Properties of Solanum melongena green calyx against toxic effects of diabetes-induced testopathy: a stereological and biochemical study

Solanum melongena green calyx (SMGC) with antioxidant features seems to have many therapeutic features. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a blood sugar disorder that increases oxidative stress levels in various types of cells leading to testopathy. In this study we aimed to investigate the protective functions of hydro-alcoholic extract of SMGC on DM-induced testicular damages. Mature male rats were randomly divided into five groups (n =8); 1: control, 2: diabetic, 3: diabetic +100 mg/kg of SMGC, 4: diabetic +300 mg/kg of SMGC, and 5: diabetic + 500 mg/kg of SMGC. Intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ, a single dose of 60 mg/kg) was used for DM induction. Testicular alterations were evaluated quantitatively based on stereological techniques and followed by antioxidant enzymes determination (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase), and serum testosterone level. Malondialdehyde and Bcl-2 protein expression were also assessed biochemically. DM caused significant harmful changes in testicular structure, inhibition of antioxidant enzymes activity, decreased testosterone levels, and increased lipid peroxidation (LP). The expression of Bcl-2 protein was down-regulated in DM testis along with boosted apoptosis rate. Eight weeks of SMGC treatment (particularly in high doses) recovered structural variations significantly, restored the power of the antioxidant defense system, and modified the testosterone levels. These findings revealed that the SMGC is considered as an effective antioxidant agent to decrease the adverse effects of DM on male reproductive system.