scholarly journals Preliminary Investigation on the Ameliorative Role Exerted by D-Aspartic Acid in Counteracting Ethane Dimethane Sulfonate (EDS) Toxicity in the Rat Testis

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 133
Author(s):  
Massimo Venditti ◽  
Maria Zelinda Romano ◽  
Francesco Aniello ◽  
Sergio Minucci

Herein is reported the first evidence of the protective role of D-aspartic acid (D-Asp) in preventing the toxic effect exerted by the alkylating agent ethane dimethane sulfonate (EDS) in the rat testis. We confirmed that EDS treatment specifically destroyed Leydig cells (LC), resulting in the drastic decrease of the serum testosterone level and producing morphological changes in the germinal tubules, i.e., altered organization of the epithelium, loss of cell contacts and the consequent presence of empty spaces between them, and a reduce number of spermatozoa. Moreover, an increase of TUNEL-positive germ cells, other than alteration in the protein level and localization of two LC “markers”, StAR and PREP, were observed. Interestingly, results obtained from rats pre-treated with D-Asp for 15 days before EDS-injection showed that all the considered parameters were quite normal. To explore the probable mechanism(s) involved in the protection exerted by D-Asp, we considered the increased oxidative stress induced by EDS and the D-Asp antioxidant effects. Thiobarbiturc acid-reactive species (TBARS) levels increased following EDS-injection, while no change was observed in the D-Asp + EDS treated rats. Our results showed that D-Asp may be used as a strategy to mitigate the toxic effects exerted by environmental pollutants, as endocrine disrupters, in order to preserve the reproductive function.

Cancers ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 589 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christoph F. A. Vogel ◽  
Yasuhiro Ishihara ◽  
Claire E. Campbell ◽  
Sarah Y. Kado ◽  
Aimy Nguyen-Chi ◽  
...  

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is known for mediating the toxicity of environmental pollutants such as dioxins and numerous dioxin-like compounds, and is associated with the promotion of various malignancies, including lymphoma. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor repressor (AhRR), a ligand-independent, transcriptionally inactive AhR-like protein is known to repress AhR signaling through its ability to compete with the AhR for dimerization with the AhR nuclear translocator (ARNT). While AhRR effectively blocks AhR signaling, several aspects of the mechanism of AhRR’s functions are poorly understood, including suppression of inflammatory responses and its putative role as a tumor suppressor. In a transgenic mouse that overexpresses AhRR (AhRR Tg) we discovered that these mice suppress 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)- and inflammation-induced tumor growth after subcutaneous challenge of EL4 lymphoma cells. Using mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) we found that AhRR overexpression suppresses the AhR-mediated anti-apoptotic response. The AhRR-mediated inhibition of apoptotic resistance was associated with a suppressed expression of interleukin (IL)-1β and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, which was dependent on activation of protein kinase A (PKA) and the CAAT-enhancer-binding protein beta (C/EBPβ). These results provide mechanistic insights into the role of the AhRR to suppress inflammation and highlight the AhRR as a potential therapeutic target to suppress tumor growth.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hermine BOUKENG JATSA ◽  
Ulrich MEMBE FEMOE ◽  
Calvine NOUMEDEM DONGMO ◽  
Romuald Issiaka NGASSAM KAMWA ◽  
Betrand NONO FESUH ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: The incidence of schistosomiasis‐induced male reproductive dysfunction and infertility is probably underestimated comparing to female genital schistosomiasis. This study aimed to investigate the impact of S. haematobium or S. mansoni infection on the reproductive function of adult men in Tibati and Wouldé, two schistosomiasis endemic areas in the Adamawa region of Cameroon.Methods: A total of 89 men in the reproductive age (range: 14 – 56 years) from two localities were enrolled in the study with 51 in Tibati and 38 in Wouldé. Each participant was submitted to a questionnaire to document data on sociodemographic and stream contact behaviors. A medical examination was performed to measure the circumference of the testes and to evaluate genital tract pathologies. Stool and urine samples were collected and screened for the presence of S. haematobium or S. mansoni ova. Blood serum was use to evaluate the level of transaminases and testosterone.Results: S. haematobium was present only in Tibati with a prevalence of 31.37%. S. mansoni prevalence was 3.92% at Tibati and 44.71% in Wouldé. The intensity of infection was 22.12 ± 9.57 eggs/10 mL for S. haematobium and 128.10 ± 3.76 epg for S. mansoni. Serum transaminases activity and the mean testicular circumference of Schistosoma-positive individuals were close to those of negative ones. The testes size was however higher in S. mansoni-positive individuals than in S. haematobium-positive ones (P < 0.05). The serum testosterone level of S. haematobium and S. mansoni-positive men was significantly reduced by 56.07% (P < 0.001) and 51.94% (P < 0.01) respectively in comparison to that of Schistosoma-negative ones. A significant and negative correlation was established between schistosomiasis and the low level of serum testosterone. Male genital tract pathologies such as scrotal abnormalities, varicocele, nodular epididymis, inguinal hernia and hydrocele were recorded in both Schistosoma-positive and Schistosoma-negative men. However, no significant link was established between schistosomiasis infection and these pathologies.Conclusion: These results demonstrated that infection with S. haematobium or S. mansoni is associated with a low production of the reproductive hormone testosterone, and may be a major cause of male infertility.


2012 ◽  
Vol 195 (3) ◽  
pp. 252-259 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luigi Fabrizio Rodella ◽  
Claudia Rossini ◽  
Gaia Favero ◽  
Eleonora Foglio ◽  
Carla Loreto ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Najma Hameed ◽  
Khalid Farooq

Objectives: The objective of the study was to reveal the reversal of histo-morphological changes in mice liver induced by combined isoniazid-rifampicin (INH-RIF) therapy with sildenafil treatment. Methods: Twenty-one mice weighing between 25–35 g were enrolled in the study. Randomisation was carried out by simple balloting method. The selected mice were sorted into three groups with 7 mice, each group. In group C (n=7) control group, mice were administered 0.4ml of saline per kg body weight daily intra peritoneally for 21 days. In group R (n=7) INH-RIF group, rifampicin (50 mg/kg) and isoniazid (50 mg/kg), dissolved in 4 ml/kg isotonic saline, were administered intra-peritoneally (ip) daily for 21 days. In group S (n=7) sildenafil administered group, 10 mg/kg sildenafil was given orally by gastric gavage on daily basis along with the intraperitoneal injection of INH-RIF (50 mg/kg each) daily for 21 days. Results: Histopathology revealed hepatotoxicity in group R (INH-RIF), while significant improvement was observed in group C (INH-RIF-sildenafil). Conclusion: Sildenafil citrate possesses hepatoprotective role against INH-RIF induced hepatotoxicity.


Reproduction ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 142 (3) ◽  
pp. 447-456 ◽  
Author(s):  
S S Laurentino ◽  
S Correia ◽  
J E Cavaco ◽  
P F Oliveira ◽  
L Rato ◽  
...  

Regucalcin (RGN) is a calcium (Ca2+)-binding protein which regulates intracellular Ca2+homeostasis by modulating the activity of enzymes regulating Ca2+concentration and enhancing Ca2+-pumping activity. Several studies have described the pivotal role of proper Ca2+homeostasis regulation to spermatogenesis and male fertility. Recently,RGNwas identified as a sex steroid-regulated gene in prostate and breast; however, a possible role of RGN in spermatogenesis has not been examined. In this study, the expression and localization of RGN in rat and human testis, and other rat reproductive tissues was analyzed. Moreover, we studied whether RGN protein was present in seminiferous tubule fluid (STF). Finally, we examined the effect of 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on the expression ofRgnmRNA in rat seminiferous tubules (SeT) culturedex vivo. The results presented in this study show that RGN is expressed in Leydig and Sertoli cells, as well as in all types of germ cells of both rat and human testis. RGN is also expressed in rat prostate, epididymis, and seminal vesicles. Moreover, RGN protein is present in rat STF. The results also demonstrate thatRgnexpression is age dependent in rat testis, and is upregulated by the non-aromatizable androgen DHT in rat SeT culturedex vivo. Taken together, these findings indicate thatRgnis a novel androgen-target gene in rat testis and that it may have a role in male reproductive function, particularly in the control of spermatogenesis.


Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 3430
Author(s):  
Maciej Dobrzyński ◽  
Jan P. Madej ◽  
Anna Leśków ◽  
Małgorzata Tarnowska ◽  
Jacek Majda ◽  
...  

Dioxins are chemical compounds that may cause an inflammatory reaction. During dioxin-induced inflammation, generated reactive oxygen species lead to morphological changes in various tissues and in biochemical parameters. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the changes in the livers of rats whose mothers were exposed to dioxins and the protective role of α-tocopherol and acetylsalicylic acid in liver inflammation. The study material consisted of Buffalo rats who were the offspring of females treated with dioxin, dioxin + α-tocopherol, or dioxin + acetylsalicylic acid. Livers and blood samples were taken from the rats’ offspring, and then histopathological and biochemical analyses were performed. The histopathological analysis showed that the changes observed in the livers of neonates were the result of the dioxins derived from their mother. The biochemical analysis showed that the morphological changes in the liver affected its function, which manifested in a higher total protein concentration in the dioxin-treated group, and that the creatinine level in this group was significantly higher than that in the other groups. This effect was reduced by the protective role of α-tocopherol and acetylsalicylic acid. Based on these results, we came to the conclusion that dioxins significantly affect the structure of the liver, which negatively affects its function, mainly in the scope of the metabolism of plasma proteins and hepatic enzymes.


2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 167-174
Author(s):  
Nura I. Al-Zail

Vinyl cyanide (VCN) is an aliphatic nitrile product which is extensively used in various synthetic chemical industries. VCN is known to exert toxic actions to human beings as well as experimental animals. The present study was designed to examine the ability of β-cryptoxanthin, a naturally occurring antioxidant, to attenuate VCN-induced testicular toxicity in adult albino rats. Daily oral administration of VCN at a dose level of 30 mg/kg b.w. (7.2mg/ animal) to male rats for a period of 5 days significantly reduced the levels of serum testosterone (T), androsterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) which indicates injury to the testis function. Compared to VCN-treated animals, pretreatment with β-cryptoxanthin and its co-administration with VCN once daily at a dose of 40 mg/kg b.w. (9.6mg/ animal) for 30 days induced a remarkable degree of improvement in the levels of endocrine parameters including T, androsterone, FSH and LH. In conclusion, the present results clearly demonstrate the protective role of β-cryptoxanthin against VCN-induced physiological changes in the testis of rats.


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