Search

We have assessed the effects of copper oxide nanoparticles on the testis of adult male albino rats, and evaluated the protective potential of EVOO, which has antioxidant properties. The study involved treatment of seventy adult male rats followed by examination of their testis. The rats were divided into four groups (I–V), each contained 20 rats except group II which contained 10 rats. Each of groups (I, III, IV) was subdivided equally into two subgroups (A and B). Rats in group I did not receive any treatment (IA) or injected intraperitoneal (IP) with 0.5 ml of distilled water daily for two weeks (IB). Rats in group II were gavaged 0.4 ml EVOO daily for 2 weeks. Rats in group III injected IP daily for 2 weeks with 0.5 ml distilled water containing 1 mg CuO NPs (subgroup IIIA) and 4 mg CuO NPs (IIIB). Rats in group IV were gavaged 0.4 ml EVOO before IP injected daily for 2 weeks with 0.5 ml distilled water containing either 1 mg CuO NPs (subgroup IVA) or 4 mg CuO NPs (IVB). After treatment, morphological, histological and biochemical studies on the testes were conducted. Examination of CuO NPs treated groups revealed dose dependant increase in pathological changes. These changes were reduced body weight, distorted basement membranes of seminiferous tubules and degeneration of seminiferous cells. Co-administration of EVOO ameliorated most pathological changes. We concluded that CuO NPs induced deteriorating changes in rats’ testes which were improved after co-administration of EVOO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The therapeutic value of pregabalin in managing various pathological states, such as sleep, anxiety, and bipolar disorders, fibromyalgia, epilepsy, and others, cannot be overstated. Nevertheless, the gonadotoxicity of this drug remains a concern. In contrast, melatonin, an endogenous hormone, is known for its beneficial effects on reproductive tissues following various insults. Thus, this study aimed to examine the impact of melatonin on male Wistar rats exposed to pregabalin. Methods: A total of sixty male Wistar rats, weighing between 120 and 140 g, were randomly assigned to six groups, with each group consisting of ten rats. The control group was given 0.5 ml of normal saline orally, whereas melatonin was administered alone at 10 mg/kg/BW, and pregabalin was delivered at low and high doses of 150 and 300 mg/kg/BW orally, respectively. At the specified dosages, rats were also treated simultaneously with low and high doses of pregabalin in combination with melatonin. All treatments lasted for 56 days. Biomarkers were assayed in the testicular and epididymal tissues, while hormones were assayed in the serum. Results: Pregabalin treatment resulted in notable decreases in the percentage body weight change, testicular weight, relative testicular weight, FSH, LH, testosterone, 3β-HSD, 17β-HSD, SOD, catalase, and GSH, as compared to the control group. However, these effects were mitigated in the groups administered melatonin in conjunction with pregabalin. Pregabalin treatment also caused significant elevations in lactate, pyruvate, LDH, GGT, MDA, caspase, IL-1β, NF-κB, and TNF-α, and distorted testicular histoarchitecture, but these effects were blunted in the group co-administered with pregabalin and melatonin. The histological findings paralleled the biochemical assays. Conclusion: Conclusively, melatonin has a protective effect against pregabalin-induced gonadotoxicity through anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, enzymatic, and hormonal regulatory mechanisms. Clinical trial number: Not applicable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent research has underscored the widespread presence of plastic in diverse ecosystems, prompting concerns about its potential long-term impacts on organisms. However, the reproductive toxicity of polystyrene nanoparticles (PSNPs) is contingent on factors, such as drug concentrations, exposure duration, delivery method, and PSNP characteristics. Consequently, the evaluation of testicular toxicity stemming from chronic PSNP exposure warrants a systematic investigation. This study extensively probed the potential toxicity of PSNPs on testes using multiexposure models. Three distinct long-term exposure paradigms (adult, gestational, and cross-generational exposure) were executed to assess PSNP-induced testicular toxicity (80 nm) in Drosophila. Nevertheless, spermatogenesis exhibited no discernible alterations following exposure to 75, 150, and 300 μg/mL of PSNPs in the adult and gestational exposure models. Furthermore, cross-generational exposure to PSNPs did not perturb testicular phenotype or offspring fertility from the F1 to F4 generations. These findings imply that chronic consumption of low-dose PSNPs may not suffice to induce testicular dysfunction, providing fresh insights into the dosage and duration of PSNP exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Male infertility, often attributed to insufficient production of healthy and active sperm, can be exacerbated by electromagnetic radiation emitted from mobile phones, which disrupts normal spermatogenesis and leads to a notable decline in sperm quality. The main targets of mobile phone-induced damage in the testes are Leydig cells, seminiferous tubules, and sperm cells. The aim of this systematic literature review is to identify histopathological changes in the testes due to mobile phone radiation exposure and to examine its effects on sperm parameters in experimental animals. Methods: In this systematic review, an extensive literature search was conducted across databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, Hinari, and Google scholar. Results: A total of 752 studies were identified for screening, and 18 studies were deemed eligible for data extraction. Studies have identified histopathological alterations in testicular tissue caused by mobile phone radiation, such as reduced seminiferous tubule diameter, tunica albuginea and germinal epithelial thickness, Leydig cell hypoplasia, and increased intertubular space. Consistent exposure to mobile phone radiation has been shown to significantly reduce sperm count, motility, and viability, while also increasing abnormal sperm morphology in male rats, mice, and rabbits. Conclusion: Animal studies indicate that electromagnetic radiation from mobile phones can negatively impact testicular tissue and sperm parameters, including sperm count, motility, viability, and morphology. As a precaution, preventive measures are recommended to minimize potential risks from mobile phone exposure, and further research is needed to fully understand its effects on human reproductive health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Seminal oxidative stress has been shown to be a key factor in the development of male infertility. However, the benefits of infertility treatments with antioxidants such as coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) remains controversial. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of CoQ10 supplementation on semen quality, i.e., semen volume, total sperm number, sperm concentration, total sperm motility, percentage of progressive sperm motility and sperm morphology. In addition, the effects of CoQ10 supplementation on circulating testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and inhibin B levels were evaluated. Design: A systematic review and a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were performed to assess the effects of CoQ10 supplementation on semen quality and serum levels of male reproductive hormones. Methods: We conducted a strategic literature search in the Cochrane, EMBASE, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases and collected only RCTs. The data in the collected RCTs were then meta-analyzed according to PRISMA guidelines. Results: Out of 2,144 collected studies, only eight were classified eligible. The studies included a total of 877 male subjects; 462 CoQ10-treated and 415 untreated/placebo-treated. We found significantly higher total sperm counts (SMD -13.38 [95% CI: −16.33, −10.43] P < 0.0001), total (SMD -7.26 [95% CI: −10.15, −4.36] P< 0.00001) and progressive motility (SMD -6.386 [95% CI: −10.04, −2.73] P= 0.0006), and normally formed sperm (SMD -1.96 [95% CI: −3.29, −0.62] P= 0.004) in CoQ10-treated male subjects compared with untreated/placebo-treated male subjects. Nonetheless, there was a significant inter-study heterogeneity in these studies. Moreover, significantly higher serum testosterone (SMD -0.59 [95% CI: −0.79, −0.40] P< 0.00001) and inhibin B levels (SMD -0.92 [95% CI: −1.47, −0.37] P= 0.001) were recorded in CoQ10-treated subjects compared to untreated/placebo-treated subjects. In addition, CoQ10 supplementation significantly lowered serum LH (SMD 1.77 [95% CI: 1.26, 2.28] P< 0.00001) and FSH concentrations (SMD 1.60 [95% CI: 1.38, 1.81] P< 0.00001). Interestingly, there was no significant inter-study heterogeneity in the hormonal studies. However, CoQ10 supplementation had no significant effect on semen volume (SMD 0.12 [95% CI: −0.13, 0.37] P = 0.34) and sperm concentration (SMD -6.69 [95% CI: −16.28, 2.90] P= 0.17). Conclusion: Our study shows that CoQ10 supplementation increases total sperm count, total and progressive sperm motility, and the proportion of normally formed sperm in association with higher serum testosterone and inhibin B levels. Our study therefore supports the view in the literature of a beneficial use of CoQ10 in male infertility treatment. However, further well-designed RCTs with sufficiently large numbers of subjects are required to reach a final conclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main symptoms of depression, a chronic mental illness, include sadness, low self-esteem, and a diminished sense of enjoyment in life. Many factors have been suggested to be associated with depression, one of which is low testosterone in men. The serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine (FLU), used to treat depression, has been reported to potentially have detrimental effects on spermatogenesis in rats after long-term use. The multimodal antidepressant vortioxetine (VTX) offers new promise for the treatment of depression. The chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model is widely known as an experimental paradigm used to study depression-like behaviors in rodents. Stress leads to various neurochemical and immune changes, affecting multiple organs. Our study aims to examine the histopathological findings in testicular tissue induced by CUMS and the immunohistochemical expression of Cas-8, IL-6, and RANKL using a depression model in rats. Rats were split into 4 groups of 7 animals each at random. Group 1 (control) did not experience any stress. Group 2 (CUMS) was exposed to chronic, unpredictable mild stress using a specific procedure. Group 3 (CUMS+VTX) and Group 4 (CUMS+FLU) underwent CUMS and received intraperitoneal drug treatment at a dose of 10 mg/kg during the final three weeks of the study. The rat testicles collected during necropsy were evaluated histopathologically and immunohistochemically for Cas-8, IL-6, and RANKL expressions using a light microscope. In Group 1, histological analysis showed normal tissue architecture in the testicles and epididymis. In Group 2, there was significant depletion of spermatozoa in the seminiferous tubules and empty tubules in the epididymis. In Groups 3 and 4, FLU and VTX treatment led to improvements in the testicles. Cas-8, RANKL, and IL-6 immunohistochemistry revealed increased expression in Group 2, primarily in interstitial cells. In Groups 1, 3, and 4, no or very slight expression of these markers was observed. The results of this study showed that sperm production in the testes is negatively affected in CUMS-induced depression and that Cas-8, IL-6, and RANKL expression is increased, particularly in interstitial cells. VTX and FLU, used in the treatment of depression, suggest potential for mitigating the adverse effects of CUMS on the testes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Precise control of proliferation and differentiation of Leydig cells is important for gonadal androgenesis and spermatogenesis. Though cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors are crucial for cell proliferation and differentiation, their role in the development of early adult Leydig cells (ALCs) remained unanswered. To understand mechanism for ALC development, functional expression of p57KIP2 (cdkn1c) was investigated in the stem Leydig cells (SLCs) and progenitor Leydig cells (PLCs) in mice. Materials and Methods: The roles of p57KIP2 in the proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and steroidogenesis in SLCs and PLCs were investigated by antibodies and bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling in the early neonatal testes and p57kip2 siRNA in the isolated SLCs and PLCs. Steroidogenic differentiation of PLCs was examined by progesterone and testosterone production in cell culture. Results: From postnatal day (PND) 1 to 14, p57KIP2(+) spindle-shaped cells in the testis interstitium were α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA)(-), a peritubular myoid cells marker, suggesting that they are SLCs and PLCs. Besides, p57KIP2 was also expressed in HSD3β(+) fetal Leydig cells. From PND1 to 14, BrdU(+)/αSMA(-), Ki67(+)/p57KIP2(+), and BrdU(+)/p57KIP2(+) spindle-shaped cells were gradually decreased. From PND1 to 14, p57KIP in the αSMA(-)/p57KIP2(+) cells was peaked at PND7 and decreased thereafter. In THY1(+) isolated SLCs, p57kip2 siRNA significantly increased ki67 and pcna mRNA and pdgfrα mRNA, a differentiation marker and decreased nestin mRNA, a SLC marker. No significant difference in apoptosis related genes mRNA was found after p57kip2 siRNA treatment. In HSD3β(+) PLCs, p57kip2 siRNA increased proapoptotic genes mRNA, annexin V(+) early-apoptotic cells. Importantly, p57kip2 siRNA significantly decreased hsd3β6 and cyp17a1 mRNA and progesterone production. Conclusions: p57KIP2 may suppress proliferation and support stemness of SLCs. In PLCs, p57KIP2 may suppress apoptosis and potentiate the steroidogenic differentiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study conducts an in-depth review of the correlation between testis tissue changes and circulating microRNAs (miRNA) in diabetes-induced male reproductive complications, drawing upon both animal and clinical studies. The original articles published in English that specifically investigate miRNAs linked to male infertility in humans or animals with either type I or ΙΙ diabetes mellitus were