The antioxidant effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Ashrasi date palm on sperm parameters and DNA fragmentation in diabetic rats.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes-induced oxidative stress can have adverse effects on sperm and its DNA integrity. The Ashrasi date palm (ADP) has potent antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant effect of ADP hydroalcoholic extract on sperm parameters and sperm DNA fragmentation in diabetic rats. METHODS: Forty male rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 7): 1, control; 2, diabetic; 3-5, diabetic + ADP (30, 90 and 270 mg/kg for groups 3, 4 and 5, respectively). After preparation of ADP extract and its phytochemical screening, it was administered orally to rats, once a day for 5 weeks. At the end of the study, sperm parameters and sperm DNA fragmentation in all groups were investigated. RESULTS: At doses of 90 and 270 mg/kg, ADP extract significantly increased the sperm viability compared to diabetic group 2 (p = 0.04 and p = 0.03, respectively) and resulted in a significant decrease in immotile sperm (p = 0.002 and p = 0.006, respectively). At a dose of 270 mg/kg, a considerable enhancement of forward sperm motility was observed (p = 0.04) and there was a significant decrease in sperm DNA fragmentation (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present study show for the first time that the hydroalcoholic extract of ADP has protective and antioxidant effects against diabetes-induced oxidative stress and can improve sperm parameters and protect sperm DNA integrity.

An Experimental Study to Evaluate the Protective Effects of Solanum lycopersicum Seed Essential Oil on Diabetes-Induced Testicular Injuries.

Background and Objectives: Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder that can effectively influences male reproductive performance. The present study was conducted to investigate the protective effects of Solanum lycopersicum essential oil (SL) on diabetes-induced testicular injuries. Materials and Methods: Adult male rats were randomly allocated into five groups (n = 8 in each group). 1: control; 2: diabetic; 3: diabetic + 30 mg/kg of SL essential oil; 4: diabetic + 90 mg/kg of SL essential oil; 5: diabetic + 270 mg/kg of SL essential oil extract. Diabetes was induced by a single dose of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg) intraperitoneally. Testicular changes were assessed quantitatively using stereological method followed by measuring antioxidant enzymes including catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase, and the serum testosterone level. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and Bcl-2expression were also evaluated in the tissue samples. Results: Diabetes resulted in significant deleterious changes in the structure of testicular tissue, suppressed antioxidant enzymes and testosterone levels, and increased lipid peroxidation. The expression of Bcl-2 was downregulated in diabetic testis and resulted in enhanced apoptosis. Following 8 weeks of treatment with SL essential oil, there were noticeable improvements in the structural changes of testis and the restoration of antioxidant defense and testosterone levels in testicular tissue, especially at higher doses. Conclusion: In conclusion, these findings reveal that the essential oil of Solanum lycopersicum has potent antioxidant properties and can attenuate the adverse effects of diabetes on male reproduction.