Effect of lyophilized aqueous leaf extract of Aquilaria subintegra on aphrodisiacproperties in mice

Objective: To investigate the effects of Aquilaria subintegra leaf aqueous extracts on the aphrodisiac properties including sexual behaviour, testosterone level, percentage of pregnancy, number of offspring and male to female ratio of offspring in ICR mice. Methods: In this experiment, each male cohabitated with one female in a polysulfone cage. 30 ICR male mice were divided into 6 groups that received normal saline (the control group), 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 1000 mg/kg body weight of Aquilaria subintegra leaf aqueous extracts orally for 21 days consecutively. Sexual behavior, percentage of pregnancy, number of offspring and male to female ratio of offspring in ICR mice were measured according to the established methods. Testosterone level was measured by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Mice that received Aquilaria subintegra leaf aqueous extracts at 50 mg/kg body weight (day 0) had significantly higher mount frequency as compared to the control group;groups treated with 100, 500, 1000 mg/kg body weight extracts produced a greater number of offsprings when compared to the control group. All aphrodisiac parameters were similar between the treatment groups and the control group, indicating that Aquilaria subintegra leaf aqueous extract did not significantly alter the aphrodisiac parameters. Conclusions: Aquilaria subintegra leaf aqueous extracts have no effect on the aphrodisiac properties, but could increase the breeding rate in mice.

Preservability of rabbit semen after chilled storage in tris based extender enriched with different concentrations of Propolis ethanolic extract (PEE)

Objective:To maintain semen quality of male rabbits during chilled storage by enrichment the tris based diluent with different concentrations of propolis ethanolic extracts.Methods: Total phenolic and total flavonoid contents, as well as antioxidant activity was determined in propolis ethanolic extract (PEE). The extract was analysed by HPLC for separation and identification of target metabolites. Semen was collected from 10 rabbit bucks, pooled, then divided into five aliquots (each of 500 μL) and diluted each in 5 mL Tris-citric acid-glucose-egg yolk extender (TCGY). The 1st aliquot served as control while PEE was added at concentration of 0.8, 1.2, 1.6 and 2.0 mg/5 mL tris extender in the aliquot 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively. Diluted semen samples were subjected to cooling at 4℃ for 72 h. Sperm motility, sperm viability, sperm abnormality, sperm membrane integrity and acrosome integrity were evaluated in chilled semen allover the chilling period.Results:The resluts revealed presence of a considerable amount of total phenolic compounds (98.67 mg GAE/g extract) and total flavonoids (70.16 mg CE/g extract) which were parallel to an antioxidant activity assessed as ABTS, DPPH and FRAP (198.65, 180.18 and 306.17 mM TE/g extract respectively). The dominant phenolic acid was chlorogenic acids (3.959 mg/g extract). Other compounds were found in less amounts rosmarinic acid (3.959 mg/g extract), myrcetin (1.946 mg/g extract), kaempferol (1.089 mg/g extract) and apeginin-7-glucoside (1.113 mg/g extract). Obtained results clearly demonstrated that the addition of (1.2-1.6) mg PEE in the chilled extended rabbit semen proved to be beneficial for maintaining semen characteristics compared to control and the addition of 0.8 and 2 mg PEE.Conclusions: The enrichment of rabbit semen tris-basic extender with (1.2-1.6) mg PEE/5 mL tris-extender (as the best and safe concentrations) maintain the sperm characteristics in good condition all over 72 h of chilling.

Uptake of in-vitro fertilization among couples attending fertility clinic in a tertiary health institution

Objective:To identify factors that determine the uptake of in-vitro fertilization(IVF),and to determine the predicting effect of the identified factors on the uptake of IVF among couples attending fertility clinic at a tertiary health institution in Benin City,Nigeria.Methods:This study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive design.A self-structured questionnaire tested was validated and administered to 250 couples who attended fertility clinic.Data were collected from March 2021 to June 2021 and were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science(SPSS)version 21.Data were presented and interpreted using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics such as Chi-square,univariate statistics and multivariate logistic regression analysis.Results:Among 250 couples,154(61.6%)were willing to adopt IVF.The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that catholic religion[odds ratio(OR)0.21,95%confident interval(CI)0.54-0.73],family income(OR 1.50,95%CI 1.10-2.00)and age(OR 1.04,95%CI 1.01-1.10)were the major factors that determined the uptake of IVF,with P-value of<0.001,0.018 and 0.031,respectively.Conclusions:The uptake of IVF could be sustained or improved on,if the government should improve on the cost of living for families,and religious leaders need to be encouraged to pass on the information about IVF to their members to be well guided about the possibilities of IVF.

Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells: Current trends and future perspectives

Among resources of mesenchymal stem cells, human umbilical cord appears to be a rising source capable of differentiating into all germ layers, reaching and repairing lesion areas, and promoting wound repair, and it has also the capacity to influence the immune response. Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells are considered to be an optimal resource compared with other mesenchymal stem cells sources because they require a non-invasive recovery. All these characteristics allow their use in heterogeneous applications. Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells can regenerate tissues, stimulate angiogenesis, modulate inflammatory pathway signals and recruit endogenous stem cell. Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells suppress mitogen-induced signals and modulate the activation and proliferation of several immune cells, modifying lymphocyte phenotypes activity. In culture, human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cellss show the capacity to create several tissues such as bone, cartilage, and fat. Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells can be isolated from the different compartments of umbilical cord and processed by using different techniques. Clinical applications of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells include graft-versus-host disease, autoimmune diseases such as Sj?gren's syndrome and diabetes mellitus types 1 and 2, gynecological disorders like endometriosis. Recent studies have shown possible application on rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and neuronal degenerative diseases. This review is focused on the resources, molecular profiles, propriety, in vitro characterizations, clinical applications and possible future usage of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells.

Effects of nitric oxide on reproductive organs and related physiological processes

Nitric oxide(NO),a member of the reactive nitrogen species family,plays a role in several physiologic processes,including vasculogenesis and angiogenesis,growth and puberty,and senescence and apoptosis.NO plays an important role in the production of ovarian steroids,ovulation,and follicular apoptosis.In other words,increased activity of nitric oxide synthase(NOS)leads to an increased amount of NO,which triggers production of prostaglandins and inflammatory cascades which facilitate follicular rupture and atresia.NO concentration elevation inhibits steroid synthesis in luteal and granulosa cells.Since NO is a major paracrine mediator of various biological processes,as well as a key factor in both the reproductive cycle and embryo implantation,oversynthesis of NO in the uterus results in toxicity and inflammation in epithelial cells and immunorejection of implantation.In the male physiological system,NO synthesized by NOS plays a major role in erectile function and androgen secretion,as well as semen parameters,and oocyte junction to the sperm.Furthermore,this supposedly simple molecule is involved in a number of other functions,such as germ cell evolution,connections between sertoli cells and germ cells in the blood-testis barrier,homodynamic contraction,and germ cell apoptosis.Moreover,NO is considered a key factor in male fertility due to its widespread distribution in both normal and diseased testis tissue.The difference of expression level of NOS in normal and pathological states is a probable cause of fertility destructive processes.

Hormones in male reproduction and fertility

Male factor infertility accounts for about half of overall global infertility cases(1)It involves complex pathophysiological mechanisms(2)Since male reproductive functions are fine-tuned by orchestrated regulation of reproductive hormones, better understanding of male hormonal imbalance and the influence of their crosstalk with metabolic hormones, neuropeptides, and stress markers,etc. will potentiate further research in this direction.

Role of follicle-stimulating hormone and estradiol benzoate in recovering spermatogenesis in tamoxifen-injured rats

Objective:To evaluate the effects of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol benzoate (EB) on the recovery of spermatogenesis, histology, sexual hormones levels and testicular gene expression in testes of tamoxifen-injured rats.Methods:Forty adult rats were divided into eight groups in a factorial arrangement of tamoxifen and hormonal treatments. Half of the groups orally received 0.6 mg/kg tamoxifen, and 30 d later tamoxifen and no-tamoxifen groups (controls) were paired and assigned into four hormonal treatments with daily intramuscular injections for 10 consecutive days: 1 mL saline (control);7.5 IU FSH;12 μg/kg EB;and 7.5 IU FSH+12 μg/kg EB. One day after the last treatment, spermatozoa were recovered from epididymis, blood was processed for sex hormones concentration (testosterone, FSH and luteinizing hormone) and testes were processed for histology and RNA extraction for expression of genes related to apoptosis [caspase 3, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2)].Results: Control groups did not show significant changes in most parameters, but hormonal treatments decreased caspase 3 and iNOS and increased Bcl-2 expression. Tamoxifen significantly decreased counts, motility and viability of spermatozoa, Bcl-2 expression and sex hormones. It increased intertubular space, caspase 3 and iNOS expression, and induced seminiferous tubular atrophy. The hormonal treatments reverted spermatogenesis, hormonal levels and histology compared with controls, however not attaining the same sperm quality as controls.Conclusions:Tamoxifen is clearly detrimental to spermatogenesis and overall testicular structure and function, whereas hormonal therapy with FSH and EB can improve testicular function and revert tamoxifen-induced azoospermia.

