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Background Objectives Materials and methods Results Discussion and Conclusions It is well‐established that spermatogenesis, semen quality, and reproductive hormones are interlinked. It is, however, less well‐described how various specific testicular histopathologies are linked to reproductive hormones and semen quality.To describe the detailed relationship between specific testicular histopathologies and the serum concentrations of reproductive hormones and semen quality.Descriptive histological patterns on testicular biopsies from 4245 patients referred for andrological workup in our clinic between 1990 and 2022 were grouped according to a published histological coding system: (1) complete spermatogenesis (completeSPG, n = 3171), (2) reduced spermatogenesis (reducedSPG, n = 657), (3) heterogeneous (hetArrest, n = 226), and (4) homogeneous (homArrest, n = 191) spermatogenic arrest at the spermatocyte or spermatid stage. As a proxy for the number of spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and spermatids, immunohistochemical staining for MAGE‐A4, PIWIL1, and TNP1 were quantified on a representative set of biopsies (n = 100). Serum concentrations of FSH, LH, T, SHBG, and inhibin B (n = 1813) and semen parameters (n = 833) were available.Compared with the completeSPG group, the number of spermatogonia was only reduced in the hetArrest group, while the number of spermatocytes and spermatids were lower in all groups. All groups had significantly higher FSH and LH and lower T, free T, and inhibin B concentrations when compared with the completeSPG group, except for the homArrest group, where inhibin B was unaffected. The hetArrest group had the lowest number of germ cells, the most pronounced change in reproductive hormones, and the lowest sperm counts. We found a strong correlation between the number of germ cells present and the corresponding serum concentrations of FSH, LH, T, and inhibin B.A histopathological pattern of heterogeneous spermatogenic arrest is associated with a more severe phenotype than a pattern of homogeneous arrest, and the group with reduced spermatogenesis showed the mildest phenotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accumulation of reactive oxygen species during testicular torsion causes oxidative stress, which in turn causes ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury to the testis. In testicular torsion/detorsion (T/D) in male mice, the purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of Mito-TEMPO (MT) on I/R injury. Forty-two male mice were divided into seven groups, including a control group and six treatment groups (360° T/D, 720° T/D, 360° T/D + 0.70 mg/kg MT, 360° T/D + 1 mg/kg MT, 720° T/D + 0.70 mg/kg MT and 720° T/D + 1 mg/kg MT). After inducing testicular torsion, oxidative enzymes, and testicular histopathology were evaluated. The results showed that 720° T/D resulted in increased testicular malondialdehyde levels and histological damage, along with reduced activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase. Treatment with MT reduced tissue malondialdehyde levels and increased the activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase. These findings suggest that MT administration protects against acute testicular T/D injury in mice.

The pathological diagnosis and treatment of azoospermia depend on precise identification of spermatogenic cells. Traditional methods are time-consuming and highly subjective due to complexity of Johnsen score, posing challenges for accurately diagnosing azoospermia. Here, we introduce a novel SC-YOLO framework for automating the classification of spermatogenic cells that integrates S3Ghost module, CoordAtt module and DCNv2 module, effectively capturing texture and shape features of spermatogenic cells while reducing model parameters. Furthermore, we propose a simplified Johnsen score criteria to expedite the diagnostic process. Our SC-YOLO framework presents the higher efficiency and accuracy of deep learning technology in spermatogenic cell recognition. Future research endeavors will focus on optimizing the model's performance and exploring its potential for clinical applications.

