Effects of Cinnamon (C. zeylanicum) Bark Oil Against Taxanes-Induced Damages in Sperm Quality, Testicular and Epididymal Oxidant/Antioxidant Balance, Testicular Apoptosis, and Sperm DNA Integrity

The Protective Effect of Ellagic Acid and Its Metabolites Against Organ Injuries: A Mitochondrial Perspective

Mitochondria are essential for maintaining health, and dysfunction of them leads to various diseases. Their role is not limited to energy production but serves multiple mechanisms varying from calcium hemostasis, reactive oxygen species production, and regulation of apoptotic cell death. In recent years, several strategies have been developed to preserve mitochondria. Ellagic acid (EA) is a polyphenol extracted from many plants. The intestinal microflora converts EA to urolithins with high bioavailability. EA and urolithins exhibit mitochondrial-protective effects by regulating mitochondrial complexes, sirtuins, mitophagy, and mitochondrial antioxidant enzymes. This review highlights the mito-protective effects of EA and urolithins on mitochondrial injuries induced by various drugs and toxic compounds.

Histomorphological evaluation of docetaxel effects on testes and epididymides in Wistar rats

Background

Chemotherapy drugs, such as Docetaxel, which are crucial for treating cancer, frequently cause unknowingly damage to healthy tissues.

Aim

To investigate the histomorphological effects of docetaxel chemotherapy on certain parameters in testes and epididymides.

Method

For this purpose, 24 Wistar Albino rats were divided randomly into one control group and three treatment groups. The treatment groups were administered 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg of the drug. The experiment lasted for 28 days. The weights of the testes and epididymides were measured. The testicular and epididymal samples were subjected to histological analysis and were examined under a light microscope.

Result

The results revealed that the dose of DX1 (2.5 mg/kg) of docetaxel had no adverse effect on the process of spermatogenesis; however, the highest doses of DX2 and DX3 penetrated the blood-testis barrier and disrupted the structural and functional system of spermatogenesis. The results of the present study indicate that the highest dose of docetaxel leads to adverse effects on testes, epididymides, and their fertility parameters. In addition, the testicular tissues of DX2 and DX3 displayed adverse histomorphological changes. The process of spermatogenesis was interrupted, and a progressive decrease in the height of the germinal epithelium was observed. On this basis, the weight of the testes and epididymides decreased.

Conclusion

A dose of 2.5 mg/kg of Docetaxel was the drug of choice for chemotherapy. Further studies are needed to investigate the long-term effects of Docetaxel on male fertility.

Nebivolol attenuates acute systemic inflammation induced testicular dysfunction by decreasing transendothelial migration via VCAM-1/MMP-9 signaling

Nebivolol (NB), which is a commonly used β1 adrenoreceptor blocker, shows protective effects against oxidative stress and inflammation-related processes. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the possible protective effects of NB via the vascular cell adhesion molecule-1/matrix metalloproteinases-9 (VCAM-1/MMP-9) signaling pathway on systemic inflammation induced testicular dysfunction. Four groups of 32 male Wistar Albino rats were divided as (n = 8 for each) the control; lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 5 mg/kg on the third day); LPS + NB (NB: 10 mg/kg for three days and 5 mg/kg LPS 30 min following the last NB dose); NB (10 mg/kg for three days). Six hours following the LPS administration, rats were sacrificed, then testicular tissues were collected for evaluating total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status and oxidative stress index (OSI) levels biochemically, VCAM-1 and MMP-9 mRNA expression levels, caspase-3 (cas-3), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) expressions by immunohistochemically. Systemic inflammation caused significant increases in TOS and OSI levels, VCAM-1, MMP-9, cas-3, TNF-α expressions, and a decrease of the spermatozoa count compared to the control group. NB administration successfully restored all these changes significantly. Thus, NB can be a protective drug candidate for testicular dysfunction secondary to systemic inflammation with its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

Protective Effect of Nerolidol on Paclitaxel-Induced Reproductive Toxicity in Rats: Oxidative Stress and Inflammation