Psychosocial interventions for infertile couples:A scoping review

Objective:To bring out current evidence regarding psycho-social interventions for infertility care,and identify the best practices in clinical care.Methods:An in-depth literature review on infertility care intervention was conducted using data from multiple databases:PubMed,EMBASE,Google Scholar,and PsycINFO.The relevant articles selected were between 2008 and 2022.Results:A literature search turned up 1798 citations,of which 25 studies were included after rigorous analysis.Various intervention categories have been constantly utilised to provide support and promote mental health,of which acceptance and commitment therapy(ACT)and cognitive behaviour therapy(CBT)were used most frequently.The interventions exhibited diversity in both content and composition,and addressed a wide range of issues.Conclusions:The review emphasizes that psycho-social interventions have a positive effect on psychological issues,relationships,and pregnancies among couples and can be incorporated into fertility-care practices.

Association between eNOS gene promoter polymorphism (-786T>C) and idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss in Iranian women

Objective:To investigate the frequency of-786T>C variant in endothelial nitric oxide synthase(eNOS)gene promoter in Iranian women with recurrent pregnancy loss.Methods:Blood samples were obtained from 100 unrelated women affected by recurrent pregnancy loss and 100 unaffected women as the controls.Genomic DNA was extracted and-786T>C polymorphism in eNOS gene promoter was investigated by PCR-RFLP method.Statistical analyses and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in the groups of patients and controls were performed by Chi-square test and SPSS standard software(Version 21).Results:The frequency of homozygous TT was 40%in cases and 46%in the control group;the frequency of CC was 7%in cases and 5%in the control group;frequency heterozygote TC was 53%in cases and 49%in the control group.Genotype frequencies between the two groups showed no significant differences(P>0.05).Conclusions:The-786T>C polymorphism is not more frequent in recurrent pregnancy loss in this population.

COVID-19pneumonia in an Iraqi pregnant woman with preterm delivery

Rationale:Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)is a highly infectious disease due to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2(SARS-CoV2).Vertical transmission and clinical presentation of COVID-19 in pregnancy is still obscure.Additionally,the potential hazard of COVID-19 in pregnancy on the fetus and post-delivery risk for the neonate remain under investigations.Patient concern:A young-aged Asian pregnant woman with 28 weeks of gestation presented with fever,dyspnoea,headache,and joint pain with decreased fetal movement for about one week.Diagnosis:The patient was diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia.Interventions:The patient was referred to the quarantine sector and was treated with chloroquine orally,intravenous fluid and other supportive treatment.Outcomes:After one week of treatment,the patient improved.Seventeen days after admission to hospital and at 30 weeks of gestation,she started vaginal preterm delivery of a viable healthy neonate with negative COVID-19 test for two occasions.Lessons:COVID-19 pneumonia during pregnancy presents with similar clinical presentation of non-pregnant women.COVID-19 pneumonia during pregnancy increases the risk of preterm labour without evidence of vertical transmission.

Antifertility potential of leaves and seeds of Delonix regia in female rats

Objective:To evaluate the antifertility activity of hydroalcoholic extract of Delonix regia(Boj.ex Hook.)Raf.leaves and seeds which are traditionally being used by Yanadi tribe to treat dysmenorrhea.Methods:Three experimental animal models,including anti-implantation,early abortifacient,and estrogenic activity in female rats,were used for evaluation of the antifertility activity of both extracts at two dose levels(250 and 500 mg/kg,orally).There were five groups in the anti-implantation and early abortifacient activity while six groups in estrogenic activity including the standard.The number of implants,resorptions,vaginal cornification,body weight,uterus weight,and biochemical parameters were measured.Results:At doses 250 and 500 mg/kg,the leaf extract was found to have strong anti-implantation action.The extract administered at the same doses also caused a significant rise in the number of resorptions,showing early abortifacient activity,increased uterine weight,and altered numerous biochemical parameters.Meanwhile,the seed extract only displayed slight anti-implantation activity at both levels.Conclusions:Based on these preliminary findings,we can conclude that the leaf extract outperformed the seed extract in terms of antifertility activity,exhibiting potent estrogenic,anti-implantation and early abortifacient activities in a dose-dependent manner.These findings are consistent with the literature study and corroborate to the antifertility activity of the plant.

