scholarly journals Genipin improves reproductive health problems caused by circadian disruption in male mice

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yihua Xu ◽  
Li Wang ◽  
Siyuan Cao ◽  
Ruihua Hu ◽  
Rui Liu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Circadian rhythm disruption impacts a wide range of physiological processes, including fertility. However, the effect of circadian disruption on male spermatogenesis and fertility, and treatments for these effects have been largely unexplored at the molecular level. Methods In this study, we examined the effects of genipin on improving the reproductive health problems caused by circadian disruption. Three groups of animals were fed under different conditions: control group (normal T cycle with saline), group of shortened T cycles (Light/Dark = 4 hours/4 hours) with saline, and a group of shortened T cycles with genipin by oral gavage. The male fertility was evaluated by fertility study and pups parameters analysis after successful sexual behavior and mating with female mice. We sacrificed the treated animals after 5 or 10 weeks and collected the testis, sperm and serum for histological analysis, sperm motility assay, and serum hormone detection, respectively. Furthermore, the effect of genipin was assessed by detection of progesterone secretion and steroidogenic key proteins expression, including StAR and CYP11A1, in mouse Leydig tumor MLTC-1 cells. Results Male mice exposed to shortened light-dark cycles, much shorter than 24 hours, had reduced fertility with decreased sperm concentrations and sperm motility. Male mice under circadian disruption have reduced testis size and abnormal morphology, leading to lower fertility rates, reduced litter size and pup body weight. Treatment with exogenous genipin, a natural plant-derived compound, alleviated circadian disruption-induced damage to fertility and spermatogenesis and normalized testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and androstenedione (ASD) levels in the male mice. The levels of key proteins involved in steroidogenesis, StAR and CYP11A1, were reduced in mouse testes after the circadian disruption, but genipin treatment restored the reduction. The mRNA expression of SRD5A1, which encodes an androgen synthesis enzyme, was also upregulated by genipin treatment. Furthermore, genipin treatment showed a positive effect on steroidogenesis in MLTC-1 cells, resulting in an increase in hormone secretion and the upregulation of StAR and CYP11A1. Conclusions Our results showed an association between circadian disruption and reproductive health problems in male mice and indicated that treatments with genipin have positive effects on the reproductive health of male mice with circadian rhythm disorders.

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
N I Bektas ◽  
G Akcay ◽  
N Derin ◽  
D Adiguzel ◽  
C Celik-Ozenci

Abstract Study question Are molecular clock genes (MCGs) expressed rhythmically in mouse placenta, and whether maternal circadian rhythm disruption (MCRD) is associated with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) through disturbing rhythmic expression of MCGs? Summary answer Maternal circadian disruption causes impaired rhythmic expression of MCGs (Bmal1, Clock, Npas2, Per1, Per2, Per3, Cry1, and Cry2) and IUGR during placenta development in mice. What is known already The world economy is based on a 24/7 society and shift work or jet travel across time zones disrupts circadian rhythm in pregnant women. Evidence indicates that gestational chrono-disruption results in IUGR. Mature mouse and human placenta express MCGs. There is no information in the literature on whether the MCG expression in the placenta is rhythmic or not and whether the rhythmic expression of MCGs is impaired due to MCRD during pregnancy. Also, it is not known whether the association with MCRD and IUGR is related to MCGs. Study design, size, duration Young adult female BALB/c mice were paired with males until vaginal plug formation was verified. Females were randomly assigned to two groups: control and phase-advance. Controls remained on a constant 12-hr light:12-hr dark cycle, whereas phase-advanced mice were subjected to 6-hr advances in the LD cycle every 5 days. Placentae (n = 1329) and fetuses were obtained from 144 mice at Zeitgeber time (ZT)0, ZT6, ZT12, and ZT18 days 12, 14, and 16 of pregnancy. Participants/materials, setting, methods The following analysis was performed: (i) open field test was used for locomotor activity evaluations to confirm MCRD, (ii) placenta/fetus weight ratio for evaluation of IUGR development, (iii) morphometric evaluation of placental compartments utilizing H&E staining (iv) gene expression analysis of MCGs utilizing qRT-PCR. One-way and Two-way ANOVA test followed by Holm-Sidak posthoc test was used for multiple comparisons. Values are expressed as mean ± standard error, and values below p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Main results and the role of chance Expression of MCGs (Bmal1, Clock, Npas2, Per1, Per2, Per3, Cry1, and Cry2) was rhythmic in the early and mature placenta development stages (days 12, 14, 16). Locomotor activity tests reveal that the total distance covered on the 16th day of pregnancy significantly decreased compared to the control group (p = 0.000158). The ratio of the time spent in the outer/inner quadrant, an anxiety indicator, significantly increased in the MCRD group on the 14th (p = 0.0351) and 16th days of pregnancy (p = 0.000329). While the number of fetuses was similar in both groups for all gestational days (p = 0.896), in the MCRD group, the fetus/placenta weight ratio decreased significantly on the 12th and 16th days of pregnancy (p < 0.001). Thus, IUGR developed due to MCRD. Histomorphometry analysis of the placental compartments revealed a significant reduction in the spongiotrophoblast layer’s size on all days of pregnancy and the labyrinth layer on day 16 (p < 0.05). Finally, the rhythmic expression MCGs were impaired in placentas obtained from MCRD groups on days 12th, 14th, 6th of pregnancy (p < 0.001). In conclusion, we found a robust relationship with the disturbed MCGs expression and occurrence of IUGR during a chrono-disrupted gestation. Limitations, reasons for caution Since this study was conducted in mice, care should be taken when translating the results to humans. Wider implications of the findings: Our results in mice are important for initiating basic science knowledge regarding the outcomes of maternal chrono-disruption. Moreover, research in the placenta of gestational chrono-disrupted mothers, such as shift-workers, are urgently needed to translate our findings into the clinic. Trial registration number TUBITAK–119S121 and Akdeniz University Research Projects Unit TYL–2018–3960


