Browsing by Author "Henkel, Ralf"
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Item Association between promoter methylation of MLH1 and MSH2 and reactive oxygen species in oligozoospermic men—A pilot study(Wiley, 2017) Gunes, S.; Agarwal, A.; Henkel, Ralf; Sharma, Rajan; Esteves, S.C.; Aljowair, A.; Emirzeoglu, D.; Alkhani, A.; Pelegrini, L.; Joumah, A.; Sabanegh, E.; Mahmutoglu, A.M.MLH1 and MSH2 are important genes for DNA mismatch repair and crossing over during meiosis and are implicated in male infertility. Therefore, the methylation patterns of the DNA mismatch repair genes MLH1 and MSH2 in oligozoospermic males were investigated. Ten oligozoospermic patients and 29 normozoospermic donors were analysed. Methylation profiles of the MLH1 and MSH2 promotors were analysed. In addition, sperm motility and seminal reactive oxygen species (ROS) were recorded. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was conducted to determine the accuracy of the DNA methylation status of MLH1 and MSH2 to distinguish between oligozoospermic and normozoospermic men. In oligozoospermic men, MLH1 was significantly (p = .0013) more methylated compared to normozoospermic men. Additionally, there was a significant positive association (r = .384; p = .0159) between seminal ROS levels and MLH1 methylation. Contrary, no association between MSH2 methylation and oligozoospermia was found. ROC curve analysis for methylation status of MLH1 was significant (p = .0275) with an area under the curve of 61.1%, a sensitivity of 22.2% and a specificity of 100.0%. This pilot study indicates oligozoospermic patients have more methylation of MLH1 than normozoospermic patients. Whether hypermethylation of the MLH1 promoter plays a role in repairing relevant mismatches of sperm DNA strands in idiopathic oligozoospermia warrants further investigation.Item Automation of human semen analysis using a novel artificial intelligence optical microscopic technology(Wiley Online Library, 2019) Henkel, RalfCurrent semen analysis still commonly depends on a manual microscopy method in clinical laboratories worldwide. However, some of the major disadvantages of this technique are that it is labour‐intensive, subjective, laboratory‐based and time‐consuming. Although computer‐assisted semen analysers (CASAs) have enabled partial automation of routine semen analysis, they lack wider acceptance due to their complicated operationItem Bibliometrics: tracking research impact by selecting the appropriate metrics(Medknow Publications, 2016) Henkel, RalfTraditionally, the success of a researcher is assessed by the number of publications he or she publishes in peer-reviewed, indexed, high impact journals. This essential yardstick, often referred to as the impact of a specific researcher, is assessed through the use of various metrics. While researchers may be acquainted with such matrices, many do not know how to use them to enhance their careers. In addition to these metrics, a number of other factors should be taken into consideration to objectively evaluate a scientist's profile as a researcher and academician. Moreover, each metric has its own limitations that need to be considered when selecting an appropriate metric for evaluation. This paper provides a broad overview of the wide array of metrics currently in use in academia and research. Popular metrics are discussed and defined, including traditional metrics and article-level metrics, some of which are applied to researchers for a greater understanding of a particular concept, including varicocele that is the thematic area of this Special Issue of Asian Journal of Andrology. We recommend the combined use of quantitative and qualitative evaluation using judiciously selected metrics for a more objective assessment of scholarly output and research impact.Item Calibration of redox potential in sperm wash media and evaluation of oxidation–reduction potential values in various assisted reproductive technology culture media using MiOXSYS system(Wiley, 2018) Panner Selvam, M. K.; Henkel, Ralf; Sharma, Rajan; Agarwal, A.Oxidation–reduction potential describes the balance between the oxidants and antioxidants in fluids including semen. Various artificial culture media are used in andrology and IVF laboratories for sperm preparation and to support the development of fertilized oocytes under in vitro conditions. The composition and conditions of these media are vital for optimal functioning of the gametes. Currently, there are no data on the status of redox potential of sperm processing and assisted reproduction media. The purpose of this study was to compare the oxidation–reduction potential values of the different media and to calibrate the oxidation–reduction potential values of the sperm wash medium using oxidative stress inducer cumene hydroperoxide and antioxidant ascorbic acid. Redox potential was measured in 10 different media ranging from sperm wash media, freezing media and assisted reproductive technology one-step medium to sequential media. Oxidation–reduction potential values of the sequential