Ben M. J. Pereira

A comprehensive evaluation of the reproductive toxicity of Quassia amara in male rats.

Chloroform extracts of the bark of Quassia amara in different dilutions was used to assess its impact on the male reproductive system of albino rats. Single daily intramuscular injections of the extract for 15 days resulted in a significant reduction in the weight of testis and epididymis but not that of the seminal vesicles and prostate (all lobes). A marked decrease in the sperm count, motility, viability was also observed in sperm collected from the cauda epididymis of treated animals. A number of abnormalities like double heads, double tails, detached heads and fragile tails were frequently seen. Epididymal alpha-glucosidase activity was drastically reduced. However, prostatic acid phosphatase activity and citric acid levels and seminal vesicle fructose concentrations remained unchanged following treatment. Thus, it appears that the prime site of action is at the level of both the testis and the epididymis. Examination of the blood showed that cell counts and hemoglobin levels were in the normal range. Bilirubin, SGPT, SGOT, protein and urea were also not altered by the herbal extract. From the selective action on the male reproductive tract we suggest that the chloroform extract of the bark of Quassia amara has potential for use as an antifertility agent.

Toxic effects of pulp and paper-mill effluents on male reproductive organs and some systemic parameters in rats.

The effect of pulp and paper-mill effluents on terrestrial animals was investigated using male albino rats as a test organism, under controlled laboratory conditions. Effluent consumption for 15 days caused a reduction in the relative weight of the testis (mg/100g body weight), compared to the control rats. The effects were not so pronounced in other regions of the male reproductive tract. Biochemical analysis revealed a drop in the activity of epididymal α-glucosidase in the effluent-treated animals. Although sperm collected from the cauda epididymis appeared morphologically normal, a decline in total sperm count and number of motile sperm was seen. The circulating level of testosterone in effluent-treated rats was slightly lower in some groups of rats given effluent treatment compared to controls. The level of progesterone and oestradiol, however, remained unaffected. Hematological and serological analyses suggest that effluents could produce anemia, liver and kidney dysfunction in rats. This inference stems from the altered blood cell counts, enhanced bilirubin and urea concentration in blood and high activity of serum GOT and GPT observed in effluent fed animals compared to controls. It is concluded that besides the general toxicity, the effluent affects the male reproductive system predominantly at the level of the testis.

Biofilm formation by Candida albicans isolated from intrauterine devices.

Our survey revealed that infected intrauterine devices (IUDs) recovered from patients suffering from reproductive tract infections (RTIs) were tainted with Candida biofilm composed of a single or multiple species. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of C. albicans biofilm topography showed that it consists of a dense network of mono- or multilayer of cells embedded within the matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) images depicted that C. albicans biofilms have a highly heterogeneous architecture composed of cellular and noncellular elements with EPS distributed in the cell-surface periphery or at cell-cell interface. Biochemical analysis showed that EPS produced by C. albicans biofilm contained significantly reduced total carbohydrate (40%), protein (5%) and enhanced amount of hexosamine (4%) in contrast to its planktonic counterparts. The in vitro activity of antifungal agents amphotericin B, nystatin, fluconazole and chlorhexidine against pre-formed C. albicans biofilm, assessed using XTT (2,3-bis[2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl]-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide) reduction assay revealed increased resistance of these infectious biofilm (50% reduction in metabolic activity at a concentration of 8, 16, 64, 128 μg/ml respectively) in comparison to its planktonic form.

THE EFFECT OF OVINE PROLACTIN ON THE EPIDIDYMAL SIALIC ACID CONCENTRATION IN MALE RATS

SUMMARY

Identification of antimicrobial activity from goat cervical epithelium.

1 In mammals, antimicrobial peptides are present in epithelial cells of the respiratory, gastrointestinal and urinogenital tracts. In the present study, we report the identification and partial characterization of an antimicrobial peptide in extracts prepared from goat cervical epithelial tissue. 2 The bioactivity, as determined by radial and disc diffusion assays, was identified in a peptide of molecular mass 4.5 kDa purified by cation exchange and gel filtration techniques. The purified peptide exhibited antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (Gram‐negative) as well as Bacillus subtilis (Gram‐positive) bacteria. 3 The minimum inhibitory concentration of the peptide estimated by liquid broth assay for E. coli and B. subtilis suspensions was 31 and 50 µg/mL, respectively, a result implying that the peptide is more efficient in inhibiting Gram‐negative than Gram‐positive bacteria. 4 Because the peptide has no spermicidal activity, we propose that it is responsible for protecting the female genital tract against bacteria. 5 Whether the peptide has potentials for use in the cryopreservation, storage and transport of semen remains to be determined.