Single injection of very mild dose botulinum toxin in the vastus lateralis improves testicular spermatogenesis and sperm motility in ageing experimental mice

Abstract

Background Botulinum toxin (BoNT) is a widely used therapeutic agent that blocks the excessive release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction. Previously, repeated intracremasteric injections and slight overdose of BoNT have been reported to induce adverse effects in the testicular parameter of experimental rodents. However, a mild dose of BoNT is highly beneficial against skin ageing, neuromuscular deficits, overactive urinary bladder problems, testicular pain and erectile dysfunctions. Considering the facts, the possible therapeutic benefits of BoNT on the testis might be achieved at a very minimal dosage and via a distal route of action. Therefore, we revisited the effect of BoNT, but with a trace amount injected into the vastus lateralis of the thigh muscle, and analyzed histological parameters of the testis, levels of key antioxidants and sperm parameters in ageing experimental mice. Results Experimental animals injected with 1 U/kg bodyweight of BoNT showed enhanced spermatogenesis in association with increased activities of key antioxidants in the testis, leading to enhanced amount of the total sperm count and progressive motility. Conclusions This study signifies that a mild intramuscular dose of BoNT can be considered as a potent treatment strategy to manage and prevent male infertility.

Omega 3 fatty acid improves sexual and erectile function in BPF-treated rats by upregulating NO/cGMP signaling and steroidogenic enzymes activities

“…On the other hand, BPF-induced decline in AChE activities could be a result of oxidative stress 37 , 43 since hydroxyl radicals are involved in AChE inhibition 44 . The observed BPF-induced reduction in AChE will eventually leads to the accumulation of ACh which has also been shown to increase oxidative damage 45 , 46 . Furthermore, increase in ACh also inhibit GnRH secretion which in turn leads to a decrease in libido by impairing the activities of the HPG axis 47 .…”

Carbamate Pesticides: Shedding Light on Their Impact on the Male Reproductive System

“…The direct effects of carbamates exposure to the testicular function, spermatogenesis, and sperm function, however, remains to be disclosed. Radhakrishnan et al reported that elevated concentrations of ACh induced oxidative stress in the testis, thus diminishing sperm motility [ 35 ]. This outcome was found, however, to be reverted by a mild intramuscular dose of Botulinum toxin in the inferior spermatic nerve plexus, a place known to regulate steroidogenesis [ 35 ].…”

“…Radhakrishnan et al reported that elevated concentrations of ACh induced oxidative stress in the testis, thus diminishing sperm motility [ 35 ]. This outcome was found, however, to be reverted by a mild intramuscular dose of Botulinum toxin in the inferior spermatic nerve plexus, a place known to regulate steroidogenesis [ 35 ]. The Botulinum toxin acts through the cleavage of the SNARE proteins, preventing the release of ACh vesicles [ 36 ].…”