Protective effect of vitamin E on sperm parameters, chromatin quality, and DNA fragmentation in mice treated with different doses of ethanol: An experimental study

Background: Excessive consumption of alcohol induces an increase in oxidative stress production and can lead to detrimental effects on the male reproductive system. Objective: To evaluate the possible protective effects of coadministration of vitamin (vit) E on the detrimental changes in the sperm quality of mice administered ethanol. Materials and Methods: Fifty-four BALB/c mice were categorized into nine groups (n = 6/each). The control group received a basal diet while the eight experimental groups received ethanol 10%; ethanol 20%; vit. E 100 mg; vit. E 200 mg; ethanol 10% + vit. E 100 mg; ethanol 10% + vit. E 200 mg; ethanol 20% + vit. E 100 mg; ethanol 20% + vit. E 200 mg. After 35 days, the sperm parameters and sperm chromatin were assessed. Results: The results demonstrated a significant reduction in the motility rate, normal morphology rate, viability rate, increase in abnormal DNA structure and packaging (TB staining), and DNA damage (TUNEL) in ethanol consumer groups. In addition, the findings showed a significant increase in the aforementioned parameters in ethanoland vit. E-consumer groups compared to the ethanol-only consumer groups. The ethanol group received 20% of the most damage among the groups. The group receiving vit. E 100 mg and those receiving ethanol 10% + vit. E 200 mg gained the highest benefit among the groups. Conclusion: Sperm forward progressive motility, normal morphology rate, and viability decreased in the ethanol groups. Also, the rates of spermatozoa with abnormal DNA structure and DNA fragmentation increased in the ethanol groups. Our findings revealed that the coadministration of vit. E and ethanol can protect destructive changes in DNA structure and damage. Key words: Ethanol, Sperm parameters, Vitamin E

The impact of long-term consumption of diets enriched with olive, cottonseed or sesame oils on kidney morphology: A stereological study

Abstract: To date, most of studies have only focused on metabolic effects of dietary oils while recent evidence proposes that they can influence kidneys structure. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of long-term consumption of olive, cottonseed and sesame oils on renal morphology in rats. 70 male Wistar rats randomly assigned into seven equal groups and treated with standard diet (control), the standard diet enriched with 10% or 20% (W/W) of either olive oil (OLI10%, OLI20%), cottonseed oil (COT10%, COT20%) or sesame oil (SES10%, SES20%) for 5 months. Quantitative features of the kidney including kidney and cortex volumes and the number of glomeruli were analyzed stereologically. Moreover, kidney sections histologically were evaluated. All of the studied oils in low concentration had no devastating effects on renal morphology and also its pathological features. However, only in SES20% group, kidney volume as well as, cortical volume was higher than the control group. Besides, accumulation of carbohydrate macromolecules and renal fibrosis were markedly increased in SES20% group compared to the control. The results suggest that sesame oil, especially at high concentration, may lead to renal deformities as a result of histopathological changes such as dilatation, fibrosis, and tubular defects

Effects of Tail fat enriched diet on male Wistar rat reproductive system

Background and Aim: Male infertility is increasing worldwide. There is now emerging evidence that nutritional status is regarded as a critical determinant of normal reproductive function. Hence, today, the role of dietary nutrition has attracted the attention of researchers. Thus, the present study was conducted to elucidate the effects of tail fat (TF) enriched diet on male rat reproductive function. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 30 adult male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into three equal groups and were fed with either standard diet (control) or standard diet enriched with 10 % of TF oil or standard diet enriched with 20% TF for 5 consecutive months. Finally, the rats were euthanized, the weights of their bodies, and their testes were measured. Then, the testes were dissected and the sections were stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin for quantitative histopathological examination. Besides, blood samples were collected for testosterone (T) assessment. Results: Compared to the control group, the rats fed with a diet enriched with 20% TF had significantly (P≤0.05) more body weight, while, their testes weight significantly (P≤0.0001) decreased. Also, histological changes showed that TF, in a dose dependence manner, significantly decreased germinal layer, seminiferous area, and spermatogonia number in the rats’ testes. There was no significant difference in T concentration between the groups. Conclusion: It was clearly found that excessive and long term intake of TF can be causative of hypogonadism and increase infertility in male rats

The Effects of Rosmarinic Acid on Hippocampal Oxidative Stress Markers in LPS-induced Neuroinflammation Rats: Rosmarinic Acid and Hippocampal Oxidative Stress

