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Crocin Ameliorates Testicular Damage in Type 1 Diabetic Rats: Role of Akt-Mediated Nrf-2 Activation
Gözdenur Güneş1, Neslihan Akarsu1, Serap Sancar2
1Institute of Graduate Studies in Science and Engineering, Biology Department, Istanbul University, Fatih, Turkey.
Abstract:
Diabetes, a prevalent global concern, leads to severe complications, with an increasing number of diabetic individuals each year. Reproductive function disorders and infertility associated with diabetes primarily arises due to oxidative stress and germ cells loss. Studies have revealed anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anticancer properties of crocin. Crocin effectively scavenges free radicals and shields cells against oxidative stress damage. In our study, we aimed to investigate the potential protective effects and pathways of crocin on diabetic testicular damage induced by streptozotocin (STZ) in rats. In our study, results indicated that crocin reduces diabetes-associated testicular tissue damage, diminishes oxidative stress, and enhances spermatogenesis. Crocin exhibited antiglycemic effects in diabetic rats and demonstrated antioxidant effects in testicular tissue. These protective effects were found to occur by stimulating the expression of antioxidant enzymes through the Akt mediated Nrf-2 pathway. These findings significantly contribute to understanding the potential therapeutic effects of crocin, particularly as a protective agent against reproductive dysfunction associated with diabetes.
Insights
Crocin protects against diabetes-induced testicular damage by reducing oxidative stress and enhancing sperm production. This natural compound may offer a therapeutic approach for diabetic reproductive dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Science
- Endocrinology
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus is a global health issue with increasing prevalence.
- Diabetic complications include reproductive dysfunction and infertility, often linked to oxidative stress and germ cell loss.
- Crocin, a compound found in saffron, possesses known antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protective effects of crocin on testicular damage induced by streptozotocin (STZ) in diabetic rats.
- To elucidate the underlying pathways involved in crocin's protective mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes model in rats.
- Administration of crocin to diabetic rats.
- Assessment of testicular tissue damage, oxidative stress markers, and spermatogenesis.
- Analysis of antioxidant enzyme expression via the Akt-mediated Nrf-2 pathway.
Main Results:
- Crocin treatment significantly reduced diabetes-associated testicular tissue damage.
- Crocin diminished oxidative stress and enhanced spermatogenesis in diabetic rats.
- Antiglycemic and antioxidant effects of crocin were observed in testicular tissue.
- Crocin stimulated antioxidant enzyme expression through the Akt-mediated Nrf-2 pathway.
Conclusions:
- Crocin demonstrates significant protective effects against STZ-induced diabetic testicular damage in rats.
- The protective mechanisms involve the modulation of oxidative stress via the Akt/Nrf-2 pathway.
- Crocin shows potential as a therapeutic agent for managing reproductive dysfunction in diabetic individuals.
