Abstract
Objectives. Arecoline, the most potent and abundant alkaloid of betel nut, causes elevation of serum testosterone and androgen receptor expression in rat prostate, in addition to increase in serum insulin levels in rats, leading to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes-like conditions. This study investigated the role of arecoline on the reproductive status of experimentally induced type 1 diabetic rats. Methods. Changes in the cellular architecture were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. Blood glucose, serum insulin, testosterone, FSH, and LH were assayed. Fructose content of the coagulating gland and sialic acid content of the seminal vesicles were also analyzed. Results. Arecoline treatment for 10 days at a dose of 10 mg/kg of body weight markedly facilitated β-cell regeneration and reversed testicular and sex accessory dysfunctions by increasing the levels of serum insulin and gonadotropins in type 1 diabetic rats. Critical genes related to β-cell regeneration, such as pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 (pdx-1) and glucose transporter 2 (GLUT-2), were found to be activated by arecoline at the protein level. Conclusion. It can thus be suggested that arecoline is effective in ameliorating the detrimental effects caused by insulin deficiency on gonadal and male sex accessories in rats with type 1 diabetes.
Highlights
In a population-based study, betel nut chewing has been associated with an increase in serum insulin levels and a higher risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus [1]
Elevated insulin levels are known to reduce biological responses, leading to insulin resistance and subsequently glucose intolerance, endothelial dysfunction, elevated inflammatory markers, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and certain forms of cancer [2, 3]. These reports confirm that consumption of betel nuts leads to metabolic disorders that may eventually increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, along with hypoglycemia, in chronic users
Testosterone in control rats and could significantly recover their levels to values observed for control animals in the alloxan-induced diabetic rats, we investigated the effect of arecoline on the ultrastructure of Leydig cells
Summary
In a population-based study, betel nut chewing has been associated with an increase in serum insulin levels and a higher risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus [1]. Elevated insulin levels are known to reduce biological responses, leading to insulin resistance and subsequently glucose intolerance, endothelial dysfunction, elevated inflammatory markers, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and certain forms of cancer [2, 3]. These reports confirm that consumption of betel nuts leads to metabolic disorders that may eventually increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, along with hypoglycemia, in chronic users. Till date, there is no report of betel nut chewing being associated with or increasing the risk of type 1 diabetes and associated hyperglycemia, in men It is a well-established fact that serum insulin levels have a profound influence on the male reproductive physiology [4]. LH and testosterone concentrations are known to decrease under hypoglycemic conditions, caused by increase in serum insulin levels, even though dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) concentrations increased during hypoglycemia [4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