included. The relevant articles were gathered from the PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and ScienceDirect databases. The quality of study was assessed utilizing the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist for Prevalence Studies. We collected an overall number of 1989 citations relating to our research subject. Following the elimination of articles based on the criteria, a total of 20 papers were included in the study. Aberrant expression profiles of 25 miRNAs were identified in diabetes associated with male reproductive issues, with 15 miRNAs exhibiting increased expression and 10 miRNAs showing decreased expression. Among the chosen publications, eighteen were identified as low-risk and two were classed as moderate quality. The dysregulated miRNAs were linked to testicular injury, disrupted steroid production, decreased sperm development and quality, and erectile dysfunction. The results demonstrate that the miRNA–mRNA network is linked to the pathological progression of diabetic testicular damage or erectile dysfunction. From a therapeutic perspective, the identification of circulating miRNAs could be beneficial in the timely identification and prevention of diabetes problems, such as diabetes-induced male infertility. Among all signaling pathways influenced by modified miRNAs, the Bax-caspase-3, MAPK, PI3K-Akt, and eNOS-cGMP-PKC were the main deregulated pathways. Summary sentence: The expression of potential miRNA as diagnostic biomarkers may be evaluated in diabetes complications and might constitute a monitoring factor in the diabetes-induced male reproductive complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves due to climate change, the survival and reproductive success of mammals could be under significant threat. However, the specific effects of these environmental stressors on mammalian reproductive fitness remain insufficiently explored. This study investigates the impact of a simulated heatwave on male fertility indices in two African rodent species: the mesic four‐striped field mouse (Rhabdomys dilectus) and the Namaqua rock mouse (Micaelamys namaquensis) during the breeding season. We measured key indicators of male fertility, including testes mass, testes volume, seminiferous tubule diameter, the presence of sperm, and plasma testosterone levels. Our findings reveal that both species experienced significant effects on male fertility indices, with the smaller R. dilectus showing a decline in all fertility indices following a simulated heatwave. These results suggest that the projected increase in heatwave events may compromise the reproductive success of small mammals, potentially leading to population declines. Finally, this study highlights the need for focused studies on the effect of heatwaves on long‐term reproductive success in both males and females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Histological and electron microscopic studies of the male reproductive system of the acanthocephalan Acanthocephalus tenuirostris show that its organization and structure are generally similar to those characteristic of representatives of the class Palaeacanthocephala. In its composition, paired testes with vasa efferentia, which are combined into a common vas deferens, six cement glands, Sefftigen's pouch, a copulatory bursa, and a penis are identified. The distal part of the vas deferens, Sefftigen's pouch, the bursa, and the base of the penis are surrounded by the genital sheath. The shells of the organs of the reproductive system are shown to be formed by fragments of muscle tissue immersed into fibrous intercellular material, which most likely is a derivative of muscle tissue. The most powerful muscle bundles were found in the genital sheath. It appears impossible to confirm the existing opinion concerning the symplastic organization of the organs of the reproductive system in male acanthocephalans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The invasive avian vampire fly, Philornis downsi, Dodge and Aitken (Diptera: Muscidae) is a threat to the long‐term conservation of Darwin's finches and other landbirds in the Galapagos Islands. Adult flies feed on fermented fruit, but their larvae are obligate parasites that feed on, and often cause the mortality of, the developing nestlings. Various techniques for the control of this parasite are currently under study, but the inability to rear flies in captivity has slowed progress. To help understand the reproductive behaviour of P. downsi, in this study, we measured the reproductive organs of male and female flies to determine the age flies mature physiologically, as well as the influence of the larval and adult diets on this process. Both females and males reared from larvae that had developed in the wild on live birds reached physiological maturity at 6 days; in the males, this was associated with increased pigmentation of the testes and the presence of free sperm, and in the females, mature eggs. Females reared in the laboratory on an artificial diet produced mature eggs at 6 days. However, the ovaries of laboratory‐reared females were statistically smaller than those of wild females, suggesting that egg production was affected by larval diet. Physiological maturity was delayed in laboratory‐reared males, taking twice as long. The testes of these males had more unpigmented areas and deformities indicating that the artificial larval diet was insufficient. Enrichment of the adult diet could help compensate for this. The addition of methoprene (M) to the diet was found to have a positive effect on the sexual development of the flies. In females, a diet of sugar + yeast hydrolysate (YH) in a 3:1 ratio combined with M favoured the development of larger ovaries and the production of mature eggs at an earlier age (3 days). In the case of males, a diet with YH increased testis size and M accelerated the growth of testis length even when males were fed only with sugar and without YH. Additional studies are recommended for improving the diets for mass‐rearing this highly harmful fly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Male infertility is the root cause of social, psychological, economic, and medical problems. Obesity, culminating in varicocele, is one of the leading causes of male infertility. Veins of the lower abdomen are compressed by excessive subcutaneous fat, and the return of blood from the scrotum is compromised. This increases the intratesticular temperature, which decreases sperm quality. