Effects of hyperglycemia on sperm and testicular cells of Goto-Kakizaki and streptozotocin-treated rat models for diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a degenerative disease that has deleterious effects on male reproductive function, possibly through an increase in oxidative stress. This study was conducted in order to clarify the mechanisms by which oxidative stress influences animal models for both type 1 (streptozotocin-treated rats, STZ) and type 2 (Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats) diabetes. We determined the extent of lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, lactate levels, adenine nucleotides, adenylate energy charge and the activity of glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and lactate dehydrogenase, in isolated testicular cells of control and diabetic rats. We have also correlated these parameters with sperm count and motility. Sperm concentration and motility were decreased in STZ-treated rats. ATP levels were lower in rats treated with STZ for 3 months, in contrast to GK and rats treated with STZ for 1 month, suggesting an adaptative response. STZ-treated rats showed increased lipid peroxidation after 1 week and 3 months of treatment. Glutathione reductase (G-red) activity was found to be higher in GK rats. Glutathione peroxidase activity was lower in GK and rats treated with STZ for 1 month, which is in accordance with the proposal of functional recovery in these animals. We conclude that hyperglycemia has an adverse effect in sperm concentration and motility via changes in energy production and free radical management. Furthermore, both animal models, particularly GK rats and rats treated with STZ for 1 month, present some metabolic adaptations, increasing the efficiency of mitochondrial ATP production, in order to circumvent the deleterious effects promoted by the disease.     

Sitagliptin attenuates sympathetic innervation via modulating reactive oxygen species and interstitial adenosine in infarcted rat hearts

We investigated whether sitagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitor, attenuates arrhythmias through inhibiting nerve growth factor (NGF) expression in post‐infarcted normoglycemic rats, focusing on adenosine and reactive oxygen species production. DPP‐4 bound adenosine deaminase has been shown to catalyse extracellular adenosine to inosine. DPP‐4 inhibitors increased adenosine levels by inhibiting the complex formation. Normoglycemic male Wistar rats were subjected to coronary ligation and then randomized to either saline or sitagliptin in in vivo and ex vivo studies. Post‐infarction was associated with increased oxidative stress, as measured by myocardial superoxide, nitrotyrosine and dihydroethidium fluorescent staining. Measurement of myocardial norepinephrine levels revealed a significant elevation in vehicle‐treated infarcted rats compared with sham. Compared with vehicle, infarcted rats treated with sitagliptin significantly increased interstitial adenosine levels and attenuated oxidative stress. Sympathetic hyperinnervation was blunted after administering sitagliptin, as assessed by immunofluorescent analysis and western blotting and real‐time quantitative RT‐PCR of NGF. Arrhythmic scores in the sitagliptin‐treated infarcted rats were significantly lower than those in vehicle. Ex vivo studies showed a similar effect of erythro‐9‐(2‐hydroxy‐3‐nonyl) adenine (an adenosine deaminase inhibitor) to sitagliptin on attenuated levels of superoxide and NGF. Furthermore, the beneficial effects of sitagliptin on superoxide anion production and NGF levels can be reversed by 8‐cyclopentyl‐1,3‐dipropulxanthine (adenosine A₁ receptor antagonist) and exogenous hypoxanthine. Sitagliptin protects ventricular arrhythmias by attenuating sympathetic innervation via adenosine A₁ receptor and xanthine oxidase‐dependent pathways, which converge through the attenuated formation of superoxide in the non‐diabetic infarcted rats.     

Lycopene protects against cyclosporine A-induced testicular toxicity in rats

Cyclosporine A (CsA)-induced direct failures in hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and Sertoli cell phagocytic function have been considered for testicular toxicity so far. It has clearly been reported that oxidative stress leads to damage in sperm functions and structure of the testis. Therefore, this study was conducted to demonstrate whether CsA causes testicular and spermatozoal toxicity associated with the oxidative stress, and to investigate the possible protective effect of lycopene against CsA-induced damages in all reproductive organs and sperm characteristics in male rats. While the daily administration of CsA at the dose 15 mg/kg for 21 days significantly decreased the seminal vesicles weight, epididymal sperm concentration, motility, testicular tissue glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT), diameter of seminiferous tubules and germinal cell thickness, it increased malondialdehyde (MDA) level and abnormal sperm rates along with degeneration, necrosis, desquamative germ cells in testicular tissue. However, the CsA along with simultaneous administration of lycopene at the dose of 10mg/kg markedly ameliorated the CsA-induced all the negative changes observed in the testicular tissue, sperm parameters and oxidant/antioxidant balance. In conclusion, CsA-induced oxidative stress leads to the structural and functional damages in the testicular tissue and sperm quality of rats and, lycopene has a potential protective effect on these damages.     

Antioxidative activity and protective effect of probiotics against high-fat diet-induced sperm damage in rats

In this study, antioxidant capability and protective effect of probiotics on reproductive damage induced by diet oxidative stress were investigated. Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups with 10 rats in each group. The control group consumed a normal standard diet (5% fat, w/w). The other two treatment groups were fed with a high-fat diet (20% fat, w/w), and a high-fat diet supplemented with 2% probiotics (w/w), respectively. At the end of the experimental period, that is, after 6 weeks, rats were killed. Activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), contents of nitric oxide (NO) free radical and malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum and sperm suspension were examined. Sperm parameters including sperm concentration, viability, motility and DNA integrity were analyzed. The results showed that high-fat diet could induce oxidative stress, shown as significant increases in lipid peroxidation, NO free radical, significant decrease in activities of SOD, GSH-Px, significant reduction in sperm concentration, viability and motility, and damage in sperm DNA (P < 0.05), compared with the control group. These alterations were significantly reversed in the probiotics-supplemented group and had no significant difference in antioxidant capability, lipid peroxidation and sperm parameters compared with the control group. The percentage of sperm with DNA damage was significantly lower than the high-fat diet group and still higher than the control group, which means that probiotics could attenuate sperm damage to some extent. The present results indicated that dietary probiotics had antioxidant activity and the protective effect against sperm damage induced by high-fat diet to some extent.     

Nephro-protective effects of a ginger extract on cytosolic and mitochondrial enzymes against streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic complications in rats

Diabetes is characterized by elevated blood glucose levels and disturbed homeostasis of metabolic enzymes in whole-body. This study aimed to investigate the effect of ginger administration on altered blood glucose levels, intra- and extra-mitochondrial enzymes and tissue injuries in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Wistar strain rats (n = 30) were equally divided into 5 groups: normal control (NC), ginger treated (Gt, 200 mg/kg b.w. orally/30 days), diabetic control (DC, 50 mg/kg b.w.), diabetic plus ginger treated (D + Gt) and diabetic plus glibenclamide treated (D + Gli) groups. We found highly elevated blood glucose levels in the diabetic group, and the glucose levels were significantly (P < 0.001) lowered by ginger administration. Activities of intra- and extra-mitochondrial enzymes such as glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), malate dehydrogenase (MDH) and glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) were significantly (P < 0.01) decreased in the kidneys of the diabetic rats, while this was significantly reversed by 30 days of ginger treatment. We also observed consistent renal tissue damages in the diabetic rats; however, these injuries recovered in the ginger-treated diabetic rats as shown in histopathological studies. In this study, we demonstrated that an ethanolic extract of ginger could lower the blood glucose levels as well as improve activities of intra- and extra-mitochondrial enzymes in diabetic rats. Our results suggest that ginger extracts could be used as a nephro-protective supplement particularly to reverse diabetic-induced complications.     

In utero protein restriction causes growth delay and alters sperm parameters in adult male rats

Background

Hyperglycemia can impair the male reproductive system in experimental animals and in men during reproductive age. Studies have shown that vitamin C has some good effects on male reproductive system, and therefore vitamin C treatment could attenuate the dysfunctions in this system caused by hyperglycemia. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate whether vitamin C treatment could attenuate reproductive dysfunctions in hyperglycemic male rats.

