Research and Review Articles by Pallav Sengupta, PhD
The World Journal of Men's Health
The use of antioxidants is common practice in the management of infertile patients. However, ther... more The use of antioxidants is common practice in the management of infertile patients. However, there are no established guidelines by professional societies on antioxidant use for male infertility. Materials and Methods: Materials and Methods: Using an online survey, this study aimed to evaluate the practice pattern of reproductive specialists to determine the clinical utility of oxidative stress (OS) testing and antioxidant prescriptions to treat male infertility. Results: Results: Responses from 1,327 participants representing 6 continents, showed the largest participant representation being from Asia (46.8%). The majority of participants were attending physicians (59.6%), with 61.3% having more than 10 years of experience in the field of male infertility. Approximately two-thirds of clinicians (65.7%) participated in this survey did not order any diagnostic tests for OS. Sperm DNA fragmentation was the most common infertility test beyond a semen analysis that was prescribed to study oxidative stress-related dysfunctions (53.4%). OS was mainly tested in the presence of lifestyle risk factors (24.6%) or sperm abnormalities (16.3%). Interestingly, antioxidants were prescribed by 85.6% of clinicians, for a duration of 3 (43.7%) or 3-6 months (38.6%). A large variety of antioxidants and dietary supplements were prescribed, and scientific evidence were mostly considered to be modest to support their clinical use. Results were not influenced by the physician's age, geographic origen, experience or training in male infertility. Conclusions: Conclusions: This study is the largest online survey performed to date on this topic and demonstrates 1) a worldwide understanding of the importance of this therapeutic option, and 2) a widely prevalent use of antioxidants to treat male infertility. Finally, the necessity of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines from professional societies is highlighted.
The available information on the effect of excess dietary magnesium on male reproduction is inade... more The available information on the effect of excess dietary magnesium on male reproduction is inadequate, though consumption of hard water rich in magnesium salt is not uncommon in many geographical areas. The present study has thus been undertaken to evaluate the morphological as well as cytological and functional changes in testis of magnesium administered sexually mature male Wistar rats. Significant increase in the activities of androgenic enzymes viz. ∆ 5 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase with concomitant increase in serum testosterone level, followed by progressive development in cytoarchitechture of genital organs, without any significant alteration in quantitative spermatogenesis were observed. The results were more marked in the groups treated for longer duration. The results further suggests that the changes that occurred after excessive magnesium in testis were not for the enhanced adrenocortical activities or for the generation of oxidative stress in reproductive organs, but for the direct action of excess magnesium on male gonads. Magnesium supplementation thus has an apparent beneficial effect on male gonadal system.
Earlier findings from our laboratory had reported the possible nexus between hard water consumpti... more Earlier findings from our laboratory had reported the possible nexus between hard water consumption and thyroid gland enlargement in environmentally iodine sufficient regions. Experimental models were developed to study the intricate details of that report in in vivo and in vitro methods. Adult male albino Wistar strain rats were subjected to different doses of CaCl2 -the most predominant component of hard water, for 60 days, to study the parameters including body weight; thyroid gland weight and its histoarchitecture, thyroid peroxidase (TPO), thyroidal Na+-K+-ATPase, thyroidal 5’ -deiodinase type I (DI), serum total T4, T3, TSH. Isolated thyroid glands were subjected to graded concentrations of CaCl2 in vitro to investigate the enzyme activity patterns. Significant (P< 0.05) alterations were found in body weight, thyroid gland weight, enzyme activities viz., TPO, Na+-K+-ATPase and DI, hormone levels viz., T4, T3 and TSH in the Ca treated groups in a dose-dependent fashion when ...
Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology, 2021
Climate change is an incessant global phenomenon and has turned contentious in the present centur... more Climate change is an incessant global phenomenon and has turned contentious in the present century. Malaysia, a developing Asian country, has also undergone significant vicissitudes in climate, which has been projected with significant deviations in forthcoming decades. As per the available studies, climate changes may impact on the fertility, either via direct effects on the gonadal functions and neuroendocrine regulations or via several indirect effects on health, socioeconomic status, demeaning the quality of food and water. Malaysia is already observing a declining trend in the Total fertility rate (TFR) over the past few decades and is currently recorded below the replacement level of 2.1 which is insufficient to replace the present population. Moreover, climate changes reportedly play a role in the emergence and cessation of various infectious diseases. Besides its immediate effects, the long-term effects on health and fertility await to be unveiled. Despite the huge magnitude...
