Effects of different n6/n3 ratios and supplementation with DHA and EPA on the testicular histology and lipogenesis in streptozotocin-treated rats

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible influence of different dietary n6/n3 ratios and DHA/EPA addition on the testis histology, antioxidative status and lipogenesis of streptozotocin-treated rats. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg). The rats were divided into five groups: CON (n6/n3 ratio, 7), CON-DM1 (STZ; n6/n3 ratio, 7), N3-DM1 (STZ; n6/n3 ratio, 1), N6-DM1 (STZ; n6/n3 ratio, 60) and DHA-DM1 (STZ; n6/n3 ratio, 1; added DHA/EPA). Antioxidative status was improved in the DHA-DM1 group. Seminiferous tubule diameter, testicular pathohistological scoring and total lipid content were improved in the N6-DM1 group compared to the other streptozotocin-treated groups. Streptozotocin treatment induced changes in testis fatty acid profile depending on n6/n3 ratio. The fatty acid profile of N6-DM1 group was characterised by similar or increased values for n6 fatty acids compared to the CON group, while the DHA-DM1 group had the lowest content of n6 fatty acids. The content of n3 fatty acids was increased in the N3-DM1 and DHA-DM1 groups. These results suggest that a n6/n3 ratio could significantly influence testicular antioxidative status, histology and lipogenesis and that these effects vary depending on the supplemented fatty acid.

Centella asiaticaalleviates diabetes‐induced changes in fatty acid profile and oxidative damage in rat testis

“…The incidence of insulin resistance and diabetes may lead to alterations in fatty acid content, distribution and metabolism (Goodpaster & Sparks, 2017). However, significant variations between species have been reported in terms of the distribution of fatty acids (FAs) in testicular tissues hence the need for caution in interpreting research data or extrapolating it to different species (Starcevic et al., 2018). The induction of diabetes in rats in this study caused significant changes in the FA profile in the testes; the increases in the omega‐6 (C18:2n6, C20:4n6 and C22:5n6) and the decreases in the omega‐3 (C18:3n3) and total monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) were notable (Table 1).…”

“…The incidence of insulin resistance and diabetes may lead to alterations in fatty acid content, distribution and metabolism (Goodpaster & Sparks, 2017). However, significant variations between species have been reported in terms of the distribution of fatty acids (FAs) in testicular tissues hence the need for caution in interpreting research data or extrapolating it to different species (Starcevic et al, 2018).…”

“…(C18:3n3) and total monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) were no- Starcevic et al, 2018). Excess omega-6 FAs have been associated with the incidence of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes (Weir et al, 2020) and their excessive intake has been found to have negative metabolic outcomes in mice (Sears & Ghosh, 2016).…”

“…Besides, alterations in the fatty acid content in the blood have been associated with type 2 diabetes in humans (Li et al, 2020) and these alterations have also been demonstrated in the testis following the establishment of diabetes in rats (Starcevic, Mauric, Galan, Gudan Kurilj, & Masek, 2018).…”

“…For example, elevated levels of malondialdehyde—a major stable product of extensive PUFA peroxidation—have been measured in diabetic testes (Shoorei et al., 2019). Besides, alterations in the fatty acid content in the blood have been associated with type 2 diabetes in humans (Li et al., 2020) and these alterations have also been demonstrated in the testis following the establishment of diabetes in rats (Starcevic, Mauric, Galan, Gudan Kurilj, & Masek, 2018).…”