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At least 19 records

Supplementing zinc oxide nanoparticles to cryopreservation medium minimizes the freeze-thaw-induced damage to spermatozoa

The sperm DNA integrity post cryopreservation of human semen samples is one of the serious concerns in human infertility treatment. In the present study, the beneficial effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles in preserving the functional ability of spermatozoa was explored. Ejaculates of normozoospermic men cryopreserved along with Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) exhibited non-significantly higher percentage of total and progressive motility in frozen-thawed samples compared to control. The sperm chromatin damage and malondialdehyde (MDA) level was significantly lower in ZnONPs group (P P < 0.05 respectively) and the spermatozoa's ability to undergo acrosome reaction was also unaltered. Fluorescence microscopy and High resolution transmission electron microscopy analysis demonstrated that the ZnONPs do not penetrate the membrane of spermatozoa but stay around the spermatozoa. In conclusion, the presence of ZnONPs during cryopreservation appears to be beneficial to the spermatozoa as they withstand freeze-thaw process competently better than control, without any adverse effect shown.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Dysregulation of long noncoding RNAs in mouse testes and spermatozoa after exposure to cadmium

There is increasing evidence that cadmium (Cd) exposure can cause male subfertility and even complete infertility in mammals. Long noncoding (lnc) RNAs are critical for spermatogenesis, and their dysregulation might lead to male infertility. However, whether they are involved in Cd-induced subfertility is unknown. Here we found that intraperitoneal exposure to Cd in mice led to male subfertility indicated by reductions in testicular sperm production and motility, and by abnormal morphology. Testicular and sperm RNAs were used to investigate lncRNA expression profiles by strand-specific RNA sequencing at the transcriptome level to help determine any RNA-related mechanisms in Cd-induced subfertility. The Cd-treated testes and spermatozoa exhibited aberrant expression profiles for lncRNAs and mRNAs. Of the lncRNAs, there were 139 with upregulated expression and 174 with downregulated expression in testes; in contrast, 685 were upregulated and 375 were downregulated in spermatozoa. For mRNA expression, 214 were upregulated and 226 were downregulated in testes; 272 were upregulated and 111 were downregulated in spermatozoa. Gene ontology and pathway analyses showed that the functions of differentially expressed lncRNA targets and mRNAs were closely linked with many processes involved in spermatogenesis. Additionally, many newly identified lncRNAs showed inducible expression, suggesting that they might be good candidate markers for Cd-induced male reproductive toxicity. This study provides a preliminary database for further exploring lncRNA-related mechnisms in male infertility induced by Cd. - Highlights: • LncRNA profiles were changed by Cd exposure in mouse testes and spermatozoa. • Differentially expressed lncRNA targets and mRNAs were linked with spermatogenesis. • Providing a database for exploring lncRNA-related mechnisms in male infertility. • LncRNA might be candidate markers for Cd-induced male reproductive toxicity.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Regulation of steroid hormones and energy status with cysteamine and its effect on spermatogenesis

Although it is well known that cysteamine is a potent chemical for treating many diseases including cystinosis and it has many adverse effects, the effect of cysteamine on spermatogenesis is as yet unknown. Therefore the objective of this investigation was to explore the effects of cysteamine on spermatogenesis and the underlying mechanisms. Sheep were treated with vehicle control, 10 mg/kg or 20 mg/kg cysteamine for six months. After that, the semen samples were collected to determine the spermatozoa motility by computer-assisted sperm assay method. Blood samples were collected to detect the levels of hormones and the activity of enzymes. Spermatozoa and testis samples were collected to study the mechanism of cysteamine's actions. It was found that the effects of cysteamine on spermatogenesis were dose dependent. A low dose (10 mg/kg) cysteamine treatment increased ovine spermatozoa motility; however, a higher dose (20 mg/kg) decreased both spermatozoa concentration and motility. This decrease might be due to a reduction in steroid hormone production by the testis, a reduction in energy in the testis and spermatozoa, a disruption in the blood-testis barrier, or a breakdown in the vital signaling pathways involved in spermatogenesis. The inhibitory effects of cysteamine on sheep spermatogenesis may be used to model its effects on young male patients with cystinosis or other diseases that are treated with this drug. Further studies on spermatogenesis that focus on patients treated with cysteamine during the peripubertal stage are warranted. - Highlights: • Dose dependent effects of cysteamine on spermatogenesis • A low dose (10 mg/kg) increased spermatozoa motility. • A higher dose (20 mg/kg) decreased both concentration and motility of spermatozoa. • Disruption in the blood-testis barrier caused reduction in concentration and motility.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Novel localization of Aurora A kinase in mouse testis suggests multiple roles in spermatogenesis

