Abstract:
This study investigates the comparative effects of Shikonin and indole-3-propionate (IPA) on
sperm storage within the epididymis, in a Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) rat model. Male
albino rats were allocated into seven groups: Control, T2DM, T2DM treated with IPA, T2DM
treated with Shikonin (0.5 mg/kg), only IPA, only Shikonin, and T2DM treated with
Metformin. T2DM was induced using a high-fat diet in combination with a streptozotocin
(STZ) injection (50 mg/kg). Parameters such as body weight, blood glucose levels, epididymis
weight, Epididymal Somatic Index (ESI), and serum lipid profiles were assessed.
Histopathological examination of epididymal tissues was conducted alongside the evaluation
of oxidative stress markers, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and
malondialdehyde (MDA). Additionally, the expression of apoptosis-related genes (Cytochrome
C, Caspase 9, Caspase 3) and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) was quantified using real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Data analysis showed that the T2DM group landed
in smaller body weight, epididymis weight, ESI, and levels of serum lipid profile while blood
glucose and MDA levels were higher in the T2DM group along with low SOD and CAT
activity. Based on histological examination severe alterations were observed epithelium of the
epididymis injury and a decrease in the number of seeds of sperm cells. In particular, the
treatment of cells with Shikonin resulted in the reduction of the investigated parameters,
proving the decrease of the level of oxidative stress and preventing apoptosis. These changes
in mRNA levels of apoptosis-related genes also supported the above observations of such
protective effects of these treatments. Therefore, these results indicate that Shikonin and IPA
have considerable potential to cure diabetes-induced lesions on the epididymal sperm storage
by mere antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties. This work focuses on the possibilities of
using Shikonin and IPA in preventing/treating the metabolic and reproductive disorders
connected with diabetes as a basis for subsequent investigations and the clinicians’ practical
application.
