Effects of Juglans regia L. leaf extract supplementation on testicular functions in diabetic rats

Testicular dysfunction is a complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). Juglans regia L. (JRL) leaf extract is a source of phenolic compounds that exhibits hypoglycemic and antioxidative properties. We investigated whether JRL leaf extract could inhibit the adverse effects of DM on oxidative stress, testis histology and testosterone hormone production. We used four groups of male rats: control group (non-diabetic) given saline, diabetic group, diabetic + JRL group that received JRL leaf extract, and JRL group (nondiabetic) that received JRL leaf extract only. To evaluate the effects of JRL leaf extract on testicular functions in diabetic animals, we evaluated histopathological and histomorphometric changes; serum testosterone; and malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) levels. Decreased of MDA along with improved antioxidant status in the testis of diabetic rats; these abnormalities were attenuated by JRL leaf extract. We detected significantly decreased antioxidant biomarkers (GSH, SOD, CAT) and testosterone levels in the diabetic rats; these levels were normalized after JRL leaf extract administration. The MDA level and improved antioxidant status in the testis of diabetic rats was detected after JRL leaf extract administration. Our findings suggest that JRL leaf extract exerts preventive effects against diabetic dysfunction in the testis, which might be due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties.