Sex-specific facilitation and reproduction of the gynodioecious cushion plant Arenaria polytrichoides on the Himalaya-Hengduan mountains,SW China

When benefiting other beneficiaries,cushion plants may reciprocally receive feedback effects.The feedback effects on different sex morphs,however,remains unclear.In this study,taking the gynodioecious Arenaria polytrichiodes as a model species,we aimed to assess the sex-specific facilitation intensity of cushion plant by measuring the beneficiary cover ratio,and to assess the potential costs in cushion reproductive functions by measuring the flower and fruit cover ratios.The total beneficiary cover ratio was similar between females and hermaphrodites.Females produced much less flowers but more fruits than hermaphrodites.These results suggested that females and hermaphrodites possess similar facilitation intensity,and female cushion A.polytrichoides may allocate more resources saved from pollen production to seed production,while hermaphrodites possibly allocate more resources to pollen production hence reducing seed production.The surface areas covered by beneficiaries produced less flowers and fruits than areas without beneficiaries.In addition,strong negative correlations between beneficiary cover and flower cover were detected for both females and hermaphrodites,but the correlation strength were similar for these two sex morphs.However,the correlation between beneficiary cover and fruit cover was only significantly negative for females,suggesting that beneficiary plants negatively affect fruit reproduction of females while have neutral effects on hermaphrodites.All the results suggest that to facilitate other beneficiaries can induce reproductive costs on cushion A.polytrichoides,with females possibly suffering greater cost than hermaphrodites.Such differentiation in reproductive costs between sex morphs,in long-term perspective,may imply sex imbalance in population dynamics.

Oxidized palm oil impairs reproductive functions and architectures in female rats

Objective:To evaluate the effects of three oxidized palm oil diets(OPD)on female rat reproductive function.Methods:Forty-four female Wistar rats presenting five consecutive and regular estrous cycles were divided into 4 groups.The rats were fed with:a standard diet,70%of standard diet+30%oxidized palm oil diet(OPD1),OPD1+5 g of boiled yolk egg(OPD2)and OPD1+10%sucrose(OPD3)for 125 days,respectively.During the feeding period,morphometric,estrous cycle,sexual behavior,gestation,biochemical and histomorphometric parameters were evaluated.Results:All OPDs significantly increased abdominal circumference,body mass index and Lee index coupled to an irregularity and lengthening of the estrous cycle.They significantly decreased appetite and consumption behaviours,quantic pregnancy index,fertility rate,implantation sites and index,serum progesterone and high-density lipoprotein levels,increased pre-implantation losses,anti-implantation activities,serum estradiol,triglycerides,total and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels,and impaired brain and ovaries oxidative status.Histomorphometric examinations revealed increases in the number of atresic and primary follicles and decreases in secondary,tertiary,Degraaf,total and corpus luteum follicles in ovaries coupled to a neurodegeneration of hypothalamic anteroventral periventricular neurons in the OPD groups compared to the standard diet group.Conclusions:The three OPDs induce obesity and impair the female reproductive function,especially OPD2 and OPD3.These findings contribute to a better understanding of the adverse effects of palm oil bleaching on the reproductive function in female rats,which could be useful in the management of women with obesity-related sexual dysfunction.

Effect of Astragalus-hawthorn on ovarian reproductive function and inflammatory mechanism of action in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome

Objective:To investigate the effects of prophylactic administration of Astragalus-Hawthorn on ovarian reproductive function and inflammatory mechanism in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS).Methods:Fifty 21-day-old female rats were randomly divided into five groups of 10 rats each:Normal group,Model group,Astragalus group,Hawthorn group and Astragalus-Hawthorn group.All groups,except the normal group,were fed a high-fat model diet.Each treatment group received astragalus,hawthorn and an astragalus-hawthorn solution orally during the molding period for an intervention period of 15 weeks.The estrous cycle of the rats in each group was observed under the microscope from week 8,the interference rate was calculated,changes in ovarian tissues were observed by HE staining and the levels of sex hormones,proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory factors in the serum of the rats were measured by ELISA.Results:Rate of estrous cycle disorders were more frequent in the model group than in the normal group.(P<0.01);ovarian tissue was polycystic,with few corpora lutea and sinusoids and numerous follicular ovarian cysts;Luteinising hormone/follicle-stimulating hormone(LH/FSH),testosterone(T),interleukin 6(IL-6),interleukin 17A(IL-17A)and tumour necrosis factor(TNF-α)levels were significantly higher in the model group than in the normal group;interleukin 10(IL-10)was significantly lower than in the normal group(P<0.05).Compared to the model group,rats in the Astragalus and hawthorn groups had a lower rate of estrous cycle disorders(P<0.01);the number of cystic follicles in the ovarian tissue decreased;the number of mature follicles and corpus luteum increased;LH/FSH,T,IL-6 and IL-17A levels were significantly lower in the Astragalus group,hawthorn group and the Astragalus and hawthorn groups;TNF-αlevels were significantly lower in the astragalus and hawthorn groups;IL-10 levels were significantly higher in the hawthorn and astragalus hawthorn groups(P<0.05).IL-10 levels were significantly higher in the astragalus and hawthorn groups(P<0.05).Compared to the astragalus group,T levels were significantly lower in the astragalus and hawthorn groups and IL-10 levels were significantly higher in the astragalus and hawthorn groups(P<0.05).Compared to the hawthorn group,levels of T and IL-17A were significantly lower in the astragalus-hawthorn group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Astragalus-Hawthorn prophylactic administration can improve ovarian reproductive function in rats with PCOS,and the mechanism of action may be related to reducing the levels of pro-inflammatory factors IL-6,IL-17A and TNF-α,increasing the levels of anti-inflammatory factor IL-10,and reducing the inflammatory state.

Does alcohol have any effect on male reproductive Function？ A review of literature

Although alcohol is widely used, its impact on the male reproductive function is still controversial. Over the years, many studies have investigated the effects of alcohol consumption on sperm parameters and male infertility. This article reviews the main preclinical and clinical evidences. Studies conducted on the experimental animal have shown that a diet enriched with ethanol causes sperm parameter abnormalities, a number of alterations involving the reproductive tract inhibition, and reduced mouse oocyte in vitro fertilization rate. These effects were partly reversible upon discontinuation of alcohol consumption. Most of the studies evaluating the effects of alcohol in men have shown a negative impact on the sperm parameters. This has been reported to be associated with hypotestosteronemia and low-normal or elevated gonadotropin levels suggesting a combined central and testicular detrimental effect of alcohol. Nevertheless, alcohol consumption does not seem to have much effect on fertility either in in vitro fertilization programs or population-based studies. Finally, the genetic background and other concomitant, alcohol consumption-related conditions influence the degree of the testicular damage. In conclusion, alcohol consumption is associated with a deterioration of sperm parameters which may be partially reversible upon alcohol consumption discontinuation.

Updates on the relation of weight excess and reproductive function in men： sleep apnea as a new area of interest

Obesity has a negative effect on male reproductive function. It is associated with low testosterone levels and alteration in gonadotropin secretion. Male obesity has been linked to reduced male fertility. Data regarding the relation of obesity to sperm parameters are conflicting in terms of the nature and magnitude of the effect. New areas of interest are emerging that can help explain the variation in study results, such as genetic polymorphism and sleep apnea. Sleep disorders have been linked to altered testosterone production and hypogonadism in men. It was also correlated to erectile dysfunction. The relation of sleep disorders to male fertility and sperm parameters remains to be investigated. Men with hypogonadism and infertility should be screened for sleep apnea. Treatment of obesity and sleep apnea improves testosterone levels and erectile function.

Joint action of phoxim and fenvalerate on reproduction in male rats

Aim: To evaluate the joint action of phoxim and fenvalerate on the reproductive function in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Methods: The 2×2 factorial analysis experiment was used in the study. The pesticides were orally given at daily doses of phoxim (Pho) 8.2 nig/kg, fenvalerate (Fen) 3.3 mg/kg and Pho 8.2+Fen 3,3 mg/kg (Pho:Fen = 5:2), 5 days a week for 60 days. Sperm motility was measured with computer-assisted sperm motility analysis (CASA) and daily sperm production estimated. Immunoenzymatic method and electron microscopy were used to evaluate the serum testosterone and the testicular morphology, respectively. Results: There were significant decreases in sperm motility parameters in the treated animals, including straight line velocity (VSL), beat cross frequency (BCF), linearity (LIN) and straightness (STR). After treated with Fen, significant decreases in VSL, LIN and STR were demonstrated. Significant decreases of daily sperm production were seen in animals treated with Pho and Pho+Fen in comparison with the controls. Serum testosterone levels were not significantly changed in the treated groups. Factorial ANOVA showed that no significant interactions were noted between Pho and Fen in sperm motility, sperm production and serum testosterone. Both the single and mixed pesticides caused various degrees of testicular lesions, involving vacuolation of endoplasmic reticulum and necrosis of Sertoli cells. Conclusion: The pesticides may cause sperm motility changes and testicular lesions in male rats. The action of Pho and Fen may be additive.