Methods

Adult male rats were divided into 3 groups: a normoglycemic (n = 10) and two hyperglycemic (that received a single dose of streptozotocin - 40 mg/kg BW). The two last groups (n = 10 per group) were divided into: hyperglycemic control (Hy) and hyperglycemic + 150 mg of vitamin C (HyC), by gavage during 30 consecutive days. The normoglycemic and hyperglycemic control groups received the vehicle (water). The first day after the treatment, the rats were anesthetized and killed to evaluate oxidative stress biomarkers (TBARS, SOD, GSHt and GSH-Px) in the erythrocytes, body and reproductive organ weights, sperm parameters, plasma hormone levels (FSH, LH and testosterone), testicular and epididymal histo-morphometry and histopathology.

Results

Compared with the normoglycemic animals, hyperglycemic control rats showed reduced weight of the body and reproductive organ but testis weight was maintained. It was also observed reduction of testosterone and LH levels, seminiferous tubular diameter, sperm motility and sperm counts in the epididymis. In addition, there was an increase in morphological abnormalities on spermatozoa as well as in oxidative stress level. Vitamin C reduced the oxidative stress level, diminished the number of abnormal sperm, and increased testosterone and LH levels and seminiferous tubular diameter but did not show improvement of sperm motility in relation to the hyperglycemic control group. Hyperglycemia caused a rearrangement in the epididymal tissue components (stroma, ephitelium and lumen) as demonstrated by the stereological analysis results. However, this alteration was partially prevented by vitamin C treatment.

Conclusions

We conclude that vitamin C partially attenuated some male reproductive system dysfunctions in hyperglycemic rats.     

Could leptin be responsible for the reproductive dysfunction in obese men?

Low sperm concentration, increased fraction of morphologically abnormal sperm, and raised levels of markers of oxidative stress are often reported in the seminal plasma of infertile obese males. The precise reason for changes remains unknown. This short review summarises evidence from human and animal studies linking leptin to the reproductive dysfunction reported in obese males and presents a possible mechanism for this based on the available data in the literature. Serum leptin concentrations correlate positively with body fat mass but its precise link to semen abnormalities reported in obese males has yet to be conclusively established. Decreased sperm concentration, increased fraction of morphologically abnormal sperm and increased markers of oxidative stress have been reported following six weeks of daily leptin treatment to normal weight rats. In addition, decreased expression of endogenous antioxidant enzymes and increased expression of respiratory chain enzymes noted in the testes of leptin treated rats increases the propensity to oxidative stress. Besides that, leptin’s interference with histone to protamine transition in the DNA of sperm increases the susceptibility of sperm to free radical attack and may explain the often reported higher DNA fragmentation index in sperm of obese males. Concurrent supplementation of melatonin, a natural anti-oxidant, to these rats prevents the effects of leptin. The role of leptin in obesity-related reproductive dysfunction has to be considered seriously and these effects of leptin might involve increased oxidative stress.     

Ethanol-Induced Oxidative Stress: The Role of Binaphthyl Diselenide as a Potent Antioxidant

It is widely accepted that oxidative stress plays a central role in alcohol-induced pathogenesis. The protective effect of binaphthyl diselenide (NapSe)2 was investigated in ethanol (Etoh)-induced brain injury. Thirty male adult Wistar rats were divided randomly into five groups of six animals each and treated as follows: (1) The control group received the vehicle (soy bean oil, 1 mL/kg, p.o.). (2) Ethanol group of animals was administered with ethanol (70% v/v, 2 mL/kg, p.o.). (3) (NapSe)2 1 mg/kg, 1 mL/kg plus ethanol 70% (v/v, 2 mL/kg, p.o. (5) (NapSe)2 10 mg/kg, 1 mL/kg) plus ethanol 70% (v/v, 2 mL/kg, p.o). After acute treatment, all rats were sacrificed by decapitation. Evidence for oxidative stress in rat brain was obtained from the observed levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive species, of non-protein thiol (NPSH) groups, and of ascorbic acid, as well as from the activities of catalase (CAT) and of superoxide dismutase (SOD). (NapSe)2 compensated the deficits in the antioxidant defense mechanisms (CAT, SOD, NPSH, and ascorbic acid), and suppressed lipid peroxidation in rat brain resulting from Etoh administration. It was concluded that ethanol exposure causes alterations in the antioxidant defense system and induces oxidative stress in rat brain. (NaPSe)2 at 5 mg/kg restored the antioxidant defenses in rat brain and mitigated the toxic effects of alcohol, suggesting that could be used as a potential therapeutic agent for alcohol-induced oxidative damage in rat brain.     

