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3 Beta-Hydroxy-delta-5-steroid dehydrogenase is an important key enzyme of steroid hormone biosynthesis, which is involved in catalyzing the conversion of pregnenolone to progesterone in the biosynthesis of steroid sex hormones. This is the fourth enzyme in the steroid hormone biosynthesis pathway to be identified as an autoantigenic target. Pregnenolone is incubated with several concentrations of whole testis homogenate. The reaction mixture containing the pregnenolone, NAD and iodonitrotetrazolium in 0.15 M Tris-HCL buffer (pH=7.7) and the enzyme extract from testis of rat was incubated for 1.5 h at 36°C. Absorbance at 495 nm was determined by a spectrophotometer. pH optimum and time incubation for this enzyme was 7.99 and 1.5 h respectively. The Kmax was 5.3×10^-6 and Vmax was 3.11×10^-6 nmol/mg/min. Our results were in good agreement with those reported previously.

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Background&Objective: Bisphenol A (BPA) is a xenobiotic estrogenic compound that are a monomer of some plastics (poly carbonate and epoxy resin) that are widely used in dental sealant, dishes and tableware. This compound has suspected to have estrogenic effects on reproductive system and related to endocrine disrupting chemicals. In this present study we investigated possible low dose effects of BPA on testis weight and structure and prostate weight. Materials&Methods: Male wistar rats (12-13 week old) were administrated a daily intra peritoneal 10µg/kgbw/day, 50µg/kgbw/day, 100µg/kgbw/day dose of BPA for6 and 12 days and one day after last injection testis and prostate weighted and histological section of testes prepared( 5 micrometer ) and stained by H&E and weigert hematoxilin . All data were expressed as means±SE. two-way ANOVA and chi- quire was performed. Results: in compare with control group, testis and prostate weight of dose groups were decreased. Disruptions of epithelial layer cells of semniferous tubules were detected. Conclusion: The present study showed that BPA at low doses affects histological structure and weight of testis and prostate, in the adult wistar rat.

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Background & Objective: Hinosan is an organophosphate that inhibit acetylcolinesterase activity, which could be resulted in damages of genital organs. This compound has been used extensively in the agriculture, for pest control. Therefore, in the present study we investigated the effect of Hinosan on spermatogenesis in mice.

Materials & Methods: For this experimental study, the male mice were divided into three groups. In the cases group, mice were injected with Hinosan consecutive doses (20mg/kg i.p, five consecutive days per week for one month), sham (normal saline) and control (no injection). Animals were scarified 7 days after the latest Hinosan injection. Therefore, the mice testis sections were prepared and morphologic aspects of testis and spermatogenesis processes were examined. Data were analyzed using of one-way ANOVA. Significance was set at P<0.05.

Results: The Hinosan showed a significant decrease in number of germ cells, spermatocyt, spermatids, Leydig cells, blood vessels and also diameter of seminiferous on testes of the mice decreased, compared with control groups (P<0.05).

Conclusion: This study demenstrated that Hinosan is effective on spermatogenesis and seminiferous tubule structure, also can decrease germinal cells.

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Background and Objective: The growing development progress of electronic industries and the increasing use of electrical appliances have led to higher rate of exposure of people to electromagnetic field (EMF). Thus, in this study we investigated the effect of EMF on morphometric indices of epididymis and vas deferen in mice. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 30 BALB/c male mice were selected and divided into three control, sham and experimental groups. Experimental group were exposed to 50 Hz, 0.5 mT EMF for 4 hours per days, 6 days per week for 8 weeks while the animal in control and sham groups were not exposed to EMF. After the exposure period, the mice were dissected and left testis was removed and weighted. Samples of epididymis and vas deferen in all groups were taken and were processed for routine light microscopic studies. The diameters of epididymis and vas deferen and the height of epithelial cells in all groups were compared using ANOVA and Tukey tests. Results: The mean diameter of epididymis in EMF group significantly decreased compared to the control group (P<0.05). The mean diameter of vas deferen, the height of epithelial cells in epididymis and vas deferen in EMF groups significantly decreased compared to the control and sham groups (P<0.05). In addition, the weight of testes in EMF group significantly decreased compared to the control and sham groups (P<0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that the EMF exposure for long time could have hazard effect for the male reproductive system by decreasing the diameter of reproductive ducts, the length of epithelial cells and weight of testes.

