scholarly journals Reproductive toxicity potentials of methanolic extract of Portulaca oleracea in male rats: An experimental study

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.

Biologia ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 69 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hana Ďúranová ◽  
Monika Martiniaková ◽  
Ivana Boboňová ◽  
Radoslav Omelka ◽  
Robert Stawarz ◽  
...  

AbstractCadmium (Cd) and diazinon (DZN) are known to be environmental risk factors for various bone diseases including osteoporosis. Selenium (Se), an essential constituent of many antioxidant enzymes, has in higher concentrations negative effects on the bone. The present study was aimed to investigate possible changes in femoral bone of adult male rats after their acute and subchronic exposures to Cd, DZN and Se. A total of 30 male Wistar rats were randomized into three experimental groups. The rats in the group A (4-months-old) were injected intraperitoneally with a mixture of 2 mg CdCl2 kg−1, 20 mg DZN kg−1 and 2 mg Na2SeO3 kg−1 body weight and killed 36 h after xenobiotics had been injected. In the group B, young males (1-month-old) were administered with a combination of 30 mg CdCl2 L−1, 40 mg DZN L−1 and 5 mg Na2SeO3 L−1 in their drinking water, for 90 days. Ten 4-months-old males without toxicant supplementation served as a control group (C). After treatment period, detailed histological analysis of femoral bone was performed in each group. Our results revealed apparent osteoporotic symptoms (resorption lacunae, osteoporotic fractures) in rats from groups A and B. Moreover, histomorphometrical evaluation showed reduced bone vascularization (constricted primary osteons’ vascular canals and Haversian canals) and weakness mechanical properties of bones (smaller size of the secondary osteons) in these rats in comparison with those of the control group. Our study demonstrates for the first time that acute and subchronic co-administrations to Cd, DZN and Se induce evident manifestation characteristics of osteoporosis in male rats.


Author(s):  
I. S. Esua ◽  
U. U. Uno ◽  
U. B. Ekaluo

Background and Aim: Tramadol is a potent analgesic effective in the treatment of mild to severe pains. However, the use of the drug can pose a threat to other organs and systems. Therefore, this study evaluated the effect of graded doses of tramadol on sperm profile of male albino rats. Materials and Methods: Eighteen male rats were divided into three groups (A, B and C) using completely randomized design (CRD) with six rats in each group. Rats in group A served as the control group and were given just food and water while groups B and C were given tramadol at 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight (BW) respectively, daily for the period of 65 days. The treatment was administered via oral gavage and at the end of the treatments, the rats were sacrificed. Immediately after sacrifice, a puncture was made in the epididymis with a sterile pin and examined for semen pH. The epididymes were processed for epididymal sperm motility, viability, count and sperm head abnormality. Results: There was no significant difference in the weight of testes and semen pH. Sperm viability, sperm motility, sperm count and weight of epididymes significantly reduced (p<0.05) in tramadol treated animals when compared with the control. Results also indicated statistically significant (p<0.05) increase in sperm head abnormalities in rats treated with tramadol when compared with the control. Conclusion: The results obtained from this study reveal that tramadol has negative effects on weight of epididymes, sperm count, sperm viability, sperm motility and sperm head abnormalities in male albino rat as mammalian models in a dose dependent manner.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Samir A. E. Bashandy ◽  
Hossam Ebaid ◽  
Jameel Al-Tamimi ◽  
Omar A.-H. Ahmed-Farid ◽  
Enayat A. Omara ◽  
...  

