Nicotine alters male reproductive hormones in male albino rats: The role of cessation

An overview of the methamphetamine effect on male sexual behavior and reproductive system

Drug addiction and its effect on the behavior and development of children has become a serious problem in our society. Methamphetamine (MA) is one of the most abused psychostimulants in the Czech Republic, and its abuse is rising worldwide. Previous studies have demonstrated the adverse long-term effects of maternal drug abuse on rat offspring. However, the father's contribution as a parent and donor of half of the genetic information is unclear. Previous studies of other psychostimulant drugs indicate that long-term application of MA to adult male rats may induce changes in their reproductive system and lead to changes in rat pup functional and behavioral development. Therefore, the present review aimed to investigate the effect of MA administration on reproductive toxicity and sexual behavior of adult male rats, as well as the impact of paternal MA exposure on behavioral development and locomotor activity in rat offspring.

Effects of Exercise on Testosterone and Implications of Drug Abuse: A Review

OBJECTIVE

Research points to exercise having a positive effect in fighting relapse and use of drugs of abuse. Through conducting this research, differences have been observed in the effects of exercise on drug abuse between sexes. Many of the studies found that exercise tends to cause a more profound effect in blocking drug relapse or reinstatement in males when compared with females.

METHODS

Our hypothesis is that these differences in response to drugs of abuse after an exercise regimen could in part be attributed to variations in testosterone levels between males and females.

RESULTS

Testosterone has been shown to have a modulatory impact on the dopaminergic activity in the brain, causing an effect on the brain's response to drugs of abuse. Exercise has demonstrated a causal effect on increasing testosterone levels in males, whereas drugs of abuse decrease testosterone levels in males.

CONCLUSIONS

Thus, exercise raising testosterone levels in males helps to decrease the dopaminergic response in the brain to drugs of abuse causing attenuation to drugs. To find sex-specific exercise treatments for drugs of abuse, it is important to continue researching exercise's efficacy against drugs of abuse.

Integration of in silico methods to determine endocrine-disrupting tobacco pollutants binding potency with steroidogenic genes: comprehensive QSAR modeling and ensemble docking strategies

A myriad of tobacco-associated chemicals may have possibilities to developmental/reproductive axis and endocrine-disruption impacts. Mostly they breach the biotransformation of cholesterol in mitochondria by interfering with steroidogenic pathway genes, prompting to adverse effects in steroid biosynthesis; however, studies are scanty. The quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) modeling and comparative docking strategies were used to understand structural features of dataset compounds that influence developmental/reproductive toxicity and estrogen and androgen receptor-binding abilities, and to predict binding levels of toxicants with steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) and cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (CYP11A1) active sites. Developed QSAR models presented good robustness and predictive ability that were determined from the applicability domain and, clustering and classification of chemicals by performing self-organizing maps. Accordingly, the exorbitant amount of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and a limited number of other chemicals including N-nitrosamines and nicotine was represented as potential developmental/reproductive toxicants as well as estrogen and androgen receptor binders. From the docking analysis, hydrogen bonding, nonpolar, atomic π-stacking, and π-cation interactions were found between PAHs (bay and fjord structural pockets) and functional hotspot residues of StAR and CYP11A1, which strengthened the subtle structural changes at domains. These govern barrier effects to cholesterol binding and/or locking cholesterol to complicate its ejection from the Ω1 loop of StAR, and further mitigates steroid biosynthesis through cholesterol by CYP11A1; therefore, they are presumably considered as block-cluster mechanisms. These outcomes are significant to be hopeful to estimate developmental/reproductive toxicity and endocrine-disruption activities of other environmental pollutants, and could be useful for further assessment to discover binding mechanisms of PAHs with other steroidogenesis pathway genes.

Circulating ghrelin changes as a biomarker of the stress response and craving in abstinent smokers

RATIONALE

There has been growing interest in the role of ghrelin in stress and addiction. Ghrelin regulates central reward mechanisms by mediating the mesolimbic dopaminergic system. Stress also induces neurophysiological activations related to drug reward. However, the extent to which psychosocial stress is associated with changes in ghrelin levels has not been tested in individuals with nicotine dependency undergoing withdrawal, a condition known to induce stress-like symptoms.

OBJECTIVES

We investigated the association of stress-induced ghrelin, craving, and smoking lapse.