Paclitaxel (PAC), derived from Taxus brevifolia, is used to treat solid tumours but causes reproductive toxicity due to oxidative stress, affecting sperm quality and testicular tissue. Nerolidol (NRL), an antioxidant sesquiterpene alcohol, has not been studied for its potential to reduce PAC-induced reproductive damage. This study investigates NRL's ability to mitigate PAC-induced reproductive toxicity in rats. Forty healthy adult male Spraque Dawley rats were randomly divided into four equal groups (Control, PAC, NRL, PAC + NRL). PAC was given intraperitoneally at a dose of 2 mg/kg once a week for 4 weeks. NRL was given orally at a dose of 100 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks. Control group received PAC and NRL vehicles. After 4 weeks, testis tissue samples were collected, and parameters, including oxidants, antioxidants, sperm motility, density, abnormal spermatozoon ratios and cytokines, were measured. PAC administration increased oxidant levels and decreased antioxidant enzyme activities. Nerolidol mitigated these alterations significantly. Similarly, PAC elevated IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α levels and lowered IL-10 levels, these effects attenuated by nerolidol in the PAC + NRL group. In conclusion, it was determined that PAC induces reproductive toxicity through oxidative stress, and NRL demonstrates potential in ameliorating these effects through its antioxidant activity.

Morinda citrifolia protective effects on paclitaxel-induced testis parenchyma toxicity: An experimental study

The current study aimed to investigate the sensitivity of male testis parenchyma cells to chemotherapy agents and the protective effects and mechanisms of Morinda citrifolia (Noni) administration against structural and functional changes before and after chemotherapy (Paclitaxel (PTX)). For this purpose, rats were randomly assigned into four groups (Control = G1, PTX 5 mg/kg = G2; PTX + Noni 10 mg/kg = G3, PTX + Noni 20 mg/kg = G4). PTX was injected intraperitoneally for 4 consecutive weeks, at a dose of 5 mg/kg to all groups except the control group. Then noni was administrated in 10 (G3) and 20 (G4) mg/kg groups orally (gavage) for 14 days. Biochemical analyses, Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and immunohistochemical analyses were performed. According to our results, Total Oxidative Stress (TOS) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly increased in the PTX group (P < 0.01). Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) enzyme activity and Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) levels were decreased (P < 0.01). The changes in the rats treated with PTX + Noni 20 mg/kg were noteworthy. The increased levels of IL1-β (Interleukin 1 beta) and TNFα (tumor necrosis factor-alpha) with PTX were down-regulated after treatment with PTX + Noni 20 mg/kg (P < 0.01) (9 % and 5 % respectively). In addition, Noni restored the testicular histopathological structure by reducing caspase-3 expression and significantly (61 %) suppressed oxidative DNA damage and apoptosis (by regulating the Bax (bcl-2-like protein 4)/Bcl-2 (B-cell lymphoma gene-2) ratio). In conclusion, Noni reduced cellular apoptosis and drastically changed Caspase 8 and Bax/Bcl-2 levels. Furthermore, it considerably decreases oxidative damage and can be used in testicular degeneration.

The role of cur ole of curcumin against paclitax cumin against paclitaxel-induced o el-induced oxidativ xidative stress and DNA damage in testes of adult male rats

BACKGROUND

Paclitaxel is a widely used drug for the treatment of cancer, but it possesses toxic effects on male reproductive system. Administering paclitaxel with an antioxidant has become a strategy for preventing the side effects of paclitaxel. Although curcumin is an antioxidant, data concerning the effect of curcumin on paclitaxel-induced testis tissue are lacking. The present study was established to examine the protective impact of curcumin against testicular damage induced by paclitaxel.

METHODS

In the study, 40 Wistar albino male rats were used and randomly divided into 4 groups (n:10). The control group received only saline solution; the curcumin group received curcumin throughout the experiment; the paclitaxel group received a total of four doses of paclitaxel on days 1, 7, 14, and 21 of the experiment; curcumin + paclitaxel group received curcumin throughout the experiment and a total of four doses of paclitaxel on days 1, 7, 14, and 21 of the experiment. At the end of the experiment, the rats were decapitated under xylazine and ketamine anesthesia and their testicles were removed. The sections obtained from the testicles were stained with Hematoxylin & Eosin and histopathological damage was evaluated. The TUNEL method was applied to determine apoptotic cells. Testosterone levels were measured in the blood serum. The Johnsen testicular biopsy score (JTBS) was used to evaluate testicular tubules. DNA damage was evaluated in sperm samples taken from the ductus epididymis using the comet assay technique.

RESULTS

Testicular tissue was severely damaged in the paclitaxel group. In the curcumin + paclitaxel group, it was determined that the administration of curcumin with paclitaxel reduced the histological damage in the testicular tissue. Moreover, according to the JTBS, the value was significantly higher in the testicular tubules (p < 0.05). Testosterone levels were higher in curcumin + paclitaxel group than in paclitaxel group. DNA damage also decreased significantly in curcumin + paclitaxel group when compared to paclitaxel group (p < 0.05).