Accumulation of reactive oxygen species during testicular torsion causes oxidative stress, which in turn causes ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury to the testis. In testicular torsion/detorsion (T/D) in male mice, the purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of Mito-TEMPO (MT) on I/R injury. Forty-two male mice were divided into seven groups, including a control group and six treatment groups (360° T/D, 720° T/D, 360° T/D + 0.70 mg/kg MT, 360° T/D + 1 mg/kg MT, 720° T/D + 0.70 mg/kg MT and 720° T/D + 1 mg/kg MT). After inducing testicular torsion, oxidative enzymes, and testicular histopathology were evaluated. The results showed that 720° T/D resulted in increased testicular malondialdehyde levels and histological damage, along with reduced activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase. Treatment with MT reduced tissue malondialdehyde levels and increased the activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase. These findings suggest that MT administration protects against acute testicular T/D injury in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Varicocele adversely affects semen parameters. However, the effect of varicocele repair on the sperm retrieval rate and testicular histopathological patterns in men with nonobstructive azoospermia has not been widely reported. We retrospectively assessed the sperm retrieval rates and testicular histopathological patterns in men with nonobstructive azoospermia who were referred to the Urology Clinic in Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (Jakarta, Indonesia) and Bunda General Hospital (Jakarta, Indonesia) between January 2009 and December 2019. We compared patients who had undergone a surgical sperm retrieval procedure for assisted reproductive technology no earlier than three months after varicocele repair and those who had not undergone varicocele repair. The study included 104 patients (age range: 26–54 years), 42 of whom had undergone varicocele repair before the sperm retrieval procedure and 62 who had not. Motile spermatozoa were found in 29 (69.1%) and 17 (27.4%) patients who had undergone varicocele repair before the sperm retrieval procedure and those who had not undergone the repair, respectively (relative risk: 2.51; 95% confidence interval: 1.60–3.96; P < 0.001). A predicted probabilities graph showed consistently higher sperm retrieval rates for patients with varicocele repair, regardless of their follicle-stimulating hormone levels. Patients who underwent varicocele repair showed higher testicular histopathological patterns (P = 0.001). In conclusion, men with nonobstructive azoospermia and clinical varicocele who underwent varicocele repair before the sperm retrieval procedure had higher sperm retrieval rates compared to those who did not undergo varicocele repair.

Cadmium (Cd), a heavy metal element, cumulates in the testis and can cause male reproductive toxicity. Although vitamin E (VE) as one of potential antioxidants protects the testis against toxicity of Cd, the underlying mechanism remained uncompleted clear. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the Nrf-2 pathway is involved with the protective effect of VE on testicular damages caused by sub-chronic Cd exposure. Thirty-two SD rats were divided into four groups and orally administrated with VE and/or Cd for 28 consecutive days: control group, VE group (100 mg VE/kg), Cd group (5 mg CdCl2/kg), and VE + Cd group (100 mg VE/kg + 5 mg CdCl2/kg). The results showed that 28-day exposure of Cd caused accumulation of Cd, histopathological lesions, and alternations of sperm parameters (elevated rate of abnormal sperm, decreased count of sperm, declined motility, and viability of sperm). Moreover, the rats exposed to Cd showed significant oxidative stress (increased contents of MDA and decreased levels or activities of T-AOC, GSH, CAT, SOD and GSH-Px) and inhibition of Nrf-2 signaling pathway (downregulation of Nrf-2, HO-1, NQO-1, GCLC, GCLM and GST) of the testes. In contrast, VE treatment significantly reduced the Cd accumulation, alleviated histopathological lesions and dysfunctions, activated Nrf-2 pathway, and attenuated the oxidative stress caused by Cd in the testes of rats. In conclusion, VE, through upregulating Nrf-2 pathway, could protect testis against oxidative damages induced by sub-chronic Cd exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Chronic hyperglycemia and overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are strong predictors of the development of reproductive complications of diabetes. The present study was conducted to determine the effects of crocin on biochemical parameters, oxidative stress, and sperm characteristics as well as testes histopathology in diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four rats were divided into the four groups as follows: control, untreated diabetic and two crocin (40 and 60 mg/kg/day)-treated diabetic groups. Diabetes was induced by injection of a single dose of streptozotocin (STZ, 60 mg/kg). Administration of crocin (intraperitoneally) was started three days after STZ injection and was continued until the 28th day. At the end of the experiment, rats were anesthetized after weighing. Blood samples and epididymal sperm were subsequently collected to measure biochemical parameters (glucose and lipid profile), total oxidant and antioxidant status (TOS and TAS, respectively), oxidative stress index (OSI), and sperm characteristics (count, motility, and viability); also, testes were dissected out for histopathology examination. Results: Our result indicated that blood glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL cholesterol levels, as well as TOS, and OSI decreased, but body weight, sperm counts, motility and viability, as well as TAS and HDL levels increased significantly in the crocin-treated diabetic rats (P˂0.05). In testis sections from diabetic rats treated with crocin (40 and 60 mg/kg), seminiferous tubules exhibited normal shape and restoration of testis architecture was observed. Conclusion: Administration of crocin in the present study, ameliorated blood glucose, lipid abnormalities, oxidative stress, sperm characteristics and testis damage in STZ-diabetic rats.

Objective:We investigated the protective and therapeutic effects of ozone therapy (OT) on cisplatin (CP)-induced testicular damage.Materials and Methods:Thirty healthy adult male Wistar rats were divided into five groups consisting of 6 animals each: 1) control, 2) CP, 3) OT, 4) OT + CP and 5) CP + OT groups. Histopathological findings, Johnsen scores, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and GSH peroxidase (GPx) levels were evaluated.Results:CP caused a significant decrease in testicular weight and Johnsen score compared to the control group. In addition, TBARS level was significantly higher, whereas GSH, SOD, catalase and GPx levels were significantly lower in the CP group when compared to the control group. Pre- and post-CP OT significantly increased GSH, SOD, catalase and GPx levels and decreased TBARS level. Also, testicular weight and Johnsen score were increased with OT.Conclusion:The present study showed that OT is protective against CP-induced testicular damage. OT may be beneficial to patients who underwent CP chemotherapy.

The main objective of this study was to analyse the effects of r-met-hu G-CSF application as an inductor of early sexual development in prepubertal ram lambs. 20 Corriedale ram lambs (age=2 months; ~18 kg l.w.) were divided in 4 groups: a control group (T1; n= 5) and 3 treated groups (T2, T3 and T4; n= 5 each) were administered a subcutaneous injection of r-met-hu GCSF/Filgrastim daily for 4 consecutive days [(T2; 1 µg/kg l.w.; 18 µg/day; total= 72 µg), (T3;10 µg/kg l.w.; 180 µg/day; total= 720 µg) y (T4; 20 µg/kg l.w.; 360 µg/day; total= 1.440 µg)]. A haematological analysis (white blood cells) was performed to determine the response of the spinal cord and confirm the hematopoietic effect of r-met-hu G-CSF. The testis weight, testicular morphometry and testicular volume were evaluated as well. To determine the effectiveness of the r-met-hu G-CSF treatment on sexual development, histological alterations (seminiferous tubules, Sertoli cells, gonocytes, spermatogonia, among others) were also evaluated as well as the endocrine response (FSH, LH, testosterone and cortisol) by ELISA. Significant differences were found in the number of leukocytes between the T4 vs. T1, T2 and T3 groups, from day 3 onwards (p0,05). With regard to histological alterations, T3 showed a more advanced cellular profile presenting primary spermatocytes, while T4 reached the generation of round spermatids. In conclusion, the application of r-met-hu G-CSF (Filgrastim) as a stimulating factor for early sexual development affected fast and positively the white blood cells haematopoiesis and the hormonal activity when applied at high concentrations, and accelerated the testicular development in prepubertal lambs, affecting not only endocrine hormone levels but also the testicular weight and volume, as well as the spermatogenic process.

Neurotensin (NTS), a tridecapeptide of the gastrointestinal tract, has been implicated in the facilitation of lipid absorption on ingestion of a high-fat diet (HFD) especially via NTS receptors, NTSR1, NTSR2, and NTSR3, to cause lipid metabolic dysregulation and imbalance of the oxidant-antioxidant system. Oxidative stress induced a negative impact on reproductive function, affecting the reproductive organ and related reproductive hormones. The present study elucidated the efficacy of NTSR1 antagonist SR48692 in the modulation of HFD-induced reproductive impairment in male mice. Swiss albino mice (male, 23 ± 2 g) were maintained (6/group) for eight weeks; Group-I chow diet (CD), Group-II HFD, Group-III (HFD+SR48692 L), Group-IV (HFD+SR48692 H), Group-V (CD+SR48692 L) and Group-VI (CD+SR48692 H). SR48692 low (100 µg/kg b.w./SR48692 L) and high-dose (400 µg/kg b.w./SR48692 H) were given intraperitoneally for the last four weeks. Treatment with low-dose (SR48692 L) to HFD-fed mice showed some efficacy in mitigating lipid dysregulation, oxidative stress, and reproductive impairment as evidenced by decreased triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, leptin, and increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, increased antioxidant defense enzymes, reduction of histopathological scores in testis and increase in plasma level of LH, FSH and testosterone compared to that of HFD, but not up to CD. With the high-dose of antagonist (SR48692 H) showed more adverse effects even from that of HFD. Treatment of both doses of SR48692 to CD-fed mice these effects become more extended. Less effectiveness of NTSR1 antagonist with the doses tried (low and high) in normalizing the lipid dysregulation and reproductive impairments might be due to the persistence of NTSR2/NTSR3-mediated lipid absorption. • High fat diet consumption causes lipid dysregulation and reproductive impairment. • Histopathological alteration was reflected due to increased oxidative stress effect. • SR48692 exposure shown partial efficacy in HFD induced reproductive impairment. • Varied NTS receptors might be responsible for NTS-NTSR mediated lipid absorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of the present research was to assess the effects of an active