Interaction of vitamin E and exercise training on oxidative stress and antioxidant enzyme activities in rat skeletal muscles

It has been shown that free radicals are increased during intensive exercise. We hypothesized that vitamin E (vit E) deficiency, which will increase oxidative stress, would augment the training-induced adaptation of antioxidant enzymes. This study investigated the interaction effect of vit E and exercise training on oxidative stress markers and activities of antioxidant enzymes in red quadriceps and white gastrocnemius of rats in a 2x2 design. Thirty-two male rats were divided into trained vit E-adequate, trained vit E-deficient, untrained vit E-adequate, and untrained vit E-deficient groups. The two trained groups swam 6 h/day, 6 days/week for 8 weeks. The two vit E-deficient groups consumed vit E-free diet for 8 weeks. Vitamin E-training interaction effect was significant on thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARSs), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in both muscles. The trained vit E-deficient group showed the highest TBARS and GPX activity and the lowest SOD activity in both muscles. A significant vit E effect on glutathione reductase and catalase was present in both muscles. Glutathione reductase and catalase activities were significantly lower in the two vit E-adequate groups combined than in the two vit E-deficient groups combined in both muscles. This study shows that vit E status and exercise training have interactive effect on oxidative stress and GPX and SOD activities in rat skeletal muscles. Vitamin E deprivation augmented the exercise-induced elevation in GPX activity while inhibiting exercise-induced SOD activity, possibly through elevated oxidative stress.     

Quercetin, a flavonoid antioxidant, modulates endothelium-derived nitric oxide bioavailability in diabetic rat aortas

The present work examined the effect of chronic oral administration of quercetin, a flavonoid antioxidant, on blood glucose, vascular function and oxidative stress in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Male Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were randomized into euglycemic, untreated diabetic, vehicle (1% w/v methylcellulose)-treated diabetic, which served as control, or quercetin (10mgkg(-1) body weight)-treated diabetic groups and treated orally for 6 weeks. Quercetin treatment reduced blood glucose level in diabetic rats. Impaired relaxations to endothelium-dependent vasodilator acetylcholine (ACh) and enhanced vasoconstriction responses to alpha(1)-adrenoceptor agonist phenylephrine (PE) in diabetic rat aortic rings were restored to euglycemic levels by quercetin treatment. Pretreatment with N(omega)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME, 10microM) or methylene blue (10microM) completely blocked but indomethacin (10microM) did not affect relaxations to ACh in aortic rings from vehicle- or quercetin-treated diabetic rats. PE-induced vasoconstriction with an essentially similar magnitude in vehicle- or quercetin-treated diabetic rat aortic rings pretreated with l-NAME (10microM) plus indomethacin (10microM). Quercetin treatment reduced plasma malonaldehyde (MDA) plus 4-hydroxyalkenals (4-HNE) content as well as increased superoxide dismutase activity and total antioxidant capacity in diabetic rats. From the present study, it can be concluded that quercetin administration to diabetic rats restores vascular function, probably through enhancement in the bioavailability of endothelium-derived nitric oxide coupled to reduced blood glucose level and oxidative stress.     

Chronic treatment with trans resveratrol prevents intracerebroventricular streptozotocin induced cognitive impairment and oxidative stress in rats

We have recently shown free radical generation is associated with cognitive impairment in intracerebroventricular (ICV) streptozotocin (STZ) model of sporadic dementia of Alzheimer's type in rats. Trans resveratrol is a polyphenolic compound and is known to have antioxidant activity. In the present study, the effect of trans resveratrol was investigated on ICV STZ induced cognitive impairment and oxidative stress in rats. Adult male Wistar rats were injected with ICV STZ bilaterally, on day 1 and day 3. The learning and memory behavior was assessed using passive avoidance paradigms, elevated plus maze and the closed field activity test while the parameters of oxidative stress assessed were malondialdehyde [MDA] and glutathione. The rats were treated with trans resveratrol chronically at doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg,i.p. for 21 days starting from day 1 of STZ injection. Trans resveratrol treatment significantly prevented ICV STZ induced cognitive impairment. There was a rise in brain glutathione and an insignificant increase in brain MDA in trans resveratrol treated ICV STZ rats as compared to significantly elevated brain MDA levels in the vehicle treated ICV STZ animals. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of trans resveratrol in preventing the cognitive deficits as well as the oxidative stress caused by ICV STZ in rats and it's potential in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.     