Ghrelin and male reproduction

Ghrelin is a multifunctional peptide hormone, conventionally known to be secreted by the stomach. The synthesis of ghrelin by the reproductive organs signifies its autocrine and/or paracrine actions upon the gonads. Expression of the functional ghrelin receptor is observed in different levels of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, suggesting its action on hypothalamic secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone and the pulsatile secretion of pituitary gonadotropins. It mainly acts to inhibit the secretion of the luteinizing hormone and thereby may also hinder proper testicular functions. This review article aims to provide a concise concept on (a) the characteristics, secretion and mode of actions of ghrelin, and (b) the role of ghrelin as a potential regulator of male reproductive functions. It may act upon the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis as well as directly regulate key testicular functions such as testosterone secretion, Leydig cell proliferation and expressions of prime functional proteins in the seminiferous tubule. These actions of ghrelin on testicular functions appear to be species-specific. Ghrelin and its versatile biological functions bring to a consensus that further research on ghrelin may establish one of the associations between body energy status with alterations in male reproductive functions.

Live birth rates of assisted reproductive technology treatment and spontaneous conception among subfertile couples in Singapore: A follow-up study

Objective: To explore the potential predictors of a live birth (LB) outcome among subfertile couples of Asian ethnicity undergoing the first fertility treatment cycle;to assess the cumulative live birth rates after successive cycles;and to determine the incidence rate of spontaneous conception (SC).Methods:Subfertile couples were grouped according to treatment modalities at the first fertility treatment cycle: intrauterine insemination (IUI),in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and no treatment, and were followed-up for duration up to seven years. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used for statistical analyses. Results: Age of female subjects [35-38 years, odds ratio (OR): 0.39;≥39 years, OR: 0.14], uterine factor subfertility (OR: 5.24), and treatment modalities (ORs: IUI 0.25, IVF 2.33 and ICSI 1.91) significantly predicted a LB outcome (P<0.05). The cumulative live birth rates were 11.7% IUI, 41.5% IVF, 27.5% ICSI and 22.6% from frozen embryo transfer cycles. The cumulative SC rate was 24.6% in the non-treated group and 10.7% in the treated group. All LBs from IVF cycles were delivered by the second cycle and within four years, compared to SC delivery of within five years in the non-treated group and six years in the treated group. Conclusions:Age of female subject, uterine factor and modalities of treatment are significant predictors for LB outcome at the first cycle. Higher delivery rates could be achieved following fewer successive IVF cycles and within a shorter duration compared to SC.

Ethanolic extract of Azadirachta indica ameliorates ovarian defects through phosphoinositide-3 kinase inhibition in a rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome

Objective:To assess the therapeutic potential of ethanolic extract of Azadirachta(A.)indica in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS).Methods:Thirty-five prepubertal female Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups with 7 animals in each group.Group 1 received 0.5%carboxy methyl cellulose orally.Groups 2 to 5 received testosterone propionate(0.2 mg/kg,s.c.)dissolved in olive oil daily for 42 days to induce PCOS.In addition,group 3 was administered with A.indica extract(100 mg/kg,0.5%carboxy methyl cellulose orally)from the 7th to 12th week,group 4 received quercetin(100 mg/kg,0.5%carboxy methyl cellulose orally)and group 5 received wartmannin(100 mg/kg,0.5%carboxy methyl cellulose orally).At the end of treatment,blood was collected for biochemical evaluation.Total follicular count and uterus corpus luteum count followed by PI3K gene expression in the ovary and uterus were evaluated.Results:The ethanolic extracts of A.indica significantly reduced body weight,ovary weight and uterus weight of rats.Extracts of A.indica also significantly increased the levels of serum glucose,total cholesterol,triglyceride,low-density lipoprotein,very low-density lipoprotein,insulin,testosterone,and luteinizing hormone.Treatment also reduced lipid peroxidation and increased antioxidant parameters in the liver homogenates of PCOS-induced rats.Histological examination of the ovary and uterus confirmed PCOS occurrence and remission state in the PCOS-induced and treated groups,respectively.Moreover,A.indica and quercetin significantly downregulated PI3K gene expression.Histopathological results of the ovary and uterus also proved the protective role of A.indica.Conclusions:A.indica leaf extract has beneficial effects in the treatment of PCOS by downregulation of PI3K gene expression.

