scholarly journals Influence of prolonged flaxseed ( Linum usitatissimum ) consumption over epididymis and testicle histoarchitecture of Wistar rats

2017 ◽  
Vol 37 (6) ◽  
pp. 650-656 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lanna B.N.S. Corrêa ◽  
Ludmila F.M. de F. Cardozo ◽  
Ilma C. de A. Ribeiro ◽  
Gilson T. Boaventura ◽  
Maurício A. Chagas

ABSTRACT: Flaxseed is considered a functional food with several health benefits. However, because of its high phytoestrogen content, flaxseed influences hormone metabolism and affects the gonadal biomorphology. In this study, computerized histomorphometry was used to evaluate seminiferous and epididymal tubules, considering the different regions of the epididymis (head, body and tail) of rats subjected to a prolonged diet of flaxseed. Young adult male Wistar rats (n=20) were divided into 2 groups during their lactation period: Control Group (CG), fed casein-based meals and Flaxseed Group (FG), fed a 25% flaxseed meal. After 250 days of continuous ingestion, the animals were euthanized and a blood sample was collected. The testicles and epididymis were removed and fixed in buffered formalin solution. The samples were subjected to routine histological paraffin techniques and stained with hematoxilin and eosin. Immunostaining was performed using an antivimentin antibody for Sertoli cell identification. For morphometry, images of the slides were scanned and analyzed using Image J to determine the epithelial height, tubular and luminal diameter and tubular and luminal area. In the hormonal evaluation, FG had a higher serum concentration of estrogen (P=0.001), but no change was observed in the concentration of testosterone. The morphometric assay of seminiferous tubules and epididymal regions revealed no significant differences between the analyzed groups. Similarly, Sertoli cell quantification showed no significant differences in the FG (P=0.98). These results revealed that the continuous and prolonged intake of 25% flaxseed meals from gestation to 250 days of age, even with a significant increase in serum levels of estradiol, does not exert adverse effects on the testicular and epididymal structure or on the cells participating in the spermatogenesis of rats.

2015 ◽  
Vol 32 (03) ◽  
pp. 187-191 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Salami ◽  
J. Omirinde ◽  
M. Balogun ◽  
Y. Raji

Abstract Introduction: Fetal programming hypothesis presupposes that stimulus or insult acting during critical periods of uterine growth and development do alter tissue structure and function. In the present study changes in histomorphometric integrity of the testes and epididymis in adult F1 male rats maternally exposed to Ricinus communis oil (RCO) at different gestation periods were assessed. Materials and Methods: Therapeutic dose of RCO 950 mg/kg BW was administered to pregnant Wistar rats at gestation days GD 1-7, 7-14, 14-21 and 1-21 respectively. Testes and epididymis of adult male F1 offspring were then harvested for Histomorphometry assessment under Light microscope. Seminiferous tubular diameter (STD), seminiferous luminal diameter (SLD) and Seminiferous epithelial height (EH) of both peripheral and central seminiferous tubules were measured in the testes. Epididymal tubular diameter (ETD), epididymal luminal diameter (ELD) and epididymal epithelial height (EEH) were measured in epididymis. Results: Results were expressed as the mean ± SEM and significance taken at p<0.05. STD significantly (p<0.001) increased in F1 males from GD1-7, 7-14, 14-21 relative to control group. SEH significantly (p<0.001) decreased in F1 males from GD1-7,7-14 and 1-21. SLD increased significantly (p<0.001) in F1males from GD1-7, 7-14, 14-21 and 1-21. ETD significantly (p<0.01) increased in F1 males from GD1-7, 7-14, 14-21. EEH significantly (p<0.001) increased in F1 males from GD1-7 and GD7-14. ELD however increased significantly (p<0.001) only in F1 males from GD1-7. Conclusion: Maternal RCO exposure at different gestation periods impaired negatively histomorphometry of the testis and epididymis in male offspring.


