This study assessed the effects of intratesticular administration of zinc gluconate, calcium chloride (CaCl₂) and cadmium chloride (CdCl₂) on biochemical parameters, oxidative stress and histopathological changes in the accessory reproductive organs of male albino rats over a 180 day observation period. Animals were allocated into control and injected groups: Group A (control), Group B (zinc gluconate), Group C (CaCl₂) and Group D (CdCl₂+EDTA). Biochemical analysis revealed significant alterations (p<0.01; p<0.001) in cholesterol, glycogen, lactate dehydrogenase in testis, sialic acid, neutral α-glucosidase levels in epididymis, fructose levels in seminal vesicle and acid phosphatase concentrations in ventral prostate in groups B and C, while group D exhibited moderate biochemical fluctuations. Oxidative stress markers such as lipid peroxidase, glutathione-s-transferase and glutathione peroxidase were significantly elevated, particularly in groups B and C. In group D, antioxidant enzyme activity varied over time, with notable increases in superoxide dismutase and catalase. Histopathological examinations of groups B and C revealed loss of spermatozoa in the lumen, severe degenerative changes in epididymis exhibited with epithelial disorganization, intertubular widening and unfolding of lobular prostatic alveoli. Group D showed milder effects, with reduced epithelial height, fragmented spermatozoa in the lumen of epididymis and structural disorganization. These findings suggest that intratesticular injections of zinc gluconate and CaCl₂ induced significant reproductive toxicity, while CdCl₂ had comparatively milder effects.
Background: Menstruation is a natural physiological process experienced by women of reproductive age and is often accompanied by symptoms such as dysmenorrhea, fatigue, mood disturbances, and musculoskeletal discomfort. These symptoms can significantly impact daily activities, including occupational performance. Clinical physiotherapists, who engage in physically demanding tasks such as patient handling, prolonged standing, and repetitive movements, may experience a decline in work efficiency due to menstrual symptoms. Understanding this relationship is crucial to developing supportive workplace policies and interventions that can enhance productivity and well-being. This study aimed to assess the extent to which menstrual symptoms affect the work productivity of clinical physiotherapists, identifying key symptoms that contribute to reduced efficiency and exploring potential strategies for workplace accommodations. Methods: This study included 100 clinical physiotherapists aged 25–36 years. The Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire (MSQ) assessed symptom severity, and the iMTA Productivity Cost Questionnaire (iPCQ) measured work productivity. Results: Participants reported a wide range of menstrual symptoms; however, no statistically significant correlation was found between symptom severity and work productivity. Conclusion: Menstrual symptoms were not significantly associated with work productivity among clinical physiotherapists.
Background: Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) is a prevalent complication of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), characterised by impaired sensation, reduced balance, and a heightened risk of falls. Enhancing proprioceptive function through rehabilitation can improve postural stability and functional independence. This study compared the effectiveness of Stability Trainer (ST) exercises with Conventional Physiotherapy (CP) in improving balance and proprioception among individuals with DPN. Methods: Eighty participants with clinically diagnosed DPN were randomly assigned to two groups: the ST group (n = 40) and the CP group (n = 40). Both groups underwent 45-minute supervised sessions, three times weekly, for eight weeks. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go test (TUG), and Proprioception Error Angle (PEA) were assessed before and after the intervention. Data were analysed using ANCOVA, adjusting for baseline values. Results: Both groups exhibited significant improvements across all measures (p < 0.05). However, the ST group showed greater gains in balance (BBS: +6.4 vs +3.1, p < 0.01) and proprioception (PEA: −4.2° vs −1.8°, p < 0.01). TUG scores also improved more markedly in the ST group (−2.8 s vs −1.4 s, p = 0.01). No adverse effects were reported. Conclusion: Training on unstable surfaces using stability trainers led to superior improvements in balance and proprioceptive function compared with conventional physiotherapy. Integrating such interventions into diabetic rehabilitation programs may help reduce fall risk and enhance functional mobility.
