<p>Camellia sinensis (tea) and Aspalathus linearis (rooibos) may improve reproductive function owing to their antioxidant properties. To test this<br /> hypothesis, male and female rats were given 2% and 5% green tea (Gt), black tea (Bt), unfermented rooibos (Ur) or fermented rooibos (Fr) as sole source of drinking for 52 and 21 days respectively. Control rats received tap water. In addition, TM3 Leydig cells were exposed to 0.025, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.5 % aqueous extracts of green tea, black tea, unfermented and fermented rooibos for 24h. In vitro analysis of tea and the herbal infusion revealed the phenolic property and antioxidant capacity (FRAP) in the order Gt &gt / Bt &gt / Ur &gt / Fr. Camellia sinensis and Aspalathus linearis revealed no significant effect on serum antioxidant capacity (p &gt / 0.05) and lipid peroxidation (MDA) in the kidney or liver in both male and female rats and in the testes of the male rats (p &gt / 0.05). In addition, the antioxidant levels were maintained in the testes, liver and kidneys in both the male and female rats. In the male rats, no significant alterations were observed in body weight gain, liver and reproductive organs weight, and serum testosterone (p &gt / 0.05). Only, 5% green tea significantly increased testosterone level (p &lt / 0.05). Seminiferous tubules displayed complete spermatogenesis with abundant sperm in the lumen in all treated groups. However, a significant decrease in diameter and germinal epithelial height of these tubules were observed (p &lt / 0.05). In the epididymides, epithelial height of caput region showed a significant increase (p &lt / 0.01), while the cauda region was increased by Camellia sinensis but decreased by Aspalathus linearis. Sperm concentration improved significantly by green tea and unfermented rooibos (p &lt / 0.05), while black tea and fermented rooibos produced a non significant effect (p &gt / 0.05). Sperm viability was enhanced in all treatment groups (p &lt / 0.05). Furthermore, green tea, black tea and unfermented rooibos significantly improved the motility of rat sperm (p &lt / 0.05) / fermented rooibos tended to improve it (p &gt / 0.05). In addition, green tea, black tea and fermented rooibos enhanced acrosome reaction (p &lt / 0.05). Creatinine activity was significantly higher in rats treated with black tea, unfermented rooibos or fermented rooibos (p &lt / 0.05), green tea tended to increase it (p &gt / 0.05) reflecting the significant increased kidney weight in the treatment groups at high concentrations. Liver markers, ALT and AST, decreased significantly in all treated groups (p &lt / 0.05), except in 5% fermented rooibos where a significant increase in AST level was observed (p &lt / 0.01). In the female rats, the body weight gain, and reproductive organs weight was no affected (p &gt / 0.05). However, 5% fermented rooibos reduced the ovarian weight (p &lt / 0.05), while 5% unfermented rooibos significantly increased the uterine weight (p &lt / 0.05). Liver weight increased significantly by black tea and unfermented rooibos (p &lt / 0.05) while the kidney weight increased significantly by 5% black tea (p &lt / 0.05). No significant effect was observed in the level of FSH produced, on the other hand, Camellia sinensis significantly lowered the level of LH (p &lt / 0.05), while Aspalathus linearis had no effect (p &gt / 0.05). Creatinine activity was enhanced significantly only by 5% fermented rooibos (p &lt / 0.05). Liver markers, ALT and AST were reduced in most treated groups except in fermented rooibos where an increase was observed. In addition, histological sections revealed no obvious alteration in the ovaries, uteri, kidneys and liver of all treated female rats. Camellia sinensis and Aspalathus linearis significantly reduced the level of testosterone produced in TM3 Leydig cells under stimulated conditions in vitro (p&lt / 0.05). Furthermore, both plants maintained the viability and morphology of the cells. However, at 0.5% of either plant extracts, a significant decrease in the viability (p &lt / 0.05) and altered morphology of the TM3 Leydig cells was observed. In conclusion, Camellia sinensis and Aspalathus linearis significantly improved certain sperm function which might be attributed to their high level of antioxidant activity. However, the prolonged exposure of both plant extracts might result in subtle structural changes in the male reproductive system and impair kidney function. In addition, fermented rooibos at high concentration may also impair the functions of the liver. In vitro, both plants were shown to possess anti-androgenic property on TM3 Leydig cells. Furthermore, both Camellia sinensis and Aspalathus linearis may be classified as weak phytoestrogens due to the changes in the weight of the uterus and ovaries observed.</p>

<p>Camellia sinensis (tea) and Aspalathus linearis (rooibos) may improve reproductive function owing to their antioxidant properties. To test this<br /> hypothesis, male and female rats were given 2% and 5% green tea (Gt), black tea (Bt), unfermented rooibos (Ur) or fermented rooibos (Fr) as sole source of drinking for 52 and 21 days respectively. Control rats received tap water. In addition, TM3 Leydig cells were exposed to 0.025, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.5 % aqueous extracts of green tea, black tea, unfermented and fermented rooibos for 24h. In vitro analysis of tea and the herbal infusion revealed the phenolic property and antioxidant capacity (FRAP) in the order Gt &gt / Bt &gt / Ur &gt / Fr. Camellia sinensis and Aspalathus linearis revealed no significant effect on serum antioxidant capacity (p &gt / 0.05) and lipid peroxidation (MDA) in the kidney or liver in both male and female rats and in the testes of the male rats (p &gt / 0.05). In addition, the antioxidant levels were maintained in the testes, liver and kidneys in both the male and female rats. In the male rats, no significant alterations were observed in body weight gain, liver and reproductive organs weight, and serum testosterone (p &gt / 0.05). Only, 5% green tea significantly increased testosterone level (p &lt / 0.05). Seminiferous tubules displayed complete spermatogenesis with abundant sperm in the lumen in all treated groups. However, a significant decrease in diameter and germinal epithelial height of these tubules were observed (p &lt / 0.05). In the epididymides, epithelial height of caput region showed a significant increase (p &lt / 0.01), while the cauda region was increased by Camellia sinensis but decreased by Aspalathus linearis. Sperm concentration improved significantly by green tea and unfermented rooibos (p &lt / 0.05), while black tea and fermented rooibos produced a non significant effect (p &gt / 0.05). Sperm viability was enhanced in all treatment groups (p &lt / 0.05). Furthermore, green tea, black tea and unfermented rooibos significantly improved the motility of rat sperm (p &lt / 0.05) / fermented rooibos tended to improve it (p &gt / 0.05). In addition, green tea, black tea and fermented rooibos enhanced acrosome reaction (p &lt / 0.05). Creatinine activity was significantly higher in rats treated with black tea, unfermented rooibos or fermented rooibos (p &lt / 0.05), green tea tended to increase it (p &gt / 0.05) reflecting the significant increased kidney weight in the treatment groups at high concentrations. Liver markers, ALT and AST, decreased significantly in all treated groups (p &lt / 0.05), except in 5% fermented rooibos where a significant increase in AST level was observed (p &lt / 0.01). In the female rats, the body weight gain, and reproductive organs weight was no affected (p &gt / 0.05). However, 5% fermented rooibos reduced the ovarian weight (p &lt / 0.05), while 5% unfermented rooibos significantly increased the uterine weight (p &lt / 0.05). Liver weight increased significantly by black tea and unfermented rooibos (p &lt / 0.05) while the kidney weight increased significantly by 5% black tea (p &lt / 0.05). No significant effect was observed in the level of FSH produced, on the other hand, Camellia sinensis significantly lowered the level of LH (p &lt / 0.05), while Aspalathus linearis had no effect (p &gt / 0.05). Creatinine activity was enhanced significantly only by 5% fermented rooibos (p &lt / 0.05). Liver markers, ALT and AST were reduced in most treated groups except in fermented rooibos where an increase was observed. In addition, histological sections revealed no obvious alteration in the ovaries, uteri, kidneys and liver of all treated female rats. Camellia sinensis and Aspalathus linearis significantly reduced the level of testosterone produced in TM3 Leydig cells under stimulated conditions in vitro (p&lt / 0.05). Furthermore, both plants maintained the viability and morphology of the cells. However, at 0.5% of either plant extracts, a significant decrease in the viability (p &lt / 0.05) and altered morphology of the TM3 Leydig cells was observed. In conclusion, Camellia sinensis and Aspalathus linearis significantly improved certain sperm function which might be attributed to their high level of antioxidant activity. However, the prolonged exposure of both plant extracts might result in subtle structural changes in the male reproductive system and impair kidney function. In addition, fermented rooibos at high concentration may also impair the functions of the liver. In vitro, both plants were shown to possess anti-androgenic property on TM3 Leydig cells. Furthermore, both Camellia sinensis and Aspalathus linearis may be classified as weak phytoestrogens due to the changes in the weight of the uterus and ovaries observed.</p>