DISCUSSION

The results showed that curcumin may be protective against damage caused by paclitaxel in the testicles of rats.

Effects of chemotherapeutic agents on male germ cells and possible ameliorating impact of antioxidants

Treatment of cancer in young adults is associated with several side effects, particularly in the reproductive system. Detrimental effects of chemotherapy on the germ cells depend on many factors including primary semen parameters, the way of drug administration, the kind and dose of chemotherapeutic regimens, and the phase of spermatogenesis during the time of drug administration. Lack of appropriate fertility preservation treatments particularly in the affected children necessitates the introduction of methods to amend the harmful effects of chemotherapeutic agents on male germ cells. Several studies have assessed the toxic effects of chemotherapeutic agents in rodent models and tested a number of antioxidants to evaluate their possible impact on the preservation of sperm cells. In the present manuscript, we describe the effects of the mostly investigated chemotherapeutic drugs in this regard i.e., cisplatin, doxorubicin, paclitaxel, 5-fluorouracil, and cyclophosphamide. As several in vivo and in vitro studies have shown the impact of antioxidants on chemotherapy-induced damage of sperms, we also describe the protective effects of antioxidants in this regard.

Cherry laurel fruit extract counters dimethoate-induced reproductive impairment and testicular apoptosis

Dimethoate is an organophosphorus pesticide used against agricultural insects, which causes oxidative stress and damage in many organs, including the reproductive ones. Cherry laurel (Laurocerasus officinalis Roem.) fruit is rich in vitamins and phenolic compounds with antioxidant effect. The aim of this study was to investigate how effective its extract would be against dimethoate-induced testis and sperm damage in rats. Sixty animals were divided in six groups of 10. Group 1 (control) received only 1 mL of saline (0.9 % NaCl). Group 2 received 7 mg/kg of dimethoate in 1 mL of saline. Group 3 received 4 mg/kg of extract in 1 mL of saline. Group 4 received the extract 30 min before dimethoate administration. Group 5 received vitamin C (positive control, 100 mg/kg in 1 mL of saline) 30 min before dimethoate administration. Group 6 received only dimethoate for the first four weeks and then a combination of dimethoate and extract for another four weeks. All doses were administered daily by oral gavage. After eight weeks of treatment, the rats were euthanised and their reproductive organs removed. We took their body and reproductive organ weights and evaluated testicular oxidative stress, semen characteristics, sperm DNA damage, testicular apoptosis, and histopathological changes. Dimethoate significantly decreased body and reproductive organ weights, sperm motility and concentration, testicular superoxide dismutase, and glutathione-peroxidase activities and significantly increased lipid peroxidation, abnormal sperm rate, sperm DNA damage, testicular apoptosis, and caused histopathological lesions. Cherry laurel extract significantly countered many dimethoate-induced adverse effects, both as pre- and post-treatment, including reproductive organ weight, semen parameters, oxidant-antioxidant balance, sperm DNA integrity, testicular apoptosis, and histological structure. Our findings clearly suggest that the beneficial effects of the extract are associated with countering oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation in particular.

Research on the protective effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester on testicular damage caused by cisplatin

Background/aim

Cisplatin (CP), a chemotherapeutic drug, causes damage to spermatogenic serial cells, Sertoli cells, and Leydig cells in rat testicles. It was aimed to investigate the protective effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), one of the active ingredients of propolis, in eliminating CP-induced testicular damage.

Materials and methods

Group 1 (control group) was given physiological saline solution intraperitoneally (IP) throughout the experiment. Group 2 (CP group) was given a single dose of CP (7 mg/kg) IP on the day 7. Group 3 (CP + CAPE group), was given CAPE (10 µmol/kg/day) IP for 12 days and a single dose of CP (7 mg/kg) IP on day 7. Group 4 (CAPE group) was given CAPE (10 µmol/kg/day) IP for 12 days. On day 14 of the experiment, the rats were decapitated under xylazine and ketamine anesthesia and their testicles were removed. The sections obtained from the testicles were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and histopathological damage was evaluated. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzymatic activities were measured in the testicular tissue samples. Testosterone (TES) levels were measured in the blood serum. The Johnsen testicular biopsy score (JTBS) was used to evaluate testicular tubules. DNA damage was evaluated in sperm samples taken from the ductus epididymis using the comet assay technique.