2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lilian Ebele Chris-Ozoko ◽  
Onome Okpe ◽  
Wilson Josiah Iju ◽  
John Chukwuma Oyem

Cottonseed oil is an extract from the seeds of cotton plant, that is rich in protein, carbohydrate and fiber.          The objective of the research was to study the effect of cottonseed oil on the histology of the testis.          Materials and methods. Twelve adult male Wistar rats weighing 200 – 250g, were randomly sorted into four groups (I - IV), each containing three animals. Cottonseed oil was administered orally to the experimental animals by means of an orogastric tube. The rats in Group I (the control group) received standard rat pellet and oral normal saline ad libitum only. The animals in Groups II, III, and IV received 0.2 ml, 0.6 ml and 1.0 ml of cotton seed oil per body weight respectively. On the 21st day, the animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. The testes were excised and, then, fixed with appropriate fixatives for routine tissue processing.          Results. The results revealed an increase in the luminal diameter of seminiferous tubules, a decrease in the Leydig cell population, the disorientation of spermatogenic series and their detachment from the germinal epithelium.          Conclusions. The present study demonstrated that oral administration of cottonseed oil to male rats displayed a deleterious effect on their testis by disrupting spermatogenesis and the histological architecture of the testis.


2014 ◽  
Vol 31 (02) ◽  
pp. 075-081
Author(s):  
A. Akinlolu ◽  
O. Akinola ◽  
P. Khobe ◽  
K. Obasi ◽  
O. Dada

Abstract Introduction: AAzathioprine and Methotrexate are both used in the treatment of cancer; and are classified as cytotoxic drugs with reported adverse effects such as oxidative damage to the DNA/RNA, the testes and sperm cells. This study, therefore, tested the hypothesis that AAzathioprine and Methotrexate administrations impair the morphology and functions of the testes in adult male wistar rats. Methods: AAzathioprine (50-150mg per day) and Methotrexate (2.5mg per week) are used in the treatment of cancer in adult Man. We tested the hypothesis that AAzathioprine and Methotrexate impair the morphology and functions of testes in rats. Forty adult male wistar rats (150-230g) were employed in the study: Control Group I received physiological saline while Experimental Groups II - V received oral administrations of 5mg/kg/bodyweight of AAzathioprine per day, 15mg/kg/bodyweight of AAzathioprine per day, 8mg/kg/bodyweight of Methotrexate per week and 20mg/kg/bodyweight of Methotrexate per week respectively for 35 days. Results: Histological examinations of the testes of rats of Groups II - V showed dose-dependent morphological anomalies such as fewer collagen ibers of connective tissues, disrupted seminiferous tubules and scanty spermatozoa when compared to rats of Group I. Statistical analyses showed dose-dependent elevated levels (P≤0.05) of superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde in testes homogenates of rats of Groups II - V when compared to rats of Group I. This implied increased oxidative stress in rats of Groups II - V. Evaluations of Follicle Stimulating Hormone and Testosterone showed dose-dependent significantly elevated levels (P≤0.05) in rats of Groups II - V when compared to rats of Group I. Conclusions: Our findings are consistent with the stated hypothesis.


2021 ◽  
Vol In Press (In Press) ◽  
Author(s):  
Seyedeh Mahsa Poormoosavi ◽  
Behnam Ghorbanzadeh ◽  
Mohammad Amin Behmanesh ◽  
Kooshan Ghobadi ◽  
Reza Amirgholami

Background: Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressive drug broadly used to avoid rejection of tissue transplantation. Some studies suggest that tacrolimus has destructive effects on the male reproductive system due to activation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and inflammation. Objectives: The present study aimed at determining the toxic effects of tacrolimus on testis and evaluating the blocking effects of captopril and losartan on angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and angiotensin receptors, respectively, in rats. Methods: The present experimental study was conducted on 36 adult male Wistar rats (weighing 200 ± 20 g) randomly divided into six groups and treated based on the experimental design for 30 days. At the end of the intervention, the rats were anesthetized and their blood samples were obtained to measure the serum levels of testosterone and ACE2 enzyme. Also, both testes were removed for histopathological examinations after scarifying. Results: Tacrolimus decreased testosterone and ACE2 levels significantly. The ACE2 levels were lower in the groups treated with a combination of tacrolimus and losartan or captopril compared to the control group while testosterone level significantly increased in the groups receiving a combination of tacrolimus and captopril. The epithelial thickness of seminiferous tubules and the number of primary spermatocytes significantly decreased in the rats only receiving tacrolimus compared to the groups that received captopril and losartan, along with tacrolimus. Conclusions: According to the findings, the administration of captopril or losartan, along with tacrolimus, can decrease its testicular toxicity. Captopril and losartan act through blocking RAS but cannot improve ACE2 level; therefore, the recovery of testicle tissue might not be attributed to the ACE2 approach but to the anti-inflammatory effect.


