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Effects of crocin and metformin on methylglyoxal-induced reproductive system dysfunction in diabetic male mice
Maryam Kheirollahi Khorasani1, Akram Ahangarpour2, Layasadat Khorsandi3
1Department of Physiology, Student Research Committee, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
Objective:
This study investigated the effect of crocin in methylglyoxal (MGO)-induced diabetic male mice.
Methods:
Seventy 1-month-old male NMRI mice weighing 20-25 g were divided into seven groups (n=10): sham, MGO (600 mg/kg/day), MGO+crocin (15, 30, and 60 mg/kg/day), MGO+metformin (150 mg/kg/day), and crocin (60 mg/kg/day). MGO was administered orally for 30 days. Starting on day 14, after confirming hyperglycemia, metformin and crocin were administered orally. On day 31, plasma and tissue samples were prepared for experimental assessments.
Results:
Blood glucose and insulin levels in the MGO group were higher than those in the sham group (p<0.001), and decreased in response to metformin (p<0.001) and crocin treatment (not at all doses). Testis width and volume decreased in the MGO mice and improved in the crocin-treated mice (p<0.05), but not in the metformin group. Superoxide dismutase levels decreased in diabetic mice (p<0.05) and malondialdehyde levels increased (p<0.001). Crocin and metformin improved malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase. Testosterone (p<0.001) and sperm count (p<0.05) decreased in the diabetic mice, and treatment with metformin and crocin recovered these variables. Luteinizing hormone levels increased in diabetic mice (p<0.001) and crocin treatment (but not metformin) attenuated this increase. Seminiferous diameter and height decreased in the diabetic mice and increased in the treatment groups. Vacuoles and ruptures were seen in diabetic testicular tissue, and crocin improved testicular morphology (p<0.01).
Conclusion:
MGO increased oxidative stress, reduced sex hormones, and induced histological problems in male reproductive organs. Crocin and metformin improved the reproductive damage caused by MGO-induced diabetes.
Insights
Methylglyoxal (MGO) induced diabetes in male mice, causing oxidative stress and reproductive damage. Crocin treatment effectively improved testicular function and hormone levels, mitigating MGO-induced adverse effects.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Endocrinology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Methylglyoxal (MGO) is a reactive dicarbonyl compound implicated in diabetic complications.
- Oxidative stress and reduced sex hormone levels are key features of diabetes-induced male reproductive dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protective effects of crocin against methylglyoxal (MGO)-induced reproductive toxicity in male mice.
- To compare the efficacy of crocin with metformin in ameliorating MGO-induced diabetes-related reproductive damage.
Main Methods:
- Male NMRI mice were induced with diabetes using methylglyoxal (MGO).
- Mice received varying doses of crocin or metformin for 30 days.
- Plasma and tissue samples were analyzed for biochemical markers, hormone levels, and histological changes.
Main Results:
- MGO significantly increased blood glucose, oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde), and luteinizing hormone, while decreasing insulin, testosterone, sperm count, and testicular parameters.
- Crocin treatment, particularly at higher doses, improved glucose and insulin levels, reduced oxidative stress, and restored testosterone, sperm count, and testicular morphology.
- Metformin also improved oxidative stress and hormone levels but did not significantly improve testicular width, volume, or luteinizing hormone levels compared to crocin.
Conclusions:
- Methylglyoxal-induced diabetes causes significant oxidative stress and male reproductive organ damage.
- Crocin demonstrates potent protective effects against MGO-induced reproductive toxicity, improving hormonal balance and histological integrity.
- Crocin shows promise as a therapeutic agent for managing diabetes-related male reproductive complications.
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