Evaluation of the Effects of Cypermethrin on Female Reproductive Function by Using Rabbit Model and of the Protective Role of Chinese Propolis

The prophylactic effects of Chinese propolis against cypermethrin toxicity were evaluated by performing ovary and uterus histopathology, as well as by characterizing ovarian function, embryos, and litters. Cypermethrin induced atypia in the ovary and uterus, and decreased the ovulation sites and the number of embryos. Cypermethrin-induced oxidative stress during pregnancy, decreased the parturition rate as well as the number and weight of offspring and increased the incidence of morphological malformations in the offspring. Administration of propolis to cypermethrin-treated animals mitigated cypermethrin-induced reproductive toxicity.

Sub-chronic effects of a Phthirusa pyrifolia aqueous extract on reproductive function and comparative hormone levels in male rats

Objective: To explore the effects of aqueous extract from Phthirusa pyrifolia leaves(67 mg/kg body weight for 12 days) on the reproductive function of male Wistar rats through oral administration.Methods: Animals(n = 30), aged 13 weeks and weighing(378.5 ± 5.0) g, were housed in a vivarium under controlled environmental conditions [photoperiod of 12 h light/dark,temperature of(23 ± 1)C] and were fed standard rations ad libitum. The experiment ran for 12 days, wherein animals were divided into three groups: negative control(n = 6)received water, positive control(n = 12) with finasteride at a concentration of 1.0 mg/kg;and a test group(n = 12) submitted to aqueous extract. At the end of the experiment, the animals were sacrificed and submitted to analyses.Results: The morphological results of the testes showed that the aqueous extract induced significant changes in the diameter and cross-sectional area of the seminiferous tubules as well as the thickness of the seminiferous epithelium. Furthermore, the extract was able to abruptly decrease testosterone concentrations by about 81.88% in the treated group when compared with the negative control,(47.0 ± 4.8) ng/d L and(255.0 ± 2.0) ng/d L,respectively, and 76.8%,(211.0 ± 8.7) ng/d L, when compared with finasteride. However,the extract causes neither liver damage nor impairment of renal function.Conclusions: These results suggest that the high amounts of flavonoids shown to be in the extract may be responsible for its hepato-protective effects and suggest a possible decrease in the libido and reproduction of rats.

Oxidative Stress:Role in Acetamiprid-Induced Impairment of the Male Mice Reproductive System

Acetamiprid has a wide range of influence on physiological functions in mammals.The objective of this study was to examine the effect of acetamiprid on the reproductive function of male mice,and to study the role of oxidative stress in acetamiprid-induced damage to the testes.Fifty adult Kunmin male mice （25-30 g） were divided into five groups （n=10 per group）,i.e.,control,blank,acetamiprid alone,acetamiprid and vitamin E,and vitamin E alone.All groups were treated for 35 d.The results showed that acetamiprid significantly decreased the body weight and the weight of testosterone-responsive organs,such as the testis,epididymis,seminal vesicle,and prostate.Furthermore,acetamiprid also significantly reduced the serum testosterone concentration,and decreased sperm count,viability,motility,and the intactness of the acrosome （P〈0.05 for each parameter）.The mice treated with acetamiprid had damaged seminiferous tubules and Leydig cells based on the histological structure of testes;there was degeneration of the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum of Leydig cells.These deleterious effects of acetamiprid may be mediated by increasing oxidative stress,as acetamiprid increased malondialdehyde and nitric oxide in the testes,reduced the activity of catalase,glutathione peroxidase,superoxide dismutase,and activated p38.The concentration of acetamiprid in the testes was lower than that in liver,so did the concentrations of liver function tests,including aspartate transaminase （AST）,alanine transaminase （ALT） and alkaline phosphatase （ALP）,which suggest that male reproductive function may be affected through the indirect action of its metabolites.Vitamin E significantly ameliorated the effects of acetamiprid.We conclude that acetamiprid damages male reproductive function through inducing oxidative stress in the testes.

