Abstract
BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with a number of adverse effects on male reproductive health, including oxidative stress, testosterone deficiency, and spermatogenesis defects. Natural and probiotic-based therapies have gained popularity as a means of alleviating DM-related complications. METHODS: Streptozotocin (60 mg/kg) was employed to induce diabetes in male Sprague-Dawley rats, which were then divided into eight groups, each receiving hydroalcoholic Cynara scolymus (Cynara) extract, Bifidobacterium longum (BBL) probiotic or a combination of both. The following parameters were measured: Fasting blood sugar (FBS), serum malondialdehyde (MDA), serum sexual hormones, and testicular MDA and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), as well as mRNA expressions of steroidogenesis enzymes Star, Cyp11a1, and Hsd17b3. Histopathological study and modified Johnson scoring system were performed. RESULTS: Rats with diabetes treated with Cynara, BBL, and their combination showed a substantial reduction in FBS and MDA levels as well as an increase in TAC when compared to the diabetic group. The combined treatment demonstrated a greater elevation in serum luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone levels in comparison to individual treatments. The mRNA expressions of Star, Cyp11a1, and Hsd17b3 increased significantly in the combined treatment group. Histological assessments revealed improved testicular architecture and germ cell populations in the combination therapy group. CONCLUSION: Cynara and BBL treatments in diabetic rats in combination produced a powerful protective effect on male reproductive function. The results showed that Cynara and BBL could be considered as promising therapeutic agents able to reduce the detrimental effects of diabetes on male reproductive health. Further research is needed to define their precise mechanisms and potential clinical uses.