Over the past few years, there has been a significant increase in miscellaneous female reproductive disorders that have highlighted the growing concern towards compromised female reproduction. Among various contributing factors, exposure to environmental contaminants such as bisphenols, phthalates, polychlorinated biphenyls and microplastics has been implicated in the disruption of reproductive pathophysiology. Bisphenol S (BPS), earlier believed to be a safe substitute for Bisphenol A (BPA), is established as a potent endocrine disruptor causing adverse health effects. Hence, in the present work, we have demonstrated the pernicious outcome of BPS exposure on peri-gonadal white adipose tissue and ovarian functions, along with the ameliorative potential of melatonin in adult female golden hamsters. BPS was found to induce dyslipidemia as evidenced by the altered serum lipid profile, while melatonin supplementation normalised the effect. Exposure to BPS has also been found to cause hypertrophy of adipocytes in the peri-gonadal region. Further, BPS treatment disrupted ovarian functions by decreasing the expression of BMP- 15 and increasing degenerative follicles. However, melatonin treatment reduced the adipocyte dysfunctions and ovarian anomalies. Therefore, from the present study, we can conclude that BPS exposure causes alterations in serum metabolic parameters, adipocytes and ovarian functions, while melatonin ameliorated the negative impacts of BPS.
Goats are seasonal breeders in the temperate regions. Therefore, female goats do not ovulate or express oestrous cycles during the non-breeding season. ‘Buck effect’ has been well studied in goats, where the introduction of adult intact males helps in the resumption or advancement of ovulation in anestrous females, thereby complementing reproduction during non-breeding seasons. The exogenous hormones or extended photoperiod treatments induce sexual activity in males during the non-breeding season. In the buck effect, exposure to sexually active males is believed to deliver various cues (physical, visual, chemical, and tactile) that induce sexual activity in females. The involvement of chemical cues was considered a potential chemical signal related to the buck effect; therefore, various scent sources of males have been tested to identify those chemosignals. Positively, buck effect pheromone (4-ethyloctanol) was identified in the scent glands of sexually intact males. This pheromone effectively induced Multiple Unit Activity (MUA) volleys in female goats and activated the GnRH pulse generator. Simultaneously, variable factors of the buck effect (time and duration of buck exposure, gonadal and developmental statuses of males and females, male-to-female ratio, prior sexual experience, etc.) have been analysed, and studies are ongoing. Altogether, progressive research on the buck effect and chemical communication in goats has yielded significant deliverables for use in goat production systems and applied research. This review narrates goat reproduction, with a special focus on the buck effect, pheromones, and behaviour. Major Findings: The buck effect is a feasible, cheap, and non-invasive approach for managing goat reproduction. Buck effect is mostly mediated by androgen-driven mechanisms rather than female reliance on male physical cues alone. Testosterone, in particular, play a pivotal role in modifying the sebaceous glands structurally and functionally, thereby enhancing pheromonal signaling that might contribute in part, to the buck effect.
Kisspeptin, a neuropeptide initially recognized for its metastasis-suppressing properties, has since emerged as a pivotal regulator in reproductive biology. This review explores the multifaceted roles of kisspeptin, particularly its involvement in the neuroendocrine regulation of puberty, reproduction, and metabolic processes. The Kiss1-Kiss1R signaling pathway is highlighted as crucial for initiating puberty and maintaining reproductive function, primarily through its regulation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion. Additionally, the interactions of kisspeptin with other neuropeptides, such as Agouti-related peptide (AgRP), neuropeptide Y (NPY), and pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), emphasize its key role in linking energy balance with reproductive health. The review also discusses upstream regulatory factors, including leptin and melatonin, and their influence on kisspeptin signaling pathways. Moreover, the article delves into the epigenetic regulation of the Kiss1 gene, underscoring its importance in reproductive disorders and potential therapeutic applications. The intricate relationship between kisspeptin and metabolic signals underscores its significance in reproductive endocrinology and opens avenues for addressing metabolic and reproductive disorders. In conclusion, the review suggests future research directions by filling the gap in the existing available data and also elucidates the mechanisms underlying kisspeptin's regulatory functions to develop targeted interventions for related health conditions.
The Sperm Associated Antigen 11a (Spag11a), a caput epididymis-specific gene that codes for a secreted protein SPAG11A, is important for sperm maturation and epididymal immune responses. Using siRNA- and active immunisation-mediated ablation of its mRNA and protein and knockout models, we previously demonstrated its role in the proliferation of epididymal epithelial cells and the susceptibility of the epididymis to chemically induced tumorigenesis. However, the effect of its knockout on the susceptibility of other male reproductive organs to chemically induced tumorigenesis has not been reported. In this study, using Spag11a knockout mice, we report that the cauda epididymis, testis, prostate, and seminal vesicles of Spag11a knockout mice are more susceptible to DEN-induced carcinogenesis compared to their counterparts obtained from wild-type mice. Hyperplasia, anaplasia, dysplasia, neoplasia, and inflammation in the cauda epididymis, testis, prostate, and seminal vesicles were observed in Spag11a knockout mice, while these tissues of wild-type mice displayed normal anatomical structure. Among the tissues analysed, the prostate seems to be highly affected. Results of this study demonstrate that SPAG11A can influence the susceptibility of other male reproductive organs to tumorigenesis.
