Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an endogenously produced signaling molecule that belongs to the group of gasotransmitters along with nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO). H2S plays a pivotal role in male reproductive processes. It is produced in various tissues and cells of the male reproductive system, including testicular tissue, Leydig and Sertoli cells, epididymis, seminal plasma, prostate, penile tissues, and sperm cells. This review aims to summarize the knowledge about the presence and effects of H2S in male reproductive tissues and outline possible therapeutic strategies in pathological conditions related to male fertility, e. g. spermatogenetic disorders and erectile dysfunction (ED). For instance, H2S supports spermatogenesis by maintaining the integrity of the blood-testicular barrier (BTB), stimulating testosterone production, and providing cytoprotective effects. In spermatozoa, H2S modulates sperm motility, promotes sperm maturation, capacitation, and acrosome reaction, and has significant cytoprotective effects. Given its vasorelaxant effects, it supports the erection of penile tissue. These findings suggest the importance and therapeutic potential of H2S in male reproduction, paving the way for further research and potential clinical applications.
- MeSH
- erektilní dysfunkce farmakoterapie metabolismus MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mužská infertilita metabolismus farmakoterapie MeSH
- mužské pohlavní orgány metabolismus účinky léků MeSH
- rozmnožování * účinky léků fyziologie MeSH
- spermatogeneze * účinky léků MeSH
- spermie účinky léků metabolismus MeSH
- sulfan * metabolismus farmakologie MeSH
- testis metabolismus účinky léků MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- přehledy MeSH
- MeSH
- časové faktory MeSH
- endokrinní disruptory aplikace a dávkování metabolismus toxicita MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- metabolické nemoci chemicky indukované epidemiologie metabolismus MeSH
- rozmnožování účinky léků fyziologie MeSH
- vystavení vlivu životního prostředí škodlivé účinky MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
- úvodní články MeSH
- úvodníky MeSH
The red-crowned crane (Grus japonensis) is a vulnerable bird species. Mycotoxins are toxic substances produced by filamentous fungi and are considered as naturally unavoidable contaminants in animal feed. Our recent survey indicated that feeds designed for captive red-crowned cranes were contaminated with mycotoxins. This study was conducted to investigate the protective effects of the mycotoxin binder montmorillonite on the reproductive behavior, sex hormone levels, and egg quality of red-crowned cranes. Twelve pairs of G. japonensis were divided into four groups, and each group was fed one of the following: a selected diet (with extra low levels of mycotoxins), a regular diet, a selected diet with 0.5% montmorillonite added, or a regular diet with 0.5% montmorillonite added. Consumption of the regular diet decreased courtship and mating behaviors, testosterone concentration, egg weight, and shell thickness. However, feed supplementation with montmorillonite increased the courtship, mating behaviors and testosterone concentration during the pre-breeding period, as well as egg weight and shell thickness. These findings suggest that the addition of dietary montmorillonite is effective for controlling mycotoxins in the feed, resulting in improvements in reproductive behaviors, testosterone concentrations, and some egg quality parameters of the red-crowned crane.
