BackgroundHigh plasma levels of cholesterol or triglycerides were accompanied by testicular dysfunction, besides being a high risk factor for coronary and cerebrovascular diseases.
PurposeThe aim of the study was to investigate the histological effect of Ocimum gratissimum on the testes of rats with tyloxapol-induced hyperlipidemia as well as investigate its effect on androgen receptor (AR) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) distribution as a molecular biomarker for spermatogenesis.
Materials and methodsTwenty-four adult male albino rats were used and divided into four equal groups: the control group (group I); the group treated with crude aqueous extract of O. gratissimum (group II); the tyloxapol-injected group (group III); and the group injected with tyloxapol followed by treatment with O. gratissimum (group IV). The rats were anesthetized at the time of sacrifice; thereafter, blood samples were collected to estimate the lipid profile levels, and the testis specimens were examined histologically and immunohistochemically for AR and PCNA.
ResultsThe present results showed a significant increase in the levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein and a decrease in the levels of high-density lipoprotein in the tyloxapol-injected group (hyperlipidemic rats) with histological changes in the form of loss of normal distribution of spermatogenic cells, vacuolation, diminution of germinal epithelium, and sloughing of germ cells into the tubular lumen with acidophilic material in the interstitial tissues when compared with the control group. Immunohistochemical study showed a significant decrease in the intensity of AR immunostaining in Sertoli, Leydig, and peritubular myoid cells and in the number of PCNA immunopositive germ cells; the index PCNA values were also significantly decreased in tyloxapol-injected rats in comparison with controls. O. gratissimum administration after tyloxapol injection induced a significant reduction in lipid profile with marked improvement in testicular histological changes as well as increase in the number of AR and PCNA immunopositive cells.
ConclusionThis study revealed that AR and PCNA indexing can be used as a preclinical biomarker for testicular changes in hyperlipidemic states. The extract of O. gratissimum leaves provides effective hypolipidemic activity and exerts significant improvement in combating the harmful effects of hyperlipidemia on the rat testes.
Background: Osteoporosis (OP) is a prevalent degenerative bone disease among patients receiving selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors as fluvoxamine maleate (FM). Collagen hydrolysate (CH) is a nutritional component that has antiresorptive effect. Aim of Work: Evaluate the possible protective effect of CH against FM-induced OP in adult male albino rats. Material and Methods: Thirty six rats were divided into 4 groups; group I (control), group II (OP group): injected with FM daily for 4 weeks, group III (CH group): received FM concomitant with oral CH for 4 weeks, group IV (recovery group]: received only FM for 4 weeks & were left without taking any drugs for another 4 weeks. Total serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and calcium (ca +2 ) were measured. Bone specimens from the right femurs and first lumbar vertebrae were processed for H&E stain, Mallory's trichrome stain and immunohistochemical staining for osteopontin (OPN) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). This was followed by morphometric & statistical analysis. Results: Both groups II & IV showed significant elevation in ALP & reduction in Ca +2 compared to control. Bone sections revealed evident histological changes; osteocytes with pyknotic nuclei inside widened lacuna, widened haversian canals. Bone matrix showed fain areas, cavitations & multiple resorption cavities with osteoclasts. There was significant reduction in the mean thickness of compact bone, the mean area of trabecular bone, area % of OPN & mean number of PCNA +ve cells compared to control. Group III exhibited significant reduction in ALP & elevation in Ca +2 . The bone showed preserved histological architecture almost as the control. There was significant increase in the mean thickness of compact bone, the mean area of trabecular bone, area % of OPN & mean number of PCNA +ve cells compared to groups II & IV. Conclusion: CH has a potential osteoprotective effect against FM-induced osteoporosis.
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