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Background: Clinical research suggest a relationship between epilepsy and hypogonadism. The aim of this study is to identify the impact of epilepsy induced by kindling with pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) on hormones and some reproductive parameters in male rats. Materials and Methods: Adult male rats (NMRI strain) were divided into control and kindling groups. Kindling was induced by 40 mg/kg PTZ with a 48 hour interval through intraperitoneal injection. Each animal received 13 doses. At the end of the thirteenth dose, animals were weighed and uthenaized with ether and blood samples, collected from their hearts, were used for testosterone, prolactin and FSH, LH assay. In order to examine motility and morphology of sperms, tissue samples from epidydimis were isolated and minced in DMEM/F12 culture medium and were incubated for 15 minutes. Then sperm morphology and motility were studied. Testis were also isolated and weighed. Results: Kindling with PTZ decreased serum levels of testosterone and LH, but it increased rolactin. However, there was no difference in serum level of FSH between the two groups. Sperm motility in kindling group decreased significantly. There were no significant differences in testis weight, but the amount of animal weight losses in the kindling group was more than that of the control group. Conclusion: By changing the serum level of sexual hormones and decreasing sperm motility, PTZ kindling induced epilepsy exerts diminishing negative effects on reproduction.

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Background: There is growing evidence that damage to spermatozoa by reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays a key role in male infertility. This study was done to review the role of oxidative stress in male infertility. Materials and Methods: In this review article, PubMed, Scopus, and EBSCO-CINAHL databases were used for finding the relevant studies. Results: Under physiological conditions, a certain level of ROS is necessary for normal sperm function. However, an excessive level of ROS produced by leucocytes and immature sperms can cause damages to spermatozoa. Oxidative stress develops when there is an imbalance between ROS production and antioxidant defense system in male reproductive tract. High levels of ROS have been detected in the semen samples of 25-40% of infertile men. Oxidative stress can induce detrimental effects on standard seminal parameters and fertilizing capacity of spermatozoa. Conclusion: Oxidative stress can induce impaired sperm function that results in poor pregnancy rate in natural conditions and assisted reproduction.

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Background: Atrazine is an herbicide used widely by farmers in controlling weeds. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of atrazine, as an herbicide, on sperm quality, sperm DNA damage, invitrofertilization (IVF), and embryonic development in mature male rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 42 mature male Wistar rats weighing 170±5g were divided into three groups, including one control and two treatment groups. The rats in the control group were administered corn oil (0.2 ml/day) and the rats in the test groups were orally gavaged with atrazine 150mg/kg (high dose) and 75mg/kg (low dose) body weight daily for a total of 45 days. Epidydimis tail was cut and placed in 1 ml of human tubular fluid (HTF) medium for 30 minutes in an atmosphere of 5% CO2 in air at 370C. The sperms were analyzed for sperm count, sperm viability, motility, DNA damage, immature sperm, and in vitro fertilization. Data were analyzed by One-Way ANOVA. Results: In this study, atrazine provoked a significant decrease (P<0.05) in sperm number, sperm viability, and sperm motility. The data suggest that the atrazine had a negative impact on sperm maturation and DNA integrity in a time-dependent manner, which consequently caused a significantly remarkable reduction in IVF ability (P<0.05). Conclusion: Atrazine is capable of inducing DNA damage and chromatin abnormalities of spermatozoa which can contribute to a low fertilization rate.

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Background: One of the side effects of chemotherapy agents is gonadal suppression leading to infertility. The present study examined the feasibility of using a gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-A) in the prevention of busulfan induced azoospermia in prepubertal mice.

Materials and Methods: In this case and control research, Leuprolide (3.8 mg/kg) was given to prepubertal male mice 2 weeks after or prior to busulfan (40 mg/kg) administration. The animals received one or two doses of leuprolide after busulfan administration with 4 weeks apart. Six weeks after the last leuprolide treatment, the sperm parameters were analyzed icluded sperm count and motility according to the World Health Organization criteria.

