Enalapril reduces germ cell toxicity in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat: investigation on possible mechanisms

Diabetes mellitus, a state of persistent hyperglycemia, is a major cause of micro- and macrovascular diseases. It affects nearly every system in the body including the reproductive system. Abnormalities in spermatogenesis and sexual function have been documented in animal models for both types of diabetes. The purpose of the present study is to determine the possible protective effects of enalapril against the germ cell toxicity in diabetic rat. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: (1) control, (2) control + enalapril, (3) diabetic, and (4) diabetic + enalapril. Enalapril was administered per orally for 4 and 8 weeks continuously. After the treatment, animals were sacrificed and blood glucose level, sperm count, sperm DNA damage, apoptotic cell death, immunohistochemistry of 8-oxo- 7,8-dihydro- 2'-deoxyguanosine, and the cellular toxicity were performed. Furthermore, western blotting was performed to evaluate the expression of NF kappa B and COX-2 in testes. The results of the present study indicate that intervention of enalapril ameliorates the sperm DNA damage, reduces the oxidative stress, and down-regulates the expression of NF kappa B and COX-2 expression in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat.