Microdissection testicular sperm extraction： an update

Patients with non-obstructive azoospermia （NOA） were once considered to be infertile with few treatment options due to the absence of sperm in the ejaculate. In the last two decades, the advent of intracytoplasmic sperm injection （ICSI）, and the application of various testicular sperm retrieval techniques, including fine needle aspiration （FNA）, conventional testicular sperm extraction （TESE） and microdissection testicular sperm extraction （micro-TESE） have revolutionized treatment in this group of men. Because most men with NOA will have isolated regions of spermatogenesis within the testis, studies have illustrated that sperm can be retrieved in most men with NOA, including Klinefelter＇s syndrome （KS）, prior history of chemotherapy and cryptorchidism. Micro-TESE, when compared with conventional TESE has a higher sperm retrieval rate （SRR） with fewer postoperative complications and negative effects on testicular function. In this article, we will compare the efficacy of the different procedures of sperm extraction, discuss the medical treatment and the role of testosterone optimization in men with NOA and describe the micro-TESE surgical technique. Furthermore, we will update our overall experience to allow counseling on the prognosis of sperm retrieval for the specific subsets of NOA.

Seminal plasma anti-Müllerian hormone level correlates with semen parameters but does not predict success of testicular sperm extraction （TESE）

Aim： To assess seminal plasma anti-Müllerian hormone （AMH） level relationships in fertile and infertile males. Methods： Eighty-four male cases were studied and divided into four groups： fertile normozoospermia （n = 16）, oligoastheno- teratozoospermia （n = 15）, obstructive azoospermia （OA） （n = 13） and non-obstructive azoospermia （NOA） （n = 40）. Conventional semen analysis was done for all cases. Testicular biopsy was done with histopathology and fresh tissue examination for testicular sperm extraction （TESE） in NOA cases. NOA group was subdivided according to TESE results into unsuccessful TESE （n = 19） and successful TESE （n = 21）. Seminal plasma AMH was estimated by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） and serum follicular stimulating hormone （FSH） was estimated in NOA cases only by radioimmunoassay （RIA）. Results： Mean seminal AMH was significantly higher in fertile group than in oligoasthenoteratozoospermia with significance （41.5±10.9 pmol/L vs. 30.5±10.3 pmol/L, P 〈 0.05）. Seminal AMH was not detected in any OA patients. Seminal AMH wascorrelated positively with testicular volume （r = 0.329, P = 0.005）, sperm count （r = 0.483, P = 0.007）, sperm motility percent （r = 0.419, P = 0.021） and negatively with sperm abnormal forms percent （r = -0.413, p = 0.023）. Nonsignificant correlation was evident with age （r = -0.155, P = 0.414） and plasma FSH （ r = -0.014, P = 0.943）. In NOA cases, seminal AMH was detectable in 23/40 cases, 14 of them were successful TESE （57.5%） and was undetectable in 17/40 cases, 10 of them were unsuccessful TESE （58.2%）. Conclusion： Seminal plasma AMH is an absolute testicular marker being absent in all OA cases. However, seminal AMH has a poor predictability for successful testicular sperm retrieval in NOA cases.

Outcome of repeated micro-surgical testicular sperm extraction in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia

Aim： To evaluate the outcome of repetitive micro-surgical testicular sperm extraction （mTESE） attempts in non-obstructive azoospermia （NOA） cases, in relation to patients＇ initial testicular histology results. Methods： A total of 68 patients with NOA in whom mTESE had been performed in previous intracytoplasmic sperm injection （ICSI） attempts were reviewed. Results： Among the 68 patients with NOA, the first mTESE yielded mature sperm for ICSI in 44 （64%） （Sp^＋）, and failed in the remaining 24 （36%） （Sp^-）. Following their first trial, 24 patients decided to undergo a second mTESE. Of these 24 patients, no spermatozoa were obtained in 5 patients, and Sp^＋ but no fertilization/pregnancy were achieved in 19. In these 24 cases, mTESE was successively repeated for two （n = 24）, three （n = 4） and four （n = 1） times. The second attempt yielded mature sperm in 3/5 patients from the Sp group and 16/19 patients from the Sp^＋ group. At the third and fourth trials, 4/4 and 1/1 of the original Sp^＋ patients were Sp^＋ again, respectively. Distribution of main testicular histology included Sertoli cell-only syndrome （16%）, maturation arrest （22%）, hypospermatogenesis （21%） and focal spermatogenesis （41%）. Overall, in repetitive mTESE, 24/29 （82%） of the attempts were finally Sp^＋. Conclusion： Repeated mTESE in patients with NOA is a feasible option, yielding considerably high sperm recovery rate. In patients with NOA, mTESE may safely be repeated one or more times to increase sperm retrieval rate, as well as to increase the chance of retrieving fresh spermatozoa to enable ICSI.

Testis sperm extraction

The last 20 years have produced developments in the treatment for patients with non-obstructive azoospermia(NOA)who were once considered to be infertile.The combination of intracytoplasmic sperm injection together with various testicular sperm retrieval techniques,including conventional testicular sperm extraction(TESE),microdissection TESE(micro-TESE)and fine needle aspiration(FNA),have revolutionized treatment for these men.In men with NOA,isolated regions of spermatogenesis within the testis are common.The goal for all types of sperm retrieval procedures is locating the focal region(s)of spermatogenesis,and harvesting the sperm for assisted reproduction.This review article explores the surgical management of men with NOA and describes all techniques that can be used for testicular sperm retrieval.A PubMed search was conducted using the key words:“sperm extraction”,“NOA”,“testicular FNA”,“testicular mapping”,“TESE”,and“testicular biopsy”.All articles were reviewed.Articles were included if they provided data on sperm retrieval rates.The methods for performing sperm retrieval rates and outcomes of the various techniques are outlined.Micro-TESE has a higher sperm retrieval rates with fewer postoperative complications and negative effects on testicular function compared with conventional TESE.

Sperm immobilization activity of Allium sativum L. and other plant extracts

<abstract>Aim: To identify possible spermicidal agents through screening a number of edible medicinal plants with antimicrobial activity. Methods: Initial screening was made on the basis of ram cauda epididymal sperm immobilization immediately after addition of extracts. The most potent extract was selected and was evaluated on both ram and human spermatozoa. To unravel its mode of action several sperm functional tests were carried out, namely viability of cells, hypo-osmotic swelling test for membrane integrity and assays of membrane-bound enzyme 5'-nucleotidase and acrosomal marker enzyme acrosin. Results: The crude aqueous extract of the bulb of Allium sativum L. showed the most promising results by instant immobilization of the ram epididymal sperm at 0.25 g/mL and human ejaculated sperm at 0.5 g/mL. Sperm immobilizing effects were irreversible and the factor of the extract responsible for immobilization was thermostable up to 90 癈. On boiling at 100 癈 for 10 minutes, this activity was markedly reduced. Moreover, this extract was able to cause aggregation of ram sperms into small clusters after 30 minutes of incubation at 37 癈. However this property was not found in human spermatozoa. More than 50 % reduction in sperm viability and hypo-osmotic swelling occurred in treated sperm as compared with the controls, indicating the possibility of plasma membrane disintegration which was further supported by the significant reduction in the activity of membrane bound 5'-nucleotidase and acrosomal acrosin. Conclusion: The crude aqueous extract of A. sativum bulb possesses spermicidal activity in vitro.

The Effects of Astragalus Membranaceus Extract on Sperm Quality in vitro

This study is to explore the effects on sperm quality and fertilizing ability by using astragalus membranaceus extract as additive among infertile males. Human sperms were cultured in the concentrated astragalus membranaceus extract for 1 h, then semen parameters were measured by the equipment of computer assisted semen analyzer (CASA). The results are as follows: compared with the original semen, the sperm motility and velocity, the percentage of grade A sperms and the swaying frequency of sperm heads were improved markedly in the semen treated with astragalus membranaceus extract (P<0.05). Meanwhile, the astragalus membranaceus aqueous extract was analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. It was found there exist several metal elements and a certain amount of trace elements in the extract (10 mg/ml). The concentration of K +, Ca 2+ , Zn 2+ were 25.1 μg/ml, 7.28 μg/ml, and 0.47 μg/ml respectively. The influence of this additive on artificial insemination was also discussed. We considered that the studied Chinese herbal medicine additive has good effects on sperm preparation in vitro, and this might be a potential method in assisted reproductive technology.

Laboratory and Clinical Outcomes of Single Sperm Cryopreservation in Patients Underwent Micro-TESE

For men with severe oligozoospermia, sperm cryopreservation can preserve surgically obtained sperm. How to cryopreserve single sperm in men is still a hot topic in assisted reproduction technology. Aim to analyze the laboratory and pregnancy outcomes of single sperm cryopreservation group, we retrospectively selected 38 cycles underwent single sperm cryopreservation and thawing as the study group and 618 cycles underwent conventional sperm cryopreservation and thawing as the control group, which were performed in the reproductive medicine center of the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yatsen University, from April 2014 to October 2023. All the sperm came from microdissection testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE), and performed intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) for fertilization. Zygotes were cultured to Day 3 embryo, which were freshly transferred to female uterus. Surplus embryos were cultured to blastosphere and cryopreserved. There was no statistical difference in female/male age, female BMI, infertility duration and female basal sex hormone (FSH, LH E2, AMH), No. of oocytes retrieved per cycle, No. of ICSI oocytes per cycle and No. of embryos transferred per cycle between the two groups (P > 0.05). No significant difference was found in two-pronuclear oocyte fertilization rate (59.23% VS 58.84%), Day 3 available embryo rate (61.81% VS 63.55%), Day 3 good-quality embryo rate (45.73% VS 50.27%), blastocyst formation rate (47.83% VS 49.46%), the implantation rate (47.37% VS 52.16%), clinical pregnancy rate (36.84% VS 47.18%), miscarriage rate (14.29% VS 12.68%) and live birth rate (85.71% VS 81.70%) between two groups (P > 0.05). In conclusion, single-sperm cryopreservation was the optimal method to preserve sperm after micro-TESE. It can increase the utilization of each sperm and lead to clinical pregnancy.

非嵌合型克氏综合征患者行睾丸显微取精术的临床结局分析

目的分析非嵌合型克氏综合征(KS)患者行睾丸切开显微取精术(M-TESE)的临床结局。方法回顾性分析2018年1月至2023年12月于南昌市生殖医院行M-TESE的38例KS患者(染色体核型为47,XXY)的临床资料。所有患者均行M-TESE,根据是否成功获取精子分为获取组(n=17)与未获取组(n=21)。比较两组临床资料,分析新鲜精子和冷冻精子行卵泡浆内单精子注射术(ICSI)的临床结局。结果两组年龄、身高、体质量、体重指数(BMI)、睾丸体积及卵泡刺激素(FSH)、黄体生成素(LH)、睾酮(T)水平比较差异无统计学意义。新鲜精子和冷冻精子的受精率、卵裂率、优质胚胎率、囊胚率、妊娠率比较差异无统计学意义。结论KS患者相关参数无法预测睾丸显微取精获取率,新鲜精子和冷冻精子有同样的临床结局,可根据实际情况和需求选择同周期或非同周期行ICSI。

原发性纵隔精原细胞瘤放化疗后无精子症1例并文献复习

目的探讨原发性纵隔精原细胞瘤放化疗后无精子症患者的诊疗思路。方法通过分析2024年1月北京大学第一医院太原医院诊治的1例原发性纵隔精原细胞瘤放化疗后无精子症患者的诊疗过程,结合相关文献报道,探讨此类患者的临床诊疗策略。结果该例患者通过显微镜下睾丸切开取精术获得精子。结论对于放化疗后无精子症患者,应综合评估患者情况后选择合适的治疗方法,帮助患者合理解决生育问题。

睾丸显微取精术结局预测指标的研究进展

非梗阻性无精子症(NOA)是指由于睾丸精子发生障碍而导致精液中无精子,但睾丸中可能仍存在多处或孤立的生精灶。由于通过取精手术仍能在睾丸内获取到精子,NOA男性也可以借助ICSI生育自己的生物学后代。不同于传统睾丸取精手术,睾丸显微取精术(M-TESE)借助手术显微镜对睾丸组织进行显微解剖以寻找精子发生灶,大大提高了精子的获取率。虽然M-TESE是NOA患者获取精子的最佳方法,但阳性率不高。目前缺乏更准确的预测指标,因此生精灶的定性和定位诊断具有重要意义。本文旨在对M-TESE结局的预测因素以及未来可能具有应用价值的预测技术进行总结,为NOA的临床诊疗和研究提供参考。

Development of a predictive model for increasing sperm retrieval sucpess by microdissection testicular sperm extraction in patients with nonobstructive azoospermia

Microdissection testicular sperm extraction(micro-TESE)is widely used to treat nonobstructive azoospermia.However,a good prediction model is required to anticipate a successful sperm retrieval rate before performing micro-TESE.This retrospective study analyzed the clinical records of 200 nonobstructive azoospermia patients between January 2021 and December 2021.The backward method was used to perform binary logistic regression analysis and identify factors that predicted a successful micro-TESE sperm retrieval.The prediction model was constructed using acquired regression coefficients,and its predictive performance was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic curve.In all,67 patients(sperm retrieval rate:33.5%)underwent successful micro-TESE.Follicle-stimulating hormone,anti-Miillerian hormone,and inhibin B levels varied significantly between patients who underwent successful and unsuccessful micro-TESE.Binary logistic regression analysis yielded the following six predictors:anti-Mullerian hormone(odds ratio[OR]=0.902,95%confidence interval[Cl]:0.821-0.990),inhibin B(OR=1.012,95%Cl:1.001-1.024),Klinefelter’s syndrome(OR=0.022,95%Cl:0.002-0.243),Y chromosome microdeletion(OR=0.050,95%Cl:0.005-0.504),cryptorchidism with orchiopexy(OR=0.085,95%Cl:0.008-0.929),and idiopathic nonobstructive azoospermia(OR=0.031,95%Cl:0.003-0.277).The prediction model had an area under the curve of 0.720(95%Cl:0.645-0.794),sensitivity of 65.7%,specificity of 72.2%,Youden index of 0.379,and cut-off value of 0.305 overall,indicating good predictive value and accuracy.This model can assist clinicians and nonobstructive azoospermia patients in decision-making and avoiding negative micro-TESE results.

An examination of predictive markers for successful sperm extraction procedures:a linear model and systematic review

The authors performed a comprehensive review of current literature to create a model comparing commonly evaluated variables in male factor infertility,for example,follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH),testicular volume(TV),and testosterone(T),to better predict sperm retrieval rate(SRR).Twenty-nine studies were included,9 with data on conventional testicular sperm extraction(cTESE)for a total of 1227 patients and 20 studies including data on microdissection testicular sperm extraction(mTESE)for a total of 4760 patients.A weighted-means value of SRR,FSH,T,and TV was created,and a weighted linear regression was then used to describe associations among SRR,type of procedure,FSH,T,and TV.In this study,weighted-means values demonstrated mTESE to be superior to cTESE with an SRR of 51.9%vs 40.1%.Multiple weighted linear regressions were created to describe associations among SRR,procedure type,FSH,T,and TV.The models showed that for every 1.19 mIU ml^(−1)increase in FSH,there would be a significant decrease in SRR by 1.0%.Seeking to create a more clinically relevant model,FSH values were then divided into normal,moderate elevation,and significant elevation categories(FSH<10 mIU ml^(−1),10–19 mIU ml^(−1),and>20 mIU ml^(−1),respectively).For an index patient undergoing cTESE,the retrieval rates would be 57.1%,44.3%,and 31.2%for values normal,moderately elevated,and significantly elevated,respectively.In conclusion,in a large meta-analysis,mTESE was shown to be more successful than cTESE for sperm retrievals.FSH has an inverse relationship to SRR in retrieval techniques and can alone be predictive of cTESE SRR.

微小RNA在非梗阻性无精症中的研究进展

微小RNA(miRNA)在细胞增殖、分化和凋亡等多种生物过程中发挥着关键作用。精子发生是一个非常复杂的细胞分裂分化过程,miRNA同样在其中扮演着极其重要的角色。miRNA表达失调极大影响着精子的发生,精子发生严重障碍可表现为非梗阻性无精子症(NOA)。目前,显微睾丸取精(micro-TESE)是NOA患者获精率最高的手术,但仍有一半的患者无法获取精子。最新研究发现,精浆miRNAs模型预测micro-TESE获精显示出了一定潜力。本文综述了miRNA在NOA中的作用以及精浆miRNA预测micro-TESE精子获取的相关模型,讨论了miRNA作为NOA潜在治疗靶点的可能性。

No relationship between biopsy sites near the main testicular vessels or rete testis and successful sperm retrieval using conventional or microdissection biopsies in 220 non-obstructive azoospermic men

In 220 consecutive patients with non-obstructive azoospermia, sperm retrieval was attempted by a combination of conventional and microdissection testicular sperm extraction （TESE）. For sperm retrieval, 2-3 conventional biopsies were performed followed by a microdissection TESE in cases of negative conventional biopsies. During the surgery, the vasculature of the testis was assessed using the operative microscope, and the location of positive biopsies was registered in relation to the blood supply. The overall sperm retrieval rate was 58.2%. From the initial conventional biopsies, sperm could be retrieved in 46.8% of the patients. With microdissection TESE, sperm could be retrieved from an additional 11.4% of the patients. The further use of microdissection TESE improved the sperm retrieval rate significantly （P=0.017）. No significant accumulation of positive biopsies was found towards the rete testis or the main testicular vessels.