2017 ◽  
Vol 62 (No. 5) ◽  
pp. 245-252 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Gungor ◽  
C. Ozturk ◽  
AD Omur

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of trehalose and cysteine on sperm motility, viability, mitochondrial activity and acrosome integrity during liquid storage of Merino ram semen. Ejaculates were collected using artificial vaginas from five Merino rams, microscopically evaluated and pooled at 37 °C. The pooled semen samples were diluted in a Tris-based extender, including cysteine (2 mM and 4 mM), trehalose (10 mM and 25 mM) and no antioxidant (control). Diluted semen samples were kept in tubes and cooled from 37 to 5 °C in a cold cabinet, and maintained at 5 °C. Cooled samples were evaluated for sperm motility, viability, mitochondrial activity and acrosome integrity at 0, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h. Extender supplemented with trehalose (10 and 25 mM) and cysteine (2 and 4 mM) led to higher motility in comparison to the control at 24, 48, 72 and 96 h of liquid storage (P < 0.05). Trehalose at the doses of 10 mM, 25 mM and 2 mM cysteine led to higher viability between 24–48–72 h and at 96 h of liquid storage (P < 0.05). Further, 4 mM of cysteine improved sperm viability rates at 24 and 48 h of storage compared to the control group (P < 0.05), and resulted in improved acrosome integrity rates compared to the control group at 72 and 96 h of storage (P < 0.05). Extender supplemented with 10 and 25 mM trehalose at 24 and 72 h and 4 mM cysteine at 24 and 96 h of storage led to higher sperm mitochondrial activity rates when compared to the control group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the findings of this study show that trehalose and cysteine provided significant protection to ram sperm parameters during liquid storage.


2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 777-783
Author(s):  
Marta Skowron ◽  
Jerzy Kociuga ◽  
Marcin Domzalski

BACKGROUND: There is a wide range of rehabilitation protocols after knee arthroscopic procedures, mainly based on specialist exercises. They comprise of specific stages and key moments but should also be individualized and adjusted to the patient’s needs. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the BodyFlow device impact on physical and psychological functioning of the subjects after knee arthroscopy. METHODS: Ninety three patients were randomly divided into the study and control group. Each study group subject performed mild electrostimulation using the BodyFlow device for three weeks, five times a day for 20 minutes along with the standard rehabilitation protocol. Control group subjects were treated according to the standard rehabilitation protocol after knee arthroscopy. Healthy and operated lower limb size, a range of the knee joint motion, and the flexor and extensor strength were measured 3, 6, and 9 weeks after arthroscopy. At each measurement, the SF-36 and KOOS surveys were collected. RESULTS: On study day 21, a positive, statistically significant, difference in the knee joint size, range of flection and extension, flexor and extensor strength as well as all KOOS survey subscales and physical functioning categories included in the SF-36 survey was observed. On study day 63, positive effects persisted and significant differences in other categories included in the SF-36 survey were observed. CONCLUSION: Application of mild electrostimulation using the BodyFlow device has a positive impact on the swelling in the knee joint region, range of motion, extensor and flexor strength as well as physical, psychological, and social functioning.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wushuang Huang ◽  
Xueqing Zheng ◽  
Mei Yang ◽  
Ruiqi Li ◽  
Yaling Song

