The Effect of Cinnamon Hydroalcoholic Extract on the Expression of Sperm Calcium Channels (Catsper) Genes in Male Rats Receiving a High-fat Diet

Introduction: Cinnamon is a plant containing anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and antioxidant substances. Previous studies have revealed the reducing effects of obesity and hyperlipidemia and, on the contrary, the reinforcing effects of cinnamon on fertility. Therefore in this study the effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of cinnamon on Body Mass Index (BMI) and gene expression of cation channel of sperm (CatSper) in male Wistar rats receiving high-fat diets was investigated. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six male rats were divided into six groups. Control group received normal diet and no treatment. The five other groups received high-fat diet for eight weeks. The diet control group received only high-fat diet, the vehicle group received carboxymethyl cellulase 0.5% (5 mg/kg), the lovastatin group received 10 mg/kg lovastatin, and the cinnamon groups received 130 and 260 mg intra peritoneum for six weeks daily. BMI was measured at the end of the study. The expression levels of Catsper genes were also evaluated using Real-Time PCR. Data were analyzed with SAS software version 9.1 using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan tests (p<0.05). Results: The hydroalcoholic extract of cinnamon significantly reduced BMI (p<0.05). The expression level of Catsper1-4 genes decreased in the model and vehicle groups compared to the control group (p<0.05); however, the expression level of Catsper1-4 genes increased in the cinnamon and lovastatin groups compared to the control group. Conclusion: Cinnamon as a pretreatment has beneficial and reducing effects on BMI. Moreover, in pretreatment with cinnamon, the increased expression of Catsper1-4 genes is observed.