Anti-oxidant, Anti-inflammatory and Anti-apoptotic Effects of Zinc Supplementation in Experimental-Induced Diabetic Rat testes

Aim: One of the major obstacles that male diabetics may confront is sub-infertility and infertility. Thus the present study aims at investigating the role of co-administration of metformin and zinc (Zn) on the testes of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat. Materials and Methods: Male albino rats were randomly divided into four groups: Control group; Diabetic non treated group; Diabetic + Metformin group, in which diabetic rats were treated by metformin 250 mg/kg orally once daily for 4 weeks; Diabetic + Metformin+ Zn group, in which diabetic rats treated for 4 weeks by metformin in combination with Zn 10mg/kg, orally once daily. Results: Concomitant administration of metformin and Zn produced a significant decrease in the serum levels of glucose, insulin and testicular levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and TNF-α. Additionally, there was a significant increase in the serum levels of Zn, testosterone, FSH and testicular total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and anti-apoptotic marker; Bcl-2, when compared to ...