2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 112-125
Author(s):  
A. Basiru

Safety evaluation of Waltheria indica Linn. root was carried out in Wistar rats. Twenty adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=5); A–D. Group A served as control group while groups B, C and D were administered with 200, 400 and 800 mg/Kg of crude ethanol extract of Waltheria indica Linn. root. After 28 days of administration, the rats were sacrificed and blood samples were collected and serum prepared. Haematological and biochemical parameters, as well as serum electrolyte were determined according to standard procedures. The 200 mg/Kg of Waltheria indica Linn. root caused the highest percentage increase in body weight. The kidney was also significantly increased at 400 mg/kg. The total WBC and lymphocytes counts were significantly increased at 400 mg/kg. The serum levels of ALT and chloride were significantly increased at 800 mg/kg. Waltheria indica Linn. root also caused hepatic necrosis and renal tubular degeneration in Wistar rats. Therefore, Waltheria indica Linn. root should be used with caution especially at higher dose despite its therapeutic potentials.


2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-55
Author(s):  
Astrid Amanda Pangalela ◽  
I Wayan Weta ◽  
Iin Indrayani Maker

ABSTRACT Non-alcoholic fatty liver can be triggered by used cooking oil consumption due to the formation of free radicals and the accumulation of fatty acids in the body. Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant that may be able to inhibit the pathogenesis of fatty liver. This study aims to determine the effect of astaxanthin in inhibiting fatty liver (steatosis) and levels of Gamma-Glutamyltransferase (GGT) in male Wistar rats given used cooking oil. An experimental study with Post-test Only Control Group Design was conducted on 36 male Wistar rats aged 3.5-4 months with an approximate bodyweight of 200-210 grams divided randomly into 2 groups. The control group was given 0.42 ml of used cooking oil + 0.5 ml of distilled water, and the treatment group was given 0.42 ml of used cooking oil + 0.2 mg of astaxanthin each day for 14 days. On day 15, blood tests and hepatic histopathology were performed to check  GGT serum levels and steatosis. The comparative test was conducted to compare the results of the control and treatment groups. The results showed that the mean steatosis and GGT levels in the treatment group were significantly lower than the control group. It can be concluded that giving astaxanthin can inhibit fatty liver (steatosis) and increase GGT serum levels in male Wistar rats given used cooking oil.   Keywords: Astaxanthin, Fatty liver, Gamma-glutamyltransferase, Used cooking oil


2013 ◽  
pp. 119-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. TANAKA ◽  
J. NAKANO ◽  
Y. HAMAUE ◽  
Y. SEKINO ◽  
J. SAKAMOTO ◽  
...  

Our aim was to investigate the influence of microgravity on the sensitivity of the skin to mechanical stimulation, epidermal thickness, peripheral nerve density in the upper dermis, and serum levels of a stress marker in a rat hindlimb suspension (HS) model. Thirty 8-week-old male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: HS, n=10; sham HS, n=10; control, n=10. The suspension system was attached to rat tails in both the HS and sham-HS groups, but the hindlimbs were suspended only in the HS group. The HS and sham-HS groups were treated for 4 weeks. In behavioral tests using von-Frey filaments (n=5 in each group), mechanical hypersensitivity developed in the HS and sham HS groups. Serum corticosterone levels increased significantly in the HS and sham HS groups compared to the control group, and no changes in epidermal thickness or peripheral nerve density were observed immediately after the removal of HS (n=5 in each group). These data indicated that the mechanical hypersensitivity observed in the HS group was not caused by microgravity or inactivity, but rather by restraint stress. We suggest that microgravity does not affect skin sensitivity and histology in these animals.


2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 67-73
Author(s):  
Aghaali Ghasemnian ◽  
Zeinab Iddehloei ◽  
Ahmad Rahmani ◽  
Mozhgan Usefpour

