Protective Effect of Curcumin on Quality Parameters of Sperm and Testicular Tissue Alterations in Alloxan-induced Diabetic Rats as Animal Model

BACKGROUND: Type one diabetes mellitus (DM) is a multisystem disorder whose effects are observed in the reproductive system. Considering the role of curcumin in lowering blood glucose and enhancing antioxidant defense, this research aimed to determine protective effect of curcumin on quality parameters of sperm and testicular tissue alterations in diabetic rats. METHODS: Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups, including control (healthy rats), DM (for diabetic model), and also curcumin-treated diabetic model (DM+CUR)50, DM+CUR100 and DM+CUR150. Diabetes was induced using an intraperitoneal injection of 240 mg/ kg alloxan. Following completion of the test period, all rats were sacrificed, and their testes were removed to assess sperm parameters and histological evaluation. The data was analyzed with one-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test. The p<0.05 was set as the significance level. RESULTS: Concentration, total sperm motility (TMot), progressive sperm motility (PMot), average path velocity (VAP), curvilinear velocity (VCL), straight line velocity (VSL) of sperm in DM+CUR100 and DM+CUR150 were significantly increased (p=0.005) compared to the diabetic group. Mean diameter (p=0.004) and thickness of the germline epithelium of testis semeniferous tubules (p=0.005) in DM+CUR100 and DM+CUR150 significantly increased compared to the diabetic group. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that curcumin plays a protective role in testicular tissue alterations and improves sperm parameters. In this regard, curcumin could be suggested to be one of the natural antioxidants that can improve fertility in diabetic patients.