culture medium and one-step culture medium were lower and significantly different (p < 0.05) from the sperm wash media. Calibration of the sperm wash media using the oxidant cumene hydroperoxide and antioxidant ascorbic acid demonstrated that oxidation–reduction potential and the concentration of oxidant or antioxidant are logarithmically dependent. This study highlights the importance of calibrating the oxidation–reduction potential levels of the sperm wash media in order to utilize it as a reference value to identify the physiological range of oxidation oxidation–reduction potential that does not have any adverse effect on normal physiological sperm function.Item Carica papaya seed extract slows human sperm(Elsevier, 2019) Ghaffarilaleh, Vahid; Fisher, David; Henkel, RalfEthnopharmacological relevance: Traditional healers use Carica papaya seeds as a remedy for diseases and as a contraceptive for men and abortion in women. Material and methods: Semen samples from 35 healthy men were allowed to liquefy and subsequently incubated for 60 min in Human Tubular Fluid medium containing 1% bovine serum albumin with aqueous C. papaya seed extract at concentrations of zero, 0.025, 0.25, 2.5, 25, 250 and 2500 μg/ml. Afterwards, sperm were washed and used for assessment of capacitation and acrosome reaction, DNA fragmentation, vitality, motility, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Results: The extract showed no effects on straight-line velocity, linearity, straightness, beat-cross frequency and the percentage of capacitated, acrosome-reacted sperm. In contrast, vitality, total motility, progressive motility, curvilinear velocity, average-path velocity and the percentages of hyper-activated, ROS-positive and MMP-intact sperm decreased significantly (P < 0.05), while the percentage of DNA-fragmented sperm increased (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Our data show that aqueous C. papaya seed extract significantly and negatively affects sperm motility parameters crucial for fertility; and thus, poses as a likely candidate for male contraception.Item Critical evaluation of two models of flow cytometers for the assessment of sperm DNA fragmentation: an appeal for performance verification(Medknow Publications, 2019) Sharma, Rakesh; Gupta, Sajal; Henkel, RalfLack of standardized, reproducible protocols and reference values is among the challenges faced when using new or upgraded versions of instruments in reproductive laboratories and flow cytometry. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay combined with flow cytometry routinely used for diagnostic measurement of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) is a unique example. Any change in the setting of the standard instrument, including upgrades of hardware or software, can lead to different results and may affect clinicians’ decision for treatment. Therefore, we compared TUNEL results of SDF obtained from a standard (C6) flow cytometer with a newer version of the same instrument (C6 Plus) and examined the cutoff, sensitivity, and specificity without calibration (adjustment) and after adjustment. Identical sperm preparation and matched acquisition settings were used to examine the performance of two flow cytometers. The strength of agreement of the results between the two observers was also assessed. After adjustment of the settings, overall concordance became high and the two cytometers showed 100% positive and negative predictive value with 100% area under the curve. The overall correlation coefficient observed between C6 and C6 Plus was highly significant (P < 0.0001; r = 0.992; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.982–0.997). After adjustment, the two cytometers showed very high precision of 98% and accuracy of >99%. The interobserver agreement on C6 flow cytometer for the two observers was 0.801 ± 0.062 and 0.746 ± 0.044 for C6 Plus. We demonstrated a strong agreement between the samples tested on the two flow cytometers after calibration and established the robustness of both instruments.Item Determination of seminal oxidation–reduction potential (ORP) as an easy and cost-effective clinical marker of male infertility(Wiley, 2017) Agarwal, A.; Henkel, Ralf; Sharma, Rajan; Tadros, N.N.; Sabanegh, E.Oxidative stress (OS) is an important contributing factor to male infertility. While previous methods to measure seminal OS are time-consuming and limited to the use of freshly produced semen, oxidation reduction potential (ORP) is easier and quicker to perform and can also be used in frozen semen. Therefore, this study evaluated the clinical utility of ORP as a potential marker of male infertility. ORP was measured in semen samples from 293 patients and 15 fertile controls and categorised according to WHO criteria as normozoospermic, oligozoospermic, asthenozoospermic, teratozoospermic and oligoasthenoteratozoospermic. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to differentiate these categories. Semen parameters were significantly different when subjects were grouped as control and patients or between the patient and normozoospermic group for concentration and morphology. ORP levels were significantly different between the control and normozoospermic group. When subjects were grouped based on concentration, motility, morphology or a combination of these, the area under the ROC curve, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and cut-off values were significantly different. These differences were significant when combined with ORP and grouped with any two sperm abnormalities. In conclusion, ORP is a quick, easy, cost-effective and reliable marker of semen quality as well as oxidative stress for use in a clinical setting.Item Editorial commentary on draft of world health organization sixth edition laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen(Korean Society for Sexual Medicine and Andrology, 2021) Kandil, Hussein; Agarwal, Ashok; Henkel, RalfSemen examination is the cornerstone of the evaluation of male fertility potential. Despite its apparent simplicity, it is a complex series of assessments with highly variable results that are subject to interpretation. The semen analysis is used to gauge reproductive potential and guide the clinician in management of the infertile couple. Over the past 40 years, the World Health Organization (WHO) Infertility Task Force has attempted to standardize the methodology of semen examination so as to bring uniformity and relevance to the test.Item Effect of cissampelos capensis rhizome extract on human sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction(2013) Shalaweh, Salem; Henkel, RalfCissampelos capensis, is commonly known by the Afrikaans name ‟dawidjies” or ‟dawidjieswortel”. C. capensis is the most important and best known medicinal plant of the family Menispermaceae used by the Khoisan and other rural people in the western regions of South Africa. Among numerous other ailments, it is traditionally taken to treat male fertility problems. Yet, no studies have investigated the effects of this plant or its extracts on human spermatozoa. The aim of study was to investigate the effects of C. capensis rhizome extracts on sperm function.Item Effect of Cissampelos capensis rhizome extract on human spermatozoa in vitro(Wiley, 2014) Shalaweh, Salem; Henkel, Ralf; Erasmus, N.; Weitz, FransCissampelos capensis is commonly known by the Afrikaans name ‘dawidjies’ or ‘dawidjieswortel’. C. capensis is the most important and best-known medicinal plant of the family Menispermaceae used by the Khoisan and other rural people in the western regions of South Africa. Among numerous other ailments, it is traditionally taken to treat male fertility problems. Yet, no studies have investigated the effects of this plant or its extracts on human spermatozoa. The aim of study was to investigate the effects of C. capensis extracts on sperm function. A total of 77 semen samples were collected. Spermatozoa were washed with HTF-BSA medium and incubated with different concentrations of C. capensis (0, 0.05, 0.5, 5, 50, 200 μg ml−1) for 1 h at 37 °C. Sperm motility, vitality, acrosome reaction, reactive oxygen species (ROS), capacitation, Annexin V binding, DNA fragmentation and mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) were determined. While viability, Annexin V positivity and Δψm were not affected, the percentages of ROS-positive, TUNEL-positive, capacitated and hyperactivated spermatozoa increased significantly and dose-dependently. It is concluded that the alkaloids present in the extract of C. capansis rhizomes triggered sperm intrinsic superoxide production leading to sperm capacitation and DNA fragmentation.Item Effect of Eurycoma longifolia (Tongkat Ali) on the prostate cancer cell line LNCaP(2013) Abouhamraa, Hamza; Henkel, Ralf; Hiss, DonavonEurycoma Longfolia Jack, also known as Tongkat Ali (TA) is a tropical plant belonging to the family of Simaroubaceae is widely distributed in South East Asian countries. The extracts of TA have been proven to have cytotoxicity, anti-proliferative and aphrodisiac properties. In vitro assays revealed cytotoxicity toward human breast cancer cell lines MCF-7, KB, CaOV-3, RD, DU-145and HepG2 human liver cancer cells and appear promising as a new chemotherapeutic agent against human cervical carcinoma (HeLa) cells. Although, there are extensive studies reported on its cytotoxicity benefits there are none pertaining to LNCaP human prostate cell line. Therefore, this study aimed at testing the effects of TA on LNCaP cells and prostate specific antigen (PSA) production. Materials and Methods This study investigated the effect of different concentrations of TA (0.0025, 0.025, 2.5, 25 and 250 g/ml) TA on LNCaP human prostate cancer cell line for 24 and 96 hours. The following parameters were investigated: morphology, cell viability (MTT), testosterone modulation, Annexin V-CY3 binding (Apoptosis), DNA fragmentation (TUNEL), caspase 3/7 activity (apoptosis), and PSA production. Results When observing the morphological changes of LNCaP cells exposed to TA, a clear increase in detachment and cell death via apoptosis as the