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Comparison of male reproductive parameters in mice with type 1 and type 2 diabetes
Apichakan Sampannang1, Supatcharee Arun1, Jaturon Burawat1
1Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.
Objective:
The differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T1DM and T2DM) in terms of their adverse effects on male reproductive parameters have never been elucidated. This study aimed to distinguish between the effects of the DM types in mice treated with multiple low doses of streptozotocin (STZ) to mimic human T1DM and coadministered a high-fat diet (HFD) to mimic human T2DM.
Methods:
The T1DM mice were intraperitoneally injected with STZ (40 mg/kg body weight) for 5 days. The T2DM mice received an HFD for 14 days prior to STZ injection (85 mg/kg body weight), followed by continuous feeding of an HFD. Male reproductive parameters were evaluated.
Results:
The reproductive organs of the DM mice weighed significantly less than those of controls, and the seminal vesicles plus prostates of the T1DM mice weighed less than those of the T2DM mice. Increased sperm abnormalities and incomplete DNA packaging were observed in the DM groups. Sperm concentration and the proportion of normal sperm were significantly lower in the T1DM group. The seminiferous histopathology of DM mice was classified into seven types. The penises of the DM mice were smaller than those of the controls; however, tunica albuginea thickness and the amount of penile collagen fibers were increased in these mice. Round germ cells were abundant in the epididymal lumens of the mice with DM.
Conclusion:
T1DM adversely affected reproductive parameters to a greater extent than T2DM.
Insights
Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) more severely impacts male reproductive health than type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study found greater adverse effects on sperm quality and reproductive organ size in T1DM mice compared to T2DM mice.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Endocrinology
- Diabetology
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus (DM) encompasses type 1 (T1DM) and type 2 (T2DM), both systemic diseases with potential reproductive consequences.
- The distinct impacts of T1DM versus T2DM on male reproductive parameters remain poorly understood.
- Understanding these differences is crucial for targeted therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To differentiate the adverse effects of T1DM and T2DM on male reproductive parameters.
- To establish a mouse model comparing T1DM and T2DM using streptozotocin (STZ) and high-fat diet (HFD).
Main Methods:
- T1DM was induced in mice via multiple low-dose STZ injections.
- T2DM was induced using an HFD followed by a higher dose of STZ.
- Key male reproductive parameters, including organ weight, sperm quality, and penile histology, were assessed.
Main Results:
- Both T1DM and T2DM reduced reproductive organ weights, with T1DM showing a more significant decrease in seminal vesicles and prostates.
- Sperm concentration and normal sperm proportion were notably lower in T1DM mice.
- Increased sperm abnormalities, incomplete DNA packaging, and abundant round germ cells in the epididymis were observed in both DM groups.
- Penile size was reduced, but tunica albuginea thickness and collagen content increased in DM mice.
Conclusions:
- T1DM exerts a more detrimental effect on male reproductive parameters than T2DM.
- The study highlights differential impacts of diabetes types on male fertility.
- Further research is warranted to explore the mechanisms behind these distinct effects.
