scholarly journals Signs of ROS-Associated Autophagy in Testis and Sperm in a Rat Model of Varicocele

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Niloofar Sadeghi ◽  
Naeem Erfani-Majd ◽  
Marziyeh Tavalaee ◽  
Mohammad R. Tabandeh ◽  
Joël R. Drevet ◽  
...  

Since autophagy was suspected to occur in the pathological situation of varicocele (VCL), we have attempted to confirm it here using a surgical model of varicocele-induced rats. Thirty Wistar rats were divided into three groups (varicocele/sham/control) and analyzed two months after the induction of varicocele. Testicular tissue sections and epididymal mature sperm were then monitored for classic features of varicocele, including disturbance of spermatogenesis, impaired testicular carbohydrate and lipid homeostasis, decreased sperm count, increased sperm nuclear immaturity and DNA damage, oxidative stress, and lipid peroxidation. At the same time, we evaluated the Atg7 protein content and LC3-II/LC3-1 protein ratio in testis and mature sperm cells, two typical markers of early and late cellular autophagy, respectively. We report here that testis and mature sperm show higher signs of autophagy in the varicocele group than in the control and sham groups, probably to try to mitigate the consequences of VCL on the testis and germ cells.

1938 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 186-196
Author(s):  
S. S. MUNRO

1. Mature sperm in the isolated ductus deferens of the fowl retain the capacity for movement in physiological saline for an average period of 26 or 28 days and a maximum of slightly more than 30 days, irrespective of the presence or absence of functional testicular tissue. Considering that sperm lose fertilizing ability before motility, this time accords closely with the reported survival of fertility in the hen after segregation from the cock. 2. While thus showing that testis hormone is not directly concerned with the maintenance of sperm life in the excurrent reproductive ducts of the fowl and suggesting that its positive effect in mammals is likewise indirect, it does not preclude the possibility that its action is expressed indirectly only through the epididymis. 3. The fact that the epididymis in the fowl is rather a vestigial organ and does not act as a storehouse for sperm makes it clear that in any case a physiologically controlled sperm-preserving mechanism plays no important role in the economy of reproduction in the fowl. 4. It is suggested that the nature of the demands made upon the supply of sperm in ducts of the males, as a consequence of the evolution of the sexual cycle in their respective females, satisfactorily accounts for the wide divergence in degree of epididymal development between Aves and Mammalia. Such demands, if in fact responsible for the divergence, have probably conferred advantages on well-equipped males and have most likely been produced through the agency of natural selection.


2002 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. 382-388 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antti Sukura ◽  
Raili Mäkipää ◽  
Matti Vierula ◽  
Heriberto Rodriguez-Martinez ◽  
Pernilla Sundbäck ◽  
...  

A new infertility syndrome has recently been described in Finnish Yorkshire boars. Typical for the syndrome is total akinesia and severe tail malformation of the spermatozoa. Morphometric analysis was performed on semen smears from 20 affected and 18 control boars and on testicular tissue sections from 5 affected and 4 control boars. Semen morphometry revealed that, in affected boars, the length of the sperm tails was only 33% of that of the controls (15.4 μm vs. 47.0 μm, P < 0.0001). Typical for the spermatozoa of affected boars was also an abundant frequency of proximal cytoplasmic droplets (72.4% vs. 6.9%, P < 0.0001), whereas no major sperm-head abnormalities were recorded. In the testicular tissue samples, viewed at light microscopic level, the volume densities of seminiferous tubules or interstitium did not differ. The most characteristic change in the seminiferous epithelium of the affected boars was a reduced number of elongated spermatids. Densities of Sertoli cells and Leydig cells between affected and control boars did not differ. The ultrastructure of testicular tissue from affected boars showed severe alterations in the assembly of the midpiece and tail of the spermatozoa. As well, a typical finding in the seminiferous epithelium of affected boars was conspicuous deposition of lipid droplets. The pathogenesis of this syndrome severely affects spermiogenesis and motility. Spermatozoa have malformed, short tails, which never become motile. This syndrome is not manifested in the structure or function of other ciliated cells in the affected animals.


