therapeutics in the future.

Exploration of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum P101 ameliorated the alcohol-induced testicular dysfunction based on metabolome analysis

The decline in male sperm quality caused by multiple factors has become a widespread concern. Alcohol excessive consumption is one of the factors that induce testicular dysfunction. Testicular dysfunction caused by alcohol abuse is related to oxidative stress and inflammation. Probiotics can ameliorate alcohol-induced testicular dysfunction. However, the specific mechanism is not explicit. This study aimed to elucidate the underlying mechanism by which Lactiplantibacillus plantarum P101 ameliorates the alcohol-induced testicular dysfunction. The model of alcohol-induced testicular dysfunction in C57B/6 male mice was established according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum P101 supplementation was orally administered to mice during the experiment. The results showed that Lactiplantibacillus plantarum P101 promoted androgen production, reduced testis inflammation, and improved testis antioxidant capacity, thereby improving sperm quality and sperm motility and ultimately ameliorating alcohol-induced testicular disorder. Three key metabolite pathways and six key metabolites were identified by metabolome analysis.

Glutamine Alleviates I/R-Induced Intestinal Injury and Dysmotility Via the Downregulation of Xanthine Oxidase/Uric Acid Signaling and Lactate Generation in Wistar Rats

INTRODUCTION

Disruption of intestinal histoarchitecture and intestinal dysmotility is critical to intestinal ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury and xanthine oxidase (XO)/uric acid (UA) signaling and increased lactate generation have been reported to play a role. More so, glutamine treatment has been demonstrated to inhibit XO/UA signaling. However, the role of glutamine in intestinal IR injury-induced intestinal dysmotility and the associated mechanisms of action are unclear. Therefore, this study was to investigate the mechanisms underlying the role of glutamine in intestinal IR injury.

METHODS

Forty male Wistar rats were acclimatized for two weeks and then randomized into four groups. The sham-operated, glutamine-treated, intestinal IR, and IR + glutamine groups.

RESULTS

Glutamine therapy attenuated the IR-induced increase in intestinal weight, disruption of intestinal histoarchitecture, and intestinal dysmotility. In addition, glutamine ameliorated IR-induced intestinal oxidative stress (increased malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione and superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities), inflammation (increased TNF-α and IL-1β), and apoptosis (increased caspase three activity). These events were accompanied by glutamine alleviation of IR-induced upregulation of intestinal nuclear factor kappa B, XO/UA, and lactate generation.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, XO/UA signaling and lactate levels are key factors in IR-induced intestinal injury and dysmotility, and glutamine-mediated XO/UA/lactate modulation may attenuate IR-induced intestinal injury and dysmotility.

Sodium acetate ameliorates doxorubicin-induced cardiac injury via upregulation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling and downregulation of NFkB-mediated apoptotic signaling in Wistar rats

Despite the effectiveness of doxorubicin (DOX) in the management of a wide range of cancers, a major challenge is its cardio-toxic effect. Oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis are major pathways for the cardiotoxic effect of DOX. On the other hand, acetate reportedly exerts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities. This particular research assessed the impact of acetate on cardiotoxicity induced by DOX. Mechanistically, acetate dramatically inhibited DOX-induced upregulation of xanthine oxidase and uric acid pathway as well as downregulation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling and its upstream proteins (reduced glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione, and catalase, glutathione reductase). In addition, acetate markedly attenuated DOX-driven rise inTNF-α, NFkB IL-6 and IL-1β expression, and myeloperoxidase activity. Furthermore, acetate significantly ameliorated DOX-led suppression of Bcl-2 and Ca2+-ATPase activity and upregulation of Bax, caspase 3, and caspase 9 actions. Improved body weight, heart structural integrity, and cardiac function as depicted by cardiac injury markers convoyed these cascades of events. Summarily, the present study demonstrated that acetate protects against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity by upregulating Nrf2/HO-1 signaling and downregulating NFkB-mediated activation of Bax/Bcl-2 and caspase signaling.

Acetate attenuates cyclophosphamide-induced cardiac injury via inhibition of NF-kB signaling and suppression of caspase 3-dependent apoptosis in Wistar rats

AIM

The goal of the current study was to examine the potential therapeutic effects of sodium acetate on cardiac toxicities caused by cyclophosphamide in Wistar rats. The possible involvement of NF-kB/caspase 3 signaling was also explored.

MAIN METHODS

Thirty-two male Wistar rats were divided into four groups at random. (n = 8). The control animals received 0.5 mL of distilled water orally for 14 days, the acetate-treated group received 200 mg/kg/day of sodium acetate orally for 14 consecutive days, and cyclophosphamide-treated rats received 150 mg/kg /day of cyclophosphamide i.p. on day 8, while cyclophosphamide + acetate group received sodium acetate and cyclophosphamide as earlier stated.

KEY FINDINGS

Results showed that cyclophosphamide-induced cardiotoxicity, which manifested as a marked drop in body and cardiac weights as well as cardiac weight/tibial length, increased levels of troponin, C-reactive protein, lactate, and creatinine kinase, and lactate dehydrogenase activities in the plasma and cardiac tissue. Histopathological examination also revealed toxic cardiac histopathological changes. These alterations were associated with a significant increase in xanthine oxidase and myeloperoxidase activities, uric acid, malondialdehyde, TNF-α, IL-1β, NFkB, DNA fragmentation, and caspase 3 and caspase 9 activities in addition to a marked decline in Nrf2 and GSH levels, and SOD and catalase activities in the cardiac tissue. Acetate co-administration significantly attenuated cyclophosphamide cardiotoxicity by its antioxidant effect, preventing NFkB activation and caspase 9/caspase 3 signalings.

SIGNIFICANCE

This study shows that acetate co-administration may have cardio-protective effects against cyclophosphamide-induced cardiotoxicity by inhibiting NF-kB signaling and suppressing caspase-3-dependent apoptosis.

The Effects of Ferulic Acid, Tryptophan, and L-Glutamine on the Cryopreservation of Mouse Spermatozoa

In this study, the effects of ferulic acid (0.1, 1, ve 10 mM), tryptophan (5, 25, ve 50 mM), and L-glutamine (10, 50, ve 100 mM) at different doses added to 18% raffinose + 3% skimmed milk powder sperm extender on the freezing of mouse spermatozoa in liquid nitrogen were investigated. The combination of 18% raffinose + 3% skimmed milk powder without additives was used as the control group. Frozen spermatozoa were thawed in a 37°C water bath for 30 seconds. After freeze-thawing, motility, dead spermatozoa ratio, plasma membrane integrity, abnormal acrosome ratio, motility endurance (for 4 hours), and cell apoptosis tests were performed in Human Tubal Fluid (HTF). Compared with the control group after freezing and thawing, the highest motility and plasma membrane integrity were obtained in the 10 mM L-glutamine group with 56.6% ± 2.11% and 77.8% ± 0.87%, respectively (p < 0.05). In addition, when compared to the control group, the lowest rate of dead spermatozoa and abnormal acrosome was found in the 10 mM L-glutamine group as 26.0% ± 1.46% and 6.3% ± 1.09%, respectively (p < 0.05). The highest motility values for spermatozoa endurance were determined in the 10 and 50 mM L-glutamine groups up to the 4th hour compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In the evaluation of apoptosis in semen samples, there was no significant difference between the control, 0.1 mM ferulic acid, and 10 mM L-glutamine groups (p > 0.05). As a result, it was determined that the addition of 10 mM L-glutamine to the spermatozoa extender increased the motility, viable spermatozoa, functional membrane integrity, intact acrosome ratios, or motility endurance after freeze-thawing and could be used successfully in the freezing extender of mouse spermatozoa.

Zinc improves sexual and erectile function in HAART-treated rats via the upregulation of erectogenic enzymes and maintenance of redox balance

PURPOSE

HAART has been shown to impair sexual function and penile erection via perturbation of penile redox balance, while zinc has been established to exert antioxidant activity. Therefore, this study focused on the role and associated molecular mechanism of zinc in HAART-induced sexual and erectile dysfunction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty male Wistar rats were randomly grouped into four (n = 5 rats per group); the control, zinc-treated, HAART-treated, and HAART + zinc-treated groups. Treatments were per os daily for eight weeks.

RESULTS

Zinc co-administration significantly improved HAART-induced increase in the latencies of mount, intromission, and ejaculations. Zinc also attenuated HAART-induced reduction in the motivation to mate, penile reflex/erection, and frequencies of mount, intromission, and ejaculations. In addition, zinc co-treatment improved HAART-induced decline in penile NO and cGMP, dopamine, and serum testosterone. More so, zinc prevented HAART-induced rise in penile activities of monoamine oxidase, acetylcholinesterase, phosphodiesterase-5, and arginase. Furthermore, concomitant treatment with zinc ameliorated HAART-induced penile oxidative stress and inflammation.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, our present findings show that zinc improves sexual and erectile function in HAART-treated rats by upregulating erectogenic enzymes via the maintenance of penile redox balance.

Sleep Deprivation-Induced Oxidative Stress in Rat Models: A Scoping Systematic Review

Sleep deprivation is highly prevalent in the modern world, possibly reaching epidemic proportions. While multiple theories regarding the roles of sleep exist (inactivity, energy conservation, restoration, brain plasticity and antioxidant), multiple unknowns still remain regarding the proposed antioxidant roles of sleep. The existing experimental evidence is often contradicting, with studies pointing both toward and against the presence of oxidative stress after sleep deprivation. The main goals of this review were to analyze the existing experimental data regarding the relationship between sleep deprivation and oxidative stress, to attempt to further clarify multiple aspects surrounding this relationship and to identify current knowledge gaps. Systematic searches were conducted in three major online databases for experimental studies performed on rat models with oxidative stress measurements, published between 2015 and 2022. A total of 54 studies were included in the review. Most results seem to point to changes in oxidative stress parameters after sleep deprivation, further suggesting an antioxidant role of sleep. Alterations in these parameters were observed in both paradoxical and total sleep deprivation protocols and in multiple rat strains. Furthermore, the effects of sleep deprivation seem to extend beyond the central nervous system, affecting multiple other body sites in the periphery. Sleep recovery seems to be characterized by an increased variability, with the presence of both normalizations in some parameters and long-lasting changes after sleep deprivation. Surprisingly, most studies revealed the presence of a stress response following sleep deprivation. However, the origin and the impact of the stress response during sleep deprivation remain somewhat unclear. While a definitive exclusion of the influence of the sleep deprivation protocol on the stress response is not possible, the available data seem to suggest that the observed stress response may be determined by sleep deprivation itself as opposed to the experimental conditions. Due to this fact, the observed oxidative changes could be attributed directly to sleep deprivation.

L-Arginine abrogates maternal and pre-pubertal codeine exposure-induced impaired spermatogenesis and sperm quality by modulating the levels of mRNA encoding spermatogenic genes

Introduction

Although, codeine has been demonstrated to lower sperm quality; the effects of maternal and prepubertal codeine exposure on male offspring is yet to be reported. In addition, the effect of arginine on codeine-induced decline in sperm quality has not been explored. This study investigated the impact of maternal and prepubertal codeine exposure on spermatogenesis and sperm quality in F1 male Wistar rats to study the effect that codeine may have during recreational use in humans. Also, the effect of arginine supplementation on codeine-induced alteration in spermatogenesis and sperm quality was evaluated.

Methods

Female rats were treated with either 0.5 ml distilled water or codeine orally for eight weeks, and then mated with male rats (female:male, 2:1). The F1 male offsprings of both cohorts were weaned at 3 weeks old and administered distilled water, codeine, arginine, or codeine with arginine orally for eight weeks.

Results

Prepubertal codeine exposure in rats whose dams (female parents) were exposed to codeine delayed puberty and reduced the weight at puberty. Prepubertal codeine exposure exacerbated maternal codeine exposure-induced reduced total and daily spermatid production, sperm count, sperm motility, and normal sperm form, as well as impaired sperm plasma membrane integrity and increased not intact acrosome and damaged sperm DNA integrity. These perturbations were accompanied by a decrease in mRNA levels encoding spermatogenic genes, testicular testosterone and androgen receptor (AR) concentrations, and upregulation of sperm 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8OHdG). Prepubertal arginine supplementation mitigated codeine-induced alterations.

Discussion

This study provides novel experimental evidence that maternal and prepubertal codeine exposure reprogramed spermatogenesis and sperm quality of male FI generation by decreasing mRNA levels encoding spermatogenic genes and AR via oxidative stress-mediated signaling, which was abrogated by prepubertal arginine supplementation.

A review of experimental techniques for erectile function researches and development of medical technology using animal erectile dysfunction models in sexual and reproductive medicine

Background

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the causes of male infertility and is a disease that requires treatment. The first‐line drugs for ED are phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE‐5) inhibitors, and further treatment options are currently limited. Medical technologies, such as genetic control and regenerative medicine, are developing rapidly. Research on erectile function is progressing rapidly, coupled with technological innovations in other areas.

Methods

A PubMed search using the keywords “animal (rat, mouse, rabbit, dog, and monkey)” and “erectile” was conducted, and all relevant peer‐reviewed English results were evaluated.

Main findings

The methods for evaluating erectile function include intracavernous pressure (ICP) measurements, isometric tension studies, and dynamic infusion cavernosometry. Papers also reported various disease model animals for the study of diabetes mellitus, cavernous nerve injury, and drug‐induced ED.

Conclusion

Basic research on ED treatment has progressed rapidly over the past 20 years. In particular, research on the mechanism of ED has been accelerated by the publication of a study on the evaluation of erectile function using ICP measurements in rats. In addition, molecular biological experimental methods such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blotting have become relatively easy to perform due to technological progress, thus advancing research development.

Management of male erectile dysfunction: From the past to the future

Erectile dysfunction is a common disease of the male reproductive system, which seriously affects the life quality of patients and their partners. At present, erectile dysfunction is considered as a social-psychological-physiological disease with complex etiology and various treatment methods. Oral PDE5I is the first-line treatment for erectile dysfunction with the advantages of high safety, good effect and non-invasiveness. But intracavernosal injection, hormonal replacement therapy, vacuum erection device, penile prosthesis implantation can also be alternative treatments for patients have organic erectile dysfunction or tolerance to PDE5I. With the rapid development of technologies, some new methods, such as low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave and stem cell injection therapy can even repair the organic damage of the corpora cavernosa. These are important directions for the treatment of male erectile dysfunction in the future. In this mini-review, we will introduce these therapies in detail.

Atorvastatin-mediated downregulation of VCAM-1 and XO/UA/caspase 3 signaling averts oxidative damage and apoptosis induced by ovarian ischaemia/reperfusion injury

Background

Oxidative damage is critical in the pathogenesis of ovarian ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, and statins have been reported to exert antioxidant activity. However, the role of VCAM-1 and xanthine oxidase (XO)/uric acid (UA) in ovarian I/R injury is not known. Also, whether or not atorvastatin exerts antioxidant activity like other statins is unclear.

Objectives

This study investigated the involvement of VCAM-1 and XO/UA in ovarian I/R injury and the likely protective role of atorvastatin.

Methods

Forty female Wistar rats were randomized into sham-operated, ischaemia, ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R), ischaemia and atorvastatin, and I/R and atorvastatin.