immunization against GnRH on male reproductive function as an alternative to surgical sterilization evaluating testicular morphometry, histopathological alterations and plasma gonadotropin levels in prepubertal ram lambs. Dorper ram lambs (age= 2 months; control group, n= 5; treatment group, n=15) were immunised by using an anti-GnRH vaccine (two administrations spaced 15d) developed by linking a GnRH homologous molecule to tetanus toxoid (clostridial toxoid) with aluminum hydroxide as coadjuvant. To determine the effectiveness of the vaccination protocol, testicular morphometry was evaluated (length, width, mean volume and total volume) together with histopathological alterations in testicular tissue samples (seminiferous tubule diameters, spermatogonia per testis and sperm presence) and endocrine responses (ELISA) from blood samples (FSH, LH, testosterone and cortisol plasma levels). Morphometric parameters (testicular length, width and volume) were significantly reduced in vaccinated animals with respect to the control group (p< 0.05). The anti-GnRH vaccine generated a reduction in testicular volume of 11- fold. Tubule diameters decreased in the vaccinated group with respect to the control by a factor of ~3.5. Both tubule and intertubular volumes significantly decreased in vaccinated ram lambs (p0.05). In conclusion, prepubertal active immunization against GnRH led to marked differences on testes morphometry and activity in ovine species, however, it did not affect endocrine levels nor spermatogenesis in all individuals studied showing a partial vaccination effect in some of them. Thus, taking into account the heterogeneous dysfunctional responses obtained, different vaccination assays and strategies should be tested before active immunization against GnRH is considered as a viable alternative to conventional surgical sterilization.

The pathological diagnosis and treatment of azoospermia depend on precise identification of spermatogenic cells. Traditional methods are time-consuming and highly subjective due to complexity of Johnsen score, posing challenges for accurately diagnosing azoospermia. Here, we introduce a novel SC-YOLO framework for automating the classification of spermatogenic cells that integrates S3Ghost module, CoordAtt module and DCNv2 module, effectively capturing texture and shape features of spermatogenic cells while reducing model parameters. Furthermore, we propose a simplified Johnsen score criteria to expedite the diagnostic process. Our SC-YOLO framework presents the higher efficiency and accuracy of deep learning technology in spermatogenic cell recognition. Future research endeavors will focus on optimizing the model's performance and exploring its potential for clinical applications.

Objective: Chronic hyperglycemia and overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are strong predictors of the development of reproductive complications of diabetes. The present study was conducted to determine the effects of crocin on biochemical parameters, oxidative stress, and sperm characteristics as well as testes histopathology in diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four rats were divided into the four groups as follows: control, untreated diabetic and two crocin (40 and 60 mg/kg/day)-treated diabetic groups. Diabetes was induced by injection of a single dose of streptozotocin (STZ, 60 mg/kg). Administration of crocin (intraperitoneally) was started three days after STZ injection and was continued until the 28th day. At the end of the experiment, rats were anesthetized after weighing. Blood samples and epididymal sperm were subsequently collected to measure biochemical parameters (glucose and lipid profile), total oxidant and antioxidant status (TOS and TAS, respectively), oxidative stress index (OSI), and sperm characteristics (count, motility, and viability); also, testes were dissected out for histopathology examination. Results: Our result indicated that blood glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL cholesterol levels, as well as TOS, and OSI decreased, but body weight, sperm counts, motility and viability, as well as TAS and HDL levels increased significantly in the crocintreated diabetic rats (P<0.05). In testis sections from diabetic rats treated with crocin (40 and 60 mg/kg), seminiferous tubules exhibited normal shape and restoration of testis architecture was observed. Conclusion: Administration of crocin in the present study, ameliorated blood glucose, lipid abnormalities, oxidative stress, sperm characteristics and testis damage in STZ-diabetic rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We investigate the protective and therapeutic effects of ozone therapy (OT) in radiotherapy (RT)-induced testicular damage. Methods: Thirty healthy adult male Wistar rats divided into five groups consisting of six animals each as follows: (1) Control (C), (2) RT, (3) OT, (4) OT + RT, and (5) RT + OT group. Histopathological findings, Johnsen scores, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels were evaluated. Results: RT caused a significant decrease in testicular weight and Johnsen score compared to the control group. In