concentrations of TA increased. The viability decreased significantly in both 24 and 96 hour treatment of TA at higher dosages (25 and 250 g/ml). The significant inhibitory effects on testosterone stimulated cell proliferation were seen at TA concentrations as low as 0.0025 μg/ml TA. At higher concentrations of TA (25 and 250 μg/ml), for all testosterone dosages a decreasing trend in proliferation was found. vii Testosterone concentrations of 10 nM showed maximum stimulation of cell proliferation for TA dosages up to 2.5 μg/ml. All concentrations of TA showed significant increase in apoptosis of the cells as dosages increased. A higher amount of DNA damage found at the highest dosage (250 μg/ml) of TA. The relative caspase 3/7 activation showed significant (P=0.0043) activation at the highest concentration (250 μg/ml) of TA. Relative PSA production resulted only a 5% increase with no significant difference at all doses indicting that TA does not change the cell PSA production and the decline in PSA concentration is due to LNCaP cells dying as a result of this exposure to TA. Conclusion In summary, the major finding of this study is that Tongkat Ali inhibits the viability of prostate cancer cell lines (LNCaP) through caspase-mediated pathway, as well as increased the level of apoptotic such as DNA fragmentation. In addition, Tongkat Alin also inhibited PSA production. In LNCaP cells, testosterone with the addition of TA does not increase the growth of the cells. However, more in-vitro and in-vivo studies are needed to establish the exact constituents of the extracts and their mechanism of action. Thus, this study opens perspectives on the use of Tongkat Ali preparations in the treatment of aging male symptoms, prostate cancer prevention or as additional treatment to standard prostate cancer therapy.Item The effect of Nigella sativa oil and metformin on male seminal parameters and testosterone in Wistar rats exposed to an obesogenic diet(Elsevier, 2021) Leisegang, Kristian; Almaghrawi, Walid; Henkel, RalfObesity is a significant global health and socio-economic challenge, and considered an important risk factor for poor health outcomes including male reproductive dysfunction and infertility. As excess adiposity causes testicular dysfunction and infertility, novel therapeutic strategies require investigation. Nigella sativa (Ns) seed oil and metformin have both demonstrated a potential positive effect on obesity, although both remain poorly investigated in male fertility. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of Ns oil and metformin on total body weight (TBW), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), serum testosterone and semen parameters in an obese animal model. Wistar rats (n = 54) were divided into six groups: normal chow (NC), high sugar diet (HSD) only, HSD and saline, HSD and metformin (75 mg/Kg/day), HSD and Ns (200 mg/Kg/day) (NS200), HSD and Ns (400 mg/Kg/day) (NS400). Intervention was force fed for the last 8 weeks of the 14 weeks dietary exposures. Results showed that the HSD increased TBW (P = 0.001) and reduced sperm concentration (P = 0.013) and progressive motility (P = 0.009) compared to the NC group. Metformin, NS200 and NS400 improved TBW (P = 0.035, P = 0.006 and P = 0.005, respectively) and testosterone (P < 0.001) compared to the HSD saline group, where metformin and NS400 improved sperm concentration (P < 0.001 and P = 0.049, respectively) and MMP (P < 0.001). There were no changes in sperm motility and viability for all experimental exposures, although NS400 (P = 0.047) negatively affected sperm viability. Metformin and Ns may be novel treatment options in obesity-induced infertility, although a potential negative impact on viability is cautioned for high dose Ns. These results warrant further investigation of Ns and Metformin for the management of obese infertile males.Item The effect of Nigella sativa oil and metformin on male seminal parameters and testosterone in Wistar rats exposed to an obesogenic diet(Elsevier, 2020) Leisegang, Kristian; Almaghrawi, Walid; Henkel, RalfObesity is a significant global health and socio-economic challenge, and considered an important risk factor for poor health outcomes including male reproductive dysfunction and infertility. As excess adiposity causes testicular dysfunction and infertility, novel therapeutic strategies require investigation. Nigella sativa (Ns) seed oil and metformin have both demonstrated a potential positive effect on obesity, although both remain poorly investigated in male fertility. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of Ns oil and metformin on total body weight (TBW), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), serum testosterone and semen parameters in an obese animal model. Wistar rats (n = 54) were divided into six groups: normal chow (NC), high sugar diet (HSD) only, HSD and saline, HSD and metformin (75 mg/Kg/day), HSD and Ns (200 mg/Kg/day) (NS200), HSD and Ns (400 mg/Kg/day) (NS400). Intervention was force fed for the last 8 weeks of the 14 weeks dietary exposures. Results showed that the HSD increased TBW (P = 0.001) and reduced sperm concentration (P = 0.013) and progressive motility (P = 0.009) compared to the NC group. Metformin, NS200 and NS400 improved TBW (P = 0.035, P = 0.006 and P = 0.005, respectively) and testosterone (P < 0.001) compared to the HSD saline group, where metformin and NS400 improved sperm concentration (P < 0.001 and P = 0.049, respectively) and MMP (P < 0.001).Item The effect of sperm DNA fragmentation on intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcome(Wiley, 2021) Khalafalla, Kareim; Majzoub, Ahmad; Henkel, RalfOur study objective was to assess the effect of various sperm DNA fragmentation levels on clinical intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcome. This retrospective study included 392 patients who underwent ICSI and performed sperm DNA fragmentation testing before the procedure. Based on sperm DNA fragmentation cut-off values, the patients were differentiated into 3 groups as <20%, 20%–30% and >30%. According to the female status, patients were differentiated into favourable group (n = 259) with female age <35 years and anti-Mullerian hormone level ≥7.1 pmol/L; and unfavourable group (n = 133) with female age ≥35 years and anti-Mullerian hormone level ≤7.1 pmol/L. The patient's medical records were reviewed, and patient's demographic, laboratory data including semen analysis, sperm DNA fragmentation determined by means of sperm chromatin dispersion, hormonal profile and data regarding intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycle were collected.Item Effect of the metabolic syndrome on male reproductive function: a case-controlled pilot study(Wiley, 2014) Leisegang, Kristian; Bouic, Patrick J.D.; Henkel, RalfThe metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a constellation of various risk factors. This study aimed to investigate the effect of MetS on testosterone and progesterone, and semen parameters, in a case-controlled pilot study. Male patients (n = 54) had body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and blood pressure recorded. Blood was analysed for HDL cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose. Saliva was assayed for free testosterone and free progesterone. Ejaculates were analysed for volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, motility, vitality, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), DNA fragmentation and leucocyte concentration. Participants were divided into the control group (n = 28) and the MetS group (n = 26). Differences were found between the groups for body mass index, WHR, blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides and glucose. The MetS group showed significant reductions in sperm concentration (P = 0.0026), total sperm count (P = 0.0034), total motility (P = 0.0291), sperm vitality (P = 0.002), MMP (P = 0.0039), free testosterone (P = 0.0093) and free progesterone (P = 0.0130), while values for DNA fragmentation increased (P = 0.0287). Results indicate that patients with MetS have compromised sperm parameters in the absence of leucocytospermia. A reduction in free progesterone suggests that steroidogenesis cascades may be compromised. It is hypothesised that a systemic pro-inflammatory state with oxidative stress associated with MetS may provide a novel explanation.Item Effects of temperature and storage time on the motility, viability, DNA integrity and apoptosis of processed human spermatozoa(Wiley, 2019) Iranpour, Farhad Golshan; Nateghian, Zohre; Henkel, RalfThe aim of this study was to evaluate motility, viability, DNA integrity and apoptosis of spermatozoa when washed semen samples were kept for up to 12 days at 4–6°C and 25°C. In this experimental study, 26 normozoospermic semen samples were washed twice in Modified Ham's F10 and resuspended in IVF fertilisation medium. Half of the specimens were stored at 4–6°C, and the other half was kept at 25°C for 12 days. The proportions of viable, motile, spermatozoa with double-stranded DNA and apoptotic spermatozoa were examined during storage time. Apoptosis was measured using annexin V-PI staining followed by flow cytometry. Results showed that sperm motility and viability decreased during 12 days of sample storage (p < .001). There was no significant difference between the two temperatures in terms of motility and viability for up to 2 days (p < .05).Item Endocrine contribution to the sexual dysfunction in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease and the role of hyperprolactinemia(John Wiley and Sons Inc, 2021) Elbardisi, Haitham; Majzoub, Ahmad; Daniel, Christiana; Al, Fadwa Al; Henkel, RalfIn this study, we investigated the prevalence of sexual dysfunction among males with advanced chronic kidney disease and the effect of treating hyperprolactinemia among these patients. In this prospective study, patients were assessed with history, physical examination, hormonal assessment, and two questionnaires, IIEF and AIPE. Patients with hyperprolactinemia received treatment with cabergoline 0.5 mg once per week for 6 months and