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of obesity on male infertility, particularly varicocele development. This cross-sectional study was conducted for 18 months with 172 men. The participants were categorized into obese and nonobese groups. Color Doppler ultrasound was performed to detect varicocele and related conditions. A chi-square test was applied to determine the associations between obesity and infertility with respect to varicocele. A significant association of varicocele with obesity was noted (p<0.05). The odds of the development of varicocele in obese individuals was 2.4 and the relative risk was 2.12 compared to nonobese individuals. In the nonobese group, 22 (25.5%) and 41 (47.67%) patients in the obese group were infertile. Compared with 25.5% of nonobese and infertile subjects, 47.6% of obese and infertile subjects concluded that a greater percentage of obese and infertile subjects were diagnosed with varicocele than nonobese and infertile subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate the effects of providing Cu and Zn minerals with an organic structure reduced by 25% compared to the recommended (NRC) inorganic value on parameters such as the age at which lambs achieve 50% sperm motility yield, some developmental parameters, testis histology, as well as serum, wool, and fecal mineral levels in lambs. The study involved 12 male lambs in the T1 group (organic minerals) and 11 in the T2 group (inorganic minerals) of the Kıvırcık breed. Lambs received minerals from mothers during the last month of fetal period and suckling, continuing individual feeding post-weaning. During individual feeding, T1 received 5.25 mg/kg DM copper-chelate and 15.0 mg/kg DM zinc-chelate, while T2 received 7 mg/kg DM copper-sulfate and 20 mg/kg DM zinc-sulfate. The mothers received identical mineral amounts in the last month of pregnancy and lactation. The ewes birthed offspring solely for the supply of experimental groups. Lambs, averaging about 18.5 kg, underwent bi-weekly electroejaculation, concluding the trial for those with 50% semen motility. Statistical analyses were carried out using the GLM method. No differences were observed between groups in the average age at which lambs achieve 50% sperm motility, live weight, scrotum, and testicular measurements at this age (P > 0.05). Histological analyses revealed no difference in tubule area between T1 and T2 groups (P > 0.05), but tubular epithelium height was greater in T1 (P < 0.01). End-of-trial serum copper, as well as weaning day and end-of-trial serum and fleece zinc mean values, did not differ between groups (P > 0.05). However, T1 had higher mean values for serum Cu on the weaning day (P < 0.01), fleece copper on the weaning day (P < 0.05) and at the end of the trial (P < 0.001). Additionally, the T1 group exhibited lower mean levels of fecal copper (P < 0.05) and fecal zinc (P < 0.001). In conclusion, despite organic copper and zinc levels being 25% lower in the examined parameters, comparable or improved results were achieved with inorganic copper and zinc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of the viability of the spermatogenic epithelium in case of toxic lesions and their correction in experiment is a key factor for understanding the possibilities of restoring reproductive function in conditions of increasing technogenic pollution. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the level of pathomorphological changes in the testes of Wistar rats and the intensity of steroidogenesis upon administration of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) endotoxin and subsequent correction of intoxication by administration of oxidized dextran. Material and methods. Three groups of Wistar rats were formed, intraperitoneal administration: 2 ml of 0.9 % NaCl solution (n = 5, control); E. coli LPS at a dose of 50 μg/kg body weight (n = 5); E. coli LPS at the same dose, followed by the introduction of 2 ml of a 2 % solution of oxidized dextran (OD) (n = 5). The content of testosterone in the blood serum and pathomorphological changes in the testes were assessed. Results and discussion. The administration of LPS led to moderate hypotrophy of the spermatogenic epithelium due to a decrease in the numerical density of spermatocytes and spermatogonia (by 22.4 and 26.6 %, respectively); a decrease in the numerical density of Leydig cells by 14.5 % and testosterone levels by 2.3 times (in 80 % of animals, testosterone levels ranged from 4.3 to 2.0 nmol/l). The injection of OD after LPS caused an increase in seminiferous tubule diameter and the spermatogenic epithelium height (by 2,9 и 3,3 %, respectively), in numerical density of spermatocytes and spermatogonia (by 16.8 and 14.6 %, respectively) compared to LPS; increase in the ratio of the number of spermatocytes to spermatogonia (by 6.8 %) compared to the control. The numerical density of Leydig cells increased by 4 %, the testosterone level increased by 1.7 times (in 60 % of animals the testosterone level varied from 12.7 to 37.3 nmol/l) compared to LPS. Conclusions. A single administration of OD after acute exposure to E. coli LPS endotoxin initiated the onset of restoration of the histological structure of the spermatogenic epithelium of the seminiferous tubules.

Furan is related to a group of dioxins (polychlorinated dibenzo-furans) that are formed within the thermal degradation of natural food products. Furan is a lipophilic organic compound which is used as an intermediate in several chemical processes. It is observed in heat-processed foods such as instante coffee, canned meats, and jarred baby food. The present study elucidated the effect of oral furan administration for 30 days at a dose of (8 mg/kg body weight/day) on the testes of male albino rats. Furan administration signified histological alterations supported by histopathological changes in the testes tissue, which were clarified by Periodic Acid Schiff, Bromophenol blue and Feulgen stains. These stains exhibited a significant decrease in the intensity of carbohydrate content, protein content and deoxyribo-nucleic acid respectively, in rats treated with Furan. Oral treatment of Furan intoxicated rats either by Propolis (100 mg/kg body weight/day) or Spirulina platensis (300 mg/kg body weight/day) for 30 days illustrated significant histological and histopathological amelioration in testes tissue compared to the Furan group. In conclusion, Propolis and Spirulina platensis may have potential health benefits to be used as therapies extracted from natural compounds due to their antioxidants, phenolic and flavonoid contents which counteract the deleterious effects on testicular tissue caused by Furan toxicity.

The hemipteran infraorder Cicadomorpha (cicadas, leafhoppers, treehoppers and spittlebugs) comprises more than 30,000 described extant species in 3,783 genera, 13 families and 3 superfamilies: Cicadoidea, Cercopoidea and Membracoidea. Here, we summarize and discuss data on the number of testicular follicles in 103 species belonging to 84 genera and 9 families of Cicadoidea (Tettigarctidae and Cicadidae), Cercopoidea (Aphrophoridae, Cercopidae and Ischnorhinidae) and Membracoidea (Aetalionidae, Cicadellidae, Membracidae and Myerslopiidae), as well as the number of ovarioles in 65 species belonging to 56 genera of the same families, except for Tettigarctidae, Aetalionidae, and Myerslopiidae, for which no such data were available. Almost 83% of the species and 81% of the genera studied belong to the family Cidadellidae. In general, the number of follicles in Cicadomorpha ranges from 1 to "about 100 or more" per testis, and the number of ovarioles from 3 to over 70-80 per ovary. The highest numbers are characteristic of Cicadoidea and Cercopoidea, with significantly higher values in the former superfamily. In Membracoidea, both follicle and ovariole numbers vary within markedly narrower limits. Most taxa are dominated by testes each consisting of 6 follicles, and the ovaries each consisting of 6 ovarioles. These character states are considered ancestral for Cicadomorpha, and possibly for Auchenorrhyncha as a whole.

