Microplastics have become a significant environmental concern. However, information on toxicity of microplastics in terrestrial organisms is limited. In this study, the chronic toxic effects of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) on the reproductive system and serum antioxidants of male albino Wistar rats fed for 90 days with standard rat feed containing 1-10% granules of crushed polystyrene disposable plates were evaluated. Significant reductions in volume, motility, epididymal sperm count and serum testosterone level were observed. Histological examination of testicular architecture showed distorted testes with vacuolated seminiferous tubules at the highest percentage, together with increased catalase and decreased superoxide dismutase activities. This study showed that ingestion of PS-MPs caused reproductive dysfunction in male rats and contributes to understanding the potential toxicity of microplastics in terrestrial animals.

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Background: The uses of toxicologically unscreened plants to enhance fertility can be associated with adverse consequences. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the ethanolic stem back extract of X. aethiopica (EEXA) on the fertility indices of male albino rats. Materials and Methods: Sixty male albino rats (weighing 200-250 gr) were grouped and administered by gavage with 200-800 mg/kg of EEXA daily for 15, 30, and 60 days. After the administration of EEXA, the rats were weighed and sacrificed. Blood samples were collected, serum samples were extracted, and evaluated for testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone, prolactin, estradiol, luteinizing hormone and progesterone levels. The testes, epididymis, and prostrate were harvested, weighed and testes were evaluated for sperm parameters. Results: Significant increase in body weight (p = 0.02) with significant decreases in testes (p = 0.01), epididymis (p = 0.01), and prostate (p = 0.02) weights occurred in rats administered with EEXA when compared to the control group. Significant (p < 0.001) dose and time- dependent decreases in sperm count, volume, motility, and normal morphology were obtained in rats administered with EEXA when compared to the control group. However, there were no significant (p > 0.05) effects on sperm pH when compared to control. Furthermore, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, and testosterone levels were significantly decreased whereas serum prolactin, estradiol, and progesterone levels were significantly increased in a dose-dependent fashion in rats administered with EEXA when compared to the control group. Conclusion: The findings in this study showed that the use of X. aethiopica may be detrimental to male reproduction function. Key words: Xylopia aethiopica, Toxicity, Sperm, Hormone, Rat.

Impairment in testicular function can occur through perturbations in testicular oxidative stress markers and histology. Xylopia aethiopica (XE) is used to enhance fertility in males, but with information gap on its effect on testicular oxidative stress markers and histology. The present study assessed the effects of ethanolic stem bark extract of Xylopia aethiopica (EEXA) on testicular oxidative stress markers and histology of male albino rats. Sixty adult male albino rats (200g-250g) were randomly grouped into 4 (A-D) of 15 rats per group. The rats in the control group A (A1-A3) were administered per oral (p.o) with water (0.2 mL/day) for 15, 30 and 60 days respectively. The rats in groups B (B1-B3), C(C1-C3) and D (D1-D3) were administered p.o with EEXA (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg/day) for 15, 30 and 60 days respectively. The rats were anesthetized at the termination of EEXA administration and were dissected and testes removed. The testes were weighed and evaluated for oxidative stress markers and histology. Testicular weights were decreased in a dose and-time dependent fashion in EEXA-treated rats. Significant decreases in testicular superoxide dismutase, glutathione, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase levels with significant increases in malondialdehyde levels in a dose and time-dependent fashion were observed in rats administered with EEXA. Testicular histology showed cellular necrosis, degeneration and loss of interstitial tissues in rats administered with EEXA. This study observed that EEXA perturbed testicular oxidative markers and histology. Its use may impair testicular function.

Background and purpose: An aqueous extract from the root bark of Pseudocedrela kotschyi and aerial parts of Adenia cissampeloides has been proven in previous research to elicit significant anticoagulant property in vitro . This, therefore, indicates the potential usefulness of this extract in managing thromboembolic disease, a major global health risk. The aim of the present work was to establish the antithrombotic effect of a product made from extracts of the root bark of P. kotschyi and the aerial parts of A. cissampeloides (PAE). Experimental approach: The effect of PAE at 500-2000 mg/kg in inhibiting tail infarction and inflammation, as well as its effect on the microthrombi count, hematological, and coagulation profiles in a carrageenan-induced thrombosis model in Sprague-Dawley rats, was studied. Findings/Results: PAE significantly ( P ≤ 0.01-0.001) reduced length of tail infarction and inflammation (redness, swelling, pain, and temperature). Histopathological studies revealed a significant reduction ( P ≤ 0.0001) in microthrombi count in the liver and the lungs with PAE treatment. PAE treatment caused a marginal ( P ≤ 0.01) increase in prothrombin time but resulted in a significant ( P ≤ 0.01-0.0001) dose-dependent increase in activated partial thromboplastin time, with the hematological profile being normal. Conclusion and implications: PAE showed anticoagulant and antithrombotic effects in vivo , indicative of its potential benefit as a natural product, and cost-effective therapeutic option, and hence could be helpful in thromboembolic therapies.