Citrullus colocynthis extract ameliorateshypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis dysfunction in diabetic rats

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Reproductive Biology
• Metabolic Disorders

Background:

• Diabetes mellitus (DM) adversely affects the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPGA) and male fertility.
• Understanding the impact of DM on male reproductive health is crucial for developing effective treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of Citrullus colocynthis extract in managing diabetic complications.
• To investigate the extract's effects on HPGA regulation, pancreatic glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) expression, and sperm parameters in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats.

Main Methods:

• Adult male rats were induced with DM and treated with varying doses of Citrullus colocynthis extract for 30 days.
• Evaluations included blood glucose, HbA1c, serum insulin, hormone levels (GnRH, LH, FSH, testosterone), sperm analysis, and histopathological examination of pancreatic and testicular tissues.
• Immunohistochemistry was used to assess GLUT2 expression in pancreatic beta cells.

Main Results:

• Treatment with Citrullus colocynthis extract significantly reduced blood glucose and HbA1c, while increasing insulin levels.
• The extract partially restored gonadotropin-releasing hormone levels and significantly improved sperm motility.
• Histopathological analysis revealed improvements in pancreatic and testicular tissues, with normalized GLUT2 expression in pancreatic beta cells.

Conclusions:

• Citrullus colocynthis extract demonstrates a potent natural effect in ameliorating diabetic complications.
• The extract effectively addresses HPGA dysfunction, pancreatic and testicular alterations, and abnormal GLUT2 expression in diabetic male rats.