METHODS

Thirty-six smokers attended a laboratory session that included acute stress tasks during the initial phase of quitting. Self-report measures and biochemical samples were collected for the assessment of smoking status. Blood samples for the measurement of ghrelin and self-report measures of craving were collected multiple times throughout the session RESULTS: Multivariate analysis of variance controlling for gender found a significant main effect of sampling time and lapse group (p < 0.05). Ghrelin levels significantly increased over the pre-stress and post-stress periods (ps < 0.001), suggesting a delayed stress response. Those who lapsed during the study had higher ghrelin levels than those who were able to successfully abstain. A ghrelin stress response was calculated and a significant association was found between this response and craving, which changed across time points (ps < 0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study demonstrate that ghrelin is sensitive to acute manipulation of stress and that there is potential usefulness for ghrelin as a marker of stress, craving, and smoking lapse.

Evaluation of secondary electronic cigarette inhalation on lipid metabolism in C57BL/6J mice using indirect calorimetry

The disruption of glucose homeostasis associated with the use of nicotine delivery systems may be due to a shift to lipid metabolism. Indirect calorimetry was used to measure the respiratory exchange ratio (RER) in female (N = 21) and male (N = 21) C57BL/6J mice exposed to room air (control) or e-cigarette vapor in a 1L chamber to test the hypothesis that lipid metabolism predominates in vaped mice. Metabolism was quantified via RER using a GA-200 gas analyzer (iWorx, Inc) and LabScribe v.4 (iWorx, Inc.) software. Blood glucose levels were assessed from a subset of the population using an Accu-Check glucometer (Roche Diagnostics, Inc.). Statistical analyses were conducted using R v.4.0.3. Median RER for controls was lower in females. Older females showed a reduction in RER when exposure occurred in the afternoon (p < 0.001), and in males when exposure occurred in the morning (p = 0.007). Glucose concentrations (mg/dL) were higher after e-cigarette inhalation compared with controls, but this difference was not significant (p = 0.464). The reduction in the respiratory exchange ratio supports the hypothesis that e-cigarette inhalation promotes lipid metabolism, and the magnitude of the effect is influenced by gender, age and time of day.

Antioxidant Activity of Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) Leaf Extract on the Levels of Ovarian Oxidative Stress and Reproductive Hormone in Rattus norvegicus Exposed to Cigarette Smoke

BACKGROUND: Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) is a wild plant that grows in Indonesia and is considered a weed, but it has the highest antioxidant activity in the leaves and stems. Cigarette smoke is one of the exogenous free radicals that can enter blood circulation, interfering with all cells and tissues in the body, including reproductive organs. AIM: The research aims to examine the antioxidant effect of purslane leaf extract on oxidative stress levels (ovarian malondialdehyde [MDA] levels) and reproductive hormone levels (follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH] and 17ß-estradiol) in female white rats exposed to cigarette smoke. METHODS: This study is an experimental study with randomized post only control group design, using 12-week-old female Wistar strain Rattus norvegicus weighing about 200–250 g divided into four treatment groups (n = 6). Negative control without exposure to cigarette smoke and purslane leaf extract (K), cigarette group with cigarette smoke 1 stick/day administration without purslane leaf extract (P1), purslane group with purslane leaf extract 200 mg/Kg BW without exposure to cigarette smoke (P2), and group the group with cigarette smoke 1 stick/day accompanied by purslane leaf extract 200 mg/Kg BW administration (P3). Ovarian MDA measurement measures MDA levels as an indicator of oxidative stress in the ovaries determined by the spectrophotometry method. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method measured the measurement of FSH and 17ß-estradiol levels in blood taken intracardially through the right ventricle of the heart. RESULTS: The results showed that purslane leaf extract at a 200 mg/Kg BW dose reduced ovarian MDA levels of female white rats exposed to cigarette smoke significantly with p < 0.05. CONCLUSION: However, there has been no significant change in FSH and 17ß-estradiol.

The amelioration of nicotine-induced reproductive impairment in male mouse by Sambucus ebulus L. fruit extract

Nicotine as a toxic agent in cigarette smoke impairs the reproductive system. Sambucus ebulus extract (SEE) is shown to have some beneficial effects such as antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of SEE on the hormones of the pituitary-gonadal axis, lipid peroxidation index, antioxidant enzymes, spermatogenesis, and epididymal sperm parameters in male mice treated with nicotine. Adult male mice were divided into five groups; A: normal saline, B: 1 mg/kg nicotine, C: 1 mg/kg nicotine and 10 mg/kg SEE, D: 1 mg/kg nicotine and 50 mg/kg SEE, D: 1 mg/kg nicotine and 100 mg/kg SEE. Treatments lasted for 35 days. The spermicidal activity of SEE was tested in vitro. Sperm count, motility and morphology were assessed for fertility. Serum testosterone, prolactin and luteinizing hormone (LH) were measured, using ELISA. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were measured, using colorimetric assays. Spermatogenesis was evaluated by Johnsen’s score and morphometry in histological slides. SEE at different doses did not have any spermicidal activity. Sperm parameters were reduced in the nicotine-treated group, compared with controls (P<0.01). Nicotine reduced testosterone and LH levels (P<0.01) and increased prolactin (P<0.01). A hike in MDA and a reduction in SOD activity without change on CAT, were observed in the nicotine group. Nicotine caused hypospermatogenesis. SEE improved most of the above-mentioned parameters, especially in the doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg. Beneficial effects of SEE in the doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg on male reproduction impairment, induced by nicotine might be partly attributed to the reduction of oxidative stress and changes in the hormones of the pituitary-gonadal axis.

