Browsing by Author "Du Plessis, Stefan S"

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A retrospective study investigating semen parameter profiles among male patients attending a fertility center in the UAE: Insights from a nationality perspective.
(2024-11-30) Omolaoye, Temidayo S; Lakshmanan, Jeyaseelan; Du Plessis, Stefan S
Objectives: The current study assessed the epidemiological trends of semen phenotypes and their association with ethnicity among men seeking fertility treatment in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Dynamics of selected apoptotic and heat shock proteins in cryopreserved and vitrified semen from normozoospermic men
(Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, 2025-05-20) Du Plessis, Stefan S
Conventional slow freezing is the most widely used technique for sperm cryopreservation, however recently vitrification has begun to be used as an alternative. The present work aims to compare the efficiency of slow freezing and sperm vitrification in preventing changes in the levels of heat shock proteins 70 (HSP 70) and 90 (HSP 90) as well as apoptotic markers BAX, Bcl-2, caspase-3 and caspase-9 in human spermatozoa. Semen samples were obtained from 35 donors with a normal spermiogram and divided into three aliquots. The first aliquot represented the neat sample. The second fraction was used for slow freezing and the third fraction was subjected to vitrification. Each set of samples was subjected to motility assessment and protein extraction for western blot analysis. No significant differences were found in the recovered sperm motility when comparing slow cryopreservation and vitrification, however significantly lower sperm motility (P<0.01), progressive motility (P<0.01), progressive velocity (P<0.05) ad track speed (P<0.01) were found in the cryopreserved group in comparison to the neat sample. Both freezing techniques have led to a significant decrease of the HSP 70 protein levels in comparison to the neat state (P<0.001 in case of slow cryopreservation; P<0.01 with respect to vitrification). Furthermore, both techniques resulted in a significant decrease of the HSP 90 protein levels (P<0.01) when compared to neat specimens. No significant differences in HSP 90 levels were detected between the slow cryopreserved and vitrified group. In the meantime, vitrification led to significantly lower BAX (P<0.05) and caspase-9 (P<0.0001) levels in comparison to cryopreservation. Our results show that sperm vitrification is a technique that can be carried out with good post-thaw sperm vitality outcomes, primarily by providing protection to the mitochondrial system and preventing apoptosis.
Phytochemical Evaluation of Lepidium meyenii, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Spirulina platensis, and Tribulus arabica, and Their Potential Effect on Monosodium Glutamate Induced Male Reproductive Dysfunction in Adult Wistar Rats
(2024-08) Omolaoye, Temidayo S; Rawat, Surendra Singh; Naidoo, Nerissa; Du Plessis, Stefan S
Abstract Monosodium glutamate (MSG), a sodium salt derived from glutamic acid, is widely used in commercial food products to improve taste, quality, and preservation. However, its consumption may have detrimental effects on male reproductive function. Nevertheless, plant extracts, such as Lepidium meyenii (Maca), Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek), Spirulina platensis (Spirulina), and Tribulus arabica (Tribulus), may ameliorate these adverse effects. To this effect, the phytochemical properties of Lepidium meyenii, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Spirulina platensis, and Tribulus arabica were assessed, and their potential impact on MSG-induced impairment of reproductive parameters was examined. The phytochemical composition (steroids, terpenes, phenols, flavonoids) of the plants was profiled through spectrophotometry and the antioxidant activity was assessed using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. Thirty-six male Wistar rats were divided into six groups at random: a control group receiving distilled water, and five experimental groups (MSG, Maca, Fenugreek, Spirulina, and Tribulus) receiving 900 mg/kg/day of MSG dissolved in water for 45 days. Subsequently, the animals in the experimental groups were administered 500 mg/kg/day of the respective plant extract via oral gavage for an additional 35 days, while the MSG group continued to receive water only. Following the treatment period, the animals were sacrificed, and their reproductive tract organs were collected, weighed, and subjected to further analysis. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of diverse bioactive elements in the plant extracts, including phenolic and flavonoid compounds. Exposure to MSG negatively impacted total and progressive sperm motility, which was ameliorated by Lepidium meyenii treatment. Sperm morphology showed no significant differences among groups. Treatment of the phytochemical agents diminished histomorphometric alternations of the testicular length, germinal epithelium height, and number of cells in seminiferous tubules, which were caused by the initial administration of MSG. Testosterone and LH levels were reduced in the MSG group but improved in extract-treated groups. The study suggests Lepidium meyenii as a potential remedy for reproductive dysfunction. However, further investigation into its mechanisms and human safety and efficacy is warranted.
Post-Meningitic Syndrome: Pathophysiology and Consequences of Streptococcal Infections on the Central Nervous System.
