Insulin and Zinc Co-Administration Ameliorate Diabetes Mellitus-Induced Reproductive Dysfunction in Male Rats

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Endocrinology
• Metabolic Disorders
• Toxicology

Background:

• Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a significant cause of male reproductive dysfunction.
• The therapeutic potential of combined insulin and zinc for diabetic male reproductive issues remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if co-administering insulin and zinc improves male reproductive dysfunction in diabetic rats.
• To compare the efficacy of combined therapy versus individual insulin or zinc treatment.

Main Methods:

• Five groups of rats (normal and diabetic) were used, including untreated diabetic controls.
• Diabetic rats received insulin, zinc, or a combination of both for ten days.
• Reproductive parameters, hormone levels, and testicular morphology were analyzed post-treatment.

Main Results:

• Diabetes mellitus (DM) reduced sperm count, motility, viability, normal sperm cells, semen pH, and key reproductive hormones (FSH, LH, testosterone).
• DM increased sperm cells with defective tails and impaired testicular morphology.
• Combined insulin and zinc treatment notably improved sperm viability, Sertoli cell count, Johnsen's score, reproductive hormones, and semen pH.

Conclusions:

• Both insulin and zinc individually ameliorated some aspects of DM-induced male sexual dysfunction.
• Co-administration of insulin and zinc demonstrated superior efficacy in reversing reproductive impairments caused by DM.