Environmental and occupational exposures associated with male infertility

The upsurge in male infertility over the last two decades, possibly due to environmental exposure, has raised significant interest, particularly boosted by reports from fertility clinics, which showed that chronic diseases and hereditary or other medical conditions might only partially explain current incidence of male infertility. Both environmental and occupational settings may have a significant role in exposure to complex mixtures of endocrine disruptors (ED), which play a major role in fertility disorders. The aim of this review is to give an insight into the current knowledge on exposure settings which may be associated with male infertility. Our study relied on a systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for articles published between January 2000 and September 2020. It showed that some well documented factors associated with male infertility include smoking, and physiological disturbances or chronic diseases such as obesity and diabetes, which in turn, may also reflect lifestyle choices and environmental exposures, especially to EDs such as phthalates, bisphenols, pesticides, and flame retardants. However, the number of studies on the aetiology of male infertility is still too low in comparison with the size of affected population. Occupational health follow-ups and medical surveillance do not collect any data on male infertility, even though ED chemicals are part of many technological processes.

Ameliorative effect of fractionated low-dose gamma radiation in combination with ellagic acid on nicotine-induced hormonal changes and testicular toxicity in rats

Nicotine is an active pharmacological ingredient in cigarette smoke, which may negatively influence the male reproductive system and fertility. This study aims to investigate the effect of fractionated low-dose radiation (fractionated-LDR) and/or ellagic acid (EA) on nicotine-induced hormonal changes and testicular toxicity in rats. Nicotine was administrated orally (1 mg/kg) for 30 days, afterward, rats were treated with LDR (2 × 0.25 Gy/1-week interval), EA (10 mg/kg, 14 consecutive days p.o.), or a combination of both fractionated-LDR and EA. Rats were sacrificed 24 h after the last dose of treatment, then testes were dissected for histopathology examination, along with some biochemical parameters in serum and testicular tissue were evaluated. Nicotine-induced oxidative stress was evidenced by an increase in testicular thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and a decrease in reduced glutathione (GSH) content. Additionally, the activities of testicular androgenic enzymes were decreased, and the activity of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was significantly increased. The hormonal changes were verified by a noticeable reduction in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone serum levels. Histological evaluation revealed that the testicular seminiferous tubules structure was distorted. On the contrary, fractionated-LDR plus EA attenuated the negative changes caused by nicotine observed through biochemical and histological findings. Accordingly, the exposure to fractionated-LDR combined with EA may be a promising candidate for treating hormonal changes and testicular toxicity caused by nicotine.

Male infertility due to testicular disorders

CONTEXT

Male infertility is defined as the inability to conceive following 1 year of regular unprotected intercourse. It is the causative factor in 50% of couples and a leading indication for assisted reproductive techniques (ART). Testicular failure is the most common cause of male infertility, yet the least studied to date.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

The review is an evidence-based summary of male infertility due to testicular failure with a focus on etiology, clinical assessment, and current management approaches. PubMed-searched articles and relevant clinical guidelines were reviewed in detail.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS/RESULTS

Spermatogenesis is under multiple levels of regulation and novel molecular diagnostic tests of sperm function (reactive oxidative species and DNA fragmentation) have since been developed, and albeit currently remain as research tools. Several genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors provoking testicular failure have been elucidated during the last decade; nevertheless, 40% of cases are idiopathic, with novel monogenic genes linked in the etiopathogenesis. Microsurgical testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE) and hormonal stimulation with gonadotropins, selective estrogen receptor modulators, and aromatase inhibitors are recently developed therapeutic approaches for men with the most severe form of testicular failure, nonobstructive azoospermia. However, high-quality clinical trials data is currently lacking.

CONCLUSIONS

Male infertility due to testicular failure has traditionally been viewed as unmodifiable. In the absence of effective pharmacological therapies, delivery of lifestyle advice is a potentially important treatment option. Future research efforts are needed to determine unidentified factors causative in "idiopathic" male infertility and long-term follow-up studies of babies conceived through ART.