- MeSH
- bentonit chemie MeSH
- dieta MeSH
- krmivo pro zvířata analýza normy MeSH
- mykotoxiny analýza toxicita MeSH
- ovum chemie MeSH
- pohlavní steroidní hormony krev MeSH
- ptáci fyziologie MeSH
- rozmnožování účinky léků MeSH
- sexuální chování zvířat účinky léků MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
BACKGROUND: While commercial poultry and captive birds are exposed to antimicrobials through direct medication, environmental pollution may result in contamination of wild birds. Fluoroquinolones are commonly used medications to treat severe avian bacterial infections; however, their adverse effects on birds remain understudied. Here, we examine toxicity of enrofloxacin and marbofloxacin during the egg incubation period using the chicken (Gallus Gallus domesticus) as a model avian species. Laboratory tests were based on eggs injected with 1, 10 and 100 μg of fluoroquinolones per 1 g of egg weight prior to the start of incubation and monitoring of chick blood biochemistry, reproductive parameters and heart rate during incubation. RESULTS: Eggs treated with fluoroquinolones displayed reduced hatchability due to embryonic mortality, particularly on day 13 of incubation. Total hatching success showed a similar pattern, with a significantly reduced hatchability in low and high exposure groups treated with both enrofloxacin and marbofloxacin. From 15 to 67% of chicks hatching in these groups exhibited joint deformities. Hatching one-day pre-term occurred with a prevalence of 31 to 70% in all groups treated with fluoroquinolones. Embryonic heart rate, measured on days 13 and 19 of incubation, increased in all enrofloxacin-treated groups and medium and high dose groups of marbofloxacin-treated eggs. Blood biochemistry of chicks sampled at hatch from medium dose groups showed hypoproteinaemia, decreased uric acid and increased triglycerides. Chicks from the enrofloxacin-treated group displayed mild hyperglycaemia and a two-fold rise in the blood urea nitrogen to uric acid ratio. Principal components analysis based on blood biochemistry clearly separated the control bird cluster from both enrofloxacin- and marbofloxacin-treated birds. CONCLUSIONS: Fluoroquinolones induce complex adverse effects on avian embryonic development, considerably reducing the performance of incubated eggs and hatching chicks. Cardiotoxicity, which quickens embryonic heart rate, meant that the total number of heart beats required for embryogenesis was achieved earlier than in the standard incubation period, resulting in pre-term hatching. Our data suggest that enrofloxacin has a higher potential for adverse effects than marbofloxacin. To conclude, care should be taken to prevent exposure of reproducing birds and their eggs to fluoroquinolones.
- MeSH
- antiinfekční látky toxicita MeSH
- enrofloxacin toxicita MeSH
- fluorochinolony toxicita MeSH
- hypoproteinemie chemicky indukované veterinární MeSH
- kur domácí * krev MeSH
- kuřecí embryo účinky léků MeSH
- nemoci drůbeže chemicky indukované MeSH
- rozmnožování účinky léků MeSH
- srdeční frekvence účinky léků MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- kuřecí embryo účinky léků MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
In veterinary medicine, vaginal rings (VRs) are rarely used. However, there are diseases of female dogs' reproductive system which represent a suitable possibility for their usage. An example of such a disease is canine pyometra which can be treated by lipophilic prostaglandin drugs, unfortunately with harmful side effects after systemic administration. The aim of the study was to prove that the matrix VR based on silicone and channel-forming substance can be successfully used as a carrier for a three-day delivery of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Based on an in-vitro release study, an optimum channel-forming substance and its concentration were selected. The results were implemented during the construction of VR from the medical grade silicone DDU-4840 with PGE2 (5 mg). Glucose anhydrous in the 30% concentration was chosen as the most functional channel-forming substance due to synergism of osmotic activity and solubility. The DDU-VR containing PGE2 and 30% of glucose anhydrous exhibited excellent mechanical characteristics and ensured 29% drug release through water-filled channels in first-order kinetic manner. This is eight times higher than a sample without glucose where molecular diffusion through the silicone matrix was dominating the release mechanism. Moreover, drug-free VRs were tested for mechanical resistance and the design of removal thread.
- MeSH
- antikoncepční prostředky ženské MeSH
- difuze MeSH
- glukosa chemie MeSH
- kinetika MeSH
- prostaglandiny aplikace a dávkování chemie MeSH
- psi MeSH
- rozmnožování účinky léků MeSH
- rozpustnost účinky léků MeSH
- silikony chemie MeSH
- uvolňování léčiv účinky léků MeSH
- ženské pohlavní orgány účinky léků MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- psi MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
This study aimed at investigating the protective role of CoQ10 against cadmium (Cd)-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats. Adult male Wistar rats were exposed to an acute dose of Cd (25 mg/kg bwt; Cd group), Cd+CoQ10 (25 mg/kg bwt Cd+10 mg CoQ10; Cd-Q10 group) and distilled water (control) in vivo for 15 consecutive days and semen quality was assessed. A significant reduction was noted in sperm concentration, progressive motility, morphology and DNA integrity in both Cd- and Cd-Q10 groups in comparison to control indicating Cd-induced testicular lipid per oxidation (LPO) and decline in indigenous antioxidant defense system as measured by total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (p<0.05). However, simultaneous co-administration of CoQ10 along with Cd (Cd-Q10 group) was able to improve sperm concentration, motility, progressive motility, morphology, DNA integrity, and testicular TAC as well as lower LPO compared to Cd group (p<0.05). Results indicate that used dose of CoQ10 is capable of moderately ameliorating reproductive toxicity of Cd by improving semen quality and reducing testicular oxidative stress.