AbstractCircadian rhythm is involved in the development and diseases of many tissues. However, as an essential environmental regulating factor, its effect on amelogenesis has not been fully elucidated. The present study aims to investigate the correlation between circadian rhythm and ameloblast differentiation and to explore the mechanism by which circadian genes regulate ameloblast differentiation. Circadian disruption models were constructed in mice for in vivo experiments. An ameloblast-lineage cell (ALC) line was used for in vitro studies. As essential molecules of the circadian system, Bmal1 and Per2 exhibited circadian expression in ALCs. Circadian disruption mice showed reduced amelogenin (AMELX) expression and enamel matrix secretion and downregulated expression of BMAL1, PER2, PPARγ, phosphorylated AKT1 and β-catenin, cytokeratin-14 and F-actin in ameloblasts. According to previous findings and our study, BMAL1 positively regulated PER2. Therefore, the present study focused on PER2-mediated ameloblast differentiation and enamel formation. Per2 knockdown decreased the expression of AMELX, PPARγ, phosphorylated AKT1 and β-catenin, promoted nuclear β-catenin accumulation, inhibited mineralization and altered the subcellular localization of E-cadherin in ALCs. Overexpression of PPARγ partially reversed the above results in Per2-knockdown ALCs. Furthermore, in in vivo experiments, the length of incisor eruption was significantly decreased in the circadian disturbance group compared to that in the control group, which was rescued by using a PPARγ agonist in circadian disturbance mice. In conclusion, through regulation of the PPARγ/AKT1/β-catenin signalling axis, PER2 played roles in amelogenin expression, cell junctions and arrangement, enamel matrix secretion and mineralization during ameloblast differentiation, which exert effects on enamel formation.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 223-232
Author(s):  
Putri Zelfitri Zen ◽  
Desmiwarti Desmiwarti ◽  
Sumaryati Syukur

Introduction : According to WHO, the prevalence of reproductive health problems in women has reached 33% from all types of diseases. One of the most frequent reproductive health problems is fluor albus. The incidence of candidiasis in pregnant women has doubly increased, especially at third trimester, compared to women who were not pregnant. Candida should be considered a dangerous pathogen in early pregnancy.Objective : This study compared the number of colonies before and after the administration of virgin coconut oil (VCO) to address vaginal discharge caused by C. albicans infection in pregnant women.Material and methods : This is an experimental study on 36 pregnant women. Examination of fluor albus is done by applying vaginal swab before and after administration of 1 tablespoon of VCO orally three times a day dan 5cc of VCO was applied on the vagina and vulva for intervention group, meanwhile the control group was not given anything. Statistical analysis to test the significance is done by using T-test.Results : There was a difference on average number of colonies with higher number of colonies prior to administration (137.17 ± 16.35 vs 122.17 ± 14.42). The average number of colonies at the first examination was 96.06 ± 8.85 colonies and increased at the second examination to 112.89 ± 12.49 colonies.Conclusion : There was an effect of VCO administration on decreasing the number of colonies in the intervention group (p=0.000), while in control group, there was increasing average number of colonies in the second examination (p=0.000).Keywords: Candida albicans, fluor albus, pregnant women, virgin coconut oil


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 20-31
Author(s):  
Yu. R. Khankevich ◽  
K. V. Sapozhnikov ◽  
D. V. Cherkashin ◽  
G. G. Kutelev ◽  
S. A. Parfenov ◽  
...  

During the course of the voyage, divers experience the effect of the wide range of adverse factors of operator labor and ship's habitability.The objective of the study is to estimate the state of cardiovascular system of operators of deep water technical means after using the complex of measures aimed at correction of function al state of operators during the course of the voyage.Materials and methods. The study was conducted with the participation of 38 operators of deep water technical means from among the crew of nuclear submarine engaged in operator labor activity. The study was performed twice: before the voyage and after return to base and included: cardiorhythmogram and psychophysiological study methodologies of functional state. Patients were divided into two groups: main (n = 13) and control (n = 25).Results and discussion. The control group shows sympathicotonia (reducing heart rate variability, intensity of respiratory arrhythmia). The main group, on the contrary, shows relative balance of regulatory systems. Thus, the conducted assessment of the state of cardiovascular system showed positive effects of using the complex of measures aimed at correction of functional state of operators during the course of the voyage.


Author(s):  
Qing Li ◽  
Bo Wang ◽  
Hong-Yi Qiu ◽  
Xiu-Juan Yan ◽  
Li Cheng ◽  
...  

