The Effects of Methotrexate, Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract, and Andrographis paniculata Leaf Extract on the Testes of Hyperglycemic Wistar Rats

Abstract

It has been reported that MTX can lower blood glucose levels in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), while MO and AP can lower blood glucose levels in hyperglycemia. This study investigates the effects of administering MTX, MO leaf extract, AP leaf extract, and their combinations on the testicular tissue of diabetic rats. A total of 49 male Wistar rats were divided into seven groups, namely control (K1), STZ-NA (K2), STZ-NA+MO (K3), STZ-NA+AP (K4), STZ-NA+MTX (K5), STZ-NA+MTX+MO (K6), and STZ-NA+MTX+AP (K7). Out of 49 Wistar rats, 42 Wistar rats were intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin and nicotinamide with a dose of 50 mg/kg and 110 mg/kg respectively. MTX was administered once a week (7 mg/kg), while MO and AP leaf extracts were given every day (500 mg/kg) for 28 days. Blood glucose levels were tested using a glucometer and body weight was measured using an Ohaus Triple Beam balance. Meanwhile, IL-6 levels in the testes were measured using ELISA. Testicular tissue was collected and analysed for histology using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The results revealed a significant decrease in body weight in all STZ-NA-induced groups. In addition, the results revealed a significant increase in blood glucose levels in all STZ-NA-induced group. On the other hand, the administration of MO, AP, MTX, and their combinations significantly reduced the expression of IL-6 in the testicular tissue of diabetic rats. Therefore, it can be concluded that the administration of MO and AP can mitigate the adverse effects of hyperglycemia on the testicular tissue.