were re-evaluated. A total of 102 patients were included in this study, 75 (73.53%) were on hemodialysis, 13 (12.75%) on peritoneal dialysis and 14 (13.73%) on medical treatment alone. Ninety (88.24%) patients had premature ejaculation, 85 (83.33%) had anything from mild-to-moderate-to-severe erectile dysfunction. The incidence of hypogonadism and hyperprolactinemia was 34.4%. Patients treated with cabergoline (n = 26) showed a significant increase in LH levels (p = .003) and a significant decrease in prolactin levels (p = .003). Testosterone levels and the incidence of erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation did not improve significantly. There is a high incidence of sexual dysfunction among patients. Treatment of hyperprolactinemia is effective in correcting prolactin levels, but does not improve erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation. Therefore, treating hyperprolactinemia is not an overall effective treatment for erectile dysfunction in these patients.Item Evaluation of reference values of standard semen parameters in fertile Egyptian men(Wiley, 2018) Zedan, H.; Ismail, S.; Gomaa, A.; Saleh, R.; Henkel, Ralf; Agarwal, A.The reference values of human semen, published in the WHO’s latest edition in 2010, were lower than those previously reported. The objective of this study was to evaluate reference values of standard semen parameters in fertile Egyptian men. This cross-sectional study included 240 fertile men. Men were considered fertile when their wives had recent spontaneous pregnancies with time to pregnancy (TTP) ≤12 months. The mean age of fertile men was 33.8 ± 0.5 years (range 20–55 years). The 5th percentiles (95% confidence interval) of macroscopic semen parameters were 1.5 ml for volume and 7.2 for pH. The 5th percentiles of microscopic parameters were 15 million/ ml for sperm concentration, 30 million per ejaculate for total sperm count, 50% for total motility, 40% for progressive motility, 62% for vitality, 4% for normal sperm forms and 0.1 million/ml for seminal leucocyte counts. In conclusion, fertile Egyptian men had higher reference values of sperm total motility, progressive motility and vitality, and lower reference values for total sperm counts as compared to those determined by the latest edition of the WHO laboratory manual in 2010. Other semen parameters were identical to those defined by the WHO 2010 manual.Item The excessive use of antioxidant therapy: A possible cause of male infertility?(Wiley, 2018) Henkel, Ralf; Sandhu, Inderpreet Singh; Agarwal, AshokReactive oxygen species and oxidative stress are closely associated with various pathologies such as neurodegenerative diseases, ageing and male infertility. Hence, antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, N‐acetyl cysteine, L‐carnitine and folic acid are regularly used in various treatment regimens to protect cells from the damage induced by free radicals. However, given their over‐the‐counter availability at unnaturally high concentrations and also the fact that they are commonly added to various food products, patients may run a risk of consuming excessive dosages of these compounds, which may then be toxic. The few studies that have assessed antioxidant overuse and the associated adverse effects found that large doses of dietary antioxidant supplements have varying—if any—therapeutic effects even though free radicals clearly damage cells—a phenomenon that has been termed the “antioxidant paradox.” Furthermore, overuse of antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, N‐acetyl cysteine may lead to reductive stress, which is reported to be as dangerous to cells as oxidative stress and can be the cause of diseases such as cancer or cardiomyopathy. Therefore, we feel that there is a need for more elaborate research to establish the clear benefits and risks involved in antioxidant therapy for male infertility.Item Green nanotechnology as an innovative drug delivery approach for typha capensis and naringenin—new class of phytochemical embedded biocompatible gold nanoparticles in prostate cancer therap(Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology, 2022) Henkel, Ralf; Pearce, KeenauNaringenin, a flavone with a growing body of evidence as an anti-cancer agent, is found in Typha capensis, an indigenous South African plant commonly used in traditional medicine. However, despite favourable in vitro results, clinical usage of naringenin remains restricted due to notoriously poor oral bioavailability, rapid metabolism and poor tumour site availability. This study aimed to investigate a simple, easily reproduced, reliable and effective drug delivery method of mitigating these issues using green nanotechnology principles, and assess their biomedical applications in the treatment of prostate cancer. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were synthesized using green nanotechnology principles and characterized by spectrophotometry, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, transmission electron microscopy, and Folin-ciocalteu phenol assay.