Probability to retrieve testicular spermatozoa in azoospermic patients

Aim: The degree of probability to retrieve spermatozoa from testicular tissue for intracytoplasmic sperm injection intooocytes is of interest for counselling of infertility patients. We investigated the relation of sperm retrieval to clinical dataand histological pattern in testicular biopsies from azoospermic patients. Methods: In 264 testicular biopsies from142 azoospermic patients, the testicular tissue was shredded to separate the spermatozoa, histological semi-thin sec-tions of which were then evaluated using Johnsen score. Results: The retrieval of spermatozoa correlated signifi-cantly (P < 0.001) with the testicular volume (r = 0.49), the FSH concentration ( r = -0.66), the maximum score(r = 0.85) and the mean Johnsen score (r = 0.81). In the multivariate regression analysis the successful testicularsperm extraction showed the closest relationship to the maximum score. The testicular volume correlated significantlywith the mean Johnsen score ( r = 0.64, P < 0. 001), and the basal serum FSH concentration mainly with the maxi-mum score ( r = -0.77; P < 0. 001 ). Patients with a history cryptorchidism showed a significantly lower Johnsenscore compared to the patients who did not have any testicular disease in the past (3.7 ± 2.4 vs. 5.9 ± 2. 5; P < O.01). Conclusion: In a limited range, the testicular volume and the FSH concentration in serum were related to theJohnsen score which correlated significantly with the sperm retrieval. The successful sperm retrieval can be expected inall azoospermic patients irrespective of the results of clinical examination. However, the probability of retrieval of sper-matozoa decreased significantly in patients with a FSH level > 18 U/L, tesficular volume < 5mL, mean Johnsen score< 5, and maximum Johnsen score < 7.

A laboratory modification to testicular sperm preparation technique improves spermatogenic cell yield

Testicular sperm extraction is a common procedure used to find spermatogenic cells in men with nonobstructive azoospermia. The laboratory processing of biopsied testicular tissues needs to be performed meticulously to acquire a high yield of cells. In this study, the effectiveness of mincing the tissues after testicular biopsy was assessed using histological evaluation, as was the possible adverse effect of residual tissue on the migration of spermatogenic cells during density gradient centrifugation. Our results indicate that testicular residual tissue, when laid on the density gradient medium along with the sperm wash, hinders the spermatogenic cells＇ forming a pellet during centrifugation, and therefore impairs the intracytoplasmic sperm injection procedure. Whereas the mean number of recovered cells from the sperm wash medium （SWM） with residual tissue is 39.435 ~ 24.849, it was notably higher （60.189 ~ 28.214 cells） in the SWM without minced tissues. The remaining tissue contained no functional seminiferous tubules or spermatogenic cells in histological sections. In conclusion, the remaining residual tissue after mincing biopsied testicular tissue does not add any functional or cellular contribution to spermatogenic cell retrieval; in fact, it may block the cellular elements in the accompanying cell suspension from migrating through the gradient layers to form a pellet during centrifugation and cause loss of spermatogenic cells.

Aberrant methylation of the TDMR of the GTF2AIL promoter does not affect fertilisation rates via TESE in patients with hypospermatogenesis

Increasing evidence shows a relationship between epigenetic regulation and male infertility. The GTF2A1L gene promoter contains the DNA methylation site of a tissue-specific differentially methylated region （TDMR）. Eighty-six patients with non-obstructive azoospermia were assessed for the DNA methylation state of CpG islands in the GTF2AIL promoter using testicular genomic DNA. Based on histological criteria, 26 of the 86 patients had normal spermatogenesis （controls）, 17 had hypospermatogenesis and 26 had a Sertoli cell-only phenotype or tubular sclerosis. GTF2AIL TDMR methylation was significantly lower in testes DNA from control samples than from hypospermatogenic samples （P=0.029）. Patients with hypospermatogenesis were divided into two subgroups： high DNA methylation （HM, n=5） and low DNA methylation （LM, n= 12）. The GTF2AIL TDMR methylation rate differed significantly between the HM and LM groups （P=0.0019）, and GTF2A 1L expression was significantly higher among the LM than in the HM patients （P=0.023）. High TDMR methylation was correlated with low GTF2AIL gene expression levels. Both groups demonstrated relatively good outcomes with respect to sperm retrieval, fertilisation, pregnancy and childbirth rates. We observed that aberrant GTF2AIL gene expression was not correlated with fertilisation rates. The testicular sperm extraction （TESE） technique may be used to overcome male infertility due to aberrant TDMR methvlation.

