OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of metformin on the expression of testicular steroidogenesis-related genes, spermatogenesis, and fertility of male diabetic rats.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen adult male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three groups, namely normal control (NC), diabetic control (DC), and metformin-treated (300 mg/kg body weight/day) diabetic rats (D+Met). Diabetes was induced using a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg b.w.), followed by oral treatment with metformin for four weeks.
RESULTS: Diabetes decreased serum and intratesticular testosterone levels and increased serum but not intratesticular levels of luteinizing hormone. Sperm count, motility, viability, and normal morphology were decreased, while sperm nuclear DNA fragmentation was increased in DC group, relative to NC group. Testicular mRNA levels of androgen receptor, luteinizing hormone receptor, cytochrome P450 enzyme (CYP11A1), steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD), and 17β-HSD, as well as the level of StAR protein and activities of CYP11A1, 3β-HSD, and 17β-HSD, were decreased in DC group. Similarly, decreased activities of epididymal antioxidant enzymes and increased lipid peroxidation were observed in DC group. Consequently, decreased litter size, fetal weight, mating and fertility indices, and increased pre- and post-implantation losses were recorded in DC group. Following intervention with metformin, we observed increases in serum and intratesticular testosterone levels, Leydig cell count, improved sperm parameters, and decreased sperm nuclear DNA fragmentation. Furthermore, mRNA levels and activities of steroidogenesis-related enzymes were increased, with improved fertility outcome.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Diabetes mellitus is associated with dysregulation of steroidogenesis, abnormal spermatogenesis, and fertility decline. Controlling hyperglycemia is therefore crucial in preserving male reproductive function. Metformin not only regulates blood glucose level, but also preserves male fertility in diabetic state.
MAIN METHODS: The expression of AR, 5α-reductase type1 (5αR1) and 5α-reductase type2 (5αR2) were examined in the bladder cancer cell line T24 and surgical pathology specimens. We also evaluated the status of androgen related cell proliferation and migration using the potent, non-aromatizable androgen agonist 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
KEY FINDINGS: DHT treatment significantly increased AR mRNA expression level, but not those of 5αR1 and 5αR2 in T24 cells. DHT also suppressed cellular migration with weaker and opposite effects on cell proliferation. A significant inverse correlation was detected between pT stage and AR, 5αR1 and 5αR2 immunoreactivity.
SIGNIFICANCE: Inverse correlations detected between tumor grade and AR/androgen metabolizing enzyme also suggested that the loss of AR and androgen-producing enzymes could be associated with tumor progression. Effects of DHT on cells also suggest that androgens may regulate cellular behavior.