addition, TBARS level was significantly higher, whereas GSH, SOD, catalase, and GPx levels were significantly lower in the RT group when compared to the control group. Pre and postRT OT significantly increased GSH, SOD, catalase, and GPx levels and decreased TBARS level. Furthermore, testicular weight and Johnsen score were increased with OT. Conclusions: The present study showed that OT is protective and therapeutic in radiation-induced testicular damage. OT may be beneficial to the patients who underwent RT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We investigated the protective and therapeutic effects of ozone therapy (OT) on cisplatin (CP)-induced testicular damage. Materials and Methods: Thirty healthy adult male Wistar rats were divided into five groups consisting of 6 animals each: 1) control, 2) CP, 3) OT, 4) OT + CP and 5) CP + OT groups. Histopathological findings, Johnsen scores, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and GSH peroxidase (GPx) levels were evaluated. Results: CP caused a significant decrease in testicular weight and Johnsen score compared to the control group. In addition, TBARS level was significantly higher, whereas GSH, SOD, catalase and GPx levels were significantly lower in the CP group when compared to the control group. Pre- and post-CP OT significantly increased GSH, SOD, catalase and GPx levels and decreased TBARS level. Also, testicular weight and Johnsen score were increased with OT. Conclusion: The present study showed that OT is protective against CP-induced testicular damage. OT may be beneficial to patients who underwent CP chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ameliorative role of Eruca sativa on some hormonal profile and testicular histopathology in male albino rats exposed to a sublethal dose of 1 mg/kg body weight (b.wt). Abamectin (Crater 3.37% EC) was evaluated. Eighteen male albino rats were divided into three groups: control group, Abamectin-treated group, and Abamectin + E. sativa-treated group. Rats of the second group were orally administrated 1 mg/kg b.wt. of Abamectin, the third group received a mixture of sublethal oral dose of Abamectin (1 mg/kg b.wt.) and E. sativa suspension (5 g/kg b.wt.) every 48 h for 28 days. At the end of the study, blood samples were collected from all groups to measure some hormonal parameters; also, rats were dissected and tissue sections from the testes were prepared and stained with hematoxylin and eosin for examination under light microscope. The results of the present study revealed a disturbance in the hormonal parameters and some testicular histopathological changes. In addition, administration of E. sativa might have a promising effect against Abamectin toxicity-induced disorders of thyroid hormones and impaired testicular functions, which were correlated with histopathological changes in the testes of male rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to observe the clinical utility and the possible determinants in predicting sperm retrieval of salvage microdissection testicular sperm extraction ( mTESE) for nonobstructive azoospermia ( NOA) patients with failed conventional TESE at their first attempts. A total of 52 NOA males underwent salvage mTESE were recruited in this study. Related data, including age, BMI, the presence of Klinefelter's syndrome and varicocele, cryptorchidism, mean testicular volume, hormonal profile (total testosterone ( TT), follicle-stimulating hormone ( FSH), luteinising hormone ( LH), inhibin B ( INHB)), testicular histology and surgical duration, were collected and analysed. A multivariate logistic regression with likelihood ratio test revealed the following predictors of sperm retrieval: TT and testicular histology (chi-square of likelihood ratio = 26.42, df = 4, p < .005). A formula was also established using multivariate regression analysis in predicting sperm retrieval probability. A predicted probability of more than 71% was determined of the formula as the cut-off value in predicting sperm retrieval using receiver operating characteristics ( ROC) analysis with a sensitivity and specificity 78.0% and 72.4% respectively. In conclusion, salvage mTESE is of clinical value in NOA males with failed TESE attempts, whereas the established formula could be useful in determining the proper salvage mTESE candidates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Hyperthermia causes detrimental effects on the testes leading to fertility problems.Mallotus roxbhurghianusMuell. Arg. (Euphorbiaceae) is used in traditional medicine and possesses antioxidant property. However, the mechanisms remain unknown in the context of alleviative action ofM. roxburghianusagainst heat stress. Objective: The objective of this study was to demonstrate the alleviating activity ofM. roxburghianusand its mechanism in scrotal hyperthermia. Materials and methods: Scrotal hyperthermia experiments were performed in three groups (n = 7 per group) consisting of (i) the control group (C) maintained at 22 °C for 30 min, (ii) the heat stress-induced group (HS), and (iii) the heat stress-inducedM. roxburghianus-treated group (HSM – 400 mg/kg each) in a