Effect of Cistanche Tubulosa Extracts on Male Reproductive Function in Streptozotocin–Nicotinamide-Induced Diabetic Rats

Abstract

Diabetes is a chronic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia due to decreased levels of insulin or the inefficiency of the tissue to use it effectively. Infertility is known as a major outcome of diabetes and affects the male reproductive system by causing sperm impairment and gonadal dysfunction. Cistanche tubulosa is a parasitic plant which has the capacity to improve memory, immunity, and sexual ability, reduce impotence, and minimize constipation. This study was focused on the investigation of the anti-inflammatory and protective effects of echinacoside (ECH) in Cistanche tubulosa extract (CTE) on the male reproductive system of the diabetic rats. The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and protective effects of CTE were evaluated by both in vitro and in vivo methods. The in vitro results show that the ECH inhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and improved StAR, CYP11A1, CYP17A1, and HSD17β3 protein expression. The in vivo analysis was carried out with three doses of echinacoside (ECH) (80, 160, and 320 mg/kg) in CTE. In total, 0.571 mg/kg of rosiglitazone (RSG) was administered as a positive control. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (STZ) (65 mg/kg) and nicotinamide (230 mg/kg) in combination with a high-fat diet (45%). The in vivo studies confirmed that the ECH improved blood sugar levels, insulin resistance, leptin resistance, and lipid peroxidation. It can restore kisspeptin 1 (KiSS1), G protein-coupled receptor GPR 54, suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS-3), and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression in the hypothalamus and recover sex hormone level. Thus, this study confirmed the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and steroidogenesis effects of CTE.

A botanical product containing cistanche and ginkgo extracts improves chronic fatigue syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

“…We further determined the sexual hormones and observed a trend of increase in testosterone after the intervention, instead, no signi cance was found in estradiol. These data were consistent with abundant of previously reported in vivo data, which showed that the cistanche extract increased testosterone level and improved reproductive dysfunction in rats [23][24][25][26]. No report about the effect of cistanche on estradiol for now.…”

Role of Antioxidant Natural Products in Management of Infertility: A Review of Their Medicinal Potential

“…Additionally, they can lead to and restore spermatogenesis [ 21 ]. The initiation and maintenance of mammalian infertility are connected with G-protein coupled receptor 54 (GPR54) [ 22 ]. The mutation in GPR 54 is characterized by the absence of sexual maturation and low levels of gonadotropin releasing hormones (GnRH).…”

“…ROS contributes to inflammation and it is one of the causes of infertility [ 22 ]. Long-term high oxidative stress and chronic inflammation affect the reproductive system.…”

“…Increased MDA level suggests severe oxidative damages and could cause infertility. An increased level of TNF-α is an indicator of inflammation [ 22 ]. Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF- κB ) is known as the important mediator of inflammation.…”

The Effects and Mechanism of Quercetin Dietary Supplementation in Streptozotocin-Induced Hyperglycemic Arbor Acre Broilers

“…Many chronic inflammations are very likely involved in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and type II diabetes [3]. Oxidative stress (OS) is involved in the pathogenesis of DM partly via reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in diabetic human and animal models [4]. Several researchers have examined oxidative stress markers in diabetic rats and found increased ROS levels in pancreatic islets [5].…”