Toktam Heidari; Rooz Ali Batavani; Hassan Malekinejad; Rahim Hobbenaghi
Volume 13, Issue 2 , June 2022, , Pages 201-208
Abstract
Phthalates are environmental contaminants mostly used as plasticizers and additives in different products. Having endocrine-disrupting properties, phthalates are known as potential reproductive toxicants. The present study was conducted to evaluate the reproductive toxicity of di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) ...
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Phthalates are environmental contaminants mostly used as plasticizers and additives in different products. Having endocrine-disrupting properties, phthalates are known as potential reproductive toxicants. The present study was conducted to evaluate the reproductive toxicity of di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) in pregnant rats and their offspring and also to assess the ability of vitamin E in the elimination or reducing reproductive toxicity of DBP. Sixty-six pregnant Wistar rats were exposed to 100, 500 or 1,000 mg kg-1 per day DBP or 500 mg kg-1 per day DBP along with 100 mg kg-1 per day vitamin E during gestation. After delivery, they were divided into two groups. In one group gavage was finished after litter while in the other DBP administration was continued till weaning. The results showed that DBP affected many aspects of reproductive performance in pregnant rats and their offspring. It could be suggested that vitamin E could ameliorate the adverse effects of DBP, especially in male pups.
Hassan Malekinejad; Johanna Fink-Gremmels
Volume 11, Issue 2 , June 2020, , Pages 97-103
Abstract
Molds and mycotoxins are contaminants of animal feed causing spoilage and clinical intoxication. Animal exposure to mycotoxins reflects diet composition with major differences occurring between animals kept predominantly of pastures, i.e. ruminants and horses, and those consuming formulated feed like ...
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Molds and mycotoxins are contaminants of animal feed causing spoilage and clinical intoxication. Animal exposure to mycotoxins reflects diet composition with major differences occurring between animals kept predominantly of pastures, i.e. ruminants and horses, and those consuming formulated feed like pigs and poultry. Mixed feeds are composed of several ingredients, often sourced from different continents. Subsequently, practitioners may confront endemic diseases and signs of toxin exposure related to toxins imported accidentally with contaminated feed materials from other countries and continents. Mycotoxins comprise more than 300 to 400 different chemicals causing a variety of clinical symptoms. Mycotoxin exposure causes major economic losses due to reduced performance, impaired feed conversion and fertility, and increased susceptibility to environmental stress and infectious diseases. In acute cases, clinical symptoms following mycotoxin ingestion are often non-specific, hindering an immediate diagnosis. Furthermore, most mold species produce more than one toxin, and feed commodities are regularly contaminated with various mold species resulting in complex mixtures of toxins in formulated feeds. The effects of these different toxins may be additive, depending on the level and time of exposure, and the intensity of the clinical symptoms based on age, health, and nutritional status of the exposed animal(s). Threshold levels of toxicity are difficult to define and discrepancies between analytical data and clinical symptoms are common in daily practice. This review aims to provide an overview of Aspergillus and Penicillium toxins that are frequently found in feed commodities and discusses their effects on animal health and productivity.
Theriogenology
Soghra Abbaszadeh; Farhad Farrokhi-Ardabili; Hassan Malekinejad; Iraj Bernousi
Volume 9, Issue 2 , June 2018, , Pages 171-178
Abstract
This study was aimed to investigate the effects of 17 𝛽-estradiol (E2) and 𝛼-zearalenol (α-ZOL) on motility parameters, plasma membrane integrity, levels of produced nitric oxide (NO) and total antioxidant capacity of Ghezel ram sperm during the liquid storage at 4 ˚C, for various periods ...
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This study was aimed to investigate the effects of 17 𝛽-estradiol (E2) and 𝛼-zearalenol (α-ZOL) on motility parameters, plasma membrane integrity, levels of produced nitric oxide (NO) and total antioxidant capacity of Ghezel ram sperm during the liquid storage at 4 ˚C, for various periods of time. Semen samples were collected from four rams and diluted with Tris–egg yolk extender and supplemented with E2 (100 µmol) or different concentrations of α-ZOL (100 pmol, 100 nmol and 100 µmol) at a final concentration of 200 × 106 sperm per mL. We failed to show any significant effect of E2 at 100 µmol concentration on ram’s sperm parameters while α-ZOL resulted in a significant decrease of plasma membrane integrity at 100 µmol concentration (55.40% for α-ZOL vs 62.20% for control) after 96 hr incubation. Alpha-ZOL had decreasing effect on sperm motility parameters including curvilinear velocity and average path velocity at 100 µmol concentration after 96 hr storage. Although remarkable reduction of total antioxidant capacity at high concentration of α-ZOL and long incubation time was found, however no significant changes were recorded in NO level during storage time. It was concluded that the detrimental effect of α-ZOL on ram sperm might be attributed to its induced oxidative stress and damage to the plasma membrane.
Histology
Mohammad Afkhami-Ardakani; Shapour Hasanzadeh; Rasoul Shahrooz; Norouz Delirezh; Hassan Malekinejad
Volume 9, Issue 1 , March 2018, , Pages 35-41
Abstract
Cyclophosphamide (CP) is known to reduce fertility. The protective effects of Spirulina plantesis (SP) against CP-induced testicular toxicity were investigated. Male Wistar rats were categorized into eight groups (n = 7). Four groups of rats were administered CP at a dose of 5 mg in 5 mL distilled water ...
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Cyclophosphamide (CP) is known to reduce fertility. The protective effects of Spirulina plantesis (SP) against CP-induced testicular toxicity were investigated. Male Wistar rats were categorized into eight groups (n = 7). Four groups of rats were administered CP at a dose of 5 mg in 5 mL distilled water kg-1 per day orally. Two of these groups were received SP (500 and 1000 mg kg-1 per day) orally after CP administration. One of these groups was also received vitamin E (100 mg kg-1 per day) intraperitoneally. A vehicle treated control group, two SP control groups (500 and 1000 mg kg-1 per day) and a vitamin E control group were also included. Body and testes weights, sperm count, serum levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), malondialdehyde (MDA), histological and histomorphometric alternations in testes were investigated after four weeks. The CP-treated group exhibited significant decreases in the body and testes weights and spermatogenic activities. Several histological alterations were observed in this group. The CP treatment caused a significant reduction in sperm count, in serum level of GPx, as well increased serum concentration of MDA. The SP co-administration caused an increase in GPx serum level, a decrease in MDA serum level and improvements in histological and histomorphometric alternations. Vitamin E co-treatment showed partial recovery in above-mentioned parameters. These results suggest that SP due to a reduction in oxidative stress has more effective protection against CP-induced reproductive damages in rat than vitamin E.
Clinical Pathology
Belal Pashaie; Rahim Hobbenaghi; Hassan Malekinejad
Volume 8, Issue 3 , September 2017, , Pages 185-193
Abstract
Cynodon dactylon (Bermuda grass) is a perennial plant traditionally used as an herbal medicine in many countries. In the present study, anti-atherosclerotic property of ethanolic extract of C. dactylon was investigated in the experimentally induced hypercholesterolemia in rats. In this study, 36 male ...
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Cynodon dactylon (Bermuda grass) is a perennial plant traditionally used as an herbal medicine in many countries. In the present study, anti-atherosclerotic property of ethanolic extract of C. dactylon was investigated in the experimentally induced hypercholesterolemia in rats. In this study, 36 male Wistar rats were selected and allocated into six groups (n = 6). The control group received a normal diet, sham group received a high cholesterol diet (HCD; 1.50% cholesterol and 24.00% fat) and other groups received a HCD and ethanolic extract of C. dactylon at low (100 mg kg-1), moderate (200 mg kg-1) and maximum (400 mg kg-1) doses via gavages. The last group received atorvastatin (10 mg kg-1) through gavage with a HCD. The study period for all groups was six months. At the end of this period, parameters including total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were assessed in the blood samples. Additionally, histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations on coronary and aorta arteries sections were performed. The results showed an increase in vessels wall thickness and proliferation of smooth muscle cells in the HCD group, while these pathological changes were not seen in C. dactylon-treated groups. Treatment of HCD animals with C. dactylon positively changed lipid profile by lowering of TC, TG and LDL-C. The results indicate that C. dactylon prevents from early atherosclerotic changes in the vessels wall.
Small Animal Surgery
Mahboobeh Azad-Tirgan; Farshid Sarrafzadeh-Rezaei; Hassan Malekinejad; Rahim Hobbenaghi; Behnam Heshmatian
Volume 7, Issue 1 , March 2016, , Pages 21-26
Abstract
Tendon never restores the complete biological and mechanical properties after healing. Several techniques are available for tissue-engineered biological augmentation for tendon healing like stem cells. Recently, synovium has been investigated as a source of cells for tissue engineering. In the present ...