thermostatically controlled water bath at 43 °C for 30 min. Subsequent to the heat treatment HS group, rats were treated with saline p.o and methanol extract ofM. roxburghianuswas administered to the rats of HSM group along with their standard food for 14 d. Scrotal hyperthermic effects were evaluated. Results: Scrotal hyperthermia significantly (p < 0.0001) elevated malondialdehyde levels while decreasing the body and testes weights, serum testosterone, and antioxidant enzyme levels due to oxidative stress. Disorganisation of seminiferous tubules and arrest of spermatogenesis were observed in the HS group. The administration of methanol extract ofM. roxburghianus(400 mg/kg) for 14 d after heat treatment significantly suppressed the lipid peroxidation, restored the antioxidant enzyme and testosterone levels, revived the spermatogenesis, and increased the cell proliferation activity in the HSM group. Discussion and conclusion: The methanol extract ofM. roxburghianusaccelerates testicular recovery from the damaging influence of hyperthermia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance Mallotus roxburghianus is used for its antihyperglycaemic properties in Southeast Asia especially in Northeast India (Mizoram) and is also recognized in traditional medicine. About 90% of diabetic patients have been associated with reproductive impairments. The primary aim of this investigation is to examine the effects of diabetes on oxidative stress, steroidogenesis, histopathology, proliferation of germ cells with proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and antioxidant status, and alleviative effect of M. roxburghianus on the testis dysfunction. Materials and methods Methanolic leaf extract of M. roxburghianus was given to male albino Wistar rats by oral gavage to study the acute toxicity. Phyto-chemical composition of the methanol extract of M. roxburghianus was analyzed by GC–MS. Male Wistar rats were divided into six groups with seven animals in each group: untreated control; M. roxburghianus methanolic extract control (MRME, 400 mg/kg); Alloxan diabetic control group (150 mg/kg); diabetic with 100 mg/kg MRME treatment; diabetic with 400 mg/kg MRME treatment; and diabetic with glibenclamide (0.1 mg/kg) treatment. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of 150 mg/kg alloxan and was confirmed by testing fasting plasma blood glucose levels 5 days after injection. MRME was administered orally for 28 days. Body and testis weights, serum testosterone, testis malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), glutathione S transferase (GST) and protein levels were measured, and testis tissue was examined histopathologically and immunohistochemically (PCNA). Results No sign of mortality and organ toxicity was observed up to 3000 mg/kg in acute toxicity assay of MRME and inferred to be non-toxic and safe. Bergenin and betulinic acid are the major components of MRME with many biological activities. MRME treatment rendered significant increases in body weight, testis weight, testes-body weight ratio, down regulated the MDA levels, reduced the degeneration and disruption of seminiferous tubule structure, restored the antioxidant enzymes and serum testosterone levels, increased the PCNA activities and attenuated the testes injury. Conclusion MRME treatment to diabetic rats improves diabetes induced oxidative damage in testis as well as provides protection to testis. Phenols (Bergenin) and terpenes (Betulinic acid) were the main compounds of MRME that show antioxidant and antidiabetic activities and indeed validated its traditional use in the management of diabetes related testicular impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phthalates are abundantly produced plasticizers, and di(ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is the most widely used derivative in various consumer products and medical devices. Animal studies show that DEHP and various other phthalates cause reproductive and developmental toxicity. Although the evidences are limited, it seems reasonable that DEHP may have a potential for similar adverse effects in humans. Such concerns are increasing, particularly for the developing reproductive system of male infants and children. By taking into account the essentiality of selenium (Se) in testicular structure and functions and the high prevalence of inadequate Se intake in various part of the world, this study was designed to investigate the testicular toxicity of DEHP in Se-deficient male rats and to examine the possible preventive effects of Se supplementation on phthalate toxicity. Se deficiency was generated by feeding 3-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats with a ≤0.05 Se mg/kg diet for 5 weeks. Supplementation groups were on a 1 mg Se/kg diet, and DEHP-treated groups received a 1,000 mg/kg dose by gavage during the last 10 days of the feeding period. Testicular histopathology, sperm count and motility, and sperm morphology were examined, and plasma levels of sex hormones were measured. Toxicity and antiandrogenic effects of DEHP were evidenced by disturbed testicular histology and spermatogenesis, diminished testosterone, leutinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, and sperm motility. The effects of DEHP were much more pronounced in Se-deficient rats, whereas Se supplementation was found to be protective, reflecting its regulating role in cellular redox equilibrium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

