Impaired expression of testicular androgen receptor and collagen fibers in the testis of diabetic rats under HAART: the role of Hypoxis hemerocallidea

Introduction. Wide spectrum of alterations associated with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has been reported. The current study aimed at evaluating the role of Hypoxis hemerocallidea (HH) aqueous extract on the testosterone levels, expression of androgen receptors and collagen fibers in the testes of streptozoto­cin-nicotinamide-induced diabetic rats under HAART regimen. Material and methods. Sixty two adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (189.0 ± 4.5 g) were divided into eight groups (8 animals in each treatment groups and 6 rats in the control group). Diabetes was induced by a single intraperi­toneal injection of nicotinamide (110 mg/kg bw) followed by streptozotocin (45 mg/kg bw) and the animals were then subjected to various treatments with HAART, HH extract or melatonin. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected to measure serum testosterone levels. Testes were fixed in buffered formaldehyde and paraffin processed. The expression of androgen receptor (AR) was assessed by immunohistochemistry and collagen fibers were visualized by Masson trichrome staining. Results. Serum testosterone level was drastically (p < 0.0001) reduced in all rats with induced diabetes. In the testis of diabetic rats increased collagen fibers deposition with varying derangements in germinal epithelium of spermatogenic layers were observed. Intertubular hemorrhages and absence of spermatozoa were also noted in the testes of diabetic rats subjected to HAART. Reduced immunoexpression of ARs was found in the nuclei of Sertoli cells and the cytoplasm of spermatogonia and spermatocytes in III–IV stages of the seminiferous epithelium cycle of diabetic animals treated with different dosages of HH alone and those treated with HAART concomitantly with melatonin and HH. The expression of ARs was almost negative in the testes of rats treated with HAART alone. Conclusions. Concomitant treatment of rats with aqueous HH extract during the HAART did not change se­rum testosterone level nor mitigate the altered expression of collagen fibers and androgen receptor resulting from STZ-nicotinamide-induced diabetes. Therefore, anti-diabetic properties of Hypoxis extract require further investigation

Histo-morphological and seminal evaluation of testicular parameters in diabetic rats under antiretroviral therapy: interactions with Hypoxis hemerocallidea

Objective(s): Broad range of metabolic changes associated with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has been reported over decades including reproductive perturbations. The current study aimed at investigating the role of Hypoxis hemerocallidea (Hyp) in the seminal and morphometric alterations in the testes of streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced diabetic rats under HAART.Materials and Methods: Sixty-two adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into A-H groups, containing 6 rats in the control group A and 8 rats in the treatment groups B-H. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of nicotinamide (110 mg/kg BW) followed by streptozotocin (45 mg/kg BW). The animals were then subjected to various treatments with HAART, Hyp, and melatonin.Results: weights (body and testicular), histological, histochemical, seminal fluid, and morphometric analyses were carried out. Sperm count and motility were reduced in HAART (

Evaluation of the effects of ascorbic acid on azathioprine-induced alteration in the testes of adult Wistar rats

The use of azathioprine (AZA) in the prevention of organ rejection during transplantation has been noted in different organs of the body. This study investigates the effect of ascorbic acid on azathioprineinduced alteration in the testes of adult Wistar rats. Thirty male adult Wistar rats were randomly assigned into 5 groups comprising a Control group A and four Treatment groups B to E. Animals in treatment groups B and D received 10 and 20 mg/kg of AZA respectively; whilerats in treatment groups C received 10 mg/kg AZA +25 mg/kg ascorbic acid, and group E received 20 mg/kg of AZA + 50 mg/kg of ascorbic acid. The control group animals received equal volume of normal saline via orogastric tube, and treatment lasted for 21 days. The testes were excised, weighed and fixed in Bouins’ fluid fortissue histology. Tissue homogenate was used to assay testosterone level, while blood was also obtained intracardially for glutathione peroxidase studies. Findings revealed significant histological changes in the treatment groups, decreased testosterone levels, and elevated glutathione peroxidase activity in all the treatment groups, compared with control. However, the treatment groups that received ascorbic acid had minimal, butsignificant reduction in the glutathione peroxidase activity compared to treatment groups without ascorbic acid intervention. Use of azathioprine induces significant damage to testicular structure, and this cannot be ameliorated by the use of ascorbic acid

Histological effects of permethrin insecticide on the testis of adult wistar rats

Permethrin is a common constituent in some household insecticides. This study examined the effects of this chemical on the testicular histology of exposed rats. Fifteen adult male Wistar rats were subgrouped into a control and two treatment groups. The controls were fed on normal rat feeds, whilst the diet of animals in the two treatment groups was mixed with 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg Permethrin respectively. An increase in body weights and organ weights was observed in the animals in both treatment groups. Various degrees of histological alterations in the structure of their seminiferous tubules were also observed in comparison with the control group. These abnormalities included disruption of the normal architecture, reduction in the population of mature sperm cells, wider luminal diameter and reduced interstitial spaces. These effects could impair the fertility potential of male subjects.</jats:p

Hepatic histomorphological and biochemical changes following highly active antiretroviral therapy in an experimental animal model: Does Hypoxis hemerocallidea exacerbate hepatic injury?