We analyzed the effect of alliin on the recovery of mouse testicular function and structure following estradiol treatment as well as on apoptosis regulation. During the cultivation of testicular cells, high-concentration estradiol suppressed Casp-3; PCNA, mTOR, and PI3K signaling increased; and cell proliferation in the testes was abnormally increased. Therefore, estradiol treatment increased the proportion of abnormal cells. The estradiol and 2.5 μM of alliin treatment increased Casp-3 levels and suppressed Bcl-2, PCNA, mTOR, and PI3K expression. Additionally, treatment with estradiol caused tissue loss. Furthermore, Ca2+ deposition decreased, TNF-r protein expression increased, and the levels of other protein markers of cell survival and death decreased. Tissue recovery and restoration of the testes occurred after alliin treatment; the gene expression of cell survival and death markers, except for TNF-r, increased with increasing Ca2+ deposition. Cell proliferation and tissue reorganization may correlate with an increased signal of intrinsic apoptosis owing to increased Ca2+ deposition. Therefore, treatment with alliin may regulate the apoptosis of cells with normal or abnormal signal transduction and help to revert testicular dysfunction.

Abstract Background Inflammation-induced testicular damage is a significant contributing factor to the increasing incidence of infertility. Traditional treatments during the inflammatory phase often fail to achieve the desired fertility outcomes, necessitating innovative interventions such as cell therapy. Methods We explored the in vivo properties of intravenously administered Sertoli cells (SCs) in an acute lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory mouse model. Infiltrating and resident myeloid cell phenotypes were assessed using flow cytometry. The impact of SC administration on testis morphology and germ cell quality was evaluated using computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) and immunohistochemistry. Results SCs demonstrated a distinctive migration pattern, importantly they preferentially concentrated in the testes and liver. SC application significantly reduced neutrophil infiltration as well as preserved the resident macrophage subpopulations. SCs upregulated MerTK expression in both interstitial and peritubular macrophages. Applied SC treatment exhibited protective effects on sperm including their motility and kinematic parameters, and maintained the physiological testicular morphology. Conclusion Our study provides compelling evidence of the therapeutic efficacy of SC transplantation in alleviating acute inflammation-induced testicular damage. These findings contribute to the expanding knowledge on the potential applications of cell-based therapies for addressing reproductive health challenges and offer a promising approach for targeted interventions in male infertility.

Background: Morphological and histological examination of the testes can provide a suitable insight into the health of the reproductive system. Aim: The objective of the current study was to investigate the morphological and histological features of the testes of local pigeons (Columba livia domestica) at mature and immature stages of age. Methods: Two groups of collected specimens underwent macroscopic and microscopic investigation to evaluate and compare the main general properties of their testes. Results: The findings indicated that the testis has an oval shape in both pre-puberty and post-puberty stages, situated on the inner side of the kidney towards the caudal extreme of the lungs. However, the left testis was bigger than those on the right side. In the pre-puberty stage group, the testicular parenchyma was small, and almost collapsed seminiferous tubules containing a single layer of Spermatogonia and Sertoli cells. In contrast, in the post-puberty stage, the parenchyma space between seminiferous tubules was small, and tubules adhered closely to each other. Also, mature cells including Sertoli, spermatogonia, and spermatocytes were noticed to spread within the tubules. Conclusion: The change in the histological structure of testes before and after maturity may help to evaluate the complexity of the male reproductive system of pigeons and draw attention to the organization of sex hormones and the function of several types of cells within the testes. [Open Vet J 2024; 14(9.000): 2163-2169]

Improving the reproductive ability and fertility of male ruminants is a central concern in animal husbandry. Phytogenic feed additives, known for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties, are commonly used in animal feed. Icariin (ICA), the primary flavonoid glucoside derived from Epimedium, is a traditional tonic in Chinese herbal medicine. However, its potential to enhance the reproductive performance of male ruminants remains unclear. In this study, twelve healthy adult male dairy goats were divided into two groups. The goats received oral administration of ICA at doses of 0 (control) and 50 mg/kg body weight daily for a consecutive period of 80 days during the breeding season. The effects of ICA on the reproductive performance was analyzed by histological examinations, semen quality analysis, and ELISA experiments. ELISA results showed a progressive increase in serum levels of GnIH, LH, and testosterone with the prolonged ICA treatment (p < 0.05). However, the serum concentration of GnRH in the ICA group initially increased, followed by a subsequent decrease (p < 0.05). The hypothalamic concentrations of dopamine (DA) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) were significantly higher in the ICA group compared to the control group (p < 0.01). The CASA system analyzed sperm kinematics and revealed that ICA increased ejaculate volume, with both total motile and progressive motile sperm gradually increasing over time (p < 0.05). ICA did not affect the body weight of the goats but significantly increased the organ coefficient of the testes (p < 0.01). Additionally, there was an upregulation of hormone receptor expression in testicular tissue and an improvement in the antioxidant capacity of the testes after ICA treatment (p < 0.01). Furthermore, ICA was implicated in testosterone synthesis by modulating the expression of key enzymes associated with steroidogenesis and promoting the differentiation of spermatogonial stem cell to enhance spermatogenesis. In conclusion, our results indicate that icariin, as a phytogenic feed additive incorporated into the diet of ruminants, offers potential benefits in improving the reproductive performance of male dairy goats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is increasing mean temperatures, and intensifying heatwaves. Natural populations may respond to stress through shorter-term acclimation via plasticity and/or longer-term inter-generational evolution. However, if the pace and/or extent of thermal change is too great, local extinctions occur; one potential cause in ectotherms is identified to be the heat-liability of male reproductive biology. Recent data from several species, including the beetle Tribolium castaneum , confirmed that male reproductive biology is vulnerable to heatwaves, which may constrain populations. However, such reproductive-damage may be overestimated, if there is potential to adapt to elevated mean temperatures associated with climate change via evolution and/or acclimation. Here, we tested this to evaluate whether pre-exposures could improve heatwave tolerance (adaptation or acclimation), by experimentally evolving Tribolium castaneum populations to divergent thermal regimes (30 °C vs. 38 °C). Findings across assays revealed that relative to 30 °C-regime males, males from the 38 °C regime, maintained constantly