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Background: Heroin as opium is being used in two pure and impure forms with known disastrous effects on different body organs including genital system. The aim of this study was to determine the changes in testosterone secretion, the percentage of fertility, changes of the body and testis weight, and gonado somatic index in mice (Ballb/c). Materials and methods: A total of 90 adult male and female mice were selected and male mice were assigned into three control and two experimental groups. Different experimental groups of heroin-dependant mice (50 mg/kg IP for 3 days, twice daily), were divided into two groups. One of which received heroin 5 mg/kg IP and the other 5 mg/ml IP twice daily for a period of 40 days. Then the serum of 24 male mice was studied. After copulation of the male and female mice, the rate of infertility was estimated and the proportion of body and testis weight and gonado somatic index in tested groups was determined. Results: Serum testosterone showed insignificant difference between the control groups, however, its level did differ significantly between the control and experimental groups (p<0.05). Meanwhile, fertility rate did not differ between the control groups, but showed a significant difference between the control and the experimental groups (p<0.05). Body and testis weight differed significantly between the control and the experimental groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: Heroin may reduce the testosterone level and testis weight, while it is associated with infertility.

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Background: Tamoxifen is a nonstroidal antiestrogen agent which is prescribed for treatment of breast cancer. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of tamoxifen on testosterone concentration and structure of testis in male Wistar rats.
Materials and methods: In this experimental study One group of rats (45 days old and 90g body weight) received 800 µg/kg b.w tamoxifen dissolved in solvent (consisted of ethanol (60%) and physiological solution) for 10 consecutive days. The sham group received the solvent and controls did not receive any drug or solvent. After treatment period, serum testosterone level of rats was measured by ELISA method and 5µm thickness tissue sections from testes were stained with Haematoxylin and Eosin.
Results: Results showed that testosterone concentration decreased significantly in group which received tamoxifen compared with control group (p<0.01). A significant decrease was observed in testis diameter, thickness of seminiferous tubules and the number of spermatid and sperm cells (p<0.001).
Conclusion: According to these results, we concluded that the reproduction capability of adult male Wistar rats decreased significantly in animals which received tamoxifen in prepubertal stage.

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Background: Trifluralin is a dinitroaniline herbicide and is used for controlling of annual grasses and broadleaf weeds in agriculture. It enters into the plants through developing roots and stops plant cells from dividing and elongation (meristemic inhibitor). According to entrance of this herbicide into the body via fresh vegetables, in this research the effects of trifluralin on reproductive parameters of the male wistar rats including serum LH, FSH, testosterone, and changes in testicular tissue and body weight were investigated.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, forty male wistar rats with weight of 250±5g were randomly divided in 5 groups, including control, sham (received normal saline as a solvent), and three experimental groups receiving 500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg oral trifluralin, respectively. It was administered orally once a day for 16 days. After 16 days, body and testis weight were measured and blood samples were taken from heart and used for measurement of LH, FSH and testosterone levels. To evaluate histological changes, testes were removed and weighed and, after obtaining tissue section, stained by Hematoxilin-Eosine.
Results: Serum testosterone, FSH, and LH levels showed significant decrease in experimental groups (p<0.001, p<0.05). There was significant decrease in the number of germinal and somatic cells in testis in experimental groups (p<0.05). There was also a significant decrease in body and testis weight, and concentration of sperms in experimental groups (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Oral administration of trifluralin could decrease gonadotropins and testosterone levels and impair steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis by oxidative stress and production of free radicals.