Sensibility of male rats fertility against olive oil, Nigella sativa oil and pomegranate extract

Objective:To clarify the modulatory effects of daily consumption of pomegranate extract(PE),olive oil(OO)andNagilla sativaoil(NSO)on antioxidant activity,sperm quality and pituitary-testicular axis of adult male wistar rats.Methods:Thirty-two adult male Wistar rats were dividedinto four equal groups,eight rats each.Using rat gastric tubes,1.0 mL distilled water,1.0 mL PE,0.4mL NSO and 0.4 mL OO were orally administered daily for 6 weeks in the first,second,third andfourth groups,respectively.Reproductive organs,body weight,sperm criteria,testosterone,FSH,LH,inhibin-B,lipid peroxidation,and antioxidant enzyme activities were investigated.At the endof the study protocol,analyses occurred at the same time.Data were analysed by ANOVA test and P<0.05 was considered to be a significant value.Results:In all studied groups,malondialdehydelevel was significantly decreased accompanied with an increases in glutathione peroxidase andglutathione.Rats treated with PE showed an increase in catalase activities accompanied withan increase in sperm concentration which was also observed in NSO group.In PE treated group,sperm motility was also increased accompanied with decreased abnormal sperm rate.NSO,OOand PE treated groups shows an insignificant effect on testosterone,inhibin-B,FSH and LH incomparison with control group.Conclusions:These results show that administration of PE,NSOand OO could modify sperm characteristics and antioxidant activity of adult male wistar rats.

Profiling of seminal antioxidant indices and sperm quality in Plasmodium bergheiinduced malarial mice treated with Phyllanthus amarus

Objective:To evaluate the antiplasmodial activity of Phyllanthus(P.)amarus crude ethanol leaf extract and its effects on semen quality in male BALB/c mice.Methods:A total of 36 adult mice were divided into six groups,with 6 mice each.Five groups were infected with Plasmodium(P.)berghei,and one group was left uninfeceted.Of the five infected groups,one group was left untreated,three groups were treated with varying doses(100,250 and 400 mg/kg)of P.amarus crude ethanol leaf extract orally for 4 days,and another group was treated with standard drug,artemether and lumefantrine(Lonart®DS).Antiplasmodial activity,seminal quality,some biochemical indices(neutral毩-glucosidase,fructose,and citric acid)in seminal plasma and seminal antioxidant markers(catalase,glutathione peroxidase,reduced glutathione,malondialdehyde,total antioxidant capacity,and acid phosphates)were determined.The mice were euthanized 3 days post treatment and semen was collected from the caudal epididymis and processed for analysis using documented methods and procedures.Results:Malarial infection led to oxidative stress,causing a significant decline in seminal quality(P<0.05).However,treatment with P.amarus crude ethanol leaf extract alleviated oxidative stress and significantly improved seminal quality.The improvement was dose-dependent and compared well with the standard drug,artemether and lumefantrine(Lonart®DS)treatment.Conclusions:The ethanol leaf extracts of P.amarus alleviate male reproductive capacity during malaria infection in murine model by enhancing antioxidant activities.

Differential Genotoxicity of the Crude Leaf Extract of a Medicinal Plant, Casearia tomentosa

The genotoxic potentiality of the crude leaf extract of Casearia tomentosa, a medicinal preparation, has been evaluated in Swiss albino mice. The extract significantly induced the division_disruptive chromosomal changes in bone marrow cells as well as in primary spermatocytes; the latter also exhibited marked increase in synaptic disruptions. A significant decrease in sperm count was noted. The incidence of structural damages in chromosomes, however, remained within the range of control level frequency. This herbal preparation, therefore, appears to be primarily spindle_poisoning in its action, but not clastogenic. The probable mechanism of this differential genotoxicity is discussed.