- MeSH
- kadmium toxicita MeSH
- krysa rodu rattus MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- oxidační stres účinky léků fyziologie MeSH
- peroxidace lipidů účinky léků fyziologie MeSH
- počet spermií metody MeSH
- potkani Wistar MeSH
- rozmnožování účinky léků fyziologie MeSH
- ubichinon analogy a deriváty farmakologie MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- krysa rodu rattus MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
The aim of this research was to assess the effect of soil contamination with titanium (Ti) and iron (Fe) at military sites in Ukraine using the avoidance and reproduction tests with Folsomia candida (springtail). The soil used for the tests was sampled in 2017 from Dolyna, Ivano-Frankivsk region, Ukraine from two plots, namely a contaminated and a control site. The sample site is a former military site previously used for tank training. At the control site mainly the concentrations of Ti and Fe were exceeded. The control soil was free from contamination. The avoidance test and reproduction test were conducted with the use of springtail species F. candida. The following nine levels of contamination with heavy metals were established: 1%, 1.5%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%. The duration of the avoidance test was 7 days, and that of the reproduction test was 28 days. Overall, the results show that the avoidance and reproduction tests with collembolans have the potential to be used as screening tools in an ecological risk assessment of heavy metals. In the avoidance test, the concentrations from 1.5 to 100% significantly decreased the number of F. candida in the contamination site in comparison to the control site. At the same time, avoidance was not observed in the first concentration (1%). According to the reproduction test, the negative effect on the number of F. candida juveniles was observed beginning at the 10% dose. The half maximal effective concentration (EC50) for the avoidance test was 50.12%, while that for the reproduction test was 22.39%. The contamination with heavy metals at the military areas indicated the short- and long-term toxicity risk on the springtail F. candida.
- MeSH
- členovci účinky léků MeSH
- hodnocení rizik MeSH
- látky znečišťující půdu toxicita MeSH
- ozbrojené síly MeSH
- rozmnožování účinky léků MeSH
- testy toxicity * MeSH
- titan toxicita MeSH
- učení vyhýbat se účinky léků MeSH
- železo toxicita MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Squamate reptiles are a highly diversified vertebrate group with extensive variability in social behavior and sexual dimorphism. However, hormonal control of these traits has not previously been investigated in sufficient depth in many squamate lineages. Here, we studied the hormonal control of male sexual behavior, aggressiveness, copulatory organ (hemipenis) size and sex recognition in the gecko Paroedura picta, comparing ovariectomized females, ovariectomized females treated with exogenous dihydrotestosterone (DHT), ovariectomized females treated with exogenous testosterone (T), control females and males. The administration of both T and DHT led to the expression of male-typical sexual behavior in females. However, in contrast to T, increased circulating levels of DHT alone were not enough to initiate the full expression of male-typical offensive aggressive behavior and development of hemipenes in females. Ovariectomized females were as sexually attractive as control females, which does not support the need for the demasculinization of the cues used for sex recognition by ovarian hormones as suggested in other sauropsids. On the other hand, our results point to the masculinization of the sex recognition cues by male gonadal androgens. Previously, we also demonstrated that sexually dimorphic growth is controlled by ovarian hormones in P. picta. Overall, it appears that individual behavioral and morphological sexually-dimorphic traits are controlled by multiple endogenous pathways in this species. Variability in the endogenous control of particular traits could have permitted their disentangling during evolution and the occurrence of (semi)independent changes across squamate phylogeny.