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Tendon never restores the complete biological and mechanical properties after healing. Several techniques are available for tissue-engineered biological augmentation for tendon healing like stem cells. Recently, synovium has been investigated as a source of cells for tissue engineering. In the present study, we investigated potentials of fibroblast like synoviocytes (FLSs) in tendon healing. Sixteen rabbits were divided randomly into control and treatment groups. One rabbit was used as a donor of synovial membrane (synovium). The injury model was unilateral complete transection through the middle one third of deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT). Subsequently, the tendon stumps were sutured with 3/0 nylon. In treatment group, 0.1 mL phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution containing 1 × 106 nucleated cells of FLSs was injected intratendinously at both tendon stumps just next to incision line. In control group, 0.1 mL PBS without FLSs was used for intratendinous injection. Model animals were euthanized at eight weeks, DDFTs were harvested and prepared for biomechanical study. Results of study showed that, there was no significant differences in biomechanical parameters values between FLSs treated and control groups. In conclusion, intratendinous injection of FLSs did not improve biomechanical properties during eight weeks in rabbit.
Ali Akbar Mozafari; Rasoul Shahrooz; Abbas Ahmadi; Hassan Malekinjad; Karim Mardani
Volume 7, Issue 1 , March 2016, , Pages 63-68
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to assess the protective effect of ethyl pyruvate (EP) on sperm quality parameters, testosterone level and malondialdehyde (MDA) in phenylhydrazine (PHZ) treated mice. For this purpose, 32 NMRI mice with the age range of 8 to 10 weeks, weight average 26.0 ± 2.0 ...
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The aim of the present study was to assess the protective effect of ethyl pyruvate (EP) on sperm quality parameters, testosterone level and malondialdehyde (MDA) in phenylhydrazine (PHZ) treated mice. For this purpose, 32 NMRI mice with the age range of 8 to 10 weeks, weight average 26.0 ± 2.0 g, were randomly divided into four equal groups. The control group (1) received normal saline (0. 1 mL per day) by intraperitoneal injection (IP). Group 2 (PHZ group) was treated with initial dose of PHZ (8 mg 100 g-1, IP) followed by 6 mg 100 g-1 , IP every 48 hr. Group 3, (Group PHZ+EP) received PHZ (according to the previous prescription) with EP (40 mg kg-1, daily, IP). Ethyl pyruvate group (4) received only EP (40 mg kg-1, daily, IP). Treatment period was 35 days. After euthanasia, sperms from caudal region of epididymis were collected and the total mean sperm count, sperm viability, motility and morphology were determined. Testis tissue MDA and serum testosterone levels of all experimental groups were also evaluated. A considerable reduction in mean percentage of number, natural morphology of sperm, sperm motility and viability and serum testosterone concentration besides DNA injury increment among mice treating with PHZ in comparison with control group were observed. However, in PHZ+EP group the above mentioned parameters were improved. This study showed that PHZ caused induction of toxicity on sperm parameters and reduction of testosterone as well as the increment of MDA level and EP as an antioxidant could reduce destructive effects of PHZ on sperm parameters, testosterone level and lipid peroxidation.
Clinical Pathology
Hadi Cheraghi; Zohreh Khaki; Hassan Malekinejad; Farhang Sasani
Volume 6, Issue 4 , December 2015, , Pages 319-326
Abstract
Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is a selective inhibitor of Inosine-5′-monophosphate dehydrogenase. Gastrointestinal (GI) disturbances in immature ones are reported for MMF-induced compilations, which in the case of occurrence dose reduction is required. Thus, in the present study, the fructooligosaccharide ...