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Background: Finasteride, a 4-azasteroid compound, is a specific inhibitor of type P 5α-reductase that converts testosterone into 5α-dihydrotestosterone. In the present study, the effects of human dose of finasteride on the number of spermatogenic cells, seminiferous, prostatic and epididymal tubules diameter and thickness of mature NMRI mouse were investigated, both in in vivo and in vitro conditions. Material and methods: In this experimental study, in in vivo condition, 18 mature NMRI mice were divided into 3 groups of 6: control (without treatment), sham (treatment whit physiologic serum) and experimental (treatment with drug). Experimental group was received intraperitoneal injection of 5 mg/kg/day finasteride for 7 days. In in vitro condition, testes, prostates and epididyms of 18 mature NMRI mice were divided into 3 groups of 6: control (fixation with bouin without treatment), sham (treatment with physiologic serum) and experimental (treatment with 5 mg/kg/day of finasteride in culture media for 3 days). Data were analyzed using one way ANOVA and Tukey test by SPSS software. P- value< 0.05 was considered significant.
Results: In in vivo condition, treatment with finasteride did not cause significant reduction in the number of spermatogenic cells, seminiferous tubules diameter compared with control group. But, in in vitro condition, significant decrease was observed. In both conditions, the drug could cause significant decrease in prostatic tubules diameter and thickness compared with control group. Diameter and thickness of epididymis tubules were decreased just in in vitro condition.
Conclusion: Finasteride can act in long-term treatment, high doses and in in vitro condition better than other conditions.

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Background: Citrus aurantium extract (C. aurantium) is a native and high intake plant of Iran. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of C. aurantium on antioxidant activity and testosterone level of male healthy mice.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, Twenty- eight healthy adult male Balb/C mice were divided into four groups each group include seven mice. Two milliliter distilled water, C. aurantium extract with low concentration (0.01 mg/kg), C. aurantium extract with medium concentration (0.02 mg/kg), and C.aurantium extract with high concentration (0.04 mg/kg) were given daily for seven weeks by gavage to mice in the first, second, third, and fourth groups, respectively. Level of testosterone, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activities were investigated. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the degree of significance was set at p<0.05.
Results: A significant decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) level (p<0.01) and marked increases in glutathione (GSH) (p<0.01), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) (p<0.05) and catalase (CAT) (p<0.01) activities were observed in mice treated with different doses of C. aurantium. Testosterone level significantly decreased compared to the control group (p<0.01 and p<0.05).
Conclusion: It seems there is a negative relation between C. aurantium consumption and testosterone level.

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Background: The coconut fruit meat contains some chemical compounds such as saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Saturated and unsaturated fatty acids inhibit 5-α-reductase enzyme and cause increasing cholesterol level in body. The present study was carried out with the aim of determining the effect of coconut fruit meat on spermatogenesis, testosterone and gonadotropic hormones level in adult male rats.
Materials and methods: In this experimental study, 40 male rats Wistar strain were divided into 5 groups of eight including the control group received nothing, the sham group received an equal volume of normal saline as a solvent and the experimental groups received 500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg of meat of coconut fruit for 30 days orally. At the end of the 30th day, the blood samples and the testes were removed and histological changes were studied among experimental, sham and control groups. Data were analyzed by one- way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and independent t-test.
Results: Concentrations of 1000 and 2000 mg/kg of coconut meat increased testosterone level and sperm condense in seminiferous tubules in comparison with the control and sham groups (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Meat of coconut fruit increases testosterone level and tubular sperm condense, via inhibiting 5-α- reductase and increasing 17-β- hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase enzyme biosynthesize that which might be because of the lauric, myristic and palmitic acid content of the coconut fruit meat.

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Background: Sodium azide is a chemical and toxic compound. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of sodium azide on the viability of sperms and the serum levels of testosterone, LH and FSH in mature male laboratory small mice.
Materials and Methods:In this experimental study, 50 Balb/C male mice weighing 20-25g were divided into five groups (10 mice in each group). The animals were prescribed sodium azide for 60 days. Alternatively 5, 10 and 20 milligrams per kilogram of body weight of sodium azide were fed to the animals in the experimental groups 1, 2 and 3. After the completion of treatment, serum values of testosterone, LH and FSH were measured. The viability of sperms was also studied.
Results: The number of sperms in three experimental groups showed significant decrease compared to the control and sham groups (p<0.001). Serum value of testostrone hormone showed dose- dependently significant decrease compared to the control and sham groups. The serum level of FSH in the experimental groups did not show any significant change compared to the control and sham groups. But, the serum level of LH in experimental groups receiving sodium azide 10, 20 mg/kg increased significantly compared to the control and sham groups (p<0.01).
Conclusion: It seems sodium azide reduces serum level of testosterone and the number of sperms under the process of spermatogenesis in the animals.