Results

In Group 2, which was given CP, the testicles were severely damaged. It was observed that histological damage was reduced in the testes by administering CAPE in Group 3. Moreover, according to the JTBS, the value was significantly higher in the testicular tubules (P < 0.05). Moreover, the MDA level decreased in Group 3. However, the SOD, CAT, and TES levels increased in Group 3. DNA damage also decreased significantly in Group 3 when compared to Group 2 (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The results showed that CAPE may be protective against damage caused by CP in the testicles of rats.

Ameliorating Effects of Natural Antioxidant Compounds on Female Infertility: a Review

The prevalence of female infertility cases has been increasing at a frightening rate, affecting approximately 48 million women across the world. However, oxidative stress has been recognized as one of the main mediators of female infertility by causing various reproductive pathologies in females such as endometriosis, PCOS, preeclampsia, spontaneous abortion, and unexplained infertility. Nowadays, concerned women prefer dietary supplements with antioxidant properties over synthetic drugs as a natural way to lessen the oxidative stress and enhance their fertility. Therefore, the current review is an attempt to explore the efficacy of various natural antioxidant compounds including vitamins, carotenoids, and plant polyphenols and also of some medicinal plants in improving the fertility status of females. Our summarization of recent findings in the current article would pave the way toward the development of new possible antioxidant therapy to treat infertility in females. Natural antioxidant compounds found in fruits, vegetables, and other dietary sources, alone or in combination with other antioxidants, were found to be effective in ameliorating the oxidative stress-mediated infertility problems in both natural and assisted reproductive settings. Numerous medicinal plants showed promising results in averting the various reproductive disorders associated with female infertility, suggesting a plant-based herbal medicine to treat infertility. Although optimum levels of natural antioxidants have shown favorable results, however, their excessive intake may have adverse health impacts. Therefore, larger well-designed, dose-response studies in humans are further warranted to incorporate natural antioxidant compounds into the clinical management of female infertility.

The role of propolis against paclitaxel-induced oligospermia, sperm abnormality, oxidative stress and DNA damage in testes of male rats

Paclitaxel (taxol) is one of the most powerful anticancer drugs but it possesses toxic effects on male reproductive system. Propolis, from folkloric remedy, have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. The present study established to examine the protective impact of Propolis against malformation of semen induced by taxol. Twenty-four male rats equally divided into four groups. Group I (normal control); group II, administrated Propolis alone; group III, taxol-treated group received taxol; group IV, co-administered of taxol and Propolis extract. After 4 weeks of treatment, the semen were collected and testis 24 hr after the last treatment. Sperm count, motility, viability and sperm morphology were assayed. Tissue supernatants were isolated for oxidative stress, cell energy parameters and 8-OHdG. DNA damage was evaluated using Comet assay in testes. Our results confirmed that taxol-induced significant reduction in sperm count, motility, viability and recorded marked elevation in sperm abnormalities. Also, taxol caused increased in 8-OHdG and DNA damage versus that recorded in control group. Treatment with Propolis improving semen quality and protected testis from detrimental effects of taxol and minimises its toxicity. In conclusions, Oral administration of Propolis modulates the toxic impact of taxol by amelioration semen quality, diminishing oxidation state, DNA damage and preserving cell energy.

An Experimental Study to Evaluate the Protective Effects of Solanum lycopersicum Seed Essential Oil on Diabetes-Induced Testicular Injuries

Background and Objectives: Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder that can effectively influences male reproductive performance. The present study was conducted to investigate the protective effects of Solanum lycopersicum essential oil (SL) on diabetes-induced testicular injuries. Materials and Methods: Adult male rats were randomly allocated into five groups (n = 8 in each group). 1: control; 2: diabetic; 3: diabetic + 30 mg/kg of SL essential oil; 4: diabetic + 90 mg/kg of SL essential oil; 5: diabetic + 270 mg/kg of SL essential oil extract. Diabetes was induced by a single dose of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg) intraperitoneally. Testicular changes were assessed quantitatively using stereological method followed by measuring antioxidant enzymes including catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase, and the serum testosterone level. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and Bcl-2expression were also evaluated in the tissue samples. Results: Diabetes resulted in significant deleterious changes in the structure of testicular tissue, suppressed antioxidant enzymes and testosterone levels, and increased lipid peroxidation. The expression of Bcl-2 was downregulated in diabetic testis and resulted in enhanced apoptosis. Following 8 weeks of treatment with SL essential oil, there were noticeable improvements in the structural changes of testis and the restoration of antioxidant defense and testosterone levels in testicular tissue, especially at higher doses. Conclusion: In conclusion, these findings reveal that the essential oil of Solanum lycopersicum has potent antioxidant properties and can attenuate the adverse effects of diabetes on male reproduction.

