Protective effect of hydro-methanolic extract of Abroma augusta leaves in diabetes induced testicular dysfunction in albino rat

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the protective efficacy of Abroma augusta leaves extract on diabetes-induced testicular impairment in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rat. Methods: Eighteen normoglycemic male albino rats were randomized into three groups (n = 18): control group, STZ induced (40mg/kg body weight) diabetic group and hydro methanolic extract of leaves of A. augusta (HMAA) treated group (200 mg/kg body weight). Treatment was conducted for 60 days.  Fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated haemoglobin levels (HbA₁C) were elevated but hepatic hexokinase activities, serum insulin levels significantly decreased in diabetic group. Sperm count, viability, motility, testicular Δ⁵, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (Δ⁵, 3β-HSD) and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD) activities and serum testosterone levels were also decreased in diabetic rat. Testicular catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and protein expression patterns were diminished whereas the lipid peroxidation end products, conjugated diene (CD) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) levels were elevated significantly in STZ induced diabetic rat. Results: Fasting blood glucose and glycated haemoglobin levels were significantly decreased towards control level after the treatment of HMAA to the diabetic group. Serum insulin level also restored due to recovery of pancreatic cell number and islets size in HMAA treated group.  Spermatogenic markers and testicular oxidative stress markers were significantly recovered after HMAA treatment due to recovery of serum testosterone level. Conclusion: The HMAA has significant corrective efficacy in diabetes induced testicular disorders.