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Protective effects of wheat germ oil against erectile and endothelial dysfunction in streptozotocin-induced diabetic
Hulya Guven1, Nergiz Durmus2, Nil Hocaoglu2
1Department of Medical Pharmacology, Istanbul Yeni Yuzyıl University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey. hulya.guven2@gmail.com.
Abstract:
Our aim was to investigate the protective effect of wheat germ oil (WGO) at different doses on diabetes mellitus (DM)-induced erectile and endothelial dysfunction. Twenty-four male Wistar rats weighing 250-300 g were divided into four groups as; control group treated with saline, DM group, DM group treated with 3 ml/kg WGO (DM + 3WGO group), DM group treated with 6 ml/kg WGO. Type 1 DM was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 60 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ). STZ-induced diabetic rats received saline, 3 ml/kg WGO, and 6 ml/kg WGO via oral gavage daily for 5 weeks. The density of WGO used was 0.92 g/ml. The protective effect of WGO was evaluated by (i) in vitro vascular function, (ii) in vivo erectile function, and (iii) oxidative stress parameters in both aorta and penile tissue. Acetylcholine-mediated relaxation in the aorta and erectile functions decreased significantly in the DM group (p = 0.018 and p = 0.005). WGO (3 and 6 ml/kg) improved vascular functions in the DM groups (p = 0.001 and p = 0.014). The beneficial effect of WGO on erectile function appeared at higher doses of WGO. However, a higher dose of WGO substantially increased the oxidative stress parameters in both aorta and penile tissue. These findings suggest that the improvement in vascular or erectile function by WGO was not related to antioxidant effects, and new studies are needed to clarify the mechanism.
Insights
Wheat germ oil (WGO) improved erectile and endothelial dysfunction in diabetic rats. However, higher doses increased oxidative stress, suggesting the benefits are not antioxidant-related.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
- Urology
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus (DM) is linked to erectile and endothelial dysfunction.
- Oxidative stress plays a role in DM-related complications.
- Wheat germ oil (WGO) is investigated for potential therapeutic effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the protective effects of WGO on diabetes mellitus-induced erectile and endothelial dysfunction.
- To assess the impact of different WGO doses on vascular and erectile function.
- To investigate the relationship between WGO administration, oxidative stress, and vascular health in diabetic rats.
Main Methods:
- Type 1 diabetes mellitus was induced in Wistar rats using streptozotocin (STZ).
- Diabetic rats were treated with varying doses of WGO (3 and 6 ml/kg) or saline for five weeks.
- Vascular function (in vitro), erectile function (in vivo), and oxidative stress markers in aorta and penile tissue were assessed.
Main Results:
- STZ-induced diabetes significantly impaired aortic relaxation and erectile function.
- WGO treatment improved vascular and erectile functions in diabetic rats, with effects more pronounced at higher doses.
- Higher WGO doses significantly increased oxidative stress markers in both aorta and penile tissues.
Conclusions:
- WGO demonstrates a protective effect on diabetes-induced vascular and erectile dysfunction.
- The observed improvements in function are not attributed to antioxidant effects of WGO.
- Further research is required to elucidate the precise mechanism underlying WGO's beneficial effects in this context.