Results

In comparison with the sham-operated group, atorvastatin blunted ischaemia and I/R-induced distortion of ovarian histoarchitecture and follicular degeneration. Also, atorvastatin alleviated ischaemia and I/R-induced rise in XO, UA, and malondialdehyde, which was accompanied by inhibition of ischaemia and I/R-induced reductions in reduced glutathione level, enzymatic antioxidant activities and increase in myeloperoxidase activity and TNF-α and IL-6 levels by atorvastatin treatment. Additionally, atorvastatin blocked ischaemia and I/R-induced increase in VCAM-1 expression, caspase 3 activity, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine level and ovarian DNA fragmentation index.

Conclusion

For the first time, this study revealed that atorvastatin-mediated downregulation of VCAM-1 and XO/UA/caspase 3 signaling averts oxidative injury, inflammation, and apoptosis induced by ovarian ischaemia/reperfusion injury.

Methanolic Moringa oleifera leaf extract protects against epithelial barrier damage and enteric bacterial translocation in intestinal I/R: Possible role of caspase 3

Background: Activation of caspase 3 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of I/R injury in various organs, but there is a paucity of data on its role in IIRI. Also, no reports were found on the beneficial role of methanolic Moringa oleifera leaf extract (MMOLE) in IIRI. This study investigated the involvement of caspase 3 in IIRI, and the impact of MMOLE in IIRI.

Methods: Male Wistar rats were randomized into five groups; the sham-operated group that was sham-operated and received 0.5 ml of distilled water for 7 days prior to sham surgery, and the IIRI, febuxostat (FEB) +IIRI, low dose MMOLE (LDMO)+IIRI, and high dose MMOLE (HDMO)+IIRI groups that underwent I/R and also received 0.5 ml of distilled water, 10 mg/kg of febuxostat, 200 mg/kg of MMOLE, and 400 mg/kg of MMOLE respectively for 7 days prior to I/R. Markers of hepatic function, oxidative stress, and inflammation as well as enteric bacterial translocation and histoarchitecture integrity of intestinal and hepatic tissues were evaluated. The bioactive components of MMOLE were also determined by GC-MS.

Results: As revealed by GC-MS, the active bioactive components of MMOLE were thiosemicarbazone, hydrazine, 1,3-dioxolane, octanoic acid, 1,3-benzenediamine, 9-octadecenoic acid, oleic acid, nonadecanoic acid, 3-undecanone, phosphonic acid, and cyclopentanecarboxylic acid. MMOLE alleviated IIRI-induced rise in intestinal and hepatic injury markers, malondialdehyde, TNF-α, IL-6, and myeloperoxidase activities. MMOLE improved IIRI-induced suppression of reduced glutathione, thiol and non-thiol proteins, and superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities. These were associated with suppression of IIRI-induced caspase 3 activity and bacterial translocation. Histopathological evaluation revealed that MMOLE attenuated IIRI-induced alterations in intestinal and hepatic histoarchitecture integrity. MMOLE also militated against increased absolute and relative intestinal and hepatic weight, intestinal and hepatic injuries, epithelial mucosal barrier dysfunction, and enteric bacterial translocation associated with IIRI by downregulating oxidative stress-mediated activation of caspase 3.

Conclusion: IIRI is associated with a rise in caspase 3 activity. Also, MMOLE confers protection against IIRI, possibly due to its constituent bioactive molecules, especially hydrazine, 9-octadecenoic acid, 1,3-dioxolane, oleic acid, and nonadecanoic acid.