Waterpipe Tobacco Smoke Exposure during Lactation-Susceptibility of Reproductive Hormones and Oxidative Stress Parameters in Male Progeny Rats

There is a growing evidence for the public health hazards associated with waterpipe tobacco smoking (WTS). While the adverse effects of WTS exposure during pregnancy on the offspring are widely reported, its impact during breastfeeding remains less understood. The effects of WTS exposure during lactation on the reproductive hormones and oxidative stress biomarkers of adult male progeny were examined. Lactating rats received either fresh air (controls) or mainstream WTS for 1 h twice/day from day 4 to day 21 of lactation. The offspring was then followed up until week 20. The data indicated that WTS exposure in the lactating animals reduced the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin (P < 0.05), luteinizing hormone (LH) (P = 0.1146), and estradiol (P = 0.0773) in the blood in male progeny. While the activities of testicular superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and blood levels of testosterone (P >0.05) remained unaltered, the activity of catalase increased significantly indicating an increased oxidant load in the WTS exposed rats compared to the controls. WTS exposure during lactation impairs male reproductive hormonal profile, augments oxidative damage, and potentially affects male fertility in male offspring rats.

The Prevalence and Components of Metabolic Syndrome in Men from Infertile Couples and Its Relation on Semen Analysis

PURPOSE

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been reported as a deleterious factor in male fertility potential, associated with hypogonadism, impaired spermatogenesis, decreased sperm concentration and motility, and increased sperm DNA damage. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of MetS in men from infertile couples and evaluate its effect on semen analysis (SA).

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional descriptive study was performed in men from infertile couples diagnosed based on the World Health Organization 2010 criteria and treated at the Hue Center for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Vietnam. General information included medical history, lifestyle, MetS factors, SA, and sperm DNA fragmentation test were collected. Based on the diagnostic criteria of the American Heart Association and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute for Asian men, the study population was divided into two groups: MetS and non-MetS groups. The outcomes were analyzed for any relationship between MetS and the SA index and the DNA fragmentation index (DFI).

RESULTS

A total of 534 men from infertile couples were included in this study. The prevalence of MetS was 23.4%, and abnormal semen analysis accounted for 93.8%. Age, body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), hepatitis B and total cholesterol were related to the occurrence of MetS in infertile men (p <0.05). MetS did not reveal any impact on the parameters of SA. There was a positive correlation between waist circumference (WC), WHR, WHtR, and systolic blood pressure (BP) with abnormal sperm head and DFI (p <0.05).

CONCLUSION

Although the prevalence of MetS was remarkable in men from infertile couples, there was no association between MetS and semen quality. However, WC, WHR, WHtR, and systolic BP were found to be significantly associated with abnormal sperm head and DFI.

Burdens and awareness of adverse self-reported lifestyle factors in men with sub-fertility: A cross-sectional study in 1149 men

BACKGROUND

There are no current pharmacological therapies to improve sperm quality in men with sub-fertility. Reducing the exposure to lifestyle risk factor (LSF) is currently the only intervention for improving sperm quality in men with sub-fertility. No previous study has investigated what proportion of men with sub-fertility are exposed to adverse lifestyle factors. Furthermore, it is not known to what extent men with sub-fertility are aware of lifestyle factors potentially adversely impacting their fertility.

METHODS

A cross-sectional anonymous questionnaire-based study on self-reported exposure and awareness of LSF was conducted in 1149 male partners of couples investigated for sub-fertility in a tertiary andrology centre in London, UK.

RESULTS

Seventy per cent of men investigated for sub-fertility had ≥1 LSF, and twenty-nine per cent had ≥2 LSF. Excessive alcohol consumption was the most common LSF (40% respondents). Seventeen per cent of respondents used recreational drugs (RD) regularly, but only 32% of RD users believed RD impair male fertility. Twenty-five per cent of respondents were smokers, which is higher than the UK average (20%). Twenty-seven per cent of respondents had a waist circumference (WC) >36 inches (91 cm), and 4% had WC >40 inches (102 cm). Seventy-nine per cent of respondents wanted further lifestyle education to improve their fertility.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that men with sub-fertility are as follows: (a) exposed to one or more LSF; (b) have incomplete education about how LSF may cause male sub-fertility; (c) want more education about reducing LSF. Further studies are needed to investigate the potential of enhanced education of men about LSF to treat couples with sub-fertility.

