Veterinary Research Forum
Vet Res Forum

Effect of saponin on spermatogenesis and testicular structure in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Sadigheh Pashapour 1
Adel Saberivand 1
Amir Afshin Khaki 2
Maryam Saberivand 3

1 Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran

2 Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran

3 Connective Tissue Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran

https://doi.org/10.30466/vrf.2023.1986019.3727
Abstract
About a third of human infertility is related to male factors. Of these, idiopathic-related infertility is not curable. Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder affecting male impotence and fertility by increased production of free radicals and oxidative stress. Saponin, a glycosidic compound found in many plants, improves sperm parameters. The present study investigated the effect of saponin on sperm oxidative stress and testicular structure in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. The diabetes was induced by the administration of 150 mg kg-1 STZ via a single intra-peritoneal injection. All experimental mice were allocated to the following groups: Control group, diabetic control group, diabetic group administrated 100 mg kg-1 saponin daily and one healthy group administrated saponin daily for 56 days. At the end of the treatment period, serum levels of insulin, glucose and oxidative stress markers were measured. A histological evaluation of testicles was performed. Treatment of diabetic mice with saponin ameliorated testicular tissue damage as well as serum glucose and insulin concentrations. Furthermore, in the diabetic group, the serum concentration of malondialdehyde was increased; while, the activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase enzymes was reduced. The mean Johnsen's score and the diameter and thickness of seminiferous tubules were lower in the diabetic mice than control ones. However, these parameters were higher in the saponin-treated mice than controls. Overall, saponin administration rectified all examined parameters. The anti-oxidant role of saponin improves sperm parameters and diabetes-induced testicular oxidative damage.

Keywords

Diabetes
Oxidative stress
Saponin
Testis

Subjects

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Veterinary Research Forum
Volume 14, Issue 11
November 2023
Pages 601-606

  • Receive Date 03 January 2023
  • Revise Date 26 January 2023
  • Accept Date 05 January 2023

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