Exploring the therapeutic potential of Indole Propionate in optimizing reproductive performance in induced diabetes rat model

Abstract

This study investigates the potential protective effects of Indole Propionate on testicular function checking the, oxidative stress and spermatogenesis in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) rats. Male albino rats were divided into five groups: Control, T2DM, T2DM+IPA-treated (0.5mg/kg), and Metformin treated and only IPA treated. Diabetes was induced using a high-fat diet and streptozotocin (STZ) (50mg/kg) via Intraperitoneal injection. Body weight (B.W), blood glucose levels, testis weight, gonadosomatic Index (GSI), and serum testosterone levels were measured. Histological analyses of testicular tissues were performed, and oxidative stress markers, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA), were assessed. The expression of genes which are important in normal sperm functioning and growth i.e. LDHC, and FGF21 were evaluated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRTPCR). The T2DM group exhibited significant reductions in body weight, testicular weight, GSI, and serum testosterone levels, along with elevated blood glucose and MDA levels, and decreased SOD and CAT activity. Histological abnormalities, including damaged seminiferous tubules and reduced cell populations, were prominent in the T2DM group. Total spermatozoa, viable and non-viable spermatozoa were evaluated with the help of Computer Assisted Sperm Analysis tool (CASA). IPA significantly improved these parameters, reducing oxidative stress and improving spermatogenesis. These findings suggest that IPA can effectively counteract diabetes-induced testicular damage through antioxidative mechanism. This study highlights the therapeutic potential of IPA in managing the metabolic and reproductive complications associated with diabetes, thus laying the foundation for future research and clinical application