- MeSH
- agrese účinky léků fyziologie MeSH
- androgeny farmakologie MeSH
- dihydrotestosteron farmakologie MeSH
- ještěři metabolismus MeSH
- ovarektomie MeSH
- pohlavní dimorfismus * MeSH
- rozmnožování účinky léků fyziologie MeSH
- sexuální chování zvířat účinky léků fyziologie MeSH
- testosteron farmakologie MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
Bisphenols belong to the endocrine disruptors, affecting reproduction even in extremely low doses. Bisphenol S (BPS) has become widely used as a substitute for the earlier-used bisphenol A; however, its harmlessness is questionable. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of BPS on folliculogenesis and oocyte quality after in vivo exposure to low doses of BPS. Four-week-old ICR females (n = 16 in each experimental group) were exposed to vehicle control (VC), BPS1 (0.001 ng BPS.g/bw/day), BPS2 (0.1 ng.g/bw/day), BPS3 (10 ng.g/bw/day) and BPS4 (100 ng.g/bw/day) for 4 weeks. Ovaries were subjected to stereology and nano liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS). Simultaneously, metaphase II oocytes were obtained after pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin and human chorionic gonadotrophin administration, followed by immunostaining. In particular, mating and two-cell embryo flushing were performed. We observed that BPS decreases the amount of ovarian follicles and BPS2 (0.1 ng.g/bw/day) affects the volume of antral follicles. Accordingly, ovarian proteome is affected after BPS2 treatment. While BPS2 dosing results mainly in cytoskeletal damage in matured oocytes, the effects of BPS3 and BPS4 seem to be due instead to epigenetic alterations in oocytes. Arguably, these changes lead to observed affection of in vivo fertilization rate after BPS3 and BPS4 treatment. BPS significantly affects female reproduction astoundingly in extremely low doses. These findings underline the necessity to assess the risk of ongoing BPS exposure for public health.
- MeSH
- choriogonadotropin farmakologie MeSH
- endokrinní disruptory aplikace a dávkování MeSH
- fenoly aplikace a dávkování MeSH
- fertilizace účinky léků MeSH
- gonadotropiny koňské farmakologie MeSH
- imunohistochemie MeSH
- myši inbrední ICR MeSH
- myši MeSH
- oocyty účinky léků metabolismus MeSH
- ovariální folikul účinky léků metabolismus MeSH
- ovarium účinky léků metabolismus MeSH
- proteom účinky léků MeSH
- rozmnožování účinky léků MeSH
- sulfony aplikace a dávkování MeSH
- tandemová hmotnostní spektrometrie MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- myši MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
The nature and hormonal control of cues used for recognition of sex and reproductive status of conspecifics remain largely unstudied in reptiles. It has been proposed that production of a female attractiveness pheromone controlled by female ovarian hormones (and which is suppressed by male gonadal androgens) is necessary to elicit courtship in males. In the case of leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius), it has been suggested that an individual is recognized as a male and attacked unless it produces female-specific stimuli in its skin and that females are attacked, not courted, while shedding. We tested the reactions of males to control males and control shedding and non-shedding females, castrated males, females treated with exogenous androgens (testosterone and dihydrotestosterone), and prepubertal individuals. The individuals with high androgen levels (i.e., control males and hormone-treated females) were attacked while animals in all the other groups were courted. Our results indicate that in leopard gecko hormonally controlled pheromones advertising female attractiveness are not required and that sex discrimination is based on the presence or absence of cues dependent on masculinization by male gonadal steroids.
- MeSH
- chování zvířat účinky léků MeSH
- dihydrotestosteron krev farmakologie MeSH
- diskriminace (psychologie) účinky léků fyziologie MeSH
- estradiol krev farmakologie MeSH
- ještěři fyziologie MeSH
- námluvy * psychologie MeSH
- pohlavní dimorfismus MeSH
- rozmnožování účinky léků MeSH
- rozpoznávání obrazu účinky léků fyziologie MeSH
- sexuální chování zvířat účinky léků fyziologie MeSH
- sociální chování MeSH
- testosteron krev farmakologie MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH