Spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis disruption in a model of metabolic syndrome rats

Abstract

Context: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a clustering of several physiological alterations. Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the effects of MetS on rats spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis. Materials and methods: We developed a MetS rodent model using high-sugar and high-fat diet. Results: MetS rats showed severe disorders in sperm parameters. Interestingly, a significant increase in malondialdehyde level and a decrease in the antioxidant activities were observed. Moreover, qRT-PCR analysis showed Bax down-regulation and Bcl-2 up-regulation. A decrease in testosterone level was identified, correlated with the CYP11A1, CYP17A1 and 17b HSD testicular marker down-regulation. Finally, MetS rats showed an up-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines receptors IL-1R and IL-6R. Conclusion: MetS induced severe testis toxicity in male rats. Mets markedly distorted sperm parameters, inhibited the transcription of steroidogenic enzymes and led to oxidative stress, inflammation, and alteration of Bax/Bcl-2 ratioin testicular tissues.

Antidepressant-Induced Testicular Alterations in the Normal and Depressed Mice

“…Increased level of serum cholesterol, found in our study further indicates the possibility of interrupted testicular steroidogenesis. Since the role of testosterone is well-known in the maintenance of spermatogenesis [57], hence the suppressed spermatogenic activity due to reduced level of serum testosterone in the RES+FLX-treated mice cannot be ruled out.…”