Highlights: • Aurora A kinase is a previously identified mitotic kinase. • Developing male germ cells express Aurora A including spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and spermatids. • Aurora A kinase and its activated form are localized to the flagella of sperm. • Activated Aurora A kinase is enriched in motile sperm of the epididymis suggesting a role in sperm motility. Male germ cells are transformed from undifferentiated stem cells into spermatozoa through a series of highly regulated steps together termed spermatogenesis. Spermatogonial stem cells undergo mitosis and differentiation followed by two rounds of meiotic division and then proceed through a series of dramatic cell shape changes to form highly differentiated spermatozoa. Using indirect immunofluorescence, we investigated a role for the mitotic kinase, Aurora A (AURKA), in these events through localization of this protein in mouse testis and spermatozoa. AURKA is expressed in several cell types in the testis. Spermatogonia and spermatocytes express AURKA as expected based on the known role of this kinase in cell division. Surprisingly, we also found AURKA localized to spermatids and the flagellum of spermatozoa. Total AURKA and activated AURKA are expressed in different compartments of the sperm flagellum with total AURKA found in the principal piece and its phosphorylated and activated form found in the sperm midpiece. In addition, active AURKA is enriched in the flagellum of motile sperm isolated from cauda epididymis. These results provide evidence for a unique role for AURKA in spermatogenesis and sperm motility. Defining the signaling mechanisms that govern spermatogenesis and sperm cell function is crucial to understanding and treating male infertility as well as for development of new contraceptive strategies.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Exposure to non‐ionizing electromagnetic radiation of public risk prevention instruments threatens the quality of spermatozoids

Contents The use of artificial insemination in cattle breeding has evolved to global extent, and insemination doses are often shipped via air transport which requires strict radiation‐based examinations. For the determination of effect of non‐ionizing radiation (NIR), to which are beings frequently exposed due to protection of airport or cultural event security, freshly ejaculated and cryopreserved bovine spermatozoa were used as experimental model. Following radiation with hand‐held metal detector in various exposition times (0, 10 s, 15, 30 and 60 min—groups FR, FR10, FR15, FR30 and FR60) the spermatozoa underwent motility and DNA fragmentation analyses. Study on cryoconserved semen treated with NIR was performed in time intervals 0, 10 s, 1 and 5 min (insemination doses radiated before cryoconservation—CB, CB10, CB1, CB5; samples radiated after freezing—CA, CA10, CA1 and CA5). Fresh semen and insemination doses radiated after cryoconservation showed significantly lower total and progressive motility. No effect on motility parameters was detected in semen extended with cryopreservative medium and radiated prior to freezing. Surprisingly, NIR showed a potential to stimulate spermatozoa velocity; however, the effect was modulated throughout the post‐thawing incubation. Based on the DNA fragmentation assay, sperm DNA stayed intact. Present study underlines the potential harm of NIR, which is frequently used in everyday life, with overall adverse impact on human and animal reproduction. Current study also points out on interesting short‐term spermatozoa stimulation induced by NIR.

Tirpak, Filip↗

pH-dependent Ca+2 oscillations prevent untimely acrosome reaction in human sperm

Highlights: • The external pH maintained during capacitation influences Acrosome Reaction. • Ca{sup 2+} oscillations prevent AR and are more frequent at external pH 6.5. • Pharmacological inhibition of Ca{sup 2+} oscillations restored Acrosome Reaction. During transit through the female reproductive tract, sperm encounter metabolites and environmental conditions that modulate various processes leading to fertilization. Intracellular Ca{sup 2+} dynamics regulate the acrosome reaction (AR), which involves exocytosis of the acrosomal granule, a prerequisite for successful fertilization. We explored the ability of progesterone, prostanglandin-E1, and GABA to induce Ca{sup 2+} mobilization and AR in single human spermatozoa capacitated under external pH (pH{sub e}) conditions found in different regions of the female reproductive tract (pH{sub e} 6.5, 7.4 and 8.0). The highest percentage of AR induction, regardless of the inducer, occurred when sperm were capacitated at pH{sub e} 7.4. Interestingly, at pH{sub e} 6.5 a high percentage of cells exhibit Ca{sup 2+} oscillations, which prevent AR. These oscillations involve extracellular and intracellular Ca{sup 2+} channels. Pharmacological inhibition of Ca{sup 2+} oscillations restores the ability of spermatozoa to undergo the AR when exposed to progesterone, even if capacitated at pH{sub e} 6.5.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Maturation and fertilization of echinoderm eggs: Role of actin cytoskeleton dynamics

