Aflatoxin B1-Induced Reproductive Toxicity in Male Rats

2014 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 155-161 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ch. Supriya ◽  
B. P. Girish ◽  
P. Sreenivasula Reddy

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), one of the most common mycotoxins found in human foods, is principally hepatotoxic; however, it also affects reproduction. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the reproductive toxic effects and possible mechanism of action of AFB1 in rats. Male Wistar rats were injected intramuscularly with doses of 10, 20, or 50 µg AFB1/kg body weight on alternate days from 45 to 100 days of age. Significant reductions in body weights, relative weights of reproductive organs, daily sperm production, epididymal sperm count, viable sperm, motile sperm, and hypoosmotic swelling-tail coiled sperm were observed. Significant decreases in testicular steroidogenic enzymes and serum testosterone levels were also observed indicating decreased steroidogenesis. In silico docking studies illustrated AFB1 binds with steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein thereby affecting the transport of cholesterol into mitochondria resulting in decreased steroidogenesis.

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 2308-2315
Author(s):  
Rachid Mosbah ◽  
Aziez Chettoum ◽  
Alberto Mantovani

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) are a class of molecules used in treating depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. Paroxetine (PRT) is one of the most prescribed antidepressants, which has attracted great attention regarding its side effects in recent years.  This study was planned to assess the adverse effects of paroxetine on the biochemical parameters and reproductive system. Fourteen male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into two groups (7 rats for each): control and treated with paroxetine at a dose of 5mg/kg.bw for two weeks. At the end of the experiment, blood was collected from the retro-orbital plexus for measuring the biochemical parameters, whereas the reproductive organs were removed for measuring semen quality and the histological investigations. Results showed that paroxetine induced significant changes in some biochemical parameters and alteration of semen quality, including sperm count, spermatids number and sperm viability, motility and abnormalities. The histopathological examinations of testis and epididymis revealed an alteration of spermatogenesis, cellular disorganization and vacuolization, enlargement of interstitial space, shrinkage and degenerative changes in the epithelium of seminiferous and epididymal tubules with few to nil numbers of spermatozoa in their lumen. In conclusion, paroxetine treatment caused changes in some biochemical parameters and sperm profiles as well as histopathologic effects of reproductive organs.


2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Antoine K. Sanda ◽  
Emmanuel Aneng ◽  
Mariama Mbouh ◽  
Faustin P. T. Manfo ◽  
Stanley N. Ngimgoh ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Natural products such as extracts of plants have been seen as a possible alternative to conventional therapies in the treatment and management of male infertility. This study aimed at investigating the testicular antioxidant and testosterone enhancing ability of the hydro-alcoholic extract of Rauvolfia vomitoria in male rats. Methods: Twenty-four male rats were divided into four groups of 6 rats each, treated daily with either vehicle (distilled water; 5 mL/kg) or hydro-ethanolic extract of R. vomitoria (20 mg/kg, 40 mg/kg, and 100mg/kg) for 60 days, and body weights recorded once every three days. At the end of the treatment, each animal was sacrificed, and reproductive organs were dissected out and weighed. Serum from capillary blood was used for testosterone quantification, while testicular homogenates were used for the estimation of antioxidant biomarkers. Results: Treatment with R. vomitoria extract did not alter the animal’s body weight. Instead, the extract at the dose of 40 mg/kg significantly increased (P< 0.05) the weights of all reproductive organs investigated. The plant extract also increased serum testosterone concentrations significantly (P< 0.05), with the highest effect observed in the animals treated with a dose of 40 mg/kg. Testicular antioxidant markers, thiobarbituric acid substances, glutathione, and catalase were equally improved (P< 0.05) by treatment with the plant extract at the dose of 40 mg/kg. Conclusion: Hydro-ethanolic extract of R. vomitoria portrayed beneficial pharmacological properties on reproductive organs, testicular antioxidants, and testosterone concentrations in male rats. These pharmacological activities support the traditional use of the plant in the management of male fertility disorders.