Neuroinflammation (NI) plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative diseases. It has been believed that alleviating NI can be a valuable approach in controlling the progress of neurodegenerative diseases. The generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species could trigger and deteriorate NI. According to previous studies, rosmarinic acid (RA) could exhibit neuroprotective potential. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of RA on hippocampal oxidative stress markers in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NI in rat brain. A total of 24 adult male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into four equal groups (n=6 each) and NI was induced in three of them by intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of LPS (50 μg/20μl; 10 μl into each ventricle). RA (2.5-5 mg/kg i.p.) was injected 30 min before the LPS injection and continued once per day up to 48 h. On day 3, animals were sacrificed and their hippocampi were dissected. Then, hippocampal concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and nitric oxide (NOx) were determined. RA prevented hippocampal MDA elevation in a dose-dependent-manner and increased SOD activity but did not affect NOx content. In conclusion, the results of the present study demonstrated that systemic administration of RA could effectively ameliorate oxidative stress induced by LPS in rat’s brain. This potential might be one of the underlying mechanisms through which RA mitigates NI

Effect of earthworm oil on formation of collagen type III during wound healing process in BALB/c mice

Abstract Introduction: Eisenia fetida is a species of earthworm. The oil extracted from this species has been found to have antimicrobial and antioxidant characteristics as well as omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids in its contents. The regenerative properties of this compound are very impressive. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of earthworm oil on wound healing based on collagen type III formation in the BALB/c mice. Materials and methods: The present experimental study was conducted in Birjand, Iran, in 2019. Forty-eight male adults BALB/c mice were divided into 4 groups (12 mice in each group). The intervention group received earthworm oil, the negative and positive control groups received sesame oil and 1% nitrofurazone cream, respectively, whereas the sham group received no treatment at al. A full-thickness excision wound with a 5-mm disposable surgical punch was made on the dorsal skin of all mice after anesthesia. The wounds in groups 1, 2, and 3 were dressed twice a day. At days 4, 7, 10, and 14 after wounding, excisional biopsy was performed and the sample was examined histologically and immunohistochemically using the ImageJ software. Data were analysed by ANOVA and Tukey tests using SPSS software version 22. Results: In the tissue samples treated with earthworm oil, the number of fibroblast cells and granulation tissue formation and epithelialization significantly increased; the thickness of type III collagen fibers in this group predominantly increased in comparison to other control groups. Conclusions: This study has demonstrated that the earthworm oil has a positive effect on the wound healing process, especially by promoting the collagen synthesis

Effect of earthworm oil on formation of collagen type III during wound healing process in BALB/c mice

Abstract Introduction: Eisenia fetida is a species of earthworm. The oil extracted from this species has been found to have antimicrobial and antioxidant characteristics as well as omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids in its contents. The regenerative properties of this compound are very impressive. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of earthworm oil on wound healing based on collagen type III formation in the BALB/c mice. Materials and methods: The present experimental study was conducted in Birjand, Iran, in 2019. Forty-eight male adults BALB/c mice were divided into 4 groups (12 mice in each group). The intervention group received earthworm oil, the negative and positive control groups received sesame oil and 1% nitrofurazone cream, respectively, whereas the sham group received no treatment at al. A full-thickness excision wound with a 5-mm disposable surgical punch was made on the dorsal skin of all mice after anesthesia. The wounds in groups 1, 2, and 3 were dressed twice a day. At days 4, 7, 10, and 14 after wounding, excisional biopsy was performed and the sample was examined histologically and immunohistochemically using the ImageJ software. Data were analysed by ANOVA and Tukey tests using SPSS software version 22. Results: In the tissue samples treated with earthworm oil, the number of fibroblast cells and granulation tissue formation and epithelialization significantly increased; the thickness of type III collagen fibers in this group predominantly increased in comparison to other control groups. Conclusions: This study has demonstrated that the earthworm oil has a positive effect on the wound healing process, especially by promoting the collagen synthesis

Antinociceptive and Anti-inflammatory Activities of Iris songarica Schrenk Rhizome Ethanolic Extract in Mice

Abstract Background: The rhizome of Iris songarica Scherenk has been prescribed as anodyne in Persian traditional medicine system. However, its effects have never been investigated experimentally. Thus, the present study was designed to evaluate the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of alcoholic extract of Iris songarica Scherenk rhizome in mice. Material and Methods: In this experimental study, adult male balb/c mice were used. 40 animals were allocated into five equal groups (control, morphine 5mg/kg, the extracts at doses of 100, 200 and 300 mg.kg) and tested for antinociceptive evaluation via using hot-plate in 30,60 and 120 minutes after the investigations. Also, the other 36 mice were divided into six equal groups (no-inflammation control, inflammation model, dexamethasone 4 mg/kg and the extracts at doses of 100, 200 and 300 mg.kg) and evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity in xylene induced inflammation model. All the investigations were done via intraperitoneal injection. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis tests in SPSS. Results: Compared to the control group, the extract at the all doses could increase latency time in hot plate test at 30, 60 and 120 minutes after investigation (p<0.05).This potential was comparable to morphine in the high doses or long time. In addition, the extracts at the all doses exhibited high anti-inflammatory activity which was comparable to dexamethasone (p<0.001). Conclusion: The results of present study clearly showed that Iris songarica Scherenk rhizome has antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities in mice