at 8 °C warmer for 25 generations, displayed an increase; (i) in post heatwave (42 °C) reproductive fitness by 55%, (ii) survival by 33%, and (iii) 32% larger testes volumes. Unexpectedly, in the acclimation assay, warm-adapted males' post-heatwave survival and reproduction were best if they experienced cool developmental acclimation beforehand, suggesting a cost to adapting to 38 °C. These results help progress knowledge of the potential for survival and reproduction to adapt to climate change; trait specific adaptation to divergent thermal regimes can occur over relatively few generations, but this capacity depended on the interaction of evolutionary and thermal acclimatory processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was performed to: detect the histological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical alterations that may occur in the testes of adult rats in induced hypothyroidism. And to investigate which one, ozone or MSCs-MVs have better therapeutic effect on testicular changes after hypothyroidism. Eighty-four male adult rats were separated into: control group, hypothyroidism group: rats will be given carbimazole for 30 days, ozone group: rats treated as hypothyroidism group then will be injected with ozone intraperitoneal for 7 days. MSC-MVs group: rats treated as hypothyroidism group then will be injected with a single intravenous dose MSC-MVs. Specimens of testes were handled for light, electron microscope, and immunohistochemical of vimentin and S100. Biochemical analysis for; MDA and TNFα; serum testosterone, TSH, T3, and T4 was done, also, sperm count and morphology assay. Morphometric and statistical analysis were performed. Hypothyroidism group showed disorganized seminiferous tubules. A noticeable gap was between the basement membrane and the germinal epithelium. Wide interstitium had congested vessels and acidophilic homogenous material. Vacuolated germinal epithelium and few germ cells had dark nuclei with noticeable separation of between the basement membrane and the germinal epithelium. Ozone and MSCs-MVs induced improvement in all the previous parameters and restoration of spermatogenesis. In Conclusion MSCs-MVs has better ameliorative effect than ozone on hypothyroidism-exposed testes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metals like cadmium (Cd) are one of the main environmental pollutants, with no biological role in the human body. Cd has been well-documented to have disastrous effects on both plants and animals. It is known to accumulate in kidneys, lungs, liver, and testes and is thought to affect these organs' function over time, which is linked to a very long biological half-life and a very poor rate of elimination. According to recent researches, the testes are extremely vulnerable to cadmium. The disruption of the blood–testis barrier, seminiferous tubules, Sertoli cells, and Leydig cells caused by cadmium leads to the loss of sperm through various mechanisms, such as oxidative stress, spermatogenic cell death, testicular swelling, dysfunction in androgen-producing cells, interference with gene regulation, disruption of ionic homeostasis, and damage to the vascular endothelium. Additionally, through epigenetic control, cadmium disrupts the function of germ cells and somatic cells, resulting in infertile or subfertile males. A full grasp of the mechanisms underlying testicular toxicity caused by Cd is very important to develop suitable strategies to ameliorate male fertility. Therefore, this review article outlines cadmium's impact on growth and functions of the testicles, reviews therapeutic approaches and protective mechanisms, considers recent research findings, and identifies future research directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate and characterize the spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in buffaloes at different stages of development, including prenatal, neonatal, prepubertal, and adult testes. We sought a comprehensive understanding of these cells through a combination of histological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural analyses. Specifically, we examined changes in the expression of two potential SSC markers, OCT4 and PGP9.5, using immunohistochemistry. Additionally, we conducted a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) to assess the relative gene expression of OCT4 and PGP9.5. The relative expression of the OCT4 gene was down-regulated in the adult testes compared to its expression during prepubertal and neonatal life. The relative expression of the PGP9.5 gene was up-regulated in the neonatal testes and down-regulated in the prepubertal and adult testes. The spermatogonia were round, oval-to-ellipsoidal cells lying over the basement membrane (BM) with a round-to-oval nucleus. Based on the immunoexpression of the putative SSC markers, OCT4 and PGP9.5, we concluded that the proportion of stem cells was highest during the neonatal stage, followed by the prepubertal and prenatal stages. This finding sheds light on the dynamics of spermatogonial stem cells in buffalo testes at different developmental stages, providing valuable insights into these cells' regulation and potential applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to measure the mercury levels in the gonads of dogs in Warsaw using atomic absorption spectrometry (ASA). The average mercury content in the ovaries of females was 0.0007 mg·kg−1 wet weight, while the level in the testes was 0.0002 mg·kg−1. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in mercury levels depending on the sex, age, and body weight of the dogs. Gonads taken from animals weighing more than 20 kg had significantly higher mean mercury content than in other dogs. It was also confirmed that the mercury content in the gonads increased with the age of the animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five biological characteristics of honey bee drones were investigated under the influence of organic farming in comparison with non-organic ones. For this purpose, 10 honey bee colonies were established in each of the areas of 2.1 Hectare. The organic one was isolated from the other by 17.2 km. Each area was cultivated with Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), one under organic and the other under non-organic farming, for two seasons. As criteria for this study, amount of sealed drones brood produced, drone longevity, number of sperms in drones, percentage of drone maturity, and number of sperms in mated queens were chosen. The amount of sealed drone brood was higher in non-organic areas than organic ones, but a significant increase in the longevity of drones reared under organic farming was registered. Concerning reproductive futures, and although the number of sperms per million (mil.) was higher in newly emerged drones reared under non-organic farming, it began to decrease more significantly at 8 and 14 days in drones reared under non-organic than those reared under organic ones. Concerning the percentage of mature drones, the results showed a significant increase in drones reared under non-organic conditions at 14 days, but an insignificant increase at 8 days in comparison to drones reared under organic ones. For both groups, the percentage of mature drones of 14 days drones was significantly higher than those of 8 days. Lastly, the number of sperms in the spermatheca of queen mated with drones reared under organic farming was significantly higher than those reared under non-organic conditions. The results were discussed in the light of some biological aspects of drones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of miRNAs in the regulation of seasonal reproduction in rodents, particularly in relation to photoperiod