Histone Lysine Methyl Transferases (HKMTs) are pivotal epigenetic regulators that modulate chromatin structure and gene expression, thereby influencing various cellular processes, and their molecular mechanisms and functional significance in health and disease are being elucidated. We discuss the involvement of HKMTs in a number of diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and metabolic diseases, and emphasise the importance of their conserved regions and interactions with histone substrates. In addition, we explore the therapeutic potential of HKMT inhibitors in the treatment of these diseases, highlighting their promising efficacy and potential advantages over conventional therapies. Despite the encouraging clinical outcomes, it remains difficult to understand the specificity and long-term consequences of HKMT inhibition, so further research and clinical evaluation are required. This review provides valuable insights into the complex regulatory role of HKMTs in epigenetic processes and offers perspectives for the development of novel therapeutic strategies with clinical implications for pancreatic cancer.
Heavy metal pollution is an increasing form of environmental contamination, in recent times, caused by toxic metals such as copper, zinc, lead, cadmium, chromium, etc. It has become a major cause of concern due to the adverse effects it is causing around the world. Heavy metals enter water bodies from industrial and consumer wastes and cause damage to different life forms that are dependent on the water body. The impact of these heavy metals can be assessed using various animal models, such as the Zebrafish (Danio rerio). It is a widely used model in toxicological studies for evaluating the alterations that occur in the endocrine system upon exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, which include heavy metals. Apart from damaging the endocrine system, these metals can also damage the central nervous system, resulting in progressive neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and cancer on long-term exposure. There have also been reports of alterations in the neurobehavior of zebrafish and their larvae on exposure to different doses of various heavy metals, as found in several behavioural assays. In stress conditions, the alteration in the neuroendocrine system and cardiac function takes place, which leads to anxiety, depression, and bradycardia. Exposure to heavy metals also leads to a delayed hatch rate of zebrafish embryos. Since zebrafish shares 86% of similar genes associated with human diseases, it can be used to study the effects of heavy metal exposure on the neuroendocrine and cardiovascular systems. In this review, we elucidate the mechanisms by which heavy metals alter the neuroendocrine system and cardiac function of zebrafish and their embryos, which include induction of oxidative stress, disruption in the neurotransmitter pathways, and interference with calcium signalling, along with the dose-dependent impact on cardiac gene expression profile and neurobehavioral markers.
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are a class of chemicals that attenuate or disrupt the endocrine system. These chemicals have structures similar to endogenous hormones and thereby interfere with the body’s natural hormone functioning, hampering normal homeostasis, reproduction, development, and/or behaviour. Currently, about 45 chemical substances have been identified in this category. Apart from causing endocrine disruption, these chemicals also cause disturbances in other bodily systems, including the nervous and cardiovascular systems. While the mechanisms behind endocrine disruption by these chemicals are well studied, other toxic effects, such as cardiotoxicity and neurotoxicity, are poorly studied. Zebrafish models have recently been used to study these effects owing to the developmental similarities of the neural and cardiac systems when compared to humans. These studies identify and bring out the mechanism of action of specific endocrinedisrupting chemicals on different systems of the body, using various endpoints. Our review article aims to comprehensively summarise the association of these chemicals with neural and cardiovascular dysfunction in zebrafish models, with a special focus on the effects of Triclosan (TCS) and Methyl Paraben (MP).
The application of plant-based bioactive nanoparticles in antifertility research offers a novel and promising approach to contraceptive development. This review examines the extensive potential of various medicinal plants and their bioactive compounds in nanoparticles as effective antifertility agents. Plant-based nanoparticles provide a significant advantage over traditional synthetic contraceptives due to their biocompatibility, reduced side effects, and ability to target specific tissues or cells. This review examines the various mechanisms through which these nanoparticles exert their antifertility effects, including hormonal modulation, disruption of spermatogenesis, and inhibition of fertilisation. The safety profiles, efficacy studies, and potential for integration with existing contraceptive methods are also discussed. By leveraging the inherent benefits of nanotechnology, plant-based bioactive nanoparticles hold the promise of revolutionising contraceptive technology, offering safer, more effective, and sustainable solutions to meet the growing global demand for contraceptives.