2021 ◽  
pp. 68-73
Author(s):  
V.A. Dihtiar ◽  
◽  
D.H. Vernihora ◽  

A literature review on the subject of varicocele in children which include historical data and question about: etiopathogenesis, epidemiology, diagnostics, treatment and long-term outcomes. The diagnostic method of varicocele unchanged until the XX century and consisted of visual examination and palpation with or without Valsava maneuver. But after entering in diagnostic protocol contrast venography, thermography of testis and ultrasound examination, this protocol have significant changes. For a long time, phlebography has been considered the «gold standard» for the diagnosis of varicocele. But the big disadvantage of this procedure is high invasiveness. Doppler ultrasound mapping has given a new impuls to the diagnosis of varicocele due to minimally invasiveand accessible. G. Liguori, C. Trombetta in their work showed that surgical treatment of varicocele should begin when the testicle size is reduced by more than 20%, or 2 ml of volume in ultrasound examination. Also, the visualization of reflux into the seminal vein is more specific in the ultrasound examination. G. Sigmund et al. introduced the concept of stop-type, shunt-type reflux into the seminal vein. However, in the case of unexplained recurrent varicocele, only antegrade venography can provide sufficient information. The review presents the classic and alternative surgical treatments of varicocele in children. Today it is safe to say that the treatment of varicocele has entered to the era of modern evidence-based medicine. A large number of studies indicate that the expansion of the testicular plexus has a progressive detrimental effect on testicular tissue and leads to a deterioration in sperm count. The methods witch used to correct varicocele earlier was traumatic, but modern surgery has brought many innovative technologies and methods of surgical correction. In addition, there have been impressive developments in bimolecular and functional sperm tests. Nowdays gold standard of surgical treatment varicocele is microsurgical subgingival varicocelectomy but this operation has one big disadvantage. This is possible damage of the testicular artery. The solution of this problem can be obtained by finding new intraoperative way of visualization and defending testicular artery and lymphatic vessels. No conflict of interest was declared by the authors. Key words: varicocele, microsurgical subgingival varicocelectomy, children.


2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rubina Iqbal ◽  
Saud Iqbal ◽  
Iram Atta

AbstractObjectives:  The objective of this research work was to observe the testicular morphological changes produced by fluoroquinolones in the reproductive organs of adult male albino rats, and to see whether these changes are reversible after discontinuation of the drugs.Materials and Method:  Eighty adult male albino rats weighing 200 – 300 gms were randomly selected and divided into four groups i.e. A, B, C & D, having 20 animals in each group. A, B & C, were the experimental groups & D served as control group. All the groups were further divided into sub groups 1 & 2. Three fluoroquinolones i.e. Ciprofloxacin (135 mg / kg / day), Ofloxacin (75 mg / kg / day) & Enoxacin (12.5 mg / kg/ day) were given to the groups A, B & C respectively for 42 days. Animals of group D received dis-tilled water only. Animals of sub groups A1, B1, C1 &D1 were sacrificed on 42nd day and testicular tissue was obtained for morphological study. Animals of subgroups A2, B2, C2 & D2 were sacrificed on 84th day and testicular tissue for morphological changes was taken. No of leydig cells, height of epithelium and diameter of seminiferous tubules were taken as experimental parameters for morphological changes.Results:  The study indicated statistically significant (P < 0.05) decrease in height of epithelium, diameter of seminiferous tubules and no. of leydig cells in experimental groups as compared to the control groups.Conclusion:  The changes observed in morphology could lead to decrease in sperm count and testosterone levels. This study suggests gonadotoxic potentials of fluoroquinolones and adds concern to the indiscriminate and widespread use of fluoroquinolones and recommends more rational use of these drugs.


Author(s):  
Olajumoke Omolara Ojo ◽  
Oluwadamilare Oluwaseun Ajayi ◽  
Babafemi Tosin Ogunbiyi

Several studies on the adverse effects of methotrexate have been reported, especially its implication in the degeneration of spermatogenesis, reduced sperm count and ultimate male infertility. As an antagonist, methotrexate (MTX) uses folic acid to obstruct the production of some biomolecules involved in synthesis of DNA, RNA and protein. It is used in the treatment of cancer and other diseases such as psoriasis, and rheumatism. Reports have also revealed that the expression of Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP8a) promotes spermatogenesis and fertility through the induction and activation of signaling sets of transcription factors, SMAD1/5/8. Hence, the expressions of these proteins and role of apoptosis are crucial to understand the mechanism involved in Methotrexate-induced infertility. In view of this, albino mice (Swiss strain) were randomly sorted to four groups. Group I served as control while groups II, III & IV (n=5) were treated with 5, 10 and 20mg/kg/day of Methotrexate (IP) respectively. Expressions of BMP8A and SMADs 1/ 5/ 8 were done by PCR and Western blotting techniques. Germ cell apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry techniques. Ultrastructural changes were assessed in leydig cells as well as sertoli cells. The results of this study reveal a down-regulation of BMP8A and SMAD1/5/8 proteins in a dose-dependent pattern. Induction of apoptosis was also confirmed by the expression of primary apoptotic Bax antibody. The sertoli cells which play their major roles of nourishing and protecting the development of sperm cells were severely impaired too. These findings suggest that the function of BMP8A and SMAD1/5/8 proteins in promoting proliferation and differentiation of spermatogonia was severely disrupted following methotrexate exposure. Caution should therefore be taken when administering this drug.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neveen Asmet Farag ◽  
Ayman S Mohamed ◽  
Hanan Farag El Sayed ◽  
Eman Y. Salah EL-Din ◽  
Abdel Rahman A. Tawfik