Protective effect of resveratrol against oxidative stress in middle cerebral artery occlusion model of stroke in rats

Free radicals have been implicated in neuronal injury during ischemia reperfusion in stroke. Trans resveratrol, a potent antioxidant, polyphenolic compound found in grapes and wines has recently been shown to have neuroprotective activity against oxidative stress in in vitro studies. In the present study the effect of chronic treatment of trans resveratrol was evaluated in focal ischemia induced by middle cerebral artery [MCA] occlusion in rats. Male Wistar rats were pretreated with trans resveratrol 20 mg/kg i.p. for 21 days and were subjected to focal ischemia by occlusion of MCA using intraluminal thread. After two hours of MCA occlusion reperfusion was allowed by retracting the thread. Animals were assessed for motor performance after 24 hours and subsequently rats were sacrificed for estimation of markers of oxidative stress [malondialdehyde [MDA] and reduced glutathione] and for evaluation of volume of infarction. Control group received vehicle and similar protocol was followed. Significant motor impairment, with elevated levels of MDA and reduced glutathione was observed in the vehicle treated MCA occluded rats. Treatment with trans resveratrol prevented motor impairment, rise in levels of MDA and reduced glutathione and also significantly decreased the volume of infarct as compared to control. The study provides first evidence of effectiveness of trans resveratrol in focal ischemia most probably by virtue of its antioxidant property.     

Immune Activation Reduces Sperm Quality in the Great Tit

Mounting an immune response against pathogens incurs costs to organisms by its effects on important life-history traits, such as reproductive investment and survival. As shown recently, immune activation produces large amounts of reactive species and is suggested to induce oxidative stress. Sperm are highly susceptible to oxidative stress, which can negatively impact sperm function and ultimately male fertilizing efficiency. Here we address the question as to whether mounting an immune response affects sperm quality through the damaging effects of oxidative stress. It has been demonstrated recently in birds that carotenoid-based ornaments can be reliable signals of a male''s ability to protect sperm from oxidative damage. In a full-factorial design, we immune-challenged great tit males while simultaneously increasing their vitamin E availability, and assessed the effect on sperm quality and oxidative damage. We conducted this experiment in a natural population and tested the males'' response to the experimental treatment in relation to their carotenoid-based breast coloration, a condition-dependent trait. Immune activation induced a steeper decline in sperm swimming velocity, thus highlighting the potential costs of an induced immune response on sperm competitive ability and fertilizing efficiency. We found sperm oxidative damage to be negatively correlated with sperm swimming velocity. However, blood resistance to a free-radical attack (a measure of somatic antioxidant capacity) as well as plasma and sperm levels of oxidative damage (lipid peroxidation) remained unaffected, thus suggesting that the observed effect did not arise through oxidative stress. Towards the end of their breeding cycle, swimming velocity of sperm of more intensely colored males was higher, which has important implications for the evolution of mate choice and multiple mating in females because females may accrue both direct and indirect benefits by mating with males having better quality sperm.     

Ginger extract mitigates ethanol-induced changes of alpha and beta – myosin heavy chain isoforms gene expression and oxidative stress in the heart of male wistar rats