Male reproductive hormones and semen quality

Male reproductive functions are mediated by different hormones whose orchestrations remain a major research interest. The 'master' regulator hormonal axis is the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal/testicular axis which is led by the pulsatile release of hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone. This, in turn, stimulates the anterior pituitary trophic hormones, the luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone. Luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone act upon the testicular cells, the Leydig cells for steroidogenesis and Sertoli cells to aid spermatogenesis, respectively. This primary axis is influenced by an array of other testicular hormones, metabolic hormones, and different regulatory factors. These hormonal crosstalks influence the intricate testicular functions, sexual behavior and semen quality in men. Given the growing concern in the last few decades over the increasing prevalence of male subfertility and/or infertility mostly in terms of deteriorating semen quality, it is required to find its underlying mechanisms. In this regard, the endocrine regulation of testicular functions is of prime importance in the determination of semen quality and sperm functions. This review article aims to present a concise updated overview on the mechanism by which the key hormones integrate the male reproductive functions and maintain the semen quality.

Treatment of cows with clinical endometritis Ⅲ as cows affected by pyometra-Non antibiotic treatment of severe clinical endometritis

Objective: To confirm the efficacy of non-antibiotic treatment with prostaglandin F2α(PGF2α) in dairy cows affected by severe clinical endometritis in (30±3) days in milk. Methods: Cows with clinical endometritis Ⅲ (n=399) were aligned into three groups randomly. The first group (n=115) received PGF2α, the second group (n=84) received intrauterine infusion (IUI) of oxytetracycline 10% + PGF2α, and the third group (n=200) received IUI. Cows were inseminated following estrus. The pregnancy status, parity, calving and artificial insemination season, ovaries with corpus luteum at the time of treatment, dystocia, body condition score and treatment groups were included in data analysis. Results: Total pregnancy rate was 40.1% after the first insemination and 94.2% after the third insemination. Overall pregnancy rate of treated cows with IUI+PGF2α(84.5%) was significantly lower than the treated cows with PGF2α(98.3%) or IUI (96%) (P<0.05). The first service pregnancy rate of inseminated cows in summer (14.3%) was lower in comparison with cows inseminated in spring (40.4%), fall (41.4%) and winter (51.7%) (P<0.05). Conclusions: PGF2α could treat severe clinical endometritis in dairy cows with corpus luteum in comparison with other treatments.

Effect of low level, short wavelength ultraviolet radiation on sperm chromatin

Objective:To evaluate the effects of low level ultraviolet (UV) radiation on sperm chromatin structure.Methods:The target study was divided into three groups: (i) males with proven fertility (n=40 ) was taken as GroupⅠ (control);(ii) Oligoasthenozoospermic (OAT) cases as GroupⅡ (n=36);(iii) males with unexplained infertility (MUI) cases (n=42) as GroupⅢ. Specific techniques were used to study the impact of UV radiation (Pre and Post UV exposure) on the sperm nuclear DNA viz. Aniline blue staining was for detection of immature chromatin. Chromomycin A3 fluorescence staining was used to determine protamine-DNA dissociation by intense fluorescence of protamine deficient sperm cells and neutral comet assay was for evaluation of DNA fragmentation. Statistical analysis was carried out using Student'st-test (GraphPad Prism Version-6). Level of significance was considered atP<0.05.Results: The data revealed that spermatozoa of OAT and MUI cases when exposed to UV-radiation showed higher percentage of immature sperm compared with normal fertile individuals. Higher percentage of Chromomycin A3 fluorescence in OAT and MUI cases revealed impaired DNA-protamine binding with subsequent DNA fragmentation after exposure to UV.Conclusions:In the present study, sperm chromatin is at higher risk of DNA fragmentation in the infertile (OAT and MUI) cases due to UV irradiation (254 nm). Hence, short duration UV exposure is detrimental to sperm DNA which could affect ensuing generations.

