Protective effects of vitamin E and selenium on spermatogenesis in adult male rat insulin-resistant

Background & Objective: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease and is a multifactorial disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia resulting from impaired insulin secretion and insulin factional or both. In this study, the protective role of vitamin E and sodium selenite in preventing the harmful effects of insulin resistance (diabetes type 2) on spermatogenesis was studied.   Materials & Methods: Male adults (180-200 g) of Wistar rats were divided into five groups, each containing 7 rats (control, sham, and three experimental groups). The rats were fed daily with water-soluble fructose (10%), mg/kg 200 of vitamin E (gavage), and 5/0 mg/kg of sodium selenite (intraperitoneal injection) or both for 110 days. Subsequently, sperm parameters, levels of testosterone, LH, and daily sperm production (DSP) were checked. Additionally, testicular histopathology and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the testis were examined.   Results: Sperm count, sperm motility and viability, and insulin resistance in the rats decreased DSP. A significant decrease was observed in the number of Leydig cells, spermatogonia, spermatogenesis, and spermatozoa in the testis of the insulin-resistant animals, whereas MDA and testosterone rose in the insulin-resistant rats. Vitamin E and sodium selenite intake reduced the levels of MDA and harmful effects of fructose on testicles, as well as sperm parameters and testicular pathology. A simultaneous intake of vitamin E and sodium selenite conferred the highest level of protection.   Conclusion: These findings suggest that vitamin E and sodium selenite can have a protective role in the testes of rats against oxidative stress induced by diabetes type 2.