Background:: Infertility is the first-rate public health trouble affecting one in five married couples globally, male causes embody a significant proportion. Natural products could be an alternative or complementary inexpensive treatment for such matters. Echinochrome (Ech) is a natural quinone pigment obtained from sea urchin, and it was confirmed to possess many pharmacological properties due to its chemical activity. Objective:: The current research paper was targeted to evaluate the potential effects of Ech on male fertility, and to highlight the possible involved mechanisms. Methods:: Eighteen adult male rats were randomly distributed into three groups: control (1 ml of 2% DMSO, p.o.), low dose Ech (0.1 mg/kg, p.o.), and high dose Ech (1 mg/kg p.o.). Results:: The high dose Ech caused a significant decline in the levels of glucose, ALT, AST, ALP, urea, Cr, uric acid, TG, TC and LDL-C and testicular tissue MDA, while it caused a significant rise in the levels of albumin, TP, HDL-C, FSH, LH, testosterone and testicular tissue GSH activity. Moreover, it showed a significant positive effect on the testis weight, caudal epididymis weight, sperm count, sperm motility, sperm morphology, fructose concentration, and α-glucosidase activity. However, no significant changes were observed in histological examination of testicular tissue among all groups. Conclusion:: High dose Ech improved male rat-fertility either directly by activating the pituitary gonadal axis, and or indirectly via enhancing: the renal and hepatic functions, the lipid profile and or the antioxidant pathways.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samir A. E. Bashandy ◽  
Sally A. El Awdan ◽  
Hossam Ebaid ◽  
Ibrahim M. Alhazza

The present study aimed to examine the protective role ofSpirulina platensis(S. platensis) against arsenic-induced testicular oxidative damage in rats. Arsenic (in the form of NaAsO2at a dose of 6.3 mg/kg body weight for 8 weeks) caused a significant accumulation of arsenic in testicular tissues as well as a decrease in the levels of testicular superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione, and zinc. Moreover, it significantly decreased plasma testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4) levels and reduced sperm motility and sperm count. Arsenic (AS) led to a significant increase in testicular malondialdehyde (MDA), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), nitric oxide (NO), and sperm abnormalities.S. platensisat a dose of 300 mg/kg was found to attenuate As-induced oxidative stress, testicular damage, and sperm abnormalities by its potent antioxidant activity.S. platensismay represent a potential therapeutic option to protect the testicular tissue from arsenic intoxication.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Afifi ◽  
Omar A. Almaghrabi ◽  
Naif Mohammed Kadasa

The present study investigated the impact of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) on the oxidative status and sperm characteristics in diabetic rat testicular tissue. Forty male albino rats were used in this study; 10 of them served as a control and 30 rats were injected with a single dose (100 mg/kg) of streptozotocin intraperitoneally. They were subdivided into diabetic, diabetic + ZnONPs (10 mg/kg B.W.), and diabetic and cotreated with ZnONPs + insulin groups. The sperm count and motility were assessed. The activity and mRNA expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GRD), and Glutathion-S-Transferase (GST) were determined in the testicular tissue. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were estimated in the testicular tissue. Sperm count and motility increased in ZnONPs treated diabetic rats. A significant increase in the activity and mRNA expression of SOD, CAT, GPx, GRD, and GST was shown in ZnONPs treated diabetic rats. MDA significantly decreased, while GSH increased in testicular tissue of ZnONPs treated diabetic rats. It was concluded that ZnONPs either alone or in combination with insulin have the ability to increase the sperm count and motility and protect the testicular tissue against the oxidative stress induced by diabetes in rats.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miklos Szucs ◽  
Peter Osvath ◽  
Attila Jakab ◽  
Daniel Varga ◽  
Balazs Varga ◽  
...  

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