Effect of palmatine hydrochloride on testicular damage in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Background: Diabetes mellitus mediated by oxidative stress, creates serious metabolic disorders in testis. Palmatine hydrochloride has various pharmacological effects, including anti-diabetic and antioxidant activities. Objective: This study has been conducted to evaluate the preventative effects of palmatine hydrochloride medicine on testicular damage in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Methods: Thirty two male Wistar rats were randomly selected and divided into four groups: control, non-diabetic treated with palmatine hydrochloride, diabetic and diabetic treated with palmatine hydrochloride. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (55 mg/kg, i.p.) in animals, and after one week, palmatine hydrochloride (10 mg/kg, s.c) was administered for six weeks in rats. Testicular damage was examined by using hematoxylin-eosin staining. Blood biochemical factors were measured. Findings: The results of this study indicate that diabetes reduced the spermatogonia and Sertoli cells, spermatogenesis, sperm count, and sperm function (P<0.001). These effects were improved in the specimens that have been treated with palmatine, the increase in the number and motility of sperm cells and spermatogonic cells, and an increase in the testosterone levels were also observed. In addition, the seminiferous tubule diameter was increased, and basement membrane thickness decreased (P<0.001). Conclusion: It seems that palmatine with the ability to reduce blood sugar, could improve diabetes induced-testicular damage.