Highlights: • Meiotic maturation of starfish oocytes involves the rearrangement of actin filaments and intracellular Ca{sup 2+} increases. • The actin cytoskeleton plays a role in optimizing the Ca{sup 2+} release mechanisms during oocyte maturation. • F-actin dynamics regulates Ca{sup 2+} signaling and cortical granules exocytosis at fertilization in starfish and sea urchin eggs. • Monospermic fertilization is heavily dependent upon the integrity of the actin cytoskeleton of the egg cortex. Starfish and sea urchin are excellent models to study the mechanisms that regulate oocyte maturation and egg activation. Hormonal stimulation of starfish oocytes and their following interaction with spermatozoa induce rapid changes of F-actin and Ca{sup 2+} increases which are prerequisites for normal fertilization and development. Fully grown oocytes isolated from the gonads of starfish contain a large nucleus (∼60–70 μm) (termed germinal vesicle, GV), which is arrested at the first prophase of meiosis. If inseminated, these immature oocytes are penetrated by additional spermatozoa. However, starfish oocytes naturally shed into the sea have already initiated the (meiotic) maturation and are normally fertilized between GV breakdown and the extrusion of the first polar body. This is considered the optimum period to ensure monospermic instead of polyspermic fertilization. By contrast, sea urchin eggs are fertilized only after being fully matured, i.e., at the end of the two meiotic divisions. Here, we provide a comparative review of the role of the actin cytoskeleton in oocyte maturation and fertilization in starfish and sea urchin. It has become increasingly evident that the exquisite regulation of the cortical F-actin is involved in nearly all aspects of the molecular events taking place during the progression of meiotic maturation and fertilization.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF) expression in the male tract of Wistar rats

Highlights: • PEDF expression is detected in epididymal tract of male rats. • PEDF expression was not detected in rat testes. • PEDF expression was decreased by using flutamide. • PEDF expression was recovered after flutamide cessation. Pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF) expression has been described in many organs as showing neurotrophic, anti-angiogenic, anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and pro-cell survival properties. However, references to its activity in the male reproductive system are scarce. We aimed to characterize the expression of PEDF in the male reproductive tract of Wistar rats by using RT-PCR, western blot and immunostaining and also evaluate the effect of flutamide in PEDF expression. We found that PEDF is expressed in the epididymis, prostate and seminal vesicles in Wistar rats, but notably not in the testes. Under the effect of flutamide PEDF expression decreased, recovering by suppressing the antiandrogen. The epididymis is an essential organ in sperm maturation-storages. The role of PEDF in this physiological process has not been fully elucidated yet, but considering that in other systems PEDF has anti-apoptotic, anti-oxidants and pro-cell survival properties, its expression along the epididymis could play a role in the protection of spermatozoa while they are stored.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

The genomic effects of cell phone exposure on the reproductive system

Highlights: • Electromagnetic fields (EMF) causes an imbalance between pro-oxidant and antioxidant mechanismsEMF increases reactive oxygen species production. • Exposure to EMF leads to disruptions in spermatogenic cells. • Exposure to GSM-modulated EMF causes an increase in superoxide formation levels in human spermatozoa. Humans are exposed to increasing levels of electromagnetic fields (EMF) at various frequencies as technology advances. In this context, improving understanding of the biological effects of EMF remains an important, high priority issue. Although a number of studies in this issue and elsewhere have focused on the mechanisms of the oxidative stress caused by EMF, the precise understanding of the processes involved remains to be elucidated. Due to unclear results among the studies, the issue of EMF exposure in the literature should be evaluated at the genomic level on the reproductive system. Based on this requirement, a detail review of recently published studies is necessary. The main objectives of this study are to show differences between negative and positive effect of EMF on the reproductive system of animal and human. Extensive review of literature has been made based on well known data bases like Web of Science, PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Scopus. This paper reviews the current literature and is intended to contribute to a better understanding of the genotoxic effects of EMF emitted from mobile phones and wireless systems on the human reproductive system, especially on fertility. The current literature reveals that mobile phones can affect cellular functions via non-thermal effects. Although the cellular targets of global system for mobile communications (GSM)-modulated EMF are associated with the cell membrane, the subject is still controversial. Studies regarding the genotoxic effects of EMF have generally focused on DNA damage. Possible mechanisms are related to ROS formation due to oxidative stress. EMF increases ROS production by enhancing the activity of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) oxidase in the cell membrane. Further detailed studies are needed to elucidate DNA damage mechanisms and apoptotic pathways during oogenesis and spermatogenesis in germ cells exposed to EMF.

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTAN↗

Evaluation of Uterine Contractility by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Women Undergoing Embolization of Uterine Fibroids

Purpose: To assess uterine contractility using ultrafast magnetic resonance imaging (cine MRI) before and after uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). Materials and Methods: This is a prospective study of uterine contractility in 26 patients (age 30–41 years) undergoing UFE for symptomatic uterine fibroids. Cine MRI was performed before and 6 months after UFE. Two radiologists evaluated uterine contractility and classified it as absent, ordered, or disordered. Patients were then grouped into three distinct patterns of progression: unchanged contractility (group A), modified contractility (B), and loss of contractility (C). These findings were then confronted with factors that might have interfered with uterine contractility pattern (uterine volume, location of dominant fibroid, fibroid/myometrium index, and fibroid necrosis pattern). Results: Of the 26 patients, 8 (30.7%) had no contractility before the procedure, while 18 (69.2%) exhibited some form of contractility (11 [61%] ordered, 7 [39%] disordered). All 8 patients who had no contractility at baseline exhibited contractility after UFE (5 ordered, 3 disordered). Of the 11 who had ordered contractility at baseline, 9 remained ordered and 2 lost contractility after UFE. Of the 7 with disordered contractility at baseline, 1 remained disordered, 5 progressed to ordered contractility, and 1 lost contractility. Overall, 10 patients (38%) had no change in contractility after UFE (group A), 13 (50%) had a positive change (group B), and 3 (11%) lost contractility (group C). The potential interference factors assessed had no statistically significant effect in any group. Conclusion: In women of reproductive age with symptomatic fibroids, uterine contractility improved significantly after UFE. Level of Evidence: Level 3—non-randomized controlled cohort/follow-up study.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Effects of Varicocele Treatment on Sperm Conventional Parameters: Surgical Varicocelectomy Versus Sclerotherapy

Introduction: Varicocele is often associated with impaired sperm parameters. Different procedures have been developed for varicocele treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of varicocele treatment on conventional sperm parameters. Materials and Methods: We compared two different techniques of intervention: surgical varicocelectomy and sclerotherapy. We also evaluated the number of varicocele recurrences and the pregnancy rate. We included 102 patients (mean age 29.8 ± 0.8 years) with ultrasound diagnosis of varicocele. We excluded patients whose ultrasound evaluation and/or sperm parameters were not known before and after varicocele correction. We divided the patients (excluding 8 with azoospermia) into two subgroups: surgical varicocelectomy (n = 44) and sclerotherapy (n = 50). For each patient, we compared conventional sperm parameters before and after varicocele correction. Results: After varicocele correction, we found a significant improvement in sperm concentration, total count and total motility. Considering the two subgroups, baseline sperm parameters did not differ significantly. Sperm concentration and total count increased significantly after varicocele correction by varicocelectomy. Varicocele correction by sclerotherapy resulted in a significant increase in sperm concentration, progressive and total motility. We found varicocele recurrence in 32% of patients who underwent varicocelectomy and in 19.7% of patients undergoing sclerotherapy. The pregnancy rate was higher after sclerotherapy (28%) than after surgical varicocelectomy (13%). Conclusion: Varicocele treatment must be recommended when other causes of infertility have been treated. Our results suggest the use of sclerotherapy for varicocele repair. Level of Evidence: 2 b.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Structural and Functional Analysis of the Spermatogenic Epithelium in Rats Exposed to Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles

We studied immunohistochemical and morphometric characteristics of the spermatogenic epithelium in rats against the background of peroral administration of nanoparticles containing titanium dioxide. Substantial degenerative changes in the spermatogenic epithelium were revealed: thinning, disorganization of layers, and detachment of sperm cells from the basement membrane. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed reduced proliferative activity and differentiation potential of epithelial cells, which was confirmed by changes in the expression of Ki-67 and c-kit markers. Our data attest to unfavorable effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on the structural and functional characteristics of the reproductive system in male rats leading to spermatogenesis disturbances.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Effect of sodium fluoride on the sperm mitochondrial DNA in mice

Previous studies demonstrated that fluoride, as a widespread environmental pollutant, induced the reproductive toxicity at high dose. Besides the decrease of sperm characteristics like concentration, survival, and sperm motility, it was found that high fluoride induced the destructive mitochondrial ultrastructure and decreased ATP production from mitochondrial respiration. However, whether fluoride exposure can damage the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of sperm is still unknown. In this study, 100 male mice were randomly divided into four groups 25 each, which were administrated with the distilled water containing 0, 25, 50 and 100 mg L{sup −1} NaF, respectively for 60 days. After exposure, sperm mtDNA copy number was measured by real-time PCR, mtDNA integrity by acridine orange (AO) staining, and nuclear DNA (nDNA) integrity through long PCR amplification, as well as MTCYB and MTATP6 mutations by PCR and direct sequencing. The results showed that 100 mg L{sup −1} NaF significantly increased sperm mtDNA copy number, and reduced nDNA integrity. There were no changes observed in mtDNA integrity, and mutations of MTCYB and MTATP6 between fluoride groups and the control group. These results indicated that along with low sperm quality, sperm mtDNA copy number is also a sensitive biomarker to reflect the sperm toxicity of fluoride. - Highlights: • NaF significantly increased sperm mtDNA copy number, and reduced nDNA integrity. • NaF did not change sperm mtDNA integrity, and mutations of MTCYB and MTATP6. • Sperm mtDNA copy number can be a potential biomarker of fluoride-induced toxicity.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Induction of immune-related gene expression by seminal exosomes in the porcine endometrium

Highlights: • Exosomes are present in sperm-rich fraction of porcine seminal plasma (SP). • Exosomes present in SP regulate immune-related genes in the porcine uterus. • Seminal exosomes may pave the way for sperm and fertilized egg transport. Seminal plasma (SP) is considered as a vehicle to carry sperm into female reproductive tract, of which functions have not been completely understood. This study aimed to identify the function of seminal exosomes on porcine endometrium. Exosomes were isolated from the sperm-rich fraction of boar semen and were confirmed by the expression of exosome marker HSP70 and size distribution using nano-sight tracking analysis. Porcine endometrial epithelial cells (EECs) were then treated with seminal exosomes, and RNA extracted were subjected to global expression analysis. Transcripts related to “immune response”, “inflammatory response” and their associated signaling pathways were up-regulated in EECs treated with seminal exosome, whereas those associated with “steroid biosynthesis”, “metabolic pathways” and “T cell differentiation” were down-regulated. The decrease in PMVK, SC5D, INSIG1, HSD17B7, NSDHL, HMGCR, SQLE and FDFT1, and increase in CCL20, TNFSF15, AMCFII, CXCL2 and CXCL8 were also found in the endometrium from the naturally mated pigs. Moreover, changes in exosome-induced CYP24A1, EBP, CCL20, AMCFII and IL1A expression were not regulated by the exosome removed SP. These observations indicated that exosomes present in SP are involved in the immune-related gene regulation in the uterus, which could pave the passage for sperm and possibly fertilized eggs.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Decrease in the cytosolic NADP+-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase activity through porcine sperm capacitation