Effects of soybean isoflavones on reproductive parameters in Chinese mini-pig boars

Background： Soybean isoflavones are structurally similar to mammalian estrogens and therefore may act as estrogen agonists or antagonists. However, it has not been determined if they have any negative effects on reproductive parameters in male livestock. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of soybean isofiavones on male reproduction using Chinese mini-pig boars as a model. Fifty Xiang boars were randomly divided into five groups and fed diets containing 0, 125, 250, or 500 ppm soybean isoflavones or 0.5 ppm diethylstilbestrol for 60 days. Results： Dietary supplementation with 250 ppm of soy isoflavones markedly increased the testis index （P 〈 0.05）, fructose content （P 〈 0.05）, and o-glycosidase content in testicular tissue （P 〈 0.01）, as well as increased the number of viable germ cells （P 〈 0.01） and the level of Bcl-2 protein （P 〈 0.01）. However, 500 ppm of soybean isoflavones significantly reduced both testis and epididymis indexes （P 〈 0.0S） and lactate dehydrogenase levels （P 〈 0.01）, as well as reduced serum LH and testosterone levels （P 〈 0.05）. High levels of soybean isoflavones also increased malondialdehyde levels （P 〈 0.05）, as well as increased the numbers of early and late apoptotic germ cells （P 〈 0.01） and the level of Bax proteins （P 〈 0.05） in the testis. Conclusions： The results of this study indicate that consumption of soy isoflavones at dietary levels up to 250 ppm did not adversely affect reproductive parameters in Chinese mini-pig boars whereas higher levels of soy isoflavones may adversely affect male reproduction.

Herland An All-female Women＇s Utopia

Charlotte Gilman＇s utopian masterpiece Herland （1915） dramatizes a confrontation between three men and an all-female society. Gilman not only creates a political vacuum, where the whole patriarchal civilization, including patriarchal system, superstructure, ideology, influence, and consciousness have ceased to exist, but also men are done away with all together. Most reviews claim that Herland criticizes the patriarchal tradition and manifests concern for humanity and some even regard Herland as the first truly feminist work in the American tradition. But this supposedly utopian world is actually static, without possibilities of growth and even inhuman, gothic, and nightmarish. And this is because Gilman constructs the women＇s utopia out of the conviction in women＇s superiority over men. Herland is a little paradise that is designed too perfect. Women＇s utopias still need to promote social change in the real world

Effects of a soybean milk product on feto-neonatal development in rats

Since estrogenic pollutants and phytoestrogens can cause the disorder of the reproductive system, the effects of a soybean milk product（Vegemil^（？） containing 162 ppm isoflavones） on the feto-neonatal development, including male reproductive function, were investigated. Pregnant rats were fed the soybean milk（5% or 100% in drinking water）from gestational day（GD） 6 to parturition or to post-natal day（PND） 56. Specifically, the rats were divided into 4 groups： the control group（drinking water）, the GD5% group（5% soybean milk during only the GD period）, the GDPND5% group（5% soybean milk during the GD and PND periods）, and the GD-PND100% group（100% soybean milk instead of water during the GD and PND periods）. During the gestational, lactational, and developmental periods, the reproductive and developmental parameters of dams and offspring were observed. Feeding soybean milk did not affect the birth and physical development of both male and female offspring. At PND57, the weights of the testes and epididymides of F1 males significantly increased by feeding a high concentration of the soybean milk（GDPND100%）. In addition, feeding of the soybean milk during both the GD and PND periods（GD-PND5% and GDPND100%） enhanced the sperm counts and motility. The results indicate that soybean milk is safe for embryos,fetuses, and offspring, and improves the post-generational development of male reproductive function.