DNA damaging effect of paclitaxel in the epididymal sperms as a chemotherapeutic agent and possible remedies to prevent this effect: A study on reproductive potential of male cancer patients of reproductive age

Cancer is a major public health problem, young cancer patients therefore undergo chemotherapy, and most of them may lose their fertility. DNA damage level provides important clues about the quality and reproductive potential of spermatozoa. In this study, we evaluated the levels of both DNA fragmentation and abnormal DNA integrity in the epididymal sperms of New Zealand rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) after cryopreservation using the terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labelling (TUNEL) assay and the toluidine blue (TB) staining methods and assessed the effects of paclitaxel, resveratrol, l-glutamine (LG), and basal medium eagle (BME) solution on DNA damage. Paclitaxel induced the levels of both DNA damages in the sperms, but resveratrol ameliorated this effect. LG and BME supplementation to the extender prevented the sperm samples from DNA fragmentation after cryopreservation. Chemotherapy drugs containing paclitaxel can cause the sperm DNA to be damaged, and hence adversely affect the fertility of male cancer patients of reproductive age. The administration of resveratrol together with paclitaxel may ameliorate the DNA damage inducing effect of paclitaxel. Sperm banking and cryopreservation with the appropriate cryoprotectants such as LG and BME prior to cancer treatment can also be suggested to all male cancer patients of reproductive age facing cancer treatment for fertility preservation.

Encapsulation of cinnamon essential oil in whey protein enhances the protective effect against single or combined sub-chronic toxicity of fumonisin B1 and/or aflatoxin B1 in rats

Fumonisin B1 (FB1) and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) are fungal metabolites that frequently co-occur in foodstuffs and are responsible for mycotoxicosis and several primary cancers. Cinnamon essential oil (CEO) has a spacious range of benefit effects but also has some limitations owing to its strong taste or its interaction with some drugs. This study aimed to use the cinnamon oil emulsion droplets (COED) for the protection against oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, and reproductive toxicity in male Sprague-Dawley rats sub-chronically exposed to FB1 and/or AFB1. The composition of CEO was identified using GC-MS then was encapsulated using whey protein as wall material. Male rats were divided into eight groups and treated orally for 8 weeks as follows: control group, AFB1-trreated group (80 μg/kg b.w), FB1-treated group (100 mg/kg b.w), FB1 plus AFB1-treated group, and the groups treated with COED plus FB1 and/or AFB1. Blood and samples of the kidney, liver, and testis were collected for different analysis and histopathological examination. The GC-MS analysis revealed that cinnamaldehyde, α-copaene, trans-cinnamaldehyde, caryophyllene, and delta-cadinene were the main compounds in COE. The average size of COED was 235 ± 1.4 nm and the zeta potential was - 6.24 ± 0.56. Treatment with FB1 and/or AFB1 induced significant disturbances in the serum biochemical analysis, oxidative stress parameters, DNA fragmentation, gene expression, and testosterone and severe pathological changes in the tested organs. Moreover, treatment with both mycotoxins induced synergistic toxic effects. COED did not induce toxic effects and could normalize the majority of the tested parameters and improve the histological picture in rats treated with FB1 and/or AFB1. It could be concluded that COED induce potential protective effects against the single or combined exposure to FB1 and AFB1.

Effects of cinnamon supplementation on antioxidant status and serum lipids in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Background

The objectives of study were to investigate the effects of cinnamon supplementation on antioxidant status and serum lipids in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Methods

This double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 84 overweight or obese PCOS patients; aged 20–38 years. Subjects in cinnamon (n = 42) and placebo (n = 42) groups were given 3 cinnamon capsules (each one contained 500 mg cinnamon) or placebo daily for 8 weeks. Fasting blood samples, anthropometric measurements and dietary intake data were gathered at the beginning and at the end of the study. Independent t test, paired t test and analysis of covariance were used to analyze of data.

Results

Cinnamon significantly increased serum total antioxidant capacity (P = 0.005). Malondialdehyde was significantly decreased compared with placebo (P = 0.014). Cinnamon supplementation significantly improved serum level of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (all P < 0.05). No significant effect was detected on serum triglyceride level.

Conclusions

Cinnamon supplementation improved antioxidant status and serum lipid profile in women with PCOS and may be applicable for reducing PCOS risk factors.