Moderate‐intensity exercise training ameliorates the diabetes‐suppressed spermatogenesis and improves sperm parameters: Insole and simultaneous with insulin

Effect of running exercise training on inflammatory mediators and cytokines expression in testicular tissue; effect of exercise intensity

The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of running exercise training protocols (ETPs) with varying intensities on inflammatory responses, with a specific focus on the interactions between inflammatory mediators, cytokines, and Leydig cell steroidogenic activity, as well as testosterone secretion. To this end, 24 Wistar rats were subdivided into sedentary control, low (LICT), moderate (MICT), and high (HICT) intensity continuous running ETP groups. After 8 weeks, the expression levels of Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4), nuclear factor-kappa-B (NF-KB), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and the testicular nitric oxide (NO) content were assessed and compared between groups. Moreover, the mean distributions of Leydig cells/mm2 of interstitial connective tissue, their steroidogenic activity, and serum level of testosterone were assessed. The LICT did not show any significant (p > 0.05) change in the expression levels of all aforementioned biomarkers. In contrast, both the MICT and HICT groups demonstrated a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the expression levels of TLR-4, NFK-B, IL-6, TNF-α, iNOS, and COX-2 at both the mRNA and protein levels. The testicular NO has increased in HICT and MICT groups. Despite a decrease in the distribution of Leydig cells in both the MICT and HICT groups, the HICT group exhibited a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in Leydig cell steroidogenic activity and serum testosterone levels. In conclusion, our findings revealed that ETPs can influence Leydig cell steroidogenic activity and testosterone secretion, contingent on their intensity. These effects are attributed to alterations in the expression levels of pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines.

Protective Effect of Low-Volume High-Intensity Interval Training on Aspirin-Induced Reproductive Impairments in Adult Male Wistar Rats

Lifestyle factors such as sedentary behavior and consumption of certain medications can disturb the function of the male reproductive system. In the present study, we investigated the potential co-treatment effects of low-volume high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on markers of reproductive function in adult male Wistar rats under aspirin (ASA) treatment. Eighteen adult male Wistar rats were randomized into three groups: control (C), aspirin treatment (AT), and aspirin treatment + exercise (ATE). Animals in the AT and ATE groups received an oral subchronic dose of aspirin (12.5 mg/kg body mass). The exercise was performed three times per week for 6 weeks (4-6 reps of 10-s sprints). Serum testosterone level, sperm parameters (sperm count, viability, maturity, and DNA fragmentation), histomorphometric (Leydig cell, tubule diameter, thickness of tubular epithelium, and indices of spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis), and histochemical parameter (testicular fat density) were assessed. Results revealed that compared to the C group, ASA consumption led to a negative alteration in serum testosterone levels, sperm parameters, and histomorphometric and histochemical parameters (P < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences between the C and ATE groups in terms of serum testosterone level, number of Leydig cells, epididymal fat density, tubule diameter, epithelium height, immature-to-mature sperm ratio, and DNA breakage (P > 0.05). These findings suggest that ASA treatment is associated with deleterious changes in male reproductive parameters. However, low-volume HIIT may prevent ASA-induced male reproductive impairments and could be considered a potential prophylactic measure in subjects under ASA treatment.

Sea cucumber peptides positively regulate sexual hormones in male mice with acute exhaustive swimming: possibly through the Ca2+/PKA signaling pathway

Sea cucumber peptides (SCPs) have been proven to have many active functions; however, their impact on testosterone synthesis and the corresponding mechanism are not yet clear. This study attempts to explore the effects of SCPs on sex hormone regulation in acute exhaustive swimming (AES) male mice and the possible mechanisms. In the present study, SCP intervention significantly prolonged exhaustive swimming time and reduced exercise metabolite accumulation. The reproductive ability-related parameters including penile index, mating ability, testicular morphology, and sperm storage were dramatically improved by SCP intervention. Notably, SCPs markedly reversed the AES-induced decrease in serum testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels. Moreover, treatment with a high dose of SCP (0.6 mg per g bw) significantly enhanced the expression of testosterone synthesis-related proteins in testis, meanwhile markedly increasing the gene expression of StAR, Hsd17b3, Hsd17b2, Ldlr, and Cyp19a1. Serum metabolomics results indicated that SCP intervention notably upregulated the expression of 1-stearoyl-2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycerol but downregulated the concentrations of succinate and DL-lactate. Furthermore, serum metabolomics combined with testicular transcriptome, western blot, and correlation analyses demonstrated that SCPs may regulate testosterone synthesis via the Ca2+/PKA signaling pathway. This study indicated that the SCP could be a potential dietary supplement to improve the symptoms of decreased sex hormones related to exercise fatigue.

Running exercise training-induced impact on oxidative stress and mitochondria-related apoptosis in rat's testicles

The current study has been designed to explore the effects of running exercise training protocols (ETPs), with different intensities, on testicular redox and antioxidant capacities. Moreover, the crosstalk between oxidative stress (OS) and mitochondria-related apoptosis was analysed. To this end, 24 Wistar rats were subdivided into sedentary control, low- (LICT), moderate- (MICT), and high (HICT)-intensity continuous running ETP groups. Following 8 weeks, the Johnsen score, sperm count, testicular malondialdehyde (MDA) content, total oxidant status (TOS), and redox biomarkers, including glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) levels were evaluated. Additionally, the expression levels of Bcl-2, Bax, caspase-3, proteins involving in the mitochondria-related apoptosis, and the apoptotic index were analysed. The LICT and MICT running ETPs did not affect the spermatogenesis development, sperm count, and antioxidant and redox capacities. Accordingly, no significant changes were revealed in Bcl-2, Bax, and caspase-3 expression levels and apoptosis index compared to sedentary rats. In contrast, the HICT-induced rats showed a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in spermatogenesis development, sperm count, antioxidant and redox capacities versus control, LICT, and MICT groups. Moreover, the expression of Bcl-2 was decreased, while the Bax and caspase-3 expression levels were increased in the HICT-induced group. Finally, the apoptosis index was increased in the HICT group. In conclusion, the suppressed redox system after HICT can trigger the mitochondria-mediated ROS overload, result in OS condition in the testicular tissue, and reversely target the mitochondrial membrane permeability. All of these molecular alterations are suspected to initiate progressive mitochondria-related apoptosis after HICT.

Influence of physical activity on male fertility

Infertility is a worldwide issue impacting 15% of couples' population. Male-related infertility results in almost 50% of these cases. Considering lifestyle factors associated with infertility, here in this literature review article, we aimed to discuss training/sport effects on male-related infertility. Regarding this issue, human and animal model studies related to the subject were gathered and analysed. Exercise is well known as a general improving factor, however, excessive exercise can result in male infertility due to reduced hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPT) function, increased oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. Consequently, these underlying impacts result in a low testosterone production, and reduced semen quality, and can lead to infertility. In contrast, it has been revealed that exercise can improve male fertility status in lifestyle-induced infertility condition such as obesity and diabetes. Indeed, exercise, by increasing testicular antioxidant defence, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines level and enhancing the steroidogenesis process, leads to improved spermatogenesis and semen quality in lifestyle-induced infertility. In fact, it seems that individual health status as well as exercise volume, intensity and duration are effective-involved co-factors that influence the impact that exercise will promote on male fertility. Regarding these findings, it is important to study exercise different impacts in further clinical trials in order to generate preservative guidelines for exercise and also considering exercise as a treatment option in lifestyle-induced disease management.

Acetylsalicylic acid-induced alterations in male reproductive parameters in Wistar rats and the effect of sprint interval training

The present study investigated the effect of a 5-week ASA treatment on male reproductive parameters in Wistar rats; moreover, the potential benefits of a 4-week sprint interval training (SIT) on these measures following ASA treatment were investigated. A total of 25 male rats were obtained and randomly assigned to the control group (C, n = 10) and the ASA treatment group (EP, n = 15). After 5 weeks, five rats from each group were killed and the effect of ASA treatment on the reproductive parameters was assessed. Then, the ASA treatment terminated and the remaining 10 ASA-treated rats were divided into the non-treatment group (NT, n = 5) and the exercise training group (ET, n = 5), which performed SIT 3 sessions/week for 4 weeks. Five weeks of ASA treatment resulted in a statistically significant decrease in serum testosterone level, Leydig cell number, sperm count, sperm motility, sperm viability, TDI, SI and RI, and it resulted in a significant increase in sperm nucleus maturity and sperm DNA fragmentation (p ˂ 0.05). Furthermore, 4 weeks of SIT reversed all the ASA-induced changes in male reproductive parameters (p < 0.05), but not the number of seminiferous tubules and the sperm motility (p > 0.05). A subchronic dose of ASA could lead to adverse alterations in male reproductive parameters and SIT is beneficial in reversing those alterations.