Study of the influence of the biochemical composition of the human native ejaculate on the preservation of the male gametes’ activity after the application of cryopreservation technology

Objective:The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of the biochemical composition of human native ejaculate on the preservation of male gamete activity after the application of cryopreservation technology and to evaluate the potential practical application of these findings in future fertilization processes.Methods:The methodology employed in this study involves a systematic analysis of the technological aspects of cryopreserving human semen,coupled with an analytical examination of how the biochemical composition of semen affects the preservation of male gamete activity.Results:The results of the study demonstrate a clear relationship between the activity of male gametes and changes in the biochemical composition of semen following cryopreservation.Conclusion:This study addresses the issue of male infertility in Kazakhstan and underscores the importance of research in embryology and reproductive medicine to effectively address this problem.

Relationship between gut microbiota and host-metabolism:Emphasis on hormones related to reproductive function

It has been well recognized that interactions between the gut microbiota and host-metabolism have a proven effect on health.The gut lumen is known for harboring different bacterial communities.Microbial by-products and structural components,which are derived through the gut microbiota,generate a signaling response to maintain homeostasis.Gut microbiota is not only involved in metabolic disorders,but also participates in the regulation of reproductive hormonal function.Bacterial phyla,which are localized in the gut,allow for the metabolization of steroid hormones through the stimulation of different enzymes.Reproductive hormones such as progesterone,estrogen and testosterone play a pivotal role in the successful completion of reproductive events.Disruption in this mechanism may lead to reproductive disorders.Environmental bacteria can affect the metabolism,and degrade steroid hor-mones and their relevant compounds.This behavior of the bacteria can safely be implemented to eliminate steroidal compounds from a polluted environment.In this review,we summarize the meta-bolism of steroid hormones on the regulation of gut microbiota and vice-versa,and also examined the significant influence this process has on various events of reproductive function.Altogether,the evidence suggests that steroid hormones and gut microbiota exert a central role in the modification of host bacterial action and impact the reproductive efficiency of animals and humans.

Effects of short photoperiod on energy intake,thermogenesis,and reproduction in desert hamsters(Phodopus roborovskii)

Desert hamsters(Phodopus roborovskii)are the least known species in the genus Phodopus with respect to ecology and physiology,and deserve scientific attention,particularly because of their small body size.Here,the responses of energy metabolism and reproductive function to short photoperiods in desert hamsters were investigated.Male and female desert hamsters were acclimated to either long day(LD)(L:D 16:8 h)or short day(SD)photoperiods(L:D 8:16 h)for three months,and then the females were transferred back to an LD photoperiod for a further five months,while at the end of the SD acclimation the males were killed and measurements were taken for serum leptin as well as molecular markers for thermogenesis.We found that like the other two species from the genus Phodopus,the desert hamsters under SD decreased body mass,increased adaptive thermogenesis as indicated by elevated mitochondrial protein content and uncoupling protein-1 content in brown adipose tissue,and suppressed reproduction compared to those under LD.However,different from the other two species,desert hamsters did not show any differences in energy intake or serum leptin concentration between LD and SD.These data suggest that different species from the same genus respond in different ways to the environmental signals,and the desert adapted species are not as sensitive to change in photoperiod as the other two species.

Dietary exposure to di-isobutyl phthalate increases urinary 5-methyl-2′-deoxycytidine level and affects reproductive function in adult male mice

Phthalates are a large family of ubiquitous environmental pollutants suspected of being endocrine disruptors. Epidemiological studies have associated phthalate metabolites with decreased reproductive parameters and linked phthalate exposure with the level of urinary 5-methyl-2′-deoxycytidine（5mdC, a product of methylated DNA）. In this study, adult male mice were exposed to 450 mg di-isobutyl phthalate（DiBP）/（kg·day） via dietary exposure for 28 days. Mono-isobutyl phthalate（Mi BP, the urinary metabolite） and reproductive function parameters were determined. The levels of 5mdC and 5-hydroxymethyl-2′-deoxycytidine（5hmdC） were measured in urine to evaluate if their contents were also altered by DiBP exposure in this animal model. Results showed that DiBP exposure led to a significant increase in the urinary 5mdC level and significant decreases in sperm concentration and motility in the epididymis, accompanied with reduced testosterone levels and downregulation of the P450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme（P450scc） gene in the mice testes. Our findings indicated that exposure to DiBP increased the urinary 5mdC levels,which supported our recent epidemiological study about the associations of urinary 5mdC with phthalate exposure in the male human population. In addition, DiBP exposure impaired male reproductive function, possibly by disturbing testosterone levels; P450scc might be a major steroidogenic enzyme targeted by DiBP or other phthalates.