Application and Progress of Raman Spectroscopy in Male Reproductive System

Raman spectroscopy is a fast-developing, unmarked, non-invasive, non-destructive technique which allows for real-time scanning and sampling of biological samples in situ, reflecting the subtle biochemical composition alterations of tissues and cells through the variations of spectra. It has great potential to identify pathological tissue and provide intraoperative assistance in clinic. Raman spectroscopy has made many exciting achievements in the study of male reproductive system. In this review, we summarized literatures about the application and progress of Raman spectroscopy in male reproductive system from PubMed and Ovid databases, using MeSH terms associated to Raman spectroscopy, prostate, testis, seminal plasma and sperm. The existing challenges and development opportunities were also discussed and prospected.

METRONIDAZOLE INDUCES SIGNIFICANT PATHOLOGICAL ALTERATIONS IN THE MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM OF MICE

The present study was aimed to investigate the possible effects caused by the antibiotic, metronidazole, on the histology of the testis and the morphology of the sperms of mice. To achieve this, adult male albino Swiss Mice were orally administrated with 0.1 ml (100 mg\ kg ) of the commercially used metronidazole (Flagyl) for 60 consecutive days. The results showed significant decreases (p<0.05) in the mean weight of body and testis in the treated mice as compared to the distilled water-treated control group. The treatment also caused several histopathological changes in the testis which included necrosis, congestion, hemorrhage, edema, germ cell downfall and rupture in the seminiferous tubules. The tests of the sperm morphology revealed a number of deformations as a result of the treatment, such as the appearance of headless, bend, broken-tailed, hook-tailed, and two-headed sperms, as well as sperms with cytoplasmic droplets. We conclude that from these results that orally administered Metronidazole exerts negative effects on the male reproductive system of mice .

Bisphenol A and Its Analogues Deteriorate the Hormones Physiological Function of the Male Reproductive System: A Mini-Review

BPA is identified as an endocrine-disrupting chemical that deteriorates the physiological function of the hormones of the male reproductive system. Bisphenol F (BPF), bisphenol S (BPS), and bisphenol AF (BPAF) are actively explored as substitutes for BPA and are known as BPA analogues in most manufacturing industries. These analogues may demonstrate the same adverse effects as BPA on the male reproductive system; however, toxicological data explaining the male reproductive hormones’ physiological functions are still limited. Hence, this mini-review discusses the effects of BPA and its analogues on the physiological functions of hormones in the male reproductive system, focusing on the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad (HPG) axis, steroidogenesis, and spermatogenesis outcomes. The BPA analogues mainly show a similar negative effect on the hormones’ physiological functions, proven by alterations in the HPG axis and steroidogenesis via activation of the aromatase activity and reduction of spermatogenesis outcomes when compared to BPA in in vitro and in vivo studies. Human biomonitoring studies also provide significant adverse effects on the physiological functions of hormones in the male reproductive system. In conclusion, BPA and its analogues deteriorate the physiological functions of hormones in the male reproductive system as per in vitro , in vivo , and human biomonitoring studies.

Animal Toxicology Studies on the Male Reproductive Effects of 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-Dioxin: Data Analysis and Health Effects Evaluation

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is a well-known environmental poison that exist in the environment for many years. However, its effect on the male reproductive system has not been clearly stated. We conducted a meta-analysis of the effect of TCDD on the male reproductive system of rodents about TCDD. Results showed that that TCDD exposure reduced the testis weight (weighted mean difference [WMD]: −0.035, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.046 to −0.025), sperm count (WMD: −35, 95% CI: −42.980 to −27.019), and blood testosterone concentration (WMD: −0.171, 95% CI: −0.269 to −0.073). According to our research results, TCDD can cause damage to the male reproductive system of rodents through direct or indirect exposure. In order to further explore the potential hazards of TCDD to humans, more human-related research needs to be carried out.