changes, is still poorly understood. Previous studies on miRNA transcriptomes of striped hamster (Cricetulus barabensis) testes have indicated that the photoperiodism of testes, especially apoptosis, may be influenced by miRNAs. As a functional miRNA, cba‐miR‐222‐3p in striped hamster testes exhibits suppression under a short photoperiod. To elucidate the potential role of testicular cba‐miR‐222‐3p in the seasonal reproduction of striped hamsters, we exposed male striped hamsters to different photoperiods or injected miRNA agomir into the testes and observed the effects of these treatments, particularly some indicators related to apoptosis. The results showed that the levels of apoptosis in the testes increased in short daylength, accompanied by a significant decrease in cba‐miR‐222‐3p expression and an increase in TRAF7 expression. Dual luciferase reporter assays verified the targeting relationship between cba‐miR‐222‐3p and TRAF7 predicted by bioinformatics. In addition, the expression of TRAF7 decreased in the testes, which injected miRNA agomir, leading to inhibition of apoptosis, and the expression of key genes (MEKK3, p38, p53) in the downstream MAPK signaling pathway of TRAF7 was suppressed. These results suggest that short daylength induces testicular apoptosis in striped hamsters, and one possible mechanism is that the decreased expression of miR‐222‐3p in testes reduces the repression of TRAF7 translation, thereby activating the MAPK pathway and affecting the level of testicular apoptosis. These findings reveal the potential role of miR‐222‐3p in animal reproduction and provide new insights into the regulation of rodent populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Telocytes are CD34+ interstitial cells that have long cytoplasmic projections (called telopodes), and have been detected in several organs, including those of the male reproductive system. In this brief review we evaluate the role of telocytes in tissue organization of the different organs of the male reproductive system in which these cells were studied. In general terms, telocytes act in the tissue organization through networks of telopodes that separate the epithelia from the stroma, as well as dividing the stroma into different compartments. In addition to this contribution to the structural integrity, there is direct and indirect evidence that such "walls" formed by telocytes also compartmentalize paracrine factors that they or other cells produce, which have a direct impact on morphogenesis and the maintenance of organ cell differentiation, as well as on their normal physiology. Moreover, alterations in telocytes and telopode networks are correlated with pathological conditions in the male reproductive system, in response to profound changes in structural organization of the organs, in inflammation, hyperplasia and cancer. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the molecular pathways telocytes employ in different contexts of physiology and disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxicological empirical research suggests that excessive utilization of paraquat, an herbicide, shows detrimental consequences on mammalian reproductive toxicity. The current study aims to study it as a reproductive toxin on the caprine testicular cells at 4- and 6-hour exposure duration. Paraquat treatment decreased the cell viability percentage and induced histological architectural alterations such as disruption of germinal epithelium, vacuolization, and pyknotic nuclei in the testis. The differential EB/AO staining also revealed an increased incidence of apoptosis after paraquat treatment at both dosages, i.e. 10 mM and 100 mM. Paraquat also induces oxidative stress, as evident via increased Malondialdehyde levels (a byproduct of lipid peroxidation) and a decline in the antioxidant capacity (FRAP). However, co-administration of Vitamin E significantly reduced the paraquat-mediated decline in cell viability percentage, histological alterations, and apoptosis incidences and generated oxidative stress, indicating its antioxidative properties against paraquat exposure. This research concludes that Vitamin E co-administration considerably reduced the toxicity of paraquat elicited in testicles, suggesting that Vitamin E may have advantageous potential in preventing the male gonadotoxicity caused by paraquat use in agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an endogenously produced signaling molecule that belongs to the group of gasotransmitters along with nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO). H2S plays a pivotal role in male reproductive processes. It is produced in various tissues and cells of the male reproductive system, including testicular tissue, Leydig and Sertoli cells, epididymis, seminal plasma, prostate, penile tissues, and sperm cells. This review aims to summarize the knowledge about the presence and effects of H2S in male reproductive tissues and outline possible therapeutic strategies in pathological conditions related to male fertility, e. g. spermatogenetic disorders and erectile dysfunction (ED). For instance, H2S supports spermatogenesis by maintaining the integrity of the blood-testicular barrier (BTB), stimulating testosterone production, and providing cytoprotective effects. In spermatozoa, H2S modulates sperm motility, promotes sperm maturation, capacitation, and acrosome reaction, and has significant cytoprotective effects. Given its vasorelaxant effects, it supports the erection of penile tissue. These findings suggest the importance and therapeutic potential of H2S in male reproduction, paving the way for further research and potential clinical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, the molecular background based on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis of canine testicular tumours is underestimated. The available data mostly focus on histopathological evaluations, with a few reports of nuclear genome (nDNA) studies. Tumourigenesis represents a highly complex and diverse genetic disorder, which can also encompass defects in mtDNA. The aim of this study was to identify molecular changes in whole mitochondrial genome sequences obtained from dogs affected by testicular tumours. Samples of blood, tumour, and healthy tissue were collected from each animal, and mtDNA (ultimately 45 samples) was subsequently sequenced. Thereafter, protein analyses were performed to assess the impact of the identified molecular alterations on the amino acid level. The total number of observed changes included 722 SNPs, 12 mutations, 62 indels, 5 indel mutations, and 35 heteroplasmic sites. The highest number of mtDNA variants in protein-coding genes COX1, COX3, ATP6, ND1, ND4, and ND5 was observed. Interestingly, SNPs were found in 10 out of 22 tRNA genes. Most of the identified mtDNA defects were synonymous changes at the amino acid level. Also, polymorphisms and heteroplasmy were frequently observed in the variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) regions, especially in its fragment spanning 16,138–16,358 bp. Based on the obtained results, it was possible to select 11 polymorphisms that occurred in all the tested samples (benign, malignant) and an additional five SNPs identified only in benign neoplasms. The comprehensive analysis of malignant testicular tumours demonstrated a significant diversity in their molecular profiles, with changes ranging from 17 to 101 per sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) possess the characteristics of self-renewal and differentiation, as well as the ability to generate functional sperm. Their unique stemness has broad applications in male infertility treatment and species preservation. In rodents, research on SSCs has been widely reported, but