Effects of Omega-3 on testicular tissue in rats with an experimental diabetes model

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the possible protective effect of Omega-3 against damage to the testicular tissue of rats in which an experimental diabetes model was induced with STZ. Material and Method: 28 male Wistar Albino rats were divided into groups K, DM, DM+O and O, with 7 rats in each group. Group K was fed freely, while blood sugar levels were checked by a single dose of STZ in the DM group; those ≥200 mg/dl were considered as DM. DM was induced with STZ in the DM+O group and 500 mg/kg ω-3 was given every other day. Group O was given 500 mg/kg ω-3. At the end of the 42-day experiment, blood and testicular tissue samples were taken from the rats; the tissues were examined by histopathological, immunohistochemical and biochemical methods. Results: Seminiferous tubules of groups K and O had normal histological structure. In the DM group, seminiferous epithelium was shed, necrosis, vascular congestion and significant edema were observed. ω-3 reduced these histopathological damages caused by DM. CAS-3 immunoreactivity was at the lowest level in groups K and O, while VEGF and TJP1 expressions were at the highest level. While CAS-3 increased in the DM group, VEGF and TJP1 decreased; ω-3 regulated these values inversely. FSH, LH and T levels were higher in the DM+O group than in the DM group, and group O had the highest values. Conclusion: This study showed that ω-3 has healing and protective effects against testicular damage caused by DM in rats induced by STZ. Keywords: Diabetes, Omega-3, Testis