The association between ethanol consumption and heart abnormalities, such as chamber dilation, myocyte damage, ventricular hypertrophy, and hypertension is well known. However, underlying molecular mediators involved in ethanol-induced heart abnormalities remain elusive. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of chronic ethanol exposure on alpha and beta – myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms gene expression transition and oxidative stress in rats’ heart. It was also planned to find out whether ginger extract mitigated the abnormalities induced by ethanol in rats’ heart. Male wistar rats were divided into three groups of eight animals as follows: Control, ethanol, and ginger extract treated ethanolic (GETE) groups. After six weeks of treatment, the results revealed a significant increase in the β-MHC gene expression, 8- OHdG amount, and NADPH oxidase level. Furthermore, a significant decrease in the ratio of α-MHC/β-MHC gene expression to the amount of paraoxonase enzyme in the ethanol group compared to the control group was found. The consumption of Ginger extract along with ethanol ameliorated the changes in MHC isoforms gene expression and reduced the elevated amount of 8-OHdG and NADPH oxidase. Moreover, compared to the consumption of ethanol alone, it increased the paraoxonase level significantly.These findings indicate that ethanol-induced heart abnormalities may in part be associated with MHC isoforms changes mediated by oxidative stress, and that these effects can be alleviated by using ginger extract as an antioxidant molecule.     

Impaired detoxification of reactive oxygen and consequent oxidative stress in experimentally cryptorchid rat testis.

The effect of experimental cryptorchidism on the level of oxidative stress and antioxidant functions in rat testis was studied. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were rendered unilaterally cryptorchid (by suturing one testis to the abdominal wall) and killed 1, 3, or 7 days after the operation. As an indicator of oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation was measured by the diene conjugation method in testis homogenates. The activities of the antioxidant enzymes were determined either in the 10,000 x g supernatant fraction (glutathione [GSH] peroxidase, GSH transferase, hexose monophosphate shunt) or in crude testis homogenates (superoxide dismutase, catalase). An expected reduction (48%) in weight of the abdominal testes was evident by postoperative Day 7. The catalytic activities per testis of superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn form) and catalase were found to decrease in cryptorchidism. The effect was seen on the first postoperative day and was most profound on Day 7 after surgery. The principal antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase, was most sensitive to cryptorchidism, the activity in the abdominal testes being 74% or 85% (per gram of tissue or per whole testis, respectively; p less than 0.01). After impairment of the reactive oxygen detoxifying capacity, lipid peroxidation was increased in the abdominal testis by 46% (p less than 0.01) on postoperative Day 7. Slight concomitant increases were detected in the activities of GSH-peroxidase (p less than 0.01), GSH-transferase (p less than 0.001), and the hexose monophosphate shunt (p less than 0.001). This effect was seen only when calculated per gram of tissue, not per whole testis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effects of Bacillus thuringiensis toxin on hepatic lipid peroxidation and free-radical scavengers in rats given alpha-tocopherol or acetylsalicylate

The effect of Dipel (D), a Bacillus thuringiensis-based bioinsecticide, on hepatic antioxidant enzyme activities and lipid peroxidation in rat liver was investigated. Administration of D in a dose of 1 mg/100 g body mass for 4 successive days increased the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR) and the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in rat hepatocytes. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) level were decreased. Administration of D in rats pretreated with alpha-tocopherol (alphaT) or acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) decreased the activities of GPx, GR and MDA levels, while the GSH level was increased compared with rats treated with D alone. The SOD activity was increased in rats pretreated with alphaT before D, but decreased on pretreatment with ASA, compared with rats treated with D alone. The results indicated that D induced oxidative stress in rat liver that has been protected by prior administration of alphaT or ASA.     

Selected spices and their combination modulate hypercholesterolemia-induced oxidative stress in experimental rats

Background

Effect of aqueous extracts of Allium sativum (garlic), Zingiber officinale (ginger), Capsicum fructensces (cayenne pepper) and their mixture on oxidative stress in rats fed high Cholesterol/high fat diet was investigated. Rats were randomly distributed into six groups (n = 6) and given different dietary/spice treatments. Group 1 standard rat chow (control), group 2, hypercholesterolemic diet plus water, and groups 3, 4, 5, 6, hypercholesterolemic diet with 0.5 ml 200 mg · kg-1 aqueous extracts of garlic, ginger, cayenne pepper or their mixture respectively daily for 4 weeks.

Results

Pronounced oxidative stress in the hypercholesterolemic rats evidenced by significant (p < 0.05) increase in MDA levels, and suppression of the antioxidant enzymes system in rat’s liver, kidney, heart and brain tissues was observed. Extracts of spices singly or combined administered at 200 mg.kg-1 body weight significantly (p < 0.05) reduced MDA levels and restored activities of antioxidant enzymes.

Conclusions

It is concluded that consumption of garlic, ginger, pepper, or their mixture may help to modulate oxidative stress caused by hypercholesterolemia in rats.     

Redox status of the testes and sperm of rats following exposure to 2,5-hexanedione

Objectives: Exposure to 2,5-hexanedione (2,5-HD) is well known to be associated with reproductive dysfunctions in both humans and animals. However, the role of oxidative stress in 2,5-HD-induced toxicity in testes and sperm has not yet been studied.

Methodology: The present study investigated the influence of 2,5-HD on antioxidant systems in the testes and epididymal sperm of rats following exposure to 0, 0.25, 0.5, and 1% 2,5-HD in drinking water for 21 consecutive days.

Results: Administration of 0.5% 2,5-HD significantly (P?<?0.05) decreased epididymis weight, whereas 1% 2,5-HD-treated rats showed significantly decreased body weight, testis, and epididymis weights compared with the control group. Exposure to 2,5-HD caused a significant dose-dependent increase in the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase in both testes and sperm compared with the control group. Moreover, 2,5-HD-exposed rats showed significant decrease in glutathione-S-transferase activity and glutathione level with concomitant significant elevation in the levels of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde in both testes and sperm. Testicular and epididymal atrophy with significant, dose-dependent, decrease in epididymal sperm number, sperm motility, and viability were observed in 2,5-HD-treated rats.

Conclusion: 2,5-HD exposure impaired testicular function and sperm characteristics by disruption of the antioxidant systems and consequently, increased oxidative stress in the treated rats.     

The possible protective and therapeutic effects of ginger and cinnamon on the testis and coda epididymis of streptozotocin-induced-diabetic rats: Histological and biochemical studies

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic condition characterized by high blood sugar levels with serious system complications. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) have anti-diabetic activities. The goal of this study is to evaluate the possible protective and therapeutic effects of ginger and Cinnamon against histological, Ki67 Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and biochemical studies in testis and coda epididymis of Streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. The experimental rats were divided into six groups: G1 was the control, G2 induced diabetic without treatment, G3 was treated with ginger before induction of DM (ginger protective), G4 were given ginger after DM induction (ginger therapeutic), G5 were given cinnamon before induction of DM (cinnamon protective) and G6 were given cinnamon after DM induction (cinnamon therapeutic). In diabetic rats’ significant increases in fasting blood sugar and body weight were observed after three weeks. Ginger and cinnamon effectively decreased serum glucose levels. Histopathological evaluations of seminiferous tubules and coda epididymis sections from diabetic rats showed severe damage to them. Furthermore, the sections of seminiferous tubules and coda epididymis rats administered ginger and cinnamon extract showed normal structure, healthy lining epithelium and sperm contents compared to diabetic rats. The results of the study show that both Ginger and Cinnamon aqueous extracts are effective as both hypoglycemic natural supplements that can protect against diabetic-induced testicular damage as well as share in the reservation of the cauda epididymal structure and sperm contents.     

The effect ofGongronema latifolium extracts on serum lipid profile and oxidative stress in hepatocytes of diabetic rats

Diabetes is known to involve oxidative stress and changes in lipid metabolism. Many secondary plant metabolites have been shown to possess antioxidant activities, improving the effects of oxidative stress on diabetes. This study evaluated the effects of extracts from Gongronema latifolium leaves on antioxidant enzymes and lipid profile in a rat model of non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). The results confirmed that the untreated diabetic rats were subjected to oxidative stress as indicated by significantly abnormal activities of their scavenging enzymes (low superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxide activities), compared to treated diabetic rats, and in the extent of lipid peroxidation (high malondialdehyde levels) present in the hepatocytes. The ethanolic extract of G. latifolium leaves possessed antioxidant activity as shown by increased superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities and decreases in malondialdehyde levels. High levels of triglycerides and total cholesterol, which are typical of the diabetic condition, were also found in our rat models of diabetes. The ethanolic extract also significantly decreased triglyceride levels and normalized total cholesterol concentration.