Melatonin (ML) is a potent antioxidant that reduces oxidative stress. This study was designed to examine the protective effect of melatonin on potassium dichromate- (PDC-) induced male reproductive toxicity. Forty rats were divided into five groups: the control group, rats administered PDC orally (10 mg/kg body weight) for eight weeks, rats administered ML intraperitoneally at doses of either 2.5 or 5 mg/kg followed by the administration of PDC, and rats administered 5 mg/kg ML only. The treatment of rats with PDC led to a decrease in the levels of plasma sex hormones, glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, carnitine, sperm count, and motility. Testicular malondialdehyde levels, nitric oxide concentrations, and abnormalities increased significantly in the PDC group. Melatonin administration to the PDC-treated rats reduced the increase of malondialdehyde and restored the activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase), glutathione, and sex hormone levels. Moreover, ML attenuated PDC-induced increase in levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha or interleukin-6. ML alleviated histopathological changes and an increase of p53-positive immune reaction due to PDC. Furthermore, ML inhibited PDC-induced decrease in the DNA content of spermatogenic cells. This study proposed that melatonin may be useful in mitigating oxidative stress-induced testicular damage due to potassium dichromate toxicity.


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 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hesam Parsa ◽  
Tayebeh Shiravand ◽  
Kamal Ranjbar ◽  
Alireza Komaki

Abstract Background: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most important causes of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Portulaca oleracea (P.oleracea) is a rich source of antioxidants, which reduces inflammation and oxidative stress in diabetic rats. Exercise training has also been shown to improve mental function and enhance learning and memory efficacy. Therefore, this study was designed to explore the potential combined effect of P. oleracea and exercise training on neurobehavioral dysfunction in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic male rats. Methods: For this purpose, 50 male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: 1) healthy control group (Con), 2) sedentary diabetic group (D), 3) diabetic rats treated with P. oleracea(D+Po), 4) diabetic rats treated with exercise training (D+Ex), and 5) diabetic rats treated with P.oleracea and exercise training (D+Po+Ex) simultaneously. Animals in the exercise groups were subjected to progressive swimming training for 12weeks. P.oleracea was mixed with standard pellet food for 12weeks. Neurobehavioral dysfunction was investigated by elevated plus-maze, shuttle box, open field, and novel object recognition tests.Results: Compared with the normal control group, rats in the sedentary diabetic group showed a more passive avoidance memory deficit and more anxiety, and less exploration. Due to exercise training and treatment with P. oleracea, the neurobehavioral deficit in the trained diabetic rats receiving P. oleracea reached the normal levels of those in the healthy group.Conclusion: These data demonstrated that diabetes causes significant neurobehavioral deficit. Nevertheless, swimming training and P. oleracea synergistically ameliorate and reverse the neurobehavioral deficit in STZ-induced diabetic male rats.


2016 ◽  
Vol 60 (3) ◽  
pp. 357-363 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esrafil Mansouri ◽  
Majid Asadi-Samani ◽  
Wesam Kooti ◽  
Maryam Ghasemiboroon ◽  
Damoon Ashtary-Larky ◽  
...  

AbstractIntroduction: The study aimed to investigate the anti-fertility effect of fennel (Foeniculim vulgare Mill) seed extract in male rats.Material and Methods: Forty Wistar rats were divided into five equal groups. The control group received distilled water and the experimental groups were orally administered 1 ml of hydro-alcoholic extract of fennel seed in four doses of 35, 70, 140, and 280 mg/kg/b.w. daily for 60 days. After the last gavage, the rats were anaesthetised and the caudal part of the right epididymis was used for sperm counting. After fixation of the testes, microscopic sections were prepared and histological changes were evaluated.Results: The number of spermatogonia after doses of 140 and 280 mg/kg and Sertoli cells after a dose of 140 mg/kg decreased significantly as compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The number of primary spermatocytes and sperm count decreased significantly in the experimental groups (70, 140, and 280 mg/kg) when compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, thickening of the basement membrane, cell apoptosis, and irregular arrangement of the germinal epithelium were observed in the experimental groups.Conclusion: Hydro-alcoholic fennel seed extract at these doses could reduce reproductivity and has anti-fertility activity in male rats.