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Inflammation is among the core causatives of male infertility. Despite male infertility being a s... more Inflammation is among the core causatives of male infertility. Despite male infertility being a serious global issue, “bits and pieces” of its complex etiopathology still remain missing. During inflammation, levels of proinflammatory mediators in the male reproductive tract are greater than usual. According to epidemiological research, in numerous cases of male infertility, patients suffer from acute or chronic inflammation of the genitourinary tract which typically occurs without symptoms. Inflammatory responses in the male genital system are inextricably linked to oxidative stress (OS). OS is detrimental to male fertility parameters as it causes oxidative damage to reproductive cells and intracellular components. Multifarious male infertility causative factors pave the way for impairing male reproductive functions via the common mechanisms of OS and inflammation, both of which are interlinked pathophysiological processes, and the occurrence of any one of them induces the other. Bo...
Indian journal of experimental biology, 2013
The available information on the effect of excess dietary magnesium on male reproduction is inade... more The available information on the effect of excess dietary magnesium on male reproduction is inadequate, though consumption of hard water rich in magnesium salt is not uncommon in many geographical areas. The present study has thus been undertaken to evaluate the morphological as well as cytological and functional changes in testis of magnesium administered sexually mature male Wistar rats. Significant increase in the activities of androgenic enzymes viz. delta(5)3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase with concomitant increase in serum testosterone level, followed by progressive development in cytoarchitechture of genital organs, without any significant alteration in quantitative spermatogenesis were observed. The results were more marked in the groups treated for longer duration. The results further suggests that the changes that occurred after excessive magnesium in testis were not for the enhanced adrenocortical activities or for the generation ...
Background: Recent advancements and growing health awareness have rendered human being to expose ... more Background: Recent advancements and growing health awareness have rendered human being to expose excess calcium and magnesium from natural as well as anthropogenic sources. Hypothesis: Epidemiological studies reported from our laboratory showed hard water (containing relatively high calcium and magnesium) responsible for etiopathogenesis of endemic goiter, suggesting these as modulator of thyroid function through hypothalamo-pituitary-thyroidal axis. An approach to get insight into this intricate mechanistic aspect is the objective of this study. Materials and Methods: Adult male albino rats (Wistar strain) were subjected to of calcium (CaCl2) and magnesium (MgSO4) exposure at selected doses for different durations and a comparative assessment was made by the assay of TSH, T3 and T4 followed by thyroidal parameters as thyroid gland weight, its histoarchitecture along with TPO, Na+-K+-ATPase, DI activities. Results: The results showed that both calcium and magnesium altered thyroid g...
Indian Journal of Experimental Biology, 2013
The available information on the effect of excess dietary magnesium on male reproduction is inade... more The available information on the effect of excess dietary magnesium on male reproduction is inadequate, though consumption of hard water rich in magnesium salt is not uncommon in many geographical areas. The present study has thus been undertaken to evaluate the morphological as well as cytological and functional changes in testis of magnesium administered sexually mature male Wistar rats. Significant increase in the activities of androgenic enzymes viz. ∆ 5 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase with concomitant increase in serum testosterone level, followed by progressive development in cytoarchitechture of genital organs, without any significant alteration in quantitative spermatogenesis were observed. The results were more marked in the groups treated for longer duration. The results further suggests that the changes that occurred after excessive magnesium in testis were not for the enhanced adrenocortical activities or for the generation of oxidative stress in reproductive organs, but for the direct action of excess magnesium on male gonads. Magnesium supplementation thus has an apparent beneficial effect on male gonadal system.
International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2014
Yoga is the Sanskrit word for 'union', and through the practice of yoga the mind, body and breath... more Yoga is the Sanskrit word for 'union', and through the practice of yoga the mind, body and breath are united. During pregnancy one lives and breathes with her baby and the baby becomes aware of her thoughts, movements and emotions; so it seems only natural that these should be included in yoga practice. These changes are reflected and supported by the practices of affirmation, meditation, pranayama (breathing techniques) and asana (poses) to help to unite with the baby through mind, body and breath. By deepening the awareness of the growing baby in this way, one can enhance and embrace all the stages of pregnancy and prepare herself mentally, physically and emotionally for labor, giving birth, and motherhood.
The World Journal of Men's Health
Microtubules are the prime component of the cytoskeleton along with microfilaments. Being vital f... more Microtubules are the prime component of the cytoskeleton along with microfilaments. Being vital for organelle transport and cellular divisions during spermatogenesis and sperm motility process, microtubules ascertain functional capacity of sperm. Also, microtubule based structures such as axoneme and manchette are crucial for sperm head and tail formation. This review (a) presents a concise, yet detailed structural overview of the microtubules, (b) analyses the role of microtubule structures in various male reproductive functions, and (c) presents the association of microtubular dysfunctions with male infertility. Considering the immense importance of microtubule structures in the formation and maintenance of physiological functions of sperm cells, this review serves as a scientific trigger in stimulating further male infertility research in this direction.
Asian Pacific Journal of Reproduction
International Reviews of Immunology
Pregnancy, a challenging physiological state, requires shuffling of conventional immune work-sets... more Pregnancy, a challenging physiological state, requires shuffling of conventional immune work-sets. Strategies to tolerate the semi-allogenic fetus in normal human pregnancy are multivariate with perfect modulation of the immune cells. Pregnancy is marked by B cell lymphocytopenia accompanied by reduced responsiveness to infectious agents. Besides this old age concept, plenty of research confirms that B cells have other crucial roles in pregnancy and undergo a wide range of modifications in terms of its proliferation, switching between its subtypes, variation in antibody productions, shifting the tides of cytokines as well as regulating other immune cells. B cells establish tolerant environment in pregnancy by producing protective antibodies to encounter the foreign paternal antigens. Regulatory B cells (Bregs) have adopted anti-inflammatory characteristics to sustain normal pregnancy. Moreover, the colossal physiological alterations during human pregnancy also include synchronized changes in the cross-talks between the pregnancy hormones and B cells. These aspects of pregnancy from the view point of B cell functions have so far appeared individually in discrete reports. This review finds its novelty in concisely presenting every facet of association of B cell with human pregnancy. ARTICLE HISTORY
International Journal of Reproductive BioMedicine (IJRM)
Background: The three-parent assisted reproductive technique may increase oocyte competence. Obje... more Background: The three-parent assisted reproductive technique may increase oocyte competence. Objective: In this case-control study, the suitability of germinal vesicle transfer (GVT), synchronous ooplasmic transfer (sOT), asynchronous ooplasmic transfer using cryopreserved MII oocyte (caOT), and asynchronous ooplasmic transfer using waste MII oocyte (waOT) for maturation of the human-aged non-surrounded nucleolus germinal vesicle-stage (NSN-GV) oocyte were investigated. Materials and Methods: NSN-GV oocytes were subjected to four methods: group A (GVT), B (sOT), C (caOT) D (waOT), and E (Control). The fusion rates, MI, MII, ICSI observations and cleavage at 2-cell, 4-cell, and 8-cell stages were compared in the groups. Results: In GVT, none of the oocytes fused. In sOT, all oocytes fused, 20 achieved the MI, 14 progressed to MII, 8 fertilized, 6 cleaved and 5, 4, and 3 achieved the 2- cells, 4-cells and 8-cells, respectively. In caOT, all oocytes fused and achieved the MI, 8 progres...
Biological Trace Element Research
Human Fertility
Men show higher vulnerability to severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) inf... more Men show higher vulnerability to severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection (COVID-19) and present with depleted testosterone levels. Reports pertaining to high luteinizing hormone (LH), while diminished levels of in COVID-19 patients negate the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis mediated lowering of testosterone. Although not evidenced, high testicular expression of angiotensin-converting enzymes-2 (ACE2), that aids viral entry into cells, may suggest direct viral-testicular invasion. However, secondary inflammation and oxidative stress (OS), owing to SARS-CoV-2 infection, are more likely to impair steroidogenesis. Moreover, blockage of ACE2 aided angiotensin II into angiotensin (1-7) conversion may also affect testosterone synthesis. SARS-CoV-2, by mimicking adrenocorticotrophic (ACTH) hormones, may trigger host antibodies against the ACTH molecules to suppress host stress response. This commentary concisely presents the possible mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 infection may affect testosterone levels, which possibly result in compromised male reproductive health.
Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
Male infertility has a complex etiopathology, which mostly remains elusive. Although research has... more Male infertility has a complex etiopathology, which mostly remains elusive. Although research has claimed that oxidative stress (OS) is the most likely underlying mechanism of idiopathic male infertility, the specific treatment of OS-mediated male infertility requires further investigation. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a vitamin-like substance, has been found in measurable levels in human semen. It exhibits essential metabolic and antioxidant functions, as well as playing a vital role in mitochondrial bioenergetics. Thus, CoQ10 may be a key player in the maintenance of biological redox balance. CoQ10 concentrations in seminal plasma directly correlate with semen parameters, especially sperm count and sperm motility. Seminal CoQ10 concentrations have been shown to be altered in various male infertility states, such as varicocele, asthenozoospermia, and medical or surgical regimens used to treat male infertility. These observations imply that CoQ10 plays an important physiological role in th...
Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
Objective: Oxidative stress (OS) plays a key role in the etiology of unexplained male infertility... more Objective: Oxidative stress (OS) plays a key role in the etiology of unexplained male infertility. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a potent antioxidant that may improve semen quality and OS in infertile men with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratospermia (OAT), but the underlying mechanism is unknown. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of CoQ10 on OS markers and sperm DNA damage in infertile patients with idiopathic OAT. Methods: This prospective controlled study included 50 patients with idiopathic OAT and 50 fertile men who served as controls. All patients underwent a comprehensive medical assessment. Patients and controls received 200 mg of oral CoQ10 once daily for 3 months. Semen and blood were collected and analyzed for sperm parameters, seminal CoQ10 levels, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, total antioxidant capacity, catalase, sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF), and serum hormonal profile. Results: The administration of CoQ10 to patients with idiopathic ...
The World Journal of Men's Health
The World Journal of Men's Health
Retrograde ejaculation (RE) is a condition defined as the backward flow of the semen during ejacu... more Retrograde ejaculation (RE) is a condition defined as the backward flow of the semen during ejaculation, and when present can result in male infertility. RE may be partial or complete, resulting in either low seminal volume or complete absence of the ejaculate (dry ejaculate). RE can result from anatomic, neurological or pharmacological conditions. The treatment approaches outlined are determined by the cause. Alkalinizing urinary pH with oral medications or by adding sperm wash media into the bladder prior to ejaculation may preserve the viability of the sperm. This article provides a step-by-step guide to diagnose RE and the optimal techniques to retrieve sperm.
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Research and Review Articles by Pallav Sengupta, PhD
Hypothesis: Epidemiological studies reported from our laboratory showed hard water (containing relatively high calcium and magnesium) responsible for etiopathogenesis of endemic goiter, suggesting these as modulator of thyroid function through hypothalamo-pituitary-thyroidal axis. An approach to get insight into this intricate mechanistic aspect is the objective of this study.
Materials and Methods: Adult male albino rats (Wistar strain) were subjected to of calcium (CaCl2) and magnesium (MgSO4) exposure at selected doses for different durations and a comparative assessment was made by the assay of TSH, T3 and T4 followed by thyroidal parameters as thyroid gland weight, its histoarchitecture along with TPO, Na+-K+-ATPase, DI activities.
Results: The results showed that both calcium and magnesium altered thyroid gland weight thyroid histoarchitecture associated with thyroid hormone synthesizing enzymes namely Na+-K+-ATPase activities, TPO activities and thyroid hormone profiles (TSH, T3 and T4).
Discussion: Calcium and magnesium modulate hypothalamo-pituitary-thyroid axis evidenced by thyroid hormone profiles (T4, T3 and TSH) along with the activities of TPO, Na+-K+-ATPase and DI. The overall results indicate prolonged exposure to calcium and magnesium at relatively high doses renders the animals to thyroid disruption. This study reaffirms our earlier epidemiological findings of potent deleterious effects of excess calcium and magnesium on thyroid status challenging the recent trend of indiscriminate use of them, especially in the form of supplements.