Restoration of Hepatic and Intestinal Integrity by Phyllanthus amarus Is Dependent on Bax/Caspase 3 Modulation in Intestinal Ischemia-/Reperfusion-Induced Injury

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Oxidative stress is a key player in intestinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury (IIRI) with a tendency to trigger systemic inflammatory response, resulting in progressive distal organ injury. To date, the role of Bax/caspase 3 signaling in IIRI has not been reported. Furthermore, the discovery of a safe and effective drug remains pertinent in improving the outcome of IIRI. Therefore, this study investigated the role of Bax/caspase 3 signaling in intestinal I/R-induced intestinal and hepatic injury. In addition, the protective effect and possible associated mechanism of action of methanolic Phyllanthus amarus leaf extract (PA) against intestinal I/R-induced intestinal and hepatic injury were evaluated. Materials and methods: Fifty male Wistar rats were randomized into five groups (n = 10). The sham-operated group was received 0.5 mL of distilled water for seven days prior to the sham surgery, while the IIRI, febuxostat (FEB) + IIRI, low-dose PA (LDPA) + IIRI, and high-dose PA (HDPA) + IIRI groups underwent the I/R procedure. In addition to the procedure, IIRI, FEB + IIRI, LDPA + IIRI, and HDPA + IIRI received 0.5 mL of distilled water, 10 mg/kg of febuxostat, 200 mg/kg of PA, and 400 mg/kg of PA, respectively, for seven days prior to the I/R procedure. Results: Administration of methanolic Phyllanthus amarus leaf extracts attenuated the intestinal I/R-induced rise in intestinal and hepatic injury markers, malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, TNF-α, IL-6, and myeloperoxidase activities. In addition, Phyllanthus amarus ameliorated I/R-induced suppression of reduced glutathione, thiol and non-thiol proteins, and superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities in intestinal and hepatic tissues. These were coupled with the suppression of I/R-induced bacterial translocation, downregulation of I/R-induced activation of Bax/caspase 3 signaling, and improvement of I/R-induced distortion of intestinal and hepatic histoarchitecture by Phyllanthus amarus. Conclusion: Methanolic Phyllanthus amarus leaf extract protects against intestinal and hepatic injuries associated with intestinal I/R by suppressing oxidative-stress-mediated activation of Bax/caspase 3 signaling. The beneficial effects of Phyllanthus amarus may be ascribed to its constituent bioactive molecules, especially tannins, anthocyanin, alkaloids, and phenolics.

Extraction, isolation, structural characterization, and antioxidant activity of polysaccharides from elderberry fruit

The isolation, purification, and antioxidant activity of polysaccharides extracted from elderberry fruits were studied. Two neutral polysaccharides (EFP-0 and EFP-1) and three acidic polysaccharides (EFP-2, EFP-3, and EFP-4) were isolated from elderberry. EFP-0, EFP-1, EFP-2, EFP-3, and EFP-4 all contain arabinose, galactose, glucose, and mannose, with molecular weights of 1.7981 × 10⁶, 7.0523 × 10⁶, 7.7638 × 10⁶, 4.3855 × 10⁵, and 7.3173 × 10⁵ Da, respectively. Structural characterization showed that the backbone of EFP-2 consisted of →4)-Manp (1→4)-β-D-Glcp (1→ and →4)-β-D-Glcp (1→5)-α-L-Araf (1→units, and T-α-L-Araf (1→ and T-β-D-Galp (1→ residues were detected by methylation analysis and NMR analysis. In addition, the MTT assay and zebrafish oxidative damage assay showed that EFP-2 had a protective effect on H₂O₂-damaged RAW264.7 cells in a dose-dependent manner, and zebrafish with the addition of EFP-2 would have low levels of ROS in vivo which showed significant antioxidant activity. Therefore, the results showed that the elderberry polysaccharides have antioxidant activity and can be used as potential antioxidants in functional foods.

Glutamine prevents upregulation of NF-kB signaling and caspase 3 activation in ischaemia/reperfusion-induced testicular damage: An animal model

AIM

Testicular ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is a major consequence of testicular torsion with possible attendant risk of male infertility. Glutamine, on the other hand, is a known antioxidant with anti-inflammatory potential. The present study evaluated whether or not glutamine would improve I/R-induced testicular injury in torsion/detorsion (T/D). The possible associated mechanisms were also investigated.