As the roll-out of antiretroviral therapy continues to drive downwards morbidity and mortality in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs), organ toxicities (especially the liver) are frequently becoming a major concern for researchers, scientists and healthcare planners. This study was conducted to investigate the possible protective effect of Hypoxis hemerocallidea (AP) against highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)-induced hepatotoxicity. A total of 63 pathogen-free adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 9 groups and treated according to protocols. While no mortality was reported, animals treated with adjuvant HAART and AP recorded least% body weight gain. Significant derangements in serum lipid profiles were exacerbated by treatment of with AP as LDL (increased p < 0.03), triglycerides (increased p < 0.03) with no change in total cholesterol levels. Adjuvant AP with HAART caused reduction in LDL (p < 0.05 and 0.03), increased HDL (p < 0.05) and TG (p < 0.05 and 0.001 for AP100 and AP200 doses respectively). Markers of liver injury assayed showed significant increase (p < 0.003, 0.001) in AST in AP alone as well as HAART+ vitamins C and E groups respectively. Adjuvant HAART and AP and vitamins C and E also caused significant declines in ALT and ALP levels. Serum GGT was not markedly altered. Disturbances in histopathology ranged from severe hepatocellular distortions, necrosis and massive fibrosis following co-treatment of HAART with vitamins C and E as well as HAART alone. These results warrant caution on the adjuvant use of AP with HAART by PLWHAs as implications for hepatocellular injuries are suspect with untoward cardiometabolic changes

Liver enzymes derangement and the influence of diet in animals given oral albendazole

Background: Albendazole is used as an anthelmintic in the treatment of some parasitic infections. This study determined how the effects of albendazole on liver enzymes are influenced by diet. Materials and Method: Thirty adult male Wistar rats of mean weight 304.12 ± 11.34 g were randomly grouped into five: Group A: Control, was given rat pellets and water only; Group B received 15 mg/kg/d of albendazole while fasting; Group C received 15 mg/kg/d of albendazole with fatty meal; Group D received 15 mg/kg/d of albendazole with normal diet (rat pellets); and, Group E received 30 mg/kg/d of albendazole with normal diet (rat pellets); they were given orally for 3 consecutive days. The animals were sacrificed thereafter and blood samples obtained for quantitative study of the serum activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Results: Significant elevation in the serum levels of the transaminases especially in animals which were on their normal diet (rat pellets), while ALP was either reduced or increased based on dietary factors. Conclusions: Oral administration of albendazole before meal or with a fatty diet could help limit severe elevation of liver enzymes associated with its use, while still ensuring optimal efficacy

Hepatic histomorphological and biochemical changes following highly active antiretroviral therapy in an experimental animal model: Does Hypoxis hemerocallidea exacerbate hepatic injury?

AbstractAs the roll-out of antiretroviral therapy continues to drive downwards morbidity and mortality in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs), organ toxicities (especially the liver) are frequently becoming a major concern for researchers, scientists and healthcare planners.This study was conducted to investigate the possible protective effect of Hypoxis hemerocallidea (AP) against highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)-induced hepatotoxicity. A total of 63 pathogen-free adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 9 groups and treated according to protocols.While no mortality was reported, animals treated with adjuvant HAART and AP recorded least% body weight gain. Significant derangements in serum lipid profiles were exacerbated by treatment of with AP as LDL (increased p<0.03), triglycerides (increased p<0.03) with no change in total cholesterol levels. Adjuvant AP with HAART caused reduction in LDL (p<0.05 and 0.03), increased HDL (p<0.05) and TG (p<0.05 and 0.001 for AP100 and AP200 doses respectively). Markers of liver injury assayed showed significant increase (p<0.003, 0.001) in AST in AP alone as well as HAART+ vitamins C and E groups respectively. Adjuvant HAART and AP and vitamins C and E also caused significant declines in ALT and ALP levels. Serum GGT was not markedly altered. Disturbances in histopathology ranged from severe hepatocellular distortions, necrosis and massive fibrosis following co-treatment of HAART with vitamins C and E as well as HAART alone. These results warrant caution on the adjuvant use of AP with HAART by PLWHAs as implications for hepatocellular injuries are suspect with untoward cardiometabolic changes