Effects of L-Carnitine on the sperm parameters disorders, apoptosis of spermatogenic cells and testis histopathology in diabetic Rats

Background: Diabetes mellitus affects male reproductive system that is known tocause male infertility.Objective: The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of L-carnitine (LC)on sperm parameters, apoptosis of spermatogenic cells and testis histopathology inStreptozotocin-induced diabetic Rats.Materials and Methods: The study was carried out on 36 male Wistar adult rats (220± 30 gr) randomly divided into six groups (n = 6/each). 1 (Control); 2 (LC 100 mg/kg);3 (Diabetic); 4, 5, and 6 (Diabetic + LC 50 or 100 or 200 mg/kg, respectively). Dailyinjections were administered intraperitoneally for 48 days. Then, rats were sacrificed,left testis and epididymis were harvested for sperm analysis and histopathology,morphometric and spermatogenesis assessments, and Tunnel assay.Results: L-carnitine in group 6 significantly decreased blood glucose level (p < 0.01)in comparison with group 3. L-carnitine in groups 5 and 6 significantly (p < 0.001)and dose-dependently increased the count, motility, viability, maturity, and chromatinquality of sperm and decreased the abnormal morphology of sperm in comparisonwith group 3. In groups 4, 5, and particularly 6, in comparison with group 3, therehas been a significant difference in the increase of seminiferous tubule diameter,germinal epithelium height (p < 0.001), maturity quality of the seminiferous tubules(p < 0.001), decrease apoptosis of spermatogenic cells (p < 0.001), and testis tissuehistopathological complications.Conclusion: The data obtained from the present study suggest that in the diabeticrats, LC decreases serum glucose level, improves the diameter and thickness ofthe epithelium of spermatogenic cells, reduces germ cells’ apoptosis, and improvesepididymal sperm parameters. Therefore, it seems that LC plays an effective role indiabetes-induced infertility.

Keywords:

Diabetes , L-carnitine , Sperm , Apoptosis , Testis