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Background: The previous studies have suggested that dietary supplementation ingredients and its appropriate polyunsaturated fatty acids can increase spermatogenesis and improve sperm quality in the domestic mammals and the chickens. In this study, Correlation of serum levels of testosterone, and anatomical and histomorphometrical indices of the testis with lipids and lipoproteins profile in the mice were evaluated.
Materials and Methods:In this experimental study, 60 adult male mice were randomly selected. After animal euthanasia, blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture. The serum concentrations of total cholesterol and triglyceride were measured by enzymatic method, lipoproteins were determined by precipitation method and testosterone was measured by radio immuno assay. Anatomical indices, including weight, scrotal circumference, length and width of the testis, were recorded. For histomorphometric study, the 5µ- sections were made and stained with Hematoxyline- Eosin. Data were analyzed by the Pearson correlation tests.
Results: The serum levels of HDL-c were significantly correlated with the diameter of the leydig cells, testicular tubular area, germinal epithelium height, scrotal circumference and as well as serum levels of testosterone. Serum triglyceride and VLDL-c values were inversely correlated with the diameter of the leydig cells and germinal epithelium height. Furthermore, the serum triglycerides levels had significant positive correlation with the testis weight.
Conclusion: Based on this study, anatomical and histomorphometrical indices of the testis correlate positively with serum levels of HDL-c and also inversely correlate with the triglycerides and VLDL-c values in the male mice.

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Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a disorder which causes disorder in the ovulation and infertility in women. This study was design to investigate the effects of alcoholic extract of white Marrubum vulgare plant on the hormonal parameters model of polycystic ovarian syndrome in the adult female rats.
Materials and methods: In this experimental study, 48 adult female rats from wistar race with approximate weight of 180 to 200 grams were evaluated. The rats were divided into 6 groups of 8 numbers each randomly. Control group, sham group, experimental group 1 received 500 mg/kg of oral extract for 21 days, experimental group 2 PCOS, experimental group 3 (PCOS+500 mg/kg) and experimental group 4 (PCOS +1000mg/kg) were fed extract for 21 days. On the 22nd day, blood samples were collected from all the groups for measuring serum levels of LH, FSH, testosterone, estradiol and progesterone hormones using RIA.
Results: LH hormone serum level in the group of “PCOS+1000mg/kg” showed a significant reduction compared to PCOS. FSH hormone level did not show any difference in any groups, compared to control group and PCOS. The level of estradiol hormone in the group of PCOS+500mg/kg, PCOS +1000mg/kg revealed a significant reduction, compared to PCOS. Testosterone hormone level in the group of PCOS+1000mg/kg showed a significant reduction in comparison to PCOS, and finally the level of progesterone in the group of PCOS +500mg/kg and PCOS +1000mg/kg exhibited a significant reduction, compared to PCOS.
Conclusion: The results indicate that alcoholic extract of white Marrubium Vulgare improves hormonal parameters in polycystic ovarian syndrome.

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Background: Anabolic steroid drugs, especially dianabol, were used as energy producer drug for growth and enhancement of muscles in athletes. Using of anabolic-androgenic steroids among athletes is extended. However, there are limited information about the adverse effects of mentioned drugs on genital system. This study aimed to evaluation of protective effects of vitamin E against damages caused by dianabol on male genital system.
Materials and methods: In this experimental study, 72 male mice grouped randomly to one control group and seven experimental groups (n=9). Mice in experimental groups 1, 5, 6 and 7 received vitamin E with dose 100 IU/kgBW. Experimental groups 5, 6 and 7 were administrated dianabol with doses 5, 10 and 20 mg/kgBW after 4 hours of vitamin E reception. Mice in experimental groups 2, 3 and 4 received just dianabol with doses 5, 10 and 20 mg/kgBW. Administration method in all groups was orally by gavage for 42 days. 24 hours after last treatment, blood samples were collected from heart and sperm characteristics were evaluated.
Results: Results showed significant decrease in total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum; vitamin E administration remarkably improved above mentioned parameters. Also, vitamin E administration caused improvement in sperm parameters and blood testosterone level.
Conclusion: This study showed that vitamin E, as inhibitor of free radical, can decrease oxidative damages caused by dianabol.

