Effect of Cistanche Tubulosa Extracts on Male Reproductive Function in Streptozotocin⁻Nicotinamide-Induced Diabetic...

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Endocrinology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder leading to hyperglycemia and associated complications, including male infertility.
• Diabetic complications manifest as sperm impairment and gonadal dysfunction, significantly impacting male reproductive health.
• Cistanche tubulosa (CTE) is a traditional herb with reported benefits for immunity and sexual function, containing active compounds like echinacoside (ECH).

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the protective and anti-inflammatory effects of echinacoside (ECH) from Cistanche tubulosa extract (CTE) on the male reproductive system in a rat model of diabetes.
• To evaluate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and steroidogenic properties of CTE in vitro and in vivo.

Main Methods:

• In vitro assays assessed the inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the impact on steroidogenic proteins (StAR, CYP11A1, CYP17A1, HSD17β3).
• In vivo studies involved inducing diabetes in rats using streptozotocin and nicotinamide with a high-fat diet, followed by administration of CTE (80, 160, 320 mg/kg) or rosiglitazone (positive control).
• Evaluations included blood glucose, insulin resistance, leptin resistance, lipid peroxidation, hypothalamic gene expression (KiSS1, GPR54, SOCS-3, SIRT1), and sex hormone levels.

Main Results:

• In vitro, ECH inhibited ROS production and enhanced the expression of key steroidogenic proteins.
• In vivo, CTE significantly improved blood glucose levels, insulin and leptin resistance, and reduced lipid peroxidation.
• CTE treatment restored hypothalamic expression of KiSS1, GPR54, SOCS-3, and SIRT1 mRNA and normalized sex hormone levels.

Conclusions:

• Cistanche tubulosa extract, primarily through echinacoside, exhibits significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and steroidogenic effects.
• CTE demonstrates a protective role in mitigating diabetes-induced damage to the male reproductive system.
• These findings support the therapeutic potential of CTE for managing male reproductive dysfunction associated with diabetes.