(2024-10-15) Kaddoura, Rachid; Abdalbari, Karim; Badla, Beshr Abdulaziz; Hijleh, Amin Abu; Hanifa, Mohamed; AlAshkar, Masa; Asbaita, Mohamed; Othman, Deema; Faraji, Hanan; AlBakri, Orjwan; Tahlak, Sara; Hijleh, Amir Abu; Kabbani, Raneem; Resen, Murtadha; Du Plessis, Stefan S; Omolaoye, Temidayo S
Streptococcus species represent a significant global cause of meningitis, leading to brain damage through bacterial virulence factors and the host inflammatory response. Upon entering the central nervous system (CNS), excessive inflammation leads to various neurological and psychological complications. This review explores the pathophysiological mechanisms and associated outcomes of streptococcal meningitis, particularly its short- and long-term neurological sequelae. Neurological symptoms, such as cognitive impairment, motor deficits, and sensory loss, are shown to vary in severity, with children being particularly susceptible to lasting complications. Among survivors, hearing loss, cognitive decline, and cranial nerve palsies emerge as the most frequently reported complications. The findings highlight the need for timely intervention, including neurorehabilitation strategies that focus on optimizing recovery and mitigating long-term disabilities. Future recommendations emphasize improving early diagnosis, expanding vaccine access, and personalizing rehabilitation protocols to enhance patient outcomes. As a novel contribution, this review proposes the term "post-meningitic syndrome" to showcase the broad spectrum of CNS complications that persist following streptococcal meningitis, providing a framework for a future clinical and research focus.
Post-Meningitic Syndrome: Pathophysiology and Consequences of Streptococcal Infections on the Central Nervous System.
(2024-10-15) Kaddoura, Rachid; Abdalbari, Karim; Badla, Beshr Abdulaziz; Hijleh, Amin Abu; Hanifa, Mohamed; AlAshkar, Masa; Asbaita, Mohamed; Othman, Deema; Faraji, Hanan; AlBakri, Orjwan; Tahlak, Sara; Hijleh, Amir Abu; Kabbani, Raneem; Resen, Murtadha; Du Plessis, Stefan S; Omolaoye, Temidayo S
Streptococcus species represent a significant global cause of meningitis, leading to brain damage through bacterial virulence factors and the host inflammatory response. Upon entering the central nervous system (CNS), excessive inflammation leads to various neurological and psychological complications. This review explores the pathophysiological mechanisms and associated outcomes of streptococcal meningitis, particularly its short- and long-term neurological sequelae. Neurological symptoms, such as cognitive impairment, motor deficits, and sensory loss, are shown to vary in severity, with children being particularly susceptible to lasting complications. Among survivors, hearing loss, cognitive decline, and cranial nerve palsies emerge as the most frequently reported complications. The findings highlight the need for timely intervention, including neurorehabilitation strategies that focus on optimizing recovery and mitigating long-term disabilities. Future recommendations emphasize improving early diagnosis, expanding vaccine access, and personalizing rehabilitation protocols to enhance patient outcomes. As a novel contribution, this review proposes the term "post-meningitic syndrome" to showcase the broad spectrum of CNS complications that persist following streptococcal meningitis, providing a framework for a future clinical and research focus.
Potential impact of GLP-1 receptor agonists on male fertility: a fable of caution
(2024) Du Plessis, Stefan S; Omolaoye, Temidayo S
Unmasking the Epigenome: Insights into Testicular Cell Dynamics and Reproductive Function.
(2025-07-28) Anjum, Shabana; Khurshid, Yamna; Du Plessis, Stefan S; Omolaoye, Temidayo S
The epigenetic landscape plays a pivotal role in regulating the functions of both germ and somatic cells (Sertoli and Leydig cells) within the testis, which are essential for male fertility. While somatic cells support germ cell maturation and testosterone synthesis, the epigenetic regulation of germ cells is critical for proper spermatogenesis and function. Epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are crucial for regulating gene expression that is essential for spermatogenesis and reproductive function. Although numerous studies have highlighted the significance of the epigenome and its implications for male reproductive health, a comprehensive overview of the existing literature and knowledge is lacking. This review aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the role of epigenetics in spermatogenesis and reproductive health, with a specific focus on DNA methylation, histone remodeling, and small noncoding RNAs (sncRNAs). Additionally, we examine the impact of lifestyle and environmental factors, such as diet, smoking, physical activity, and exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, on the sperm epigenome. We emphasize how these factors influence fertility, embryonic development, and potential transgenerational inheritance. This review underscores how recent advances in the understanding of the epigenetic modulation of testicular function can inform the pathophysiology of male infertility, thereby paving the way for the development of targeted diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.