Abstract
Diabetes mellitus unbalances cellular antioxidant levels. This phenomenon can potentially lead to cellular damage and apoptosis in the male reproductive system. Besides, herbal-based antioxidants can prevent these detrimental changes. Thus, we assessed the probable role of Aubergine stems with antioxidant and anti-hyperlipidemic characteristics on reproductive damage following diabetes mellitus induction. Forty male NMRI mice were categorized into groups of control and treatments. Diabetes was induced by a single dose of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg), and the extract was administered at various doses (100, 300, and 500 mg/kg) daily for 4 weeks. Antioxidative features of the extract were approved by phytochemical assays and ferric-reducing ability of plasma. Side-effects of diabetes were also assessed by the malondialdehyde (MDA) and Griess techniques. Sperm parameters, LH, FSH, and testosterone levels, the TUNEL assay, histopathologic alteration, and apoptotic genes (p53, caspase-3, Bcl-2) were evaluated. Results showed that diabetes increased oxidation levels and the extract accelerated total antioxidant capacity status. Sperm parameters and hormone levels were restored following extract administration in diabetic animals. Also, the apoptosis rate decreased following extract administration in diabetic animals. We concluded that diabetes can elevate the levels of oxidation and suppress the antioxidant power. These pathologic changes were restored by Aubergine stem, leading to decreased levels of apoptosis and normal serum levels of testosterone, LH, and FSH.