Medicinal plants are receiving increasing attention lately for their potential to cure many human illnesses. Euryale ferox Salisb., an aquatic cash crop that grows in ponds and is popularly known as makhana, foxnut, and gorgon nut, is one of these medicinal plants. It is also recognized as a delicious dry fruit. In view of their great nutritional and therapeutic values, E. ferox seeds are included in the Ayurvedic pharmacopeia. These benefits include curing chronic diarrhea, excessive leucorrhea, kidney failure, hepatic dysfunction, and other gastrointestinal issues. For many years, E. ferox has been used as a remedy for various illnesses affecting the digestive, respiratory, and reproductive systems. Antioxidant, anti-cancer, antibacterial, antihypertensive, immunomodulatory, anti-diabetic, anti-melanogenic, and anti-cytotoxic properties are only a few of the plant’s many biological activities. Additionally, this article discusses, in brief, the anti-fatigue and antioxidant properties of the phenolics isolated from E. ferox seed coat. Besides these, the extracts show hepatoprotective and cardioprotective properties. It has been established that the bioactive components found in E. ferox are responsible for these benefits. This is a unique plant with great nutritional and therapeutic potential throughout, particularly in the seeds and plant shells. This article provides an overview of the recognized bioactive components discovered in the extracts with pharmacological characteristics present in different sections of the E. ferox plant. It also focusses on certain reproductive benefits in males as well.
Aims: To describe the sequential development of a structured exercise program for painful diabetic neuropathy in Type 2 diabetes and to determine the effect of structured exercise on neuropathic pain, nerve function, and glycosylated haemoglobin in Type 2 diabetes individuals with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Methods: The development of the exercise regimen was supported by evidence-based research, which included a thorough evaluation of the literature, expert advice, and the most recent standard exercise recommendations for people with Type 2 Diabetes. Twenty sedentary diabetics were divided into experimental and control groups, with ten subjects in each group. At baseline and after 12 weeks, the following measures were taken: HbA1c, Pain Catastrophizing Score, Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia Score, and Visual Analog Scale. Results: The baseline VAS scores for the control and experimental groups were 7.5±0.05 and 7.54±0.843, respectively, with corresponding mean and standard deviations of 8.19±1.05 and 9.53±0.68 for HbA1c. Following twelve weeks, the control and experimental groups’ mean VAS ratings were 6.40±0.516, 3.30±0.676, and HbA1c were 8.15±1.04 and 6.99±0.199, respectively. Conclusion: The developed exercise program is found to be effective in improving glycosylated haemoglobin and should further be evaluated using large randomised clinical trials.
Background: Exposure to a multitude of chemical contaminants in the environment, such as heavy metals, pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, bacterial endotoxins, and plasticizers, poses a significant threat to the female reproductive system. These chemicals have the capacity to disrupt normal cellular processes by indirectly imitating or obstructing the action of natural hormones, thereby hindering reproductive physiology. The ever-increasing threat of environmental toxicity underscores the need to highlight the potential role of chemical exposures in causing adverse female reproductive outcomes. Objectives: To effectively minimise these risks, it is important to gain a thorough understanding of how environmental toxins impact female reproductive health. This includes identifying specific biomarkers that can accurately assess exposure levels and predict reproductive outcomes. This encompasses the assessment of various contaminants in human samples and their correlation with reproductive health hazards, appraisal of hormonal levels and inflammatory markers, estimation of Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), Body Mass Index (BMI), lipid profile, etc. Improving our knowledge of how these environmental toxins affect ovarian function enables us to take proac tive measures to reduce exposure and improve overall female reproductive health. Conclusion: Various environmental pollutants, such as heavy metals, bacterial endotoxins, plasticizers, and pesticides, can have detrimental effects on the reproductive health of women through ovarian dysfunction and hormonal imbalance. It is crucial to raise awareness about the potential risks of exposure to these harmful substances in order to protect public health and prevent adverse reproductive outcomes. Further research is necessary to fully comprehend the molecular mechanisms underlying compromised female reproductive physiology and to develop effective therapeutic approaches.