2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 78-90
Author(s):  
Heba M. Abdou ◽  
Eman H. Hassan ◽  
Rania Gaber Aly

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is one of the most common food additives extensively used as a flavor enhancer. MSG induced lipid peroxidation and inflammation. The present study aimed to assess the neurotoxicity, testicular impairment, inflammation and apoptosis induced by MSG. Thirty adult male Wistar rats, weighing about 180-200 g were assigned equally into five groups, each consists of six rats. Animals of Group I are controls and they received distilled water, whereas animals of Groups II, III, IV and V were given oral daily doses of MSG 0.8, 1, 2 and 3 g/kg body weight, respectively for consecutive 70 days. Administration of different doses of MSG revealed a significant elevation in the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), β amyloid 1-42, proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α), cholesterol and sperm abnormality while it showed reduction in the level of GSH and SOD, CAT and GST antioxidant enzymes activities, sperm count and sperm motility. MSG led to disruption in neurotransmitter levels; serotonin, norepinephrine, glutamate and GABA, also disorders in sexual hormones; testosterone, FSH and LH. The present results were confirmed by histological and immunohistochemical observations that obviously designate the neurodegeneration and reproductive toxicity. In conclusion, administration of low and high doses of MSG provoke deleterious effects on oxidant/ antioxidant markers, neurotransmitters, inflammatory cytokines, sexual hormones, brain and testes structures. Prominence hazards of lasting exposure to low and high doses of MSG on neuronal and testicular health. Therefore, its use should be restricted.


Author(s):  
Izuchukwu Azuka Okafor ◽  
Uchenna Somtochukwu Nnamah ◽  
Selasie Ahiatrogah ◽  
Dorcas Serwaa ◽  
Jude Nnaka

Background: Purslane is an edible widely distributed shrub and one of the herbs used in decoctions for the treatment of different ailments including infertility. However, there is a shortage of evidence to validate its reproductive effects. Objective: To investigate the effect of methanolic extract of Portulaca oleracea (MEPO) on the reproductive system of male rats. Materials and Methods: Fifteen 10-wk old male Wistar rats with an average weight of 183 gr were randomly divided into three groups (n = 5/each). Group A (the control group) received distilled water only; group B received 400 mg/kg MEPO; and group C received 800 mg/kg MEPO for 14 days. The animals fasted overnight after the 14th day of administration and euthanized by cervical dislocation. Blood samples, sperm, testes, and epididymis were collected for serum hormones, sperm, and histological analyses. Results: There was no significant change in the serum luteinizing hormone and testosterone levels across all groups when compared to the control. However, group C showed a significant increase (p = 0.020) in follicle-stimulating hormone levels when compared to the control. There was a significant reduction (p = 0.006) in the sperm count in group C when compared with the control group. There was also a significantly reduced (p = 0.003) sperm motility in MEPO-treated groups compared to the control. While the testis showed no abnormalities in its histoarchitecture across groups, the epididymis showed some blood congestion in MEPO-treated groups. Conclusion: Portulaca oleracea showed the ability to reduce sperm count and motility at higher doses. Key words: Portulaca oleracea, Purslane, Testis, Epididymis, Rat, Sperm motility.


Author(s):  
Mehran Dorostghoal ◽  
Seyyed Mansour Seyyednejad ◽  
Marzieh Noroozi Tabrizi Nejad

Background: During recent years, increasing concern has been raised about the declining sperm count and human male infertility. Cichorium intybus L. (C. intybus) has traditionally been used in Iranian folk medicine as hepato protective and blood purifier and for its presumed fertility-enhancing properties. Objective: A dose-response study was performed to determine the effect ofC. intybus ethanolic leave extract on the reproductive parameters in adult Wistar male rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 40 healthy adult male Wistar rats (8 wk old, 200-210 gr body weight) were randomly divided (n = 10/each) as control and groups treated with 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg/day of C. intybus extract via gavage for 70 days. Serum hormonal assay, epididymal sperm evaluation, and analysis of morphometrical parameters, antioxidant enzymes, and lipid peroxidation levels of testis were done in each experimental group. Results: Weights of testis and epididymis increase significantly in male rats treated with 200 mg/kg C. intybus extract. Sperm density and percent of morphologically normal sperm were significantly increased in a dose-related manner with C. intybus treatment. Serum testosterone was higher at 100 and 200 mg/kg C. intybus extract-treated groups. C. intybus significantly reduced malondialdehyde levels and also increased superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity in testicular tissue of rats. Conclusion: It is concluded that C. intybus leave extract improves reproductive parameters in male rats which might be a consequence of both its antioxidant and androgenic properties.


