Epidemiological reports have indicated a correlation between the increasing bisphenol A (BPA) levels in the environment and the incidence of male infertility. In this study, the protective effects of melatonin on BPA-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis were investigated in the rat testes and epididymal sperm. Melatonin (10 mg/kg body weight (bw)) was injected concurrently with BPA (50 mg/kg bw) for 3 and 6 weeks. The administration of BPA significantly increased oxidative stress in the testes and epididymal sperm. This was associated with a decrease in the serum testosterone level as well as sperm quality, chromatin condensation/de-condensation level, and the percentage of haploid germ cells in the semen. BPA administration caused a significant increase in apoptosis accompanied by a decrease in the expression of the antiapoptotic proteins Bcl-2 in the testes and epididymal sperm. The concurrent administration of melatonin decreased oxidative stress by modulating the levels of glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase as well as the malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide concentrations in the testes and sperm. Melatonin sustained Bcl-2 expression and controlled apoptosis. Furthermore, melatonin maintained the testosterone levels, ameliorated histopathological changes, increased the percentages of seminal haploid germ cells, and protected sperm chromatin condensation process, indicating appropriate spermatogenesis with production of functional sperm. In conclusion, melatonin protected against BPA-induced apoptosis by controlling Bcl-2 expression and ameliorating oxidative stress in the testes and sperm. Thus, melatonin is a promising pharmacological agent for preventing the potential reproductive toxicity of BPA following occupational or environmental exposures.

Cisplatin (CP) is a chemotherapeutic drug used in treatment of malignancies. However, its clinical utility is limited by nephrotoxicity. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the protective role of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) (100 mg/kg/day) or fish oil (FO) (5 ml/kg/day) against cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity in terms of biochemical parameters, oxidative stress and DNA damage. CP nephrotoxiciy is manifested by increased levels of serum creatinine, urea and uric acid, accompanied by their decrease in urine. Na, K and Ca levels were altered in both serum and urine. In addition, cisplatin caused a decrease in renal GSH, SH-group, SOD, GST, and Na-K-ATPase levels. However the levels of MDA, H2O2 and NO were increased. Also, we assessed the renal genotoxic potential of cisplatin as manifested by an increase in the tail length of DNA, tail intensity (DNA %) and tail moment. On the other hand, administration of GSPE or FO pre-cisplatin treatment ameliorated the current changes in most of the above tested parameters, particularly oxidative stress, endogenous antioxidant defense system and DNA damage indicating their curative effect. Thus, it can be concluded that the consumption of GSPE or FO might be useful for preventing nephrotoxicity caused by cisplatin treatment.

Cisplatin is an effective chemotherapeutic agent that displays dose-limiting nephrotoxicity. In the present study, the efficacy of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE: 100 mg/kg/day) and fish oil (FO: 5 mL/kg/day) against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity was evaluated in terms of DNA damage, histopathological changes and expression levels of molecular markers of apoptosis. The administration of cisplatin (CP) (7 mg/kg) results in an increasing percentage of S-phase, G2/M and apoptosis. Furthermore, CP induces apoptosis as indicated by an elevation of renal caspase-3 and reduction in the expression of BCL-2. In addition to occurred renal histopathological changes as manifested by tubular degeneration, degenerative glomerulus, necrotic tubular cells, and cell debris. On the other hand, the administration of GSPE or FO precisplatin treatment can be ameliorated the current DNA cell cycle alterations by the restoration of expression of proteins related to apoptosis and reduced the undesirable renal histopathological changes. So, it can be concluded that the consumption of GSPE or FO might be useful for minimizing nephrotoxicity caused by cisplatin chemotherapy through their anti-apoptotic and antioxidant properties.

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This study was conducted to elucidate the effect of two types of antioxidants containing compounds on some physiological components of laying hens for 8 weeks as well as egg quality with special reference to egg yolk cholesterol concentration. Ninety six adult Shaver White laying hens were randomly divided into six groups ,each contained sixteen birds , control group, two garlic groups (fed on basal diet plus 1g or 3g/kg), two yeast groups (fed on basal diet plus 2g or 4g /kg), and the last group received basal diet plus a mixture of 3g garlic and 4g yeast /kg. Feed intake significantly increased in groups received garlic (3g/kg) and that received garlic and yeast together, while egg weight , Haugh unit and egg mass, were not significantly affected but egg production percent significantly improved. Egg yolk cholesterol significantly declined in all treated groups, especially in that given both garlic and yeast. serum total lipids, triglycerides, cholesterol as well as LDL-C significantly declined in most treated groups while serum HDL-C significantly increased in the groups receiving garlic (3g/kg) or both garlic and yeast. Also serum total protein and albumin levels increased in the group supplemented with both garlic and yeast. Serum levels of estrogen and progesterone significantly increased in the group receiving both garlic and yeast. In conclusion dietary garlic and yeast powder can be used for laying hens to increase egg quality , since, they have a cholesterol-lowering effect.

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The dangerous effect of lead was evaluated in male mice exposed to lead acetate at dose 2000 and 4000 ppm in drinking water, as well as subjects working in fields with high lead levels. Lead exposure exhibited marked decrease in body weight, as well as in hematological parameters such as hemoglobin content, hematocrit percent, erythrocytes and leucocytes count. In addition, there was a disruptive effect on neurological and endocrinological systems reflected by alterations in T3, T4, testosterone and cortisol hormones. In contrast, there was an elevation in serotonin level, along with a reduction in the concentrations of plasma Zn and Fe in lead exposed mice and human individuals. The study showed increases in the lipid peroxidation product (MDA), accompanied with decreases in GSH and SOD in lead exposed subjects and animals. The study thus indicated that exposure to lead pollution should be avoided as it affect neuro-endocrinological systems, increases oxidative stress and decreases fertility.

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