THE EFFECT OF INDUCED DIABETES AND ITS TREATMENT WITH ZINC SULFATE & VANADIUM ON REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM IN RAT

Diabetes mellitus is associated with changes in testicular tissue. Here, the effects
of co-administration of zinc and vanadium sulfate on testicular damage in diabetic animals were studied.
Materials & Methods: Moderate diabetic hyperglycemia was induced by injection of streptozotocin
(STZ) 40 mg/kg, ip. Five groups of animals were selected (n=5). Group I: As normal group, during the
trial period did not receive any drug treatment and consumed tap water during 45 days. Group II: As
control diabetic group, received STZ 40mg/kg, ip injection. During the trial period they did not receive
any drug treatment and they consumed tap water. The diabetic animals (STZ 40mg/kg, ip) with 500-600
mg/dl blood glucose levels were randomly divided into three groups: Group III: As under treatment 1,
used drinkable water containing 1mg/ml of vanadium sulfate Group IV: As under treatment 2, used
drinkable water (0.25 mg/ml zinc sulfate) Group V: As under treatment 3, used drinkable water (1mg/ml
of vanadium sulfate and 0.25 mg/ml zinc sulfate). Testicular damage were assessed using H & E
staining.
Results: Zinc sulfate and vanadium sulfate and their combination have reduced glucose plasma levels
in diabetic rats. Vanadium sulfate reduced spermatogenesis and seminiferous tubule diameter in diabetic
rats. Seminiferous tubule diameter and spermatogenesis have increased in diabetic rats receiving a
combination of oral zinc and vanadium sulfate.
Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the use of zinc sulfate reduced testicular damage and can
neutralize the negative effects of vanadium sulfate on testis in diabetic rats