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Background and Objective: The application of herbal extract are used as substitution to either drug or complementary medicine. Cinnamomum zeylanicum is one of the important herb which is used for various diseases. This study was done to determine the effects of Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Bark) hydroalcoholic extract on the level of hormones responsible for reproduction in male mice. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 48 male adult mice divided in six groups, hydroalcoholic extract of Cinnamon zeylanicum was injected intraperitonealy in different dose (50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/every other day) for 20 days in groups 1-4. Normal saline was injected in only one group as placebo group and the other group was not given any substance and it was considered as a control group. All serum hormones level including FSH, LH and testosterone were measured by Radioimmunoassay (RIA) technique. Results: The concentration of FSH, LH increased following the injected dose of Cinnamon zeylanicum and the most increasing of FSH and LH concentration was in animals which receive 200, 400 mg/kg/every other day of Cinnamomum zeylanicum hydroalcoholic extract. The level of serum testosterone significantly increased in dose of 50, 100 mg/kg/every other day in comparison with control group, too (P<0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that hydroalcoholic extract of Cinnamon zeylanicum elevates the pituitary-gonadal axis hormones.

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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: Increasing the intensity of training is one of the factors that improve the athletic performance. Evaluation of psychological and biochemical factors is believed to be beneficial for evaluating the effectiveness of training schedule. Previous studies have shown that there are various responses to the training intensity due to the level of athlete’s fitness and the kind of training. This study was done to investigate the effect of intensive training on salivary level of cortisol, testosterone, α-amylase and mood of elite adolescent wrestlers. Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study was performed on fifteen adolescent wrestlers of Iranian national team during 2009. The subjects were under extension training for three weeks. The saliva samples were taken prior, first, second and third weeks of training to determine cortisol, testosterone and α-amylase level of salivary samples. Also, the Brahms questionnaire was used to assess the mood profile before and after the training. Data were analyzed using SPSS-14, ANOVA and student t-tests. Results: There was no significant differences of salivary cortisol (7.69±0.75, 8.1±0.93 ng/ml), testosterone (82.3±0.89, 64.2±1.7 ng/ml), α-amylase (98.81±1.35, 84.2±1.5 U/ml) level and mood (16.4±3.28, 20.08±2.91) of subjects prier and after training. Conclusion: This study indicated that the intensive training do not alter salivary hormons level and mood of elite adolescent wrestlers.

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Background and Objective: Androgens are among the causative factors in preeclampsia. This study was done to compare the serum androgens and progesterone in preeclampsia and normal pregnancy. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was done on 30 preeclamptic and 30 healthy pregnant women in Gorgan, Iran. Higher or equal to 140/90 mmHg and proteinuria equal or more than +1 in dip stick test in the third trimester of pregnancy were considered as the diagnostic criteria of preeclampsia. Progesterone, free and total testosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA) were measured by ELISA method. Results: Total testosterone level was 1.8±0.3 ng/ml and 1.3±0.9 ng/ml in cases and controls, respectively. This difference was not significant. Progesterone was lower in cases (95±46.9 ng/ml) than in controls (165.4±75 ng/ml) (P<0.01). Free testosterone and DHEA were 5.6±2.3 ng/ml and 1±0.5 ng/ml in cases, respectively which was significantly higher than the controls (3.2±1.5 ng/ml and 0.7±0.4 ng/ml, respectively) (P<0.045). Conclusion: Serum level of free testosterone, DHEA and progesterone increased and reduced respectivley in preeclampsia.

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Background and Objective: Agricultural toxins including organochlorine and organophosphorus families cause damages in the various tissues in humans. Diazinon is a non-systemic organophosphate insecticide. This study was carried out to determine the effect of Diazinon on sex hormone, interferon gamma, interleukin-4 and 10 in male rats. Methods: In this experimental study 24 adult male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into four groups. Three experimental groups were received Diazinon 5 days per week for one month at 0.3, 3 and 30 mg/kg/bw intraperitoneally, while controls received nothing. Seven days after the last injection, blood samples were obtained and the serum testosterone, FSH, LH, interferon gamma, interleukin-4 and interleukin-10 were measured. Results: Serum level of Interleukin-10 significantly increased in experimental group (30 mg/kg/bw of Diazinon) compared to controls (P<0.05). Serum level of Interleukin-10 significantly decreased in 0.3 mg/kg/bw and 3mg/kg/bw of Diazinon groups compared to controls (P<0.05). Interleukin-4 level was only significant in the group receiving 30 mg/kg/bw of Diazinon (P<0.05). Reduction in interferon-gamma level was not significant between control and experimental groups. FSH significantly reduced in the three experimental groups in comparison with controls (P<0.05). Testosterone level was significantly increased in experimental groups compared to control (P<0.05). Conclusion: Diazinon increases interleukin-10 and testosterone and reduces FSH hormone in the rat.

