Evaluation of the effects of ghrelin and metformin on sperm parameters, testosterone hormones, and immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent markers in an experimental diabetes model

0Citations
Citations of this article
11Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

Abstract

Testicular dysfunction, a severe secondary complication of diabetes, negatively affects reproductive health. Ghrelin is a peptide that plays a role in many metabolic events, such as stimulating growth hormones and regulating appetite, blood pressure, and reproduction. Metformin has antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties and is widely used to treat type 2 diabetes. Therefore, in this study, to investigate the effects of ghrelin and metformin on testicular function in experimental diabetic rats given streptozotocin, placed on a high-fat diet, and that had their sperm parameters evaluated, testosterone hormone, caspase 3 and iNOS expression, and histopathological examinations were performed. In total, 38 Wistar albino male rats were randomized into 4 groups (a control group, diabetes group, diabetes + ghrelin group, and diabetes + metformin group) with different numbers. It was determined that spermatozoa concentration, motility, and testosterone levels were lower (p < 0.001), caspase 3 and iNOS expression levels (p < 0.05) were higher, and abnormal sperm rates were higher (p < 0.001) in the diabetic group compared to the other groups. Metformin and ghrelin administered to the diabetes group increased spermatozoa concentration, motility, and testosterone levels (p < 0.001) and decreased caspase 3 and iNOS expression levels, as well as abnormal sperm rates (p < 0.05). Based on these findings, we propose that ghrelin and metformin can be used to protect reproductive health in testicular dysfunction caused by diabetes.

Author supplied keywords

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Belhan, S., Huyut, Z., Yildirim, S., Ergül Erkeç, Ö., & Özdek, U. (2023). Evaluation of the effects of ghrelin and metformin on sperm parameters, testosterone hormones, and immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent markers in an experimental diabetes model. Turkish Journal of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, 47(5), 469–477. https://doi.org/10.55730/1300-0128.4315

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free