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Updated: Aug 10, 2026
An Experimental Model of Diet-Induced Metabolic Syndrome in Rabbit: Methodological Considerations, Development, and Assessment
Published on: April 20, 2018
Spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis disruption in a model of metabolic syndrome rats
Dalila Rahali1, Yosra Dallagi1, Emmeline Hupkens2
1Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Cellular physiopathology and Biomolecule valorisation, Tunis, Tunisia.
Context:
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a clustering of several physiological alterations.
Objective:
This study was designed to evaluate the effects of MetS on rats spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis.
Materials And Methods:
We developed a MetS rodent model using high-sugar and high-fat diet.
Results:
MetS rats showed severe disorders in sperm parameters. Interestingly, a significant increase in malondialdehyde level and a decrease in the antioxidant activities were observed. Moreover, qRT-PCR analysis showed Bax down-regulation and Bcl-2 up-regulation. A decrease in testosterone level was identified, correlated with the CYP11A1, CYP17A1 and 17β HSD testicular marker down-regulation. Finally, MetS rats showed an up-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines receptors IL-1R and IL-6R.
Conclusion:
MetS induced severe testis toxicity in male rats. Mets markedly distorted sperm parameters, inhibited the transcription of steroidogenic enzymes and led to oxidative stress, inflammation, and alteration of Bax/Bcl-2 ratioin testicular tissues.
