Expression of GLUT-1 and GLUT-3 on spermatogenesis and fertility in rat testis with diabetes mellitus: an experimental study

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a major public health problem worldwide that may cause organ failure and dysfunction such as reproduction dysfunction, including infertility. Glucose metabolism is an important process in spermatogenesis. Glucose Transporters (GLUTs) play an important role in transferring glucose into cells to carry out the sperm capacitation process and maintain sperm motility. Although glucose is needed in spermatogenesis, hyperglycaemic conditions may cause detrimental effects on male fertility. This study was conducted to analyze the impact of hyperglycaemic status in rats on testicular function of spermatogenesis, specifically regarding GLUT-1 and GLUT-3.Methods: This study was an experimental study done in the integrated research and testing laboratory of Universitas Gadjah Mada from June to August 2018. This study used male Wistar rats, randomly divided into three groups as two intervention groups given Streptozotizin (STZ) induction for 4 and 8 weeks and one control group. The minimum sample size in each group was 9. Furthermore, the mRNA expression of GLUT-1 and GLUT-3 genes were assayed by Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR).Results: This study showed an increase in GLUT-1 and GLUT-3 expression in rats that experienced hyperglycemia for 4 weeks (p = 0.008 and p = 0.002, respectively). Increased expression of GLUT-1 and GLUT-3 also occurred in rats that experienced hyperglycemia for 8 weeks, but the increase was not statistically significant (p=0.36 and p=0.079).Conclusion: Hyperglycaemia may cause an increase in GLUT-1 and GLUT-3 expression. This expression indicates that GLUT-1 and GLUT-3 are very sensitive to glucose levels changes and may play a role in spermatogenesis changes in patients with diabetes mellitus.