Zinc is a strong stimulant of metallothionein synthesis in the ischaemic testis tissue

Could the Effect of Arsenic on the Testis be Reversed after Removing the Insult? A Meta-analysis Study

Arsenic in drinking water has been associated with an increased risk of health concerns. This metalloid is ingested and distributed throughout the body, accumulating in several organs, including the testis. In this organ, arsenic disturbs steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis and affects male fertility. Although testicular impairment induced by arsenic is well documented, it is still controversial whether such disturbance remains days after the removal of arsenic insult. Therefore, we used a meta-analytical approach to evaluate the magnitude of arsenic effects on testicular parameters and verify whether a withdrawal period can mitigate these alterations. The search terms 'testis" and 'arsenic' were used in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. A total of 1,217 articles were obtained from the literature search, and 73 articles were included in this meta-analysis. Our results showed that arsenic negatively affected hormone synthesis and secretion, testicular weight, tubular and intertubular morphometry, and daily sperm production 24 h after ending exposure. Arsenic inhibited antioxidant enzyme activity, culminating in high oxidative metabolite production and apoptosis occurrence. Most of these effects were not observed in the testis between eight and fifty days after arsenic withdrawal, remaining endocrine dysregulation and oxidative metabolite production. Sodium arsenite was the most toxic compound to the testis at subchronic exposure. These findings shed light on the plasticity and regenerative capacity of testicular interstitium and spermatogonial stem cell niche. However, sexual hormone imbalance remained after arsenic removal. This review evidenced the importance of understanding its toxicity's short- and long-term effects on male reproductive competence.

Trace and essential elements as vital components to improve the performance of the male reproductive system: Implications in cell signaling pathways

Successful male fertilization requires the main processes such as normal spermatogenesis, sperm capacitation, hyperactivation, and acrosome reaction. The progress of these processes depends on some endogenous and exogenous factors. So, the optimal level of ions and essential and rare elements such as selenium, zinc, copper, iron, manganese, calcium, and so on in various types of cells of the reproductive system could affect conception and male fertility rates. The function of trace elements in the male reproductive system could be exerted through some cellular and molecular processes, such as the management of active oxygen species, involvement in the action of membrane channels, regulation of enzyme activity, regulation of gene expression and hormone levels, and modulation of signaling cascades. In this review, we aim to summarize the available evidence on the role of trace elements in improving male reproductive performance. Also, special attention is paid to the cellular aspects and the involved molecular signaling cascades.

Role of augmenter of liver regeneration on testicular ischemia and ischemia/reperfusion injury: An experimental study

Background

Testicular torsion causes ischemic injury, and torsion causes reperfusion injury.

Aim

Evaluating the role of augmenter of liver regeneration (ALR) in testicular ischemia and ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Materials and Method(s)

Seventy-eight (78) healthy Wistar albino male rats were randomly divided into four groups; control (C) (n = 6), sham (S) (n = 24), torsion (T) (n = 24), and torsion/detorsion (T/D) (n = 24). S, T, and T/D groups were divided into four subgroups (n = 6) as 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th hours. Blood, tissue ALR, and histology analyses were performed between groups and subgroups.

Results

The increase in plasma ALR values at the 3rd and 4th hours compared to the 1st hour in the T group were significant (P < 0.01, P < 0.001, respectively). In the T/D group, a significant increase was observed in plasma ALR values at the 3rd and 4th hours compared to the 1st hour (P < 0.05, P < 0.001, respectively). Plasma ALR values at the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th hours were higher in the T and T/D groups than in the C group (P < 0.001, P < 0.05, respectively). Plasma ALR values were higher in the T group at the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th hours than in the S group (P < 0.05). A significant increase was observed in tissue ALR at the 3rd and 4th hours than at the 1st hour in the T group (P < 0.05, P < 0.001, respectively). A significant increase was observed in tissue ALR at the 3rd and 4th hours than in the 1st hour in the T/D group (P < 0.05, P < 0.001, respectively).

Discussion

ALR in plasma and testicular tissue has a potential role in the early diagnosis of testicular torsion and in predicting the prognosis of T and T/D.

Metallothioneins in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Importance in Pathogenesis and Potential Therapy Target

Immunological disorders, increased oxidative stress, and damage to the epithelial barrier play an important role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). In the treatment of patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), it is increasingly common to use biological drugs that selectively affect individual components of the inflammatory cascade. However, administering the medicines currently available does not always result in obtaining and maintaining remission, and it may also lead to the development of resistance to a given agent over time. Metallothioneins (MTs) belong to the group of low molecular weight proteins, which, among others, regulate the inflammation and homeostasis of heavy metals as well as participating in the regulation of the intensity of oxidative stress. The results of the studies conducted so far do not clearly indicate the role of MTs in the process of inflammation in patients with IBD. However, there are reports that suggest the possibility of using MTs as a potential target in the treatment of this group of patients.