Ameliorative effect of hesperidin on streptozotocin-diabetes mellitus-induced testicular DNA damage and sperm quality degradation in Sprague-Dawley rats

This study aimed to investigate the effect of hesperidin on reproductive damage caused by diabetes mellitus. A total of 24 adult male rats were divided into four groups: control group, hesperidin group, diabetes mellitus group, and diabetes mellitus + hesperidin group. The study was conducted for 4 weeks. At the end of the study, the rats were sacrificed and testicular oxidative stress markers (MDA, GSH, GSH-Px, SOD, and CAT), DNA damage in testes (8-OHdG), and routine sperm parameters were evaluated. According to the results of the study, most of the parameters were similar in the control and hesperidin groups but CAT activity in the hesperidin group was statistically higher than the control group. Also, diabetes mellitus (DM) significantly increased MDA levels and decreased enzymatic antioxidant (GSH-Px, SOD, CAT) activities and nonenzymatic (GSH) antioxidant levels. On the other hand, hesperidin supplementation significantly decreased oxidative stress and increased enzymatic antioxidant activities and nonenzymatic antioxidant levels due to the antioxidant effect. Also, DM increased DNA damage levels in testicular tissue and hesperidin supplementation significantly decreased DNA damage levels in testes of diabetic male rats. Besides, sperm motility significantly decreased while abnormal sperm rate and dead sperm rate were significantly increased in diabetic rats. Hesperidin supplementation significantly reduced these side effects in diabetic rats. In conclusion, hesperidin supplementation could be beneficial for decreasing the side effects on the male reproductive system caused by DM in rats. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Diabetes is an important metabolic disease, affecting quality of life and fertility. Hesperidin has an antioxidant effect and has a potential protective effect on reproductive toxicity in diabetic male rats. Hesperidin decreased oxidative stress, and DNA damage in testis resulted from hyperglycemia and improved sperm quality in diabetic rats. The hesperidin supplementation could be a good strategy to protect male fertility in diabetic patients.

The molecular mechanism behind insulin protective effects on testicular tissue of hyperglycemic rats

AIMS

The present study assessed the possible mechanisms by which the insulin regulates the heat shock (HSPs) and transitional proteins expression and consequently ameliorates the oxidative stress-induced damages in germ and sperm cells DNA contents.

MAIN METHODS

Mature male Wistar rats were distributed into control, Hyperglycemia-induced (HG) and insulin-treated HG-induced (HG-I) groups. Following 8 weeks from HG induction, testicular total antioxidant capacity (TAC), immunoreactivity of 8-oxodG, germ cells mRNA damage, Hsp70-2a, Hsp90, transitional proteins 1 and 2 (TP-1 and -2) mRNA and protein expressions were analyzed. Moreover, the sperm chromatin condensation was assessed by aniline-blue staining, and DNA integrity of germ and sperm cells were analyzed by TUNEL and acrdine-orange staining techniques.

KEY FINDINGS

The HG animals exhibited significant (p < 0.05) reduction in TAC, HSp70-2a, TP-1 and TP-2 expression levels, and increment in 8-oxodG immunoreactivity, mRNA damage, and Hsp90 expression. However, insulin treatment resulted in (p < 0.05) enhanced TAC level, Hsp70-2a, Hsp90, TP-1 and TP-2 expressions, besides reduced 8-oxodG immunoreactivity and mRNA damage compared to the HG group (p < 0.05). The chromatin condensation and the germ and sperm cells DNA fragmentation were decreased in HG-I group.

SIGNIFICANCE

Insulin treatment amplifies the testicular TAC level, improves the Hsp70-2a, TP-1, and TP-2 expressions, and boosts the Hsp90-mediated role in DNA repairment process. Consequently, altogether could maintain the HG-induced DNA integrity in the testicular and sperm cells.