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Background and Objective: Laser is a source of electromagnetic radiation. Laser therapy has a kind of natural and biological effect on tissue which acts via energy and light power. Todays the use of infrared and red rays from low-power lasers have been established as a routine way for the treatment of diseases. Considering the important role of laser in biological sciences this study was done to compare the effect of red and infrared spectrum low level of laser rays on Rat Seminiferous tubules. Materials and Methods: This experimental study was done on 40 male Rat which divided in four groups including one control and three experimental. In the first experimental group, the right testis of the rats was exposed to a mixture of 300 Hz infra-red ray for 7 minutes and 300 Hz red spectrum for 1 minute daily. In the second experimental group, the right testes were exposed to the 300 Hz infra-red ray for 8 minutes for 40 seconds daily. In the third experimental group, the right testes were exposed to 80 Hz infra-red for 5 minutes and 80 Hz red ray for one minute daily. The controls did not receive any rays. After 15 days, testes were dissected, fixed and stained for histological processing. Thickness of seminiferous tubules and lumen as well as the thickness and area of seminiferous epithelium were measured. The concentration of testosterone was determined with radioimmunoassay. Data was analyzed with SPSS-13 software and ANOVA test. Results: There was a significant difference in the thickness of seminiferous tubules, thickness of lumen space and thickness of epithelium between first (i.e., the mixture of 300 Hz red and infra-red lasers), second (300 Hz infra-red laser) and the third experimental groups (80 Hz red and infra-red lasers) (P<0.05). But no difference was found between the first group and control. The serum testosterone concentration did not show any differences between experimental and control. Conclusion: This study showed that morphologic and morphometric alterations have direct relation with laser energy density.

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Background and Objective: In recent years, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) consumption is prevalent among young people. It has adverse effects on central neural system and other organs. This study was done to determine the effect of MDMA on pituitary-gonadal hormonized axis in immature male rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study 35 immature male Wistar rats with approximate weight of 90+-10 gr, age range of 40-45 days were allocated in five (n=7) including experimental I, II, III, control, and shem groups. Animals in the experimental I, II, III have received 2, 4 and 8 mg/kg bw of MDMA intraperitoneally after 14 days, respectively. Animals have received saline normal in shem group while the controls did not receive any substance. The blood samples and testes have collected. The serum FSH, LH, and Testosterone concentrations and testes weight were determined. Data analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey tests. Results: Testosterone hormone concentration significantly increased in experimental groups (4 and 8 mg/kg bw) in comparison with control and shem groups (P<0.05). Concentrations of FSH and LH in the experimental groups (2 and 4 mg/kg bw) significantly reduced in comparison with shem and control groups (P<0.05). Testes weight significantly reduced in experimental groups (4 and 8 mg/kg bw) compared to control and shem groups (P<0.05). Conclusion: This study showed the MDMA has adverse effect on pituitary-gonadal axis and tests weight in immature male Wistar rats.

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Background and Objective: Para-nonylphen as an environmental pollutant has weak estrogenic activity and causes oxidative stress in different organs including testis. This study was done to determine the protective effect of vitamin E on the para-nonylphenol induced-testicular toxicity in adult rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 24 Wistar rats were randomly allocated into four groups including control, vitamin E (100 mg/kg/day, orally), para-nonylphenol (250mg/kg/day, orally) and finally para-nonylphenol (250mg/kg/day, orally) plus vitamin E (100mg/kg/day, orally). After 56 days of treatment, removal of the right testis, tissue processing and staining with Heidenhain's Azan, the morphometric parameters of testicular tissue was evaluated using stereological method. Results: The mean volume of seminiferous tubules, height of the germinal epithelium, seminiferous tubules diameter, thickness of the basement membrane, number of spermatocyte, spermatid and sertoli cells significantly reduced in para nonylphenol group compared to the controls (P<0.05). These parameters were significantly increased in the para-nonylphenol plus vitamin E group compared to para nonylphenol group (P<0.05). In the histopathological examination, atrophy of seminiferous tubules, germinal epithelium vacuolation and epithelial disarrangement were observed in para nonylphenol group. Histopathological alterations reduced in para-nonylphenol plus vitamin E group compared to para nonylphenol group. Conclusion: Co-administration of vitamin E with para nonylphenol can prevent the adverse effects of para nonylphenol on the testicular tissue in adult rats.

