The effect of coenzyme Q10 on the prevention of testicular tissue damages in Alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Abstract

Coenzyme Q10 is considered as a vitamin or a vitamin-like substance which is found in food resources naturally like other vitamins. In recent years, several drugs have been used effectively for treatment of diabetes, but the treatment or protective effect of few of them have been studied microscopically. In the present study, the complementary effect of Q10 on testicular structure in alloxan-induced diabetic rats was studied. Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups of 10 rats. The first group was the control group; the second group was the control group treated with 75 mg/kg Q10 for one month, orally (gavage); the third one was the alloxan-induced diabetic treatment group in which a single dosage of 120 mg/kg alloxan was administered intra peritoneally, and the fourth group was the diabetic treatment group treated with Q10. The rats’ weight, testis weight, seminiferous tubule diameter, testicular capsule thickness and seminiferous tubular epithelium thickness were measured. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and Duncan,s multiple range test. Q10 demonstrated a modifying effect on the diabetic rats’ testicular damage such that damages in tissue structure and the sex cells, as well as shrinkage of the seminiferous tubules were observed very slightly. Furthermore, Q10 could inhibit the infiltration of the vessels into and under the capsule space which was significant in diabetic group. The use of Q10 as an antioxidant significantly protected the spermatogenic cells, testicular capsule, testis weight, and seminiferous tubule diameter from the damage of diabetes in rats.

Keywords

• Alloxan
• Testis
• Q10
• Rat