The Role of Exercise to Reduce the Impact of Diabetes in the Seminal Quality: A Systematic Review

Background and Objectives: One of the most relevant consequences of diabetes mellitus is the temporal or complete infertility which can happen in young individuals. Therefore, the current systematic review aimed to investigate the effects of exercise to reduce the impact of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) in seminal quality and related parameters. Materials and Methods: A systematic search was conducted in Pubmed and Web of Science databases following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Guidelines (PRISMA). The inclusion criteria were: (1) the study included at least one experimental and one comparison group, (2) the sample of the study was comprised of humans or animals with diabetes mellitus, (3) an intervention based on physical exercise was conducted, and (4) the study reported variables related to the seminal quality. Results: A total of 115 articles were identified. However, only six accomplished the inclusion and exclusion criteria. This systematic review includes a sample size of 260 participants (180 rats and 80 humans). Intervention ranged from 6 to 14 weeks, with 3–6 days per week. All interventions performed endurance training (50–70% VO₂max or maximum heart rate). Physical exercise increased sperm count, motility, and morphology, as well as improved testosterone, Luteinizing Hormone (LH), and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) levels. Moreover, physical exercise intervention reduced the percentages of sperms with negative Tubular Differentiation Index (TDI) and Spermiogenesis Index (SPI), DNA fragmentation, and also ameliorated the diabetes-induced apoptosis and improved sperm apoptosis index. Conclusions: Physical exercise could ameliorate diabetic pathological effects on sperm quality and related parameters that cause infertility or subfertility conditions. However, further homogeneous studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Insight into the mechanism of aspartame-induced toxicity in male reproductive system following long-term consumption in mice model

Aspartame is one of the most common consumed artificial sweeteners utilized in many food products and beverages. It has been indicated that long-term consumption of aspartame leads to reproductive toxicity but its mechanism is not well-clear. In this study we investigated mechanism of aspartame-induced reproductive toxicity in male mice. For this purpose, 36 NMRI mature male mice received three doses of 40, 80, and 160 mg/kg body weight of aspartame, respectively per day by gavage for 90 days and also a control group was considered which received 0.5 mL of normal saline as the same route. The results revealed that long-term administration of aspartame at high doses significantly (P < .05) reduced gonadosomatic index, serum concentration of pituitary-testicular axis hormones (FSH, LH, and testosterone). It also decreased sperm parameters and total antioxidant capacity, antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase), while it caused increase in nitric oxide and malondialdehyde levels in testis tissue and sperm samples. Also, it decreased attenuated testicular histomorphometric indices (tubular differentiation index, spermiogenesis index, and repopulation index), and steroidogenic foci, while increased mRNA damages and apoptosis rate, downregulated antiapoptotic (Bcl-2) and upregulated proapoptotic (P53, BAX, and caspase-3) mediators respectively in testis. These findings indicated that consumption of aspartame for a long period results in male reproductive toxicity by decrease in serum concentration of pituitary-testis axis hormones and induction of oxidative stress and apoptosis in testis.

Voluntary exercise improves spermatogenesis and testicular apoptosis in type 2 diabetic rats through alteration in oxidative stress and mir-34a/SIRT1/p53 pathway

OBJECTIVES

This research was designed to demonstrate the impact of voluntary exercise on sperm parameters including sperm count, morphology, motility, viability, testicular apoptosis, oxidative stress, and the mir-34a/SIRT1/p53 pathway in type 2 diabetic rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

32 Wistar male rats were separated into four groups: control (C), voluntary exercise (VE), diabetic (D), and diabetic rats that performed voluntary exercise (VED). To induce diabetes, animals were injected with streptozotocin (35 mg/kg) after receiving a high-fat diet. The testicular protein levels of SIRT1 and P53, miR-34a expression, MDA, GPx, SOD, catalase, and sperm parameters were evaluated.

RESULTS

Diabetes caused increased testicular MDA content, miR-34a expression, acetylated p53 protein expression, and the percent of immotile sperm (P<0.01 to P<0.001) as well as reduced testicular GPx, SOD and catalase activities, SIRT1 protein expression, and sperm parameters (P<0.05 to P<0.001). Voluntary exercise reduced testicular MDA content, miR-34a, and acetylated p53 protein expression compared with the D group (P<0.001), however, GPx, SOD, catalase activities, and sperm parameters in voluntarily exercised rats were elevated compared with diabetic rats (P<0.05 to P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

It seems that voluntary exercise has significant positive impacts that can be employed to reduce the complications of type 2 diabetes in the testis of male rats.

