Investigation of the protective role of hydroxytyrosol against testicular oxidative damage caused by streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus in rats

Diabetes Mellitus is a metabolic disease caused by insufficiency or resistance of insulin, which may lead to organ and function losses, high morbidity and mortality rate, high treatment expenditures and labor loss due to the society. Hydroxytyrosol is a powerful natural free radical suppressor commonly found in olive plants. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective role of hydroxytyrosol against possible adverse effects of Diabetes Mellitus on rat testes and some biochemical parameters. In the experiment, 4 groups were formed as Control, Hydroxytyrosol, Streptozotocin, Hydroxytyrosol + Streptozotocizin. A single dose of 55 mg / kg / i.p. streptozotocin was applied. Blood glucose values were measured 42 hours after STZ injection and rats with 250 mg / dL and above were accepted as diabetes. STZ + HT and HT group 10 mg / kg / i.p. HT was applied for 30 days. The rats' body weights, fasting blood sugars before and after the experiment were measured and compared. Blood samples were collected to measure testosterone levels. Testes were removed and their weights were recorded and Testis Weight Index was calculated. Microscopic and morphological examinations were performed in the testes. For the analysis of sperm parameters, spermiogram was performed by aspirating spermatozoa from epididymis. At the end of the experiment; It was seen that fasting blood sugar decreased with diabetes in groups treated with hydroxytyrosol. Histologic examination revealed irregularly shaped seminiferous tubules, decreased germ cell layers, apoptotic cells and residual bodies in the diabetes group. Morphological improvements were seen in STZ + HT group. Immunohistochemical examinations showed an increase in Nrf2 expression in the Diabetes group compared to the control group, whereas the expression in the treatment group was less than in the STZ group. It was observed that hydroxytyrosol reduced T1DM increased blood sugar, had protective effect against testicular damage and decreased Nrf2 expression.