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Background: Exercise is a factor that influences hormonal system. Therefore, the impact of one session concurrent severe resistance-endurance training with different orders was studied on serum cortisol, testosterone, insulin, and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) in female athletes.
Materials and methods: In this quasi-experimental study, from 20 volunteer healthy female body-builders of the city of Rash (mean age of 26.60±3.50 years and weight of 57.40±5.21 kg) 10 individuals were sampled purposively. The resistance training was carried out at 75–85% of 1 repetition maximum immediately followed by endurance training for 30 minutes using ergometer with 75-85% of maximum heart rate at one session. The blood sample was taken six times including before the training, immediately after resistance training, and after endurance training. Data were analyzed by analysis of Two-way analysis of variance with repeated measures. p<0.05 was set as significant level.
Results: There were no significant differences in six levels of exercise in cortisol (p=0.13), testosterone (p=0.09), insulin (p=0.11), and IGF-1 (p=0.13).
Conclusion: It seems that order of intense resistance and endurance exercises does not affect the response of cortisol, testosterone, insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) to athlete's women. Therefore, one session exercise training with the desired intensity is not an effective strategy for hormonal changes in athletic girls.

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Background: The use of testosterone enanthate has increased among athletes, especially in resistance disciplines. Considering the side effects of using testosterone enanthate, it seems necessary to find alternative methods. The present study compared the independent and interactive effects of resistance training, testosterone and palm pollen extract on mRNA expression of MFN2, FISS and DRP1 genes in male rat liver.
Materials and methods: In a experimental study, 30 male rats were divided into control groups, resistance training, date pollen extract, testosterone ethanate, consumption of date pollen extract + resistance training and testosterone etantate + resistance training. The interventions were applied based on the group name for four weeks. 48 hours after the last intervention, the liver tissue was investigated to measure the expression of MFN2, FISS and DRP1 genes.
Results: Exercise, testosterone and date pollen, each independently, increased the expression of MFN2 gene and decreased the expression of FISS and DRP1 genes in the liver. The simultaneous use of exercise and testosterone/palm pollen strengthened the effect of independent interventions; however, the synergistic effect was observed only on liver FISS gene expression compared to independent interventions.
Conclusion: According to the results of the groups consuming date pollen and testosterone, it seems that the use of each of them has caused a similar pattern of change in the variables of the present study; therefore, the use of date pollen may be a natural alternative to testosterone.
 

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Background: Due to lifestyle changes and increased anxiety consumption of zolpidem has increased among young people. Zolpidem is the second sleeping medication used in the world. the harmful effects of this drug on the reproductive system have been proven. The present study was conducted to evaluate the protective effects of vitamin E against zolpidem injuries on male reproductive system.
Materials and methods: In this experimental study forty eight adult male mice NMRI strain at a mean weight of 25±5 grams were divided into one control and seven experimental groups. Zolpidem was prepared in distilled water. The control group received distilled water (as solvent of zolpidem) The groups 1, 2 and 3 received zolpidem at the doses 5, 10 and 20 (mg/kg of body weight). The group of 4 received (100 IU/kg of body weight) vitamin E and the groups of 5,6 and 7 received Zolpidem+ vitamin E for 35 days. One day after the last gavage, the treatment groups were sacrificed, the hearts were dissected and blood samples were obtained. Then the sperm parameters MDA, TAC and testosterone were evaluated.
Results: Significant reduction in the count, motility, number of live and mature sperms at high doses were observed. DNA damage was increased, which vitamin E could result in improvement. The total antioxidant capacity and testosterone levels decreased while the amount of malondialdehyde level in the serum increased. Administration of Vitamin E improved MDA, TAC and testosterone level.
Conclusion: Zolpidem can increase the free radicals and weakens the body's antioxidant defense system, zolpidem causes disorders related to sperm parameters in high doses and therefore is able to impair the physiological function of male reproductive system. On the other hand, vitamin E, which is a fat-soluble antioxidant, can improve the damage and eliminate reproductive disorders.