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Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is a selective inhibitor of Inosine-5′-monophosphate dehydrogenase. Gastrointestinal (GI) disturbances in immature ones are reported for MMF-induced compilations, which in the case of occurrence dose reduction is required. Thus, in the present study, the fructooligosaccharide raftilose® (RFT) was co-administrated with MMF to estimate the protective effect of RFT against MMF-induced GI complications. Thirty six immature male Wistar rats were divided into six groups including: Control (normal saline), RFT-treated (100 mg kg-1), MMF-treated (20 mg kg-1), MMF + LRFT (50 mg kg-1), MMF + MRFT (100 mg kg-1) and MMF + HRFT (200 mg kg-1) groups. The hematocrit (Hct), lymphocyte/total WBC, feces water content and pH were analyzed. Moreover, the hepatic functional tests, kidney-related biomarkers, lipid and protein profiles, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) contents were assessed. Co-administration of RFT stabilized the MMF-reduced body weight. The MMF significantly diminished Hct and lymph/total WBC (p < 0.05). Only MRFT enhanced the lymphocyte/total WBC. Increased water content, no changes in feces pH, increased serum ALT and AST, no alteration in urea and mild enhancement in creatinine were demonstrated in MMF-received animals. However, RFT at low dose ameliorated the feces parameters and reduced ALT. No significant changes were demonstrated for serum lipid and protein profiles in MMF- and RFT + MMF-treated groups. The RFT enhanced the serum TAC, reduced MDA and NO contents. In conclusion, our data suggested that RFT could be considered as an effective agent to subsidize the MMF-induced clinical, hematological and biochemical disorders.
Hassan Malekinejad; Nazli Alizadeh-Tabrizi; Araz Ostadi; Johanna Fink-Gremmels
Volume 6, Issue 1 , March 2015, , Pages 9-15
Abstract
The pathogenesis of equine grass sickness (EGS) has not fully understood. A better understanding of the exact pathogenesis of diseases can help to make an accurate diagnosis. Previous studies reported some pathological damage of neuronal cells in EGS patients. In this study, primarily cytotoxicity of ...
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The pathogenesis of equine grass sickness (EGS) has not fully understood. A better understanding of the exact pathogenesis of diseases can help to make an accurate diagnosis. Previous studies reported some pathological damage of neuronal cells in EGS patients. In this study, primarily cytotoxicity of serum from three clinically EGS-diagnosed horses on PC12 Tet-off (PTO) cells was assessed. Subsequently, the apoptotic tests including cytochrome C release, caspase-3/7 activity measurement and DNA fragmentation assay were conducted to clarify the apoptotic effect of serum from EGS patients. Addition of serum from EGS patients at concentrations higher than 25% on PTO cells resulted in a significant cytotoxicity in Alamar blue reduction assay compared with serum from healthy horses. All three apoptotic endpoints showed that the serum from EGS patients does have capability to induce apoptosis. A remarkable up regulation of cytochrome C release accompanied with concentration- and time-dependent augmentation in caspase-3/7 activity and ultimately DNA fragmentation were observed. Our data suggest that serum from EGS patients might have potentially neurotoxic compounds, which exerts cytotoxic and apoptotic effects on neuronal cells. Moreover, the EGS serum-induced apoptosis attributes to augmentation of cytochrome C release and caspase-3/7 activity.
Leila Zarei; Rasoul Shahrooz; Rajabali Sadrkhanlou; Hassan Malekinejad; Abbas Ahmadi; Zahra Bakhtiary
Volume 6, Issue 1 , March 2015, , Pages 55-61
Abstract
Current study was aimed to evaluating protective effects of cornus mas fruit extract (CMFE) in mice treated with methotrexate (MTX). For this purpose, 48 young mature male mice were divided into 6 groups. Control group received only normal saline (0.1 mLper day, intraperitoneally), and the second group ...
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Current study was aimed to evaluating protective effects of cornus mas fruit extract (CMFE) in mice treated with methotrexate (MTX). For this purpose, 48 young mature male mice were divided into 6 groups. Control group received only normal saline (0.1 mLper day, intraperitoneally), and the second group was administered MTX (20 mg kg-1 perweek, intraperitoneally). The third, fourth and fifth groups received MTX daily oral doses of 250, 500 and 1000 mg kg-1 CMFE as well as MTX. The sixth group was only given CMFE with a dose of 1000 mg kg-1 perday, orally, for 35 days. Then, the animals were anesthetically euthanized and the sperms were separated from epididymis. DNA damage level, the amount of malondialdehyde (MDA) as well as in vitro fertility was evaluated. The number of sperms with damaged DNA and MDA level in MTX-treated group showed a significant increase compared to control group (p < 0.05). In groups receiving CMFE along with MTX, DNA damage level and MDA amount suggested a decrease in comparison with MTX group (p < 0.05). Also, in vitro fertilization and embryonic development in MTX-treated group was significantly lower than the control group, and the level of embryonic arresting was higher (p < 0.05). In groups which received CMFE along with MTX, in vitro fertility and embryonic development was higher than MTX group (p < 0.05) and the arrested embryos showed a decrease. This study suggested that cornus mas is able to ameliorate the side effects of MTX.