Hypothesis: Available literature on the effect of excess magnesium on male reproductive system is scanty. Therefore to elucidate the effect of excess dietary magnesium on the alteration in male reproductive system as well as the generation of oxidative stress has been undertaken in this investigation.
Materials and Methods: Adult male Wister strain rats were fed with MgSO4 at different doses for 13 and 26 days respectively. Effect of magnesium supplementation was estimated by using parameters like relative weights of testicular and accessory sex organs, sperm count, serum testosterone, LH & FSH levels, steroidogenic enzymes activities (testicular and adrenal Δ5 3β-HSD & testicular 17β-HSD) and testicular histoarchitecture. Induction of oxidative stress has been evaluated by testicular lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes profile (SOD and catalase).
Results: A significant increase was observed in testicular steroidogenic enzymes activities followed by serum testosterone level and other reproductive parameters (P<0.05), however, excess magnesium was found to cause reduction in oxidative stress in testis of rats as noted by reduced rate of lipid peroxidation.
Discussion: Overall finding depicts magnesium supplementation boosts male reproductive activity and reduces oxidative stress. "
Methods: To conduct the study adult male Wister strain rats (90days of age) were fed with CaCl2 and MgSO4 at doses 1.0 gm and 1.5 gm % per day for 60 days. Anti-gonadal effect of these salts was estimated using the parameters like relative testicular weight, relative weight of accessory sex organs, epididymal sperm count, serum testosterone level, testicular steroidogenic enzymes activities (Δ5 3β-Hydroxy Steroid Dehydrogenase & 17β-Hydroxy Steroid Dehydrogenase) and testicular histoarchitechture.
Results: Significant reduction in testicular and accessory sex organs weights, along with inhibition of Δ5 3β-HSD & 17β-HSD activity and diminution in serum testosterone level, were observed in both the doses of CaCl2. The degree of inhibition in all the parameters was increased dose-dependently. But in case of MgSO4 treated rats significant increase in the activities of steroidogenic enzyme activities was found in the dose of 1.5gm % per day, but no such alteration was noticed in dose of 1.0gm % per day.
Interpretation and Conclusion: All these findings establish that long term consumption of calcium salt produces suppressive effect on testicular status mainly on testicular weight, accessory sex organ weight and steroidogenesis in dose-dependant manner, whereas magnesium treatment showed positive association with male gonadal system in high dose.
Methods: To investigate anti-testicular effect of excess dietary calcium chloride adult Wister strain albino rats (90days of age) were fed with CaCl2 at doses 1.0 gm and 1.5 gm/100 gm of diet/day for 60 days. Induction of chemo-sterilization was measured using the parameters like relative testicular weight, relative weight of accessory sex organs, epididymal sperm count, serum testosterone level, testicular steroidogenic enzymes (Δ 5 3β-Hydroxy Steroid Dehydrogenase & 17β-Hydroxy Steroid Dehydrogenase) and testicular architecture.
Results: Significant reduction in testicular and accessory sex organs weights, along with inhibition of Δ 5 3β-HSD & 17β-HSD activity and diminution in serum testosterone level, were observed in both the doses. The degree of inhibition in all the parameters was increased dose-dependently.
Interpretation and Conclusion: Results suggest excess dietary calcium chloride produces suppressive effect on testicular activity mainly on testicular weight and steroidogenesis and accessory sex organ weight in dose-dependant manner.
(rat) model. Adult, male, albino, Wistar strain rats were subjected to dose and durationdependent in vivo and in vitro treatments with both hard water i.e., combination of high calcium (CaCl2)-magnesium (MgSO4) as well as individual calcium (CaCl2) and the following parameters were assessed-body weight; thyroid gland weight and histology; TPO, Na+-K+-
ATPase, DI enzyme activities; serum TSH, total T4 and T3 hormone levels. Significantly (p<0.05) restricted body weight gain; increased thyroid gland weight with hypertrophic and
hyperplastic changes; inhibited TPO and DI but stimulated Na+-K+-ATPase activities, increased serum TSH and T4 but decreased T3 levels were observed in both the experimental groups as compared to their respective controls. All these results indicated that hard water mediated pathophysiological modulations in thyroid are actually induced by high calcium, its predominant component.""