Comparison of the Gonadoprotective Functions of Nigella Sativa Oil, Metformin and Vitamin E on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Testis

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Changes in blood glucose levels in DM cause many complications. We aimed to make a detailed comparison study on the protective effects of Nigella sativa oil, metformin, and vitamin E on the histopathologic effects of diabetes on the male reproductive system. METHODS: In the experiment, 30 rats were divided equally into 5 groups: Control, DM, DM+NS, DM+M and DM+E. To induce diabetes in the experimental groups, a one-time injection of 45 mg/kg Streptozotocin was administered. Rats with blood glucose levels above 250 mg/dl were included in the experiment. The experiment period lasted 8 weeks. Weekly body weight of the rats, reproductive organ weights at the end of the experiment, spermatologic data, immunohistochemical staining, TUNEL assay staining and morphometric evaluation were performed. RESULTS: According to Johnsen Biopsy Score and Seminiferous Tubule diameter data, the DM+NS group had similar results to the control group, indicating that Nigella sativa oil preserved the seminiferous tubule diameter structure better than vitamin E and metformin. There were head, neck and tail defects in the diabetes group. Based on the results of the applications carried out to evaluate apoptosis and proliferation in testicular tissue, it can be concluded that the treated diabetic groups, especially the Nigella sativa oil, improved the structure of spermatogenic tubules and also reduced the number of apoptotic cells, as shown by the results of the TUNEL test (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We think that Nigella sativa oil is more effective on the mechanism of diabetes than other active substances and regulates metabolic changes and may be an effective therapeutic agent for diabetes treatment.