End points of reproductive toxicity were investigated in male mice ( Mus musculus, ICR) fed Nanjing City tap water for 90 days. There was no significant alteration in body weights between treatment and control mice. In treated mice, flow cytometry analysis of testicular tissue indicated that the relative percentage of the elongated spermatid (HC) decreased significantly ( P < 0.05). Also slight increases in the relative percentage of round spermatids (1C) and primary spermatocytes (4C) were noted. The ratios of 4C:2C (diploid germ cells) and 1C:2C increased, and testicular histopathology indicated an expansion of interstitial space and a decreased number and size of Leydig cells in treated mice. The current study suggests that Nanjing City tap water is toxic to the reproductive system of mice and additional study to evaluate its effects on other species, including human beings, would be warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The toxicological tests of the Yangtze River source of drinking water on the reproductive system of male mice (Mus musculus) were conducted in order to protect human and environmental health. The mice were fed with the source water for 90-day and their body weights and relative organ weights were not significantly altered. The results of flow cytometry analysis showed that the relative percentage of the primary spermatocytes (4C) increased significantly, however, significant depletion was observed in the relative percentage of elongated spermatid (HC). These alterations in different germ cell populations were reflected in the various germ cell ratios. The ratio of 1C:4C showed declines while the ratio of 4C:2C increased and the percentage of abnormal sperm increased significantly. There were obvious testicular histopathology distinguishes observed in expansion of interstitial space and reduction in the number and size of Leydig cells. The data demonstrated that the source of drinking water from Yangtze River had actual toxicity on male mice reproductive system and suggested that the source water pollution should be controlled for protection of human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Boron is a chemical element widely used in many industrial activities. Exposure to it affects many organs in mammals, mainly reproductive male organs. This work evaluates boron effect in testis. For this purpose, 12mg Boron/L of drinking water, equivalent to Arica tap water, was given for 42 days to 85 days old CFl male mice (experimental group). Another group (control group) drunk tap water of Santiago (0.6mg Boron/L) was used. Testicular histopathology and morphometric analysis was done. These studies showed that Borum induces alterations such as epithelial vacuolization, blockage of the tubular lumen and atrophy. Morphometrical data showed that Borom induces also enlargement of tubular diameter, epithelial height and tubular lumen. Therefore, it is concluded that Boron acts as testicular toxicant and that further studies are needed to establish its mechanism of action upon spermatogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A retrospective study was carried out on 159 treatment cycles in 148 secretory azoospermic patients to determine whether histopathological secretory azoospermic subgroups were predictive for gamete retrieval, and to evaluate outcome of microinjection using fresh or frozen-thawed testicular sperm and spermatids.Methods: Sperm and spermatids were recovered by open testicular biopsy and microinjected into oocytes. Fertilization and pregnancy rates were assessed.Results: In hypoplasia, 97.7% of the 44 patients had late spermatids/sperm recovered. In maturation-arrest (MA; 47 patients), 31.9% had complete MA, and 68.1% incomplete MA due to a focus of early (36.2%) or late (31.9%) spermiogenesis. Gamete retrieval was achieved in 53.3, 41.2 and 93.3% of the cases respectively. In Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS; 57 patients), 61.4% were complete SCOS, whereas incomplete SCOS cases showed one focus of MA (5.3%), or of early (29.8%) and late (3.5%) spermiogenesis. Only 29.8% of the patients had a successful gamete retrieval, 2.9% in complete and 77.3% in incomplete SCOS cases. In total, there were 87 ICSI, 39 elongated spermatid injection (ELSI) and 33 round spermatid injection (ROSI) treatment cycles, with mean values of fertilization rate of 71.4, 53.6 and 17%, and clinical pregnancy rates of 31.7, 26.3 and 0% respectively.Conclusions: Histopathological subgroups were positively correlated with successful gamete retrieval. No major outcome differences were observed between testicular sperm and elongated spermatids, either fresh or frozen-thawed. However, injection of intact round-spermatids showed very low rates of fertilization and no pregnancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]