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Background and Objective: Lead exposure induced toxic effects on reproductive system. This study was done to evaluate the effect of Grape seed oil (Vitis vinifera) on serum gonadotropins and testosterone level in toxicited adult male rats by lead acetate. Methods: In this experimental study, 56 adult male Wistar rats were randomly allocated equally into 7 groups. Animals in control group did not receive any matter. Animals in the sham, experimental 1 and experimental 2 groups were received orally distilled water, 8ml/kg Grape seed oil (GSO) and 0.1 mmol/lit lead acetate for 21 days, respectively. Animals in the experimental group 3, 4 and 5 were received 0.1 mmol/lit lead acetate for 21 days and then 2 ml/kg/bw, 4 ml/kg/bw and 8ml/kg/bw GSO from day 22 up to day 42, recpectively. Blood samples were taken from control, sham and experimental groups 1 and 2 at the end of day 21. At the end of day 42, blood samples were taken from experimental groups 3, 4 and 5. Serum level of LH, FSH and testosterone were measured by Radioimmunoassay. Results: Serum level of LH, FSH and testosterone were significantly reduced in the experimental group 2 in compared to control group. Serum level of LH, FSH and testosterone were significantly increased in experimental group 4 and 5 in comparision with the experimental group 2. Conclusion: Grape seed oil extract at doses of 4 and 8ml/kg/bw increased serum level of LH, FSH and testosterone in lead acetate exposed male rats.

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Background and Objective: Ginger as a medicinal herb is used as a food flavoring and thraphy of many diseases including infertility and male sexual disabilities. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of alcoholic extract of Ginger during fetal life and breastfeeding on serum level of testosterone, LH, FSH and spermatogenic cell lines in male mature offspring rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 72 female adult mice were randomly allocated into the 9 groups, including: control group (no treatment), sham groups including neonatal and perinatal groups which were received normal salin (0.5 ml daily) and 6 interventional groups. Animals in interventional groups were received doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg/bw of alcoholic extract of Ginger, during neonatal and perinatal period, orally. After puberty eight male rats from each group were sacrified. Serum level of testosterone, LH, FSH were measeared and then by isolating testes, the cell numbers of leydig, sertoli, spermatogonia, spermatocyte and spermatid were counted. Results: The extract of Ginger dose-dependently significantly increased the level of testosterone (P<0.05) and the number of spermatogenic cells in compared to controls (P<0.05). The dosage of 100 and 200 mg/kg/bw of alcoholic extract of Ginger significantly reduced the FSH and LH in compared to controls (P<0.05) Conclusion: The oral consumption of Ginger during pregnancy and lactation dose-dependently increase the level of testosterone and the number of spermatogenic cells.

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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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Background and Objective: Use of cell-phone cause adverse effect of radiations in many people. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of cell-phone radiation during pregnancy on serum level of the testosterone, FSH, LH and sex cell lines in 60-day old offspring male rats.

Methods: In this experimental study, 24 rat's dams were randomly allocated into control, sham and interventional groups. Animals in control group have not been affected with the radiation and the interventional groups were exposed to cell-phone radiation from the beginning of pregnancy as much as 4 hours daily for 14 days. The sham group over the same period was exposed around cell-phone turning on without conversation. After childbirth and maturity 10 male offspring of different groups separated and after phlebotomizing, testosterone, FSH, LH was measured for each offspring. After anestasia, testis was removed, weighted, measured and throught histological method leydig, sertoli, spermatogonia and spermatid cells were counted for each offspring.

Results: weight and size of the testis, the volume of seminiferous tubules, the volume of interstitial tissues of seminiferous tubules, and spermatocytes, spermatid, sertoli and spermatogonia cells numbers were significantly reduced in interventional group in compare to control and sham groups (P<0.05) but reduction of leydig cells, FSH, testosterone and increasing level of LH in interventional group did not change significantly in comparision with control and sham groups.

Conclusion: Cell-phone radiations during pregnancy caused significantly reducing in sex cell lines but do not cause significant effect on FSH, LH and testosterone level in mature male offspring.

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Background and Objective: Copper oxide nanoparticles with unique properties have numerous biological applications with probably toxicity. This study was conducted to determine the toxicity of copper oxide nanoparticles on the pituitary-gonadal axis and spermatogenesis in male rats.
Methods: In this experimental study, 40 male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into 4 groups including control group and three intervention  groups which receiving the cancentration of 10, 20 and 30 mg/kg of copper oxide nanoparticles 5 times intra-peritoneally, respectively. Blood sampling was collected first day and 15 days after the last injection. Level of testosterone, FSH and LH were measured by ELISA method. After anesthesia and dissection of mice in each group, tissue sections of testis were prepared and stained with hematoxylin-eosin. Morphological status of spermatogenesis process and counting of types of cells (spermatogonium, spermatocyte and spermatid) were studied by optical microscope.
Results: In the first day of blood collection, a significant increase in LH and FSH level was observed at concentrations of 10 and 30 mg/kg, respectively. Also, Testosterone and FSH level decreased significantly reduced at 10 mg/kg/bw concentration compared to control (P<0.05). In 15 days after of the last injection, level of testosterone (P<0.05) and LH (P<0. 05) significantly increased in concentrations of 10 and 30 mg/kg/bw respectively. Also, there was a significant reduction in level of FSH in the concentration of 10 mg/kg/bw (P<0.05). The examination of testis tissue sections showed a significant decrease (P<0.05) in density and number of cell types (spermatogonium, spermatocyte and spermatid) and anomalies in the spermatogenesis process, in a dose-dependent manner. The most disturbances was seen at a concentration of 30 mg/kg/bw of copper oxide nanoparticles.
Conclusion: Copper oxide nanoparticles may interfere with the secretion of gonadotropins and testosterone and ultimately lead to a disruption of the spermatogenesis process.