Author(s):  
E. A. Uwagie-Ero ◽  
C. O. Nwaehujor

To examine the effects of Garcinia hydroxybiflavanonol-1 (GB1) isolated from seeds of Garcinia kola Heckel (Guttiferae) on reproductive toxicity induced with cadmium chloride (CdCl2) in male Wistar rats. Rats were randomly assigned to Groups 1 to 3 (n = 12) as follows; A: control, B: CdCl2 only group, C: CdCl2+GB1. Cadmium toxicity was induced by including 2.5 mg/kg of CdCl2 into the rats’ drinking water and GB1 was dissolved in 0.5 % Tween20 and administered per os daily for 90 days. Four (4) animals from each group was humanely euthanized every 30 days. The testes were exteriorized and sperm cells collected from the caudal epididymis for analysis and histology.The result showed accumulation of Cadmium (Cd) in the testes of Wistar rats and a significant decrease (p< 0.05) in sperm count and sperm motility in Group B compared to Groups A and C. There was also a significant increase (p< 0.05) in immotile sperm count, headless sperm count and sluggish sperm count in Group B. Histology results revealed that CdCl2 significantly reduced the volume of spermatozoa in the seminiferous tubules and resulted in reduced spermatogenesis observed, in reduced number of sperm counts and histology. Amelioration with GB1 restored the testicles to normal spermatogenic activities after 90 days of treatment.


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.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 01-06
Author(s):  
Godwin Chinedu Uloneme

Background: The plant, Corchorus olitorius is consumed by many tribes and cultures for both nutritional and therapeutic purposes. Purpose: The study was therefore designed to investigate, evaluate and unravel the possible effects of the plant extract on the sperm count and sperm motility. Method: A total number of thirty two adult Wistar rats weighing between 180 and 200 g separated into four groups labeled A,B,C and D respectively were used for the study. Animals in group A which served as the control group were fed with the normal rat chow and water only. The group B rats were administered 100mg/kg body weight of aqueous extract of Corchorus olitorius; while those in group C were administered 500mg/kg body weight of the extract. The group D rats received 1000mg/kg body weight of the extract. For a period of four weeks, the different experimental animal groups received the respective aforementioned treatments once daily, around nine- o’clock in the morning through oral intubation. At the end of the 28 day treatment, the rats were sacrificed and the testes and accompanying epididymis harvested for investigations using standard laboratory standards. Results: Surprisingly, semen analysis showed that group B, C and D rats had an improved and increased sperm motility rate over group (A). Again, there was a pronounced significant increase in the average sperm count of the rats treated with varying doses of Corchorus olitorius leaf extract over that of the control group, a development that appeared to be dose dependent.


2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
S.H. Roshankhah ◽  
M.R. Salahshoor ◽  
S. Aryanfar ◽  
F. Jalili ◽  
M. Sohrabil ◽  
...  

Opioids are the most potent and effective analgesics available and have become accepted as appropriate treatment for acute, cancer and non-cancer. Morphine, which is commonly used for the treatment of severe pain, gastrointestinal tract and kidneys. Curcumin petals consist of, glycosides, flavonoids, and anthocyanin. The study aims at evaluating curcumin effect and morphine on sperm parameters, testis tissue and serum testosterone level in rat. In this experimental study, 48 male rats with 28 weeks of age and limited weight of 270 to 300g were selected. They were divided into eight groups of 6, untreated control group; morphine – treated group (20 mg/kg/day); curcumin -treated groups (10, 30, 60 mg/kg/day); and morphine and curcumin treated group intraperitoneal administration for successive 28 days. After 24hours animals were killed. Sperm motility was measured using WHO protocols. The sperm parameter such as motility, sperm count, morphology, seminiferous tubules diameter, weight testis, and serum testosterone level were analyzed (oneway ANOVA). Curcumin (10, 30 and 60 mg/kg) significantly increased mean percentage of sperm motility, count, testis weight, and serum testosterone level compared to control group (p<0.05). Testosterone level decreased significantly in rats treated with morphine. Co-administration of curcumin to morphine-treated rats improved the histopathological alterations induced by morphine in testis and increased the sperm count. Curcumin has a very strong antioxidant effects at applied doses and it can probably be used as an antioxidant and food supplement in reproductive disorders.Journal of Medical and Biomedical Sciences (2017) 6(2), 1-10


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