Results: At the time of scarifies, testicular weight were increased in animals receiving leuprolide. In animals receiving leuprolide pretreatment, the percentage of progressive and immotile sperm was significantly (p&le0.05) increased and decreased respectively. But the percentage of non progressive sperm did not change. The sperm motility in busulfan treated animals with post treatment didn't change. The sperm count also increased in pretreatment animals but it was not significant (p&ge0.05).

Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that leuprolide pretreatment resulted in improvement in sperm motility in prepubertal male mice.

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Background: Arsenic as an environmental contaminant induces male infertility. Curcumin with potent antioxidant property is able to restrict oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of curcumin on testis tissue and sperm count in adult mice treated with sodium arsenite.

Materials and Methods: In an experimental study, animals were divided into four groups: control, sodium arsenite (5 mg/kg), curcumin (100 mg/kg) and curcumin+sodium arsenite. Treatments were performed by intraperitoneal injection for five weeks. After treatment period, body weight was recorded. Left testis was dissected, weighed and used for the histopathological study of seminiferous tubules. Left cauda epididymis was also used to count sperm number.

Results: Mice treated with sodium arsenite showed a significant decrease in the sperm count, the diameter of seminiferous tubules and a significant increase in the lumen diameter of tubules compared to control group. In curcumin+sodium arsenite group, curcumin significantly reversed the adverse effects of sodium arsenite on testis and sperm count. Whereas, the treated mice showed no significant difference in body and testis weight as well as morphology and nuclear diameter of spermatogonia between four groups.

Conclusion: Curcumin is able to compensate the toxic effect of sodium arsenite on sperm count and testis in adult mouse.

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Background: Human &beta-defensin 126 (12kDa) is a small cationic glycoprotein that is highly rich of cysteine. DEFB126 gene is located on the subtelomeric end of 20p1.3 in human. High expression of this protein is reported in epididymis. This polypeptide coats the plasma membrane of sperm during epididy‌mal transit. It is likely that &beta -defensin 126 might have role in unexplained male infertility since it involves in sperm maturation and capacitation. The current research designed to investigate if there is relation between &beta-defensin 126 gene mutation and unexplained male infertility.

Materials and Methods: In this case-control study we followed a two cytosine nucleotides deletion of &beta-defensin 126 gene in 35 Iranian men with unexplained infertility and 40 fertile men with normal spermogeram as control group. Standard PCR, SSCP(Single strand conformational polymorphism), and sequencing were used to detect genetic alteration of &beta-defensin 126. ELISA was performed for the assessment of the protein expression on sperm cells.

Results: Analysis of genetic data revealed 28.6% homozygote deletion in unexplained infertile men while this deletion was detected in 7.5% of controls. The deletion frequency was statistically higher in infertile patients than normal control group (p<0.05). The protein expression was less in men with del/del genotype compare to the other genotypes (p<0.005).

Conclusion: Our study shows that this common sequence variation of &beta-defensin 126 takes part in impairment of male reproductive function. Consequently, men with the del/del genotype are significantly less fertile than men who carry the wild type allele.

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Background: Nanoparticles due to their small size can overcome blood-testis barrier and affect spermatogenesis process. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of trioxide (MoO3) nanoparticles on histological changes of testis and spermatogenesis process in adult male Wistar rats.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study 30 adult male Wistar rats were randomely divided into five groups (n=6), including control, 2 sham groups, and 2experimental groups. Control group had no treatment. Two experimental groups received doses 5 & 10 mg/kg/BW nano molybdenum trioxide (20nm) respectively, and two sham groups received the same doses of normal saline by intraperitoneal injection. After 28 days, rats testis was removed and fixed in Bouin’s fixative for histological examination. The 5&mum sections were stained with hematoxilin-eosin.

Results: In experimental group which received 5mg/kg/BW nanoparticle, there was some disorganization of spermatogenic cells in some seminiferous tubules. In experimental group which received 10mg/kg/BW nanoparticle, a significant decrease was also observed in the number of spermatogenic and sertoli cells in comparison with the control group.

Conclusion: According to the findings of this study exposure to the high doses of (MoO3) nanoparticles can disrupt male reproductive system in a dose- dependent manner. Hence, the application of (MoO3) NPs should be carried out cautiously.