BackgroundEvidence suggests that circadian rhythm disorder is associated with a variety of gastrointestinal diseases, and the circadian rhythm plays a key role in maintaining the homeostasis of intestinal flora. The underlying mechanisms are still not completely identified. This study was aimed to explore whether jet lag-caused circadian disruption influences gut microbiome and its metabolites.MethodsMice were synchronized with 12-h light/dark cycles (control group) or subjected to daily 8-h advance of the light/dark cycle for every 3 days (jet-lagged group). Four months later, fecal samples and jejunal contents were collected and analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. In addition, fecal samples were subjected to metabolome analysis with ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS).ResultsThe results of 16s rRNA sequencing showed that chronic jet lag led to decreased microbial abundance, richness, and diversity in both feces and jejunal contents. ANOSIM analysis revealed significant difference between control and jet-lagged groups. As the colonic microbiome, the abundance of Bacteroidetes phylum was significantly decreased and that of Actinobacteria phylum was increased in jet-lagged mice. Jet lag increased the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes, an indicator for the imbalance of gut microbiota. Metabolome analysis of fecal samples showed that the levels of tryptophan and its derivatives were decreased in jet-lagged mice. In addition, fecal levels of secondary bile acids changed under jet lag conditions. Correlation analysis identified associations between tryptophan (and its derivatives) levels and colonic microbiota.ConclusionsThis study presents a comprehensive landscape of gut microbiota and its metabolites in mice subjected to chronic jet lag. The results suggest that circadian disruption may lead to changes in fecal and jejunal microbiota and fecal metabolites. Moreover, our results demonstrate a novel interplay between the gut microbiome and metabolome.


2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ghulam Nabi ◽  
Muhammad Amin ◽  
Tabinda Rauf ◽  
Khwaja Muhammad Khan ◽  
Ayaz Ali Khan

The demand for potent and new pesticides increases day by day because of pest resistant and more food production. The objective of this study was to find out the effects of chronic pesticides exposure on the reproductive health of poor and reckless farmers.A 5 mL blood was drawn from 80 men (40 farmers, 40 controls) and was analyze for serum total testosterone using Biocheck (USA) kit. A detail questionnaire was designed about socio-demographic, occupational activities and clinical characteristics.In farmer group the Mean±SEM of total serum testosterone was 546±10 ng/dl and in control was 664±17 ng/dl. Total serum testosterone was significantly lowered (P< 0.0001) in farmers at 95% confidence interval as compared to control group. Reproductive health problems like infertility, erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory problems, decreased libido, absent morning and nocturnal erection and general health problems like asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, Parkinson and diabetes mellitus were more common in farmers.Pesticides negatively affect the physiology of endocrine system. It reduces the serum total testosterone concentration in farmers significantly.This low testosterone produces negative effects on the reproductive as well as general health.


2020 ◽  
Vol 63 (4) ◽  
pp. 1018-1032
Author(s):  
Chia-Hsin Wu ◽  
Roger W. Chan

Purpose Semi-occluded vocal tract (SOVT) exercises with tubes or straws have been widely used for a variety of voice disorders. Yet, the effects of longer periods of SOVT exercises (lasting for weeks) on the aging voice are not well understood. This study investigated the effects of a 6-week straw phonation in water (SPW) exercise program. Method Thirty-seven elderly subjects with self-perceived voice problems were assigned into two groups: (a) SPW exercises with six weekly sessions and home practice (experimental group) and (b) vocal hygiene education (control group). Before and after intervention (2 weeks after the completion of the exercise program), acoustic analysis, auditory–perceptual evaluation, and self-assessment of vocal impairment were conducted. Results Analysis of covariance revealed significant differences between the two groups in smoothed cepstral peak prominence measures, harmonics-to-noise ratio, the auditory–perceptual parameter of breathiness, and Voice Handicap Index-10 scores postintervention. No significant differences between the two groups were found for other measures. Conclusions Our results supported the positive effects of SOVT exercises for the aging voice, with a 6-week SPW exercise program being a clinical option. Future studies should involve long-term follow-up and additional outcome measures to better understand the efficacy of SOVT exercises, particularly SPW exercises, for the aging voice.


2010 ◽  
Vol 69 (3) ◽  
pp. 131-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Félix Neto

This study investigated mental health problems and their predictors among adolescents from returned immigrant families. The sample consisted of 360 returned adolescents (mean age = 16.8 years; SD = 1.9). The mean duration of a sojourn in Portugal for the sample was 8.2 years (SD = 4.5). A control group of 217 Portuguese youths were also included in the study. Adolescents from immigrant families reported mental health levels similar to those of Portuguese adolescents who have never migrated. Girls showed more mental health problems than boys. Younger adolescents showed fewer mental health problems than older adolescents. Adaptation variables contributed to mental health outcomes even after acculturation variables were accounted for. Implications of the study for counselors are discussed.


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