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / Camellia sinensis (tea) and Aspalathus linearis (rooibos) may improve reproductive function owing to their antioxidant properties. To test this hypothesis, male and female rats were given 2% and 5% green tea (Gt), black tea (Bt), unfermented rooibos (Ur) or fermented rooibos (Fr) as sole source of drinking for 52 and 21 days respectively. Control rats received tap water. In addition, TM3 Leydig cells were exposed to 0.025, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.5 % aqueous extracts of green tea, black tea, unfermented and fermented rooibos for 24h. In vitro analysis of tea and the herbal infusion revealed the phenolic property and antioxidant capacity (FRAP) in the order Gt > Bt > Ur > Fr. Camellia sinensis and Aspalathus linearis revealed no significant effect on serum antioxidant capacity (p > 0.05) and lipid peroxidation (MDA) in the kidney or liver in both male and female rats and in the testes of the male rats (p > 0.05). In addition, the antioxidant levels were maintained in the testes, liver and kidneys in both the male and female rats. In the male rats, no significant alterations were observed in body weight gain, liver and reproductive organs weight, and serum testosterone (p > 0.05). Only, 5% green tea significantly increased testosterone level (p < 0.05). Seminiferous tubules displayed complete spermatogenesis with abundant sperm in the lumen in all treated groups. However, a significant decrease in diameter and germinal epithelial height of these tubules were observed (p < 0.05). In the epididymides, epithelial height of caput region showed a significant increase (p < 0.01), while the cauda region was increased by Camellia sinensis but decreased by Aspalathus linearis. Sperm concentration improved significantly by green tea and unfermented rooibos (p < 0.05), while black tea and fermented rooibos produced a non significant effect (p > 0.05). Sperm viability was enhanced in all treatment groups (p < 0.05). Furthermore, green tea, black tea and unfermented rooibos significantly improved the motility of rat sperm (p < 0.05); fermented rooibos tended to improve it (p > 0.05). In addition, green tea, black tea and fermented rooibos enhanced acrosome reaction (p < 0.05). Creatinine activity was significantly higher in rats treated with black tea, unfermented rooibos or fermented rooibos (p < 0.05), green tea tended to increase it (p > 0.05) reflecting the significant increased kidney weight in the treatment groups at high concentrations. Liver markers, ALT and AST, decreased significantly in all treated groups (p < 0.05), except in 5% fermented rooibos where a significant increase in AST level was observed (p < 0.01). In the female rats, the body weight gain, and reproductive organs weight was no affected (p > 0.05). However, 5% fermented rooibos reduced the ovarian weight (p < 0.05), while 5% unfermented rooibos significantly increased the uterine weight (p < 0.05). Liver weight increased significantly by black tea and unfermented rooibos (p < 0.05) while the kidney weight increased significantly by 5% black tea (p < 0.05). No significant effect was observed in the level of FSH produced, on the other hand, Camellia sinensis significantly lowered the level of LH (p < 0.05), while Aspalathus linearis had no effect (p > 0.05). Creatinine activity was enhanced significantly only by 5% fermented rooibos (p < 0.05). Liver markers, ALT and AST were reduced in most treated groups except in fermented rooibos where an increase was observed. In addition, histological sections revealed no obvious alteration in the ovaries, uteri, kidneys and liver of all treated female rats. Camellia sinensis and Aspalathus linearis significantly reduced the level of testosterone produced in TM3 Leydig cells under stimulated conditions in vitro (p< 0.05). Furthermore, both plants maintained the viability and morphology of the cells. However, at 0.5% of either plant extracts, a significant decrease in the viability (p < 0.05) and altered morphology of the TM3 Leydig cells was observed. In conclusion, Camellia sinensis and Aspalathus linearis significantly improved certain sperm function which might be attributed to their high level of antioxidant activity. However, the prolonged exposure of both plant extracts might result in subtle structural changes in the male reproductive system and impair kidney function. In addition, fermented rooibos at high concentration may also impair the functions of the liver. In vitro, both plants were shown to possess anti-androgenic property on TM3 Leydig cells. Furthermore, both Camellia sinensis and Aspalathus linearis may be classified as weak phytoestrogens due to the changes in the weight of the uterus and ovaries observed. / South Africa