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Background: Bisphenol A (BPA) has estrogenic properties and generates reactive oxygen species (ROS). The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of Nigella sativa oil (NSO) on sperm parameters against toxicity induced with BPA.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, adult male mice with mean body weight 32±3 g were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=6) Control, BPA (200mg/kg/day), NSO (5ml/kg/day), and BPA+NSO. Oral treatment was performed till 34 days. After end of treatment, body and left testis weight were recorded and left caudal epididymis was also cut. Released spermatozoa were used to analyze sperm parameters such as motility, viability and abnormalities. Sperm chromatin quality was assessed. Data were analyzed with One-Way ANOVA.

Results: Body and testis weight showed no significant change in four groups (p<0.05). A significant decrease in the motility, viability and normal morphology of sperm (p<0.001) was found in BPA-treated mice compared to the control group. In BPA+ NSO group, NSO could significantly increas the mentioned parameters compared to the BPA group (p<0.05). BPA had no effect on the uncleus diameter of the spetmatogonia and sperm DNA integrity and histon-protamine replacement.

Conclusion: The results indicated that NSO could partially ameliorate Bisphenol A-induced toxicity on sperm parameters.

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Background: One of the side effects of chemotherapy drugs is oxidative stress that can damage the sperm and decrease fertility potential. Antioxidant agents in Imedeen like Lycophence GS and Biomarine complex play important role in preventing the direct and indirect effects of free radicals. So, in this study, the inhibitory effects of Imedeen on the damage caused by cyclophosphamide were investigated.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 60 mature male mice were divided into six groups. The control group received physiological serum, the second group received CP with 12mg/kg/day dosage, the third group received Imedeen with 111µg/kg/day dosage, the fourth group received Imedeen with 222 µg/kg/day dosage, the fifth group received CP and Imedeen with one dosage and the last group received CP and Imedeen with double dosage. Sampling and studies on sperm quality were performed after 35 days.

Results: The results obtained from the caudal epididymal sperm analysis revealed that treated with CP caused significant decrease in sperm count, motility, and viability, while abnormal sperms increased as compared to control gruop. These changes were associated with significant increase in DNA damage and chromatin abnormality in the caudal epididymal spermatozoa as evidenced by Acridine Orange and Aniline Blue staining respectively. Notably administration of Imedeen caused a considerable recovery in above-mentioned parameters.

Conclusion: The results suggest that Imedeen as an antioxidant could diminish the side effects of cyclophosphamide in the reproductive system of male mice.

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Background: Aluminum, as an environmental pollutant, has destructive effects by inducing oxidative stress on male reproductive system and sperm. Silymarin, an effective substance extracted from Silybum marianum, is a potent antioxidant which inhibits oxidative stress. Because of toxic effects of aluminum and the antioxidant role of silymarin, this study was performed to investigate if silymarin can prevent the adverse effects of aluminum chloride on plasma membrane integrity and acrosome integrity in ram sperm.

Materials and Methods:  In this experimental study, epididymal spermatozoa from Farahani's ram are divided into five groups: sperm at 0 hour, sperm at 180 minutes (control), sperm treated with aluminum chloride (0.5mM) for 180 minutes, sperm treated with silymarin (0.5μM) + aluminum chloride (0.5μM) for 180 minutes and sperm treated with silymarin (0.5μM) for 180 minutes. To evaluate sperm plasma membrane integrity and sperm acrosome integrity, propidium iodide-Hoechst and comassie brilliant blue staining were used, respectively. The results were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and p<0.05 was considered as significant level.

Results:  The percentage of sperm plasma membrane integrity and acrosome integrity were significantly decreased in aluminum chloride group compared to the control. The simultaneous use of silymarin+aluminum chloride could significantly compensate the adverse effects of aluminum chloride on the sperm plasma membrane integrity and acrosome integrity compared to aluminum chloride.

Conclusion: Aluminum chloride induces toxic effect on ram sperm plasma membrane integrity and acrosome integrity and silymarin is able to compensate the adverse effect this pollutant on these parameters.