The ameliorative effects of Lactobacillus coagulans and Lactobacillus casei probiotics on CCl4-induced testicular toxicity based on biochemical, histological and molecular analyses in rat

Probiotics are commonly present in foods and role as dietary adjuncts and alternatives to pharmacological products in many medical fields. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Lactobacillus coagulans and Lactobacillus casei probiotics on carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄ )-induced reproductive injury and sperm toxicity in rats. Thirty-two Wistar rats were divided into four groups as follows: sham, CCl₄ (2 ml/kg), L. casei probiotic + 2 ml/kg CCl₄ and L. coagulans probiotic + 2 ml/kg CCl₄ . On the 36th day after the intervention, serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH) and total testosterone (T), as well as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, were measured. Testicular malondialdehyde (MDA) level, the expressions of apoptosis-related genes (Bcl-2 and Bax), Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, histomorphometric indices such as tubular differentiation index (TDI), repopulation index (RI), spermiogenesis index (SPI) and sperm parameters were evaluated. L. casei and L. coagulans probiotics improved the levels of reproductive hormones and antioxidant capacity in rats. Both the probiotics, especially L. casei, increased the rate spermatogenesis which accompanied with significant increments in testicular TDI, RI and SPI. Furthermore, both probiotics down-regulated Bax and up-regulated Bcl-2, following by decreased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Our key findings indicated that L. casei and L. coagulans have protective effects against CCl₄ -induced testicular toxicity.

Effect of moderate-intensity exercise training on GDNF signaling pathway in testicles of rats after experimental diabetes type 1 induction

AIMS

The spermatogenesis failure is reported as the main complication for diabetes and the moderate-intensity exercise (EX) is shown to ameliorate the diabetes-induced impairments both at spermatogenesis and sperm levels. Thus, the current study was done to investigate the possible effect of EX in the sole and simultaneous form with insulin on the network between Sertoli and spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) by focusing on niche factor Glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF).

METHODS

For this purpose, 30 mature male Wistar rats were divided into control and experimental type 1 diabetes (T1D)-induced groups. Then the T1D-induced animals were subdivided to sedentary T1D-induced (ST1D), EX + T1D, insulin (INS) + T1D and EX + INS + T1D groups. The general histological changes of testicles, mRNA and protein contents of GDNF and its special receptors gfrα1 and c-RET were evaluated and compared between groups.

RESULTS

EX in the sole and simultaneous form with INS significantly (p < 0.05) diminished the T1D-induced histological damages, amplified the GDNF expression, and enhanced the gfrα1 and c-RET mRNA and protein contents compared to ST1D group.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the EX in the sole form promotes spermatogenesis by up-regulating the GDNF signaling system. Moreover, EX remarkably amplifies the insulin-induced ameliorative effect on spermatogenesis.

Synergic effects of aerobic exercise and eugenol supplement on germ cell development and testicular tissue structure in chlorpyrifos-treated animal model

Insecticide chlorpyrifos (CPF) with increased oxidative stress, structural destruction, and hemostasis of testicular tissue leads to male infertility. The present study investigated the protective effect of exercise (Exe) and eugenol supplementation (Sup) on CPF-induced testicular spermatogenic disorders in male rats. In this experimental study, 21 adult male albino rats were divided into seven groups, control (Co: 6 weeks), CPF (6 weeks), Co + Oil (2 weeks healthy food and 4 weeks oil), Co + Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO: 6 weeks), CPF + Sup (2 weeks CPF and 4 weeks CPF + Sup), CPF + Exe (2 weeks CPF and 4 weeks CPF + Exe), and CPF + Exe + Sup (2 weeks CPF and 4 weeks CPF + Exe + Sup) group. All treatments were done intraperitoneally (5 days a week). Exe groups were subjected to run at moderate exercise intensity for 5 days per week over 6 weeks. DMSO groups were administered to the equal volume of vehicle for 6 consecutive weeks. Finally, the animals were sacrificed with Co2 gas and then alterations in testicular histology and sperm parameters were evaluated. Protein expression of PLZF and IGFα in the CPF group showed a significant decrease compared with the control group (p ˂ 0.001 for both). It was shown that CPF + Exe + Sup (p ˂ 0.001) and CPF + Sup (p ˂ 0.01) groups had a significant increase in protein expression of PLZF, but the protein expression of IGFα showed a significant increase just in the CPF + Exe + Sup group (p ˂ 0.001). Also, CPF caused a significant decrease in Leydig counts, Sertoli cell count, spermatogonium counts, spermatocyte cell count, spermatid cell count, and tunica thickness as well as a significant increase in testicle diameter (p ˂ 0.01) and ducts diameter compared with the control group. It seems that aerobic exercise with eugenol supplementation suppresses the disruption effects of CPF on testicular tissue (cellular and structural) by increasing the antioxidant capacity and improving the secretion of sex hormones. Therefore, the aerobic exercise with supplement of the eugenol has potential therapeutic targets for male infertility that need further study.