Leila Zarei; Rajabali Sadrkhanlou; Rasoul Shahrooz; Hassan Malekinejad; Behroz Eilkhanizadeh; Abbas Ahmadi
Volume 5, Issue 1 , March 2014, , Pages 21-27
Abstract
This study was aimed to assess the protective effects of Cornus mas fruit extract (CMFE) and vitamin E (Vit E) on sperm quality parameters in the methotrexate (MTX)-treated mice. Forty-eight young adult male mice (8-12 weeks) were randomly divided into six groups including control and test groups. The ...
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This study was aimed to assess the protective effects of Cornus mas fruit extract (CMFE) and vitamin E (Vit E) on sperm quality parameters in the methotrexate (MTX)-treated mice. Forty-eight young adult male mice (8-12 weeks) were randomly divided into six groups including control and test groups. The control group received normal saline orally , and the test groups were treated MTX (20 mg kg-1, ip, once weekly), MTX + CMFE (250 mg kg-1), MTX + CMFE (500 mg kg-1), MTX + CMFE (1000 mg kg-1), and MTX + Vit E (100 IU kg-1, po) for 35 consecutive days. On day 35, after euthanasia the epididymal sperms were isolated. Then the total mean sperm count, sperm viability and motility were determined. The total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) of all experimental groups were also evaluated. The MTX-treated animals showed a significant changes in all parameters of sperm quality assessment compared to the control group. Both Vit E and CMFE were able to protect from MTX-induced effects on sperm maturity and DNA damage. Co-administration of MTX and CMFE and/or Vit E resulted in protection from MTX-reduced TAOC. In conclusion, these data suggested that MTX administration could adversely affect the sperm quality. Moreover, the protective effect of Vit E and CMFE on MTX-induced sperm toxicity was also documented.
Mazdak Razi; Hassan Malekinejad; Reza Sayrafi; Mohammad Reza Hosseinchi; Sajad Feyzi; Seyed Mehdi Moshtagion; Hamed Janbaz
Volume 4, Issue 4 , December 2013, , Pages 213-219
Abstract
Formalin is widely used in industry and in medicine (as tissue fixative and disinfectant).It contains reactive molecules which have been known for its cytotoxic effects. To evaluate the effect of formalin exposure on the testicular tissue and sperm parameter from neonatal period through physical and ...
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Formalin is widely used in industry and in medicine (as tissue fixative and disinfectant).It contains reactive molecules which have been known for its cytotoxic effects. To evaluate the effect of formalin exposure on the testicular tissue and sperm parameter from neonatal period through physical and sexual maturity, 28 male Wister rats were assigned into two equal test and control groups. The test group was exposed to 1.5 ppm of the vapour of 10% formaldehyde in a special chamber for 2 hr per day at 20-26 ˚C and the air pressure of 760-763 atm. After 55 days, the tubular differentiation (TDI) and repopulation (RI) indexes in testicular tissue, sperm quality parameters, serum total antioxidant capacity and testosterone level were determined. The formaldehyde-exposed animals showed severe seminiferous tubules atrophy, edematous connective tissue, arrested spermatogenesis with negative TDI and RI and vascular thrombosis compared to control group. Histomorphological studies showed a high sperm mortality and abnormality associated with a remarkable decrease in sperm count. Formaldehyde-exposed animals revealed with decreased serum level of testosterone (p < 0.05) and down-regulated antioxidant status versus control group. In conclusion, the current data provide inclusive histological and biochemical information about the chronic exposure to formaldehyde with emphasizing on reproductive disorders including histological adverse effects on the testicular tissue, spermatogenesis, sperm viability, count and the abnormalities which can potentially cause infertility after sexual maturation.
Sanaz Sheikhzadeh; Hassan Malekinejad; Rahim Hobbenaghi
Volume 4, Issue 2 , June 2013, , Pages 77-83
Abstract
Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) as an immunosuppressive agent is used to prevent graft rejection. One of the adverse effects of long time administration of MMF is the gastrointestinal disorder. This study aimed to investigate the gastroprotective effect of silymarin (SMN) on MMF-induced gastrointestinal ...