Acute and Sub-Acute Oral Toxicity Evaluation of Astragalus hamosus Seedpod Ethanolic Extract in Wistar Rats

Background: Oral consumption of Astragalus hamosus L. (AH) seedpod has been widely prescribed in traditional medicine system. However, its toxicity evaluation has never been investigated. Hence, the current study was performed to evaluate the toxicological profile of AH seedpod in acute and subacute assessments based on the OECD-guidelines 425 and 407 in male and female Wistar rats. Methods: In the acute study, ethanolic extract of AH at a single dose of 2000 mg/kg was orally administrated to six female rats. In the subacute assay, AH at the three different oral doses (75, 150 and 300 mg/kg) were administrated to both male and female rats for 28 consecutive days. Results: No death or behavioural changes were observed in the treated animals. In subacute test, in both sexes, no changes in organ weights observed. Biochemically, compared to the control, AH at the dose of 300 mg/kg slightly increased (p<0.05) uric acid and creatinine and declined total cholesterol levels in both male and female rats. However, there is no statistically difference in other parameters such as albumin, triglyceride, blood urea, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase between AH treated groups and untreated controls. Hematologic parameters showed that AH at the maximum dose decreased red blood cells count only in male rats. Histopathological evaluation of liver and kidney exhibited no noticeable alterations in AH treated animals. Conclusion: It could be concluded that high excessive and long term consumption of AH may lead to renal dysfunction and deficiency in hematopoietic system

The amelioration of ovarian dysfunction by hesperidin in malathion-treated mice through the overexpression of PCNA and FSHR proteins

Objective: Malathion (MAL), a pesticide used for decades, is a highly toxic substance. Several studies have documented the negative effects of such agents on reproductive organ physiology, but the precise mechanism of action in the induction of ovarian dysfunction remains unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to examine the effects of the antioxidant hesperidin (HES) on ovarian damage and toxicity caused by malathion. Materials and methods: In this experiment, forty adult female bulb/c mice weighing 27–30 g were categorized into four groups, namely hesperidin (20 mg/kg, i.p.), malathion (3 mg/kg, i.p.), malathion + hesperidin, and control groups. Following a period of 35 consecutive days of treatment, mice were euthanized, and their ovarian tissues were gathered for the purposes of histopathological analysis by H&E staining, immunohistochemical assessment via proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) immunostaining, and biochemical evaluation via measuring the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β). In addition, serum samples were collected from the blood of mice to perform hormonal analyses, especially 17β-estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4), luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Results: The results demonstrated that MAL exposure resulted in the development of abnormalities in the architecture and structure of ovaries. Also, the treatment of mice with MAL led to declined follicular counts at all three stages, namely, primary, secondary, and tertiary, reduced serum levels of sex hormones, decreased immunoreactivity of FSHR and PCNA, and diminished activity of CAT and SOD enzymes. In contrast, it caused an increase in MDA, IL-1β, and TNF-α, as well as the count of atretic follicles. Nonetheless, it was observed that HES exhibited the ability to ameliorate the deleterious impacts of malathion across all the aforementioned parameters. Conclusion: Treatment with HES via upregulating the protein expression of PCNA and FSHR and activating antioxidant defense was able to ameliorate the adverse effects of MAL on ovarian tissues

Effect of Co-administration of Astragalus hamosus L. ethanolic Extract and Metformin on Reproductive Parameters in Diabetic Male Rats

Background and purpose: The seeds of Astragalus hamosus L. are prescribed for many therapeutic purposes in Traditional Persian Medicine. The present study aimed to investigate the combined effects of metformin and ethanolic extract of Astragalus hamosus L. (AH) on glucose and reproductive parameters in diabetic male rats. Materials and methods: Ethanolic extract of AH was prepared using maceration method. Diabetic male Wistar rats were orally treated with 500 mg/kg metformin (MET500), 150 mg/kg AH, (AH150), 300 mg/kg AH (AH300), and combination of metformin and AH (MET+AH150 and MET+AH300) for 28 consecutive days. Then, fasting blood glucose (FBG), plasma testosterone, sperm quality (count, motility, and viability), testis histopathology, and testicular lipid peroxidation (MDA) were evaluated. Results: Compared with the untreated diabetic group, AH treatment significantly improved testosterone level, sperm count, motility, and viability and decreased testicular MDA (all P0.05). AH co-administration with metformin significantly potentiated the beneficial effects of metformin on testosterone (P<0.01) and testicular lipid peroxidation at both doses (P<0.001). While AH co-therapy with metformin at the maximum dose (300 mg/kg) synergistically improved metformin effects on testis morphology (all P<0.05), it could not show a positive combined effect on sperm parameters. Conclusion: AH has no antidiabetic effect and its co-therapy with metformin does not alter the hypoglycemic effect of metformin. However, this combination therapy has a synergistic effect on regulating lipid peroxidation, testosterone level, and testicular histological alterations in diabetic rats