METHODS

Wistar rats were randomly allotted into four groups (n = 10); sham-operated, glutamine-treated, T/D, and T/D + glutamine. Testicular torsion was induced and reperfusion established after two and a half hour under ketamine/xylazine anaethesia. Glutamine was administered one hour before reperfusion and continued daily for 3 days. At the end of the study, animals were euthanized, blood samples obtained, epididymal sperm suspension collected, and the testes harvested for biochemical and histopathological assays using established methods.

RESULTS

Glutamine prevented T/D-driven I/R-induced reduced sperm quality, impaired testicular histoarchitecture, and suppressed circulating testosterone. Also, glutamine abated I/R-induced oxidative stress (evidenced by reduced hydrogen peroxide and MDA generation and enhanced concentrations and activities of antioxidants), inflammation (evidenced by suppression of TNF-α and IL-1β), and apoptosis (evidenced by reduced DNA fragmentation) by down-regulating NF-kB and caspase 3 activity.

CONCLUSION

For the first time, this study demonstrated that glutamine administration improved testicular I/R injury in T/D rat model by maintaining testicular redox balance, and testicular integrity and function via inhibition of I/R-induced upregulation of NF-kB signaling and caspase 3 activation.

Short Sleep Duration and Erectile Dysfunction: A Review of the Literature

The meaning of sleep has puzzled people for millennia. In modern society, short sleep duration is becoming a global problem. It has been established that short sleep duration can increase the risk of several diseases, such as cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Currently, a growing body of research has revealed a possible link between sleep disorders and erectile dysfunction (ED). However, the mechanisms linking short sleep duration and ED are largely unknown. Thus, we provide a review of clinical trials and animal studies. In this review, we propose putative pathways connecting short sleep duration and ED, including neuroendocrine pathways and molecular mechanisms, aiming to pave the way for future research. Meanwhile, the assessment and improvement of sleep quality should be recommended in the diagnosis and treatment of ED patients.

Testosterone Deficiency in Sickle Cell Disease: Recognition and Remediation

Hypogonadism is common in men with sickle cell disease (SCD) with prevalence rates as high as 25%. Testicular failure (primary hypogonadism) is established as the principal cause for this hormonal abnormality, although secondary hypogonadism and compensated hypogonadism have also been observed. The underlying mechanism for primary hypogonadism was elucidated in a mouse model of SCD, and involves increased NADPH oxidase-derived oxidative stress in the testis, which reduces protein expression of a steroidogenic acute regulatory protein and cholesterol transport to the mitochondria in Leydig cells. In all men including those with SCD, hypogonadism affects physical growth and development, cognition and mental health, sexual function, as well as fertility. However, it is not understood whether declines in physical, psychological, and social domains of health in SCD patients are related to low testosterone, or are consequences of other abnormalities of SCD. Priapism is one of only a few complications of SCD that has been studied in the context of hypogonadism. In this pathologic condition of prolonged penile erection in the absence of sexual excitement or stimulation, hypogonadism exacerbates already impaired endothelial nitric oxide synthase/cGMP/phosphodiesterase-5 molecular signaling in the penis. While exogenous testosterone alleviates priapism, it disadvantageously decreases intratesticular testosterone production. In contrast to treatment with exogenous testosterone, a novel approach is to target the mechanisms of testosterone deficiency in the SCD testis to drive endogenous testosterone production, which potentially decreases further oxidative stress and damage in the testis, and preserves sperm quality. Stimulation of translocator protein within the transduceosome of the testis of SCD mice reverses both hypogonadism and priapism, without affecting intratesticular testosterone production and consequently fertility. Ongoing research is needed to define and develop therapies that restore endogenous testosterone production in a physiologic, mechanism-specific fashion without affecting fertility in SCD men.