The present study aimed at understanding the age-dependent intra-ovarian melatonin levels and their role in oxidative stress management in relation to the ovarian growth and development in the carp, Catla catla. Samples of ovaries were collected from different growth stages, viz. (i) advanced juvenile (AJv), BW >200 g to ≤300 g; (ii) preadult (PA), BW >300 g to ≤500 g; (iii) subadult (SA), BW >500 g to ≤1.00 kg; and (iv) adult (AD), BW >1 kg to ≤2.5 kg. Notably, in the current investigation the intra-ovarian melatonin concentrations, and levels/activities of intra-ovarian malondialdehyde (MDA), and different anti-oxidative agents including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GRd), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and reduced glutathione (GSH) in four different growth stages of carp, Catla catla were measured. Data analysis revealed significantly high MDA levels in PA carp, followed by lower values in AJv, that too associated with the lowest melatonin concentration in both AJv and PA carp. In contrast, SA carp exhibited the lowest MDA levels concomitantly with the highest melatonin levels, followed by slightly increased MDA levels and the highest melatonin concentrations in AD. Moreover, SOD, CAT, and GPx activities gradually increased from AJv to AD carp, with the highest activities in AD, moderate in SA, and lowest in AJv and PA carps. The results also demonstrated that GRd, GST, and GSH activities/levels were highest in AD carp, with no significant changes in AJv, PA, and SA carps. Following the correlation analysis and PCA, melatonin levels in the ovary and activities/levels of all anti-oxidative agents were negatively associated with intra-ovarian stress (MDA) but positively related to each other. However, according to the correlation test, GRd and GST activities did not correlate significantly with the GSH level. Overall, the observations suggest that early ovarian growth in AJv and PA carp experiences peak oxidative stress due to pubertal onset and development, impairing major antioxidant functions. However, subsequent ovarian growth and maturation enhance melatonin levels and other antioxidant functions, thereby reducing intra-ovarian oxidative stress.
Infertility, which is defined as the failure to conceive after 12 months of regular, unprotected sexual activity, has a substantial impact on societal dynamics and frequently results in social stigma, especially against women. However, male infertility, which is defined as the inability of a male partner to impregnate a viable female, accounts for 30-40% of infertility cases. Genitourinary disorders such as varicocele, cryptorchidism, and testicular failure, and lifestyle factors like obesity, smoking, and alcohol intake are among the factors that contribute to male infertility. The purpose of this study is to investigate the types and frequency of anomalies in the sperm of 100 men who attended two reproductive clinics in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. Semen samples were collected, examined, and classified by WHO guidelines. People with leukocytospermia, reproductive tract infections, and genetic abnormalities were excluded. The most frequent abnormality was asthenozoospermia followed by oligoasthenozoospermia, whereas, teratoasthenozoospermia and oligoteratoasthenozoospermia were the least common, with no instances of isolated oligozoospermia or teratozoospermia. Considerable reductions in semen parameters were seen in certain infertility conditions when compared to normozoospermia. Sperm count, motility, and morphological defects showed moderate to strong correlations. Despite certain constraints, such as a limited sample size and exclusive emphasis on sperm analysis, the results offer a significant understanding of the subtle aspects of male infertility in the Indian subcontinent.
Melatonin, a neurohormone, improves hepatic function in diet and/or chronodisruption in Metabolic dysfunction Associated with Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD). Nocturnin (Noct), a circadian clock output gene, putatively regulates hepatic lipid metabolism but the underlying mechanisms related to its regulation remain largely unknown. Herein, we hypothesise that melatonin-mediated improvement in liver function in MASLD is regulated via Noct and this study delves into Noct as a putative target of melatonin. Molecular docking studies (Autodock, Pyrx and PyMol) confirmed interactions between melatonin and mouse Noct (Binding affinity: -7kcal/mol; RMSD: 0). Further, studies on C57BL/6J mice comprised of experimental groups viz. high-fat-high-fructose (H) diet fed, photoperiodic shifts-induced chronodisruption (CD) or a combination of the two (HCD) wherein melatonin-mediated improvements in serum lipid profile (TGs, total lipids, VLDL-chol., LDL-chol. and total cholesterol) and liver function markers (ALT and AST) were recorded. Further, the fatty manifestations, hepatocyte ballooning, and steatotic score were significantly improved following exogenous melatonin. Likewise, the liver samples of H, CD and HCD mice recorded a marked increment in hepatic Noct mRNA expression whereas melatonin administration accounted for a significant improvement in the said expression. These findings were further validated in vitro in HepG2 cells treated with Oleic Acid (OA) cells wherein, melatonin supplementation improved Noct mRNA and protein expressions compared to the disease control. Taken together, this study provides insight into melatonin-mediated modulation in hepatic Noct that correlates with improved hepatic health in experimental models of MASLD.