Chemotherapeutic Potential of Epimedium brevicornum Extract: The cGMP-Specific PDE5 Inhibitor as Anti-Infertility Agent Following Long-Term Administration of Tramadol in Male Rats

Epimedium brevicornum Maxim (EbM) is a well-known Chinese herb that has been widely used for the treatment of several diseases. The main purpose of this study is to examine the role of Epimedium brevicornum extract in certain andrological parameters in rats as a natural modulator for adverse viewpoints associated with chronic administration of tramadol (TAM). Fifty rats were categorized into five groups. Untreated rats were known as Group I, whereas rats in Groups II and III were administered 2.43 g/kg/day of E. brevicornum extract and 50 mg/kg/day of TAM for 130 consecutive days, respectively. Both of Groups IV and V were administered TAM for 65 successive days, followed by concomitant use of both drugs for another 65 days, with the E. brevicornum extract at doses of 0.81 and 2.43 g/kg/day, respectively. TAM showed an injurious effect on sperm attributes, serum hormones, tissue malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and nitric oxide. Elevation of the apoptotic marker Bax and a reduction of Bcl2 were recorded. Histopathological abnormalities have been reported in rat testicles. Rats treated with E. brevicornum extract with TAM showed an improvement in all the parameters tested. It could be presumed that E. brevicornum extract plus TAM exhibits a promising effect on the enhancement of male anti-infertility effects.

The influence of smoking exposure and cessation on penile hemodynamics and corporal tissue in a rat model

Background

While epidemiological studies have clearly documented that smoking cessation significantly enhances sexual health, the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. Thus, we wished to explore possible mechanisms by using a rat model of smoking-associated erectile dysfunction (ED).

Methods

Forty 8-week old male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups. Ten rats were exposed only to room air (N group). The remaining 30 rats were passively exposed to cigarette smoke over a 12-week period. At the end of 12 weeks, the smoking (S, n=10) group underwent immediate erectile function testing and were sacrificed. The remaining 20 rats were exposed to room air only for 4 (Q4W, n=10) or 8 (Q8W, n=10) weeks and then underwent erectile function testing and sacrifice. Erectile function was evaluated by measuring intracavernous pressure (ICP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP). After blood collection for serum testosterone determination, rats were sacrificed to obtain corporal tissue for immunohistochemistry.

Results

Mean ICP/MAP ratio was significantly lower in the S group compared to the N and Q8W groups (0.52±0.11, 0.94±0.05, and 0.94±0.12, respectively, P=0.0189). Smooth muscle/collagen ratio was also significantly lower in the S group compared to the N and Q8W groups (11.8±0.94, 17.5±1.82, and 16.4±0.60, respectively, P=0.0008). Oxidative stress and apoptotic indices were significantly higher in the S group compared to the N and Q8W groups. Neuronal and endothelial nitric oxide synthases were significantly less expressed in the S group compared to the N and Q8W groups.

Conclusions

Smoking cessation is associated with partial recovery of penile hemodynamics in a rat model of smoking associated ED.

Adolescent Personality Risk Factors for Tobacco Smoking and Alcohol Misuse in Adult Men

Background: Social identity theory proposes that people define themselves in terms of the social groups they belong to or aspire to belong to. Tobacco smoking and alcohol use in men have been hypothesized to be symbolic of adult male status. The current study examines whether adolescent personality characteristics linked to masculinity and nonconformity are associated with tobacco smoking and alcohol misuse in men. Methods: The analysis is based on the results of a cross-sectional study conducted in 2018 on a stratified, random sample of 703 adult male residents of Warsaw, Poland, with elementary- and secondary-school education. All survey data were collected through a paper-and-pencil questionnaire. A path model is employed to examine the direct and indirect effects of adolescent characteristics on tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption. Results: According to the path model, retrospective perceptions of self-reported character strength, rebellion against unjustified prohibitions and rules, ease in making decisions, willingness to differ from others, and interest in the opposite gender in adolescence had a significant direct effect on tobacco smoking in adolescence and a significant indirect effect on tobacco smoking in adulthood. The variables representing character strength, rebellion against unjustified prohibitions and rules, ease in making decisions, and interest in the opposite gender in adolescence also showed a significant direct effect on alcohol use in adolescence. Conclusion: Masculinity and nonconformity were related to addictive behaviors in men, which might have health policy implications. In this paper, associating traditional masculinity with health orientation in society is proposed as a possible preventive intervention.

Effects of N-nitro L-arginine methyl ester and α-tocopherol on testicular oxidative stress caused by exposure to cigarette smoke

Testis is a rich organ with blood vessels. For this reason, it is possible that the toxic substances of the cigarette carried in the blood change the balance between the oxidant and the antioxidant system in this organ. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effects of N-nitro L-arginine methyl ester and α-tocopherol on testicular oxidative stress caused by exposure to cigarette smoke. 45 wistar male rats were used in the study. Five groups were formed: control, cigarette smoke, cigarette smoke + α-tocopherol, cigarette smoke + N-nitro L-arginine methyl ester and cigarette smoke + α-tocopherol + N-nitro L-arginine methyl ester. Biochemical and histological evaluations were performed to determine the damage caused by cigarette smoke. It was observed that there were structural and functional disturbances at the cellular and hormonal level in the smoking group. Biochemical evaluations showed that cellular damage was reduced in treatment groups. Histological examinations were revealed that the damage caused by cigarette smoke exposure was eliminated in treatment groups. As a result of our study, we think that oxidative damage and hormonal irregularity in the testes tissue caused by cigarette smoke exposure can be improved with α-tocopherol and N-nitro L-arginine methyl ester application.