Highlights: • IDPc is phosphorylated at tyrosine residues during porcine sperm capacitation. • The tyrosine phosphorylated IDPc showed a significantly lowered enzymatic activity. • IDPc is mainly localized to the principal piece of the porcine sperm flagellum. • The decrease in IDPc activity is involved in the increased levels of ROS. • The decrease in IDPc activity induced the induction of the hyperactivated motility. In order to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in the sperm capacitation, we have identified the proteins tyrosine-phosphorylated during the capacitation especially in conjunction with the regulation of the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in sperm. In the present study, the effects of the tyrosine phosphorylation of cytosolic NADP{sup +}-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDPc) on its catalytic activity and on the levels of ROS in sperm have been studied. The tyrosine phosphorylated IDPc showed a significantly lowered enzymatic activity. The immunocytochemical analyses using the highly specific antisera against IDPc revealed that IDPc was mainly localized to the principal piece of the porcine sperm flagellum. As IDPc is one of the major NADPH regenerating enzymes in porcine sperm, it is strongly suggested that the decrease in IDPc activity is involved in the increased levels of ROS, which results in the induction of hyperactivated flagellar movement and capacitation.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Ascorbic acid as DNase I inhibitor in prevention of male infertility

Highlights: • As a known dietary antioxidant ascorbic acid protects sperm DNA. • Another possible mechanism of sperm DNA protection by ascorbic acid was evaluated. • Ascorbic acid was investigated on DNase I inhibiton in vitro. • Molecular docking study was performed. • By inhibiting DNase I ascorbic acid could prevent sperm DNA fragmentation. Apoptotic and/or ROS-induced DNA fragmentation in sperm cells may contribute to the development of male infertility. As the known dietary antioxidant, ascorbic acid prevents ROS production and protects sperm cells from DNA damage. Here, we found that ascorbic acid has the ability to inhibit DNase I, one of the main endonucleases involved in DNA fragmentation during apoptosis. Site Finder and Molecular docking defined the ascorbic acid interactions with the most important residues of DNase I, including H-donor interactions with Asp 168 and Asn 170, and H-acceptor interaction with Asn 170. As a furan derivative, ascorbic acid could be considered a pioneer of substrate-based DNase I inhibitors. The results indicate to another possible mechanism for prevention of male infertility by ascorbic acid.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Effect of GAPDS overexpression on high glucose-induced oxidative damage

Highlights: • The expression of SOD2 and catalase protein decreased while the level of intracellular ROS and the apoptosis - related protein increased in high glucose induced-TM3 cells. • GAPDS overexpression reversed oxidative stress and apoptosis induced by high glucose-induced. The occurrence of infertility in diabetic patients is attributed to oxidative damage of peroxidized products. High glucose-induced mitochondrial oxidative stress and glycolytic enzyme inactivation is considered to be an important mediator for sperm dysfunction. In this study, we successfully constructed TM3-GAPDS stable strain and investigated the role of sperm specific glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDS) on high glucose-induced apoptosis in TM3 cells. High glucose decreased the protein expression of SOD2 and catalase, while the level of intracellular ROS and the apoptosis - related protein increased in TM3 cells. Furthermore, high glucose-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis were reversed by GAPDS overexpression or antioxidant treatment. In conclusion, our data suggest that GAPDS overexpression antagonize high glucose-induced apoptosis by controlling ROS accumulation in TM3 cells.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Diphenyl diselenide abrogates chlorpyrifos-induced hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis impairment in rats

Highlights: • Chlorpyrifos (CPF) induced testicular dysfunction in rats. • Diphenyl diselenide (DPDS) increased hormone concentrations in CPF-treated rats. • DPDS increased antioxidant status in CPF-treated rats. • DPDS enhanced marker enzymes of testicular function in CPF-treated rats. • DPDS augmented sperm functional characteristics status in CPF-treated rats. Exposure to pesticide chlorpyrifos (CPF) has been implicated in reproductive deficits in both humans and animals. Diphenyl diselenide (DPDS) is an organoselenium compound widely reported to elicit potent pharmacological activities in several chemically-induced toxicity and disease models. However, there is paucity of scientific information on the influence of DPDS on CPF-induced reproductive dysfunction. The present study investigated the influence of DPDS on CPF-induced functional changes along the hypothalamic-pituitary- testicular axis in rats. CPF was administered alone at 5 mg/kg body weight or orally co-treated with DPDS at 2.5 and 5 mg/kg body weight for 35 consecutive days. Results showed that DPDS co-treatment significantly (p via inhibition of lipid peroxidation, enhancement of antioxidant enzymes activities and testicular function. Thus, DPDS may be a possible chemoprotective drug candidate against CPF-induced male reproductive deficits in humans.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