The snow-trout Schizothorax is a prevalent food fish found in the cold water bodies of Hindukush- Karakoram- Himalayan mountains/foothills and is one of the major sources of animal protein. During the past decade, there has been a rapid fall in the Schizothoracine population due to climate change with unrestricted urbanization and other anthropogenic interventions. Therefore, an in-depth understanding of the annual gonadal development in these fish taxa becomes critically essential for designing appropriate/suitable conservation strategies. Like most freshwater teleosts, hill-stream fishes are typical seasonal breeders. In the current study, the season-dependent developmental gene expression was examined in adult S. plagiostomus gonads (both testes and ovaries) obtained from a natural habitat at Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India. A total of six putative genes (three testicular and three ovarian) were investigated in three different developmental stages, keeping the β-actin gene as the endogenous reference. Our data suggested that Dmrt1 and Gdnfr-α mRNAs were highly elevated during the pre-spawning stage, gradually down-regulated during the spawning stage, and almost undetectable at the post-spawning stage. However, in contrast, Fgf11 was found to be augmented during the spawning stage. On the contrary, Foxl2 and Runx1 transcripts were elevated during pre-spawning and spawning stages compared to those found during post-spawning stages. Finally, Gdf9 mRNA was found to be maximal at the pre-spawning stage and subsequently diminished during the spawning stages. This is the first comparative gonadal transcriptomic data showing the season-dependent developmental gene expressions critically regulating the optimal gametogenic drive/output in any Schizothoracine fish. This study provides fundamental information regarding the gonadal biology of Schizothorax, which will be supportive of designing suitable artificial breeding/conservation programs for this species in the future.
The study evaluated the impact of pineal hormone (melatonin) on reproductive impairment induced by constant light/ photoperiodic stress in female Rattus norvegicus. The experimental design consisted of 24 female rats weighing 170 ± 10 gm. The 24 rats were divided into two major groups comprising 12 rats each. Rats in one group were kept under constant light (600 lux) for 60 days to induce PCOS. After confirmation of PCOS by regular observation of vaginal smear, rats in each group were further divided into 2 groups containing 6 rats in each. 12 rats with no treatment were divided as control (0.9% saline) and melatonin (200μg/100gm bw). Rats exposed to the constant light were divided into LL (PCOS) and PCOS+MEL with six rats in each group. After 21 days, the rats were sacrificed, and their ovaries and oviducts were harvested. Blood samples were collected for corticosterone and melatonin, androgen and estradiol analysis, and harvested tissues were stored at -800c for further assessment. The results showed that polycystic ovary rats exhibited increased body weight and anti-oxidative enzyme levels. However, the polycystic ovary rats, that were treated with melatonin showed recovery with melatonin, corticosterone, body and tissue weight, and biochemical parameters. The study suggests that continuous light exposure can induce reproductive disorder by disrupting GnRH rhythmicity, but melatonin treatment restores reproductive homeostasis. The study provides insights into polycystic ovary syndrome pathogenesis and the potential therapeutic benefits of melatonin.
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals, or EDCs, are the chemicals in the environment that can alter hormonal functions in humans and animals. Many industrial chemicals that act as EDCs are used and produced in large quantities worldwide. Because of their large-scale production, they are known as ‘High volume chemicals’ or HVCs. Humans and animals are exposed to these chemicals by day-to-day use of different products or through contaminated food or water. These HVCs greatly impact the hormone system of exposed living beings and their physiology. Many of these high-volume EDCs specifically interfere with male hormone (androgen) signalling by influencing biosynthesis, metabolism, and function of the Androgen Receptor (AR), resulting in a disruption of typical male developmental programming. As androgen is critical for male sexual differentiation, males are extremely susceptible to these androgen disruptors. Animal exposure studies demonstrate that these androgen disruptors lead to a decrease in sperm count, infertility, testicular dysgenesis, and prostate cancer, which is prevalent in many parts of the world today. Routinely used HVCs that can act as androgen-disruptors include Bisphenol (BPA), Phthalates, Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), Glyphosate and Methoxy, Methoxyacetic Acid (MAA), among others. These chemicals disrupt androgen signalling by different mechanisms and result in the disruption of normal male physiological processes. This review highlights the toxicities and molecular mechanisms of hormone disruption induced by these routinely used high-volume chemicals that disrupt androgen signalling.