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Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) as an immunosuppressive agent is used to prevent graft rejection. One of the adverse effects of long time administration of MMF is the gastrointestinal disorder. This study aimed to investigate the gastroprotective effect of silymarin (SMN) on MMF-induced gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. Twenty-four adult female Wistar rats were assigned into three groups including the control and test groups. The control animals received saline (5 mL kg-1) and the test animals were treated with MMF (40 mg kg-1, orally) and saline, MMF and silymarin (SMN, 50 mg kg-1, orally) for 14 consecutive days, respectively. To evaluate the GI disorders due to the MMF-induced oxidative stress and subsequently the protective effect of SMN, malondialdehyde (MDA), total thiol molecules (TTM) levels and total anti-oxidant capacity (TAC) were determined. Additionally, histopathological examinations in the duodenal region of small intestine were performed. The MMF-increased level of MDA was reduced by SMN administration, while the MMF-reduced level of TTM increased significantly (p < 0.05) by SMN administration. Histopathological examinations showed the goblet cell reduction and congestion in the MMF-received animals; while SMN was able to improve the MMF-induced goblet cell reduction and congestion. Our data suggest that the MMF-induced GI disorders are characterized by changes in antioxidant status, which presented by the elevation of MDA level and reduction of TTM concentration. Moreover, the improved biochemical alterations and histopathologic damages by SMN indicating its gastroprotective and antioxidant effects.
Sajad Feyzi-Dehkhargani; Rasoul Shahrooz; Hassan Malekinejad
Volume 3, Issue 1 , March 2012, , Pages 19-26
Abstract
This study was designed to evaluate the detrimental effect of atrazine (ATR) on germinal epitheliums (GE) cytoplasmic carbohydrate (CH) and unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) ratio and to clarify the effect of ATR on serum levels of FSH, LH, testosterone and inhibin-B (INH-B). The impact of ATR exposure on ...
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This study was designed to evaluate the detrimental effect of atrazine (ATR) on germinal epitheliums (GE) cytoplasmic carbohydrate (CH) and unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) ratio and to clarify the effect of ATR on serum levels of FSH, LH, testosterone and inhibin-B (INH-B). The impact of ATR exposure on total antioxidant capacity (TAC), sperm DNA packing and integrity were also investigated. Seventy two Wistar rats were used. The rats in control group received vehicle and the animals in test groups received 100, 200 and 300 mg kg-1 BW of ATR orally on daily bases for 12, 24 and 48 days. In ATR-received groups the spermatogenesis cell were presented with dense reactive sites for lipidophilic staining associated with faint cytoplasmic CH accumulation. Dissociated germinal epithelium, negative tubular and repopulation indexes were manifested. The serum levels of testosterone, FSH, LH and INH-B decreased by 85% after 48 days exposure to high dose of ATR. TAC was reduced in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The sperm DNA damage was marked in animals which exposed to high dose of ATR (72.50 ± 2.25%) and the percentage of nuclear immature sperm increased up to 83.40 ± 0.89%. In conclusion, ATR not only induced its detrimental effect on the endocrine function of the testes and pituitary gland but also affected the cytoplasmic CH ratio and consequently leads to inadequate energy supplement in spermatogenesis cells. Therefore the imbalanced oxidative stress occurs in testicular tissue, which in turn enhances the sperm DNA disintegrity and nuclear immaturity.
Ali Shalizar Jalali; Shapour Hassanzadeh; Hassan Malekinejad
Volume 2, Issue 4 , December 2011, , Pages 266-273
Abstract
Cyclophosphamide (CP) is extensively used as an antineoplastic agent for treatment of various cancers, as well as an immunosuppressive agent. However, despite its wide spectrum of clinical uses, CP is known to cause several adverse effects including reproductive toxicity in humans and experimental animals. ...
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Cyclophosphamide (CP) is extensively used as an antineoplastic agent for treatment of various cancers, as well as an immunosuppressive agent. However, despite its wide spectrum of clinical uses, CP is known to cause several adverse effects including reproductive toxicity in humans and experimental animals. Crataegus monogyna is one of the oldest medicinal plant has been shown to be cytoprotective by scavenging free radicals. The present study was conducted to assess whether Crataegus monogyna fruits aqueous extract with anti-oxidant properties could serve as a protective agent against reproductive toxicity during CP treatment in a rat model. Male Wistar rats were categorized into four groups. Two groups of rats were administered CP at a dose of 5 mg in 5 mL saline kg-1 per day for 28 days by oral gavages. One of the groups received Crataegus monogyna aqueous extract at a dose of 20 mg kg-1 per day orally four hours after cyclophosphamide administration. A vehicle-treated control group and a Crataegus monogyna control group were also included. The CP-treated group showed significant decreases in the body and organ weights and spermatogenic activities as well as many histological alterations. CP treatment also caused a significant decrease in sperm count and motility with an increase in dead and abnormal sperms. Moreover, significant decrease in serum levels of testosterone and increased serum concentrations of FSH, LH, LDH, CPK and SGOT were observed in CP-treated rats. Notably, Crataegus coadministration caused a partial recovery in above-mentioned parameters. These findings indicated that Crataegus might be partially protective against CP-induced reproductive toxicity.
Mazdak Razi; Hassan Malekinejad; Rajab-Ali Sardkhanlou; Farshid Sarrafzadeh-Rezaei
Volume 2, Issue 3 , September 2011, , Pages 189-201
Abstract
This study was designed to clarify bilaterally effect of long-time varicocele on left and right testes and to identify the effect of varicocele on maturation divisions during spermatogenesis. Moreover, the percentage of seminiferous tubules (STs) with I-VIII and IX-XIV stages of spermatogenesis and sperm ...
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This study was designed to clarify bilaterally effect of long-time varicocele on left and right testes and to identify the effect of varicocele on maturation divisions during spermatogenesis. Moreover, the percentage of seminiferous tubules (STs) with I-VIII and IX-XIV stages of spermatogenesis and sperm parameters such as sperm motility and abnormality types were evaluated. The left varicocele was induced in test group (n=18) and control-sham animals (n=6) were gone under simple laparatomy. The test group further sub-divided into three subgroups based on the duration of varicocele (4, 6 and 8 months after varicocele induction). The histological alterations, spermiogenesis index (SPI), Sertoli cells (SCs), cytoplasmic lipid and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), germinal cells first and second maturation divisions, spermatogenesis stages, natural mating and sperm characteristics (count, motility and abnormality) were evaluated. Histological results showed that the varicocele-induced damage affected both stages of I-VIII and IX-XIV and up to 20% of the STs exhibited negative SPI and SCs degeneration. After 8 months, majority of STs demonstrated a remarkable reduction in the first and second maturation division in both of the testes. Nevertheless, the right testicles were manifested with significantly (P < 0.05) lower detrimental features in comparison with the left ones. Following varicocele induction the sperm count, viability and motility reduced time-dependently. Our data suggested that monolateral varicocele-induction affected both right and left testicles simultaneously albeit with differences. The varicocele-induced injuries were manifested as negative SPI and SCs degeneration, which may have led to poor sperm quantity and quality.
Hassan Malekinejad; Arash Alizadeh; Hadi Cheraghi; Saeed Meshkin; Fereshteh Dardmeh
Volume 1, Issue 3 , December 2010, , Pages 158-164
Abstract
The protective effect of liquorice plant extract (LPE) on CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in common carp was evaluated using fifty adult carps. The fish were cultured in a standard environment in terms of water flow rate, oxygen, pH, food and temperature. The fish were assigned into 5 groups (N = 10) as ...
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The protective effect of liquorice plant extract (LPE) on CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in common carp was evaluated using fifty adult carps. The fish were cultured in a standard environment in terms of water flow rate, oxygen, pH, food and temperature. The fish were assigned into 5 groups (N = 10) as control, sham, and tests. The test groups were pre-treated for 3 h with various concentrations of LPE, 3 days before CCl4 exposure. The control and sham groups received normal saline before and after CCl4 exposure. To induce hepatotoxicity, animals in the sham and test groups were exposed against 100 μl L-1 CCl4 for 45 min. The fish in all groups 1 h after CCl4 exposure were anesthetized and the blood samples were collected. Immediately the liver specimens were dissected out and were stored in 10 % formalin for further pathological studies. Determination of serum level of ALP and SGOT revealed that acute form of CCl4 exposure elevated significantly (P < 0.05) the serum level of either tested hepatic marker enzymes. While 3 days pretreatment with LPE prevented from ALP and SGOT enhancement. The pathological evaluation revealed that the CCl4 exposure resulted in a minor pathologic manifestation such as slight congestion, which the LPE pretreated groups showed the remarkable improvement. The anti-oxidant capacity of LPE was assayed by FRAP and DPPH methods. Both provided techniques showed that LPE exerts an excellent anti-oxidant effect. This data suggest that LPE exerts protective effect against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity. Moreover, the hepatoprotective effect of LPE may attribute to its antioxidant capacity.