Author(s):  
Asmaa ELnamaky ◽  
Amal Halawa ◽  
Mamdouh Abouelmaged

he present work was designed to investigate the reproductive toxicity induced by oral administration of chlorpyrifos (CPF), cypermethrin (CYP) and their combination in adult male albino rats. Forty mature male albino rats were separated into four groups (10 each), the first group was used as control, while second, third and fourth groups received orally 1/20 LD50 of CPF (10 mg/kg b.wt), 1/20 LD50 of CYP (17.22 mg/kg b.wt) and 1/40 LD50 of CPF plus 1/40 LD50 of CYP (5 mg/kg b.wt CPF plus 8.61 mg/kg b.wt CYP) respectively for 26 days. The results revealed that exposure to CPF and/or CYP induced a significant decrease in the reproductive organs weight. Moreover, a significant decrease in spermatic picture (sperm cell concentration and viability) was observed with high percent of sperm abnormalities. Serum levels of testosterone and pituitary gonadotropins (FSH and LH) have been declined significantly in all treated groups. Significant elevations were observed in malondialdehyde and nitric oxide concentrations, while antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and glutathione-S-transferase activities were decreased significantly as a result of induced oxidative stress. A significant drop in prostatic acid phosphatase activity was observed. Additionally, the results showed some histopathological alterations in the reproductive organs as well as neurological lesions in brain and pituitary glands. In conclusion, CPF and CYP induce deleterious effects on reproductive efficiency of male rats which reflect more obvious impacts when both combined


2020 ◽  
Vol 26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdulqader Fadhil Abed ◽  
Yazun Bashir Jarrar ◽  
Hamzeh J Al-Ameer ◽  
Wajdy Al-Awaida ◽  
Su-Jun Lee

Background: Oxandrolone is a synthetic testosterone analogue that is widely used among bodybuilders and athletes. However, oxandrolone causes male infertility. Recently, it was found that metformin reduces the risk of infertility associated with diabetes mellitus. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of metformin against oxandrolone-induced infertility in male rats. Methods: Rats continuously received one of four treatments (n=7) over 14 days: control DMSO administration, oxandrolone administration, metformin administration, or co-administration of oxandrolone and metformin. Doses were equivalent to those used for human treatment. Subsequently, testicular and blood samples were collected for morphological, biochemical, and histological examination. In addition, gene expression of the testosterone synthesizing enzyme CYP11A1 was analyzed in the testes using RT-PCR. Results: Oxandrolone administration induced male infertility by significantly reducing relative weights of testes by 48%, sperm count by 82%, and serum testosterone levels by 96% (ANOVA, P value < 0.05). In addition, histological examination determined that oxandrolone caused spermatogenic arrest which was associated with 2-fold downregulation of testicular CYP11A1 gene expression. However, co-administration of metformin with oxandrolone significantly ameliorated toxicological alterations induced by oxandrolone exposure (ANOVA, P value < 0.05). Conclusion: Metformin administration protected against oxandrolone-induced infertility in male rats. Further clinical studies are needed to confirm the protective effect of metformin against oxandrolone-induced infertility among athletes.


2004 ◽  
Vol 23 (8) ◽  
pp. 399-403 ◽  
Author(s):  
Niraj Pant ◽  
R C Murthy ◽  
S P Srivastava

The effect of chronic oral exposure to arsenic on male mouse testicular and accessory sex organ weights, sperm parameters and testicular marker enzymes was studied. In addition, the distribution of arsenic in reproductive organs was measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Sodium arsenite administered to mice (Mus musculus) via drinking water at a dose of 53.39 βmol/L (4 ppm As) for 365 days caused a decrease in the absolute and relative testicular weight. However, epididymal and accessory sex organ weight was similar to control. The activities of marker testicular enzymes such as sorbitol dehydrogenase, acid phosphatase and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD) were significantly decreased, but those of lactate dehydrogenase and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT) were significantly increased. A decrease in sperm count and sperm motility, along with an increase in abnormal sperm, was observed in arsenite-exposed mice. A significant accumulation of arsenic in testes, epididymis, seminal vesicle and prostate gland was observed in treated animals. Thus long term exposure (365 days) at the dose level of 53.39 μmol/L sodium arsenite (4 ppm As), to which human beings are likely to be exposed via drinking water, may cause testicular and spermatotoxic effect.


1995 ◽  
Vol 14 (11) ◽  
pp. 889-894 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Pant ◽  
AK Prasad ◽  
SC Srivastava ◽  
R. Shankar ◽  
SP Srivastava

1 Carbofuran was administered orally to adult male rats at dose levels of 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 or 0.8 mg kg -1 body weight, 5 d wk-1 for 60 days. A dose dependent decrease was observed in body weight of rats treated with 0.2-0.8 mg carbofuran kg -1 body weight 2 A significant decrease in the weight of epididymides, seminal vesicles, ventral prostate and coagulating glands was observed at various test doses of carbofuran except at the lowest dose. 3 Decreased sperm motility, reduced epididymal sperm count along with increased morphological abnormali ties in head, neck and tail regions of spermatozoa were observed in rats exposed to 0.2, 0.4, or 0.8 mg carbo furan kg-1 body weight. 4 In addition, significant alterations were observed in the activities of marker testicular enzymes viz. sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH), glucose-6-P-dehydrogenase (G6PDH) (decreased), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT) (increased) depending on dose. 5 Histologically, the results indicated the toxicity of carbo furan on testes depending on dose. The changes pre dominantly consisted of moderate oedema, congestion, damage to Sertoli cells and germ cells, along with the accumulation of cellular debris and presence of giant cells in the lumen of a few seminiferous tubules which showed disturbed spermatogenesis with the higher doses of carbofuran. 6 These observations determined a no effect level dose of 0.1 mg kg-1 body weight of carbofuran on the biochemi cal and morphological indices studied for male repro ductive toxicity assessment in the rat model. The results of the present study provide first hand information on the reproductive toxicity of carbofuran in male rats.


Author(s):  
Narges Yousefalizadegan ◽  
Zahra Mousavi ◽  
Tayebeh Rastegar ◽  
Yasaman Razavi ◽  
Parvaneh Najafizadeh

Background: Manganese Dioxide (MnO2) has long been used in industry, and its application has recently been increasing in the form of nanoparticle. Objective: The present study was an attempt to assess the effects of MnO2 nanoparticles on spermatogenesis in male rats. Materials and Methods: Micro- and nanoparticles of MnO2 were injected (100 mg/kg) subcutaneously to male Wistar rats (150 ± 20 gr) once a week for a period of 4 weeks, and the vehicle group received only normal saline (each group included 8 rats). The effect of these particles on the bodyweight, number of sperms, spermatogonia, spermatocytes, diameter of seminiferous tubes, testosterone, estrogen, follicle stimulating factor, and the motility of sperms were evaluated and then compared among the control and vehicle groups as the criteria for spermatogenesis. Results: The results showed that a chronic injection of MnO2 nanoparticles caused a significant decrease in the number of sperms, spermatogonia, spermatocytes, diameter of seminiferous tubes (p < 0.001) and in the motility of sperms. However, no significant difference was observed in the weight of prostate, epididymis, left testicle, estradiol (p = 0.8) and testosterone hormone (p = 0.2). Conclusion: It seems that the high oxidative power of both particles was the main reason for the disturbances in the function of the testis. It is also concluded that these particles may have a potential reproductive toxicity in adult male rats. Further studies are thus needed to determine its mechanism of action upon spermatogenesis.


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