Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the protective effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) on testicular spermatogenic function in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Compared to the control group, blood glucose levels were significantly increased and the insulin resistance was markedly aggravated in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Further, the weight of testis and epididymis and the sperm number and motility were decreased in diabetic rats. Pathological changes were also observed in the spermatogenic tubules, along with a decreased number of spermatogenic cells, downregulated proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression, and increased cell apoptosis in the testes. Compared to the saline-treated diabetic rat group, metformin and LBP treatment significantly decreased the level of blood glucose and improved insulin resistance and testicular function. After treatment with metformin and LBP, the pathological changes in the spermatogenic tubules improved significantly, with an increase in the number of spermatogenic cells, upregulation of PCNA, and suppression of apoptosis in the testes. The expressions of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) in diabetic testes were also upregulated by metformin or LBP treatment. In summary, LBP exerted protective effects by increasing cell proliferation, inhibiting cell apoptosis, and regulating SIRT1/HIF-1α expression in the testes of diabetic rats.
Highlights
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia due to defects in insulin action and secretion [1, 2]
Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) is a water-soluble polysaccharide extracted from Lycium barbarum and exerts multiple biological functions including protective effects on the male reproductive system [30]
Our results showed that STZ-induced diabetic rats showed impaired spermatogenic function with a decrease in proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), and HIF-1α expression and an increase in cell apoptosis in the testes
Summary
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia due to defects in insulin action and secretion [1, 2]. In China, the prevalence of DM is about 9.7% in the population >18 years of age and about 20% in the population over 60 years of age [3]. DM-associated complications include nephropathy, neuropathy, retinopathy, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic syndromes [4]. In the male reproductive system, glucose homeostasis is important for spermatogenesis. There is growing evidence showing that DM can cause damage to the male reproductive system, including decreased testicular weight and sperm number and motility and increased abnormal sperm number [5]. The molecular mechanisms underlying DM-induced male reproductive dysfunction remain elusive
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