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Background and Objective: Diazinon is an organophosphate insecticide. , which inhibits the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. This study was done to evaluate the effect of Diazinon on pituitary-gonadal axis and histological alteration of seminferous tubules in adult rat testis. Methods: In this experimental study, 40 adult male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into five groups including control, sham and experimental 1, 2 and 3. Animals in experimental group 1, 2 and 3 were received 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg/bw of diazinon for 28 days, orally, respectively. Animals in control group did not receive any substance. Animals in sham group were received an equivalent amount of normal saline. The animals were euthanized after 28 days and a blood sample was collected via heart puncture and testes were removed for histological studies. Results: Diazinon significantly reduced serum testosterone concentration, sertoli cell, leydig cell count, primary spermatocyte and spermatid (P<0.05). Diazinon had no significant effect on the body and testis weight in the experimental groups compared to controls. Conclusion: Diazinon reduces the concentration of testosterone and cells in seminferous tubule in adult rat.

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Background and Objective: The spathe of phoenix dactylifera contains protein, fatty, fiber, sugar, moisture, furfural, coumarin, organic compounds of camphor family, phytosterols, 1, 2-Di methoxil 1, 4-Di methyl benzene. This study was done to evaluate the effect of alcoholic extract of phoenix dactylifera spathe on seminiferous tubules and spermatogenesis in adult male rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 50 adult male rats were randomly allocated into five groups including: control, sham and expermintal groups 1, 2 and 3. Animals in control group did not receive any treatment. Animals in sham group were received 0.2 ml normal saline intraperitoneally. Animals in experimental group 1, 2 and 3 were received 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 g/kg/bw of alcoholic extract of phoenix dactylifera spathe intraperitoneally, respectively. After 14 days of study, the testis was removed and the sections of tissue were prepared. Testosterone hormone measured by Gamma counter method. Results: Serum levels of testosterone and the spermatozoa count were significantly reduced in the experimental groups in compared to control and sham groups (P<0.05). The count spermatogonia, primary spermatocyte, spermatid, sertoli and leydig cells and seminiferous tubules structures did not reduce in the experimental groups in compared to control and sham groups. Conclusion: Phoenix dactylifera Spathe alcoholic extract at doses of minimum and medium in adult male rats reduces sera level of testosterone and spermatozoa number.

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Varicocele is a deficiency of the testicular veins which is recognized by elongation and tortuosity of the pampiniform or cremasteric venous plexus and can lead to impaired spermatogenesis. Varicocele intensity is associated with the reduction of male fertility potential. This review article discusses the effects of varicocele on spermatogenesis process and fertility potential, etiology of varicocele, therapeutic approaches, and the result of treatment. All the published papers from 1975 to 2018 from databases bank such as Science Direct, Google Scholar, Scopus, and PubMed with keywords; infertility, varicocele, varicocelectomy, spermatogenesis, clinical outcome were collected and within these papers, only 74 papers were included for this study. Increased of testicular temperature, backflow of toxic metabolites from the kidney or adrenal glands, hypoxia, hormonal disturbances and oxidative stress are the most prevalent pathogenic cause of varicocele that they can alter testis and sperm functions. Several studies show that varicocelectomy can improve sperm parameters, chromatin statue and fertility potential in infertile men with varicocele. Possibly, treatment of varicocele before assisted reproduction technologies could increase the chance of spontaneous pregnancy in these infertile men.