Substance Abuse and Male Hypogonadism

Progressive deterioration of male reproductive function is occurring in Western countries. Environmental factors and unhealthy lifestyles have been implicated in the decline of testosterone levels and sperm production observed in the last fifty years. Among unhealthy lifestyles, substance and drug abuse is a recognized cause of possible alterations of steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis. Alcohol, opioids and anabolic-androgenic steroids are capable to reduce testosterone production in male interfering with testicular and/or hypothalamic-pituitary function. Other substances such as nicotine, cannabis, and amphetamines alter spermatogenesis inducing oxidative stress and subsequent apoptosis in testicular tissue. Substance and drug abuse is a potentially reversible cause of hypogonadism, defined as the failure of the testis to produce physiological concentrations of testosterone and/or a normal number of spermatozoa. The identification of the abuse is important because the withdrawal of substance intake can reverse the clinical syndrome. This review summarizes the most important clinical and experimental evidence on the effect of substance abuse on testosterone and sperm production.

Fertility hormones and vitamin E in active and passive adult male smokers in Calabar, Nigeria

Smoking is an extremely lethal act and is associated with many illnesses. Lately, major concerns that passive smokers face the same health risks as (if not higher than) active smokers have been raised. Some studies have shown that active smoking is associated with low serum levels of vitamins and testosterone. Are these facts also valid in passive smokers? This study investigated the levels of cotinine, testosterone, follicle stimulating (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), prolactin and vitamin E in male active smokers and compare these with male passive smokers. Serum levels of cotinine, testosterone, FSH, LH, prolactin and vitamin E were determined in 60 cigarette smokers, 60 passive smokers and 60 non-smokers recruited from Calabar metropolis. The hormones were assayed using ELISA and Vitamin E using high performance liquid chromatography. Socio-demographic and anthropometric indices were obtained and data analyzed using PAWstatistic 18. Cotinine levels were significantly (p<0.05) higher in active smokers than in passive smokers and controls. Vitamin E and testosterone were significantly lower in both active (p<0.05) and passive smokers (p<0.05) when compared to non-smokers. The FSH of the active smokers was significantly higher (p = 0.034) than that of the controls while the passive smokers had the highest LH values (p = 0.0001). However, there were no significant variations in the prolactin levels among the three groups. Both passive and active smoking depletes serum vitamins E and lowers testosterone levels. Lower serum vitamin E is pointer to increased oxidative stress which in conjunction with lower testosterone levels may lead to increased incidence of infertility in both active and passive male smokers.

Testosterone and testicular changes in F1 offspring of Wistar rats maternally exposed to nicotine during gestation

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to determine the effect of intrauterine exposure to nicotine in the first fourteen days of gestation on the testicular function of male Wistar rats.

METHODS

Pups of both control and nicotine-treated groups were selected and sacrificed on day 60 after birth. Birth weight, weight of reproductive organs, hormonal profile, and histopathology were determined in the first filial (F1) generation.

RESULTS

Significant decreases in birth weight and litter size were found in the pups treated with nicotine when compared with the animals in the control group. Significant decreases were also observed in the testicular weight of nicotine-treated rats, but not in epididymal weight, when compared to controls. Testosterone levels were significantly decreased, atrophy was observed in the genital epithelial cells, and distortions were noted in the testes of nicotine-treated F1 males.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that nicotine exposure during pregnancy may cause endocrine disruption, and thus produce deleterious effects on offspring reproductive function.

Smoke, alcohol and drug addiction and male fertility

In recent decades, the decline in human fertility has become increasingly more worrying: while therapeutic interventions might help, they are vexing for the couple and often burdened with high failure rates and costs. Prevention is the most successful approach to fertility disorders in males and females alike. We performed a literature review on three of the most common unhealthy habits - tobacco, alcohol and drug addiction - and their reported effects on male fertility. Tobacco smoking is remarkably common in most first-world countries; despite a progressive decline in the US, recent reports suggest a prevalence of more than 30% in subjects of reproductive age - a disturbing perspective, given the well-known ill-effects on reproductive and sexual function as well as general health. Alcohol consumption is often considered socially acceptable, but its negative effects on gonadal function have been consistently reported in the last 30 years. Several studies have reported a variety of negative effects on male fertility following drug abuse - a worrying phenomenon, as illicit drug consumption is on the rise, most notably in younger subjects. While evidence in these regards is still far from solid, mostly as a result of several confounding factors, it is safe to assume that cessation of tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption and recreational drug addiction might represent the best course of action for any couple trying to achieve pregnancy.

