The Effect of Probiotic Bifidobacterium Lactis and Lactobacillus Casei on Sperm Maturation in Streptozotocin-Diabetic Rats

Background: Diabetes is one of the most prevalent diseases in the world with its side effects, for instance in reproductive system. Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that have preventive and therapeutic effects. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of probiotics Bifidobacterium lactis and Lactobacillus casei on sperm maturation in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 35 male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: control, diabetic (type 1), diabetic rats treated with B.lactis and L.casei and a mixture of both probiotics. Diabetic groups were injected intraperitoneally with streptozotocin (60mg/kg). Probiotics were administered for 35 days. At the end of treatment, blood glucose levels, epididymal weight and sperm maturation were evaluated. The percentage of histone-protamine replacement was evaluated by aniline blue staining. Results: In the present study, blood glucose level in the diabetic group was significantly increased compared to the control group (P<0.001), however, the diabetic groups treated with Lactobacillus casei and Bifidobacterium lactis showed a significant decrease compared to the diabetic group (P<0.001). The percentage of immature sperms was significantly increased in diabetic rats compared to the control group (P<0.001), and there was a significant increase in probiotic treatment groups compared with diabetic group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Probiotics B. lactis and L. casei have a positive effect on lowering blood glucose and improving sperm maturation in diabetic rats.