Made available in DSpace on 2016-12-23T13:53:40Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Cesar Otaviano Penna Junior.pdf: 505984 bytes, checksum: cd67e240dbaac144ea465c0209566a1b (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010-08-30 / The cross-breeding derived from specialized milk producing European breeds with zebu breeds that are adapted to tropical conditions form the basis of the majority of Brazil s milk producing systems. However, researches regarding the metabolic profile (MP) for bovine dairy cows focus on pure breeds coming mostly from temperate to subtropical regions. Therefore, the behaviour of the hematobiochemical components indicators on the energy metabolism in second calving rate order ½ and ¾ Holstein x Gir (HG) dairy cows, in two stages of lactation, became the object of the evaluation, as well as to determine its relationship with body condition (BCS) and milk production during the dry season in tropical environment. The experiment was conducted at Santa Luzia Farm, located in Minas Gerais - Brazil. This study used data collected in the months of May and August 2009 from 37 ½ HG cows and 35 ¾ HG cows. By our definition studies were focused on two lactation periods, the first being from 28 to 60 days (P1 lactation) and the second from 110 to130 days (P2 of lactation). The cows received complete feed in the trough. The biochemical indicators of the metabolic energy profile were analyzed through the beta-hydroxybutyrate (βHB), cholesterol and the enzyme Aspartate transaminase (AST) quantifications. The metabolite average values, with their standard errors, analyzed by Student test, were established for both blood degrees, in their respective lactation periods. Given the scarcity of information on reference values for the genetic group investigated in this study, reference values were methodically sought from studies using larger number of variables equal to the present study. There were statistical differences between the periods for βHB, milk production and BCS, whereas the other parameters did not differ for cows ½ and ¾ HG. There were statistical differences between the periods in βHB, milk production and BCS, whereas the other parameters did not differ for ½ and ¾ HG cows. Between blood degrees, the statistical differences occurred within each period concerning the βHB and milk production parameters and no other differences occurred in relation to the remaining parameters. Having obtained the results and taking the conditions to which the animals were exposed in this study into consideration, we have concluded that the genetic groups were effective in sustaining their respective levels of milk production without experiencing complications of metabolic order. We suggest such studies to be continuated as to equate Reference Values / Os cruzamentos derivados de raças européias especializadas para produção de leite com raças zebuínas adaptadas às condições tropicais formam a base da maioria dos sistemas de produção de leite no Brasil. Porém, verifica-se que os estudos a respeito de perfil metabólico (PM) para vacas bovinas leiteiras se concentram em raças puras, em sua grande maioria em regiões de clima temperado ou subtropical. Assim, com a revisão objetivou-se destacar a importância do uso do Perfil Metabólico energético na avaliação do desempenho produtivo de vacas leiteiras, seja no quesito nutricional, seja nas questões relacionadas ao diagnóstico e prevenção de transtornos de ordem metabólica nutricional e com a pesquisa aferir os valores e avaliar o comportamento dos marcadores bioquímicos energéticos entre dois períodos da lactação e entre diferentes graus genéticos de vacas HG de 2ª OP, no período da seca, em região tropical. O experimento foi realizado na Fazenda Santa Luzia, localizada no Estado de Minas Gerais Brasil. Foram utilizados dados coletados nos meses de maio e agosto de 2009, provenientes de 37 vacas ½ HG e 35 vacas ¾ HG. Definiu-se concentrar os estudos em dois períodos da lactação, sendo o primeiro de 28 a 60 dias (P1 da lactação) e o segundo de 110 a 130 dias (P2 da lactação). As vacas receberam ração total. Foram analisados os indicadores bioquímicos do perfil metabólico energético por meio da quantificação do Beta-hidroxibutirato (βHB), do colesterol e da enzima Aspartato transaminase (AST). Os valores médios dos metabólitos, com seus erros-padrão, analisados pelo teste t de Student, foram estabelecidos para ambos os graus de sangue, nos respectivos períodos da lactação. Dada a escassez de informações sobre valores referenciais para o grupo genético investigado nesse estudo, metodologicamente buscaram-se valores referenciais de estudos que utilizaram o maior número de variáveis iguais ao do presente trabalho. Ocorreram diferenças estatísticas (p<0,05) entre períodos para βHB, produção de leite e ECC, enquanto que os demais parâmetros não apresentaram diferenças (p>0,05) para vacas ½ e ¾ HG. Entre graus de sangue, as diferenças estatísticas (p<0,05) ocorreram dentro de cada período para os parâmetros βHB e produção de leite, não tendo ocorrido diferenças (p>0,05) para os demais parâmetros. Aferidos os valores, conclui-se que para as condições a que foram submetidos os animais no presente estudo, os grupos genéticos foram eficientes para sustentarem seus respectivos níveis de produção de leite, sem apresentarem complicações de ordem metabólica. Sugere-se a continuidade de estudos dessa natureza para equacionar Valores de Referência