Chronic Water-Pipe Smoke Exposure Induces Injurious Effects to Reproductive System in Male Mice

There is a global increase in the popularity of water-pipe tobacco smoking including in Europe and North America. Nevertheless, little is known about the male reproductive effects of water-pipe smoke (WPS), especially after long-term exposure. Here, we assessed effects of WPS exposure (30 min/day) in male mice for 6 months. Control mice were exposed to air-only for the same period of time. Twenty-four hours after the last exposure, testicular histopathology, and markers of inflammation and oxidative stress, and the tyrosine-protein kinase vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR1) were assessed in testicular homogenates. Moreover, plasma testosterone, estradiol, and luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrations were also measured. Chronic WPS exposure induced a significant decrease of testosterone and estradiol, and a slight but significant increase of LH. Glutathione reductase, catalase, and ascorbic acid were significantly decreased following WPS exposure. Plasma concentration of leptin was significantly decreased by WPS exposure, whereas that of tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 6 was significantly increased. Histopathological analysis of the testes revealed the presence of a marked reduction in the diameter of the seminiferous tubules with reduced spermatogenesis. Transmission electron microscopy examination showed irregular thickening and wrinkling of the basement membranes with abnormal shapes and structures of the spermatozoa. VEGFR1 was overexpressed in the testis of the mice exposed to WPS and was not detected in the control. The urine concentration of cotinine, the predominant metabolite of nicotine, was significantly increased in the WPS-exposed group compared with the control group. We conclude that chronic exposure to WPS induces damaging effects to the reproductive system in male mice. If this can be confirmed in humans, it would be an additional concern to an already serious public health problem, especially with the increased use of WPS use all over the world, especially in young adults.

Comparative Evaluation of the Impact of Subacute Exposure of Smokeless Tobacco and Tobacco Smoke on Rat Testis

This study investigated the effects of 30-day exposure to tobacco smoke (TS), smokeless tobacco (ST), and nicotine on reproductive parameters and oxidative biomarkers in prepubertal and adult male rats. Sperm motility was reduced by 77.5 and 89.0% in TS and ST exposed prepubertal rats and 71.1 and 86.4% in adult rats, respectively. Sperm count was also reduced by 64.7 and 89.9% in prepubertal rats and 64.9 and 47.0% in adult rats, respectively. Nicotine decreased sperm motility (82.2%) and count (62.6%) in prepubertal rats but caused no effect in adult rats. There were no changes in sperm morphology; testosterone was decreased, while LH and FSH were increased in exposed rats, when compared with control. Malondialdehyde levels in testes of exposed rats were increased, and GSH, SOD, and catalase were altered. Results indicate that subacute exposure of tobacco products alters sperm characteristics in a rank order of ST > TS > nicotine, which may be linked to increase in oxidative stress in the testis.

The hazardous effects of tobacco smoking on male fertility

The substantial harmful effects of tobacco smoking on fertility and reproduction have become apparent but are not generally appreciated. Tobacco smoke contains more than 4000 kinds of constituents, including nicotine, tar, carbonic monoxide, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and heavy metals. Because of the complexity of tobacco smoke components, the toxicological mechanism is notably complicated. Most studies have reported reduced semen quality, reproductive hormone system dysfunction and impaired spermatogenesis, sperm maturation, and spermatozoa function in smokers compared with nonsmokers. Underlying these effects, elevated oxidative stress, DNA damage, and cell apoptosis may play important roles collaboratively in the overall effect of tobacco smoking on male fertility. In this review, we strive to focus on both the phenotype of and the molecular mechanism underlying these harmful effects, although current studies regarding the mechanism remain insufficient.

Harmful effects of nicotine

With the advent of nicotine replacement therapy, the consumption of the nicotine is on the rise. Nicotine is considered to be a safer alternative of tobacco. The IARC monograph has not included nicotine as a carcinogen. However there are various studies which show otherwise. We undertook this review to specifically evaluate the effects of nicotine on the various organ systems. A computer aided search of the Medline and PubMed database was done using a combination of the keywords. All the animal and human studies investigating only the role of nicotine were included. Nicotine poses several health hazards. There is an increased risk of cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal disorders. There is decreased immune response and it also poses ill impacts on the reproductive health. It affects the cell proliferation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, DNA mutation by various mechanisms which leads to cancer. It also affects the tumor proliferation and metastasis and causes resistance to chemo and radio therapeutic agents. The use of nicotine needs regulation. The sale of nicotine should be under supervision of trained medical personnel.

