Abstract
The present study aimed at evaluating the effect of Tribulus terrestris on different parameters of oxidative stress and enzymatic/non-enzymatic antioxidant as well as the number, viability and abnormalities of sperm in testis tissues of male rats after induction of diabetes. The animals were divided into six groups; group I (control) was administered vehicle only, group II was treated with metformin (MET) and those in group III were given T. terrestris plant extract (TT extract). Group IV acted as positive diabetic control, group V and VI were diabetic animals treated with MET and TT-extract, respectively. The treatments were continued for 5 days/week for 60 days. Various oxidative stress parameters such as lipid peroxidation and activity of antioxidant enzymes were used to confirm the per-oxidant state of animals as an effect of different treatments. T. terrestris was noticed to reduce the oxidative stress levels, and restore antioxidant enzyme activity in testis tissues as well as to improve the lipid profile content in serum. Histological analysis showed that T. terrestris treatment decreased testis tubular damage, and restored it to normal morphology. It can be concluded that TT extract as compared to metformin has potential effect against spermatotoxic and testicular toxicity and it can improve redox state in diabetic male rats. Key words: Tribulus terrestris, oxidative/antioxidant, fertility indices, diabetes.
Highlights
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action or both (Thévenod, 2008; Bal et al, 2011; Wankeu-Nya et al, 2014)
The animals were divided into six groups; group I was administered vehicle only, group II was treated with metformin (MET) and those in group III were given T. terrestris plant extract (TT extract)
The results indicate improved testicular and epididymal and reduced sperm abnormalities by oral chronic administration of TT extract used in this study, suggesting its protective potential against spermatotoxic and testicular toxicity in diabetic male rats
Summary
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action or both (Thévenod, 2008; Bal et al, 2011; Wankeu-Nya et al, 2014). Sustained higher levels of blood glucose cause damage to nerves and blood vessels, leading to complications such as erectile dysfunction (ED) (Thorve, 2011; Cao et al, 2012). Streptozotocin (STZ) induces diabetes mellitus by destroying pancreatic β-cells, possibly through generating excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) (Yamagishi et al, 2001). STZ generated lipid peroxidation (LPO) and DNA breaks in pancreatic islets cells have been demonstrated (Lenzen, 2008). Exaggerated production of these reactive species in diabetes can lead to very serious problems including cardiovascular disease, liver and kidneys failure, blindness, and nerve injure (Neyenwe et al, 2011; El-Shenawy et al, 2013). Despite the increasing availability of effective conventional medical treatments for erectile dysfunction in diabetic patients, plant-derived and herbal remedies continue to provide a popular alternative for diabetic men seeking to improve their sexual life (Watcho et al, 2007; Yakubu and Afolayan, 2009)
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