progress is slow in large livestock such as cattle and pigs due to long growth cycles, difficult proliferation in vitro, and significant species differences. Previously, we showed that histone 3 (H3) lysine 9 (K9) trimethylation (H3K9me3) is associated with the proliferation of bovine SSCs. Here, we isolated and purified SSCs from calf testicular tissues and investigated the impact of different H3K9me3 levels on the in vitro proliferation of bovine SSCs. The enriched SSCs eventually formed classical stem cell clones in vitro in our feeder-free culture system. These clones expressed glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor family receptor alpha-1 (GFRα1, specific marker for SSCs), NANOG (pluripotency protein), C-KIT (germ cell marker), and strong alkaline phosphatase (AKP) positivity. qRT-PCR analysis further showed that these clones expressed the pluripotency genes NANOG and SOX2, and the SSC-specific marker gene GFRα1. To investigate the dynamic relationship between H3K9me3 levels and SSC proliferation, H3K9me3 levels in bovine SSCs were first downregulated using the methyltransferase inhibitor, chaetocin, or transfection with the siRNA of H3K9 methyltransferase suppressor of variegation 3-9 homologue 1 (SUV39H1). The EDU (5-Ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine) assay revealed that SSC proliferation was inhibited. Conversely, when H3K9me3 levels in bovine SSCs were upregulated by transfecting lysine demethylase 4D (KDM4D) siRNA, the EDU assay showed a promotion of cell proliferation. In summary, this study established a feeder-free culture system to obtain bovine SSCs and explored its effects on the proliferation of bovine SSCs by regulating H3K9me3 levels, laying the foundation for elucidating the regulatory mechanism underlying histone methylation modification in the proliferation of bovine SSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Inflammation-induced testicular damage is a significant contributing factor to the increasing incidence of infertility. Traditional treatments during the inflammatory phase often fail to achieve the desired fertility outcomes, necessitating innovative interventions such as cell therapy. Methods: We explored the in vivo properties of intravenously administered Sertoli cells (SCs) in an acute lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory mouse model. Infiltrating and resident myeloid cell phenotypes were assessed using flow cytometry. The impact of SC administration on testis morphology and germ cell quality was evaluated using computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) and immunohistochemistry. Results: SCs demonstrated a distinctive migration pattern, importantly they preferentially concentrated in the testes and liver. SC application significantly reduced neutrophil infiltration as well as preserved the resident macrophage subpopulations. SCs upregulated MerTK expression in both interstitial and peritubular macrophages. Applied SC treatment exhibited protective effects on sperm including their motility and kinematic parameters, and maintained the physiological testicular morphology. Conclusion: Our study provides compelling evidence of the therapeutic efficacy of SC transplantation in alleviating acute inflammation-induced testicular damage. These findings contribute to the expanding knowledge on the potential applications of cell-based therapies for addressing reproductive health challenges and offer a promising approach for targeted interventions in male infertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The gradual decline in sperm production has become growing concern and subject of widespread debates in the last decades. Factors have been implicated as possible causes of the deterioration of the male reproductive function, including exposure to heat. Ascorbic acid (AA), an antioxidant compound, has been indicated to play protective roles in male reproductive system. Objective: This study is aimed to evaluate the ameliorative potential of Ascorbic Acid on damages caused by elevated scrotal temperature on Testicular structure and function in rats. Materials and methods: Forty male Sprague Dawley rats were used and divided into A-D of 10 animals each: Group A served as Control and their testes were exposed to a water bath of 20±2℃, Groups B-D served as low, medium and high doses were exposed to a water bath of 33±2℃, 43±2℃ and 53±2℃ for 60 seconds for a period of 4 weeks respectively. Upon completion, 5 rats from each group were taken and euthanized. The remaining received 100 mg/kg of Ascorbic acid for 28 days and the rats were euthanized. Results: Heat stress has deleterious effects on male fertility as it negatively impacts seminal parameters, hormonal milieu, oxidative stress, and testicular weight, leading to reduced sperm quality, hormonal imbalance, increased oxidative damage, and testicular atrophy. However, the presence of Ascorbic acid had some ameliorative properties on these adverse effects, which is due to its antiinflammatory and antioxidants properties. Conclusion: From this study, the evidence suggests that ascorbic acid supplementation can ameliorate heat-induced testicular damage and holds promise as a therapeutic agent or as a dietary supplement for individuals exposed to heat stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Morphological and histological examination of the testes can provide a suitable insight into the health of the reproductive system. Aim: The objective of the current study was to investigate the morphological and histological features of the testes of local pigeons (Columba livia domestica) at mature and immature stages of age. Methods: Two groups of collected specimens underwent macroscopic and microscopic investigation to evaluate and compare the main general properties of their testes. Results: The findings indicated that the testis has an oval shape in both pre-puberty and post-puberty stages, situated on the inner side of the kidney towards the caudal extreme of the lungs. However, the left testis was bigger than those on the right side. In the pre-puberty stage group, the testicular parenchyma was small, and almost collapsed seminiferous tubules containing a single layer of Spermatogonia and Sertoli cells. In contrast, in the post-puberty stage, the parenchyma space between seminiferous tubules was small, and tubules adhered closely to each other. Also, mature cells including sertoli, spermatogonia, and spermatocytes were noticed to spread within the tubules. Conclusion: The change in the histological structure of testes before and after maturity may help to evaluate the complexity of the male reproductive system of pigeons and draw attention to the organization of sex hormones and the function of several types of cells within the testes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Tributyltin (TBT) is an organotin compound and a common persistent environmental pollutant with endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) actions. It can accumulate in the environment at various concentrations throughout the food chain in the ecosystem, posing a risk to human health, especially during critical periods such as gestation and fetal and offspring development. In this review, we report the results of studies describing the consequences of TBT exposure on placental and reproductive parameters in offspring of both sexes. Results from in vivo and in vitro studies clearly indicate that TBT causes adverse effects on placental development and reproductive parameters in offspring. However, substantial knowledge gaps remain in the literature, requiring further research to better understand the mechanisms behind TBT effects on placental and reproductive disruption in offspring.