Spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis disruption in a model of metabolic syndrome rats

Abstract

Context

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a clustering of several physiological alterations.

Objective

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of MetS on rats spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis.

Materials and methods

We developed a MetS rodent model using high-sugar and high-fat diet.

Results

MetS rats showed severe disorders in sperm parameters. Interestingly, a significant increase in malondialdehyde level and a decrease in the antioxidant activities were observed. Moreover, qRT-PCR analysis showed Bax down-regulation and Bcl-2 up-regulation. A decrease in testosterone level was identified, correlated with the CYP11A1, CYP17A1 and 17β HSD testicular marker down-regulation. Finally, MetS rats showed an up-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines receptors IL-1R and IL-6R.

Conclusion

MetS induced severe testis toxicity in male rats. Mets markedly distorted sperm parameters, inhibited the transcription of steroidogenic enzymes and led to oxidative stress, inflammation, and alteration of Bax/Bcl-2 ratioin testicular tissues.

Keywords:

• Metabolic syndrome
• oxidative stress
• apoptosis
• spermatic parameters
• rats

Acknowledgements

Financial support of the Tunisian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research is gratefully acknowledged.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available on request from the corresponding author, NEG.