Abstract:
Objectives: Testicular dysfunction has been associated with chronic hyperglycemia in diabetes mellitus patients. We
investigated taurine’s possible mechanisms and protective effects against testicular damage using a rat model of
streptozotocin-induced diabetes.
Methods: Wistar rats (N = 56) were divided into seven equal groups. Untreated control rats received saline, and treated
control rats received taurine 50 mg/kg orally. To induce diabetes, rats received a single dose of streptozotocin. Metformin-
treated diabetic rats received metformin at a dose of 300 mg/kg. Taurine-treated groups received 10, 25, or 50 mg/kg. All
treatments were provided orally once a day for 9 weeks following the streptozotocin injection. Levels of blood glucose,
serum insulin, cholesterol, testicular tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β),
malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione (GSH), and catalase
(CAT) were examined. Sperm count, progressive sperm motility, and sperm abnormalities were examined. Body and
relative reproductive gland weights were assessed. Histopathological examinations of the testes and epididymis were
performed.
Results: Metformin as well as taurine (in a dose-dependent manner) resulted in significant improvements in body and
relative reproductive gland weights, blood glucose, serum cholesterol, and insulin levels, as well as cytokine and oxidative
parameters. These findings were associated with significant improvement in sperm count, progressive sperm motility,
sperm abnormalities, and histopathological lesions in the testes and epididymis.
Conclusion: Taurine can potentially improve hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia, and testicular damage associated with
diabetes mellitus, possibly by controlling inflammation and oxidative stress.