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Background: Azoospermia is defined as the absence of sperm in the semen and is divided in two types; obstructive and non-obstructive azoospermia. Non-obstructive azoospermia include approximately 60% of azoospermia patients. Several genetic and environmental factors can be involved in the development of non-obstructive azoospermia. Until now, several genes have been introduced as the causing factor of the azoospermia that are involved in spermatogenesis and testicular development. These genes are located on Y and/or autosome chromosomes .The aim of the present study was to investigate Y chromosome microdeletions and STAG3 gene mutations in Iranian males with non-obstructive azoospermia.

Materials and Methods: In this study, peripheral blood samples were obtained from 122 men with idiopathic non-obstructive azoospermia and 100 Normo-sperm men who had at least one child and DNA was extracted. Samples were investigated for the presence of Y chromosome microdeletions by Multiplex PCR. Then, existence of probable mutations in exon 7 of STAG3 gene was investigated using MSSCP (multi-temperature single-strand conformational polymorphism) method.

Results: 13 patients (10.66%) had Y chromosome microdeletions, but none of the subjects showed mutation in exon 7 of STAG3 gene. The Y chromosome microdeletions were found in none of the control individuals.

Conclusion: The results showed that Y chromosome microdeletions are the most important cause of non-obstructive azoospermia and should be considered as the main candidate for male infertility diagnostic tests. Mutations in the STAG3 gene are not common among non-obstructive azoospermia patients.

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Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is associated with reductions in fertility indices. Resistance training, on the other hand, through reducing the adverse effects of diabetes, exerts a positive impact on diabetic individuals. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of ten weeks of resistance training on serum levels of reproductive hormones and sperm parameters in Wistar rats with diabetes mellitus type 2.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 36 Wistar rats with mean weight of 200±50 were randomly assigned to healthy control, diabetic control and diabetic training groups. The diabetic resistance training group received ten weeks of resistance training (climbing up the ladder) following the induction of diabetes. Twenty-four hours after the last training session, left epididymis of the rats was examined for studying sperm parameters and blood serum samples were examined for evaluating reproductive hormones. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Turkey’s Post Hoc test at 0.05%.

Results: Ten weeks of resistance training induced significant increases in serum testosterone and FSH levels in the resistance training group in comparison to the diabetic group (p<0.007).Resistance training did not have any significant effects on serum LH levels in the resistance training group compared to the diabetic control group. In addition, sperm parameters (sperm count, survival rate and motility) presented significant improvements compared to the diabetic group(p<0.05).

Conclusion: Resistance training can improve sperm parameters, including sperm count, survival rate and motility, through increasing serum testosterone, LH and FSH levels (reproductive hormones) in rats with diabetes mellitus type 2.

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Background and Aim: Following physical activity in various tissues of the body, oxidative stress occurs and affects the antioxidant capacity and consequently the fertility of men negatively. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of resistance training on oxidative stress and spermatogenesis quality. Materials and Methods: 20 male rats of Sprague Dawley (weight 200-250, 4 months old) were randomly divided into two groups of resistance training and control group (n = 10). The exercise program included climbing a ladder by hanging the load to the tail for 8 weeks (5 days a week, 3 times 4 repetitions). During the program, the load gradually was increased, and in the last week, it reached to 200% of the animal body weight. After intervention, the mice were anesthetized in separate groups and testicular tissue was isolated to evaluate Malondialdehyde index as an oxidative stress marker and to determine antioxidant capacity by Frap method. Fixation, processing, cutting of testicular tissue and eventually coloring steps were examined by Hematoxylin and Eosin (H & E). The spermatogenesisqualitywas calculated based on Johnson method. The data were analyzed by independent t-test was used and significance level was considered p <0.05. Findings: Increased Malondialdehyde levels were observed in the treatment group compared to control group (p =0.01). In the training group, the spermatogenesis quality was lower (p =0.013), the antioxidant capacity in the training group was significantly higher than the control group (p‏=0.83) and there isn’t any significant difference. Conclusion: The findings indicate thatdue to increased oxidative stress, increasing resistance training may have negative effects on the quality of spermatogenesis and men's fertility.

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