Abstract
Diabetes mellitus has been reported to be accompanied by thyroid and testicular dysfunctions. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of Quercus infectoria galls (QIg) extract on the thyroid gland and testicular functions in diabetic rats. Sixteen rats were randomly divided into four equal groups, consisting of normal control, diabetic untreated control, diabetic treated with oral administration of 500 mg/kg BW and 1000 mg/kg BW, respectively for 15 days. Serum blood glucose, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), testosterone (T), and luteinizing hormone (LH) were assessed. At the end of the experimental period, the rats were euthanized for histopathological analysis of thyroid gland and testis. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry was used to assess the expression of thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) in the thyroid gland of rats. The significant increase in serum blood glucose level in diabetic rats (DC) was markedly decreased by treatment with QIg extract (500 mg and 100 mg/kg BW) almost to the normal level. The reduced thyroid hormones, both the T3 and T4 were significantly recovered after 15 days of treatment with QIg extract (500 mg and 100 mg/kg BW). Whereas serum concentration of testosterone was significantly reduced in diabetic rats with QIg extract (500 mg and 100 mg/kg BW) treatment. Histopathological analysis of diabetic rats showed a wide range of morphological alterations in thyroid gland and testicular structures, which were almost completely, restored back to normal by treatment of rats with QIg extract. Furthermore, results showed overexpression of TTF-1 in the thyroid gland of diabetic rats, which was recovered back to normal expression after 15 days of treatment with QIg extract. These findings may provide new insights into the potential role of QIg extract as a promising therapeutic agent against diabetic complications in thyroid gland and testicular functions.
Highlights
The impairment of metabolic regulatory mechanism that associated with diabetes mellitus leads to secondary pathophysiological alterations in a wide range of body organs [1], most commonly thyroid gland dysfunction in human and animals [2, 3]
Since the pituitary thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) responsible for enhancing the process of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) biosynthesis and secretion [37], the influence of diabetes mellitus and Quercus infectoria galls (QIg) extract was assessed on the activity of pituitary gland
Current results have shown that QIg extract markedly reduced the elevated blood sugar level in diabetic rats at the end of 15 days of treatment, compared to normal control group indicating that QIg extract play a crucial role as antihyperglycemic effect in diabetic rats
Summary
The impairment of metabolic regulatory mechanism that associated with diabetes mellitus leads to secondary pathophysiological alterations in a wide range of body organs [1], most commonly thyroid gland dysfunction in human and animals [2, 3]. Diabetes mellitus is a serious and chronic metabolic disorder is caused by absence or insufficient amount of secreted insulin [4], and characterized by hyperglycemia, polyuria, and polyphagia [5]. Defects in the molecular mechanisms that tightly regulate the synthesis and secretion of insulin hormone can lead to disturbance in the metabolic process and development of diabetes mellitus [6].
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