Background and aims: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of 2 months of endurance training (ET) along with ginger consumption on the serum levels of liver enzymes (ALT and AST), enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase, and malondialdehyde (MDA) in liver tissue in male Wistar rats. Material and Methods: 40 adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups according to the weight as follows: control (n=8), sham (n=8), ET (n=8), ginger (n=8), and ET + ginger (n=8). The training protocol was an ET program on a treadmill for two months (5 days a week). Besides standard water and food, in groups using the supplement, 100 mg of ginger solution per kg body weight of the rats was injected three days a week. Then, 48 hours after the last training session and after 8 hours of fasting, blood and tissue samples were collected over night and the serum levels of liver enzymes (ALT and AST), MDA level of the liver tissue, and activity of the liver superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured. One-way ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc test were used for data analysis. Results: The results showed that after 8 weeks, the activity of liver SOD in ET group (131.7±18.6, P=0.001) and ET + Ginger group (130.2±31.3, P=0.001) significantly increased in comparison with the control group (83.8±14.9). Moreover, liver MDA levels in the ET group (0.38±0.08, P=0.008) and ET + Ginger group (0.37±0.09, P=0.013) significantly increased in comparison with the control group (0.25.0±03). However, 8 weeks of ET coupled with ginger consumption had no effects on the serum levels of AST and ALT (P>0.05). Furthermore, ginger had no effect on MDA level and enzymatic activity of SOD (P>0.05). Conclusion: This study does not support the protective effects of ginger on the reduction of liver enzymes levels and improvement of the antioxidant status


Health Scope ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Seyed-Hosein Abtahi-Eivary ◽  
Ali Tajpoor ◽  
Ali Firoozi ◽  
Shahrzad Mehrzad ◽  
Mohammad Hosein Beheshti

Background: Noise pollution is a global problem causing changes in the secretion of various hormones and consequently affecting social well-being and quality of life in cities. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effect of noise pollution on the levels of testosterone, thyroid, and cortisol hormones in male rats. Methods: In this experimental study, a total of 70 male Wistar rats (200 - 250 g) were randomly assigned into one control and six experimental groups, with 10 rats in each group. Experimental groups were exposed to noise with different intensity (dB) and time (min) as follows: (I) 60 dB, 30 min; (II) 60 dB, 60 min; (III) 85 dB, 30 min; (IV) 85 dB, 60 min; (V) 110 dB, 30 min; (VI) 110 dB, 60 min; (VII) controls. Animals in the experimental groups were exposed to noise in an acoustic chamber designed for this purpose for 50 days. The Noise.exe software was used to generate noise, and the sound level meter (model TES 1358) was used to determine the accuracy of the intensity and frequency of sound. To determine plasma levels of the hormones, appropriate research and commercial kits were used, which were based on the ELISA method. To determine the concentration of hormones other than TSH, human assay kits were used. All statistical tests were performed in SPSS software version 21. Results: Serum levels of cortisol in the 110-dB (30 and 60 min), 65-dB (60 min), and 85-dB (60 min) groups were significantly higher than the control group (P ≤ 0.05). Also, cortisol levels in the 65-dB and 85-dB (30 minutes) groups were higher than the control group; however, the increase was not significant (P > 0.05). The levels of T4, T3, and TSH in the 60-dB and 85-dB groups were significantly lower than in the control group (P ≤ 0.05). The serum levels of T4, T3, and TSH hormones in the 110-dB group were insignificantly lower than the control group (P > 0.05). The serum level of testosterone in the 110-dB group was significantly lower than the control group (P ≤ 0.05). The mean serum levels of testosterone in the 65-dB and 85-dB groups were insignificantly lower than the control group (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Based on this study, exposure to noise pollution increased cortisol secretion and decreased T4, T3, TSH, and testosterone levels in rats. As this hormonal imbalance may create direct and indirect effects, studies and strategies are recommended to control the imbalance of hormones in the polluted environments.


2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 172-178
Author(s):  
J. O. Olukunle ◽  
E. S. Ajibola ◽  
K. T. Biobaku ◽  
B. S. Okediran ◽  
O. A. Akinkuotu

To investigate the effect of Lippia multiflora (Verbanaceae) on the reproductive activity of male Wistar rats, three groups (A,B and C) of rats were treated with 400, 800 and 1600 mg/kg/day of Lippia multiflora leaves extract respectively for 28 days while 5ml/kg of distilled water was given to the control group D. At the end of the experimental period, animals were sacrificed and sperm characteristics, histology of the testes and epididymis were assessed. Lippia multiflora leaf extract caused a significant reduction (P<0.05) in sperm motility, a statistically significant dose dependent reduction in the sperm count and a significant (P<0.05) dose dependent increase in morphological abnormalities of the spermatozoa of the treated rats. Histopathological evaluation of the testis and epididymis revealed varying degrees of degeneration and necrosis of the germinal epithelia cell of the seminiferous tubules, spermiostasis and complete epididymal aspermia. Lippia multiflora leaf extract has significant anti-spermatogenic effects on adult male Wistar rats which could impair reproductive activities in these rats


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