N (G)-nitro-L-arginine Methyl Ester Protects Against Hormonal Imbalances Associated with Nicotine Administration in Male Rats

Background:

The administration of nicotine is associated with altered hormonal imbalances and increased serum and testicular nitric oxide (NO) level.

Aim:

This study sought to investigate the effects of NO inhibition with N^G-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) on altered hormonal imbalance in adult male albinorats.

Materials and Methods:

Rats were administered with 0.5 mg/kg body weight (BW) and 1.0 mg/kg BW nicotine and were treated with L-NAME in the drinking water or drinking water alone for 30 days. Serum was analyzed for testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and prolactin using radioimmunoassay.

Results:

Nicotine administration significantly decreased (P < 0.05) testosterone in the low and high dose treated groups and FSH in the high dose treated group when compared with the control group. There was a significant increase (P < 0.05) in mean LH and prolactin level in the high dose treated group when compared with the control. Concomitant treatment with nicotine and L-NAME produced significant increases in testosterone and FSH, and a decrease in prolactin in 1.0 mg/kg BW. L-NAME alone did not lead to a significant increase in testosterone when compared with control.

Conclusion:

These data demonstrate that the suppressive effects of nicotine on testosterone level of the adult male rat can be prevented by NOS blockade with L-NAME. It appears that these beneficial effects are mediated primarily within the gonad; however, the involvement of the pituitary cannot be totally ruled out.

Effects of crude kerosene on testosterone levels, aggression and toxicity in rat

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Kerosene supplementation increases serum testosterone levels in rat.

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Increased testosterone levels were associated with increased aggression.

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Kerosene supplementation had varied effects on blood parameters, notably, increased WBC counts.

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Supplementation resulted in active/chronic gastritis in the stomach of our rat model.

The use of crude kerosene as a dietary supplement in boarding schools has been a common practice in east Africa and other countries for many years, with the belief of it reducing the sex drive (libido) at the pubertal stage. There is however no scientific basis for this belief. The present study aimed at using a rat animal model to investigate the effects of crude kerosene on serum testosterone levels, aggression and its possible toxic effects. Fifteen male albino rats of approximately similar age and average weights were put into three groups of five animals each; the control group (placebo), low kerosene dose (10 μl/day) group and high kerosene dose (300 μl/day) group. ELISA was used to determine the serum testosterone levels. During treatment, changes in aggression were observed and noted. Liver toxicity was determined using enzyme assays, total protein and albumin while renal toxicity was monitored using serum creatinine levels. A full hemogram was conducted to determine hematological effects. Various tissue biopsies were obtained and examined using histopathological techniques for evidence of toxicity. Contrary to the common belief, our findings showed an overall increase of serum testosterone levels of up to 66% in the low dose and 75% in the high dose groups, with an increasing trend by the end of the study. The high dose group showed significantly increased levels of white blood cells (WBC) (p = 0.036), red blood cells (RBC) (p = 0.025), hematocrit (HCT) (p = 0.03), red cell distribution width (p = 0.028) and platelets (p = 0.017). The histological results of the stomach indicated chronic gastritis.

Smoke-related DNA methylation changes in the etiology of human disease

Exposure to environmental and lifestyle factors, such as cigarette smoking, affect the epigenome and might mediate risk for diseases and cancers. We have performed a genome-wide DNA methylation study to determine the effect of smoke and snuff (smokeless tobacco) on DNA methylation. A total of 95 sites were differentially methylated [false discovery rate (FDR) q-values < 0.05] in smokers and a subset of the differentially methylated loci were also differentially expressed in smokers. We found no sites, neither any biological functions nor molecular processes enriched for smoke-less tobacco-related differential DNA methylation. This suggests that methylation changes are not caused by the basic components of the tobacco but from its burnt products. Instead, we see a clear enrichment (FDR q-value < 0.05) for genes, including CPOX, CDKN1A and PTK2, involved in response to arsenic-containing substance, which agrees with smoke containing small amounts of arsenic. A large number of biological functions and molecular processes with links to disease conditions are also enriched (FDR q-value < 0.05) for smoke-related DNA methylation changes. These include 'insulin receptor binding', and 'negative regulation of glucose import' which are associated with diabetes, 'positive regulation of interleukin-6-mediated signaling pathway', 'regulation of T-helper 2 cell differentiation', 'positive regulation of interleukin-13 production' which are associated with the immune system and 'sertoli cell fate commitment' which is important for male fertility. Since type 2 diabetes, repressed immune system and infertility have previously been associated with smoking, our results suggest that this might be mediated by DNA methylation changes.