Protective effect of Scrophularia striata combined with trehalose and cysteine added to diluents on cryopreservd goat epididymal sperm

Objective:To evaluate antioxidant effects of Scrophularia(S.)striata ethanol extract,trehalose and cysteine added to diluents on cryopreserved goat epididymal sperms.Methods:Motility and standard motion parameters of sperm were assessed by using computer assisted sperm motility analysis system.Sperm viability was evaluated by eosin-nigrosin staining method.Hypo-osmotic swelling test was used to evaluate membrane health.Thiobarbituric acid testing was used to measure malondialdehyde(MDA)concentrations.To assess DNA fragmentation,sperm chromatin dispersion test was used.In Experiment 1,treatments consisting of basal Tris diluent supplemented with 25,50 or 100µg/mL of S.striata ethanol extract gave the best concentration to the freezing diluents.Experiment 2 was carried out to compare the best concentration of S.striata ethanol extract(50µg/mL)resulting from the first experiment with 150 mM trehalose and/or 5 mM cysteine alone or in combination.Results:S.striata ethanol extract(50µg/mL)significantly increased sperm viability,motility and progressive motility and at the same time decreased MDA concentration and DNA fragmentation compared to other treatments(P<0.05).In addition,all treatment groups resulted in viability,membrane health,total motility,progressive motility,curvilinear velocity,straightline velocity higher and MDA lower compared to the control group(P<0.05).Acrosome integrity was significantly higher in 50µg/mL of S.striata ethanol extract combined with cysteine,trehalose,or cysteine+trehalose groups than those in the control,trehalose,cysteine,and 50µg/mL of S.striata ethanol extract groups(P<0.05).Regarding DNA,extenders supplemented with 50µg/mL of S.striata ethanol extract,50µg/mL of S.striata ethanol extract+trehalose,and 50µg/mL of S.striata ethanol extract+trehalose+cysteine were superior to other treatments.Conclusions:Adding 50µg/mL of S.striata ethanol extract alone or in combination with trehalose and cysteine can improve the quality of cryopreserved epididymal sperms of goats.

Effect of aqueous seed extract of Mucuna pruriens on arsenic-induced testicular toxicity in mice

Objective:To investigate the protective effects of Mucuna(M.)pruriens against arsenic-induced testicular impairment in albino mice.Methods:Thirty-six male albino mice were divided into six groups,with 6 mice in each group.Group 1 received drinking water as the normal control.Groups 2 to 6 received sodium arsenite(40 mg/L)in drinking water.Group 3 received sodium arsenite(40 mg/L)and 300 mg/kg body weight(b.w.)of N-acetylcysteine.Group 4 received sodium arsenite(40 mg/L)and 500 mg/kg b.w.of M.pruriens.Group 5 received sodium arsenite(40 mg/L)and 1000 mg/kg b.w.of M.pruriens.Group 6 received sodium arsenite(40 mg/L)and 2000 mg/kg b.w.of M.pruriens.N-acetylcysteine and M.pruriens were administered orally once a day.Animals were subjected to the above treatments for 45 days.Animals were sacrificed with overdose of ketamine 24 h following drug administration.The testis was used for biochemical estimations(lipid peroxidation and glutathione),and the epididymis was used to determine the sperm count and morphology.Results:Sodium arsenite significantly decreased(P<0.01)the sperm count and glutathione levels of the testis.It significantly increased(P<0.01)the abnormal architecture of the spermatozoa and lipid peroxidation levels.Treatment with M.pruriens significantly increased the sperm count and the glutathione levels[500 mg/kg b.w.and 1000 mg/kg b.w.(P<0.01)].A significant decrease in sperm abnormality and lipid peroxidation levels[500 mg/kg b.w.and 1000 mg/kg b.w.(P<0.01)]was also observed.Conclusions:The perturbed sperm parameters and antioxidant levels of the arsenic insulted testis are attenuated by 500 mg/kg b.w.and 1000 mg/kg b.w.M.pruriens.

Pregnancy-associated glycoproteins as a potential marker for diagnosis of earlypregnancy in goats: A scoping reviewing

Early diagnosis of pregnancy plays an important role to minimize reproductive losses in farm animals.There are several methods for pregnancy diagnosis like profiling of reproductive hormones(such as progesterone and estrone sulfate),but sometimes they provide false-positive results.Embryo specific pregnancy markers,which delineate the presence and viability of the embryo,are considered as perfect for pregnancy determination.Pregnancy-associated glycoproteins are distinguished as the best indicator for the determination of early pregnancy,fetal number,and birth weight of kids.Pregnancy-associated glycoproteins are structurally correlated to aspartic proteinase and are communicated in the external epithelial cell layer of the placenta.They have been found to share about half amino acid sequence identity with pepsinogen,pepsin,cathepsin D and E.Dislike different individuals from aspartic proteinase family,numerous pregnancy-associated glycoproteins appear to be latent compound as a result of amino acid substitutions in and around the catalytic site.This review is to discuss the scope and prospects of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins as a pregnancy marker in farm animals,more specifically in goats.