Diabetic hyperglycemia has a direct association with microscopic changes of testicular tissue and spermatogenic alterations. Most of these changes are mediated with oxidative stress. Use of herbal and chemical glucose lowering drugs is an important way for reduction of diabetes related structural changes of target tissues. This study was designed to investigate the protective effects of Morus alba extract on the microscopic structure of testicular tissue following induction of diabetes. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin. Morus alba extract and metformin were administrated to various groups for period of 12 weeks. The blood glucose levels, pituitary gonadotropins and testosterone were measured. Histomorphometrical study and sperm analysis were performed for evaluation of the function of reproductive system. Reduction of body weight, pituitary gonadotropins and testosterone levels in diabetic groups, were improved after treatment. Decrease of spermatogenic indices was accompanied with the changes in histomorphology of seminiferous tubules. Moreover, the sperm analysis results were decreased in diabetic rats. These microscopic changes were enhanced after treatment in diabetic groups. The results of this study indicate that the administration of glucose lowering medical herbs only or in combination with chemical drugs, can preserve the positive effects in improvement of spermatogenic alterations related to diabetes.
Key words: Diabetes, Morus alba, rat, spermatogenesis
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